STERIS plc (STE) vs Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (ZBH)

STE and ZBH are evenly matched — 8 metrics each of 16.

A side-by-side comparison of STERIS plc and Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 26, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — STE vs ZBH

growth of $100 · last 25y
STE +954.1%ZBH +215.1%STE compounded faster
05001kStart $10020062011201620212026$1,054$315
STE ZBH

STE vs ZBH: by the numbers

  • STE is the larger company ($20.52B vs $17.60B market cap).
  • ZBH trades at the lower earnings multiple (23.63 vs 26.56 P/E).
  • STE converts more revenue to profit (13.18% vs 9.05% net margin).
  • STE grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.82% vs 4.21% CAGR).
  • ZBH pays the higher dividend yield (1.32% vs 1.20%).

Which is better, STE or ZBH?

Metric tally: STE 8 · ZBH 8

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueZBH(lower P/E)
GrowthSTE(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeZBH(higher dividend yield)
QualitySTE(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricSTEZBH
P/E ratio26.5623.63
Forward P/E20.6510.10
P/S ratio3.492.12
P/B ratio2.881.41
PEG ratio1.03
EV / EBITDA12.2411.27
FCF yield4.69%10.31%

Profitability

MetricSTEZBH
Gross margin44.25%70.03%
Operating margin18.56%15.61%
Net margin13.18%9.05%
ROE10.89%6.01%
ROIC8.47%5.48%

Dividends

MetricSTEZBH
Dividend yield1.20%1.32%
Payout ratio31.78%33.71%

Growth (annualized)

MetricSTEZBH
Revenue CAGR (5Y)13.82%4.21%
EPS CAGR (5Y)11.22%-7.05%
FCF CAGR (5Y)16.64%15.41%
Total return CAGR (5Y)1.32%-10.01%

Frequently asked

Which is better, STE or ZBH?
It depends on your goal. value: ZBH (lower P/E); growth: STE (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: ZBH (higher dividend yield); quality: STE (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, they are evenly matched.
Is STE or ZBH cheaper?
On trailing earnings, ZBH is cheaper: STE trades at a 26.56 P/E and ZBH at 23.63.
Which has grown faster, STE or ZBH?
Over the past five years, STE grew revenue faster — STE at a 13.82% CAGR versus ZBH at 4.21%.
Does STE or ZBH pay a bigger dividend?
STE yields 1.20% and ZBH yields 1.32% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is STE or ZBH more profitable?
STE runs the higher net margin — STE at 13.18% versus ZBH at 9.05%.
Which has been the better investment, STE or ZBH?
Over the past 10-year, STE delivered the higher annualized total return — STE at 13.60% versus ZBH at -1.36%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 26, 2026.