Exploring STERIS plc (STE) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Have you ever wondered who the major players are behind STERIS plc (STE) and what motivates their investment decisions? As of Q4 2023, institutional investors hold a significant 89.4%, or $4.2 billion, of the company, while retail investors account for the remaining 10.6%, valued at $498 million. The top institutional investors include Vanguard Group, holding 12.12% of the shares, BlackRock Inc. with 9.25%, and MFS Investment Management Canada Ltd. owning 5.08%. But why are these firms so interested in STERIS? Is it the consistent 1.8% dividend yield, the $6.5 billion market capitalization, or the stable 5.6% year-over-year revenue growth that attracts them? Let's delve into the investor profile of STERIS to uncover the strategies and sentiments driving investment in this key player in medical equipment, supplies, and distribution.

STERIS plc (STE) Who Invests in STERIS plc (STE) and Why?

Understanding the investor profile of STERIS plc (STE) involves examining the various types of investors who hold its stock and their motivations. These investors range from individual retail investors to large institutional entities, each with their own investment strategies and objectives. A clear picture of who invests in STERIS plc (STE) and why can offer valuable insights into the market's perception of the company.

Key Investor Types:

The investor base of STERIS plc (STE) can be broadly categorized into:

• Retail Investors: Individual investors who buy shares for their personal accounts.
• Institutional Investors: Entities such as mutual funds, pension funds, insurance companies, and hedge funds that invest on behalf of their clients.
• Hedge Funds: Investment partnerships that use various strategies to generate returns for their investors.

Institutional investors often hold a significant portion of STERIS plc (STE)'s shares. As of December 31, 2024, institutional ownership represented a substantial percentage of the company's outstanding shares. Notable institutional investors include firms. These institutions manage vast portfolios and their investment decisions can significantly influence stock prices.

Investment Motivations:

Investors are attracted to STERIS plc (STE) for several key reasons:

• Growth Prospects: STERIS plc (STE) operates in the healthcare industry, which tends to be relatively stable and growing. The increasing demand for healthcare services, driven by an aging global population and advancements in medical technology, supports long-term growth.
• Market Position: As a leading provider of infection prevention and sterilization products and services, STERIS plc (STE) holds a strong position in its niche markets. This market leadership provides a competitive advantage and contributes to consistent revenue streams.

STERIS plc (STE)'s financial performance also plays a crucial role in attracting investors. Consistent revenue growth, profitability, and strong cash flow generation are key indicators that appeal to both institutional and retail investors. For example, in fiscal year 2024, STERIS plc (STE) reported revenue of $5.67 billion, reflecting a 10.6% increase compared to the previous year. The company's adjusted net income was $674.4 million, or $6.68 per diluted share.

Investment Strategies:

The investment strategies employed by STERIS plc (STE) investors vary depending on their investment horizon and risk tolerance:

• Long-Term Holding: Many institutional investors adopt a long-term holding strategy, driven by the company's stable business model and consistent financial performance. These investors view STERIS plc (STE) as a reliable investment for steady, long-term returns.
• Value Investing: Some investors may follow a value investing approach, seeking to capitalize on perceived undervaluation in the market. They assess STERIS plc (STE)'s intrinsic value based on its assets, earnings, and growth potential, and invest when the stock price is below their estimated value.

The company's strategic initiatives, such as acquisitions and expansions into new markets, also influence investor sentiment. For instance, STERIS plc (STE) completed several acquisitions in recent years to strengthen its market position and expand its product offerings. These strategic moves are viewed positively by investors who seek growth and value creation.

A detailed look at STERIS plc (STE)'s investor relations and financial reporting provides additional insights into investor behavior and sentiment. Regular updates on company performance, strategic initiatives, and market trends help investors make informed decisions. Access to comprehensive financial data and transparent communication foster trust and confidence among investors.

For additional insights into the company's values and goals, explore: Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of STERIS plc (STE).

STERIS plc (STE) Institutional Ownership and Major Shareholders of STERIS plc (STE)

Institutional ownership in STERIS plc (STE) reflects the extent to which large financial institutions, such as mutual funds, pension funds, and hedge funds, hold the company’s shares. Analyzing this ownership can provide insights into market sentiment and potential stock price stability. Recent data highlights the significant presence and activity of institutional investors in STERIS plc (STE).

As of the latest filings, several major institutional investors hold substantial stakes in STERIS plc (STE). These include:

• Vanguard Group Inc.
• BlackRock Fund Advisors
• State Street Global Advisors Inc.
• Capital World Investors
• Geode Capital Management LLC

These institutions manage billions of dollars in assets and their investment decisions can significantly influence STERIS plc (STE)’s stock performance. Data regarding specific shareholdings and recent changes are detailed in the table below.

Institutional investors frequently adjust their holdings based on their outlook for the company and broader market conditions. Recent transactions indicate notable changes in ownership:

• Some institutions have increased their positions, signaling confidence in STERIS plc (STE)’s future prospects.
• Conversely, others have reduced their stakes, potentially due to profit-taking or concerns about valuation.

These changes reflect ongoing evaluations of STERIS plc (STE)’s performance, strategic direction, and industry trends. The collective actions of these major shareholders can impact STERIS plc (STE)’s stock price and overall market stability.

The substantial presence of institutional investors in STERIS plc (STE) plays a crucial role in the company’s stock price and strategic decisions. These large investors often have significant influence due to the size of their holdings and their ability to engage with company management.

Their investment activities can contribute to:

• Price Stability: Large institutional holdings can reduce stock price volatility.
• Strategic Influence: Major shareholders may influence corporate governance and strategic direction through voting rights and direct engagement with the board.
• Market Confidence: Increased institutional ownership can signal strong market confidence in the company’s long-term prospects.

For further insights into STERIS plc (STE)’s financial standing, explore Breaking Down STERIS plc (STE) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors.

STERIS plc (STE) Key Investors and Their Impact on STERIS plc (STE)

STERIS plc (STE) has a mixed ownership structure, featuring significant institutional investment, demonstrating substantial market confidence and professional oversight. As of April 2025, a large portion of STERIS plc (STE) shares are held by institutional investors.

Institutional investors hold a significant percentage of STERIS plc (STE)'s shares. As of Q4 2023, institutional investors owned 88.7% of the total outstanding shares. As of 2025, institutional investors own 93.22% of STERIS, insiders own 0.93%, and retail investors hold the remaining 5.85%.

Key details regarding STERIS plc (STE)'s ownership structure:

• Institutional Investors: Approximately 92.88% of shares are held by investment firms, mutual funds, pension funds, and other institutions.
• Individual Investors: Around 4.88% of shares are held by individual retail investors.
• Insiders: Roughly 0.24% of shares are held by company executives and board members.
• Other: The remaining 2.00% is held by other types of investors.

The top institutional shareholders significantly influence the company’s decisions and stock movements.

Here are the top shareholders and their holdings in STERIS plc (STE):

• Vanguard Group Inc: Holds approximately 12.12% of the company's shares, with 11,911,224 shares valued at $2.62 billion.
• BlackRock, Inc: Holds around 9.25% of the company's shares, with 9,091,938 shares valued at $2.00 billion.
• Massachusetts Financial Services Co: Possesses about 5.08% of the company’s shares, with 4,987,203 shares valued at $1.10 billion.
• Wcm Investment Management LLC: Owns approximately 4.58% of the company’s shares, with 4,497,191 shares valued at $989.47 million.
• State Street Corp: Holds roughly 4.17% of the company's shares, accounting for 4,093,120 shares valued at $900.57 million.
• Morgan Stanley: Holds approximately 3.95% of the company's shares, accounting for 3,883,794 shares valued at $854.51 million.
• Generation Investment Management LLP: Holds approximately 3.24% of the company's shares, accounting for 3,184,153 shares valued at $700.58 million.
• Select Equity Group LP: Holds approximately 2.65% of the company's shares, accounting for 2,599,730 shares valued at $571.99 million.
• Geode Capital Management LLC: Holds approximately 2.40% of the company's shares, accounting for 2,359,748 shares valued at $519.19 million.
• APG Asset Management NV: Holds approximately 1.65% of the company's shares, accounting for 1,617,504 shares valued at $355.88 million.

These major shareholders can exert influence through:

• Voting Rights: Large institutional holders have substantial voting power, enabling them to influence board elections and key company decisions.
• Market Sentiment: Their investment decisions can significantly impact market sentiment, driving stock price movements.
• Engagement with Management: Major investors often engage with company management to discuss strategy, performance, and governance issues.

Recent analyst ratings and actions can provide insight into the potential trajectory of STERIS plc (STE). For example, on October 24, 2024, Piper Sandler upgraded their outlook for STERIS (NYSE:STE) from Neutral to Overweight.

For further insights into STERIS plc (STE)'s financial health, consider exploring: Breaking Down STERIS plc (STE) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

STERIS plc (STE) Market Impact and Investor Sentiment

Understanding the investor profile and market sentiment surrounding STERIS plc (STE) is crucial for assessing the company's current standing and future prospects. Here's a breakdown of key aspects influencing STERIS's market dynamics:

Investor Sentiment:

• Currently, institutional investors hold a significant portion of STERIS shares. As of December 31, 2024, institutional investors owned 93.22% of STERIS plc stock.
• Major institutional shareholders include:
  • Vanguard Group Inc: 12.12% ownership, holding 11,911,224 shares valued at approximately $2.62 billion.
  • BlackRock Inc: 9.25% ownership, with 9,091,938 shares valued at around $2.00 billion.
  • Massachusetts Financial Services Co: 5.08% ownership, holding 4,987,203 shares, worth approximately $1.10 billion.
  • WCM Investment Management LLC: 4.58% ownership, with 4,497,191 shares valued at around $989.47 million.
  • State Street Corp: 4.17% ownership, holding 4,093,120 shares valued at approximately $900.57 million.
• Analyst ratings lean toward a positive outlook. The consensus rating for STERIS is 'Strong Buy' or 'Moderate Buy'.
• Recent reports show that analysts have issued price targets above the current stock price, suggesting an expectation of upward movement.
• Based on ratings from 3 analysts, the average 12-month price target for STERIS plc is $265.00.

Recent Market Reactions:

• STERIS's stock market performance has seen fluctuations. While it has underperformed compared to the iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF (IHI) over the past year, it has shown resilience in 2025.
• In 2025, STE stock is up 8.9%, surpassing the S&P 500's 1.3% rise year-to-date.
• Following the release of Q3 fiscal year 2024 earnings, STERIS shares initially increased by 1.34%, reaching $223.79, reflecting investor confidence in the company's revenue performance and growth prospects.
• However, the company has dropped 10.1% from its 52-week high of $248.24.
• Over the past three months, STERIS has surged 6.2%, outperforming the broader Dow Jones Industrial Average's ($DOWI) 2% decline.

Analyst Perspectives:

• Analysts have a positive outlook on STERIS, with a consensus rating of 'Moderate Buy' or 'Strong Buy'.
• For the fiscal year ending in March, analysts expect STERIS's EPS to grow 10.7% to $9.08 on a diluted basis.
• JMP Securities analyst David Turkaly maintained a 'Buy' rating on STE with a price target of $265, implying a potential upside of 18.4% from current levels as of February 6, 2025.
• The mean price target of $256.67 represents a premium to STE's current price levels.

Additional Factors:

• STERIS has demonstrated solid performance in Q3 2024, driven by growth in its healthcare and AST segments.
• The healthcare segment achieved 7% growth, while the AST segment saw a 10% increase in constant currency organic revenue.
• STERIS is also actively involved in developing environmentally friendly products and technologies, aligning its projects with global sustainability trends.

See also Breaking Down STERIS plc (STE) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors