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MDT vs STE
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Medtronic (MDT) vs. STERIS (STE) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- MDT is a diversified medical technology leader with a market capitalization roughly five times that of STE, yet both operate in the healthcare sector with distinct business models.
- Medtronic is accelerating revenue growth and reshaping its portfolio through the separation of its MiniMed diabetes business, while STERIS leans on recurring, procedure-driven sterilization and infection-prevention revenue.
- STERIS trades at a premium valuation with double-digit earnings growth, whereas Medtronic offers a more modest earnings multiple with a broader pipeline of growth platforms.
- Both companies carry a "Hold" consensus from Zacks, but sell-side analysts assign Medtronic a "Buy" consensus with meaningful upside to the average price target.
- Recent momentum favors Medtronic, which has staged a recovery from mid-2026 lows, while STERIS has faced share-price pressure despite record fiscal results.
Introduction
Investors evaluating healthcare exposure often weigh diversified device makers against specialized service providers, and the comparison between MDT and STE captures that dynamic well. Medtronic plc is a global medical technology giant spanning cardiovascular, neuroscience, medical-surgical, and diabetes therapies. STERIS plc is a focused leader in infection prevention and sterilization services for healthcare and life sciences customers. This stock comparison is relevant for traders and long-term investors seeking to understand how relative performance, growth drivers, and market positioning diverge between a large-cap innovator and a mid-cap provider of essential services. The analysis below examines recent performance, business fundamentals, and the factors shaping sentiment for each name.
MDT Overview and Recent Performance
MDT, or Medtronic plc, develops and manufactures device-based medical therapies used by healthcare systems and clinicians worldwide. The company has recently been reshaping its portfolio, most notably advancing the separation of its MiniMed Group, the diabetes business, through an exchange offer that began in mid-September 2026. This move is intended to sharpen focus on higher-growth implantable therapies, robotics, and connected monitoring platforms.
Recent market activity has shown improving momentum for the stock, which recovered from a June 2026 low near $72 to trade around the low $90s in mid-October. Medtronic's fiscal 2027 first quarter, reported in the period, showed revenue growth of roughly 13.7% year over year, though management noted an extra selling week contributed materially to that figure. Sentiment has also been supported by regulatory wins, including new procedure codes for its Altaviva neuromodulation device and Symplicity Spyral renal denervation system, as well as FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) clearance for additional indications on its Hugo robotic-assisted surgery platform. These catalysts point to a broadening growth pipeline even as investors monitor margin quality and execution risk.
STE Overview and Recent Performance
STE, or STERIS plc, provides products and services centered on infection prevention, sterilization, and supporting patient care. Its business is organized across Healthcare, Applied Sterilization Technologies (AST), and Life Sciences segments, with a heavy emphasis on recurring consumables and service revenue tied to procedure volumes.
STERIS closed fiscal 2026 with record results, including roughly $6 billion in revenue and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $10.17, up about 10% from the prior year. Management has guided to mid-to-high single-digit organic growth for fiscal 2027, supported by steady procedure demand and pricing. However, recent performance has reflected some caution: the company's latest quarterly results slightly missed consensus estimates, and softer AST service volumes were partly attributed to severe U.S. winter weather and medtech customers managing inventories. The stock has traded under pressure in recent months despite these solid fundamentals, with investors weighing tariff and inflation costs against margin-expansion guidance.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
From a business-model standpoint, MDT and STE represent opposite ends of the healthcare equipment spectrum. Medtronic is a broad, innovation-driven device maker whose growth depends on new product adoption, clinical evidence, and reimbursement coverage. STERIS is a more predictable, service-oriented operator whose revenue is closely tied to surgical procedure volumes and hospital demand.
Growth drivers also differ. Medtronic's catalysts include its cardiac ablation portfolio, robotics ramp, and renal denervation scale-up, alongside the ongoing MiniMed separation. STERIS's growth leans on pricing, consumables share gains, and capacity investments such as its planned chemistries and sterility-assurance facilities. Risk factors vary accordingly: Medtronic faces execution and margin risk tied to its portfolio transition, while STERIS contends with tariff pressure, inventory management by medtech customers, and regulatory oversight of sterilization processes such as ethylene oxide.
On valuation, STERIS trades at a forward price-to-earnings multiple in the mid-20s, reflecting its recurring-revenue quality, whereas Medtronic trades at a lower multiple, roughly 15-16 times forward earnings. Recent momentum has favored Medtronic, which has rebounded off its lows, even as STERIS has lagged despite strong fundamentals.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward MDT in the current environment. Medtronic exhibits more consistent near-term trend improvement, a lower valuation with a "Buy" consensus and meaningful upside to the average analyst target, and a broader set of identifiable catalysts across robotics, ablation, and hypertension. STERIS's business remains fundamentally sound with strong earnings growth, but its recent price pressure, premium multiple, and near-term AST inventory headwinds suggest a less favorable risk-reward profile at present. This is a probabilistic assessment rather than a definitive prediction, and relative positioning could shift as new earnings data emerge.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is MDT is a Buy and STE is a Hold.
MDT in upward trend: 10-day moving average broke above 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026
The 10-day moving average for MDT crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 17 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 12, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on MDT as a result. In 46 of 85 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 54%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for MDT just turned positive on October 12, 2026. Looking at past instances where MDT's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 24 of 43 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
MDT moved above its 50-day moving average on October 12, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +3.36% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where MDT advanced for three days, in 171 of 315 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 54%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 87 of 237 cases where MDT Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 37%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for MDT moved out of overbought territory on October 16, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 26 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 15 of the 26 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 58%.
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where MDT declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 56%.
MDT broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 02, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 25 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. MDT’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 48 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.528) is normal, around the industry mean (4.204). P/E Ratio (24.276) is within average values for comparable stocks, (1.723). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.608) is also within normal values, averaging (11.253). Dividend Yield (0.029) settles around the average of (0.010) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.176) is also within normal values, averaging (40.124).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 53 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 68 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly better than average sales and a considerably profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. MDT’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 95, placing this stock worse than average.
STE in upward trend: 10-day moving average crossed above 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026
The 10-day moving average for STE crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 12 of 17 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 08, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on STE as a result. In 46 of 96 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 48%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for STE just turned positive on September 29, 2026. Looking at past instances where STE's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 24 of 46 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 52%.
STE moved above its 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +1.60% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where STE advanced for three days, in 153 of 312 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 49%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 98 of 200 cases where STE Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 49%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for STE moved out of overbought territory on October 26, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 37 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 22 of the 37 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 59%.
The Stochastic Oscillator entered the overbought zone. Expect a price pull-back in the foreseeable future.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where STE declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 57%.
STE broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 47 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. STE’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 66 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 72 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (3.157) is normal, around the industry mean (4.204). P/E Ratio (28.388) is within average values for comparable stocks, (1.723). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.760) is also within normal values, averaging (11.253). Dividend Yield (0.012) settles around the average of (0.010) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.423) is also within normal values, averaging (40.124).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 72 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. STE’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 95, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 74 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
MDT | STE | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 37 | 17 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 48 Fair valued | 72 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 72 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 68 | 66 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 25 | 47 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 53 | 74 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
MDT's Valuation (48) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as STE (72). This means that MDT’s stock grew similarly to STE’s over the last 12 months.
STE's Profit vs Risk Rating (72) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as MDT (100). This means that STE’s stock grew similarly to MDT’s over the last 12 months.
STE's SMR Rating (66) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as MDT (68). This means that STE’s stock grew similarly to MDT’s over the last 12 months.
MDT's Price Growth Rating (25) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as STE (47). This means that MDT’s stock grew similarly to STE’s over the last 12 months.
MDT's P/E Growth Rating (53) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as STE (74). This means that MDT’s stock grew similarly to STE’s over the last 12 months.
| MDT | STE | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 58% | 2 days ago 59% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 43% | 2 days ago 54% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 54% | 2 days ago 48% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 56% | 6 days ago 52% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 56% | 2 days ago 52% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 50% | 2 days ago 47% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 54% | 6 days ago 49% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 8 days ago 56% | 8 days ago 57% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 47% | 2 days ago 67% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 37% | 2 days ago 49% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
MDT’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while STE’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- MDT’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- STE’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
MDT’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while STE’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- MDT’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- STE’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
MDT (@Medical/Nursing Services) experienced а +4.75% price change this week, while STE (@Medical/Nursing Services) price change was +1.40% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Medical/Nursing Services industry was +0.01%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -6.09%, and the average quarterly price growth was -8.21%.
Reported Earning Dates
MDT is expected to report earnings on Nov 17, 2026.
STE is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Medical/Nursing Services (+0.01% weekly)The medical/nursing services includes companies that provide medical-related services such as ambulance services, dialysis centers, respiratory therapy, blood testing and rehabilitation services. DaVita Inc., Chemed Corporation and Guardant Health, Inc. are examples of companies in this industry.
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MDT and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, MDT has been loosely correlated with SYK. These tickers have moved in lockstep 59% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if MDT jumps, then SYK could also see price increases.