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STE vs SYK
Which Stock Would AI Choose? STERIS (STE) vs. Stryker (SYK) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- STERIS (STE) is a mid-cap infection-prevention and sterilization specialist, while Stryker (SYK) is a large-cap medical-device and orthopedic-robotics leader, making them a useful study in scale and growth versus recurring-revenue stability.
- Both stocks have trailed the broader market over the past year, yet each posted mid-to-high single-digit organic revenue growth in recent quarters, reflecting resilient procedure-driven demand.
- SYK carries stronger near-term earnings momentum and a deeper product pipeline (including Mako robotics), while STE offers a more defensive, recurring-revenue profile across its Healthcare, Applied Sterilization Technologies (AST), and Life Sciences segments.
- STE trades at roughly 22 times earnings with a lower beta, whereas SYK trades near the low end of its historical valuation range despite a substantially larger market capitalization and wider product portfolio.
- Key risk factors differ: STE faces tariff and inflation pressure plus softer AST customer inventory destocking, while SYK is working through a recent cybersecurity disruption, a planned CEO succession, and select supply-constraint issues.
- For more on each ticker's latest developments, visit the STE Major News and STE Today's Price Move pages, along with the SYK Major News and SYK Today's Price Move pages.
- To see which of these stocks artificial-intelligence-driven systems currently favor, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Investors weighing exposure to the healthcare equipment sector frequently encounter two distinct profiles: STERIS (STE), a global provider of infection-prevention, sterilization, and surgical-support products and services, and Stryker (SYK), a diversified medical-technology giant spanning orthopedics, surgical equipment, and robotics. Comparing these two names offers insight into how recurring-revenue defensiveness stacks up against innovation-led growth in today's market. This stock comparison is relevant for long-term growth investors, dividend-oriented holders, and momentum-focused traders evaluating relative performance, market positioning, and risk profiles. Both companies serve essential hospital demand, yet their scale, catalysts, and recent price behavior have diverged in ways that shape the investment case for each.
STE Overview and Recent Performance
STE — STERIS plc — is a leading provider of infection-prevention products and services, organized around three segments: Healthcare, Applied Sterilization Technologies (AST, its contract sterilization network), and Life Sciences. The company generates a substantial share of revenue from recurring services and consumables, which tends to smooth out cyclical swings in capital-equipment purchases. In its most recent quarter, STERIS reported high-single-digit revenue growth, with adjusted earnings rising roughly 10% year over year, supported by pricing, volume, and productivity gains.
Recent stock behavior has been mixed. The shares have declined meaningfully over the trailing year and remain below their 52-week high, even as fundamental results held up. Sentiment has been shaped by tariff costs, inflation, and cautious commentary around softer AST volumes as medical-device customers reduce inventory. On the positive side, STERIS reiterated its fiscal-year outlook, announced a $1 billion share-repurchase authorization, extended its two-decade dividend-growth streak, and disclosed a large new chemistries manufacturing center in North Carolina. These moves reinforce a capital-allocation focus on returns alongside measured organic expansion.
SYK Overview and Recent Performance
SYK — Stryker Corporation — is one of the world's largest medical-device makers, with franchises across orthopedics, MedSurg and Neurotechnology, and robotic-assisted surgery through its Mako platform. The company's recent financial performance has been characterized by a sharp recovery: after a cybersecurity incident early in the calendar year temporarily constrained production and shipments, Stryker reported a double-digit rebound in adjusted earnings and roughly 9% organic sales growth in its latest quarter, aided by record Mako installations and broad demand.
Despite solid fundamentals, Stryker shares have fallen sharply over the past year and trade well below prior highs, in part reflecting the operational disruption and, more recently, a planned CEO transition in which a 27-year insider succeeds the longtime chief executive. Analysts remain broadly constructive, with a majority maintaining buy ratings. Ongoing watch items include vascular supply constraints, cyber-remediation costs, and acquisition integration. Nevertheless, Stryker's diversified portfolio and strong balance sheet support its positioning as a defensive-growth holding within the sector.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron maintains a library of hundreds of AI Trading Bots that trade thousands of different tickers across varied strategies, timeframes, and risk profiles. Because not every bot is suited to every market environment, only the best-performing and most relevant models are surfaced in the curated Trending AI Robots section. These bots differ in trading style, holding period, performance statistics, and the specific sets of tickers they monitor — so a model optimized for a high-beta growth name may differ substantially from one tuned for a defensive dividend payer. Reviewing the available statistics can help traders and investors identify automated strategies aligned with current market conditions and their own objectives. Explore the section to see which bots are currently trending.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these names is scale and business mix. SYK is a roughly $100 billion market-capitalization diversified medical-technology company with a broad orthopedic and surgical portfolio and a leading robotics franchise, while STE is a roughly $22 billion company concentrated in infection prevention and sterilization services. SYK offers higher growth potential from product innovation and robotics adoption; STE offers a more defensive mix weighted toward recurring services and consumables.
On momentum, SYK's earnings growth recently accelerated more sharply than STE's, though both stocks have lagged the market over the past year. Growth drivers also differ: SYK leans on new product launches, Mako installations, and an aging-population tailwind, whereas STE is driven by procedure volumes, sterilization demand, and capacity investments. Risk factors are equally distinct — STE contends with tariffs, inflation, and AST destocking, while SYK manages cyber-recovery costs, a leadership transition, and supply constraints. Valuation is another differentiator: SYK trades near the low end of its own historical range but at a premium to its industry group, while STE trades at a more moderate multiple with a lower beta (a measure of volatility relative to the market).
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI framework would likely give a modest edge to SYK on trend consistency and catalysts, given its faster earnings recovery, deep product pipeline, and broad analyst support — while noting that a planned CEO transition and operational overhangs introduce uncertainty. STE would likely be viewed more favorably on stability and recurring-revenue defensiveness, supported by a lower beta and consistent capital returns. The AI's preference could shift depending on the timeframe and strategy selected, as momentum-oriented models may favor SYK while stability-focused models may favor STE. As always, this assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive.
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 STE is a Hold and SYK is a Buy.
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.
Momentum Indicator for SYK turns positive, indicating new upward trend
SYK saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on November 02, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 90 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 57 of the 90 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 63%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for SYK just turned positive on September 28, 2026. Looking at past instances where SYK's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 23 of 44 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 52%.
SYK moved above its 50-day moving average on November 02, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for SYK crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 26, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 20 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 55%.
Following a +3.43% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SYK advanced for three days, in 173 of 305 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 128 of 258 cases where SYK Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 50%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for SYK 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 38 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 24 of the 38 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 63%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 33 of 58 cases where SYK's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 57%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SYK 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 51%.
SYK broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 15, 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 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 52 (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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 57 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. SYK’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 71 (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 (4.906) is normal, around the industry mean (4.204). P/E Ratio (31.532) is within average values for comparable stocks, (1.723). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.289) is also within normal values, averaging (11.253). Dividend Yield (0.011) settles around the average of (0.010) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (4.259) is also within normal values, averaging (40.124).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 71 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. SYK’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 83 (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.
STE | SYK | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 17 | 37 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 72 Overvalued | 71 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 72 | 71 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 66 | 52 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 47 | 57 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 74 | 83 | |
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.
SYK's Valuation (71) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as STE (72). This means that SYK’s stock grew similarly to STE’s over the last 12 months.
SYK's Profit vs Risk Rating (71) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as STE (72). This means that SYK’s stock grew similarly to STE’s over the last 12 months.
SYK's SMR Rating (52) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as STE (66). This means that SYK’s stock grew similarly to STE’s over the last 12 months.
STE's Price Growth Rating (47) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as SYK (57). This means that STE’s stock grew similarly to SYK’s over the last 12 months.
STE's P/E Growth Rating (74) in the Medical Specialties industry is in the same range as SYK (83). This means that STE’s stock grew similarly to SYK’s over the last 12 months.
| STE | SYK | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 59% | 2 days ago 63% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 54% | 2 days ago 57% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 48% | 2 days ago 63% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 52% | 7 days ago 52% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 52% | 2 days ago 57% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 47% | 2 days ago 50% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 49% | 6 days ago 57% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 8 days ago 57% | 8 days ago 51% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 2 days ago 45% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 49% | 2 days ago 50% |
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).
STE’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while SYK’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- STE’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- SYK’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.
STE’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while SYK’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- STE’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- SYK’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
STE (@Medical/Nursing Services) experienced а +1.40% price change this week, while SYK (@Medical/Nursing Services) price change was +0.22% 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
STE is expected to report earnings on Nov 04, 2026.
SYK is expected to report earnings on Feb 02, 2027.
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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SYK and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, SYK has been loosely correlated with ISRG. These tickers have moved in lockstep 65% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if SYK jumps, then ISRG could also see price increases.