** Shares of medical-device co Steris STE.N up 8.3% at $246.47 and top S&P 500 .SPX performer on Thurs after qtrly report pleases
** STE on course for biggest daily pct gain since May 11, 2023, hits 8-mth high
** Dublin, Ireland firm late Weds forecast annual profit above consensus, banking on strength in its biggest segment that sells sterilization products
** It sees fiscal 2026 adj EPS of $9.90-$10.15 compared to the $9.87 analysts modeled, per LSEG data
** Co also posted Q4 top and bottom-line beat
** Of 8 analysts covering STE, recommendation breakdown is 5 "strong buy" or "buy" and 3 "hold" ratings; median PT is $263 - latest LSEG data
** With move on the session, stock up ~20% YTD vs 4% decline in S&P 500 Healthcare Equipment & Services index .SPLRCHC and 7% drop in S&P 500 Healthcare sector .SPXHC
(Lance Tupper is a Reuters market analyst. The views expressed are his own)
((lance.tupper@tr.com 1-646-279-6380))