1
                                  UNITED STATES

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q

[x]      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES
         EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 
         For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1997

                                       OR

[ ]      TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES
         EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from __________ to
         __________

         Commission file number            0-20165
                                  -------------------

                               STERIS CORPORATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                   OHIO                                    34-1482024
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      (State or other jurisdiction of                     (IRS Employer
      incorporation or organization)                   Identification No.)

      5960 HEISLEY ROAD, MENTOR, OHIO                         44060
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 (Address of principal executive offices)                  (Zip Code)

                                 (440) 354-2600
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. 
Yes X  No   .
   ---   ---

         Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's
classes of common shares, as of the latest practicable date.

     Common Shares, without par value                    34,062,142
- --------------------------------------     -------------------------------------
           (Title of Class)                (Outstanding at September 30, 1997)




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PART I  FINANCIAL INFORMATION


                               STERIS CORPORATION
                      CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                   (UNAUDITED)
================================================================================



                                                                     SEPTEMBER 30,        MARCH 31,
                                                                          1997              1997
                                                                     --------------    ---------------
                                                                                             
ASSETS
Current assets:
   Cash and cash equivalents                                         $       35,815    $        20,576
   Marketable securities                                                        933              2,977
   Accounts receivable                                                      177,402            164,163
   Inventories                                                               86,896             78,762
   Current portion of deferred income taxes                                  24,888             24,888
   Prepaid expenses and other assets                                          8,667              8,676
                                                                     --------------    ---------------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                                                        334,601            300,042

Property, plant, and equipment                                              280,865            177,184
Accumulated depreciation                                                    (81,505)           (74,332)
                                                                     --------------    ---------------
   Net property, plant, and equipment                                       199,360            102,852
Intangibles                                                                 247,226            186,417
Accumulated amortization                                                    (67,938)           (67,032)
                                                                     --------------    ---------------
   Net intangibles                                                          179,288            119,385
Deferred income taxes                                                         6,002             14,862
Other assets                                                                  4,299              2,314
                                                                     --------------    ---------------
TOTAL ASSETS                                                         $      723,550    $       539,455
                                                                     ==============    ===============

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 
   Current liabilities:
   Current portion of long-term indebtedness                         $        5,800    $            12
   Accounts payable                                                          39,492             39,323
   Accrued income taxes                                                      22,146             19,059
   Accrued expenses and other                                               128,085            100,294
                                                                     --------------    ---------------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                                                   195,523            158,688

Long-term indebtedness                                                      153,729             35,879
Other liabilities                                                            49,764             50,172
                                                                     --------------    ---------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES                                                           399,016            244,739
Shareholders' equity:
Serial preferred shares, without par value, 3,000 shares authorized;
  no shares outstanding
Common Shares, without par value, 100,000 shares authorized; issued         
  and outstanding shares of 34,062 at September 30, 1997 and 33,984 at
  March 31, 1997, excluding 177 and 255 treasury shares, respectively       233,524            231,278
Retained earnings                                                            96,569             69,513
Cumulative translation adjustment                                            (5,559)            (6,075)
                                                                     --------------    ---------------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                                                  324,534            294,716
                                                                     --------------    ---------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                           $      723,550    $       539,455
                                                                     ==============    ===============



See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.



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                               STERIS CORPORATION
                 CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) (UNAUDITED)

================================================================================



                                                             THREE MONTHS ENDED                SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                SEPTEMBER 30                     SEPTEMBER 30
                                                       ------------------------------    -----------------------------
                                                           1997             1996             1997            1996
                                                       -------------    -------------    -------------   -------------

                                                                                                       
Net revenues                                           $     173,383    $     138,490    $     328,517   $     266,358
Cost of goods and services sold                               95,196           85,165          183,496         165,747
                                                       -------------    -------------    -------------   -------------
Gross profit                                                  78,187           53,325          145,021         100,611

Cost and expenses:
   Selling, informational, and administrative                 46,573           27,570           87,716          53,688
   Research and development                                    5,974            5,871           11,930          10,173
   Non-recurring items                                             0                0                0          90,831
                                                       -------------    -------------    -------------   -------------
                                                              52,547           33,441           99,646         154,692
                                                       -------------    -------------    -------------   -------------

Income (loss) from operations                                 25,640           19,884           45,375         (54,081)
Interest expense                                                (873)            (346)          (1,395)         (1,948)
Interest income and other                                        315              866              375           2,797
                                                       -------------    -------------    -------------   -------------
Income (loss) before income taxes                             25,082           20,404           44,355         (53,232)
Income tax expense                                             9,773            8,866           17,299           6,825
                                                       -------------    -------------    -------------   -------------
Net income (loss)                                      $      15,309    $      11,538    $      27,056   $     (60,057)
                                                       =============    =============    =============   =============


Net income (loss) per share                            $        0.44    $        0.33    $        0.78   $       (1.81)
                                                       =============    =============    =============   =============


Weighted average number of shares
  outstanding used in computing net
  income (loss) per share                                     35,135           35,307           34,473          33,261
                                                       =============    =============    =============   =============


See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.



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                               STERIS CORPORATION
                 CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                           (IN THOUSANDS) (UNAUDITED)
================================================================================



                                                                        SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                          SEPTEMBER 30
                                                                  ----------------------------
                                                                      1997            1996
                                                                  ------------    ------------
                                                                                    
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)                                                  $  27,056        $ (60,057)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to
  net cash provided by operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization                                       10,129            7,184
  Deferred income taxes                                                  525             (357)
  Non-recurring items                                                      0           64,645
  Other items                                                         (2,180)           1,810
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
    Accounts receivable                                               (5,355)          (1,258)
    Inventories                                                       (7,209)          (5,137)
    Other assets                                                         143              163
    Accounts payable and accruals                                    (13,967)          (2,778)
    Accrued income taxes                                              (3,997)             130
                                                                   ---------        ---------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES                              5,145            4,345

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property, plant, equipment, and patents                 (13,722)          (6,588)
Investment in businesses                                            (126,505)          (7,482)
Sale of assets                                                        35,577                0
Proceeds from notes receivable                                             0            8,438
Purchases of marketable securities                                         0           (4,026)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities                           2,044            7,147
                                                                   ---------        ---------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES                               (102,606)          (2,511)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Payments on long-term obligations                                        (62)         (99,749)
Borrowing under Credit Facility                                      110,000                0
Purchase of treasury shares                                           (2,386)               0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options                                3,624           11,827
Tax benefits from exercise of stock options                            1,008            1,773
                                                                   ---------        ---------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES                  112,184          (86,149)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents             516              228
                                                                   ---------        ---------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                      15,239          (84,087)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD                      20,576          140,788
                                                                   ---------        ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD                         $  35,815        $  56,701
                                                                   =========        =========



See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.



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                               STERIS CORPORATION
              NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) (UNAUDITED)

Periods Ended September 30, 1997 and 1996



A. - REPORTING ENTITY



STERIS Corporation (the "Company" or "STERIS") is a leading provider of
infection prevention, contamination prevention, microbial reduction, and
surgical support systems, products, services, and technologies to healthcare,
scientific, research, and industrial Customers throughout the world. The Company
has over 4,000 Associates (employees) worldwide, including more than 1,200
direct sales, service, and field support personnel. Customer Support facilities
are located in major global market centers with manufacturing operations in the
United States, Canada, Germany, and Finland. STERIS operates in a single
business segment.



B. - BASIS OF PRESENTATION



On May 13, 1996, STERIS merged with Amsco International, Inc. ("Amsco") in a
tax-free, stock-for-stock transaction (the "Amsco Merger"). The Amsco Merger has
been accounted for using the pooling-of-interests method. Accordingly, the
accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements give
retroactive effect to the Amsco Merger and include the combined operations of
STERIS and Amsco for all periods presented.



The accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim
financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q; they do not
include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted
accounting principles for complete audited financial statements. Accordingly,
the reader of these financial statements may wish to refer to the audited
consolidated financial statements of STERIS filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission as part of STERIS's Form 10-K for the year ended March 31,
1997.



The accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared
in accordance with STERIS's customary accounting practices and have not been
audited. Management believes that the financial information included herein
reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of interim results
and, except as discussed in Note D, all such adjustments are of a normal and
recurring nature. The interim results reported are not necessarily indicative of
the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1998.



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                               STERIS CORPORATION
              NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) (UNAUDITED)

C. - EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE



The computations of earnings (loss) per Common Share and Common Share
equivalents are based upon the weighted average number of Common Shares
outstanding and when applicable, the dilutive effect of Common Share equivalents
(consisting solely of stock options). Common Share equivalents were antidilutive
for the six month period ended September 30, 1996 and accordingly were excluded
from the computation of earnings (loss) per Common Share for such period.
Following is a summary, in thousands, of Common Shares and Common Share
equivalents outstanding used in the calculations of earnings (loss) per share.








                                                               THREE MONTHS ENDED                 SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                  SEPTEMBER 30                      SEPTEMBER 30
                                                        ---------------------------------    ---------------------------
                                                             1997                1996           1997            1996
                                                        ---------------      ------------    ----------      -----------
                                                                                                         
Weighted average Common Shares
    outstanding                                                  33,990            33,409        33,962           33,261
Dilutive effect of stock options--primary
    basis                                                         1,145             1,898           511                0
                                                        ---------------      ------------    ----------      -----------
Weighted average Common Shares and
    equivalents--primary basis                                   35,135            35,307        34,473           33,261
Additional dilutive effect of stock options--
    fully diluted basis                                               0               170             0                0
                                                        ---------------      ------------    ----------      -----------
Weighted average Common Shares and  
    equivalents--fully diluted basis                             35,135            35,477        34,473           33,261
                                                        ===============      ============    ==========      ===========



The FASB has issued Statement 128, "Earnings Per Share," that will require the
Company to calculate earnings per share using different methods beginning in the
1998 fiscal third quarter (early adoption is prohibited). Under the Statement
128 calculation of "basic" earnings per share, the dilutive effect of stock
options will be excluded. The Company does not expect that applying the new
methods to the 1998 fiscal second quarter operations would materially change the
calculation of "diluted" earnings per share (the replacement under Statement 128
for fully diluted earnings per share).


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                               STERIS CORPORATION
              NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) (UNAUDITED)

D. - NON-RECURRING ITEMS



During the second quarter of fiscal 1998, STERIS completed the sale of the
assets of its Management Services Division to General Electric Medical Systems,
a business of General Electric Company. The transaction is not expected to
result in a material income statement effect. Costs related to the transaction
include tangible and intangible assets relating to the business, impairment cost
of redundant assets, and transaction related costs. These costs are based on
estimates and may be adjusted in the future.



Non-recurring charges of $90,831 ($81,300 net of tax, or $2.44 per share) were
recorded in the 1997 fiscal first quarter for costs related to the Amsco Merger.
The charges include transaction costs of approximately $15,000 and other
non-recurring charges of approximately $75,800 ($66,300 net of tax). The
transaction costs were for legal, accounting, investment banking, and related
expenses. The other non-recurring charges were for (i) elimination of redundant
facilities and other assets ($27,000), (ii) satisfaction of Amsco executive
employment agreements and other Associate severance ($19,300), (iii) write-off
of goodwill related to Amsco's Finn-Aqua business ($27,250), and (iv) other
merger-related items. Property write downs of $20,000 were recorded as part of
the estimated cost of eliminating redundant facilities based on fair value
estimates. During fiscal 1997, STERIS closed a manufacturing and research
facility in Apex, North Carolina, Amsco's headquarters in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, as well as Customer Service facilities in Dallas, Texas and
Atlanta, Georgia. Operations of the closed facilities were consolidated into
existing STERIS facilities.



The effective income tax rate for the six months ended September 30, 1996
differed from statutory rates principally because certain non-recurring items
that increased the net loss are non-deductible for tax purposes. Non-deductible
items include the write-off of goodwill related to Amsco's Finn-Aqua business
and provisions for certain executive severance costs. Also, additional tax
valuation allowances were provided to reflect the effects of merger activities.



E. - INVENTORIES



Inventories were as follows:




                                   SEPTEMBER 30,               MARCH 31,
                                       1997                      1997
                               ---------------------      -------------------
                                                                    
Raw material                                 $30,978                  $30,027
Work in process                               17,426                   15,240
Finished goods                                38,492                   33,495
                               ---------------------      -------------------
                                             $86,896                  $78,762
                               =====================      ===================





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                               STERIS CORPORATION
              NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) (UNAUDITED)

F. - FINANCING



During the first fiscal quarter 1998, STERIS increased the amount available for
borrowing under its unsecured revolving Credit Facility from $125,000 to
$215,000. The amended Credit Facility expires September 30, 2001 and may be used
for general corporate purposes. Loans under the Credit Facility will bear
interest, at STERIS's option, at either KeyBank National Association's prime
rate or LIBOR rates plus 0.25 percent to 0.35 percent. The Credit Facility
contains customary covenants which include maintenance of certain financial
ratios. Outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility were $145,000 at
September 30, 1997.



Additional obligations consist mainly of industrial revenue bonds which bear
interest at a variable rate based on the bank/marketing agent's Demand Note
index. These bond agreements contain various covenants relating to minimum
capitalization, consolidated net worth, and working capital. Outstanding
obligations under the industrial revenue bonds were $8,500 at September 30,
1997.



G. - CONTINGENCIES



There are various pending lawsuits and claims arising out of the conduct of
STERIS's business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate outcome of these
lawsuits and claims will not have a material adverse effect on STERIS's
consolidated financial position or results of operations. STERIS presently
maintains product liability insurance coverage in amounts and with deductibles
that it believes are prudent.



                                       8
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                               STERIS CORPORATION
              NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS) (UNAUDITED)

H. - ACQUISITIONS



On September 17, 1997, the Company acquired all of the shares of common stock of
Isomedix Inc. in exchange for cash of $134,102. Isomedix is a leading provider
of contract sterilization and microbial reduction services, with gamma
irradiation, ethylene oxide, and electron-beam processing facilities across
North America. The acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase transaction.
The following is a preliminary allocation of the purchase price:



                                                                       
Current assets                                                 $       21,778
Property, plant and equipment                                          94,546
Excess purchase price over net assets acquired                         63,000
Other assets                                                            1,044
Current liabilities                                                   (30,096)
Long-term debt                                                         (7,900)
Deferred income taxes                                                  (8,270)
                                                               --------------
Total cost of acquisition                                      $      134,102
                                                               ==============



The following unaudited pro forma results of operations assume the acquisition
occurred on April 1, 1996. These pro forma results have been prepared for
comparative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of the results of
operations which actually would have resulted had the acquisition occurred on
the date indicated, or which may result in the future.




                                                                                       Six Months Ended
                                                                                         September 30
                                                                              ----------------------------------
                                                                                   1997                1996
                                                                              --------------      --------------
                                                                                                       
Net revenues                                                                  $      349,787      $      288,713
                                                                              ==============      ==============
Income (loss) from continuing operations                                      $       26,953      $     (59,673)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations                                               200               (129)
                                                                              --------------      --------------
Net income (loss)                                                             $       27,153      $     (59,802)
                                                                              ==============      ==============
Income (loss) from continuing operations per share                            $         0.78      $       (1.79)
                                                                              ==============      ==============
Net income (loss) per share                                                   $         0.79      $       (1.80)
                                                                              ==============      ==============



In July 1997, STERIS acquired Joslyn Sterilizer Corporation, a designer and
manufacturer of high quality, high performance sterile processing systems based
upon widely accepted steam and gas sterilization methodologies. The acquisition
was accounted for as a purchase transaction and did not have a material effect
on the operations of the Company.


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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS



BASIS OF DISCUSSION
- -------------------



The Amsco Merger has been accounted for by the pooling-of-interests method.
Accordingly, the accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial
statements give retroactive effect to the transaction and include the combined
operations of STERIS and Amsco for all periods presented.



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
- ---------------------



Net revenue increased by 25.2% to $173.4 million in the second quarter fiscal
1998 from $138.5 million in the second quarter fiscal 1997. Net revenue
increased by 23.3% to $328.5 million in the first six months of fiscal 1998 from
$266.4 million in the same period in fiscal 1997. Infection Prevention revenues
increased by 21.0% to $91.8 million in the second quarter fiscal 1998 from $75.9
million in the second quarter fiscal 1997. Infection Prevention revenues
increased by 27.2% to $181.3 million in the first six months of fiscal 1998 from
$142.5 million in the same period in fiscal 1997. Surgical Support revenues
increased by 28.5% to $39.3 million in the second quarter fiscal 1998 from $30.6
million in the second quarter fiscal 1997. Surgical Support revenues increased
by 18.2% to $71.7 million in the first six months of fiscal 1998 from $60.7
million in the same period in fiscal 1997. Scientific, Contracted Services and
Other revenue increased by 32.0% to $42.2 million in the second quarter fiscal
1998 from $32.0 million in the second quarter fiscal 1997. Scientific,
Contracted Services and Other revenue increased by 19.6% to $75.5 million in the
first six months of fiscal 1998 from $63.1 million in the same period in fiscal
1997. The increase in net revenues was due mainly to increases in the sales of
consumable products, capital equipment and services during the first six months
of fiscal 1998. Revenues related to consumables and supplies are included in the
Infection Prevention, Surgical Support, and Scientific, Contracted Services and
Other classifications; each of these classifications includes revenues related
to consumable products, capital equipment and services. In addition to increases
in sales of existing products, a portion of the increase in sales of consumable
products results from the benefits of the December 1996 acquisition of the
assets of the infection control and contamination control businesses of Calgon
Vestal Laboratories, and the fiscal second quarter 1996 acquisition of Surgicot,
Inc., a manufacturer and supplier of biological and chemical sterile process
monitors, sterilization wraps and pouches, and other quality assurance products.



The costs of products and services sold increased by 11.8% to $95.2 million in
the second quarter fiscal 1998 from $85.2 million in the second quarter fiscal
1997. The costs of products and services sold increased by 10.7% to $183.5
million for the first six months of fiscal 1998 from $165.7 million for the
first six months of fiscal 1997. The cost of products and services sold as a
percentage of net revenue was 54.9% for the second quarter fiscal 1998 compared
to 61.5% for the same period in fiscal 1997. The decrease in the cost of
products and services sold as a percentage of net revenue for the second quarter
fiscal 1998 resulted principally from favorable changes in the mix of products
sold, vertical integration, improved overhead absorption from plant
consolidation and volume increases, and the benefits from the restructuring of
the acquired and merged businesses. The mix of products sold in the second
quarter fiscal 1997 included greater revenues from higher margin consumables and
services.



Selling, informational, and administrative expenses increased by 68.9% to $46.6
million in the


                                       10
   11



second quarter fiscal 1998 from $27.6 million in the second quarter fiscal 1997.
Selling, informational, and administrative expenses increased by 63.4% to $87.7
million in the first six months of fiscal 1998 from $53.7 million in the same
period of fiscal 1997. The expenses as a percentage of net revenue increased to
26.8% in the second quarter fiscal 1998 from 19.9% in the second quarter fiscal
1997. The increase was primarily attributable to the investments in Customer
Support, direct sales efforts in key global markets, business development,
management information systems, and the inclusion of acquired companies'
selling, informational and administrative expenses.



The costs of the Company's research activities relating to the discovery and
development of new products and the improvement of existing products are charged
directly to income as incurred. Research and development expenses increased by
1.8% to $6.0 million in the second quarter fiscal 1998 from $5.9 million in the
second quarter fiscal 1997. Research and development expenses increased by 17.3%
to $11.9 million in the first six months of fiscal 1998 from $10.2 million in
the same period fiscal 1997. The increases were due to additional product and
application development expenditures. Research and development expenses as a
percentage of net revenue were 3.4% for the second quarter fiscal 1998 compared
to 4.2% for the second quarter fiscal 1997.



Interest expense increased by 152.3% to $0.9 million in the second quarter
fiscal 1998 from $0.3 million in the second quarter fiscal 1997. The increase
was due to the additional borrowing under the Credit Facility for the purchase
of Isomedix common shares. Interest expense decreased by 28.4% to $1.4 million
in the first six months of fiscal 1998 from $1.9 million in the same period
fiscal 1997. The decrease was due primarily to the July 1996 redemption of
approximately $100 million of Amsco 4.5%/6.5% Convertible Subordinated Notes.



Interest income and other decreased by 63.6% to $0.3 million in the second
quarter fiscal 1998 from $0.9 million in the second quarter fiscal 1997.
Interest income and other decreased by 86.6% to $0.4 million in the first six
months of fiscal 1998 from $2.8 million in the same period fiscal 1997. The
decrease in interest income was due primarily to lower cash, cash equivalents,
and marketable security balances, with the lower balances resulting from the
cash redemption of the aforementioned Amsco Convertible Subordinated Notes.



Income for the second quarter of fiscal 1998 increased by 32.7% to $15.3 million
($.44 per share) from $11.5 million ($.33 per share) in the same period fiscal
1997. Excluding the effect of non-recurring items, income for the first six
months of fiscal 1998 increased by 27.4% to $27.1 million ($.78 per share) from
$21.2 million ($.60 per share) in the same period fiscal 1997.



The effective income tax rate for the six months ended September 30, 1996
differed from statutory rates principally because certain non-recurring items
that increased the net loss are non-deductible for tax purposes. Non-deductible
items include the write-off of goodwill related to Amsco's Finn-Aqua business
and provisions for certain executive severance costs. Also, additional tax
valuation allowances were provided to reflect the effects of merger activities.



As a result of the foregoing factors, net income for the first six months of
fiscal 1998 was $27.1 million, compared to net loss of $60.1 million in the same
period fiscal 1997.




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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
- -------------------------------



The Company had $36.7 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable
securities as of September 30, 1997, compared to $23.6 million of the same at
March 31, 1997. The increase was due mainly to cash received through borrowings
under the Credit Facility and the sale of assets offset by cash paid for the
acquisitions of Isomedix and Joslyn.



Accounts receivable increased by 8.1% to $177.4 million as of September 30,
1997, compared to $164.2 million at March 31, 1997.



Inventory increased by 10.3% to $86.9 million as of September 30, 1997, compared
to $78.8 million at March 31, 1997. The increase was due to the acquisition of
businesses and the build up of inventory to support increased sales volume.



Property, plant, and equipment increased by 58.5% to $280.9 million as of
September 30, 1997, compared to $177.2 million at March 31, 1997. The increase
was primarily a result of the acquisitions of Isomedix and Joslyn.



Intangibles increased by 32.6% to $247.2 million as of September 30, 1997,
compared to $186.4 million at March 31, 1997. The increase was primarily a
result of the acquisitions of Isomedix and Joslyn.



Deferred tax assets decreased by 59.6% to $6.0 million as of September 30, 1997,
compared to $14.9 million at March 31, 1997. The decrease was primarily a result
of the acquisition of Isomedix.



Current liabilities increased by 23.2% to $195.5 million as of September 30,
1997, compared to $158.7 million at March 31, 1997. The increase was due to the
assumption of liabilities through the acquisitions of Isomedix and Joslyn and
the accrual of costs relating to the sale of the Management Services Division.



Other liabilities were $49.8 million as of September 30, 1997, compared to $50.2
million of the same at March 31, 1997.



During the first fiscal quarter 1998, STERIS increased the amount available for
borrowing under its unsecured revolving Credit Facility from $125 million to
$215 million. The amended Credit Facility expires September 30, 2001 and may be
used for general corporate purposes. Loans under the Credit Facility will bear
interest, at STERIS's option, at either KeyBank National Association's prime
rate or LIBOR rates plus 0.25 percent to 0.35 percent. The Credit Facility
contains customary covenants which include maintenance of certain financial
ratios. Outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility were $145 million at
September 30, 1997.



Additional obligations consist mainly of industrial revenue bonds which bear
interest at a variable rate based on the bank/marketing agent's Demand Note
index. These bond agreements contain various covenants relating to minimum
capitalization, consolidated net worth, and working capital. Outstanding
obligations under the industrial revenue bonds were $8,500 at


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September 30, 1997.



The Company has no material commitments for capital expenditures. The Company
believes that its cash requirements will increase due to increased sales
requiring more working capital, accelerated research and development, and
potential acquisitions or investments in complementary businesses. However, the
Company believes that its available cash, cash flow from operations, and sources
of credit will be adequate to satisfy its capital needs for the foreseeable
future.



CONTINGENCIES
- -------------



For a discussion of contingencies, see Note G to the consolidated condensed
financial statements.



SEASONALITY
- -----------



Historical data indicates that financial results of acquired businesses,
including Amsco, were subject to recurring seasonal fluctuations. A number of
factors have contributed to the seasonal patterns, including sales promotion and
compensation programs, customer buying patterns, international business
practices, and differing fiscal year ends. Sales and profitability of certain of
the acquired and consolidated product lines have historically been
disproportionately weighted toward the latter part of each quarter and each
fiscal year. Various changes in business practices resulting from the
integration of Amsco and other acquired businesses into STERIS, including the
change to a March ending fiscal year, may alter the historical patterns of the
previously independent businesses.



FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
- ---------------------------



The Company has included in this Form 10-Q statements concerning trends and
other expectations. Actual results could differ materially, since
forward-looking information inherently is subject to risks and uncertainties.
Important factors which could cause actual results to differ from expectations
include: (a) the possibility that the continuing integration of acquired
businesses will take longer than anticipated, (b) the possibility that peak
Customer product demands may occur late in a period and that resulting
logistical challenges could delay product shipments, (c) the possibility that
key individual Associates are unable to perform their responsibilities due to
illness or disability, (d) the potential for changes in product mix that could
adversely affect gross margin, and (e) other matters identified in STERIS's Form
10-K for the year ended March 31, 1997.



   PART II        OTHER INFORMATION



ITEM 1                     LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
- ------                     -----------------



Reference is made to Part I, Item 1., Note G of this Report on Form 10-Q, which
is incorporated herein by reference.



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ITEM 6                     EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
- ------                     --------------------------------



(a)               Exhibits
                  --------



      EXHIBIT NUMBER        EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
      --------------        -------------------

           27.1             Financial Data Schedule


(b)               Reports on Form 8-K
                  -------------------


September 17, 1997: Item 2. Acquisition or Disposition of Assets. On September
17, 1997, STERIS purchased shares representing approximately 96% of the
outstanding capital stock of Isomedix Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Isomedix"),
through STERIS's newly incorporated and wholly owned subsidiary, STERIS
Acquisition Corporation. On the same day, STERIS completed the acquisition of
Isomedix through the merger of STERIS Acquisition Corporation with and into
Isomedix. As a consequence of the merger, STERIS became the owner of 100% of the
outstanding capital stock of Isomedix. Isomedix is a leading provider of
contract sterilization and microbial reduction services, with gamma irradiation,
ethylene oxide, and electron-beam processing facilities across North America.
STERIS intends to utilize the assets of Isomedix in accordance with their use by
Isomedix prior to its acquisition by STERIS.



    Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information, and Exhibits.
With respect to the September 17, 1997 purchase of Isomedix shares, STERIS filed
the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated August 12, 1997, by and among Isomedix,
STERIS Corporation, and STERIS Acquisition Corporation.



                                    SIGNATURE



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.




                                          STERIS Corporation
                                          (Registrant)

                                          /s/ Michael A. Keresman, III
                                          ----------------------------
                                          Michael A. Keresman, III
                                          Chief Financial Officer and
                                          Senior Vice President
                                          (Principal Financial Officer)
                                          November 14, 1997



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