United States Cellular (NYSE:USM) Reaches New 52-Week High – Still a Buy?

United States Cellular Co. (NYSE:USM) shares hit a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $69.33 and last traded at $69.57, with a volume of 14669 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $68.70.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts have recently commented on USM shares. StockNews.com upgraded United States Cellular from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Friday, February 21st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on shares of United States Cellular from $86.00 to $88.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Monday, February 24th.

United States Cellular Stock Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 1.39, a current ratio of 1.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63. The firm has a market cap of $5.94 billion, a PE ratio of -194.16 and a beta of 0.46. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $64.80 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $61.85.

United States Cellular (NYSE:USM) last announced its earnings results on Friday, February 21st. The Wireless communications provider reported $0.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.10) by $0.15. The company had revenue of $970.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $964.70 million. United States Cellular had a negative net margin of 0.79% and a positive return on equity of 1.55%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.23 EPS. Research analysts forecast that United States Cellular Co. will post 0.57 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of USM. Tiptree Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of United States Cellular in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $4,704,000. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC increased its stake in shares of United States Cellular by 16.5% in the 4th quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC now owns 41,969 shares of the Wireless communications provider’s stock worth $2,632,000 after acquiring an additional 5,940 shares during the last quarter. Voloridge Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of United States Cellular in the 4th quarter worth $965,000. Two Sigma Advisers LP raised its holdings in shares of United States Cellular by 16.7% during the 4th quarter. Two Sigma Advisers LP now owns 6,300 shares of the Wireless communications provider’s stock worth $395,000 after acquiring an additional 900 shares during the period. Finally, State of Wyoming boosted its position in shares of United States Cellular by 17.6% during the 4th quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 4,551 shares of the Wireless communications provider’s stock valued at $285,000 after acquiring an additional 680 shares during the last quarter. 18.03% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

United States Cellular Company Profile

United States Cellular Corporation provides wireless telecommunications services in the United States. The company offers wireless services, including voice, messaging, and data services. It also provides wireless devices, such as handsets, tablets, mobile hotspots, home phones, and routers, as well as wireless essentials, including cases, screen protectors, chargers, and memory cards; and consumer electronics comprising audio, home automation, and networking products.