UniSuper Management Pty Ltd Reduces Stock Position in Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE:UHS)

UniSuper Management Pty Ltd decreased its stake in shares of Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE:UHS) by 54.2% during the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 10,340 shares of the health services provider’s stock after selling 12,252 shares during the quarter. UniSuper Management Pty Ltd’s holdings in Universal Health Services were worth $1,855,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. R Squared Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Universal Health Services during the 4th quarter worth $29,000. Quent Capital LLC raised its stake in Universal Health Services by 118.3% during the fourth quarter. Quent Capital LLC now owns 179 shares of the health services provider’s stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 97 shares during the period. True Wealth Design LLC acquired a new position in Universal Health Services in the 3rd quarter valued at about $39,000. Campbell Capital Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Universal Health Services in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $46,000. Finally, Sunbelt Securities Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Universal Health Services during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $69,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.05% of the company’s stock.

Universal Health Services Price Performance

Universal Health Services stock opened at $186.11 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.28, a current ratio of 1.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69. Universal Health Services, Inc. has a 52-week low of $152.69 and a 52-week high of $243.25. The firm has a market cap of $12.10 billion, a PE ratio of 12.37, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 1.32. The company’s 50 day moving average is $181.91 and its two-hundred day moving average is $196.96.

Universal Health Services (NYSE:UHS) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 26th. The health services provider reported $4.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.21 by $0.71. The business had revenue of $4.11 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $4.01 billion. Universal Health Services had a return on equity of 15.75% and a net margin of 6.66%. On average, research analysts expect that Universal Health Services, Inc. will post 15.92 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Universal Health Services Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, March 17th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 3rd were paid a $0.20 dividend. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.43%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, March 3rd. Universal Health Services’s payout ratio is presently 4.75%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts recently commented on UHS shares. The Goldman Sachs Group cut Universal Health Services from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating and decreased their price objective for the company from $228.00 to $198.00 in a report on Monday, December 16th. Stephens increased their price target on Universal Health Services from $210.00 to $223.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a report on Friday, February 28th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on shares of Universal Health Services from $230.00 to $225.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a report on Monday, March 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed a “neutral” rating and issued a $226.00 target price on shares of Universal Health Services in a research report on Tuesday, December 17th. Finally, Barclays dropped their price target on shares of Universal Health Services from $271.00 to $249.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, February 27th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $228.38.

Insider Transactions at Universal Health Services

In other news, Director Maria Ruderman Singer sold 1,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Monday, March 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $179.16, for a total value of $179,160.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 7,916 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,418,230.56. This trade represents a 11.22 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Corporate insiders own 16.10% of the company’s stock.

Universal Health Services Company Profile

Universal Health Services, Inc, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates acute care hospitals, and outpatient and behavioral health care facilities. It operates through Acute Care Hospital Services and Behavioral Health Care Services segments. The company's hospitals offer general and specialty surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics, emergency room care, radiology, oncology, diagnostic and coronary care, pediatric services, pharmacy services, and/or behavioral health services.