Universal Health Services (NYSE:UHS) Reaches New 12-Month High on Analyst Upgrade

Shares of Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE:UHS) reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday after Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price target on the stock from $206.00 to $231.00. Royal Bank Of Canada currently has a sector performer rating on the stock. Universal Health Services traded as high as $227.22 and last traded at $225.3740, with a volume of 1020176 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $219.32.

A number of other analysts also recently issued reports on the stock. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Universal Health Services from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a report on Monday, October 27th. Guggenheim increased their target price on shares of Universal Health Services from $227.00 to $253.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on shares of Universal Health Services from $215.00 to $195.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a report on Monday, August 4th. Robert W. Baird dropped their price objective on shares of Universal Health Services from $243.00 to $203.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, August 14th. Finally, UBS Group set a $231.00 price objective on shares of Universal Health Services in a research note on Thursday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $230.57.

Insider Activity at Universal Health Services

In other news, Director Elliot J. Md Mba Sussman sold 965 shares of Universal Health Services stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $225.70, for a total value of $217,800.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 6,113 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,379,704.10. The trade was a 13.63% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 16.40% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Trading of Universal Health Services

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Universal Health Services in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $28,000. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT acquired a new stake in shares of Universal Health Services in the 1st quarter worth approximately $30,000. CYBER HORNET ETFs LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Universal Health Services in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $29,000. MUFG Securities EMEA plc acquired a new stake in shares of Universal Health Services in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, Quent Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of Universal Health Services in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $37,000. 86.05% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Universal Health Services Price Performance

The company has a current ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. The business’s fifty day moving average is $197.89 and its 200 day moving average is $184.83. The firm has a market capitalization of $13.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.32, a P/E/G ratio of 0.80 and a beta of 1.30.

Universal Health Services (NYSE:UHS) last released its earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The health services provider reported $5.69 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $4.66 by $1.03. Universal Health Services had a net margin of 8.09% and a return on equity of 19.47%. The business had revenue of $4.50 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.32 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $3.71 EPS. The business’s revenue for the quarter was up 13.4% on a year-over-year basis. Universal Health Services has set its FY 2025 guidance at 21.500-22.100 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that Universal Health Services, Inc. will post 15.92 EPS for the current year.

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.