Universal Health Services (NYSE:UHS) Stock Price Expected to Rise, Wells Fargo & Company Analyst Says

Universal Health Services (NYSE:UHS) had its target price lifted by Wells Fargo & Company from $275.00 to $285.00 in a report released on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. Wells Fargo & Company currently has an overweight rating on the health services provider’s stock.

Other equities analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued a “neutral” rating and issued a $219.00 target price on shares of Universal Health Services in a report on Friday, October 25th. Barclays boosted their price target on shares of Universal Health Services from $256.00 to $271.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Friday, October 25th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on Universal Health Services from $200.00 to $229.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. UBS Group boosted their target price on Universal Health Services from $247.00 to $267.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 14th. Finally, TD Cowen cut their price target on Universal Health Services from $283.00 to $275.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 28th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, ten have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $231.14.

Universal Health Services Price Performance

NYSE:UHS opened at $203.51 on Wednesday. The business’s 50-day simple moving average is $225.57 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $203.45. Universal Health Services has a 52 week low of $127.43 and a 52 week high of $243.25. The stock has a market cap of $13.58 billion, a PE ratio of 13.53, a P/E/G ratio of 0.67 and a beta of 1.29. 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 (NYSE:UHS) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 24th. The health services provider reported $3.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.75 by ($0.04). Universal Health Services had a net margin of 6.66% and a return on equity of 15.75%. The business had revenue of $3.96 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.90 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $2.55 EPS. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 11.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts forecast that Universal Health Services will post 15.89 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Universal Health Services declared that its Board of Directors has approved a share buyback program on Wednesday, July 24th that authorizes the company to repurchase $1.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the health services provider to reacquire up to 8% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are generally an indication that the company’s board believes its shares are undervalued.

Insider Transactions at Universal Health Services

In other news, Director Warren J. Nimetz sold 3,444 shares of Universal Health Services stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $217.64, for a total value of $749,552.16. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 3,971 shares in the company, valued at approximately $864,248.44. The trade was a 0.00 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Company insiders own 16.10% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Universal Health Services

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Financial Management Professionals Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Universal Health Services during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $32,000. Blue Trust Inc. increased its stake in Universal Health Services by 1,284.6% in the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 180 shares of the health services provider’s stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 167 shares during the period. Huntington National Bank increased its stake in Universal Health Services by 414.3% in the 3rd quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 180 shares of the health services provider’s stock worth $41,000 after buying an additional 145 shares during the period. Innealta Capital LLC purchased a new position in Universal Health Services in the 2nd quarter worth about $35,000. Finally, Headlands Technologies LLC purchased a new position in Universal Health Services in the 1st quarter worth about $36,000. 86.05% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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.