Universal Technical Institute (NYSE:UTI) Raised to Strong-Buy at B. Riley

Universal Technical Institute (NYSE:UTI - Get Free Report) was upgraded by analysts at B. Riley to a "strong-buy" rating in a report released on Thursday,Zacks.com reports.

Several other brokerages have also recently weighed in on UTI. Barrington Research boosted their price target on shares of Universal Technical Institute from $30.00 to $35.00 and gave the stock an "outperform" rating in a research report on Thursday, February 6th. Northland Securities lifted their price objective on shares of Universal Technical Institute from $30.00 to $34.00 and gave the stock an "outperform" rating in a research note on Thursday, February 6th. Lake Street Capital upped their target price on shares of Universal Technical Institute from $22.00 to $31.00 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a research report on Thursday, February 6th. Finally, Rosenblatt Securities increased their price target on shares of Universal Technical Institute from $30.00 to $36.00 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a report on Thursday, February 6th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company's stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of "Buy" and a consensus target price of $32.17.

Universal Technical Institute Price Performance

UTI stock traded up $0.62 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $26.59. The company had a trading volume of 412,921 shares, compared to its average volume of 721,559. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $27.27 and a 200 day moving average price of $23.35. Universal Technical Institute has a 12-month low of $13.66 and a 12-month high of $30.56. The company has a market capitalization of $1.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.41, a P/E/G ratio of 1.92 and a beta of 1.49. The company has a quick ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42.

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Universal Technical Institute (NYSE:UTI - Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 5th. The company reported $0.40 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts' consensus estimates of $0.18 by $0.22. Universal Technical Institute had a return on equity of 21.25% and a net margin of 7.08%. On average, research analysts anticipate that Universal Technical Institute will post 1 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, EVP Sherrell Smith sold 10,000 shares of the business's stock in a transaction on Friday, March 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.95, for a total transaction of $269,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 157,663 shares in the company, valued at $4,249,017.85. The trade was a 5.96 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director George W. Brochick sold 8,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.59, for a total value of $220,720.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 34,917 shares in the company, valued at approximately $963,360.03. The trade was a 18.64 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 94,219 shares of company stock valued at $2,569,895. Company insiders own 15.10% of the company's stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Universal Technical Institute

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Arcadia Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Universal Technical Institute during the fourth quarter worth approximately $713,000. Pullen Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in Universal Technical Institute by 46.4% during the 4th quarter. Pullen Investment Management LLC now owns 95,410 shares of the company's stock worth $2,453,000 after purchasing an additional 30,250 shares during the period. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC increased its holdings in Universal Technical Institute by 31.4% during the 4th quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC now owns 74,272 shares of the company's stock worth $1,910,000 after purchasing an additional 17,768 shares during the period. Two Sigma Investments LP raised its holdings in shares of Universal Technical Institute by 27.2% in the fourth quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 87,074 shares of the company's stock valued at $2,239,000 after acquiring an additional 18,625 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Tidal Investments LLC bought a new stake in shares of Universal Technical Institute in the 4th quarter valued at about $210,000. Institutional investors own 75.67% of the company's stock.

About Universal Technical Institute

Universal Technical Institute, Inc provides transportation, skilled trades, and healthcare education programs in the United States. The company operates in two segments, UTI and Concorde. It offers certificate, diploma, or degree programs under various brands, such as Universal Technical Institute, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, Marine Mechanics Institute, NASCAR Technical Institute, and MIAT College of Technology.