Universal Health Services (NYSE:UHS) PT Lowered to $211.00

Universal Health Services (NYSE:UHS - Get Free Report) had its target price reduced by Royal Bank of Canada from $222.00 to $211.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Monday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a "sector perform" rating on the health services provider's stock. Royal Bank of Canada's price objective indicates a potential upside of 3.15% from the stock's current price.

Several other research analysts have also commented on the stock. Stephens restated an "equal weight" rating and issued a $200.00 price target on shares of Universal Health Services in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Cantor Fitzgerald restated a "neutral" rating and issued a $219.00 price target on shares of Universal Health Services in a research note on Friday. Robert W. Baird increased their target price on Universal Health Services from $236.00 to $274.00 and gave the stock an "outperform" rating in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of Universal Health Services from $255.00 to $275.00 and gave the stock an "overweight" rating in a report on Tuesday, October 22nd. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price target on Universal Health Services from $200.00 to $229.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have given a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Universal Health Services has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus target price of $231.00.

Universal Health Services Price Performance

UHS stock traded up $1.80 during midday trading on Monday, hitting $204.55. 895,938 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 673,571. The stock has a market cap of $13.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.57, a PEG ratio of 0.67 and a beta of 1.27. Universal Health Services has a fifty-two week low of $121.55 and a fifty-two week high of $243.25. The stock's 50-day moving average price is $229.55 and its 200-day moving average price is $201.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 1.28 and a current ratio of 1.39.

Universal Health Services (NYSE:UHS - Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 24th. The health services provider reported $3.71 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of $3.75 by ($0.04). The company had revenue of $3.96 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.90 billion. Universal Health Services had a net margin of 6.66% and a return on equity of 15.75%. The firm's revenue was up 11.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $2.55 EPS. Research analysts predict that Universal Health Services will post 15.9 earnings per share for the current year.

Universal Health Services declared that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock repurchase program on Wednesday, July 24th that permits the company to repurchase $1.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization permits the health services provider to repurchase up to 8% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are often an indication that the company's board of directors believes its stock is undervalued.

Insider Transactions at Universal Health Services

In related news, Director Warren J. Nimetz sold 3,444 shares of the 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 transaction, the director now owns 3,971 shares in the company, valued at approximately $864,248.44. This represents a 0.00 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In related news, Director Nina Chen-Langenmayr sold 850 shares of the business's stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $212.11, for a total value of $180,293.50. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 1,985 shares in the company, valued at approximately $421,038.35. The trade was a 0.00 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, Director Warren J. Nimetz sold 3,444 shares of the company's 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 sale, the director now directly owns 3,971 shares of the company's stock, valued at $864,248.44. The trade was a 0.00 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 16.10% of the company's stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its stake in Universal Health Services by 26.6% during the fourth quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 13,109 shares of the health services provider's stock valued at $1,998,000 after acquiring an additional 2,756 shares during the period. Denali Advisors LLC bought a new position in Universal Health Services during the first quarter worth about $37,000. Uncommon Cents Investing LLC boosted its holdings in Universal Health Services by 7.8% during the first quarter. Uncommon Cents Investing LLC now owns 3,720 shares of the health services provider's stock valued at $679,000 after purchasing an additional 270 shares in the last quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC lifted its position in shares of Universal Health Services by 5.2% during the 1st quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 3,120 shares of the health services provider's stock worth $569,000 after buying an additional 153 shares during the period. Finally, Fortis Group Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Universal Health Services in the 1st quarter valued at $275,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.05% 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.