United States Cellular (NYSE:USM) Reaches New 52-Week High - Should You Buy?

United States Cellular Co. (NYSE:USM - Get Free Report)'s stock price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $70.49 and last traded at $68.82, with a volume of 289419 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $69.95.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have weighed in on USM. StockNews.com upgraded United States Cellular from a "sell" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Friday, February 21st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on shares of United States Cellular from $86.00 to $88.00 and gave the company an "overweight" rating in a report on Monday, February 24th.

United States Cellular Trading Down 7.5 %

The company has a current ratio of 1.57, a quick ratio of 1.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63. The company has a market cap of $5.40 billion, a PE ratio of -176.54 and a beta of 0.46. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $65.80 and a 200 day moving average price of $62.54.

United States Cellular (NYSE:USM - Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, February 21st. The Wireless communications provider reported $0.05 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts' consensus estimates of ($0.10) by $0.15. The firm had revenue of $970.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $964.70 million. United States Cellular had a negative net margin of 0.79% and a positive return on equity of 1.55%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.23 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that United States Cellular Co. will post 0.57 EPS for the current fiscal year.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On United States Cellular

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in USM. Central Pacific Bank Trust Division grew its stake in shares of United States Cellular by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. Central Pacific Bank Trust Division now owns 21,900 shares of the Wireless communications provider's stock worth $1,514,000 after buying an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. Tiptree Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of United States Cellular in the fourth quarter worth $4,704,000. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC increased its holdings in shares of United States Cellular by 16.5% during the fourth quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC now owns 41,969 shares of the Wireless communications provider's stock valued at $2,632,000 after acquiring an additional 5,940 shares in the last quarter. Voloridge Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of United States Cellular in the 4th quarter worth about $965,000. Finally, Two Sigma Advisers LP boosted its stake in United States Cellular by 16.7% in the 4th quarter. Two Sigma Advisers LP now owns 6,300 shares of the Wireless communications provider's stock worth $395,000 after purchasing an additional 900 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 18.03% of the company's stock.

About United States Cellular

United States Cellular Corporation provides wireless telecommunications services in the United States. The company offers wireless services, including voice, messaging, and data services. It also provides wireless devices, such as handsets, tablets, mobile hotspots, home phones, and routers, as well as wireless essentials, including cases, screen protectors, chargers, and memory cards; and consumer electronics comprising audio, home automation, and networking products.