Royal Bank Of Canada Forecasts Strong Price Appreciation for Universal Health Services (NYSE:UHS) Stock

Universal Health Services (NYSE:UHS) had its price objective upped by stock analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada from $206.00 to $231.00 in a research report issued on Thursday, Marketbeat.com reports. The firm currently has a “sector performer” rating on the health services provider’s stock. Royal Bank Of Canada’s price objective would suggest a potential upside of 6.36% from the stock’s previous close.

Several other brokerages have also weighed in on UHS. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on shares of Universal Health Services in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. They issued a “neutral” rating and a $219.00 price objective on the stock. Weiss Ratings restated a “hold (c+)” rating on shares of Universal Health Services in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on Universal Health Services from $210.00 to $249.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. UBS Group set a $231.00 price target on Universal Health Services in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Barclays raised their price target on Universal Health Services from $250.00 to $263.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Tuesday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $230.57.

Universal Health Services Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:UHS opened at $217.19 on Thursday. The stock 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 has a 1-year low of $152.33 and a 1-year high of $227.22. 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 has a 50-day moving average price of $197.89 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $184.83.

Universal Health Services (NYSE:UHS) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 27th. The health services provider reported $5.69 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.66 by $1.03. The firm had revenue of $4.50 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $4.32 billion. Universal Health Services had a return on equity of 19.47% and a net margin of 8.09%.The company’s quarterly revenue was up 13.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $3.71 EPS. Universal Health Services has set its FY 2025 guidance at 21.500-22.100 EPS. Equities analysts predict that Universal Health Services will post 15.92 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Universal Health Services

In other news, Director Elliot J. Md Mba Sussman sold 965 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on 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 owned 6,113 shares in the company, valued at $1,379,704.10. This represents a 13.63% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 16.40% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Universal Health Services

A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in UHS. Root Financial Partners LLC bought a new position in Universal Health Services during the 3rd quarter worth about $28,000. CYBER HORNET ETFs LLC acquired a new stake in Universal Health Services in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT acquired a new stake in Universal Health Services in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $30,000. MUFG Securities EMEA plc acquired a new stake in Universal Health Services in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Finally, First Horizon Advisors Inc. raised its position in Universal Health Services by 347.6% in the 2nd quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 188 shares of the health services provider’s stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 146 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 86.05% of the company’s stock.

About Universal Health Services

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.