Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE:UTI) Short Interest Update

Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE:UTI - Get Free Report) saw a significant decline in short interest during the month of March. As of March 31st, there was short interest totalling 1,710,000 shares, a decline of 16.6% from the March 15th total of 2,050,000 shares. Approximately 3.7% of the company's shares are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 757,300 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 2.3 days.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

UTI has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Northland Securities upped their target price on shares of Universal Technical Institute from $30.00 to $34.00 and gave the company an "outperform" rating in a research note on Thursday, February 6th. Barrington Research reaffirmed an "outperform" rating and set a $35.00 price objective on shares of Universal Technical Institute in a research note on Thursday, April 17th. Rosenblatt Securities lifted their target price on Universal Technical Institute from $30.00 to $36.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a report on Thursday, February 6th. B. Riley assumed coverage on Universal Technical Institute in a report on Friday, March 28th. They issued a "buy" rating and a $31.00 price target for the company. Finally, Lake Street Capital lifted their price objective on Universal Technical Institute from $22.00 to $31.00 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a report on Thursday, February 6th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of "Buy" and an average target price of $32.17.

Universal Technical Institute Stock Up 0.4 %

Shares of UTI traded up $0.10 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $27.94. The stock had a trading volume of 489,604 shares, compared to its average volume of 564,057. The firm has a market cap of $1.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.92 and a beta of 1.48. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $26.97 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $24.69. Universal Technical Institute has a twelve month low of $13.66 and a twelve month high of $30.56. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 1.14.

Universal Technical Institute (NYSE:UTI - Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, February 5th. The company reported $0.40 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating 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, analysts anticipate that Universal Technical Institute will post 1 EPS for the current year.

Insider Transactions at Universal Technical Institute

In other news, Director George W. Brochick sold 8,000 shares of the firm's 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 transaction, the director now directly owns 34,917 shares in the company, valued at $963,360.03. This trade represents a 18.64 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, EVP Sherrell Smith sold 10,000 shares of the business's stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.95, for a total value of $269,500.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 157,663 shares of the company's stock, valued at $4,249,017.85. The trade was a 5.96 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 94,524 shares of company stock worth $2,578,450 over the last 90 days. 15.10% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Morse Asset Management Inc acquired a new position in shares of Universal Technical Institute during the 3rd quarter worth about $152,000. State Street Corp grew its stake in Universal Technical Institute by 3.6% in the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 856,091 shares of the company's stock valued at $13,920,000 after purchasing an additional 29,461 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Universal Technical Institute by 9.8% during the 3rd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 952,799 shares of the company's stock worth $15,496,000 after purchasing an additional 85,417 shares during the last quarter. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Universal Technical Institute during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $794,000. Finally, Lord Abbett & CO. LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Universal Technical Institute in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $10,217,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.67% of the company's stock.

Universal Technical Institute Company Profile

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.