Universal Health Services (NYSE:UHS) Trading Down 8.5% - Here's Why

Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE:UHS - Get Free Report) shares were down 8.5% during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $170.52 and last traded at $173.31. Approximately 297,856 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 60% from the average daily volume of 752,638 shares. The stock had previously closed at $189.39.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Guggenheim initiated coverage on shares of Universal Health Services in a report on Wednesday, April 9th. They issued a "buy" rating and a $208.00 price target on the stock. Stephens raised Universal Health Services to a "hold" rating in a report on Monday, June 2nd. Robert W. Baird reissued a "neutral" rating and set a $224.00 price objective (down previously from $274.00) on shares of Universal Health Services in a report on Tuesday, April 15th. Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on shares of Universal Health Services in a research report on Wednesday, March 26th. They issued an "equal weight" rating and a $200.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Universal Health Services from $249.00 to $257.00 and gave the company an "overweight" rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 29th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of "Hold" and a consensus target price of $224.77.

Universal Health Services Stock Performance

The company has a fifty day moving average price of $182.08 and a 200 day moving average price of $183.79. The company has a quick ratio of 1.28, a current ratio of 1.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69. The stock has a market cap of $11.66 billion, a PE ratio of 11.93, a P/E/G ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 1.31.

Universal Health Services (NYSE:UHS - Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, April 28th. The health services provider reported $4.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.36 by $0.48. Universal Health Services had a net margin of 6.66% and a return on equity of 15.75%. The firm had revenue of $4.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $4.16 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $3.70 earnings per share. The business's revenue was up 6.7% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that Universal Health Services, Inc. will post 15.92 earnings per share for the current year.

Universal Health Services Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, June 16th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.20 per share. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.45%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, June 2nd. Universal Health Services's payout ratio is currently 4.49%.

Insider Transactions at Universal Health Services

In related news, Director Maria Ruderman Singer sold 1,097 shares of the business's stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, May 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $191.48, for a total transaction of $210,053.56. Following the sale, the director now owns 7,884 shares of the company's stock, valued at $1,509,628.32. The trade was a 12.21% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Corporate insiders own 16.40% of the company's stock.

Institutional Trading of Universal Health Services

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of UHS. Acadian Asset Management LLC raised its position in shares of Universal Health Services by 96.6% during the first quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 38,087 shares of the health services provider's stock valued at $7,151,000 after buying an additional 18,715 shares during the last quarter. Focus Partners Wealth raised its position in Universal Health Services by 80.6% in the 1st quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 2,631 shares of the health services provider's stock worth $494,000 after purchasing an additional 1,174 shares during the period. Bayforest Capital Ltd grew its stake in shares of Universal Health Services by 2,768.0% during the first quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd now owns 4,302 shares of the health services provider's stock valued at $808,000 after buying an additional 4,152 shares during the last quarter. MBB Public Markets I LLC bought a new stake in shares of Universal Health Services during the first quarter worth $334,000. Finally, United Services Automobile Association bought a new stake in Universal Health Services during the 1st quarter valued at about $235,000. 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.

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