A number of stock research firms have changed their ratings and price targets for Universal Health Services (NYSE: UHS) during the last seven days:
- Universal Health Services had its “outperform” rating reaffirmed by analysts at Credit Suisse. They now have a $64.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $51.00. They wrote, “UHS reported 4Q12 EPS of $1.00 (excl. $0.06 from HCIT), above consensus of $0.93, and provided initial 2013 EPS guidance of $4.35 to $4.50 with the top end of the range being in-line with consensus. While the quarter showed strong results, with continued execution on the behavioral side and promising improvement in the acute business, the focus will likely be on disclosure of an OIG subpoena received in February regarding several UHS-owned psych facilities. It is generally difficult to handicap these types of investigations, and we will look for further commentary during the call today. That said, we remain encouraged around the operational improvement in the quarter and potential benefits from reform in 2014. Maintain Outperform and raise TP to $64 (from $51). We adjusted our estimates to reflect 4Q12 results.”
- Universal Health Services had its price target raised by analysts at Mizuho from $60.00 to $64.00. They now have a “buy” rating on the stock.
- Universal Health Services was downgraded by analysts at WallachBeth from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating. They now have a $61.00 price target on the stock.
- Universal Health Services had its “outperform” rating reaffirmed by analysts at Robert W. Baird. They now have a $67.00 price target on the stock.
- Universal Health Services had its “market perform” rating reaffirmed by analysts at BMO Capital Markets. They now have a $59.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $57.00. They wrote, “Universal Health Services posted a $0.07 beat this quarter, as persistent strength in its behavioral business and moderate growth in its acute segment outpaced our consolidated expectations. Volumes posted moderate growth within the acute segment, which we believe were aided by flu. Meanwhile, volumes within the behavioral business were steady and in line with prior quarters. The company issued guidance for 2013 which included consensus. UHS is assuming the acute environment will stabilize during the year. We continue to favor the high level of behavioral exposure at Universal Health Services as well as company shares relative to the group; however, valuation keeps us at Market Perform. We await better clarity on the 2014 operating environment before lifting our target multiple beyond 7x, providing limited near-term upside.”
Shares of Universal Health Services opened at 57.34 on Wednesday. Universal Health Services has a 52 week low of $36.90 and a 52 week high of $58.79. The stock’s 50-day moving average is currently $56.69. The company has a market cap of $5.588 billion and a P/E ratio of 12.66.
Universal Health Services, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is owning and operating acute care hospitals, behavioral health centers, surgical hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and radiation oncology centers.
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