Zacks Research Issues Positive Forecast for UHS Earnings

Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE:UHS) – Zacks Research boosted their Q3 2025 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for Universal Health Services in a report issued on Wednesday, March 12th. Zacks Research analyst R. Department now forecasts that the health services provider will post earnings of $4.40 per share for the quarter, up from their prior estimate of $4.12. The consensus estimate for Universal Health Services’ current full-year earnings is $15.92 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Universal Health Services’ Q1 2026 earnings at $4.67 EPS, Q2 2026 earnings at $4.93 EPS, Q3 2026 earnings at $5.05 EPS and FY2027 earnings at $21.12 EPS.

Universal Health Services (NYSE:UHS) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 26th. The health services provider reported $4.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $4.21 by $0.71. The company had revenue of $4.11 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $4.01 billion. Universal Health Services had a net margin of 6.66% and a return on equity of 15.75%.

A number of other research firms also recently weighed in on UHS. The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded Universal Health Services from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $228.00 to $198.00 in a research report on Monday, December 16th. Cantor Fitzgerald raised Universal Health Services from a “neutral” rating to an “overweight” rating in a research report on Monday, February 3rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed a “neutral” rating and set a $226.00 price target on shares of Universal Health Services in a research report on Tuesday, December 17th. Stephens increased their price target on Universal Health Services from $210.00 to $223.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research report on Friday, February 28th. Finally, Barclays dropped their price objective on Universal Health Services from $271.00 to $249.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, February 27th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Universal Health Services has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $230.75.

Universal Health Services Stock Up 2.3 %

NYSE UHS opened at $167.83 on Friday. Universal Health Services has a one year low of $152.68 and a one year high of $243.25. The firm has a market cap of $11.07 billion, a PE ratio of 11.16, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 1.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69, a current ratio of 1.39 and a quick ratio of 1.28. The stock’s 50 day simple moving average is $182.83 and its 200 day simple moving average is $201.19.

Universal Health Services Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 17th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 3rd will be issued a dividend of $0.20 per share. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.48%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 3rd. Universal Health Services’s payout ratio is 4.75%.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director Maria Ruderman Singer sold 1,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $179.16, for a total value of $179,160.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 7,916 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,418,230.56. This trade represents a 11.22 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 16.10% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Universal Health Services

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. R Squared Ltd bought a new position in shares of Universal Health Services during the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. True Wealth Design LLC purchased a new position in Universal Health Services in the third quarter worth $39,000. Quent Capital LLC grew its stake in Universal Health Services by 118.3% in the 4th quarter. Quent Capital LLC now owns 179 shares of the health services provider’s stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 97 shares during the period. Huntington National Bank increased its position in shares of Universal Health Services by 414.3% during the 3rd quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 180 shares of the health services provider’s stock valued at $41,000 after purchasing an additional 145 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Campbell Capital Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Universal Health Services during the 4th quarter valued at $46,000. 86.05% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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.