Fifth Third Bancorp Cuts Stock Position in Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE:UHS)

Fifth Third Bancorp decreased its holdings in Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE:UHS) by 20.7% in the fourth quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,917 shares of the health services provider’s stock after selling 501 shares during the period. Fifth Third Bancorp’s holdings in Universal Health Services were worth $344,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of UHS. Financial Management Professionals Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Universal Health Services in the 3rd quarter valued at about $32,000. True Wealth Design LLC purchased a new position in Universal Health Services during the 3rd quarter valued at about $39,000. Huntington National Bank increased its position in Universal Health Services by 414.3% during the 3rd quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 180 shares of the health services provider’s stock worth $41,000 after purchasing an additional 145 shares in the last quarter. Sentry Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Universal Health Services in the third quarter valued at $64,000. Finally, Mather Group LLC. increased its stake in Universal Health Services by 31.6% during the third quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 283 shares of the health services provider’s stock worth $65,000 after acquiring an additional 68 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.05% of the company’s stock.

Universal Health Services Stock Down 0.5 %

UHS stock opened at $188.29 on Friday. Universal Health Services, Inc. has a twelve month low of $152.68 and a twelve month high of $243.25. The business has a 50 day moving average of $187.78 and a 200 day moving average of $207.62. The firm has a market cap of $12.42 billion, a PE ratio of 12.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.54 and a beta of 1.30. The company has a quick ratio of 1.28, a current ratio of 1.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69.

Universal Health Services Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 17th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 3rd were paid a $0.20 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, December 3rd. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.42%. Universal Health Services’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 5.32%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts recently weighed in on UHS shares. Bank of America started coverage on Universal Health Services in a report on Wednesday, November 6th. They issued a “neutral” rating and a $223.00 price objective for the company. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered Universal Health Services from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating and cut their target price for the stock from $228.00 to $198.00 in a research report on Monday, December 16th. Cantor Fitzgerald restated a “neutral” rating and set a $219.00 price target on shares of Universal Health Services in a report on Friday, October 25th. Barclays upped their price target on Universal Health Services from $256.00 to $271.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Friday, October 25th. Finally, KeyCorp started coverage on Universal Health Services in a research report on Friday, October 11th. They issued a “sector weight” rating for the company. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $226.14.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director Maria Ruderman Singer sold 1,614 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $191.15, for a total transaction of $308,516.10. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 5,879 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,123,770.85. This trade represents a 21.54 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. 16.10% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Universal Health Services Profile

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.