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Can Universal Health Services (UHS) Run Higher on Rising Earnings Estimates?

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Universal Health Services (UHS - Free Report) could be a solid choice for investors given the company's remarkably improving earnings outlook. While the stock has been a strong performer lately, this trend might continue since analysts are still raising their earnings estimates for the company.

The rising trend in estimate revisions, which is a result of growing analyst optimism on the earnings prospects of this hospital and health facility operator, should get reflected in its stock price. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements. Our stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- has this insight at its core.

The five-grade Zacks Rank system, which ranges from a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive externally-audited track record of outperformance, with Zacks #1 Ranked stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 2008.

For Universal Health Services, there has been strong agreement among the covering analysts in raising earnings estimates, which has helped push consensus estimates considerably higher for the next quarter and full year.

Current-Quarter Estimate Revisions

The company is expected to earn $3.03 per share for the current quarter, which represents a year-over-year change of +29.49%.

Over the last 30 days, three estimates have moved higher for Universal Health Services compared to no negative revisions. As a result, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased 7.27%.

Current-Year Estimate Revisions

For the full year, the earnings estimate of $12.42 per share represents a change of +17.84% from the year-ago number.

The revisions trend for the current year also appears quite promising for Universal Health Services, with three estimates moving higher over the past month compared to one negative revision. The consensus estimate has also received a boost over this time frame, increasing 14.17%.

Favorable Zacks Rank

The promising estimate revisions have helped Universal Health Services earn a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). The Zacks Rank is a tried-and-tested rating tool that helps investors effectively harness the power of earnings estimate revisions and make the right investment decision. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Our research shows that stocks with Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and 2 (Buy) significantly outperform the S&P 500.

Bottom Line

While strong estimate revisions for Universal Health Services have attracted decent investments and pushed the stock 5.2% higher over the past four weeks, further upside may still be left in the stock. So, you may consider adding it to your portfolio right away.


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