Universal Health Servs (NYSE:UHS) Stock

Universal Health Servs

Universal Health Services Inc owns and operates acute care hospitals, behavior health centers, surgical hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and radiation oncology centers. The firm operates in two key segments: Acute Care Hospital Services and Behavioral Health Services. The Acute Care Hospital Services segment includes the firm's acute care hospitals, surgical hospitals, and surgery and oncology centers.

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On Tuesday January 28, 2025, a federal health payment system lockout, blamed on an &#34;outage,&#34; sparked criticism amid Trump&#39;s spending freeze, though payments were reportedly unaffected, according to the white house.

Trump White House Blames &#39;Outage&#39; For Medicaid Website Lockout: &#39;We Have Confirmed No Payments Have Been Affected&#39;

What Trump Said?

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Regulations

Legal

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A federal judge in the District of Columbia on Tuesday afternoon temporarily blocked an executive order given by President Donald Trump that imposed a freeze of all federal grants and loans, putting $3 trillion in funding in jeopardy and entire industries on edge. 

Judge Blocks Trump&#39;s Order To Freeze Federal Grant Money

Why It Matters

Equities

Large Cap

Sector ETFs

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PowerShares Exchange Traded Fund Trust WilderHill Clean Energy Portfolio

SEDG

White House freezes $3 trillion in federal funding, sparking legal and political showdown. Industries like education, healthcare, and clean energy at risk.

Trump&#39;s Federal Spending Freeze Puts $3 Trillion In Limbo, Threatens Industries Like Clean Energy, Defense, Health Care

Universal Health Services, Inc. Common Stock

Universal Health Services Inc

A nationwide lockout of federal health payment systems, reportedly due to an &#8220;outage&#8221;, has led to widespread criticism of the White House. The lockout affected several organizations and agencies, including state Medicaid programs, federally funded Head Start early education programs, and community health centers.
What Happened: The White House attributed the lockout to an &#8220;outage.&#8221; White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on X that the administration is &#8220;aware&#8221; of the Medicaid website not functioning.
&#8220;We have confirmed no payments have been affected — they are still being processed and sent,&#8221; said Leavitt.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The White House is aware of the Medicaid website portal outage. We have confirmed no payments have been affected — they are still being processed and sent. We expect the portal will be back online shortly.
&mdash; Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/1884329868030271759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
The lockout prevented multiple state Medicaid programs from accessing their payment systems. However, operations resumed later the same day, according to a CBS News <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/medicaid-head-start-health-centers-trump-funding-freeze/">report</a>. The incident coincided with President Donald Trump&#8217;s controversial decision to freeze spending across the federal government, leading to heightened criticism from state governments, nonprofits, and lawmakers.
The entities affected were unable to access the Payment Management Services web portal, run by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which processes billions of dollars in payments annually. 
The lockout and the ongoing communication &#8220;pause&#8221; imposed by the Trump administration at HHS led to a flurry of requests for comment from various stakeholders, including the National Association of Medicaid Directors and several lawmakers.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/43293219/teslas-30k-ev-risks-being-a-nothing-burger-says-gary-black-warns-of-cannibalization-without-a-new-compact-design">Tesla&#8217;s $30K EV Risks Being A &#8216;Nothing Burger,&#8217; Says Gary Black—Warns Of Cannibalization Without A New Compact Design</a>
Why It Matters: The lockout occurred amidst the administration&#8217;s decision to freeze spending across the federal government, a move that has been challenged legally. A federal judge issued a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/43292056/judge-blocks-trumps-order-to-freeze-federal-grant-money">temporary stay on the funding freeze</a>, halting the move until further arguments can be heard.
The freeze put<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43290381/trumps-federal-spending-freeze-puts-3-trillion-in-limbo-threatens-industries-like-clean-energy-defense-healthcare"> $3 trillion in funding under scrutiny</a>. This directive required all federal agencies to halt disbursements while programs were reviewed for alignment with Trump&#8217;s policy priorities.
The move is expected to hit sectors such as healthcare, education, clean energy and others. Stocks of clean energy companies like Sunnova Energy International Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOVA#NYSE">NOVA</a>). and Sunrun Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RUN#NASDAQ">RUN</a>) suffered a downturn. Shares of healthcare-sector firms like Universal Health Services Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>) and Tenet Healthcare Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/THC#NYSE">THC</a>) also were in the red on Tuesday.
Photo Courtesy: Shutterstock.com
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This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/shivdeep-dhaliwal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shivdeep Dhaliwal</a>

Trump White House Blames 'Outage' For Medicaid Website Lockout: 'We Have Confirmed No Payments Have Been Affected'

A federal judge in the District of Columbia on Tuesday afternoon temporarily blocked an executive order given by President Donald Trump that imposed a freeze of all federal grants and loans, putting $3 trillion in funding in jeopardy and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43290381/trumps-federal-spending-freeze-puts-3-trillion-in-limbo-threatens-industries-like-clean-energy-defense-healthcare">entire industries on edge.&nbsp;</a>
The Details: According to a New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/28/us/politics/trump-funding-freeze-blocked.html">report</a>, Judge Loren AliKhan blocked the order late Tuesday afternoon in response to a lawsuit filed by Democracy Forward. The lawsuit argued the directive violated the First Amendment and the Administrative Procedures Act governing the issuance of executive orders. 
Judge AliKhan said she will issue a more permanent decision on Feb. 3 
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/25/01/43106379/trump-reverses-bidens-ai-policies-on-day-1-what-it-means-for-tech-giants-nvidia-amd-alphabet">Trump Reverses Biden&#8217;s AI Policies On Day 1: What It Means For Tech Giants Nvidia, AMD, Alphabet&nbsp;</a>
Skye Perryman, Democracy Forward's president and chief executive, commented on the judge's decision in a statement.&nbsp;
"We are grateful for this administrative stay to allow our clients time to sort through the chaos created by the Trump administration's hasty and ill-advised actions," Perryman said, per the New York Times. 
Trump's directive, issued Monday by the Office of Management and Budget, required federal agencies to halt disbursements while programs were reviewed for alignment with Trump administration policies and was slated to go into effect on Tuesday at 5 p.m. ET.&nbsp;
But, early Tuesday, state Medicaid programs reported the federal reimbursement portals had been locked. State officials said funding for community health centers, food for families, housing assistance, preschools and disaster relief was in limbo.
According to the New York Times, the White House and OMB said on Tuesday afternoon the funding freeze did "not apply across-the-board" and affected programs on D.E.I. efforts and funding for organizations "that undermine the national interest."
Stocks To Watch: It remains unclear exactly which industries could be affected by Trump's order or if the judge will elect to block it permanently on Feb 3.&nbsp;
However, Medicaid funding had reportedly been stopped at least temporarily. HCA Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HCA#NYSE">HCA</a>) and Universal Health Services Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>) stocks fell on Tuesday. 
Large defense contractors like RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) and Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) also face a growing degree of uncertainty regarding government funding and contracts.
Green industries including solar energy could also be on the chopping block for federal funding due to Trump administration policies. Sunnova Energy International Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOVA#NYSE">NOVA</a>) dropped 12% Tuesday and Sunrun, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RUN#NASDAQ">RUN</a>) fell 9.2% amid the uncertainty on future policy changes. 
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</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Judge Blocks Trump's Order To Freeze Federal Grant Money

The White House has ordered a temporary freeze on all federal grants and loans, putting $3 trillion in funding under scrutiny and setting the stage for a legal and political showdown over the congressional power of the purse that could heavily impact a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets">wide range of industries.</a>
The directive, issued Monday by the Office of Management and Budget and received by several media outlets, requires all federal agencies to halt disbursements while programs are reviewed for alignment with President Donald Trump's policy priorities.
This includes halting new awards, existing payment and funding for projects until reviewed.
The exact financial impact of the order remains uncertain. Budget experts cited <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/01/28/trump-spending-freeze-upends-washington-triggering-legal-threats-delays/">by the Washington Post </a>estimate at least tens of billions of dollars are at stake, though the White House directive suggests the total could be significantly higher.
Of the almost $10 trillion spent by the federal government in fiscal 2024, more than $3 trillion was federal financial assistance, Matthew Vaeth, acting director at the OMB, said in the memorandum.
&#8220;Financial assistance should be dedicated to advancing Administration priorities,&#8221; Vaeth said, adding that &#8220;the use of Federal resources to advance Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies is a waste of taxpayer dollars that does not improve the day-to-day lives of those we serve.&#8221;
The White House said that Social Security and Medicare remain untouched. The sweeping pause threatens funding for universities, nonprofits, contractors and private companies that depend on federal assistance.
&#8220;Nothing in this memo should be construed to impact Medicare or Social Security benefits,&#8221; the memo said. 
The immediate focus will be on how agencies handle exemptions. The OMB memo allows federal departments to request case-by-case approvals, which means some funding may still flow, but the process is likely to be slow and politically charged.
Federal agencies have until Feb. 10, 2025, to provide OMB with detailed reports outlining which programs, projects, and activities are affected by the funding pause.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Legal, Political Showdown Over Federal Funds </h3>
The move is triggering legal challenges from nonprofits and Democratic-led states.
Within hours of the announcement, lawsuits were filed in federal courts in New York, Illinois and Oregon, arguing that Trump does not have the authority to withhold congressionally approved spending.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was among the first to push back, saying Congress-approved investments are legally mandated and asserting the president lacks the authority to override the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which restricts unilateral executive control over federal funds.
Trump has long argued that the 1974 law is unconstitutional, stating that past presidents had far more discretion over spending before its passage.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Which Industries Could Face Trouble?</h3>
Some of the hardest-hit sectors could include clean energy, defense, health care and education, where federal dollars have played a crucial role in driving investment and growth in recent years.
Trump's OMB memo explicitly targeted climate initiatives and green energy programs. Shares of solar and renewable energy companies were among the hardest hit following the federal funding freeze.
The Invesco Solar ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TAN#NYSE">TAN</a>) and the Invesco Wilderhill Clean Energy ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PBW#NYSE">PBW</a>) fell by 2% and 1.3%, respectively, on Tuesday. 
Sunnova Energy International Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOVA#NYSE">NOVA</a>) dropped 12%, Sunrun Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RUN#NASDAQ">RUN</a>) fell 9.2% and SolarEdge Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SEDG#NASDAQ">SEDG</a>) declined 5%. 
Defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>), RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) and Northrop Grumman (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>) may also see rising uncertainty. While military spending is unlikely to be cut outright, several defense contractors rely on federal grants for research and development. 
The impact on health care remains unclear. While Medicare is shielded, Medicaid funding — which supports hospitals, managed care providers and pharmaceutical companies — could be at risk.
HCA Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HCA#NYSE">HCA</a>) and Universal Health Services Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>) fell by 1% and 1.4%, respectively, while Tenet Healthcare Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/THC#NYSE">THC</a>) showed resilience Tuesday. 
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Photo via Shutterstock.

Trump's Federal Spending Freeze Puts $3 Trillion In Limbo, Threatens Industries Like Clean Energy, Defense, Health Care

JP Morgan analyst Benjamin Rossi assumes Universal Health Servs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>) with a Neutral rating and announces Price Target of $226.

Price Target

Initiation

Analyst Ratings

JP Morgan Assumes Universal Health Servs at Neutral, Announces Price Target of $226

Universal Health Servs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 20 years by 2.63% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 11.02%. Currently, Universal Health Servs has a market capitalization of $12.30 billion. 
Buying $1000 In UHS: If an investor had bought $1000 of UHS stock 20 years ago, it would be worth $8,258.43 today based on a price of $186.44 for UHS at the time of writing.
<h3>Universal Health Servs's Performance Over Last 20 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734107408_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Trading Ideas

$1000 Invested In Universal Health Servs 20 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today

TD Cowen analyst Ryan Langston maintains Universal Health Servs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $275 to $251.

TD Cowen Maintains Buy on Universal Health Servs, Lowers Price Target to $251

Universal Health Servs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 20 years by 3.09% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 11.47%. Currently, Universal Health Servs has a market capitalization of $13.12 billion. 
Buying $1000 In UHS: If an investor had bought $1000 of UHS stock 20 years ago, it would be worth $8,729.59 today based on a price of $198.86 for UHS at the time of writing.
<h3>Universal Health Servs's Performance Over Last 20 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1732566672_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

$1000 Invested In This Stock 20 Years Ago Would Be Worth $8,700 Today

12 analysts have expressed a variety of opinions on Universal Health Servs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>) over the past quarter, offering a diverse set of opinions from bullish to bearish.
The following table summarizes their recent ratings, shedding light on the changing sentiments within the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The 12-month price targets, analyzed by analysts, offer insights with an average target of $248.58, a high estimate of $285.00, and a low estimate of $211.00. This upward trend is evident, with the current average reflecting a 3.65% increase from the previous average price target of $239.83.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1732554065_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Analyzing Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Breakdown</h2>
A comprehensive examination of how financial experts perceive Universal Health Servs is derived from recent analyst actions. The following is a detailed summary of key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Stephen Baxter</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$230.00</td>
<td>$285.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stephen Baxter</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$285.00</td>
<td>$275.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ryan Langston</td>
<td>TD Cowen</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$275.00</td>
<td>$283.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Frank Morgan</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$211.00</td>
<td>$222.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Mok</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$271.00</td>
<td>$256.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sarah James</td>
<td>Cantor Fitzgerald</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$219.00</td>
<td>$219.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stephen Baxter</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$275.00</td>
<td>$255.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ryan Langston</td>
<td>TD Cowen</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$283.00</td>
<td>$220.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sarah James</td>
<td>Cantor Fitzgerald</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$219.00</td>
<td>$219.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sarah James</td>
<td>Cantor Fitzgerald</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$219.00</td>
<td>$219.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ben Hendrix</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$222.00</td>
<td>$189.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Ha</td>
<td>Baird</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$274.00</td>
<td>$236.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts adapt their recommendations to changing market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their response to recent developments related to Universal Health Servs. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Gaining insights, analysts provide qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of Universal Health Servs compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Delving into movements, analysts provide estimates for the future value of Universal Health Servs's stock. This analysis reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Assessing these analyst evaluations alongside crucial financial indicators can provide a comprehensive overview of Universal Health Servs's market position. Stay informed and make well-judged decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/UHS/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Universal Health Servs analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>All You Need to Know About Universal Health Servs</h2>
Universal Health Services Inc owns and operates acute care hospitals, behavior health centers, surgical hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and radiation oncology centers. The firm operates in two key segments: Acute Care Hospital Services and Behavioral Health Services. The Acute Care Hospital Services segment includes the firm's acute care hospitals, surgical hospitals, and surgery and oncology centers.
<h3>Universal Health Servs's Financial Performance</h3>
Market Capitalization: Boasting an elevated market capitalization, the company surpasses industry averages. This signals substantial size and strong market recognition.
Revenue Growth: Universal Health Servs displayed positive results in 3 months. As of 30 September, 2024, the company achieved a solid revenue growth rate of approximately 11.23%. This indicates a notable increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company surpassed expectations with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Health Care sector.
Net Margin: Universal Health Servs's net margin is impressive, surpassing industry averages. With a net margin of 6.53%, the company demonstrates strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Universal Health Servs's ROE surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 3.95% ROE, the company effectively utilizes shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Universal Health Servs's ROA surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 1.82% ROA, the company effectively utilizes its assets for optimal returns.
Debt Management: Universal Health Servs's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average. With a ratio of 0.77, the company relies less on debt financing, maintaining a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: What Are They?</h2>
Analysts work in banking and financial systems and typically specialize in reporting for stocks or defined sectors. Analysts may attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter.
Analysts may enhance their evaluations by incorporating forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, delivering additional guidance to investors. It is vital to acknowledge that, although experts in stocks and sectors, analysts are human and express their opinions when providing insights.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Decoding 12 Analyst Evaluations For Universal Health Servs

Wells Fargo analyst Stephen Baxter maintains Universal Health Servs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $285 to $230.

Wells Fargo Maintains Overweight on Universal Health Servs, Lowers Price Target to $230

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">New On The Block</h3>
<ul>
<li>Starbucks (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SBUX#NASDAQ">SBUX</a>) is looking to sell a stake in its Chinese operations. Same-store sales in China fell 14% last quarter, with the Seattle-based coffee retailer seeking partnerships to adapt to tough <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/asset-sales/24/11/42117962/starbucks-eyes-stake-sale-in-china-amid-fierce-competition-and-falling-sales">economic and competitive pressures</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bankruptcy Block</h3>
<ul>
<li>Snack producer Hearthside Food Solutions went bankrupt. The private equity-owned company looks to offload the $1.9 billion in debt accumulated under the ownership of Partners Group Holding AG and Charlesbank Capital Partners. The two firms bought Hearthside for more than $2.4 billion. Assets and liabilities hover between $1 billion and $10 billion. Last year, bankrupt private equity portfolio companies in the U.S. <a href="https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/private-equity-portfolio-companies-on-track-for-most-bankruptcies-since-2020-74886821">outpaced</a> the number of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/20/10/17861269/bankruptcy-update-ruby-tuesday-files-chapter-11-while-progress-slows-for-jcpenney">bankruptcies in 2020</a>. It remains to be seen whether 2024 will be worse.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Northvolt <a href="https://northvolt.com/articles/peter-carlsson-steps-aside/">filed</a> for bankruptcy with debt of $5.8 billion. Recall how the Swedish battery maker, which supplies Volkswagen AG&nbsp;(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VWAGY#OTC">VWAGY</a>) and&nbsp;Bayerische Motoren Werke AG&nbsp;(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMWYY#OTC">BMWYY</a>), bargained with banks to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/03/31506581/volkswagen-bmw-battery-supplier-northvolt-eyes-raising-5b-via-debt">raise debt last year</a>. Now, it&#8217;s hoping to restructure under U.S. Chapter 11.</li>
</ul>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/11/42024210/benzinga-bulls-and-bears-tesla-disney-gold-and-hedge-funds-project-bitcoin-to-hit-100k-150k">Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Tesla, Disney, Gold — And Hedge Funds Project Bitcoin To Hit $100K-$150K</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Updates From The Block</h3>
<ul>
<li>Google&#8216;s $2-billion <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/23/10/35474706/googles-ai-ambitions-grow-with-major-investment-in-openai-rival-anthropic">investment</a> in Anthropic is in jeopardy, according to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-11-21/us-justice-department-seeks-to-unwind-google-s-anthropic-deal">Bloomberg</a>. Anthropic is a Jeff Bezos-backed rival to artificial intelligence (AI) innovator OpenAI. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recommended in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/42105079/googles-unlawful-behavior-stifles-market-entry-for-rivals-doj-says-alphabet-must-sell-chrome-to-end-search-monopoly">a court filing Wednesday</a> that Alphabet Inc&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google divest its Chrome browser to dismantle its monopoly on online search. It doesn&#8217;t end there. Google should be barred from doing any deals with companies that control where consumers search for information, regulators say. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/42123646/google-anthropic-deal-in-jeopardy-as-us-justice-department-looks-to-snap-online-search-monopoly">That includes AI products</a>.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Ricky Williams&#8216; Highsman merges with hemp brand Frozen Fields, forming Top Seed Inc. The partnership blends cannabis and hemp sectors, leveraging R&amp;D to enhance products <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/11/42097662/ricky-williams-highsman-merges-with-hemp-brand-frozen-fields">and control supply chains</a>.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>MakeMyTrip acquires Happay from CRED. The deal is expected to enhance corporate travel and expense management solutions in India. Happay&#8217;s team will integrate with MakeMyTrip, supporting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/travel/24/11/42039458/makemytrip-agrees-to-acquire-happay-bolstering-its-arsenal-for-corporate-travel-solutions">over 900 clients post-acquisition</a>.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Amcor plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMCR#NYSE">AMCR</a>) and Berry Global Group, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BERY#NYSE">BERY</a>) agreed to merge in an all-stock transaction, with the deal valuing Berry stock <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/11/42069248/amcor-and-berry-seal-the-deal-73-59-per-share-merger-to-forge-packaging-powerhouse">at $73.59 per share</a>.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Nippon Steel (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NISTF#OTC">NISTF</a>) executives have traveled to Pennsylvania to garner support for their $15 billion acquisition bid for U.S. Steel (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/X#NYSE">X</a>). The Japanese steel giant is encountering political resistance in Washington. Takahiro Mori, vice-chair of Nippon Steel, arrived in Pittsburgh on Saturday to advocate for the acquisition. The deal faces opposition from both President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump, who prefer U.S. Steel to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/11/42056111/nippon-steel-execs-rally-support-in-pennsylvania-amid-pushback-on-us-steel-takeover">remain under American ownership</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Notes From The Block</h3>
Joshua Robinson, co-founder of Darwin Financial Company, announced a $55-million financing deal with INYOAG LLC. The funds will help develop a solar-powered mine in Inyo County, California where there are proven reserves of silver, lead, zinc, tungsten, and copper. Here&#8217;s our conversation with Robinson:
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">BZ: What is the deal structure between Darwin Financial and base metals miner INYOAG? </h4>
Robinson: The deal structure is a $55M project financing package split into three components: $17.5 million and $12.5 million in six-year notes tied to sulfide and oxide production respectively, plus a $20-million conditional equity commitment that only triggers if the mine hits $10 million in monthly revenue. We get 17% of gross revenues from both production tracks, structured through secure lockbox arrangements. It&#8217;s not a straight equity investment, we specifically designed it this way to provide further upside exposure.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Are you looking for additional investors/joint venture partners? </h4>
Yes, we&#8217;ve deliberately structured this to create multiple layers of upside potential, which is pretty unique in the mining space. We&#8217;ve created a hybrid model that offers both near-term cash flow from production and significant expansion potential. We&#8217;re already seeing interest from established mining players, but we&#8217;re particularly excited about bringing new investors into the space who understand the strategic value of critical minerals.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">What are the downsides to depending on foreign sources of critical minerals?</h4>
China&#8217;s recent actions really highlight the urgency here. They&#8217;ve already implemented export controls on germanium and gallium, and just added antimony to that list. This isn&#8217;t theoretical anymore, it&#8217;s actively happening. We need to build regional resilience in our supply chains, particularly for these minerals that are crucial for defense and technology. The Darwin Mine gives us a unique opportunity to establish a domestic source for multiple critical minerals in a single asset, which is rare to find.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Will the mine be powered by solar? </h4>
The 100MW facility wouldn&#8217;t just power the mine. It would generate significant excess clean energy that we can sell back to the grid. What&#8217;s particularly interesting is that we can develop utility-scale energy storage systems using minerals we&#8217;re already producing. It creates a virtuous cycle where our mining operations directly support clean energy deployment
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">What are your 2025 goals?</h4>
For 2025, our key goals are reaching 300 tons per day on sulfide production within six months and 200 tons per day on oxide within nine months of funding. That puts us at $ 10 million in monthly revenue, which then triggers the deeper mine development program.
For last week&#8217;s Deal Dispatch, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/ma/24/11/42025534/deal-dispatch-shell-unilever-and-more-are-on-the-sell-side-the-onion-makes-alex-jones-cry-foul">click here</a>.
Now Read: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/41699259/nvidia-rides-ai-wave-to-replace-intel-on-dow-jones-industrial-average-ending-its-25-year-run">Nvidia Rides AI Wave To Replace Intel On Dow Jones Industrial Average, Ending Its 25-Year Run</a></li>
</ul>
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Deal Dispatch: Starbucks Considers China Sale, Private Equity Bankrupts Snack Company, Darwin Financial Talks Mining

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">New On The Block</h3>
Evolent Health Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EVH#NYSE">EVH</a>) is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/24/08/40529349/evolent-health-explores-sale-garners-inbound-interest-from-private-equity-firms">reportedly up for sale</a>. The Arlington, Virginia-based software provide initiated an auction process after receiving takeover inquiries. Among the potential suitors are TPG Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TPG#NASDAQ">TPG</a>), Clayton, Dubilier &amp; Rice, and KKR &amp; Co. Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KKR#NYSE">KKR</a>). Reuters reported that health insurer Elevance Health Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ELV#NYSE">ELV</a>) may join forces with a private equity partner to pursue a deal.
Kronos Bio Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KRON#NASDAQ">KRON</a>), a company focused on developing therapies for cancer, is exploring &#8220;strategic alternatives,&#8221; including an acquisition or merger.The San Mateo, Califonia-based company reported $124.9 million in cash reserves as of Sept. 30. 
Saint-Gobain (PARIS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SGO#PARIS">SGO</a>) is considering a sale of its auto glass unit, which could fetch up to 2.5 billion euro ($2.6 billion), per <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-11-13/st-gobain-is-said-to-weigh-2-5-billion-sale-of-auto-glass-unit">Bloomberg</a>. The company is reportedly considering this strategic move as part of its broader business evaluation. This sale aligns with Saint-Gobain&#8217;s efforts to streamline its operations and focus on core business areas.
Shell (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHEL#NYSE">SHEL</a>) is seeking to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-11-13/shell-aims-to-sell-majority-stake-in-carbon-offsets-business?srnd=phx-deals">jettison</a> a majority of its carbon offsets portfolio. The company first launched the portfolio of offsets, which covers dozens of projects, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2023-08-31/shell-silently-abandoned-its-100-million-a-year-plan-to-offset-co2-emissions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in 2018</a>. 
Unilever (LSE: ULVR) is exploring the sale of some Dutch food brands, including Unox soups and Conimex seasonings. According to Reuters, the company will instead focus on its biggest &#8220;power&#8221; labels.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/11/42024210/benzinga-bulls-and-bears-tesla-disney-gold-and-hedge-funds-project-bitcoin-to-hit-100k-150k">Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Tesla, Disney, Gold — And Hedge Funds Project Bitcoin To Hit $100K-$150K</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bankruptcy Block</h3>
Alex Jones&#8217;s media company, Infowars, is now the property of satirical publication The Onion. The publication&#8217;s backers were none other than the families <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/11/41982446/jokes-on-jones-onion-backed-by-families-of-sandy-hook-victims-buys-info-wars">of Sandy Hook victims</a>. Observers praised the deal as poetic justice, considering Jones owes over $1 billion in defamation judgments against those families. Jones, who <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/12/36168941/elon-musks-controversial-move-alex-jones-returns-to-x-after-user-vote">has garnered sympathy from</a> right-wing personalities like Elon Musk and Tucker Carlson, confirmed the acquisition in a visibly distressed social media video, blaming &#8220;Democrats.&#8221;
Diamond Sports Group&#8216;s restructuring will include reducing its debt from nearly $9 billion to $200 million, <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/42388454/diamond-sports-group-emerges-bankruptcy">ESPN</a> reports. The restructuring plan received what Diamond categorized as &#8220;nearly unanimous support&#8221; from debt holders. Diamond, currently possessing $100 million in liquidity, will emerge from bankruptcy and operate as a stand-alone entity. Sinclair, the parent company, took on $8 billion in debt to buy regional channels from Fox for $10.6 billion in 2019. That debt contributed to Diamond&#8217;s bankruptcy.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Updates From The Block</h3>
Currently, there are no concrete indications that Humana Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUM#NYSE">HUM</a>) is actively pursuing a sale. Recent speculation regarding Humana being acquired by Cigna Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>) was definitively addressed, with Cigna explicitly stating that it is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/11/41877573/cigna-not-pursuing-humana-merger-stock-soars">not pursuing a merger</a> with Humana at this time. This clarification came after rumors reignited post-election, driven by the potential for more lenient antitrust reviews under the new <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/41979935/golden-years-for-ma-deals-ahead-under-trump-analysts-highlight-top-10-large-cap-candidates">Republican administration and Congress</a>.
Spirit Airlines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAVE#NYSE">SAVE</a>) is no longer in deal talks with Frontier Airlines (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ULCC#NASDAQ">ULCC</a>). It&#8217;s now in advanced discussions with bondholders to finalize a bankruptcy plan. The carrier continues to struggle with mounting losses and looming debt maturities. A bankruptcy filing is expected to happen within weeks, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/11/41932146/spirit-airlines-nears-bankruptcy-creditors-may-approve-equity-cancellation-heres-what-it-means-for-investors-as-shares-fall-with-a-thud">the Wall Street Journal</a>.
MEI Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MEIP#NASDAQ">MEIP</a>) continues to explore M&amp;A opportunities, hiring Oppenheimer &amp; Co., Inc. as an exclusive financial advisor to assist the process. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, the company commenced cash preservation efforts that include a reduction-in-force, which will continue in stages as the Company's operational and strategic direction evolves.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Notes From The Block</h3>
Wall Street anticipates a surge in M&amp;A as Republicans take control of Congress and deregulate. Analysts expect Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan's removal, which could ease antitrust scrutiny. Bank of America highlights that Republican administrations, like President-elect Donald Trump&#8216;s, historically foster over 50% more financial sector M&amp;A activity compared to Democratic ones. 
Bank of America also predicts that 2025 could mark a better year for M&amp;A as rate cuts take effect and economic conditions stabilize. Here&#8217;s a list of five potential targets the bank compiled. For the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/41979935/golden-years-for-ma-deals-ahead-under-trump-analysts-highlight-top-10-large-cap-candidates">full list, click here</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Sector</th>
<th>Market Cap ($M)</th>
<th>Free Cash Flows-to-Enterprise Value (%)</th>
<th>Long-Term Growth Expectations (%)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Universal Health Services Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>)</td>
<td>Health Care</td>
<td>13,932</td>
<td>4.4</td>
<td>25.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ralph LaurenCorp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RL#NYSE">RL</a>)</td>
<td>Consumer Disc.</td>
<td>12,473</td>
<td>5.99</td>
<td>10.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paramount Global (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PARA#NYSE">PARA</a>)</td>
<td>Comm. Services</td>
<td>7,250</td>
<td>3.4</td>
<td>46.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jabil Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JBL#NYSE">JBL</a>)</td>
<td>Technology</td>
<td>14,480</td>
<td>6.39</td>
<td>12.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hasbro Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HAS#NASDAQ">HAS</a>)</td>
<td>Consumer Disc.</td>
<td>9,215</td>
<td>3.6</td>
<td>27.5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
For last week&#8217;s Deal Dispatch, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/asset-sales/24/11/41866114/deal-dispatch-prison-companies-in-focus-post-election-tripadvisor-boasts-11b-in-cash">click here</a>.
Now Read: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/41699259/nvidia-rides-ai-wave-to-replace-intel-on-dow-jones-industrial-average-ending-its-25-year-run">Nvidia Rides AI Wave To Replace Intel On Dow Jones Industrial Average, Ending Its 25-Year Run</a></li>
</ul>

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Deal Dispatch: Shell, Unilever And More Are On The Sell Side; The Onion Makes Alex Jones Cry Foul

With Republicans taking control of Congress, Wall Street is buzzing about a potential boom in mergers and acquisitions (M&amp;A) under the upcoming<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump"> Trump administration.</a>
Bank of America analysts see brighter days ahead for deal-making, anticipating that Trump could remove Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan, whose aggressive antitrust stance has been a major roadblock for M&amp;A activity across sectors.
Combined with favorable macro factors and investor demand for capex and M&amp;A over debt paydown, there are plenty of reasons to believe that 2025 and beyond could see significant deal activity.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Banks And Biotech: Two Key Sectors To Watch</h3>
Analysts at Bank of America's U.S. banks team are particularly bullish about the M&amp;A prospects for financials, which have historically enjoyed more than 50% higher deal activity under Republican administrations than Democratic ones. With regulatory scrutiny expected to loosen, the landscape is ripe for a surge in bank deals.
Deal activity in biotech has already started picking up, especially in smaller acquisitions. Big Pharma faces mounting pressure to offset patent expirations, so it&#8217;s hunting for acquisition targets to replenish its drug pipelines. Lower rates and potential deregulation could further fuel biotech M&amp;A as we head into 2025.
"The election results could lead to a less restrictive regulatory environment, which may open the door for more bank mergers and acquisitions,&#8221; Jill Carey Hall, CFA, a Bank of America analyst, said. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Macro Factors: Green And Yellow Lights for M&amp;A</h3>
Several macroeconomic factors support a cyclical pick-up in M&amp;A activity. 
Strong equity market returns, cheap small-cap valuations relative to large caps and tight credit spreads all suggest a favorable environment for deal-making.
Not all signals are flashing green. Slowing GDP growth, rate uncertainty and high volatility could throw some caution flags. Long-term growth expectations for small caps, though improved, still remain below average.
Bank of America's credit strategists predict that 2025 could be a better year for M&amp;A activity as rate cuts begin to materialize and volatility subsides. 
"Sponsors are sitting on a pile of uncalled capital, and there's a real incentive to deploy it in a friendlier economic environment," Hall said.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Who Stands To Gain: Small-Cap Targets, Large-Cap Acquirers</h3>
With large deals on the decline, smaller targets have become the prime candidates for takeovers. 
Aggregate deal value has been falling in recent years as mega-cap deals have dried up and smaller, more manageable transactions have become the norm.
This trend has paid off for both sides: small-cap targets have outperformed post-announcement and large-cap acquirers have seen record one-day gains in 2023 despite paying higher deal premiums.
This pattern suggests that investors are rewarding companies that buy growth, especially in today's uncertain economic landscape.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">10 Potential M&amp;A Candidates Among Large Caps</h3>
Bank of America's latest screening of potential M&amp;A candidates includes high-growth, undervalued names, each with distinct value propositions that may appeal to suitors looking for long-term growth.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Sector</th>
<th>Market Cap ($M)</th>
<th>Free Cash Flows-to-Enterprise Value (%)</th>
<th>Long-Term Growth Expectations (%)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Universal Health Services Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>)</td>
<td>Health Care</td>
<td>13,932</td>
<td>4.4</td>
<td>25.3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ralph Lauren Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RL#NYSE">RL</a>)</td>
<td>Consumer Disc.</td>
<td>12,473</td>
<td>5.99</td>
<td>10.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paramount Global (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PARA#NYSE">PARA</a>)</td>
<td>Comm. Services</td>
<td>7,250</td>
<td>3.4</td>
<td>46.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jabil Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JBL#NYSE">JBL</a>)</td>
<td>Technology</td>
<td>14,480</td>
<td>6.39</td>
<td>12.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hasbro Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HAS#NASDAQ">HAS</a>)</td>
<td>Consumer Disc.</td>
<td>9,215</td>
<td>3.6</td>
<td>27.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>F5 Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIV#NASDAQ">FFIV</a>)</td>
<td>Technology</td>
<td>13,431</td>
<td>6.39</td>
<td>9.9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DaVita Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVA#NYSE">DVA</a>) </td>
<td>Health Care</td>
<td>11,976</td>
<td>5.39</td>
<td>15.4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BWA#NYSE">BWA</a>)</td>
<td>Consumer Disc.</td>
<td>7,316</td>
<td>6.5</td>
<td>12.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Aptiv plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APTV#NYSE">APTV</a>)</td>
<td>Consumer Disc.</td>
<td>13,143</td>
<td>4.4</td>
<td>23.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>A. O. Smith Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AOS#NYSE">AOS</a>)</td>
<td>Industrials</td>
<td>10,895</td>
<td>2.3</td>
<td>10.0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/41950023/us-stock-markets-equity-risk-premium-disappears-should-you-sell-now">US Stock Market&#8217;s Equity Risk Premium Disappears: Should You Sell Now?</a></li>
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Golden Years For M&A Deals Ahead Under Trump? Analysts Highlight Top 10 Large-Cap Candidates

Universal Health Servs's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>) short percent of float has risen 8.54% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 1.53 million shares sold short, which is 3.56% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.89 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Universal Health Servs Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1731084320_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Universal Health Servs has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Universal Health Servs's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Universal Health Servs's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 4.17%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

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(UHS) - Analyzing Universal Health Servs's Short Interest

The S&amp;P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average surged to record levels on Wednesday after Donald Trump was elected as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump">the 47th U.S. president.</a>
In Congress, Republicans clinched a majority in the Senate, while the House race remains close. As of Wednesday morning&#8217;s tabulations, Republicans held 198 seats versus 180 for Democrats.
The S&amp;P 500 index, as tracked by the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), climbed 2% to 5,900 points, while the Dow soared over 3% to 43,500 points. The blue-chip index, monitored through the SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>), marked its biggest single-day gain since November 2022.
The financials and industrials sectors were the top performers, up 5.2% and 3%, respectively.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 witnessed smaller gains, up 1.8%, while small-cap stocks skyrocketed, with the Russell 2000 index spiking over 5%. 
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), often called the &#8220;fear gauge,&#8221; plummeted 22%, indicating waning investor concerns amid post-election optimism.
Investors are responding positively to the prospect of more lenient tax policies under the upcoming Trump administration, though inflation risks and potential shifts in Federal Reserve policy highlighted by economists seem to be largely overlooked by the market for now.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Economic Implications Of A Trump Presidency, Goldman Sachs Weighs In</h3>
&#8220;If Republicans secure a narrow House majority, this would likely enable a full extension of the 2017 tax cuts, set to expire in 2025, potentially with some reinstated business investment incentives,&#8221; wrote Jan Hatzius, Goldman Sachs&#8217; chief economist.
A Republican-controlled Congress may also drive increased federal spending, particularly on defense, Goldman Sachs indicated.
"We would expect Trump to impose additional tariffs averaging 20% on imports from China," Hatzius added, highlighting that this policy could provide a &#8220;one-time boost to core PCE inflation&#8221; and &#8220;a modest drag on GDP.&#8221;
Goldman Sachs projects that the incoming Trump administration would likely pursue a more relaxed approach to regulation, especially in energy, financial services, and labor. 
However, while antitrust oversight may soften somewhat, scrutiny of the tech sector is expected to persist.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top-Performing S&amp;P 500 Sectors After Trump Secures Election Victory</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Sector</th>
<th>ETF</th>
<th>1-day Change (%)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Financials</td>
<td>Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLF#NYSE">XLF</a>)</td>
<td>5.15%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Industrials</td>
<td>Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLI#NYSE">XLI</a>)</td>
<td>2.99%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Energy</td>
<td>Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>)</td>
<td>2.68%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Consumer Discretionary</td>
<td>Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLY#NYSE">XLY</a>)</td>
<td>2.60%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Technology</td>
<td>Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>)</td>
<td>2.22%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Materials</td>
<td>Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLB#NYSE">XLB</a>)</td>
<td>1.66%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Communications</td>
<td>Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLC#NYSE">XLC</a>)</td>
<td>1.54%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Health Care</td>
<td>Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLV#NYSE">XLV</a>)</td>
<td>1.08%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Consumer Staples</td>
<td>Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLP#NYSE">XLP</a>)</td>
<td>-0.42%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Utilities</td>
<td>Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLU#NYSE">XLU</a>)</td>
<td>-1.23%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Real Estate</td>
<td>Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLRE#NYSE">XLRE</a>)</td>
<td>-1.29%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated at 9.45 a.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top Gainers, Losers Within The S&amp;P 500 Following Trump&#8217;s Win</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Name</th>
<th>Last</th>
<th>Chg %</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Discover Financial Services (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DFS#NYSE">DFS</a>)</td>
<td>187.37</td>
<td>23.39%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COF#NYSE">COF</a>)</td>
<td>193.69</td>
<td>16.64%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Synchrony Financial (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SYF#NYSE">SYF</a>)</td>
<td>65.93</td>
<td>16.03%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)</td>
<td>288.40</td>
<td>14.70%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nucor Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NUE#NYSE">NUE</a>)</td>
<td>164.96</td>
<td>14.07%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trimble Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRMB#NASDAQ">TRMB</a>)</td>
<td>69.97</td>
<td>13.55%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Charles River Laboratories International (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRL#NYSE">CRL</a>)</td>
<td>214.16</td>
<td>13.51%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>)</td>
<td>62.76</td>
<td>13.40%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wells Fargo &amp; Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>)</td>
<td>72.43</td>
<td>13.05%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Steel Dynamics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STLD#NASDAQ">STLD</a>)</td>
<td>149.73</td>
<td>10.38%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated at 9.45 a.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Name</th>
<th>Last</th>
<th>Chg %</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Super Micro Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>)</td>
<td>21.01</td>
<td>-24.15%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ENPH#NASDAQ">ENPH</a>)</td>
<td>74.05</td>
<td>-17.67%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSLR#NASDAQ">FSLR</a>)</td>
<td>181.42</td>
<td>-15.97%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>D.R. Horton, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DHI#NYSE">DHI</a>)</td>
<td>161.70</td>
<td>-6.68%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>The AES Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AES#NYSE">AES</a>)</td>
<td>14.50</td>
<td>-6.51%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lennar Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LEN#NYSE">LEN</a>)</td>
<td>166.31</td>
<td>-6.19%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>)</td>
<td>199.41</td>
<td>-6.01%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BBY#NYSE">BBY</a>)</td>
<td>87.26</td>
<td>-6.01%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>American Tower Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMT#NYSE">AMT</a>)</td>
<td>201.33</td>
<td>-5.86%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dollar Tree, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLTR#NASDAQ">DLTR</a>)</td>
<td>63.15</td>
<td>-5.42%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated at 9.45 a.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/11/41772701/trumps-historic-return-7-ways-his-second-term-could-impact-the-us-economy">Trump&#8217;s Historic Return: 7 Ways His Second Term Could Impact The US Economy</a></li>
</ul>
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S&P 500, Dow Hit Record Highs After Trump Win; Fear Index Drops 20%

Wells Fargo analyst Stephen Baxter maintains Universal Health Servs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $275 to $285.

Wells Fargo Maintains Overweight on Universal Health Servs, Raises Price Target to $285

TD Cowen analyst Ryan Langston maintains Universal Health Servs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $283 to $275.

TD Cowen Maintains Buy on Universal Health Servs, Lowers Price Target to $275

RBC Capital analyst Frank Morgan maintains Universal Health Servs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>) with a Sector Perform and lowers the price target from $222 to $211.

RBC Capital Maintains Sector Perform on Universal Health Servs, Lowers Price Target to $211

These ten large-cap stocks were the worst performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>ICON plc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ICLR#NASDAQ">ICLR</a>) shares plummeted 25.95% after the company reported <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/41500867" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">worse-than-expected results</a>. Several analysts also cut the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/iclr/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price target on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>Genuine Parts Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GPC#NYSE">GPC</a>) stock tumbled 20.21% after it reported mixed third-quarter results and cut its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/41455012" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FY24 EPS below estimates</a>. Multiple analysts cut the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/gpc/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price target on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>Newmont Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NEM#NYSE">NEM</a>) shares dipped 15.97% after the company reported <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/41503948" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">third-quarter financial results</a>. Analysts trimmed the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/nem/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stock&#8217;s price target</a>.</li>
<li>Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/THC#NYSE">THC</a>) stock lost 14.71% last week. Several healthcare stocks and hospital operators fell in possible sympathy with HCA Healthcare, which declined on Q3 earnings.</li>
<li>Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>) stock fell 14.33% last week after the company reported <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/41530333" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Q3 financial results</a>.</li>
<li>HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HCA#NYSE">HCA</a>) stock fell 12.51% after reporting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/41544243" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">worse-than-expected Q3 financial results</a>. The company expects Hurricane Helene&#8217;s impact to continue in 2025.</li>
<li>TopBuild Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLD#NYSE">BLD</a>) stock lost 11.48% last week as homebuilding stocks <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/41317881" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">took a beating</a> due to Hurricane Milton&#8217;s impact.</li>
<li>Carlisle Companies Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSL#NYSE">CSL</a>) fell 11.45% last week on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/41529849" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">worse-than-expected Q3 performance</a>.</li>
<li>Teradyne, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TER#NASDAQ">TER</a>) stock declined 11.34% after it reported <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/41503363" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">third-quarter financial results</a>. Some analysts trimmed the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ter/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price target on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>Comfort Systems USA, Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FIX#NYSE">FIX</a>) stock declined 11.27% after the company reported <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/41530044" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">worse-than-expected Q3 sales results</a>.</li>
</ol>
Also Read:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/10/41560908/tesla-li-auto-and-microstrategy-are-among-top-10-large-cap-gainers-last-week-oct-21-oct-25-are-the">Tesla, Li Auto And MicroStrategy Are Among Top 10 Large Cap Gainers Last Week (Oct 21-Oct 25): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?</a></li>
</ul>

ICLR

Genuine Parts Company, Universal Health Services, And TopBuild Are Among Top 10 Large Cap Losers Last Week (Oct 21-Oct 25): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

Barclays analyst Andrew Mok maintains Universal Health Servs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $256 to $271.

Barclays Maintains Overweight on Universal Health Servs, Raises Price Target to $271

Universal Health Servs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UHS#NYSE">UHS</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 20 years by 3.57% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 12.05%. Currently, Universal Health Servs has a market capitalization of $13.54 billion. 
Buying $1000 In UHS: If an investor had bought $1000 of UHS stock 20 years ago, it would be worth $9,724.23 today based on a price of $202.95 for UHS at the time of writing.
<h3>Universal Health Servs's Performance Over Last 20 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1729879213_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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