Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC lowered its stake in shares of Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE:UHS – Free Report) by 51.6% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 27,191 shares of the health services provider’s stock after selling 28,932 shares during the period. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC’s holdings in Universal Health Services were worth $4,838,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.
A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Elyxium Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in Universal Health Services in the 4th quarter worth $25,000. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. bought a new position in shares of Universal Health Services in the fourth quarter worth about $26,000. Founders Capital Management purchased a new position in shares of Universal Health Services during the fourth quarter worth approximately $28,000. Larson Financial Group LLC raised its position in Universal Health Services by 302.9% during the 4th quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 141 shares of the health services provider’s stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 106 shares in the last quarter. Finally, CYBER HORNET ETFs LLC purchased a new position in Universal Health Services during the 2nd quarter valued at about $29,000. 86.05% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.
Universal Health Services Stock Performance NYSE:UHS opened at $155.96 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a current ratio of 1.08. The stock has a market capitalization of $9.44 billion, a PE ratio of 6.50, a P/E/G ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 1.07. Universal Health Services, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $140.08 and a fifty-two week high of $246.32. The company has a fifty day moving average of $150.58 and a two-hundred day moving average of $179.85.
Universal Health Services (NYSE:UHS – Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, April 28th. The health services provider reported $5.62 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $5.41 by $0.21. Universal Health Services had a net margin of 8.56% and a return on equity of 19.57%. The business had revenue of $4.50 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.39 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $4.84 earnings per share. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 9.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts forecast that Universal Health Services, Inc. will post 23.44 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.
Universal Health Services Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 1st will be paid a dividend of $0.20 per share. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.5%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 1st. Universal Health Services’s payout ratio is 3.33%.
Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have commented on UHS shares. TD Cowen reduced their target price on shares of Universal Health Services from $230.00 to $197.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a report on Monday, June 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on Universal Health Services from $235.00 to $205.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, May 20th. Raymond James Financial downgraded Universal Health Services from an “outperform” rating to a “market perform” rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 29th. Cantor Fitzgerald lowered their price target on Universal Health Services from $229.00 to $194.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 29th. Finally, Stephens dropped their price target on Universal Health Services from $235.00 to $205.00 and set an “equal weight” rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, April 29th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and twelve have issued a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $213.73.
Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Universal Health Services
About Universal Health Services (Free Report)
Universal Health Services, Inc (NYSE: UHS) is one of the largest diversified health care management companies in the United States, offering a broad spectrum of services through its acute care hospital and behavioral health segments. The company operates general acute care hospitals, surgical hospitals and ambulatory centers, as well as inpatient and outpatient behavioral health facilities. Its network provides emergency and specialized medicine, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, advanced surgical care and rehabilitation, complemented by a comprehensive array of behavioral services including psychiatric treatment, addiction programs and developmental disabilities care.
In the acute care segment, UHS’s facilities deliver services ranging from emergency department treatment and intensive care to maternity care and outpatient surgery.
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Key Takeaways Acute Care and Behavioral Health growth to support UHS' Q2 revenues and admissions.Universal Health faces higher labor, benefits and supply costs that could pressure quarterly margins.Acute Care revenues are projected to rise 6.1%, with operating income expected to increase 17.5%. Hospital operator Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS - Free Report) is set to report second-quarter 2026 results on July 27, 2026, after the closing bell. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the to-be-reported quarter’s earnings is currently pegged at $5.66 per shareon revenues of $4.52 billion.
The second-quarter earnings estimate witnessed no movement over the past 60 days. The bottom-line projection indicates a year-over-year increase of 5.8%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for quarterly revenues suggests year-over-year growth of 5.5%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
For the full-year 2026, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Universal Health’s revenues is pegged at $18.54 billion, implying a rise of 6.8% year over year. Meanwhile, the consensus mark for full-year EPS is pegged at $23.44, implying growth of 7.8% on a year-over-year basis.
Universal Health beat the consensus estimate for earnings in three of the last four quarters and missed once, with the average surprise being 9.5%. This is depicted in the figure below.
Q2 Earnings Whispers for UHSOur proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for the company this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy), or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. That’s not the case here.
UHS currently has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
What’s Shaping UHS’ Q2 Results?Universal Health's performance is likely to have been boosted by higher patient days and admissions in both its Acute Care Hospital Services and Behavioral Health Care Services segments.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for net revenues in the Acute Care Hospital Services segment is pegged at almost $2.55 billion, indicating 6.1% year-over-year growth. The consensus mark for the unit’s same-facility adjusted admissions indicates 2.8% growth from the prior-year quarter.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for net revenues in the Behavioral Health Care Services segment is pegged at $1.98 billion, indicating a 5.6% increase from the prior-year quarter. The consensus estimate for the unit’s admissions indicates a year-over-year increase of 2.8%.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for operating income from Acute Care Hospital Services indicates 17.5% year-over-year growth, while the same for Behavioral Health Care Services suggests a 0.9% decrease.
The positives are likely to have been partially offset by rising total operating expenses by nearly 6%, due to higher salaries, wages and benefits, as well as increased costs for supplies in the second quarter, making an earnings beat uncertain. We anticipate salaries, wages and benefits to increase nearly 4% year over year, while other operating costs are expected to escalate 9.3%.
Stocks That Warrant a LookWhile an earnings beat looks uncertain for Universal Health, here are some companies from the broader Medical space that you may want to consider, as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this time around:
ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. (PMN - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +13.30% and a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ProMIS’ bottom line for the to-be-reported quarter of a loss of $1.45 indicates an 80% year-over-year improvement. It has witnessed one upward revision against no downward movement over the past 60 days.
Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +1.24% and a Zacks Rank of 2.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Cardinal Health’s bottom line for the to-be-reported quarter suggests 16.4% year-over-year growth. Its earnings beat estimates in each of the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 10.3%. CAH’s revenues for the to-be-reported quarter are pegged at $65.61 billion, a 9.1% increase from the year-ago period.
Alcon Inc. (ALC - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +3.13% and a Zacks Rank of 3.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Alcon’s bottom line for the to-be-reported quarter indicates a 1.3% increase from a year ago. The company’s earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed once, with an average surprise of 3.7%. The consensus estimate for ALC’s revenues is pegged at $2.77 billion, signaling a 7.3% increase.
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its position in shares of Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE:UHS – Free Report) by 12.1% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,781,262 shares of the health services provider’s stock after buying an additional 192,351 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP owned about 2.92% of Universal Health Services worth $318,812,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Elyxium Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in Universal Health Services during the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. bought a new position in Universal Health Services in the 4th quarter valued at $26,000. Founders Capital Management acquired a new position in Universal Health Services in the fourth quarter worth $28,000. CYBER HORNET ETFs LLC acquired a new position in Universal Health Services in the second quarter worth $29,000. Finally, Larson Financial Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of Universal Health Services by 302.9% during the fourth quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 141 shares of the health services provider’s stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 106 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 86.05% of the company’s stock.
Analyst Ratings Changes UHS has been the subject of a number of research reports. Wall Street Zen lowered Universal Health Services from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Saturday, May 2nd. Guggenheim decreased their price objective on shares of Universal Health Services from $211.00 to $195.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Monday. Barclays cut shares of Universal Health Services from an “overweight” rating to an “equal weight” rating and set a $179.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Wednesday, July 8th. Weiss Ratings downgraded shares of Universal Health Services from a “hold (c)” rating to a “hold (c-)” rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 14th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reduced their target price on shares of Universal Health Services from $229.00 to $194.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 29th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and twelve have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $213.73.
Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Universal Health Services
Universal Health Services Price Performance Universal Health Services stock opened at $149.35 on Thursday. The business’s 50-day simple moving average is $151.22 and its 200 day simple moving average is $180.50. The company has a quick ratio of 1.01, a current ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The stock has a market cap of $9.04 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.22, a P/E/G ratio of 0.80 and a beta of 1.07. Universal Health Services, Inc. has a 12-month low of $140.08 and a 12-month high of $246.32.
Universal Health Services (NYSE:UHS – Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 28th. The health services provider reported $5.62 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $5.41 by $0.21. The firm had revenue of $4.50 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $4.39 billion. Universal Health Services had a return on equity of 19.57% and a net margin of 8.56%.The company’s quarterly revenue was up 9.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $4.84 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Universal Health Services, Inc. will post 23.44 earnings per share for the current year.
Universal Health Services Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 1st will be issued a $0.20 dividend. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.5%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 1st. Universal Health Services’s dividend payout ratio is currently 3.33%.
Universal Health Services Company Profile (Free Report)
Universal Health Services, Inc (NYSE: UHS) is one of the largest diversified health care management companies in the United States, offering a broad spectrum of services through its acute care hospital and behavioral health segments. The company operates general acute care hospitals, surgical hospitals and ambulatory centers, as well as inpatient and outpatient behavioral health facilities. Its network provides emergency and specialized medicine, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, advanced surgical care and rehabilitation, complemented by a comprehensive array of behavioral services including psychiatric treatment, addiction programs and developmental disabilities care.
In the acute care segment, UHS’s facilities deliver services ranging from emergency department treatment and intensive care to maternity care and outpatient surgery.
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Analysts on Wall Street project that Universal Health Services (UHS - Free Report) will announce quarterly earnings of $5.66 per share in its forthcoming report, representing an increase of 5.8% year over year. Revenues are projected to reach $4.52 billion, increasing 5.5% from the same quarter last year.
The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. This represents how the covering analysts, as a whole, have reassessed their initial estimates during this timeframe.
Prior to a company's earnings announcement, it is crucial to consider revisions to earnings estimates. This serves as a significant indicator for predicting potential investor actions regarding the stock. Empirical research has consistently demonstrated a robust correlation between trends in earnings estimate revision and the short-term price performance of a stock.
While investors usually depend on consensus earnings and revenue estimates to assess the business performance for the quarter, delving into analysts' forecasts for certain key metrics often provides a more comprehensive understanding.
In light of this perspective, let's dive into the average estimates of certain Universal Health Services metrics that are commonly tracked and forecasted by Wall Street analysts.
It is projected by analysts that the 'Net Revenues- Acute care hospital services' will reach $2.55 billion. The estimate suggests a change of +6.1% year over year.
The average prediction of analysts places 'Net Revenues- Behavioral health services' at $1.98 billion. The estimate points to a change of +5.6% from the year-ago quarter.
The consensus estimate for 'Admissions - Acute - Same facility basis' stands at 86,913 . The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of 84,529 .
Analysts' assessment points toward 'Admissions - Behavioral health' reaching 122,248 . Compared to the present estimate, the company reported 118,974 in the same quarter last year.
The consensus among analysts is that 'Operating Income- Behavioral Health Care Services' will reach $392.94 million. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $396.46 million.
Analysts forecast 'Operating Income- Acute Care Hospital Services' to reach $264.64 million. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $225.22 million in the same quarter last year.
View all Key Company Metrics for Universal Health Services here>>>
Shares of Universal Health Services have experienced a change of +2.8% in the past month compared to the +0.3% move of the Zacks S&P 500 composite. With a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), UHS is expected to underperform the overall market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
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News Products Contact Hamburger menu Send a Release KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., July 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) announced today that its Board of Directors voted to pay a cash dividend of $0.20 per share on September 15, 2026 to shareholders of record as of September 1, 2026.
Universal Health Services, Inc. ("UHS") is one of the nation's largest providers of hospital and healthcare services. Through its subsidiaries, UHS operates acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points located throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) announced today that it will report results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2026, after the market closes on Monday, July 27, 2026. There will be a conference call for investors and analysts on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
A live webcast and audio archive of the call may be accessed through the investor relations section of the company's website at ir.uhs.com. To participate via telephone, please register in advance using this link. Upon registration, all telephone participants will receive a confirmation email detailing how to join the conference call, including the dial-in number along with a unique passcode and registrant ID that can be used to access the call.
About Universal Health Services
One of the nation's largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance, growing since its inception into a Fortune 300 corporation. Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 101,500 employees. Through its subsidiaries, UHS operates 30 acute care hospitals, more than 340 behavioral health facilities and approximately 170 outpatient and other facilities, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located in 40 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom.
It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.
Featuring daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.
It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores, developed alongside the Zacks Rank, are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing methodologies; they also help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreGrowth investors are more concerned with a stock's future prospects, and the overall financial health and strength of a company. Thus, the Growth Style Score analyzes characteristics like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will see sustainable growth over time.
Momentum ScoreMomentum traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreIf you like to use all three kinds of investing, then the VGM Score is for you. It's a combination of all Style Scores, and is an important indicator to use with the Zacks Rank. The VGM Score rates each stock on their shared weighted styles, narrowing down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank A proprietary stock-rating model, the Zacks Rank utilizes the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings outlook, to help investors create a successful portfolio.
It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988. That's more than double the S&P 500. But because of the large number of stocks we rate, there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.
The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.
For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Universal Health Services (UHS - Free Report) Universal Health Services, Inc. is a King of Prussia, PA-based hospital operator with acute care and behavioral health facilities, plus related outpatient access points. It also operates surgical hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and radiation oncology centers, and offers an insurance product and physician network.
UHS is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
Additionally, the company could be a top pick for growth investors. UHS has a Growth Style Score of B, forecasting year-over-year earnings growth of 8% for the current fiscal year.
One analyst revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.01 to $23.47 per share. UHS also boasts an average earnings surprise of +9.5%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Growth and VGM Style Scores, UHS should be on investors' short list.
Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many different ways to do both.
The research service features daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, all of which will help you become a smarter, more confident investor.
It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? Developed alongside the Zacks Rank, the Zacks Style Scores are a group of complementary indicators that help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Each stock is given an alphabetic rating of A, B, C, D or F based on their value, growth, and momentum qualities. With this system, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on, meaning the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreFor value investors, it's all about finding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value before the broader market catches on. The Value Style Score utilizes ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to help pick out the most attractive and discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.
Momentum ScoreMomentum investors, who live by the saying "the trend is your friend," are most interested in taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Utilizing one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, among other factors, the Momentum Style Score can help determine favorable times to buy high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreIf you like to use all three kinds of investing, then the VGM Score is for you. It's a combination of all Style Scores, and is an important indicator to use with the Zacks Rank. The VGM Score rates each stock on their shared weighted styles, narrowing down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.
#1 (Strong Buy) stocks have produced an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, which is more than double the S&P 500's performance over the same time frame. However, the Zacks Rank examines a ton of stocks, and there can be more than 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, and another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.
The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.
For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Universal Health Services (UHS - Free Report) Universal Health Services, Inc. is a King of Prussia, PA-based hospital operator with acute care and behavioral health facilities, plus related outpatient access points. It also operates surgical hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and radiation oncology centers, and offers an insurance product and physician network.
UHS is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of A thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 6.26; value investors should take notice.
One analyst revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.01 to $23.47 per share. UHS boasts an average earnings surprise of +9.5%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, UHS should be on investors' short list.
In its upcoming report, Universal Health Services (UHS - Free Report) is predicted by Wall Street analysts to post quarterly earnings of $5.36 per share, reflecting an increase of 10.7% compared to the same period last year. Revenues are forecasted to be $4.37 billion, representing a year-over-year increase of 6.6%.
The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. This represents how the covering analysts, as a whole, have reassessed their initial estimates during this timeframe.
Before a company announces its earnings, it is essential to take into account any changes made to earnings estimates. This is a valuable factor in predicting the potential reactions of investors toward the stock. Empirical research has consistently shown a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and the short-term price performance of a stock.
While investors typically use consensus earnings and revenue estimates as indicators of quarterly business performance, exploring analysts' projections for specific key metrics can offer valuable insights.
With that in mind, let's delve into the average projections of some Universal Health Services metrics that are commonly tracked and projected by analysts on Wall Street.
It is projected by analysts that the 'Net Revenues- Acute care hospital services' will reach $2.50 billion. The estimate indicates a change of +6.3% from the prior-year quarter.
The consensus estimate for 'Net Revenues- Behavioral health services' stands at $1.86 billion. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +6.2%.
The combined assessment of analysts suggests that 'Admissions - Acute - Same facility basis' will likely reach 88,434 . Compared to the present estimate, the company reported 85,244 in the same quarter last year.
Analysts expect 'Admissions - Behavioral health' to come in at 118,679 . Compared to the current estimate, the company reported 117,788 in the same quarter of the previous year.
The average prediction of analysts places 'Operating Income- Behavioral Health Care Services' at $352.05 million. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $337.68 million.
The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Operating Income- Acute Care Hospital Services' of $259.08 million. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $254.79 million in the same quarter last year.
View all Key Company Metrics for Universal Health Services here>>>
Over the past month, Universal Health Services shares have recorded returns of -4% versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +8.6% change. Based on its Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), UHS will likely exhibit a performance that aligns with the overall market in the upcoming period. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.
Featuring daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.
Zacks Premium includes access to the Zacks Style Scores as well.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? Developed alongside the Zacks Rank, the Zacks Style Scores are a group of complementary indicators that help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Each stock is given an alphabetic rating of A, B, C, D or F based on their value, growth, and momentum qualities. With this system, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on, meaning the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreFinding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreGrowth investors, on the other hand, are more concerned with a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score examines things like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will experience sustainable growth over time.
Momentum ScoreMomentum traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreIf you want a combination of all three Style Scores, then the VGM Score will be your friend. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, helping you find the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum. It's also one of the best indicators to use with the Zacks Rank.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank, which is a proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to make building a winning portfolio easier.
#1 (Strong Buy) stocks have produced an unmatched +23.93% average annual return since 1988, which is more than double the S&P 500's performance over the same time frame. However, the Zacks Rank examines a ton of stocks, and there can be more than 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, and another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
With more than 800 top-rated stocks to choose from, it can certainly feel overwhelming to pick the ones that are right for you and your investing journey.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.
Since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank, the direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy.
For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Universal Health Services (UHS - Free Report) King of Prussia, PA-based Universal Health Services Inc. owns and operates (through its subsidiaries) acute care hospitals, behavioral health centers, surgical hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and radiation oncology centers.
UHS is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
Additionally, the company could be a top pick for growth investors. UHS has a Growth Style Score of A, forecasting year-over-year earnings growth of 7.8% for the current fiscal year.
For fiscal 2026, six analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.01 to $23.43 per share. UHS boasts an average earnings surprise of +10.7%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Growth and VGM Style Scores, UHS should be on investors' short list.
Consolidated Results of Operations, As Reported and As Adjusted – Three-month periods ended March 31, 2026 and 2025:
, /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) announced today that its reported net income attributable to UHS was $348.7 million, or $5.65 per diluted share, during the first quarter of 2026, as compared to $316.7 million, or $4.80 per diluted share, during the first quarter of 2025. Net revenues increased by 9.6% to $4.495 billion during the first quarter of 2026, as compared to $4.100 billion during the first quarter of 2025.
As reflected on the Schedule of Non-GAAP Supplemental Information ("Supplemental Schedule"), our adjusted net income during the first quarter of 2026 was $346.5 million, or $5.62 per diluted share, as compared to $319.5 million, or $4.84 per diluted share, during the first quarter of 2025.
As reflected on the Supplemental Schedule, included in our reported results during the first quarter of 2026 was a favorable net after-tax impact of $2.2 million, or $.03 per diluted share, resulting from the net tax benefit recorded in connection with "ASU 2016-09", Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, net of the impact of executive compensation limitations pursuant to IRC section 162(m).
As reflected on the Supplemental Schedule, included in our reported results during the first quarter of 2025 were: (i) an unrealized after-tax loss (included in "Other (income) expense, net") of $3.3 million, or $.05 per diluted share ($4.3 million pre-tax), resulting from a decrease in the market value of certain equity securities (that were sold during the fourth quarter of 2025), and; (ii) a favorable net after-tax impact of $0.5 million, or $.01 per diluted share, resulting from the net tax benefit recorded in connection with ASU 2016-09.
As calculated on the attached Supplemental Schedule, our earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation & amortization ("EBITDA net of NCI", NCI is net income attributable to noncontrolling interests), was $651.7 million during the first quarter of 2026, as compared to $603.9 million during the first quarter of 2025. Our adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation & amortization ("Adjusted EBITDA net of NCI"), which excludes the impact of other (income) expense, net, was $648.3 million during the first quarter of 2026, as compared to $598.2 million during the first quarter of 2025.
Acute Care Services – Three-month periods ended March 31, 2026 and 2025:
During the first quarter of 2026, at our acute care hospitals owned during both periods ("same facility basis"), adjusted admissions (adjusted for outpatient activity) were unchanged and adjusted patient days increased by 0.8%, as compared to the first quarter of 2025. At these facilities, during the first quarter of 2026, net revenue per adjusted admission increased by 6.3% while net revenue per adjusted patient day increased by 5.5%, as compared to the first quarter of 2025. Net revenues generated from our acute care services, on a same facility basis, increased by 8.2% during the first quarter of 2026, as compared to the first quarter of 2025.
Behavioral Health Care Services – Three-month periods ended March 31, 2026 and 2025:
During the first quarter of 2026, at our behavioral health care facilities on a same facility basis, adjusted admissions increased by 1.2% while adjusted patient days increased by 1.6%, as compared to the first quarter of 2025. At these facilities, during the first quarter of 2026, net revenue per adjusted admission increased by 6.2% and net revenue per adjusted patient day increased by 5.8%, as compared to the first quarter of 2025. Net revenues generated from our behavioral health care services, on a same facility basis, increased by 7.3% during the first quarter of 2026, as compared to the first quarter of 2025.
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities and Credit Agreement Amendment/Capital Resources:
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
During the three-month period ended March 31, 2026, our net cash provided by operating activities was $402 million as compared to $360 million during the first quarter of 2025. The $42 million net increase in our net cash provided by operating activities consisted of: (i) a favorable change of $40 million resulting from an increase in net income plus/minus depreciation and amortization expense, stock-based compensation expense and gain on sales of assets and businesses; (ii) a favorable change of $95 million in accounts receivable (due, in part, to delays experienced during the first quarter of 2025 in receipt of funds in connection with certain Medicaid supplemental payment programs in various states); (iii) an unfavorable change of $80 million in other working capital accounts due primarily to the timing of accounts payable disbursements, and; (iv) other combined net unfavorable changes of $13 million.
Credit Agreement Amendment/Capital Resources:
In April, 2026, and as previously disclosed on Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 24, 2026, we amended our credit agreement to, among other things, increase our borrowing capacity by an aggregate of $900 million as follows: (i) increase the borrowing capacity of the revolving credit facility by $200 million to $1.5 billion (from $1.3 billion previously); (ii) increase the existing tranche term loan A by $300 million to $1.455 billion (from $1.155 billion previously), and; (iii) initiate a new $400 million delayed draw term loan A which is expected to be drawn upon the closing of our acquisition of Talkspace, Inc. The maturity date for our credit agreement, which is scheduled for September 26, 2029, remained unchanged.
As of March 31, 2026, we had approximately $373 million of borrowings outstanding pursuant to our revolving credit facility.
Stock Repurchase Program:
In connection with our stock repurchase program, shares of our Class B Common Stock may be repurchased, from time to time as conditions allow, on the open market or in negotiated private transactions. Pursuant to this program, during the first quarter of 2026, we have repurchased 675,000 shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $127.3 million (average price of approximately $189 per share).
As of March 31, 2026, we had an aggregate available repurchase authorization of approximately $1.298 billion pursuant to our stock repurchase program.
Conference call information:
We will hold a conference call for investors and analysts at 9:00 a.m. eastern time on April 28, 2026. A live webcast of the call will be available on our website at www.uhs.com. To participate via telephone, please register in advance at this link. Upon registration, all telephone participants will receive a confirmation email detailing how to join the conference call, including the dial-in number along with a unique passcode and registrant ID that can be used to access the call. A replay of the call will be available for one full year following the live call. Supplemental financial disclosures related to our financial results are available on our website.
General Information, Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors and Non-GAAP Financial Measures:
Our operating philosophy is as effective today as it was upon the Company's founding in 1979, enabling us to provide compassionate care to our patients and their loved ones. Our strategy includes building or acquiring high quality hospitals in rapidly growing markets, investing in the people and equipment needed to allow each facility to thrive, and becoming the leading healthcare provider in each community we serve.
UHS is headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, and, through its subsidiaries, has approximately 101,500 employees and operates 29 inpatient acute care hospitals, 346 inpatient behavioral health facilities, 168 outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located in 40 states, Washington, D.C., the United Kingdom and Puerto Rico.
A wholly-owned subsidiary of UHS acts as the advisor to Universal Health Realty Income Trust, a real estate investment trust (NYSE:UHT). For additional information visit www.uhs.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current management expectations. Numerous factors, including those disclosed herein, those related to healthcare industry trends and those detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (as set forth in Item 1A-Risk Factors, and Item 7-Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors, in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025), may cause the results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and therefore actual results may differ materially. Readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements which reflect management's view only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Many of the factors that could affect our future results are beyond our control or ability to predict, including, but not limited to:
A significant portion of our revenues are derived from federal and state government programs including the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Payments from these programs are subject to statutory and regulatory changes, administrative rulings, interpretations and determinations, requirements for utilization review, and federal and state funding restrictions. Changes to these programs could materially affect program payments which could materially impact our results of operations. In addition, we receive substantial reimbursement from multiple states in connection with various supplemental Medicaid payment programs. Failure to renew these programs beyond their scheduled termination dates, failure of the public hospitals to provide the necessary Inter-Governmental Transfers for the states' share of the Medicaid disproportionate share hospital programs, and the failure of our hospitals that currently receive supplemental Medicaid revenues to qualify for future funds under these programs could cause our actual results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2026 to differ materially from our previously disclosed 2026 operating results forecast. Legislation adopted on July 4, 2025, attaches work and community service requirements to eligibility for Medicaid benefits that will have the effect of limiting Medicaid enrollment and expenditures. That legislation also places limits on provider fees used to increase federal Medicaid funding to states and eliminated certain exchange premium tax credits beyond 2025. As these provisions become effective over the next several years, they may be expected to reduce our revenues and likely increase the level of uncompensated care provided by our facilities. The increase in interest rates during the past few years has increased our interest expense significantly thereby reducing our free cash flow. As such, although interest rates have moderated more recently, the effects of increased borrowing rates have adversely impacted our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. We cannot predict future changes to interest rates, however, significant increases in our borrowing rates could have a material unfavorable impact on our future results of operations and our ability to access the capital markets on favorable terms. Changes in laws or policies governing the terms of foreign trade, and in particular, increased trade restrictions, tariffs or taxes on imports from where our products or materials are made (either directly or through our suppliers) could have an impact on our competitive position, business operations and financial results. The outcome of known and unknown litigation, liabilities and other claims asserted against us and/or our subsidiaries, including, but not limited to, the matters related to Cumberland Hospital for Children and Adolescents, located in New Kent, Virginia, and the verdict in Washoe County, Nevada, against certain subsidiaries of ours, both of which were previously disclosed in various filings including, most recently, our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025. Although we can make no assurances regarding the ultimate outcome of these matters, or what damages will ultimately be awarded, the final resolution of these matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The ability to successfully complete, integrate and realize the benefit and synergies from our proposed acquisition of Talkspace, Inc. We believe that adjusted net income attributable to UHS, adjusted net income attributable to UHS per diluted share, EBITDA net of NCI and Adjusted EBITDA net of NCI, which are non-GAAP financial measures ("GAAP" is Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America), are helpful to our investors as measures of our operating performance. In addition, we believe that, when applicable, comparing and discussing our financial results based on these measures, as calculated, is helpful to our investors since it neutralizes the effect of material items impacting our net income attributable to UHS, such as, changes in the value of certain non-marketable securities (in connection with our minority ownership in a healthcare generative artificial intelligence company), the impact of ASU 2016-09, and other potential material items that are nonrecurring or non-operational in nature including, but not limited to, impairments of goodwill, long-lived and intangible assets, reserves for various matters including settlements, legal judgments and lawsuits, costs related to extinguishment of debt, gains/losses on sales of assets and businesses, potential impacts of non-ordinary acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures or other strategic transactions, and other amounts that may be reflected in the current or prior year financial statements that relate to prior periods. To obtain a complete understanding of our financial performance these measures should be examined in connection with net income attributable to UHS, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and as presented in the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in this report or in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including our Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025. Since the items included or excluded from these measures are significant components in understanding and assessing financial performance under GAAP, these measures should not be considered to be alternatives to net income as a measure of our operating performance or profitability. Since these measures, as presented, are not determined in accordance with GAAP and are thus susceptible to varying calculations, they may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Investors are encouraged to use GAAP measures when evaluating our financial performance.
Universal Health Services, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
Three months
ended March 31,
2026
2025
Net revenues
$4,495,182
$4,099,720
Operating charges:
Salaries, wages and benefits
2,088,229
1,951,104
Other operating expenses
1,283,928
1,105,752
Supplies expense
426,543
402,881
Depreciation and amortization
155,426
148,345
Lease and rental expense
38,196
36,813
3,992,322
3,644,895
Income from operations
502,860
454,825
Interest expense, net
37,133
40,056
Other (income) expense, net
(3,389)
(5,659)
Income before income taxes
469,116
420,428
Provision for income taxes
110,438
98,800
Net income
358,678
321,628
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to
noncontrolling interests ("NCI")
9,996
4,948
Net income attributable to UHS
$348,682
$316,680
Basic earnings per share attributable to UHS (a)
$5.71
$4.87
Diluted earnings per share attributable to UHS (a)
$5.65
$4.80
Universal Health Services, Inc.
Footnotes to Consolidated Statements of Income
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
Three months
(a) Earnings per share calculation:
ended March 31,
2026
2025
Basic and diluted:
Net income attributable to UHS - basic and diluted
$348,682
$316,680
Weighted average number of common shares - basic
61,071
64,970
Basic earnings per share attributable to UHS:
$5.71
$4.87
Weighted average number of common shares
61,071
64,970
Add: Other share equivalents
597
1,067
Weighted average number of common shares and equiv. - diluted
61,668
66,037
Diluted earnings per share attributable to UHS:
$5.65
$4.80
Universal Health Services, Inc.
Schedule of Non-GAAP Supplemental Information ("Supplemental Schedule")
For the Three Months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
Calculation of Earnings/Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization
("EBITDA/Adjusted EBITDA net of NCI")
Three months ended
% Net
Three months ended
% Net
March 31, 2026
revenues
March 31, 2025
revenues
Net income attributable to UHS
$348,682
$316,680
Depreciation and amortization
155,426
148,345
Interest expense, net
37,133
40,056
Provision for income taxes
110,438
98,800
EBITDA net of NCI
$651,679
14.5 %
$603,881
14.7 %
Other (income) expense, net
(3,389)
(5,659)
Adjusted EBITDA net of NCI
$648,290
14.4 %
$598,222
14.6 %
Net revenues
$4,495,182
$4,099,720
Calculation of Adjusted Net Income Attributable to UHS
Three months ended
Three months ended
March 31, 2026
March 31, 2025
Per
Per
Amount
Diluted Share
Amount
Diluted Share
Net income attributable to UHS
$348,682
$5.65
$316,680
$4.80
Plus/minus after-tax adjustments:
Loss on marketable equity securities
-
-
3,285
0.05
Impact of ASU 2016-09, net
(2,164)
(0.03)
(461)
(0.01)
Subtotal adjustments
(2,164)
(0.03)
2,824
0.04
Adjusted net income
$346,518
$5.62
$319,504
$4.84
Universal Health Services, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
March 31,
December 31,
2026
2025
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
119,028
$
137,797
Accounts receivable, net
2,745,090
2,602,434
Supplies
229,415
232,110
Other current assets
406,168
435,574
Total current assets
3,499,701
3,407,915
Property and equipment
13,609,793
13,489,811
Less: accumulated depreciation
(6,546,146)
(6,481,714)
7,063,647
7,008,097
Other assets:
Goodwill
3,980,656
3,990,213
Deferred income taxes
68,339
70,517
Right of use assets-operating leases
375,316
374,239
Deferred charges
9,234
9,272
Other
684,249
667,340
Total Assets
$
15,681,142
$
15,527,593
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt
$
756,240
$
748,158
Accounts payable and other liabilities
2,356,343
2,416,276
Operating lease liabilities
72,904
73,237
Federal and state taxes
58,591
1,930
Total current liabilities
3,244,078
3,239,601
Other noncurrent liabilities
532,678
527,827
Operating lease liabilities noncurrent
344,555
340,715
Deferred income taxes
3,234
5,649
Long-term debt
3,952,118
4,004,393
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
73,380
70,620
UHS common stockholders' equity
7,464,857
7,275,792
Noncontrolling interest
66,242
62,996
Total equity
7,531,099
7,338,788
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
$
15,681,142
$
15,527,593
Universal Health Services, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Three months
ended March 31,
2026
2025
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income
$358,678
$321,628
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation & amortization
155,426
148,345
Stock-based compensation expense
22,504
21,595
Gain on sales of assets and businesses
(5,046)
0
Changes in assets & liabilities, net of effects from
acquisitions and dispositions:
Accounts receivable
(123,862)
(218,374)
Accrued interest
10,992
11,086
Accrued and deferred income taxes
104,772
88,641
Other working capital accounts
(122,911)
(42,824)
Other assets and deferred charges
(12,257)
(489)
Other, net
(221)
3,811
Accrued insurance expense, net of commercial premiums paid
62,568
47,334
Payments made in settlement of self-insurance claims, net of commercial insurance reimbursements
(49,015)
(20,705)
Net cash provided by operating activities
401,628
360,048
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Property and equipment additions
(217,157)
(239,026)
Proceeds received from sales of assets and businesses
14,304
0
Acquisition of businesses and property
(4,857)
(8,314)
Inflows (outflows) from foreign exchange contracts that hedge our net U.K. investment
14,716
(23,695)
Costs incurred for purchase and development of enterprise resource planning application
(4,613)
0
Decrease (increase) in capital reserves of commercial insurance subsidiary
28
(264)
Net cash used in investing activities
(197,579)
(271,299)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Repayments of long-term debt
(44,731)
(9,113)
Additional borrowings
40
152,454
Repurchase of common shares
(163,849)
(223,385)
Dividends paid
(12,974)
(13,534)
Issuance of common stock
3,782
3,658
Profit distributions to noncontrolling interests
(7,912)
(5,912)
Purchase of ownership interests by minority members, net
3,750
4,412
Net cash used in financing activities
(221,894)
(91,420)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(924)
1,645
Decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
(18,769)
(1,026)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period
271,322
224,752
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period
$252,553
$223,726
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
Interest paid
$25,119
$27,718
Income taxes paid, net of refunds
$8,276
$5,638
Noncash purchases of property and equipment
$70,246
$116,196
Universal Health Services, Inc.
Supplemental Statistical Information
(unaudited)
% Change
Three Months ended
Same Facility:
3/31/2026
Acute Care Hospitals (1)
Revenues
8.2 %
Adjusted Admissions
0.0 %
Adjusted Patient Days
0.8 %
Revenue Per Adjusted Admission
6.3 %
Revenue Per Adjusted Patient Day
5.5 %
Behavioral Health Hospitals (1)
Revenues
7.3 %
Adjusted Admissions
1.2 %
Adjusted Patient Days
1.6 %
Revenue Per Adjusted Admission
6.2 %
Revenue Per Adjusted Patient Day
5.8 %
UHS Consolidated
Three Months ended
3/31/2026
3/31/2025
Revenues
$4,495,182
$4,099,720
EBITDA net of NCI
$651,679
$603,881
EBITDA Margin net of NCI
14.5 %
14.7 %
Adjusted EBITDA net of NCI
$648,290
$598,222
Adjusted EBITDA Margin net of NCI
14.4 %
14.6 %
Cash Flow From Operations
$401,628
$360,048
Capital Expenditures
$217,157
$239,026
Days Sales Outstanding
55
53
Debt
$4,708,358
$4,649,682
UHS' Shareholders Equity
$7,464,857
$6,785,604
Debt / Total Capitalization
38.7 %
40.7 %
Debt / EBITDA net of NCI (2)
1.70
2.00
Debt / Adjusted EBITDA net of NCI (2)
1.78
2.01
Debt / Cash From Operations (2)
2.47
2.29
(1) Prior year amounts related to certain facilities previously included in our Behavioral Health Care Services' results have been reclassified into our Acute Care Hospital Services' results as of January 1, 2025 to conform with current year presentation.
(2) Latest 4 quarters.
Universal Health Services, Inc.
Acute Care Hospital Services
For the Three Months ended
March 31, 2026 and 2025
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Same Facility Basis - Acute Care Hospital Services
Three months ended
Three months ended
March 31, 2026
March 31, 2025
Amount
% of Net
Revenues
Amount
% of Net
Revenues
Net revenues
$2,470,045
100.0 %
$2,281,831
100.0 %
Operating charges:
Salaries, wages and benefits
952,835
38.6 %
913,829
40.0 %
Other operating expenses
728,152
29.5 %
638,599
28.0 %
Supplies expense
365,497
14.8 %
348,824
15.3 %
Depreciation and amortization
95,681
3.9 %
94,901
4.2 %
Lease and rental expense
26,738
1.1 %
25,344
1.1 %
Subtotal-operating expenses
2,168,903
87.8 %
2,021,497
88.6 %
Income from operations
301,142
12.2 %
260,334
11.4 %
Interest expense, net
986
0.0 %
2,262
0.1 %
Other (income) expense, net
(2,555)
(0.1) %
(8,572)
(0.4) %
Income before income taxes
$302,711
12.3 %
$266,644
11.7 %
All Acute Care Hospital Services
Three months ended
Three months ended
March 31, 2026
March 31, 2025
Amount
% of Net
Revenues
Amount
% of Net
Revenues
Net revenues
$2,610,136
100.0 %
$2,357,814
100.0 %
Operating charges:
Salaries, wages and benefits
972,846
37.3 %
915,524
38.8 %
Other operating expenses
859,847
32.9 %
716,662
30.4 %
Supplies expense
367,938
14.1 %
348,692
14.8 %
Depreciation and amortization
96,318
3.7 %
94,903
4.0 %
Lease and rental expense
26,572
1.0 %
25,344
1.1 %
Subtotal-operating expenses
2,323,521
89.0 %
2,101,125
89.1 %
Income from operations
286,615
11.0 %
256,689
10.9 %
Interest expense, net
986
0.0 %
2,262
0.1 %
Other (income) expense, net
(2,132)
(0.1) %
(8,267)
(0.4) %
Income before income taxes
$287,761
11.0 %
$262,694
11.1 %
We believe that providing our results on a "Same Facility" basis (which is a non-GAAP measure), which includes the operating results for facilities and businesses operated in both the current year and prior year periods, is helpful to our investors as a measure of our operating performance. Our Same Facility results also neutralize (if applicable), the effect of material items that are nonrecurring or non-operational in nature including items such as, but not limited to, reserves for various matters, settlements, legal judgments and lawsuits, cost related to extinguishment of debt, gains/losses on sales of assets and businesses, impairments of goodwill, long-lived and intangible assets and other amounts that may be reflected in the current or prior year financial statements that relate to prior periods. Our Same Facility basis results exclude from net revenues and other operating expenses, provider tax assessments incurred in each period. However, these provider tax assessments are included in net revenues and other operating expenses as reflected in the table under All Acute Care Hospital Services. The provider tax assessments had no impact on the income before income taxes as reflected on the above tables since the amounts offset between net revenues and other operating expenses. To obtain a complete understanding of our financial performance, the Same Facility results should be examined in connection with our net income as determined in accordance with GAAP and as presented herein and the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto as contained in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.
Prior year amounts related to certain facilities previously included in our Behavioral Health Care Services' results have been reclassified into our Acute Care Hospital Services' results as of January 1, 2025 to conform with current year presentation.
The All Acute Care Hospital Services table summarizes the results of operations for all our acute care operations during the periods presented. These amounts include: (i) our acute care results on a same facility basis, as indicated above; (ii) the impact of provider tax assessments which increased net revenues and other operating expenses but had no impact on income before income taxes, and; (iii) certain other amounts including the results of facilities acquired or opened during the last twelve months.
Universal Health Services, Inc.
Behavioral Health Care Services
For the Three Months ended
March 31, 2026 and 2025
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Same Facility Basis - Behavioral Health Care Services
Three months ended
Three months ended
March 31, 2026
March 31, 2025
Amount
% of Net
Revenues
Amount
% of Net
Revenues
Net revenues
$1,818,676
100.0 %
$1,694,160
100.0 %
Operating charges:
Salaries, wages and benefits
993,038
54.6 %
919,790
54.3 %
Other operating expenses
334,423
18.4 %
319,600
18.9 %
Supplies expense
58,456
3.2 %
54,995
3.2 %
Depreciation and amortization
55,156
3.0 %
50,879
3.0 %
Lease and rental expense
11,305
0.6 %
10,878
0.6 %
Subtotal-operating expenses
1,452,378
79.9 %
1,356,142
80.0 %
Income from operations
366,298
20.1 %
338,018
20.0 %
Interest expense, net
1,192
0.1 %
1,075
0.1 %
Other (income) expense, net
(883)
(0.0) %
(825)
(0.0) %
Income before income taxes
$365,989
20.1 %
$337,768
19.9 %
All Behavioral Health Care Services
Three months ended
Three months ended
March 31, 2026
March 31, 2025
Amount
% of Net
Revenues
Amount
% of Net
Revenues
Net revenues
$1,882,152
100.0 %
$1,739,064
100.0 %
Operating charges:
Salaries, wages and benefits
1,001,094
53.2 %
923,366
53.1 %
Other operating expenses
391,898
20.8 %
362,262
20.8 %
Supplies expense
58,787
3.1 %
55,148
3.2 %
Depreciation and amortization
56,634
3.0 %
51,152
2.9 %
Lease and rental expense
11,515
0.6 %
11,364
0.7 %
Subtotal-operating expenses
1,519,928
80.8 %
1,403,292
80.7 %
Income from operations
362,224
19.2 %
335,772
19.3 %
Interest expense, net
1,272
0.1 %
1,075
0.1 %
Other (income) expense, net
(883)
(0.0) %
(825)
(0.0) %
Income before income taxes
$361,835
19.2 %
$335,522
19.3 %
We believe that providing our results on a "Same Facility" basis (which is a non-GAAP measure), which includes the operating results for facilities and businesses operated in both the current year and prior year periods, is helpful to our investors as a measure of our operating performance. Our Same Facility results also neutralize (if applicable), the effect of material items that are nonrecurring or non-operational in nature including items such as, but not limited to, reserves for various matters, settlements, legal judgments and lawsuits, cost related to extinguishment of debt, gains/losses on sales of assets and businesses, impairments of goodwill, long-lived and intangible assets and other amounts that may be reflected in the current or prior year financial statements that relate to prior periods. Our Same Facility basis results exclude from net revenues and other operating expenses, provider tax assessments incurred in each period. However, these provider tax assessments are included in net revenues and other operating expenses as reflected in the table under All Behavioral Health Care Services. The provider tax assessments had no impact on the income before income taxes as reflected on the above tables since the amounts offset between net revenues and other operating expenses. To obtain a complete understanding of our financial performance, the Same Facility results should be examined in connection with our net income as determined in accordance with GAAP and as presented herein and the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto as contained in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.
Prior year amounts related to certain facilities previously included in our Behavioral Health Care Services' results have been reclassified into our Acute Care Hospital Services' results as of January 1, 2025 to conform with current year presentation.
The All Behavioral Health Care Services table summarizes the results of operations for all our behavioral health care facilities during the periods presented. These amounts include: (i) our behavioral health results on a same facility basis, as indicated above; (ii) the impact of provider tax assessments which increased net revenues and other operating expenses but had no impact on income before income taxes, and; (iii) certain other amounts including the results of facilities acquired or opened during the last twelve months.
Universal Health Services, Inc.
Selected Hospital Statistics
For the Three Months ended
March 31, 2026 and 2025
(unaudited)
AS REPORTED:
ACUTE
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
3/31/26
3/31/25
% change
3/31/26
3/31/25
% change
Hospitals owned and leased
29
28
3.6 %
346
334
3.6 %
Average licensed beds
7,165
6,994
2.4 %
24,570
24,083
2.0 %
Average available beds
6,993
6,822
2.5 %
24,470
23,983
2.0 %
Patient days
431,073
429,030
0.5 %
1,619,586
1,588,545
2.0 %
Average daily census
4,789.7
4,767.0
0.5 %
17,995.4
17,650.5
2.0 %
Occupancy-licensed beds
66.8 %
68.2 %
-1.9 %
73.2 %
73.3 %
-0.1 %
Occupancy-available beds
68.5 %
69.9 %
-2.0 %
73.5 %
73.6 %
-0.1 %
Admissions
87,889
88,090
-0.2 %
117,491
116,350
1.0 %
Length of stay
4.9
4.9
0.0 %
13.8
13.7
0.7 %
Inpatient revenue
$15,963,182
$14,318,291
11.5 %
$3,266,302
$2,844,888
14.8 %
Outpatient revenue
10,812,978
9,327,796
15.9 %
312,492
274,034
14.0 %
Total patient revenue
26,776,160
23,646,087
13.2 %
3,578,794
3,118,922
14.7 %
Other revenue
337,257
280,443
20.3 %
95,475
88,379
8.0 %
Gross revenue
27,113,417
23,926,530
13.3 %
3,674,269
3,207,301
14.6 %
Total deductions
24,503,281
21,568,716
13.6 %
1,792,117
1,468,237
22.1 %
Net revenue
$2,610,136
$2,357,814
10.7 %
$1,882,152
$1,739,064
8.2 %
SAME FACILITY:
ACUTE
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
3/31/26
3/31/25
% change
3/31/26
3/31/25
% change
Hospitals owned and leased
28
28
0.0 %
334
334
0.0 %
Average licensed beds
7,023
6,994
0.4 %
24,016
23,856
0.7 %
Average available beds
6,851
6,822
0.4 %
23,916
23,756
0.7 %
Patient days
425,835
429,030
-0.7 %
1,593,351
1,570,599
1.4 %
Average daily census
4,731.5
4,767.0
-0.7 %
17,703.9
17,451.1
1.4 %
Occupancy-licensed beds
67.4 %
68.2 %
-1.2 %
73.7 %
73.2 %
0.8 %
Occupancy-available beds
69.1 %
69.9 %
-1.2 %
74.0 %
73.5 %
0.8 %
Admissions
86,780
88,090
-1.5 %
116,268
115,049
1.1 %
Length of stay
4.9
4.9
0.0 %
13.7
13.7
0.0 %
Prior year amounts related to certain facilities previously included in our Behavioral Health Care Services' results have been reclassified into our Acute Care Hospital Services' results as of January 1, 2025 to conform with current year presentation.
Universal Health Services (UHS - Free Report) reported $4.5 billion in revenue for the quarter ended March 2026, representing a year-over-year increase of 9.7%. EPS of $5.62 for the same period compares to $4.84 a year ago.
The reported revenue represents a surprise of +3% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.36 billion. With the consensus EPS estimate being $5.29, the EPS surprise was +6.18%.
While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall Street expectations to determine their next move, some key metrics always offer a more accurate picture of a company's financial health.
As these metrics influence top- and bottom-line performance, comparing them to the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated helps investors project a stock's price performance more accurately.
Here is how Universal Health Services performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts:
Admissions - Acute - Same facility basis: 86,780 compared to the 88,434 average estimate based on two analysts.Admissions - Behavioral health: 117,491 compared to the 118,679 average estimate based on two analysts.Net Revenues- Behavioral health services: $1.88 billion versus the four-analyst average estimate of $1.86 billion. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of +7.7%.Net Revenues- Acute care hospital services: $2.61 billion compared to the $2.5 billion average estimate based on four analysts. The reported number represents a change of +11.1% year over year.Operating Income- Behavioral Health Care Services: $362.22 million versus the three-analyst average estimate of $352.05 million.Operating Income- Acute Care Hospital Services: $286.62 million versus the three-analyst average estimate of $259.08 million.View all Key Company Metrics for Universal Health Services here>>>
Shares of Universal Health Services have returned -5.3% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +9.3% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), indicating that it could perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
Key Takeaways UHS' Q1 EPS of $5.62 beat estimates by 6.2% and rose 16.1% y/y.Universal Health saw strong growth from Behavioral Health with higher admissions and patient days.UHS' revenues rose 9.6% y/y to $4.5B, but higher wages and costs pressured margins. Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS - Free Report) reported first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $5.62, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6.2%. The bottom line rose 16.1% year over year.
Net revenues of $4.5 billion improved 9.6% year over year. The top line beat the consensus mark by 3%.
The strong quarterly results benefited from strong top-line growth, driven by robust performance in both Acute Care and Behavioral Health segments. Increased adjusted admissions and improved patient days boosted Behavioral Health Care segmental revenues. However, the upside was partly offset by elevated operating costs.
UHS’ Quarterly Operational UpdateAdjusted EBITDA, net of NCI, rose 8.4% year over year to $648.3 million, and beat our estimate of $633.2 million.
Total operating costs came in at $4 billion, which escalated 9.5% year over year in the quarter under review due to higher salaries, wages and benefits, supplies and other operating expenses. The metric came higher than our estimate of $3.9 billion.
UHS’ Q1 Segmental UpdateAcute Care Hospital ServicesOn a same-facility basis, UHS’ acute care business leaned on stronger unit revenues rather than incremental admissions. Adjusted admissions (adjusted for outpatient activity) remained flat on a same-facility basis in the first quarter. Adjusted patient days rose 0.8% year over year, while net revenue per adjusted admission advanced 6.3%. Net revenues stemming from Universal Health’s acute care services improved 8.2% on a same-facility basis.
Behavioral Health Care ServicesBehavioral health care also posted solid same-facility revenue growth, helped by both volume and pricing. Adjusted admissions inched up 1.2% on a same-facility basis. Adjusted patient days rose 1.6%, while net revenue per adjusted patient days advanced 6.2%. Net revenues derived from UHS’ behavioral healthcare services improved 7.3% on a same-facility basis.
Financial Update of UHS (As of March 31, 2026)Universal Health exited the first quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $119 million, which fell from the 2025-end level of $137.8 million. As part of its $1.3 billion revolving credit facility, net of outstanding borrowings and letters of credit, there remains an aggregate available borrowing capacity of $373 million at the first-quarter end. Total assets of $15.7 billion increased from the $15.5 billion figure at 2025-end.
Long-term debt amounted to $4 billion, which declined 1.3% from the figure at 2025-end. Current maturities of long-term debt totaled $756.2 million.
Total equity of $7.5 billion advanced from the 2025-end figure of $7.3 billion.
UHS generated cash flows from operations of $401.6 million in the first quarter of 2026, which grew from the prior-year comparable period’s $360 million.
Share Repurchase UpdateUniversal Health bought back shares worth around $127.3 million in the first quarter of 2026. The total remaining authorization available under the buyback program now stands at $1.3 billion.
2026 Guidance by Universal HealthManagement earlier expected net revenues within $18.417-$18.789 billion. The mid-point of the guidance implies 7.1% growth from the 2025 figure of $17.365 billion.
Adjusted EBITDA, net of NCI, was anticipated to be in the range of $2.641-$2.789 billion in 2026, indicating 4.8% growth from the 2025 level of $2.59 billion. EPS was projected in the band of $22.64-$24.52, the mid-point of which suggests 8.5% growth from the 2025 figure of $21.74.
Capital expenditures were expected to be between $950 million and $1.1 billion.
UHS’ Zacks RankUHS currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
How Did Peers Perform?Several companies in the Medical space, including Molina Healthcare Inc. (MOH - Free Report) , UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH - Free Report) and Elevance Health, Inc. (ELV - Free Report) , have already reported their financial results for the March quarter of 2026. Here’s how they had performed:
Molina Healthcare reported first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share of $2.35, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.57. The bottom line declined 61.3% from the year-ago period's level. Revenues amounted to $10.8 billion, which decreased 3.1% year over year. The top line of Molina Healthcare marginally missed the consensus mark by 0.2%. The first-quarter performance was supported by lower medical care costs, partially offset by declining premiums, membership and investment income.
UnitedHealth reported first-quarter 2026 EPS of $7.23, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.46. The bottom line rose 0.4% year over year. Revenues rose 2% year over year to $111.7 billion. The top line beat the consensus mark by 2.1%. The strong quarterly earnings were aided by growth in commercial fee-based membership and the strength witnessed in Optum Rx. However, weakness in UnitedHealth’s Optum Health and declining risk-based membership partially offset the positives.
Elevance Health reported first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share of $12.58, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 17.8%. The bottom line rose 5.1% year over year. Operating revenues advanced 1.5% year over year to $49.5 billion. The top line beat the consensus mark by 3.7%. The strong quarterly results benefited on the back of strong growth in premiums. Segment-wise, the Carelon division posted a robust revenue surge, aided by scaling risk-based services, while Health Benefits saw increased premium yields. However, Elevance Health’s upside was partly offset by a decline in overall medical membership and an elevated expense level.
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Each stock is given an alphabetic rating of A, B, C, D or F based on their value, growth, and momentum qualities. With this system, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on, meaning the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreFor value investors, it's all about finding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value before the broader market catches on. The Value Style Score utilizes ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to help pick out the most attractive and discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.
Momentum ScoreMomentum trading is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook, and these investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." The Momentum Style Score can pinpoint good times to build a position in a stock, using factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates.
VGM ScoreIf you like to use all three kinds of investing, then the VGM Score is for you. It's a combination of all Style Scores, and is an important indicator to use with the Zacks Rank. The VGM Score rates each stock on their shared weighted styles, narrowing down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.
#1 (Strong Buy) stocks have produced an unmatched +23.93% average annual return since 1988, which is more than double the S&P 500's performance over the same time frame. However, the Zacks Rank examines a ton of stocks, and there can be more than 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, and another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
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That's where the Style Scores come in.
To have the best chance of big returns, you'll want to always consider stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B, which will give you the highest probability of success. If you're looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, it's important they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.
The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.
A stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, for instance, even one with Scores of A and B, will still have a declining earnings forecast, and a greater chance its share price will fall too.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Universal Health Services (UHS - Free Report) King of Prussia, PA-based Universal Health Services Inc. owns and operates (through its subsidiaries) acute care hospitals, behavioral health centers, surgical hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and radiation oncology centers.
UHS is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of A thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 6.91; value investors should take notice.
For fiscal 2026, four analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.28 to $23.53 per share. UHS boasts an average earnings surprise of +9.5%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, UHS should be on investors' short list.
Resources Investor Relations Journalists Agencies Client Login Send a Release News Products Contact , /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) is scheduled to present at the BofA Securities Health Care Conference on May 12, 2026, at 1:40pm PT.
A live audio webcast of the presentation and a webcast replay will be available at the Investor Relations section of the Company's website (www.uhsinc.com).
Universal Health Services, Inc. is one of the nation's largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, operating through its subsidiaries, acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities and ambulatory centers located throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, and Puerto Rico.
Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many different ways to do both.
The research service features daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, all of which will help you become a smarter, more confident investor.
Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores, developed alongside the Zacks Rank, are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing methodologies; they also help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreGrowth investors are more concerned with a stock's future prospects, and the overall financial health and strength of a company. Thus, the Growth Style Score analyzes characteristics like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will see sustainable growth over time.
Momentum ScoreMomentum traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreIf you like to use all three kinds of investing, then the VGM Score is for you. It's a combination of all Style Scores, and is an important indicator to use with the Zacks Rank. The VGM Score rates each stock on their shared weighted styles, narrowing down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank, which is a proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to make building a winning portfolio easier.
It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.7% average annual return since 1988. That's more than double the S&P 500. But because of the large number of stocks we rate, there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
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Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Universal Health Services (UHS - Free Report) Universal Health Services, Inc. is a King of Prussia, PA-based hospital operator with acute care and behavioral health facilities, plus related outpatient access points. It also operates surgical hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and radiation oncology centers, and offers an insurance product and physician network.
UHS is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
Additionally, the company could be a top pick for growth investors. UHS has a Growth Style Score of B, forecasting year-over-year earnings growth of 7.4% for the current fiscal year.
For fiscal 2026, three analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.01 to $23.34 per share. UHS boasts an average earnings surprise of +9.5%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Growth and VGM Style Scores, UHS should be on investors' short list.
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Universal Health Services (UHS - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 3.6% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
But investors have to be wondering, will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Universal Health Services due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.
UHS' Q1 Earnings Beat on Strong Behavioral Health Care Admissions
Universal Health Services reported first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $5.62, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6.2%. The bottom line rose 16.1% year over year.
Net revenues of $4.5 billion improved 9.6% year over year. The top line beat the consensus mark by 3%.
The strong quarterly results benefited from strong top-line growth, driven by robust performance in both Acute Care and Behavioral Health segments. Increased adjusted admissions and improved patient days boosted Behavioral Health Care segmental revenues. However, the upside was partly offset by elevated operating costs.
UHS’ Quarterly Operational UpdateAdjusted EBITDA, net of NCI, rose 8.4% year over year to $648.3 million, and beat our estimate of $633.2 million.
Total operating costs came in at $4 billion, which escalated 9.5% year over year in the quarter under review due to higher salaries, wages and benefits, supplies and other operating expenses. The metric came higher than our estimate of $3.9 billion.
UHS’ Q1 Segmental UpdateAcute Care Hospital ServicesOn a same-facility basis, UHS’ acute care business leaned on stronger unit revenues rather than incremental admissions. Adjusted admissions (adjusted for outpatient activity) remained flat on a same-facility basis in the first quarter. Adjusted patient days rose 0.8% year over year, while net revenue per adjusted admission advanced 6.3%. Net revenues stemming from Universal Health’s acute care services improved 8.2% on a same-facility basis.
Behavioral Health Care ServicesBehavioral health care also posted solid same-facility revenue growth, helped by both volume and pricing. Adjusted admissions inched up 1.2% on a same-facility basis. Adjusted patient days rose 1.6%, while net revenue per adjusted patient days advanced 6.2%. Net revenues derived from UHS’ behavioral healthcare services improved 7.3% on a same-facility basis.
Financial Update of UHS (As of March 31, 2026)Universal Health exited the first quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $119 million, which fell from the 2025-end level of $137.8 million. As part of its $1.3 billion revolving credit facility, net of outstanding borrowings and letters of credit, there remains an aggregate available borrowing capacity of $373 million at the first-quarter end. Total assets of $15.7 billion increased from the $15.5 billion figure at 2025-end.
Long-term debt amounted to $4 billion, which declined 1.3% from the figure at 2025-end. Current maturities of long-term debt totaled $756.2 million.
Total equity of $7.5 billion advanced from the 2025-end figure of $7.3 billion.
UHS generated cash flows from operations of $401.6 million in the first quarter of 2026, which grew from the prior-year comparable period’s $360 million.
Share Repurchase UpdateUniversal Health bought back shares worth around $127.3 million in the first quarter of 2026. The total remaining authorization available under the buyback program now stands at $1.3 billion.
2026 Guidance by Universal HealthManagement earlier expected net revenues within $18.417-$18.789 billion. The mid-point of the guidance implies 7.1% growth from the 2025 figure of $17.365 billion.
Adjusted EBITDA, net of NCI, was anticipated to be in the range of $2.641-$2.789 billion in 2026, indicating 4.8% growth from the 2025 level of $2.59 billion. EPS was projected in the band of $22.64-$24.52, the mid-point of which suggests 8.5% growth from the 2025 figure of $21.74.
Capital expenditures were expected to be between $950 million and $1.1 billion.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?In the past month, investors have witnessed a downward trend in estimates review.
VGM ScoresAt this time, Universal Health Services has a nice Growth Score of B, however its Momentum Score is doing a bit better with an A. Following the exact same course, the stock was allocated a score of A on the value side, putting it in the top quintile for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of A. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Interestingly, Universal Health Services has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
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News Products Contact Hamburger menu Send a Release KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., May 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) announced today that its Board of Directors voted to pay a cash dividend of $0.20 per share on June 18, 2026 to shareholders of record as of June 8, 2026.
Universal Health Services, Inc. ("UHS") is one of the nation's largest providers of hospital and healthcare services. Through its subsidiaries, UHS operates acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points located throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom.
Resources Investor Relations Journalists Agencies Client Login Send a Release News Products Contact , /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) is scheduled to present at the Goldman Sachs Annual Global Healthcare Conference on June 9, 2026, at 8:00am ET.
A live audio webcast of the presentation and a webcast replay will be available at the Investor Relations section of the Company's website (www.uhsinc.com).
Universal Health Services, Inc. is one of the nation's largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, operating through its subsidiaries, acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities and ambulatory centers located throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, and Puerto Rico.
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - May 28, 2026) - Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP has launched an urgent investigation into whether certain officers and directors of Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) failed to manage Universal Health in an acceptable manner, breaching their fiduciary duties to Universal Health, and whether Universal Health and its shareholders have suffered damages as a result. Attorney Joseph A. Pettigrew is heading the investigation-what shareholders need to know:
On May 26, the Capitol Forum reported that South Carolina regulators flagged one of Universal Health's facilities multiple times, alleging the company failed to prevent sexual assaults of juvenile patients by other patients. Numerous other states have made similar moves.If you own Universal Health common stock, join our investigation on behalf of Universal Health and its shareholders by contacting us.If you own Universal Health common stock and you wish to discuss this investigation-at no cost for you-please contact attorney Joe Pettigrew toll-free at (844) 818-6982 or [email protected].
About this investigation-FAQ:
Q1: What is this ongoing investigation into Universal Health about?
A: According to our investigation, owners of Universal Health common stock have been impacted by regulatory action against one of its South Carolina facilities. Numerous other states have acted likewise. Scott+Scott has a decades-long track record in fighting for corporate governance and monetary recoveries on behalf of companies and their shareholders.
Q2: How does this Scott+Scott investigation work?
A: Joining our investigation is easy and at no cost for you. By contacting us, we will let you know your rights as a Universal Health shareholder, and how the process works and what you can expect. If you currently own Universal Health stock, we look forward to hearing from you.
To learn more about Scott+Scott, our attorneys, or complex case resolution, please visit www.scott-scott.com.
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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/299221
Investors in Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS - Free Report) need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the Jul 17, 2026 $290 Call had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today.
What is Implied Volatility?Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility suggest that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. It could also mean there is an event coming up soon that may cause a big rally or a huge sell-off. However, implied volatility is only one piece of the puzzle when putting together an options trading strategy.
What do the Analysts Think?Clearly, options traders are pricing in a big move for Universal Health Services shares, but what is the fundamental picture for the company? Currently, Universal Health Services is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) in the Medical – Hospital industry that ranks in the Bottom 25% of our Zacks Industry Rank. Over the last 60 days, two analysts have increased their earnings estimates for the current quarter, while three analysts have revised their estimates downward. The net effect has taken our Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter from $5.83 per share to $5.66 in that period.
Given the way analysts feel about Universal Health Services right now, this huge implied volatility could mean there’s a trade developing. Oftentimes, options traders look for options with high levels of implied volatility to sell premium. This is a strategy many seasoned traders use because it captures decay. At expiration, the hope for these traders is that the underlying stock does not move as much as originally expected.
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - June 11, 2026) - Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP has launched an urgent investigation into whether certain officers and directors of Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) failed to manage Universal Health in an acceptable manner, breaching their fiduciary duties to Universal Health, and whether Universal Health and its shareholders have suffered damages as a result. Attorney Joseph A. Pettigrew is heading the investigation-what shareholders need to know:
On May 26, the Capitol Forum reported that South Carolina regulators flagged one of Universal Health's facilities multiple times, alleging the company failed to prevent sexual assaults of juvenile patients by other patients. Numerous other states have made similar moves.If you own Universal Health common stock, join our investigation on behalf of Universal Health and its shareholders by contacting us.If you own Universal Health common stock and you wish to discuss this investigation-at no cost for you-please contact attorney Joe Pettigrew toll-free at (844) 818-6982 or [email protected].
About this investigation-FAQ:
Q1: What is this ongoing investigation into Universal Health about?
A: According to our investigation, owners of Universal Health common stock have been impacted by regulatory action against one of its South Carolina facilities. Numerous other states have acted likewise. Scott+Scott has a decades-long track record in fighting for corporate governance and monetary recoveries on behalf of companies and their shareholders.
Q2: How does this Scott+Scott investigation work?
A: Joining our investigation is easy and at no cost for you. By contacting us, we will let you know your rights as a Universal Health shareholder, and how the process works and what you can expect. If you currently own Universal Health stock, we look forward to hearing from you.
To learn more about Scott+Scott, our attorneys, or complex case resolution, please visit www.scott-scott.com.
Attorney Advertising
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/299222
