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Research Alert: Universal Health Services: Q1 Eps Tops Estimates

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CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:

UHS delivered solid Q1 results, with adjusted EPS of $5.62 (up 16.1% Y/Y), $0.16 above consensus, while revenue grew 9.6% to $4.495B due to higher prices despite modest patient volumes. Same-facility acute care revenue increased 8.2% on flat adjusted admissions but 6.3% growth in revenue per admission, while behavioral health saw 1.2% admission growth and 7.3% revenue growth. We think the $835M Talkspace acquisition may expand UHS's virtual behavioral health capabilities and broaden payor mix. Management expects the deal to close in Q3. Operating cash flow improved 11.7% to $402M, and UHS repurchased $127.3M in stock, though adjusted EBITDA margin compressed 20 bps to 14.4% on higher operating expenses. We think behavioral health staffing challenges persist but expect the Talkspace integration to create growth opportunities.

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