Universal Technical Institute (NYSE:UTI) Upgraded by B. Riley to “Strong-Buy” Rating

Universal Technical Institute (NYSE:UTI) was upgraded by stock analysts at B. Riley to a “strong-buy” rating in a report released on Thursday,Zacks.com reports.

UTI has been the subject of several other research reports. Lake Street Capital increased their target price on shares of Universal Technical Institute from $22.00 to $31.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Thursday, February 6th. Northland Securities increased their price objective on shares of Universal Technical Institute from $30.00 to $34.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research note on Thursday, February 6th. Rosenblatt Securities boosted their target price on Universal Technical Institute from $30.00 to $36.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, February 6th. Finally, Barrington Research upped their target price on Universal Technical Institute from $30.00 to $35.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a report on Thursday, February 6th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $32.17.

Universal Technical Institute Stock Down 4.3 %

UTI stock traded down $1.15 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $25.36. 1,216,314 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 538,395. The company has a quick ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42. The firm’s 50 day moving average price is $27.30 and its 200 day moving average price is $23.12. The stock has a market cap of $1.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.14, a P/E/G ratio of 1.92 and a beta of 1.49. Universal Technical Institute has a fifty-two week low of $13.66 and a fifty-two week high of $30.56.

Universal Technical Institute (NYSE:UTI) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, February 5th. The company reported $0.40 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.18 by $0.22. Universal Technical Institute had a return on equity of 21.25% and a net margin of 7.08%. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Universal Technical Institute will post 1 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In other Universal Technical Institute news, EVP Sherrell Smith sold 39,446 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, March 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.85, for a total transaction of $1,098,571.10. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 177,912 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $4,954,849.20. This represents a 18.15 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director George W. Brochick sold 8,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.59, for a total value of $220,720.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 34,917 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $963,360.03. This represents a 18.64 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 94,219 shares of company stock valued at $2,569,895 in the last three months. Company insiders own 15.10% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Trading of Universal Technical Institute

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of UTI. Arcadia Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new position in Universal Technical Institute in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $713,000. Pullen Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Universal Technical Institute by 46.4% in the fourth quarter. Pullen Investment Management LLC now owns 95,410 shares of the company’s stock worth $2,453,000 after acquiring an additional 30,250 shares during the period. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC grew its position in shares of Universal Technical Institute by 31.4% in the fourth quarter. UBS AM a distinct business unit of UBS ASSET MANAGEMENT AMERICAS LLC now owns 74,272 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,910,000 after purchasing an additional 17,768 shares in the last quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP raised its stake in shares of Universal Technical Institute by 27.2% during the 4th quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 87,074 shares of the company’s stock valued at $2,239,000 after purchasing an additional 18,625 shares during the period. Finally, Tidal Investments LLC purchased a new stake in Universal Technical Institute during the 4th quarter worth about $210,000. Institutional investors own 75.67% of the company’s stock.

About Universal Technical Institute

Universal Technical Institute, Inc provides transportation, skilled trades, and healthcare education programs in the United States. The company operates in two segments, UTI and Concorde. It offers certificate, diploma, or degree programs under various brands, such as Universal Technical Institute, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, Marine Mechanics Institute, NASCAR Technical Institute, and MIAT College of Technology.