Analyst Slices Q1 2024 Earnings Forecast for U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc.

On March 2nd, 2024, U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. (NYSE:USPH), a notable player in the healthcare field specializing in outpatient physical therapy, received a revised earnings estimate from analysts at William Blair. In a detailed report, analyst J. Haase adjusted the company's expected earnings per share (EPS) for Q1 2024, bringing it down from $0.60 to $0.56. This shift comes in the wake of the company's consistent financial performance and strategic business moves.

Comprehensive Financial Analysis

Alongside the Q1 revision, William Blair also provided forecasts for subsequent quarters, including $0.70 for Q2 2024, $0.64 for Q3 2024, and $0.69 for Q4 2024. They extend their projections to FY2024 and anticipate total earnings of $2.59 per share, with subsequent years' expectations detailed as well.

The adjustments in projections have inevitably drawn attention to USPH's stock functionality. Several research entities, such as JPMorgan Chase & Co., have weighed in. For example, JPMorgan revised its price objective for USPH from $108.00 to $99.00 but maintained an 'overweight' rating. Barrington Research, on the other hand, slightly increased their target price from $120.00 to $122.00, giving the stock an 'outperform' rating. The combined ratings from various analysts result in a 'Moderate Buy' consensus for USPH, paired with an average target price of $119.67.

Stock Market Dynamics

U.S. Physical Therapy's stock demonstrated robust motion, opening at $104.67. The company's stock value has seen a wide range, with a year low of $78.08 and a high of $124.11. The 50-day and 200-day moving averages are at $95.94 and $93.00, respectively.

The market cap currently stands at $1.57 billion, with a P/E ratio of 77.47, a PEG ratio of 5.92, and a beta of 1.36. USPH maintains a strong financial structure, indicated by a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29 and liquidity ratios well above the industry standard.

Recent Earnings and Dividend Growth

For the latest quarter ended Feb 28th, USPH reported a $0.59 EPS, narrowly surpassing the $0.57 consensus estimate. The firm's revenue also exceeded expectations, and compared to the same quarter of the previous year, there's been a revenue growth of 9.6%.

U.S. Physical Therapy has further declared an increased quarterly dividend of $0.44 per share, up from the previous $0.43, which reflects the company's stable financial health and commitment to delivering shareholder value.

Firm Leadership and Investment Activity

Information about the company's leadership dealings, particularly stock transactions by Director Clayton Trier, adds a layer of insight into insider intentions. Furthermore, institutional investors and hedge funds show activity and interest in the company, modifying and amplifying their stakes and emphasizing the market's ongoing engagement with USPH.

U.S. Physical Therapy Inc. has established itself as a prominent provider of post-operative care, injury treatment, preventative therapy, and more, marking its presence in the outpatient physical therapy landscape.

Analyst, Earnings, Projection