Universal Health Services fall after weaker flu season volumes

Universal Health Services

28/04/2026 16:23

** Shares of hospital operator Universal Health Services UHS.N fall 6.8% to $167.18

** Co late on Monday posted Q1 adj profit of $5.62 per share, above analysts' estimates of $5.41 - according to data compiled by LSEG

** Focus turns to pressure from health insurance exchange trends as Affordable Care Act subsidies phase out

** Co says it took a "conservative approach" as it continues to assess the impact of waning subsidies

** UHS estimates Q1 acute care volumes were impacted by approximately 200 basis points due to weaker flu and respiratory activity, and winter weather in certain markets

** Guggenheim Securities says guidance still holds despite softer volumes from flu and weather, calling those impacts transitory, but notes exchange-related pressures remain an overhang

** UHS says exchange dynamics had about a $15 mln impact in Q1, and reiterated its full-year forecast for a ~$75 mln pre‑tax hit, with declines tied to exchange members expected to deepen as 2026 progresses

** Read-across from peers weighs on sentiment after HCA Healthcare’s HCA.N Q1 results showed flu-season volume softness that sent its shares sharply lower

** UHS down 23.2% YTD

 (Reporting by Siddhi Mahatole)

 ((siddhi.mahatole@thomsonreuters.com))