Universal Technical Institute (NYSE:UTI) Hits New 1-Year High – What’s Next?

Universal Technical Institute Inc (NYSE:UTI)’s share price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $38.17 and last traded at $38.0910, with a volume of 648674 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $35.34.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts recently weighed in on the company. Wall Street Zen raised Universal Technical Institute from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Saturday, March 7th. Zacks Research upgraded Universal Technical Institute from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Friday, February 6th. Rosenblatt Securities reissued a “buy” rating and set a $36.00 target price on shares of Universal Technical Institute in a report on Thursday, February 5th. Barrington Research reissued an “outperform” rating and issued a $36.00 target price on shares of Universal Technical Institute in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, Weiss Ratings downgraded shares of Universal Technical Institute from a “buy (b-)” rating to a “hold (c+)” rating in a research note on Friday, February 6th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Universal Technical Institute currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $36.20.

Universal Technical Institute Trading Up 7.8%

The firm has a market capitalization of $2.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 39.27, a PEG ratio of 3.06 and a beta of 1.31. The company has a quick ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $31.13 and a 200-day moving average of $29.27.

Universal Technical Institute (NYSE:UTI) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported $0.23 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.15 by $0.08. The firm had revenue of $220.84 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $216.65 million. Universal Technical Institute had a return on equity of 16.98% and a net margin of 6.28%. On average, equities research analysts predict that Universal Technical Institute Inc will post 1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director Shannon Lei Okinaka sold 10,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, March 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $34.74, for a total value of $347,400.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 19,808 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $688,129.92. The trade was a 33.55% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, Director George W. Brochick sold 5,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, March 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $36.59, for a total transaction of $182,950.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 27,516 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,006,810.44. This represents a 15.38% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 145,961 shares of company stock valued at $5,248,127 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 9.80% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Trading of Universal Technical Institute

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Baillie Gifford & Co. bought a new stake in Universal Technical Institute during the third quarter worth $18,901,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Universal Technical Institute by 68.5% in the 3rd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 152,499 shares of the company’s stock valued at $4,964,000 after purchasing an additional 61,971 shares during the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Universal Technical Institute during the 2nd quarter worth $721,000. Fortress Investment Group LLC acquired a new stake in Universal Technical Institute in the second quarter valued at about $5,901,000. Finally, Jump Financial LLC boosted its stake in Universal Technical Institute by 511.9% in the second quarter. Jump Financial LLC now owns 237,412 shares of the company’s stock valued at $8,046,000 after buying an additional 198,612 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 75.67% of the company’s stock.

About Universal Technical Institute

Universal Technical Institute, Inc (NYSE: UTI) is a leading provider of post-secondary education for students pursuing careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians, as well as in welding and CNC machining. The company designs and delivers hands-on training through a blend of classroom instruction and experiential lab work, preparing graduates for entry-level positions in the transportation, manufacturing and energy sectors. UTI’s curriculum emphasizes industry-recognized credentials and proprietary coursework developed in collaboration with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to ensure alignment with evolving employer needs.

Through a network of campus locations across the United States and select centers in Canada, Universal Technical Institute offers diploma and certificate programs ranging from 36 to 74 weeks in length.