Sivik Global Healthcare LLC Boosts Holdings in Encompass Health Corporation $EHC

Sivik Global Healthcare LLC raised its holdings in shares of Encompass Health Corporation (NYSE:EHC) by 40.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 35,000 shares of the company’s stock after buying an additional 10,000 shares during the period. Encompass Health comprises 1.3% of Sivik Global Healthcare LLC’s portfolio, making the stock its 22nd largest holding. Sivik Global Healthcare LLC’s holdings in Encompass Health were worth $4,446,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of EHC. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Encompass Health by 112.5% in the 2nd quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 425 shares of the company’s stock worth $52,000 after purchasing an additional 225 shares in the last quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC grew its holdings in Encompass Health by 23.0% during the third quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 449 shares of the company’s stock valued at $57,000 after purchasing an additional 84 shares during the period. Employees Retirement System of Texas purchased a new stake in Encompass Health in the second quarter worth about $57,000. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust raised its stake in shares of Encompass Health by 179.5% in the second quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 478 shares of the company’s stock worth $59,000 after buying an additional 307 shares during the period. Finally, Park Place Capital Corp purchased a new position in shares of Encompass Health during the 2nd quarter valued at about $72,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 97.25% of the company’s stock.

Encompass Health Stock Up 0.1%

EHC opened at $107.78 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $10.84 billion, a PE ratio of 20.37, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.73 and a beta of 0.74. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $111.66 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $117.30. The company has a quick ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76. Encompass Health Corporation has a 52 week low of $90.67 and a 52 week high of $127.99.

Encompass Health (NYSE:EHC) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, March 16th. The company reported $0.93 EPS for the quarter. Encompass Health had a return on equity of 17.84% and a net margin of 9.33%.The company had revenue of $136.30 million for the quarter. Encompass Health has set its FY22 guidance at $3.83-$4.19 EPS. Analysts forecast that Encompass Health Corporation will post 4.8 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Encompass Health Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Investors of record on Friday, January 2nd will be given a $0.19 dividend. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 2nd. Encompass Health’s payout ratio is currently 14.37%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts have commented on EHC shares. KeyCorp raised their target price on shares of Encompass Health from $135.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 16th. Raymond James Financial raised shares of Encompass Health to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Bank of America lifted their target price on shares of Encompass Health from $145.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 10th. Barclays increased their price target on Encompass Health from $141.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, UBS Group raised their price target on Encompass Health from $140.00 to $150.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Thursday, October 2nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Encompass Health has a consensus rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $142.86.

Encompass Health Company Profile

Encompass Health Corporation is a leading provider of post‐acute healthcare services in the United States, operating a comprehensive network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and home health and hospice agencies. Its inpatient rehabilitation hospitals offer intensive therapy programs for patients recovering from conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, cardiac and pulmonary disorders, and orthopedic procedures. Through its home health segment, Encompass Health delivers skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy to patients in the comfort of their homes, while its hospice services provide end‐of‐life care focused on symptom management and emotional support for patients and families.

Founded in 1984 as HealthSouth Corporation and rebranded as Encompass Health in 2018, the company has grown organically and through acquisitions to serve patients across more than 30 states.