LSV Asset Management, a prominent investment firm, recently adjusted its significant stake in United Therapeutics Corporation (NASDAQ: UTHR), reflecting strategic shifts within the biotechnology sector. This move, detailed in their latest SEC disclosure, highlights the dynamic nature of institutional investment in key pharmaceutical and biotech entities, offering insight into broader market sentiments towards innovative healthcare companies.
Specifically, LSV Asset Management reduced its holdings in United Therapeutics by a marginal 0.7% during the first quarter. This adjustment involved the sale of 6,401 shares, bringing their total ownership down to 902,323 shares. Despite the reduction, LSV Asset Management maintained a substantial presence, holding approximately 2.00% of United Therapeutics, valued at an impressive $278,159,000 at the quarter’s close.
Beyond LSV, a multitude of other hedge funds and institutional investors have also recalibrated their positions in United Therapeutics. Allianz Asset Management GmbH, for instance, dramatically increased its stake by 96.9% in the first quarter, acquiring an additional 33,254 shares to reach a total of 67,576 shares, now worth $20,832,000.
Further demonstrating varied investor sentiment, Cerity Partners LLC boosted its holdings by 30.4% in the fourth quarter, adding 2,702 shares to own 11,588 shares, valued at $4,098,000. Similarly, Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. expanded its position by 11.4% in the first quarter, purchasing 376 additional shares to hold 3,678 shares, worth $1,129,000.
New entrants also marked their presence, with Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC initiating a new position in United Therapeutics during the first quarter, valued at $227,000. Nepsis Inc. also increased its stake by 6.7%, acquiring 3,653 additional shares for a total of 58,574 shares, valued at $18,057,000. Collectively, hedge funds and institutional investors own a significant 94.08% of the company’s stock, underscoring its appeal to major financial players.
Analyst sentiment surrounding UTHR shares has been mixed but generally positive. While some firms like Morgan Stanley adjusted their target price downwards, they maintained an “equal weight” rating. Conversely, Cantor Fitzgerald initiated coverage with an “overweight” rating and a robust $405.00 target price. The consensus among fourteen analysts stands at a “Moderate Buy” rating, with an average target price of $379.69, suggesting a strong outlook for United Therapeutics stock.
Insider trading activity also provided notable insights into the company’s stock performance. A director sold 3,036 shares for approximately $879,225 on June 24th, reducing their holding by 13.54%. Another director also sold 645 shares for about $187,043 on the same day, marking an 11.67% decrease in their position. Over the past 90 days, insiders have collectively sold 70,681 shares, totaling over $21 million.
From a financial perspective, United Therapeutics Corporation opened at $294.28, with its 52-week trading range spanning from a low of $266.98 to a high of $417.82. The company maintains a strong market capitalization of $13.27 billion, with a P/E ratio of 11.49 and a two-hundred-day simple moving average of $313.59, indicating its significant presence and stability within the biotechnology market.
United Therapeutics most recently reported earnings on July 30th, with an EPS of $6.41, slightly missing consensus estimates but demonstrating 11.7% revenue growth year-over-year. The company specializes in developing and commercializing products for chronic and life-threatening diseases globally, offering key treatments like Tyvaso DPI, Remodulin, and Orenitram, solidifying its role as a key innovator in pulmonary arterial hypertension and other critical health areas.
