Zacks Research Upgrades DaVita (NYSE:DVA) to Strong-Buy

DaVita (NYSE:DVA) was upgraded by equities research analysts at Zacks Research from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report issued on Thursday,Zacks.com reports.

A number of other analysts have also weighed in on DVA. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised shares of DaVita from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and raised their price target for the company from $126.00 to $220.00 in a report on Wednesday. Wall Street Zen upgraded DaVita from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Saturday, February 21st. UBS Group boosted their target price on DaVita from $190.00 to $235.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Thursday. Barclays upped their price target on DaVita from $158.00 to $194.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research note on Thursday. Finally, Truist Financial lifted their price objective on DaVita from $158.00 to $205.00 and gave the stock a “hold” rating in a research report on Friday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have issued a Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, DaVita presently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $187.83.

DaVita Stock Up 1.1%

DaVita stock opened at $198.39 on Thursday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $153.03 and a 200 day simple moving average of $132.70. The stock has a market capitalization of $12.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.40, a P/E/G ratio of 0.64 and a beta of 0.84. DaVita has a 12-month low of $101.00 and a 12-month high of $199.27.

DaVita (NYSE:DVA) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 5th. The company reported $2.87 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $2.33 by $0.54. DaVita had a net margin of 5.65% and a negative return on equity of 270.37%. The firm had revenue of $3.42 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.36 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $2.00 EPS. The company’s revenue was up 6.0% on a year-over-year basis. DaVita has set its FY 2026 guidance at 14.100-15.200 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that DaVita will post 15.07 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On DaVita

Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Root Financial Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of DaVita by 128.0% in the 1st quarter. Root Financial Partners LLC now owns 187 shares of the company’s stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 105 shares during the period. Elevation Wealth Partners LLC increased its position in shares of DaVita by 147.3% in the 4th quarter. Elevation Wealth Partners LLC now owns 277 shares of the company’s stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 165 shares in the last quarter. Caitlin John LLC acquired a new stake in DaVita during the 4th quarter worth $34,000. Sankala Group LLC bought a new position in DaVita during the fourth quarter worth about $39,000. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board bought a new position in DaVita during the second quarter worth about $43,000. 90.12% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

DaVita News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting DaVita this week:

• Positive Sentiment: DaVita reported Q1 results that topped expectations, with adjusted EPS of $2.87 versus consensus near $2.33 and revenue of $3.42 billion above estimates. The company also lifted its 2026 EPS guidance, reinforcing confidence in the earnings outlook. DaVita (DVA) Is Up 27.6% After Boosting 2026 EPS Guidance On Strong Q1 Results
• Positive Sentiment: UBS raised its price target on DaVita to $235 from $190 and kept a Buy rating, signaling further upside potential after the post-earnings rally. UBS Group Issues Positive Forecast for DaVita (NYSE:DVA) Stock Price
• Positive Sentiment: Multiple Zacks articles highlighted DaVita as a Strong Buy value stock and pointed to improving earnings estimate revisions, which can attract momentum and value investors. Surging Earnings Estimates Signal Upside for DaVita HealthCare (DVA) Stock
• Positive Sentiment: Seeking Alpha said DaVita was upgraded to Buy after strong Q1 results, improved volumes, and a favorable valuation profile, supporting the case that the stock can continue to outperform. DaVita: Improved Volumes And Tech In Focus (Rating Upgrade)
• Neutral Sentiment: DaVita also announced participation in the BofA Securities 2026 Health Care Conference, which may keep the company in front of investors but is not a direct operating catalyst. DaVita Inc. to Participate in the BofA Securities 2026 Health Care Conference

DaVita Company Profile

DaVita Inc (NYSE: DVA) is a leading provider of kidney care services, specializing in the management and operation of outpatient dialysis centers for patients with chronic kidney failure and end-stage renal disease. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, the company offers a comprehensive suite of treatment modalities, including in-center hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and home dialysis therapies. In addition to its core dialysis services, DaVita provides patient education, nutritional counseling, vascular access management and related laboratory services to support kidney health and overall patient well-being.

Since its formation in the mid-1990s through a clinical management services spin-off, DaVita has expanded both organically and through strategic partnerships and acquisitions.