Guggenheim sets Acadia Healthcare stock Buy rating, $36 target

Published 09/04/2025, 10:42
Guggenheim sets Acadia Healthcare stock Buy rating, $36 target

On Wednesday, Guggenheim initiated coverage on Acadia Healthcare (NASDAQ:ACHC) with a Buy rating and a price target of $36.00. The firm highlighted Acadia as a leading 'pure-play' behavioral health provider with a strong position to capitalize on the increasing demand for mental health services, a trend that has gained momentum post-COVID. According to InvestingPro data, the stock currently trades at $27.12, significantly below its 52-week high of $82.41, with analyst targets ranging from $35 to $72. InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock may be undervalued at current levels.

The analyst from Guggenheim acknowledged the challenges facing Acadia, including labor supply pressures following the pandemic, anticipated lower long-term growth rates, and the potential impact of media and regulatory scrutiny. Additionally, the recent lawsuit developments were noted as a significant risk due to the complex and volatile nature of the patient population Acadia serves. Despite these challenges, InvestingPro data shows the company maintains profitability with a P/E ratio of 10.96 and generates $3.15 billion in revenue. Get access to 10+ additional ProTips and comprehensive analysis with an InvestingPro subscription.

Despite these concerns, Guggenheim believes the market's reaction may have been excessive, leading to a stock price that presents an attractive entry point. The firm's outlook suggests that while Acadia faces a flat EBITDA projection for 2025, due to liability reserves, underperforming facilities, and higher startup losses, the company's growth rates, business reinvestment, and moderating bed additions could positively influence free cash flow. InvestingPro metrics reveal current EBITDA of $671.87 million and an EV/EBITDA ratio of 6.93, suggesting relatively modest valuation multiples compared to peers.

Guggenheim's coverage points out the numerous risks but ultimately views the current level as an opportunity to capture favorable risk/reward for investors interested in Acadia Healthcare. The company's positioning in the mental health services market, combined with structural demand and favorable reimbursement dynamics, are seen as key drivers for future growth. With the stock down over 50% in the past six months, InvestingPro analysis indicates oversold conditions, making it an interesting case study in their comprehensive Pro Research Report, available along with detailed financial metrics and expert insights.

In other recent news, Acadia Healthcare has increased its private offering of senior notes to $550 million, with the notes carrying an interest rate of 7.375% and maturing on March 15, 2033. The proceeds from this offering are intended to repay existing borrowings under the company's senior secured revolving line of credit. Mizuho (NYSE:MFG) Securities has adjusted its outlook on Acadia Healthcare, lowering the stock's price target from $48.00 to $37.00 while maintaining a Neutral rating. This revision follows a downward adjustment in Acadia's long-term financial targets, which now project a 7-9% annual revenue growth and an 8-10% adjusted EBITDA growth. Meanwhile, Cantor Fitzgerald has also maintained a Neutral rating with a $40.00 price target, noting the company's disciplined pricing strategy and stable staffing levels. Raymond (NSE:RYMD) James continues to hold a Strong Buy rating and a $40.00 price target, suggesting the possibility of a private equity buyout, although this is not the primary expectation. These developments highlight the varied perspectives among analysts regarding Acadia Healthcare's financial outlook and strategic positioning.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.