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Investing.com - KeyBanc has reiterated an Overweight rating and $24.00 price target on Ardent Health Partners Inc (NYSE: ARDT) following investor meetings with the company’s management team. The target represents an 85% upside from the current price of $12.96, while analyst consensus targets range from $15.50 to $24.00. According to InvestingPro analysis, the stock appears undervalued based on its Fair Value assessment.
The firm expressed optimism about potential changes to Senate Better Build Back (BBB) legislation, noting Ardent Health recently met with Washington policymakers and believes proposed cuts to Medicaid provider taxes and State Directed Payment programs may be reduced.
KeyBanc highlighted management’s confidence that New Mexico’s State Directed Payment program will be renewed for 2025, with company executives reporting that Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services officials indicated no legal basis exists to prevent approval.
The firm also noted that Ardent Health’s fundamental business trends remain positive, including strong patient volumes and stable labor costs, according to information gathered during the meetings.
KeyBanc suggested Ardent Health’s current valuation at approximately 4 times EBITDA gives "zero credit for incremental SDP EBITDA" and projected the stock could move into the $15-$20 range during the second half of the year as clarity emerges on key policy issues. The company’s current EV/EBITDA ratio of 7.4x and P/E ratio of 8.9x suggest attractive valuation levels relative to peers.
In other recent news, Ardent Health Partners reported a 4% increase in revenue for the first quarter of 2025, reaching $1.5 billion, which aligns with analysts’ expectations. The company’s adjusted EBITDA was noted at $98 million, surpassing market predictions by $2 million. Following the earnings report, Loop Capital Markets adjusted its price target for Ardent Health to $19, down from $21, while maintaining a Buy rating, reflecting confidence in the company’s strategic direction. Additionally, Ardent Health announced the strategic acquisition of 18 NextCare Urgent Care clinics, which is expected to enhance their market presence in Tulsa and Albuquerque.
The company also appointed Chris Schoeplein as the new Chief Development Officer to lead growth initiatives such as acquisitions and partnerships. Ardent Health’s recent rebranding to Ardent Health, Inc., set to take effect in June 2025, aims to unify its brand identity without affecting its stock ticker or shareholder rights. The company continues to explore potential mergers and acquisitions, with anticipated transactions expected in 2025. Furthermore, S&P upgraded Ardent Health’s credit rating to B+, indicating improved financial health and stability.
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