Mizuho Labels 2026 a Pivotal Year for Acadia Healthcare (ACHC) Amid Managed Care Recovery

ACHC -5.14%

Acadia Healthcare Company Inc. (NASDAQ:ACHC) is one of the promising stocks to buy under $50. On December 18, Mizuho lowered the firm’s price target on Acadia Healthcare to $17 from $22 and kept a Neutral rating on the shares. In its 2026 outlook for managed care and health facilities, Mizuho identified the coming year as pivotal for the industry. Mizuho suggested that the sector is emerging from a 3-year downturn in underwriting, with margins across Commercial, Medicaid, and Medicare expected to recover over the next several years. Consequently, the firm holds a positive stance on managed care entering 2026.

Earlier on December 4, Barclays analyst Andrew Mok reduced the price target for Acadia Healthcare to $14 from $17, while maintaining an Equal Weight rating. This adjustment followed the company’s third guidance cut of the year, which was prompted by a surprise $49 million surge in legal costs.

A day before that, RBC Capital adjusted its price target for Acadia Healthcare downward to $19 from $22, while sticking with an Outperform rating. The firm expressed disappointment following yet another reduction in the company’s financial guidance, which was triggered by Acadia Healthcare Company Inc. (NASDAQ:ACHC) underestimating its 2025 professional and general liability expenses. The firm noted that management expects these liability costs to remain high through 2026.

Acadia Healthcare Company Inc. (NASDAQ:ACHC) provides behavioral healthcare services in the US and Puerto Rico.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.