On February 17, 2026, Engine Capital Management reported selling 2,256,741 shares of Acadia Healthcare (NASDAQ:ACHC), an estimated $42.70 million trade based on quarterly average pricing. What happened According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated February 17, 2026, Engine Capital Management reduced its position in Acadia Healthcare by 2,256,741 shares. The estimated transaction value was $42.70 million, calculated using the average closing price during the fourth quarter of 202 ...

Acadia Healthcare to Participate in March Investor ConferencesFeb 20, 2026 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time# Acadia Healthcare to Participate in March Investor ConferencesShare---FRANKLIN, Tenn.-- ([BUSINESS WIRE])--Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACHC) today announced that the Company will participate in three investor conferences in March.On Monday, March 2, 2026, the Company will participate in the Raymond James & Associates' 47th Annual Institutional Investors Conference, being held March 1-4, 20 ...

Group 1 - Acadia Healthcare Company Inc. (NASDAQ:ACHC) is considered a promising stock under $50, with Mizuho lowering its price target to $17 from $22 while maintaining a Neutral rating [1] - Mizuho identified 2026 as a pivotal year for the managed care and health facilities sector, suggesting recovery in margins across Commercial, Medicaid, and Medicare after a 3-year downturn [1] - Barclays analyst Andrew Mok reduced Acadia's price target to $14 from $17 following the company's third guidance cut of the year due to a $49 million increase in legal costs [2] Group 2 - RBC Capital adjusted its price target for Acadia Healthcare to $19 from $22, expressing disappointment over another reduction in financial guidance related to underestimated liability expenses [3] - Management at Acadia expects high professional and general liability costs to persist through 2026 [3] - Acadia Healthcare provides behavioral healthcare services in the US and Puerto Rico, but certain AI stocks are noted to offer greater upside potential with less downside risk [4]

Market Overview - The market is broadening beyond technology, with materials, defense, transports, and airlines showing strong setups as 2026 begins, while technology, particularly software, is lagging [1] - The start of 2026 is characterized as 'very' bullish due to increased market participation and breakout performances in certain sectors [1] Sector Analysis - The energy sector is identified as a 'fake out' with stocks hitting resistance levels and pulling back, suggesting caution before investing [2] - The materials sector is highlighted as a breakout from a year-long base, supported by silver, gold, and packaging stocks, indicating potential for further gains [2] - The defense sector is noted for a significant breakout, suggesting strong performance ahead [2] Small-Cap Stocks Outlook - The Russell 2000 has reached all-time highs and is on track for its eighth consecutive month of gains, creating a positive backdrop for small-cap stocks in 2026 [3] - Small-cap companies are economically sensitive and benefit from lower interest rates, but only about 1% of active long managers have been beating their benchmarks over the last 18 months [3] - Despite quality small-cap stocks underperforming, the long-term earnings growth setup for small caps is more favorable compared to mid-cap, large-cap, or MAG7 stocks [3] Stock Recommendations - A list of 10 promising stocks under $50 has been compiled based on high upside potential and popularity among hedge funds [6] - The strategy of imitating top stock picks from elite hedge funds has shown significant outperformance, with a return of 427.7% since May 2014 [7] Company Highlights - **Acadia Healthcare Company Inc. (NASDAQ:ACHC)**: Current share price is $13.67 with an average upside potential of 42.54%. The company is emerging from a 3-year downturn in underwriting, with expectations for margin recovery in managed care [9][10] - **Cipher Mining Inc. (NASDAQ:CIFR)**: Current share price is $16.90 with an average upside potential of 62.21%. The company has acquired a new 200-megawatt site in Ohio, diversifying its geographical footprint and enhancing its development pipeline to 3.4 gigawatts across 8 sites [13][14][15]

Core Viewpoint - Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. will participate in the 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference scheduled for January 12-15, 2026, in San Francisco, California [1]. Group 1: Company Participation - The company will have an online webcast of its presentation available on its website starting at 5:15 p.m. Pacific Time on January 13, 2026 [1][2]. - A replay of the presentation will be accessible on the company's website for 30 days following the event [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - Acadia is a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services in the U.S., operating a network of 278 facilities with approximately 12,500 beds across 40 states and Puerto Rico as of September 30, 2025 [3]. - The company employs around 25,500 staff members and serves over 82,000 patients daily, making it the largest stand-alone behavioral healthcare company in the U.S. [3]. - Acadia offers a range of behavioral healthcare services in various settings, including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, specialty treatment facilities, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics [3].

Core Insights - Engine Capital Management has initiated a new position in Acadia Healthcare, acquiring 2.6 million shares valued at $64 million, indicating a strategic investment in the behavioral health sector during a period of transition for the company [1][2]. Company Overview - Acadia Healthcare is a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services, operating hundreds of facilities across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, focusing on inpatient psychiatric hospitals, specialty treatment facilities, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics [5][7]. - The company reported a total revenue of $3.3 billion and a net income of $107.4 million, with a market capitalization of $1.4 billion [4]. Financial Performance - Acadia Healthcare experienced a year-over-year revenue growth of 4.4%, reaching $851.6 million, alongside a 3.3% increase in same-facility admissions [9]. - However, the company has lowered its full-year revenue, EBITDA, and EPS guidance due to payor scrutiny, Medicaid softness, and increased liability costs, with adjusted EBITDA falling to $173 million from $194 million a year earlier [9]. Investment Rationale - The new position by Engine Capital represents 7.6% of its reportable assets under management as of September 30, suggesting a significant commitment to Acadia Healthcare [3]. - The stock price of Acadia Healthcare has decreased by 63% over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500, which has increased by 13% during the same period [3]. - Management is taking steps to improve financial performance by cutting 2026 capital expenditures by at least $300 million and aiming for positive free cash flow, which could enhance returns as new bed additions contribute to revenue [10].

Group 1 - Acadia Healthcare Company Inc. is considered a cheap stock to buy according to analysts, with KeyBanc lowering its price target to $30 from $35 while maintaining an Overweight rating [1][3] - In Q3 2025, Acadia Healthcare reported a revenue increase of 4.4%, totaling $851.6 million, supported by a 3% growth in same facility admissions [2][3] - The company's adjusted EBITDA for Q3 decreased to $173 million from $194.3 million in the prior year, leading to a reduction in Adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2025 to a range of $650 to $660 million [3]

Core Insights - Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. will participate in the UBS Global Healthcare Conference from November 9 to 12, 2025, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida [1] - An online webcast of the Company's presentation will be available on its website starting at 1:45 p.m. Central Time on November 11, 2025 [2] - Acadia is a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services in the U.S., operating 278 facilities with approximately 12,500 beds across 40 states and Puerto Rico as of September 30, 2025 [3] Financial Performance - For the third quarter of 2025, Acadia reported revenue of $851.6 million, marking a 4.4% increase compared to the same quarter in 2024 [6] - Same facility revenue increased by 3.7% year-over-year, with revenue per patient day rising by 2.3% and patient days increasing by 1.3% [6]

Core Insights - Activist investors are focusing on Acadia Healthcare (ACHC), which has faced challenges such as federal investigations and operational issues, leading to a decline in stock performance [1][6] - Engine Capital acquired approximately 3% of Acadia, resulting in a nearly 12% increase in stock price on the same day, and has called for significant changes in the company's strategy and board composition [2][3] - Acadia Healthcare is one of the largest behavioral healthcare providers in the U.S., operating over 260 facilities and employing around 25,000 staff [4][5] Company Overview - Acadia Healthcare is valued at approximately $2.5 billion, but its stock has decreased nearly 52% over the past year, contrasting with a 17% gain in the S&P 500 Index [6] - The company operates a diverse range of behavioral healthcare facilities, including inpatient psychiatric hospitals and outpatient clinics, with around 11,800 beds available [4][5] - Recent activist involvement has led to a 10% rebound in stock price over five trading days, indicating a potential shift in market sentiment [6]

Group 1 - Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. (ACHC) has been added to the Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell) List due to a 4.9% downward revision in the consensus estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. (ALSN) is also on the Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell) List, with a 5.5% downward revision in the consensus estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Black Stone Minerals, L.P. (BSM) has seen a 10.5% downward revision in the consensus estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days, leading to its inclusion in the Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell) List [2]