The Board of Directors of Ardent Health Partners, LLC authorized a share repurchase program of up to $50 million on November 17, 2025, and the company announced the authorization on November 18, 2025. The program will be funded from the company’s existing cash resources and is intended to enhance shareholder value while preserving flexibility for future strategic investments.
In its most recent quarterly report, Ardent Health reported a net loss of $0.17 per share for the third quarter of 2025, a decline from the $0.19 per share net income reported in the same period a year earlier. Revenue rose 8.8% year‑over‑year to $1.58 billion, driven by robust demand in core service lines, but was offset by a $43 million reduction in revenue attributable to a change in the accounting estimate for accounts receivable collectability. The company also recorded a $54 million increase in professional liability reserves due to adverse prior‑period claim developments.
Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter reached $143 million, an increase of 240 basis points to a margin of 9.1% compared with the prior year. The margin expansion reflects a higher mix of higher‑margin services and disciplined cost management. However, the company lowered its full‑year 2025 Adjusted EBITDA guidance to $530–$555 million from the previously forecast $575–$615 million, citing persistent payor denials and broader industry headwinds that are expected to constrain growth.
Ardent Health’s cash balance stood at $609 million at the end of the quarter, and its lease‑adjusted net leverage was 2.5×. This strong liquidity position enables the company to fund the buyback without compromising its ability to pursue growth initiatives. CEO Marty Bonick said the authorization reflects confidence in the company’s fundamental strength and its capacity to deliver long‑term shareholder value, and that the firm remains well positioned to act decisively when attractive opportunities arise.
Investors viewed the buyback announcement as a signal that the market is undervaluing the company, especially after the earlier quarter’s earnings miss and guidance cut. The company’s headwinds—persistent payor denials and industry challenges—are being addressed through strategic initiatives such as expansion of ambulatory care, acquisition of urgent‑care clinics, and the completion of an Epic electronic health record implementation.
Shareholder rights law firms have opened investigations into potential violations of federal securities laws related to Ardent Health’s financial reporting, accounts receivable collectability estimates, and reserve sufficiency. The company is also navigating regulatory scrutiny while maintaining its focus on operational execution and capital allocation.
The share repurchase program underscores management’s confidence in Ardent Health’s financial health and strategic trajectory, even as the company continues to manage headwinds and regulatory challenges.
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