Is ACHC a good buy now?

Acadia Healthcare (ACHC) does not appear to be a strong buy at the current time, and investors should exercise caution before making investment decisions. Here's why:

1. Mixed Analyst Ratings and Price Targets: While some analysts have a positive outlook, with an average price target of $85.38, indicating a potential upside of 30.99% from the last price of $65.18, other analysts have set lower price targets and even a "Sell" rating. The presence of differing views among analysts suggests uncertainty about the stock's future performance.
2. Financial Performance: Acadia's recent financials show a net income of $78.77 million and a gross profit margin of 96.53% as of Q1 2024. These figures are robust, indicating a healthy business model. However, the negative net margin of 0.38% and the negative net margin and positive ROE of 11.49% suggest that while the company is profitable, it faces challenges that could impact future growth.

3. Strategic Position and Growth Prospects: Acadia's strategic plans to expand its facility footprint, add beds, and strengthen technology capabilities are ambitious. However, the success of these initiatives is not guaranteed and will depend on market conditions and competition.
4. Market Sentiment: The stock has a high debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, which could be a concern for risk-averse investors. Additionally, the stock has experienced volatility, with a significant range between its 52-week high and low.

In conclusion, while Acadia Healthcare has strong financials and a strategic growth plan, the mixed analyst ratings, the presence of negative margins, and the high debt levels suggest that potential investors should conduct further research and consider their risk tolerance before making investment decisions.