Healthcare Dive (Industry Dive)

CHS Could Slow Pace of Divestitures as It Makes Progress Paying Debt

Community Health Systems (CHS) announced it will decelerate its aggressive divestiture program as it focuses on strengthening core markets. The for‑profit hospital chain has cut its debt leverage to 6.6× in 2025, down from 7.4× the year before, and boosted operating cash flow to $543 million after paying $1.1 billion of long‑term debt. Profit turned positive at $509 million following a $516 million loss the prior year, while adjusted EBITDA is projected between $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion for 2026. The company also faces $20‑$30 million EBITDA pressure from the expiration of enhanced ACA subsidies.