Ardent Health, the fourth-largest privately held, for-profit operator of hospitals in the United States, is targeting a valuation of about $3.15 billion in its upcoming initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange. The company plans to raise up to $314.6 million by selling 14.3 million shares priced between $20 and $22 apiece. Ardent Health operates 30 acute care hospitals across multiple states and is seeking to capitalize on the recovering IPO market, which has seen 58 IPOs recorded this year. The shares will be listed under the symbol 'ARDT', and J.P. Morgan, BofA Securities, Morgan Stanley, and Stephens Inc will serve as the lead underwriters for the IPO. This IPO highlights the continued interest in the healthcare sector as companies seek to raise capital and expand their operations. [5efce926] [10544da0]