Community Health Beats Fourth-Quarter Forecasts

Franklin, Tenn. -- Community Health Systems (CYH Quote), the largest publicly traded hospital operator in the United States, reported a fourth-quarter profit Thursday against a year-earlier loss that was hurt by hefty buyout charges.

The company earned $59.9 million, or 65 cents per share, compared with a loss of $88.3 million, or 94 cents per share, during the same period a year prior when it saw hefty charges for the buyout of Triad Hospitals Inc. Revenue rose 11% to $2.76 billion from $2.49 billion.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected profit of 60 cents per share on revenue of $2.82 billion.

Though total admissions rose nearly 2%, same-facility admissions, or admissions at facilities open at least a year, fell just under 1%. ...