Jefferies Initiates Coverage On LifePoint Hospitals With Buy Rating

According to Jefferies, LifePoint Hospitals (NASDAQ: LPNT) coverage is initiated with a Buy rating.

Jefferies reported that it is initiating coverage of LPNT with a Buy rating and $49 price target. “We believe the company could be a strong stock performer in 2011, particularly as hospital volumes stabilize and management harnesses its liquid balance sheet to drive EPS above seemingly conservative guidance. LPNT's valuation remains compelling even after the recent move in the stock.”

LifePoint Hospitals closed yesterday at $38.86.