Citi Reports Pre-Call Analysis On LifePoint Hospitals

According to Citi, LifePoint Hospitals (NASDAQ: LPNT) shares should respond favorably to a revenue-driven EBITDA and EPS beat for 1Q11.

Citi said that LPNT follows HMA, UHS and CYH in producing big NR/AA growth yty but still-soft patient volume growth. “Details on the origin and sustainability of the pricing/mix/acuity growth will be key questions on the call today.”

LifePoint Hospitals closed yesterday at $40.50.