3/1/2010-Morgan Stanley Equity Research issued a note to clients discussing its outlook for shares of Lifepoint Hospitals (NASDAQ:LPNT) saying they are "looking for a turn in 2010."
Morgan Stanley analysts Doug Simpson, Melissa McGinnis and Colin Weiner said, "In the context of our cautious outlook for the sector, we continue to favor LPNT shares, as the company's rural footprint and status as the sole community provider in the majority of its markets will continue to afford it with greater relative negotiation leverage with MCOs. In addition, with one of the least levered balance sheets in the group at 3.0x Debt/EBITDA and strong cash flow prospects, LPNT enjoys relatively more flexibility to participate in small-scale M&A and/or share repurchase."
Keywords: Lifepoint Hospitals Morgan Stanley research rating upgrade estimates forecast
Ticker(s): LPNT
