Community Health reports profit above forecasts

Community Health Systems Inc., the largest publicly traded hospital operator in the United States, reported a fourth-quarter profit 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 also rose 11% to $2.76 billion from $2.49 billion.