LifePoint Hospitals third quarter net tumbles 60% on planned sales

Brentwood, TN-based LifePoint Hospitals Inc.’s third-quarter net income slid 60% on charges related to the planned sale of two hospitals, though revenue rose and the hospital operator reduced bad-debt levels. President and Chief Executive William F. Carpenter III said LifePoint remains "well positioned with a strong balance sheet, ample liquidity and moderate leverage," as the company expands, improves services, and recruits more physicians. LifePoint reported net income of $11.4 million, or 22 cents a share, down from $28.2 million, or 49 cents a share, a year earlier.