Jefferies Reiterates Buy on LifePoint Hospitals

Jefferies is out with its report today on LifePoint Hospitals

, reiterating Buy. In its report, Jefferies writes, "LPNT's new $250 million share repurchase plan could take down 14% of the shares outstanding and add as much $0.48 per share to annualized earnings . This announcement also sends a very strong signal about Q3 EPS. Our PT remains $45, but we believe we could see the stock make a near-term move towards $38-$39. Reiterate Buy." At the time of posting, shares of LPNT were trading at $34.83, down 0.40% from Friday's close.