Ahead of the Bell: LifePoint Hospitals downgraded

Adam Feinstein said some would-be patients are delaying procedures because of concerns about the economy, and LifePoint is spending more to recruit physicians. Those problems threaten the company's ability to meet Wall Street expectations, he said in downgrading the stock to "Equal Weight" from "Overweight."

LifePoint expects to earn between $2.35 and $2.65 per share in 2008. While Feinstein said that outlook is conservative, he said investors are already assuming the Brentwood, Tenn., company will reach the middle of that range--which could prove to be more difficult than they expect.

According to Thomson Financial, analysts expect an average of $2.46 per share, with forecasts ranging from $2.25 per share to $2.65 per share.

Feinstein said LifePoint stock may come under pressure if it can't reach its admission targets even if it matches it profit forecast. Shares finished at $28.94 Wednesday.

Calls to LifePoint seeking comment were not immediately returned.