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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Hospital and nursing home operator Kindred Healthcare Inc. said Monday it raised guidance for the fourth quarter as well as 2007 and 2008 based on expectations of more favorable cost trends and a share buyback program. The company expects 2007 earnings from continuing operations to be between $1.42 and $1.47 per share, which is up from previous guidance of between $1.25 and $1.35 per share. Kindred also expects revenue of $4.2 billion. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expect a profit of $1.30 per share on revenue of $4.19 billion. For the fourth-quarter, the company expects earnings from continuing operations between 46 cents and 51 cents per share, from previous guidance of earnings between 41 cents and 46 cents per share, while analysts expect a profit of 44 cents per share. For 2008, the company expects earnings of $1.25 to $1.35 per share, from previous guidance of $1.15 to $1.25 per share, on revenue of $4.2 billion. Analysts expect a full-year profit of $1.23 per share on revenue of $4.1 billion. Kindred raised 2008 earnings due to expectations of continued improvement in professional liability cost trends and the benefit of a buyback program.
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