UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (date of earliest event reported)

 

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)

 

Delaware		001-15925		13-3893191
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)		(Commission File Number)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

4000 Meridian Boulevard
Franklin, Tennessee 37067
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (615) 465-7000

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240 .14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

     The information contained in this Form 8-K (including the exhibits hereto) shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in any such filing.

ITEM 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition

     On October 27, 2010, Community Health Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) announced operating results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2010. A copy of the press release making this announcement is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K.

ITEM 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure

     The earnings release referred to in item 2.02 above also includes an update of the Company’s previous 2010 guidance as well as the Company’s initial 2011 guidance. The 2010 guidance reaffirms the Company’s previous annual earnings guidance provided on July 28, 2010, as updated to reflect historical results through September 30, 2010, with certain changes to the assumptions used in connection with the guidance as set forth on pages 13, 14 and 15 of this press release. A copy of the press release making this announcement is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K.

ITEM 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

     Exhibits

     The following exhibits are furnished herewith:

	99.1			Community Health Systems, Inc. Press Release dated October 27, 2010.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Index to Exhibits

Exhibit Number		Description
99.1		Press Release dated October 27, 2010

 

Exhibit Number
99.1

Investor Contact:		W. Larry Cash
		Executive Vice President
		and Chief Financial Officer
		(615) 465-7000

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. ANNOUNCES
THIRD QUARTER 2010 RESULTS WITH NET OPERATING REVENUES OF $3.3 BILLION

     FRANKLIN, TENN. (October 27, 2010) — Community Health Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CYH) today announced financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010.

     Net operating revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2010, totaled $3.3 billion, a 5.4 percent increase compared with $3.1 billion for the same period in 2009. Income from continuing operations increased to $84.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $75.4 million for the same period in 2009. Income from continuing operations attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders increased to $0.76 per share (diluted), on 92.5 million weighted-average shares outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $0.65 per share (diluted), on 92.0 million weighted-average shares outstanding for the same period in 2009. Net income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders increased 17.9 percent to $70.4 million, or $0.76 per share (diluted), for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $59.7 million, or $0.65 per share (diluted), for the same period in 2009.

     Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2010, was $441.5 million, compared with $417.8 million for the same period in 2009, representing a 5.7 percent increase. Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA adjusted to exclude discontinued operations, gain/loss from early extinguishment of debt and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests. The Company uses adjusted EBITDA as a measure of liquidity. Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended September 30, 2010, was $356.6 million, compared with $356.4 million for the same period in 2009.

     The consolidated financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2010, reflect a 3.0 percent decrease in total admissions and a 0.2 percent decrease in total adjusted admissions compared with the same period in 2009. On a same-store basis, admissions decreased 3.6 percent and adjusted admissions decreased 1.3 percent, compared with the same period in 2009. On a same-store basis, net operating revenues increased 3.8 percent, compared with the same period in 2009.

     Net operating revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, totaled $9.6 billion, a 6.3 percent increase compared with $9.0 billion for the same period in 2009. Income from continuing operations increased to $256.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $220.7 million for the same period in 2009. Income from continuing operations attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders increased to $2.26 per share (diluted), on 93.2 million weighted-average shares outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $1.94 per share (diluted), on 91.1 million weighted-average shares outstanding for the same period in 2009. Net income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders increased 18.2 percent to $210.5 million, or $2.26 per share (diluted), for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared with $178.1 million, or $1.95 per share (diluted), for the same period in 2009.

     Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, was $1.3 billion, compared with $1.2 billion for the same period in 2009, representing a 6.5 percent increase. Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, was $898.4 million, compared with $900.8 million for the same period of 2009.

CYH Announces Third Quarter 2010 Results
Page 2
October 27, 2010

     The consolidated financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, reflect a 0.5 percent decrease in total admissions and a 1.7 percent increase in total adjusted admissions compared with the same period in 2009. This increase was entirely due to acquisitions. On a same-store basis, admissions decreased 2.4 percent and adjusted admissions decreased 0.7 percent, compared with the same period in 2009. On a same-store basis, net operating revenues increased 3.6 percent, compared with the same period in 2009.

     Commenting on the results, Wayne T. Smith, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Community Health Systems, Inc., stated, “We are pleased with our solid financial performance for the third quarter of 2010, in what has continued to be a challenging economic environment. Our conservative operating strategy and strong focus on expense management have served us well. We continued to benefit from a consistent performance at the hospital level, as evidenced by favorable same-store revenue trends for the third quarter and year to date periods.”

     On October 1, 2010, the Company announced that certain of its subsidiaries acquired Forum Health, a system of hospitals and other healthcare providers based in Youngstown, Ohio. Forum Health’s operation includes two acute care hospitals: the 346-bed Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren, Ohio and the 398-bed Northside Medical Center in Youngstown, Ohio. Separately, on the same day, the Company announced the acquisition, by a subsidiary, of Bluefield Regional Medical Center, a 265-bed acute care hospital located in Bluefield, West Virginia.

     “Throughout 2010, we have continued to extend our market reach through selective acquisitions,” added Smith. “We have identified hospital facilities that meet our operating profile with the most opportunity for growth. We have a proven track record for the successful integration of these facilities with improved operating results. With the current healthcare regulatory climate, we believe there are significant opportunities for us to pursue additional acquisitions with a greater number of independent hospitals looking for established and operationally-focused partners. We can provide the experience and financial resources to support and keep these hospitals in the local community. We look forward to working together with each new hospital partner as we deliver on our commitment to deliver quality healthcare close to home.”

     Included on pages 13, 14 and 15 of this press release are tables setting forth the Company’s 2010 guidance and initial guidance for 2011. The 2010 guidance reaffirms the Company’s previous annual earnings guidance provided on July 28, 2010, as updated to reflect historical results through September 30, 2010, with certain changes to the assumptions used in connection with the guidance.

     Located in the Nashville, Tennessee, suburb of Franklin, Community Health Systems, Inc. is the largest publicly-traded hospital company in the United States and a leading operator of general acute care hospitals in non-urban and mid-size markets throughout the country. Through its subsidiaries, the Company currently owns, leases or operates 126 hospitals in 29 states with an aggregate of approximately 19,400 licensed beds. Its hospitals offer a broad range of inpatient and surgical services, outpatient treatment and skilled nursing care. In addition, through its subsidiary, Quorum Health Resources, LLC, the Company provides management and consulting services to over 150 independent non-affiliated general acute care hospitals located throughout the United States. Shares in Community Health Systems, Inc. are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CYH.”

     Community Health Systems, Inc. will hold a conference call to discuss this press release on Thursday, October 28, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. Central, 11:00 a.m. Eastern. Investors will have the opportunity to listen to a live internet broadcast of the conference call by clicking on the Investor Relations link of the Company’s website at www.chs.net, or at www.earnings.com. To listen to the live call, please go to the website at least fifteen minutes early to register, download and install any necessary audio software. For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available shortly after the call and will continue through November 26, 2010. Copies of the Company’s Form 8-K (including this press release) and conference call slide show are available on the Company’s website at www.chs.net.

CYH Announces Third Quarter 2010 Results
Page 3
October 27, 2010

     Statements contained in this news release regarding expected operating results, acquisition transactions or divestitures and other events are forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties. Actual future events or results may differ materially from these statements. Readers are referred to the documents filed by Community Health Systems, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, current reports on Form 8-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. These filings identify important risk factors and other uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CYH Announces Third Quarter 2010 Results
Page 4
October 27, 2010

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Financial Highlights (a)(b)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2010				2009				2010				2009
Net operating revenues		$	3,252,055			$	3,086,757			$	9,583,801			$	9,016,467
Adjusted EBITDA (c)		$	441,473			$	417,827			$	1,317,882			$	1,236,976
Income from continuing operations (d)(e)(f)(g)		$	84,854			$	75,361			$	256,192			$	220,679
Net income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc.		$	70,401			$	59,712			$	210,473			$	178,062
Basic earnings per share attributable to Community
Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders:
Continuing operations		$	0.77			$	0.66			$	2.29			$	1.96
Discontinued operations			—				—				—				0.01
Net income		$	0.77			$	0.66			$	2.29			$	1.97
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Community
Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders:
Continuing operations		$	0.76			$	0.65			$	2.26			$	1.94
Discontinued operations			—				—				—				0.01
Net income		$	0.76			$	0.65			$	2.26			$	1.95
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (h):
Basic			91,485				90,923				92,036				90,424
Diluted			92,463				92,019				93,220				91,120
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	356,585			$	356,353			$	898,377			$	900,760

For footnotes, see pages 11 and 12.

CYH Announces Third Quarter 2010 Results
Page 5
October 27, 2010

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (a)(b)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

		Three Months Ended
		September 30,
		2010								2009
						% of Net								% of Net
						Operating								Operating
		Amount				Revenue				Amount				Revenue
Net operating revenues		$	3,252,055				100.0	%		$	3,086,757				100.0	%
Operating costs and expenses:
Salaries and benefits			1,303,389				40.1	%			1,239,147				40.1	%
Provision for bad debts			403,077				12.4	%			378,357				12.3	%
Supplies			443,113				13.6	%			428,120				13.9	%
Other operating expenses			606,073				18.6	%			567,624				18.4	%
Rent			64,465				2.0	%			62,683				2.0	%
Depreciation and amortization			151,119				4.7	%			143,558				4.7	%
Total operating costs and expenses			2,971,236				91.4	%			2,819,489				91.4	%
Income from operations (f)			280,819				8.6	%			267,268				8.6	%
Interest expense, net			164,011				5.0	%			161,823				5.2	%
Loss from early extinguishment of debt			—				0.0	%			21				0.0	%
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates			(9,535	)			-0.3	%			(7,001	)			-0.2	%
Income from continuing operations before income taxes			126,343				3.9	%			112,425				3.6	%
Provision for income taxes			41,489				1.3	%			37,064				1.2	%
Income from continuing operations (d)(f)(g)			84,854				2.6	%			75,361				2.4	%
Discontinued operations, net of taxes (b):
Income from operations of hospitals sold and hospitals held for sale			—				0.0	%			—				0.0	%
Income on sale of hospitals, net			—				0.0	%			—				0.0	%
Income from discontinued operations			—				0.0	%			—				0.0	%
Net income			84,854				2.6	%			75,361				2.4	%
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (a)			14,453				0.4	%			15,649				0.5	%
Net income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc.		$	70,401				2.2	%		$	59,712				1.9	%
Basic earnings per share attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders:
Continuing operations		$	0.77							$	0.66
Discontinued operations			—								—
Net income		$	0.77							$	0.66
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders:
Continuing operations		$	0.76							$	0.65
Discontinued operations			—								—
Net income		$	0.76							$	0.65
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (h):
Basic			91,485								90,923
Diluted			92,463								92,019

For footnotes, see pages 11 and 12.

- MORE -

CYH Announces Third Quarter 2010 Results
Page 6
October 27, 2010

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (a)(b)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2010								2009
						% of Net								% of Net
						Operating								Operating
		Amount				Revenue				Amount				Revenue
Net operating revenues		$	9,583,801				100.0	%		$	9,016,467				100.0	%
Operating costs and expenses:
Salaries and benefits			3,853,982				40.2	%			3,614,267				40.1	%
Provision for bad debts			1,162,601				12.1	%			1,078,587				12.0	%
Supplies			1,312,167				13.7	%			1,253,713				13.9	%
Other operating expenses			1,778,153				18.6	%			1,680,414				18.7	%
Rent			192,116				2.0	%			184,211				2.0	%
Depreciation and amortization			452,179				4.7	%			421,566				4.7	%
Total operating costs and expenses			8,751,198				91.3	%			8,232,758				91.4	%
Income from operations (f)			832,603				8.7	%			783,709				8.6	%
Interest expense, net			486,308				5.0	%			487,209				5.3	%
Gain from early extinguishment of debt			—				0.0	%			(2,385	)			0.0	%
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates			(33,100	)			-0.3	%			(31,701	)			-0.4	%
Income from continuing operations before income taxes			379,395				4.0	%			330,586				3.7	%
Provision for income taxes			123,203				1.3	%			109,907				1.2	%
Income from continuing operations (d)(e)(f)(g)			256,192				2.7	%			220,679				2.5	%
Discontinued operations, net of taxes (b):
Income from operations of hospitals sold and hospitals held for sale (e)			—				0.0	%			1,977				0.0	%
Loss on sale of hospitals, net			—				0.0	%			(405	)			0.0	%
Income from discontinued operations			—				0.0	%			1,572				0.0	%
Net income			256,192				2.7	%			222,251				2.5	%
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (a)			45,719				0.5	%			44,189				0.5	%
Net income attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc.		$	210,473				2.2	%		$	178,062				2.0	%
Basic earnings per share attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders:
Continuing operations		$	2.29							$	1.96
Discontinued operations			—								0.01
Net income		$	2.29							$	1.97
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders:
Continuing operations		$	2.26							$	1.94
Discontinued operations			—								0.01
Net income		$	2.26							$	1.95
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (h):
Basic			92,036								90,424
Diluted			93,220								91,120

For footnotes, see pages 11 and 12.

- MORE -

CYH Announces Third Quarter 2010 Results
Page 7
October 27, 2010

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Selected Operating Data (b)
($ in thousands)
(Unaudited)

		For the Three Months Ended September 30,
		Consolidated												Same-Store
		2010				2009				% Change				2010				2009				% Change
Number of hospitals (at end of period)			123				122								122				122
Licensed beds (at end of period)			18,421				18,176								18,297				18,176
Beds in service (at end of period)			16,071				15,907								15,981				15,907
Admissions			169,775				175,107				-3.0	%			168,832				175,107				-3.6	%
Adjusted admissions			327,048				327,837				-0.2	%			323,671				327,837				-1.3	%
Patient days			714,576				730,676								711,026				730,676
Average length of stay (days)			4.2				4.2								4.2				4.2
Occupancy rate (average beds in service)			48.4	%			49.9	%							48.4	%			49.9	%
Net operating revenues		$	3,252,055			$	3,086,757				5.4	%		$	3,204,902			$	3,086,522				3.8	%
Net inpatient revenue as a % of total net operating revenues			47.7	%			49.7	%							48.2	%			49.7	%
Net outpatient revenue as a % of total net operating revenues			49.9	%			48.0	%							49.6	%			48.0	%
Income from operations (f)		$	280,819			$	267,268				5.1	%		$	288,090			$	271,750				6.0	%
Income from operations as a % of net operating revenues			8.6	%			8.6	%							9.0	%			8.8	%
Depreciation and amortization		$	151,119			$	143,558							$	149,714			$	143,558
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		$	(9,535	)		$	(7,001	)						$	(9,535)			$	(6,961	)
Liquidity Data:
Adjusted EBITDA (c)		$	441,473			$	417,827				5.7	%
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net operating revenues			13.6	%			13.5	%
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	356,585			$	356,353
Net cash provided by operating activities as a % of net operating revenues			11.0	%			11.5	%

For footnotes, see pages 11 and 12.

- MORE -

CYH Announces Third Quarter 2010 Results
Page 8
October 27, 2010

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Selected Operating Data (b)
($ in thousands)
(Unaudited)

		For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
		Consolidated												Same-Store
		2010				2009				% Change				2010				2009				% Change
Number of hospitals (at end of period)			123				122								122				122
Licensed beds (at end of period)			18,421				18,176								18,297				18,176
Beds in service (at end of period)			16,071				15,907								15,981				15,907
Admissions			518,270				520,921				-0.5	%			508,297				520,921				-2.4	%
Adjusted admissions			974,716				958,674				1.7	%			952,264				958,674				-0.7	%
Patient days			2,197,460				2,203,623								2,143,280				2,203,623
Average length of stay (days)			4.2				4.2								4.2				4.2
Occupancy rate (average beds in service)			50.3	%			51.6	%							50.1	%			51.6	%
Net operating revenues		$	9,583,801			$	9,016,467				6.3	%		$	9,340,328			$	9,015,153				3.6	%
Net inpatient revenue as a % of total net operating revenues			49.0	%			50.0	%							49.4	%			50.0	%
Net outpatient revenue as a % of total net operating revenues			48.9	%			47.8	%							48.5	%			47.8	%
Income from operations (f)		$	832,603			$	783,709				6.2	%		$	843,292			$	795,075				6.1	%
Income from operations as a % of net operating revenues			8.7	%			8.6	%							9.0	%			8.8	%
Depreciation and amortization		$	452,179			$	421,566							$	442,169			$	421,577
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates		$	(33,100	)		$	(31,701	)						$	(32,888	)		$	(31,589	)
Liquidity Data:
Adjusted EBITDA (c)		$	1,317,882			$	1,236,976				6.5	%
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net operating revenues			13.8	%			13.7	%
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	898,377			$	900,760
Net cash provided by operating activities as a % of net operating revenues			9.4	%			10.0	%

For footnotes, see pages 11 and 12.

- MORE -

CYH Announces Third Quarter 2010 Results
Page 9
October 27, 2010

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (a)
(in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)

		September 30,				December 31,
		2010				2009
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	567,749			$	344,541
Patient accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,554,149 and $1,417,188 at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively			1,651,406				1,617,903
Supplies			313,770				302,609
Prepaid income taxes			100,868				45,414
Deferred income taxes			78,621				80,714
Prepaid expenses and taxes			99,650				89,475
Other current assets			171,906				194,339
Total current assets			2,983,970				2,674,995
Property and equipment			8,135,499				7,787,256
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(1,991,929	)			(1,655,010	)
Property and equipment, net			6,143,570				6,132,246
Goodwill			4,174,040				4,157,927
Other assets, net			1,117,913				1,056,304
Total assets		$	14,419,493			$	14,021,472
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt		$	60,654			$	66,470
Accounts payable			516,152				428,565
Deferred income taxes			28,522				28,397
Accrued interest			82,056				145,201
Accrued liabilities			892,620				789,163
Total current liabilities			1,580,004				1,457,796
Long-term debt			8,816,223				8,844,638
Deferred income taxes			474,748				475,812
Other long-term liabilities			1,038,229				858,952
Total liabilities			11,909,204				11,637,198
Redeemable noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries			384,056				368,857
EQUITY
Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized; none issued			—				—
Common stock, $.01 par value per share, 300,000,000 shares authorized; 93,715,461 shares issued and 92,740,092 shares outstanding at September 30, 2010, and 94,013,537 shares issued and 93,037,988 shares outstanding at December 31, 2009			937				940
Additional paid-in capital			1,126,498				1,158,359
Treasury stock, at cost, 975,549 shares at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009			(6,678	)			(6,678	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(288,660	)			(221,385	)
Retained earnings			1,229,872				1,019,399
Total Community Health Systems, Inc. stockholders’ equity			2,061,969				1,950,635
Noncontrolling interests in equity of consolidated subsidiaries			64,264				64,782
Total equity			2,126,233				2,015,417
Total liabilities and equity		$	14,419,493			$	14,021,472

For footnotes, see pages 11 and 12.

CYH Announces Third Quarter 2010 Results
Page 10
October 27, 2010

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)

		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
		2010				2009
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income		$	256,192			$	222,251
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			452,179				421,898
Stock-based compensation expense			29,899				35,121
Loss on sale of hospitals and partnership interest, net			—				405
(Excess tax benefit) income tax payable increase relating to stock-based compensation			(10,109	)			3,544
Gain on early extinguishment of debt			—				(2,385	)
Other non-cash expenses, net			8,237				13,410
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures:
Patient accounts receivable			(25,579	)			(10,235	)
Supplies, prepaid expenses and other current assets			4,755				18,278
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and income taxes			172,687				194,955
Other			10,116				3,518
Net cash provided by operating activities			898,377				900,760
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisitions of facilities and other related equipment			(67,541	)			(211,941	)
Purchases of property and equipment			(381,853	)			(398,138	)
Proceeds from disposition of hospitals and other ancillary operations			—				89,514
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment			2,845				2,521
Increase in other non-operating assets			(98,502	)			(111,476	)
Net cash used in investing activities			(545,051	)			(629,520	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from exercise of stock options			53,839				9,952
Excess tax benefit (income tax payable increase) relating to stock-based compensation			10,109				(3,544	)
Deferred financing costs			—				(82	)
Stock buy-back			(107,932	)			—
Proceeds from noncontrolling investors in joint ventures			5,155				26,314
Redemption of noncontrolling investments in joint ventures			(2,467	)			(2,387	)
Distributions to noncontrolling investors in joint ventures			(41,870	)			(43,744	)
Borrowings under credit agreement			—				200,000
Repayments of long-term indebtedness			(46,952	)			(245,589	)
Net cash used in financing activities			(130,118	)			(59,080	)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents			223,208				212,160
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			344,541				220,655
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	567,749			$	432,815

CYH Announces Third Quarter 2010 Results
Page 11
October 27, 2010

Footnotes to Financial Statements

(a)

The following table provides information needed to calculate income per share which is adjusted for noncontrolling interests (in thousands).

		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2010				2009				2010				2009
Income from continuing operations attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of taxes		$	84,854			$	75,361			$	256,192			$	220,679
Less: Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of taxes			14,453				15,649				45,719				43,834
Income from continuing operations attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders — basic and diluted		$	70,401			$	59,712			$	210,473			$	176,845
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders:
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	1,572
Less: Income from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of taxes			—				—				—				355
Income from discontinued operations attributable to Community Health Systems, Inc. common stockholders — basic and diluted		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	1,217

Footnotes continued on the next page.

CYH Announces Third Quarter 2010 Results
Page 12
October 27, 2010

Footnotes to Financial Statements (Continued)

The following table reconciles adjusted EBITDA, as defined, to net cash provided by operating activities as derived directly from the condensed consolidated financial statements (in thousands):

		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2010				2009				2010				2009
Adjusted EBITDA		$	441,473			$	417,827			$	1,317,882			$	1,236,976
Interest expense, net			(164,011	)			(161,823	)			(486,308	)			(487,209	)
Provision for income taxes			(41,489	)			(37,064	)			(123,203	)			(109,907	)
Income from operations of hospitals sold and hospitals held for sale, net of taxes			—				—				—				1,977
Other non-cash expenses, net			20,055				30,352				28,027				52,406
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions			100,557				107,061				161,979				206,517
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	356,585			$	356,353			$	898,377			$	900,760

(d)		Included in income from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, is a gain from early extinguishment of debt of $2.4 million with an after-tax impact of $1.5 million related to the repurchases on the open market and cancellation of $126.5 million of Senior Notes and the early payment of $110.4 million of term loans under the Company’s Credit Facility.
(e)		Included in discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 is Presbyterian Hospital of Denton (255 licensed beds) located in Denton, Texas, which was conveyed to the noncontrolling partner on March 31, 2009.
(f)		Included in income from operations and income from continuing operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, are the following non-same-store charges:

	•		Pre-tax charges of $2.5 million and $4.3 million, respectively, related to acquisition costs; and
	•		Pre-tax charges of $1.9 million and $5.0 million, respectively, for system conversion costs.

(g)

Total consolidated net operating revenues and operating costs and expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2010, include approximately 50 basis points of net operating revenues and approximately 25 basis points of total operating costs and expenses, relating to the California Department of Health’s recently enacted “California Hospital Fee Program”, which had been anticipated in 2010. These amounts represent the eighteen month retroactive impact of the program from its inception date through September 30, 2010.

(h)

The following table sets forth components reconciling the basic weighted-average number of shares to the diluted weighted-average number of shares (in thousands):

		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2010				2009				2010				2009
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding — basic			91,485				90,923				92,036				90,424
Add effect of dilutive securities:
Stock awards and options			978				1,096				1,184				696
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding — diluted			92,463				92,019				93,220				91,120

CYH Announces Third Quarter 2010 Results
Page 13
October 27, 2010

Regulation FD Disclosure

     The following tables set forth selected information concerning the Company’s projected consolidated operating results for the year ending December 31, 2010, and the initial projected consolidated operating results of the Company for the year ending December 31, 2011. These projections are based on the Company’s historical operating performance, current trends and other assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable at this time. The 2010 guidance reaffirms the Company’s previous annual earnings guidance for 2010 provided on July 28, 2010, as updated to reflect historical results through September 30, 2010, with certain changes to the assumptions used in connection with the guidance. See page 15 for a list of factors that could affect the future results of the Company or the healthcare industry generally.

     The following is provided as guidance to analysts and investors:

		Updated 2010
		Projection
		Range
Net operating revenues (in millions)		$	12,900			to				$	13,200
Adjusted EBITDA (in millions)		$	1,745			to				$	1,775
Income from continuing operations per share — diluted		$	2.93			to				$	3.00
Same hospitals annual admissions/adjusted admissions growth			-1.0	%		to					1.0	%
Weighted-average diluted shares (in millions)			92			to					93

		Initial 2011
		Projection
		Range *
Net operating revenues (in millions)		$	13,900			to				$	14,200
Income from continuing operations per share — diluted		$	3.15			to				$	3.35
Acquisitions of new hospitals			2			to					3

The following assumptions were used in developing the 2010 guidance provided above:

•

Three acquisitions for 2010 representing a total of four acute hospitals have been completed and included.

•

Projected 2010 same hospital annual admissions/adjusted admissions growth does not take into account service closures and other unusual events.

•

Expressed as a percent of net operating revenues, the provision for bad debts is projected to be approximately 12.2% to 12.4% for 2010. These percentages may vary depending on changes in payor mix.

•

Expressed as a percent of net operating revenues, depreciation and amortization is projected to be approximately 4.7% to 4.8% for 2010; however, this is a fixed cost and the percentages may vary as revenue varies. Excludes possible impact of any future fair-value adjustments to investments and hospital fixed asset impairments.

•

2010 projection assumes an estimate of $0.03 to $0.05 per share (diluted) of acquisition costs that are required to be expensed.

CYH Announces Third Quarter 2010 Results
Page 14
October 27, 2010

•		For the purpose of providing interest expense guidance, the Company assumes that the borrowing rate under the Company’s $7.2 billion Senior Secured Credit Facility for 2010 will remain relatively stable with the rates existing currently, particularly since the Company is a party to interest rate swap agreements (with original maturities of at least two years) resulting in total fixed debt including swaps being 93% of total debt. These swap agreements limit the effect of changes in interest rates. Based on these assumptions, expressed as a percentage of net operating revenues, interest expense is projected to be approximately 5.0% to 5.2% of net revenue guidance for 2010; however, these percentages will vary as revenue and interest rates vary. The 2010 and 2011 projections do not assume any changes to the financing terms of the Senior Secured Credit Facility or any new financing arrangements. The Company is currently exploring financing alternatives, including a possible amendment and partial extension of its existing Senior Secured Credit Facility.
•		On September 16, 2010, having purchased substantially all of the stock authorized under the December 2009 program, the Company adopted a new open market repurchase program for up to four million shares of the Company’s common stock, not to exceed $100 million in purchases. The new repurchase program will conclude at the earliest of three years, when the maximum number of shares has been repurchased or when the maximum dollar amount has been reached. Through October 27, 2010, approximately 451,000 shares with a value of approximately $13.9 million were purchased and retired under this repurchase plan.

•

Expressed as a percentage of net operating revenues, equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates is projected to be approximately 0.3% to 0.4% for 2010.

•

Expressed as a percentage of net operating revenues, net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is projected to be approximately 0.5% to 0.6% for 2010.

•

Expressed as a percentage of income from continuing operations before income taxes, provision for income tax is projected to be approximately 31.0% to 33.0% for 2010. The income tax projection includes possible additional unrecognized tax benefits and tax revaluations that may be recognized prior to the end of 2010.

•

Capital expenditures are projected as follows (in millions):

		2010
		Guidance
Total		$	650			to				$	750

•

Net cash provided by operating activities are projected as follows (in millions):

		2010
		Guidance
Total		$	1,050			to				$	1,100

•

The Company’s guidance does not take into account resolution of certain pending government investigations and lawsuits.

CYH Announces Third Quarter 2010 Results
Page 15
October 27, 2010

     The projections set forth in this report constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, Section 21E of the Exchange Act and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although the Company believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and are beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, the Company cannot give any assurance that its expectations will in fact occur and cautions that actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. A number of factors could affect the future results of the Company or the healthcare industry generally and could cause the Company’s expected results to differ materially from those expressed in this filing.

These factors include, among other things:

	•		general economic and business conditions, both nationally and in the regions in which we operate;
	•		implementation and effect of potential and recently-adopted federal and state healthcare legislation;
	•		risks associated with our substantial indebtedness, leverage, and debt service obligations;
	•		demographic changes;
	•		changes in, or the failure to comply with, governmental regulations;
	•		potential adverse impact of known and unknown government investigations, audits, and Federal and State False Claims Act litigation;
	•		our ability, where appropriate, to enter into and maintain managed care provider arrangements and the terms of these arrangements;
	•		changes in, or the failure to comply with, managed care provider contracts could result in disputes and changes in reimbursement that could be applied retroactively;
	•		changes in inpatient or outpatient Medicare and Medicaid payment levels;
	•		increases in the amount and risk of collectability of patient accounts receivable;
	•		increases in wages as a result of inflation or competition for highly technical positions and rising supply costs due to market pressure from pharmaceutical companies and new product releases;
	•		liabilities and other claims asserted against us, including self-insured malpractice claims;
	•		competition;
	•		our ability to attract and retain, without significant employment costs, qualified personnel, key management, physicians, nurses and other health care workers;
	•		trends toward treatment of patients in less acute or specialty healthcare settings, including ambulatory surgery centers or specialty hospitals;
	•		changes in medical or other technology;
	•		changes in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles;
	•		the availability and terms of capital to fund additional acquisitions or replacement facilities;
	•		our ability to successfully acquire additional hospitals and complete the sale of hospitals held for sale;
	•		our ability to successfully integrate any acquired hospitals or to recognize expected synergies from such acquisitions;
	•		our ability to obtain adequate levels of general and professional liability insurance;
	•		timeliness of reimbursement payments received under government programs; and
	•		the other risk factors set forth in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

     The consolidated operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be experienced for any such future period or for any future year, including the full year of 2010.

     The Company cautions that the projections for calendar year 2010 and the initial projections for calendar year 2011 set forth in this press release are given as of the date hereof based on currently available information. The Company is not undertaking any obligation to update these projections as conditions change or other information becomes available.

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