BUZZ - DaVita raises the lower end of its 2026 profit forecast, shares fall

October 29 - ** DaVita (DVA.N) shares fell 7.4% in after-hours trading to $179

** The company expects full-year earnings per share to be between $14.3 and $15.2, compared to a previous forecast of $14.1 to $15.2

** On the earnings call, executives said they expect business volume growth in 2027 to exceed 2026 levels, but warned that revenue per treatment could face pressure from changes in commercial structure, mainly due to the impact of Affordable Care Act-related insurance plans

** The company stated that lower drug costs in 2027 may partially offset this pressure

** Adjusted earnings per share for the third quarter were $3.82, above analysts’ expectations of $3.61, according to London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) data

** DaVita reported third-quarter revenue of $3.58 billion, exceeding the expected $3.51 billion

** In addition, DaVita paid approximately $69 million to (link) repurchase 382,563 shares from Berkshire Hathaway; Berkshire Hathaway still holds a 45% stake in the dialysis services provider

** As of the close of the previous trading day, the stock had gained 70.3% year-to-date

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