DaVita lifts lower end of 2026 profit forecast, shares fall

** Shares of DaVita DVA.N fall 7.4% to $179 in extended trading

** Co expects annual profit per share in the range of $14.3 to $15.2 vs prior outlook between $14.1 and $15.2

** On a post-earnings call, executives say they expect volume growth in 2027 to outpace 2026 levels, but cautioned that revenue per treatment could face pressure from a less favorable commercial mix, driven largely by Affordable Care Act plans

** Company says lower pharmaceutical costs could provide some offset in 2027

** Posts Q3 adj profit per share of $3.82 vs analysts' estimate of $3.61 - LSEG data

** DaVita reports Q3 revenue of $3.58 billion vs estimates of $3.51 billion

** Separately, DaVita paid about $69 million to repurchase 382,563 shares from Berkshire Hathaway, which retained a 45% stake in the dialysis provider

** As of last close, stock up 70.3% YTD