HCA Healthcare, Inc.

(New York Stock Exchange)

Top News rankings and signal summaries are processed using AI and may contain errors.

1
Somewhat Bullish +28

HCA Healthcare Reports First Quarter 2026 Results

AI-generated analysis

HCA Healthcare reported strong financial performance for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, with revenues increasing 4.3% year-over-year to $19.109 billion and net income attributable to HCA rising 0.6% to $1.620 billion. Earnings per share and adjusted earnings per share both grew significantly by...

Bullish Signals

  • Revenues grew 4.3% to $19.109 billion.
  • Diluted EPS surged 10.9% to $7.15.
  • Operating cash flow jumped 22.0% to $2.014 billion.
  • Same facility admissions rose 1.3% showing demand resilience.
  • Repurchased 3.157M shares for $1.571 billion.
  • Remaining repurchase authorization stands at $9.179 billion.
  • $0.78 quarterly dividend declared for June 30, 2026 payment.
  • Reaffirmed 2026 guidance signaling management confidence.

Bearish Signals

  • Respiratory admissions dropped 42% and ER visits down 32% in Q1 2026.
  • Winter storm further depressed Q1 operational metrics in certain markets.
  • Inpatient surgeries declined 0.3% while outpatient fell 1.7% due to headwinds.
  • Guidance excludes legal claims, asset impairments, and debt retirement risks.
  • Future dividends are discretionary and not guaranteed beyond the current quarter.
  • Stable environment assumptions face disruption from public policy and administrative reforms.
  • Regulatory changes alter reimbursement dynamics under current guidance assumptions.
2
Bullish +75

Healthcare Added 35,200 Jobs—3 Stocks Positioned to Benefit - MarketBeat

AI-generated analysis

The U.S. healthcare sector added 35,200 jobs in May, extending a year-long trend of robust employment growth driven by sustained demand for medical services. This expansion is led by ambulatory health services, which added 25,700 positions, and hospitals, which added 6,000. Analysts view this consistency...

Bullish Signals

  • Healthcare employment growth averages 38,000 new jobs monthly.
  • UnitedHealth Group medical benefit ratio improved to 83.9%.
  • HCA Healthcare operating cash flow jumped 22% to $2B.
  • Encompass Health revenue up 9% and EPS up 16.8%.
  • Encompass Health discharge-to-community rate improved to 84.5%.
  • HCA Healthcare investing $1.1B in Q1 capital expenditures.
  • Encompass Health opening seven new hospitals in 2026.
  • Analysts see over 40% upside potential for Encompass.

Bearish Signals

  • UnitedHealth trades at a 22x forward earnings premium.
  • HCA Healthcare down over 16% in 2026.
  • Encompass Health down 4% in 2026.
3
Slightly Bullish +25

HCA Healthcare stock weighs resilient demand against 2027 payer risks

Earnings report Financial outlook AI-generated analysis

HCA Healthcare reported resilient patient demand during its third-quarter earnings call, extending a streak of volume growth to 22 consecutive quarters. Same-facility equivalent admissions rose 3% year over year, driven by a 2.7% increase in general admissions and a 5.1% rise in emergency-room visits. However,...

Bullish Signals

  • Volume growth streak extended to 22 consecutive quarters.
  • ER visits up 5.1% showing strong core service utilization.
  • Cost per admission flat YoY excluding Medicaid payments.
  • Management expects 2-3% volume growth through 2027.
  • Resiliency program offsets external payment pressures.

Bearish Signals

  • Coverage losses pressure 2027 earnings outlook.
  • Uninsured patients rose to 10.5% of admissions.
  • Medicaid payments expected to fall $550-$650M in 2027.
  • Elective care volumes contracted significantly.
4
Somewhat Bearish -35

HCA Healthcare stock faces payer pressure as 2027 risks build

Company update Financial outlook AI-generated analysis

HCA Healthcare is navigating persistent financial pressure from payer mix shifts, specifically the transition of patients from ACA marketplace coverage to uninsured status. Management attributes a significant $400 million quarterly impact on adjusted EBITDA to this demographic shift, noting that uninsured admissions rose to 10.5%...

Bullish Signals

  • Management expects service volumes to grow 2% to 3% in 2027.
  • Proposed Medicare rules could increase payments for non-drug services.

Bearish Signals

  • Adjusted EBITDA hit by $400M quarterly impact from uninsured patients.
  • Uninsured admissions rose to 10.5%, increasing financial risk.
  • Medicaid benefits expected to drop $550M-$650M in 2027.
5
Slightly Bullish +15

HCA Healthcare stock faces payer pressure ahead of 2027 outlook

Earnings report Guidance raised AI-generated analysis

HCA Healthcare reported third-quarter results ended September 30, 2026, showing resilient patient demand but significant headwinds from payer mix shifts. Revenue increased 3.6% to $19.849 billion, driven by strong volume growth in same-facility admissions and emergency room visits. However, net income attributable to the company...

Bullish Signals

  • Revenue rose 3.6% to $19.849 billion.
  • Admissions up 3.0%; ER visits +5.1%.
  • Adjusted EBITDA grew 1.2% YoY.
  • Management raised confidence for 2026.
  • CEO projects 2-3% volume growth in 2027.

Bearish Signals

  • Net income fell 3.9% due to $400M pre-tax loss from exchange shifts.
6
Bullish +75

HCA Healthcare Buys Texas-Based Healthcare Education and Training Organization

AI-generated analysis

HCA Healthcare, a Nashville-based provider with 189 hospitals and approximately 2,600 ambulatory sites, has agreed to acquire the College of Health Care Professions (CHCP). CHCP is a Houston-based organization that provides healthcare education to over 8,000 students annually across 10 Texas campuses and online. Since...

Bullish Signals

  • Acquires major education provider to ensure steady skilled professional flow.
  • Joint Medical Assistant program graduated over 100 employees immediately.
  • Brings over 20 accredited programs in high-demand fields like Sonography.
  • Reinforces commitment to value-based care and workforce development trends.
  • Proven track record integrating educational institutions like Galen College.
7
Somewhat Bearish -45

HCA’s NC hospitals are “a little behind” profit expectations because of higher labor costs at Mission, HCA boss tells Wall Street

AI-generated analysis

HCA Healthcare’s stock fell nearly 9 percent on Friday after the company reported first-quarter earnings that missed Wall Street expectations, despite revenue climbing 4.3 percent to $19.11 billion, which surpassed analyst forecasts. During an earnings call with financial analysts, HCA CEO Sam Hazen explained that...

Bullish Signals

  • Q1 revenue reached $19.11 billion, beating expectations.
  • Company scales across 189 hospitals and 2,600 sites.
  • Mission Hospital won multiple quality ratings awards.
  • Management rejected staffing proposal despite shareholder support.

Bearish Signals

  • Missed earnings despite revenue growth.
  • Shares fell 9% on bad results.
  • Severe staffing deficits since 2019 acquisition.
  • Two immediate jeopardy safety sanctions.
  • Winter storms and respiratory drops hurt ops.
  • Immigration and insurance issues raise uninsured patients.
  • ACA subsidies expire causing coverage cancellations.
  • Failed shareholder proposal on community impact.
8
Slightly Bullish +25

Here's How Much a $1000 Investment in HCA Healthcare Made 10 Years Ago Would Be Worth Today - Yahoo Finance

Earnings report Financial outlook AI-generated analysis

HCA Healthcare, headquartered in Nashville, TN, is the largest non-governmental operator of acute care hospitals in the United States. As of late 2025, the company operated 190 hospitals and approximately 2,500 ambulatory sites across 19 American states and the United Kingdom. The business is organized...

Bullish Signals

  • Revenue reached $75.6B in 2025, forecast to grow to $77-$79.5B in 2026.
  • Same-facility admissions rose 1.7% YoY in first half of 2026.
  • Returned $4B to shareholders via buybacks and dividends in H1 2026.
  • Shares rallied 6.79% over four weeks with positive earnings revisions.
  • Acquisitions expand network, boosting patient volumes and market presence.

Bearish Signals

  • Rising expenses pressure margins despite revenue growth.
  • Regulatory headwinds affect broader healthcare industry.
  • Substantial debt causes high interest costs.
9
Slightly Bullish +25

Q2 Earnings Highlights: HCA Healthcare (NYSE:HCA) Vs The Rest Of The Hospital Chains Stocks

Earnings report Guidance lowered AI-generated analysis

HCA Healthcare (NYSE:HCA) reported Q2 revenues of $20.23 billion, representing an 8.7% year-over-year increase that exceeded analysts' consensus estimates by 2.4%. The company operates a large network spanning 20 states and England, comprising 190 hospitals and over 150 outpatient facilities. Despite the strong top-line performance,...

Bullish Signals

  • Revenue grew 8.7% YoY, fastest among peers.
  • Q2 revenue beat estimates by 2.4%.

Bearish Signals

  • Missed full-year EPS guidance, showing weak forward optimism.
  • Delivered weakest peer guidance, raising earnings visibility concerns.
10
Neutral +10

Barclays Issues Pessimistic Forecast for HCA Healthcare (NYSE:HCA ...

AI-generated analysis

Barclays has lowered its price objective for HCA Healthcare (NYSE:HCA) from $427.00 to $402.00, citing a pessimistic outlook in a report issued on Thursday. The brokerage maintains an 'equal weight' rating, which implies a potential upside of 8.18% from the stock's previous close. This move...

Bullish Signals

  • Revenue of $19.11 billion beat estimates.
  • Year-over-year revenue growth reached 4.3%.
  • Sei Investments increased stake by 56.3%.
  • Jump Financial added over $2 million position.
  • NewEdge Advisors lifted position by 11.9%.

Bearish Signals

  • Barclays cut target to $402 from $427.
  • Missed EPS by $0.04 at $7.15 vs $7.19.
  • Negative ROE of 295.93% signals capital concerns.
  • Cantor and Baird also lowered price targets.
11
Somewhat Bearish -25

OP Asset Management Ltd Makes New Investment in HCA Healthcare, Inc. $HCA - MarketBeat

AI-generated analysis

OP Asset Management Ltd initiated a new position in HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: HCA) during the first quarter by purchasing 27,224 shares valued at approximately $12.9 million. This move adds to existing institutional interest, with other firms like Nordea and Nomura increasing their stakes in...

Bullish Signals

  • OP Asset Management bought 27,224 shares worth $12.9 million.
  • Nordea increased stake by 11.2% while Nomura grew by 6.2%.
  • Quarterly revenue reached $19.11 billion, up 4.3% year-over-year.
  • Received certificate of need for new Lebanon emergency room.
  • HCA Foundation awarded $2.1 million to 89 local nonprofits.

Bearish Signals

  • Multiple brokerages cut price targets after earnings missed estimates.
  • Barclays lowered target from $551.00 to $496.00 with overweight rating.
  • Wells Fargo decreased target from $481.00 to $436.00 with equal weight.
  • Sanford Bernstein cut target from $503.00 to $413.00 with market perform.
  • Chief clinical officer exits after four years causing leadership turnover.
12
Bullish +75

HCA Healthcare Q1 2026 Revenue Up 4.3%

AI-generated analysis

HCA Healthcare reported robust financial results for the first quarter of 2026, with revenue reaching $19.109 billion, representing a 4.3% increase from the same period last year. Net income attributable to the company grew to $1.620 billion, while diluted earnings per share rose significantly by...

Bullish Signals

  • Q1 2026 revenue hit $19.1B with a 4.3% YoY rise.
  • Net income reached $1.62B while EPS jumped 10.9% to $7.15.
  • Operating cash flow surged 22% to $2.0B.
  • Company repurchased 3.2M shares for $1.57B under authorization.
  • $940M cash on hand ensures strong financial liquidity.
  • Board declared quarterly dividend of $0.78 per share.
  • Revenue per admission grew 3.1% showing pricing strength.

Bearish Signals

  • Shares declined 0.76% after announcements.
  • Inpatient volumes fell 0.3%; outpatient slipped 1.7%.
  • Respiratory admissions dropped 42% and ER visits fell 32% QoQ.
  • High debt load: $48 billion vs $940 million cash.
  • Revenue growth partly offset by non-core Medicaid programs.
13
Somewhat Bearish -35

HCA Healthcare stock faces flat 2027 outlook amid payer pressure

Company update Financial outlook AI-generated analysis

HCA Healthcare is preparing investors for a largely flat earnings performance in 2027 as resilient patient demand collides with weaker reimbursement economics. CEO Sam Hazen expects full-year 2027 earnings to be generally consistent with 2026 levels, with detailed guidance scheduled for release in January following...

Bullish Signals

  • Patient volumes expected to grow 2% to 3% next year.
  • Management has clear visibility into plans for 2027 and beyond.
  • Cost discipline offsets reimbursement pressure via network initiatives.

Bearish Signals

  • Coverage losses reduce profitability as payer mix deteriorates.
  • Uninsured care shift cut Q3 pretax income by $400M.
  • Uninsured patients rose to 10.5% of admissions.
  • Exchange equivalent admissions fell 19% year over year.
  • Medicaid benefits expected down $550M-$650M next year.
14
Somewhat Bearish -45

HCA Healthcare (HCA) Stock Dips After Q3 Earnings Expose Margin Strain

Earnings report Financial outlook AI-generated analysis

HCA Healthcare reported Q3 2026 results showing revenue growth of approximately 3.6% to US$19.8 billion and basic earnings per share rising 3.0% to US$7.27. Despite beating market expectations on volume and operating efficiency, the stock dipped roughly 3.3% following the release as investors reacted negatively...

Bullish Signals

  • Revenue grew 3.6% to US$19.8B in Q3 2026.

Bearish Signals

  • Net income excluding one-offs declined 3.9% to US$1.58 billion.
  • Tax credit expiration creates US$400 million EBITDA headwind.
  • Medicaid payments thinner; DPP support drops next year.
  • Elective and outpatient surgeries remain soft.
15
Slightly Bullish +15

HCA Healthcare (HCA) Stock Fair Value Edges Higher After Mixed Analyst Target Changes

Analyst upgrade Hospital expansion Joint venture AI-generated analysis

HCA Healthcare (HCA) saw its fair value estimate rise modestly to approximately US$461.81 from US$452.29, reflecting a 2.1% increase driven by optimism regarding the company's long-term project pipeline and cost execution capabilities. However, this upward adjustment is tempered by analyst caution concerning guidance resets, payor...

Bullish Signals

  • RBC raised target to $496, calling it a near-term strategic pick.

Bearish Signals

  • JPMorgan cut target to $425 from $490 due to valuation concerns.
  • TD Cowen lowered Q3 EBITDA expectations after weak survey results.
  • Analysts caution on guidance resets and payor mix shifts.
  • BofA keeps Neutral rating awaiting clearer volume confirmation.
16
Bullish +55

HCA Healthcare stock rises after conference remarks on demand

AI-generated analysis

HCA Healthcare reported strong second-quarter 2026 financial results, with revenue reaching USD 20.23 billion and earnings per share (EPS) of USD 7.59, beating analyst estimates by USD 0.03. The company's stock closed at USD 402.02 on September 8, 2026, reflecting a market capitalization of USD...

Bullish Signals

  • Q2 2026 revenue hit USD 20.23B, EPS USD 7.59.
  • Core business at high end of 4-6% EBITDA growth range.
  • 99% of business met or beat 2025 targets.

Bearish Signals

  • Admissions shifted to uninsured status after tax credit ended.
  • Analysts TD Cowen and Barclays cut price targets below stock.
17
Somewhat Bullish +45

HCA Healthcare (HCA) Stock Still Looks Cheap Given Its Earnings Power - simplywall.st

AI-generated analysis

HCA Healthcare (NYSE:HCA) stock currently trades at approximately $414.45, presenting a valuation profile that suggests it may be undervalued relative to its earnings power. Over the past five years, shares have delivered a total return of 70.9%, though recent share price softness has led to...

Bullish Signals

  • HCA Healthcare trades at a P/E ratio of 13.1x, which is substantially lower than the industry average of 24.8x and peer group average of 15.5x.
  • Valuation models estimate a fair value multiple of roughly 26.9x for HCA Healthcare, suggesting a potential upside gap between current market price and intrinsic value.
  • The company is characterized as a foundational healthcare investment that benefits from demographic trends like aging populations and a shift toward efficient care delivery.

Bearish Signals

  • Rising staffing expenses and pressure on reimbursement rates may limit the company's ability to pass costs through to shareholders.
  • Payer mix shifts, including growth in uninsured equivalent admissions and slower Medicaid conversions, could keep uncompensated care costs elevated.
  • Elevated patient balance collections due to uncompensated care risks placing a ceiling on adjusted EBITDA margins.
18
Slightly Bullish +15

Mizuho Has Lowered Expectations for HCA Healthcare (NYSE:HCA) Stock ...

AI-generated analysis

Analyst sentiment regarding HCA Healthcare (NYSE:HCA) has turned mixed following a series of price target reductions from major firms including Mizuho, UBS Group, and Barclays. Despite these downgrades, the stock maintains an overall consensus rating of 'Moderate Buy' with an average price target of $465.05,...

Bullish Signals

  • EPS of $7.59 beat consensus estimate of $7.56.
  • Net margin reached 8.77% with revenue of $20.23 billion.
  • Quarterly revenue grew 8.7% year-over-year.
  • Institutional stake increased by 56.3% to over $52 million.
  • NewEdge Advisors lifted holdings by 11.9%.

Bearish Signals

  • Mizuho cut target to $475.00, citing 16.31% upside.
  • UBS lowered target from $635.00 to $579.00.
  • Wall Street Zen downgraded stock to 'hold' in May.
  • Barcls reduced target to $387.00 with equal weight.
  • Weiss Ratings downgraded HCA Healthcare to 'hold' in June.
19
Bullish +55

How HCA Stock’s Quiet Compounding Changes The Growth Story - Trefis

AI-generated analysis

HCA Healthcare (HCA) stock has underperformed the broader market with shares trading well below their 52-week highs, driven by a narrative of slowing revenue growth. Recent results were impacted by a mild respiratory season and winter storms that dampened patient volumes, leading to cautious investor...

Bullish Signals

  • EPS compounds at 13.3% annually vs 7.9% revenue growth.
  • Operating margins rose from 14.6% to 15.7% recently.
  • Share count reduced by 19.3% via disciplined buybacks.
  • P/E of 12.7 is in the lower half of range.
  • Business model generates value without requiring heroic growth.

Bearish Signals

  • Shares lagged market and trade well off 52-week highs.
  • Revenue growth moderated to 6.7% last year.
  • Patient volumes dampened by mild respiratory season and storms.
  • Valuation gives little credit for quiet compounding mechanics.
20
Bullish +55

HCA Healthcare, Inc. $HCA Shares Sold by Arax Advisory Partners - MarketBeat

AI-generated analysis

HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: HCA) reported quarterly earnings that slightly missed profit expectations but topped revenue estimates. The company posted $7.15 in earnings per share against a consensus of $7.19, while revenue reached $19.11 billion versus an expectation of $19.09 billion. This represents a 4.3%...

Bullish Signals

  • Revenue hit $19.11 billion, showing strong top-line growth.
  • P/E ratio is 13.32 with P/E/G of 1.23.
  • Institutional investors increased stakes in the company.
  • Analyst price target is $506.14, implying upside.
  • FY2026 EPS guidance ranges from $29.10 to $31.50.
  • Dividend yield stands at 0.8%.

Bearish Signals

  • Missed EPS expectations by $0.04, reporting $7.15 vs $7.19 consensus.
  • Negative ROE of -295.93% signals potential capital structure concerns.
  • Major banks JPMorgan and Wells Fargo lowered price targets.
  • Institutional investor Arax reduced position by 40.8%.