Track market-moving stories before they get noisy

HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Healthcare Added 35,200 Jobs—3 Stocks Positioned to BenefitHCA Healthcare NYSE: HCA said its second-quarter performance reflected solid demand in several service lines and 11% growth in diluted earnings per share, but the company faced increased financial pressure as patients losing health insurance exchange coverage shifted largely into the uninsured population.

Chief Executive Officer Sam Hazen said the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits at the end of 2025 led more patients to lose exchange coverage than the company had anticipated. While HCA expected some individuals to move to other coverage options, Hazen said patients instead migrated “almost one for one” to uninsured status while continuing to require hospital care.

Get HCA Healthcare alerts:

The Aging of America Could Make HCA Healthcare a Long-Term Winner“The effects, as expected, were that many people became uninsured and still needed emergency care from hospitals,” Hazen said. He added that the impact in the first half of 2026 was greater than the company’s original estimates.

Payer Mix Shift Drives Updated Outlook Same-facility equivalent admissions among patients covered through health insurance exchanges declined 15% in the second quarter and year to date, according to Chief Financial Officer Mike Marks. Equivalent admissions among insured patients excluding exchange plans increased 3.2% in the second quarter, while total uninsured equivalent admissions rose 15%.

This ETF Is Proof That the Healthcare Rebound Is RealMarks said the exchange-related payer mix shift created an approximately $400 million unfavorable impact on adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter. That figure included about $75 million tied to a higher estimate of the first-quarter exchange impact.

The company now expects the full-year adjusted EBITDA impact from health insurance exchange changes to range from negative $1 billion to negative $1.2 billion. Marks said the updated outlook reflects the company’s conclusion that nearly all patients losing exchange coverage are becoming uninsured, compared with its prior assumption that 80% to 85% would do so. HCA also said its original expectation that uninsured patients would use fewer healthcare services did not materialize.

Three divisions—Gulf Coast, North Florida and South Atlantic—accounted for about half of the companywide exchange-related impact. Hazen said exchange adjusted admissions in those divisions declined between 25% and 28% in the first half.

HCA revised its full-year 2026 guidance to:

Revenue of $77 billion to $79.5 billion. Adjusted EBITDA of $15.4 billion to $16.1 billion. Net income attributable to HCA Healthcare of $6.3 billion to $6.7 billion. Diluted earnings per share of $28.70 to $30.50. Marks said the revised outlook is more consistent with HCA’s long-term adjusted EBITDA growth target of 4% to 6%, following moderation from the company’s 2025 growth rate and its initial 2026 assumptions.

Medicaid Programs Offset Pressure in the Quarter The company recognized approximately $400 million of incremental net benefit from Medicaid supplemental payment programs during the second quarter. That included a $540 million incremental net benefit related to a recently approved Florida program covering the period from Oct. 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026, or 21 months.

The Florida benefit was partly offset by retroactive payments received in the second quarter of 2025. HCA’s annual guidance assumes a net Medicaid supplemental-payment benefit of $300 million to $500 million, but Marks said the outlook implies a $100 million to $300 million headwind in the second half because prior program approvals and retroactive payments are expected to exceed the incremental benefit from the Florida program.

Hazen described Medicaid supplemental programs as important to supporting access to care for Medicaid patients, particularly as hospitals provide more uncompensated care to uninsured patients.

Demand Growth Continues, Though Surgeries Decline Same-facility admissions increased 2.5% in the second quarter, while equivalent admissions rose 2.7%. Emergency room visits increased 3.6%, with cardiac procedures and rehabilitation volumes also contributing to demand.

However, inpatient surgeries declined 2.3% and outpatient surgeries fell 3.4%. Hazen attributed much of the decline to reduced demand for elective procedures, including patients previously covered through exchange plans. He also cited physician feedback regarding affordability pressures affecting patients and the effect of Medicare inpatient rule changes that have shifted some cases from inpatient to outpatient settings.

Emergency inpatient surgeries, which account for about two-thirds of HCA’s inpatient surgical cases, increased 2% year over year through the first six months. By contrast, elective inpatient surgeries were down 6% this year, compared with a 2% decline in the prior year.

Despite the surgical weakness, Hazen said the company remains encouraged by demand and continues to expect long-term demand growth of 2% to 3%, supported by population growth and market trends in its communities.

Capital Investment and Cost Initiatives HCA has approved more than $7 billion of capital spending expected to come online over the next three years. The investments include 1,000 to 1,200 additional inpatient beds, new hospitals in certain markets, and additional outpatient facilities.

Hazen said the company had approximately 42,000 beds currently in operation, up from roughly 37,000 at the end of 2018. Occupancy increased to 75% from 71% over that period. HCA also had 5% more outpatient sites of care in the second quarter than a year earlier and expects another 250 to 300 outpatient facilities in its capital or acquisition pipeline to open later this year or early next year.

The company spent $1.2 billion on capital expenditures during the quarter, repurchased $2.1 billion of shares and paid $171 million in dividends. Cash flow from operations was $2.3 billion, down 45% year over year, primarily because of the timing of Florida Medicaid supplemental-payment cash flows and the prior-year deferral of federal income tax payments.

HCA maintained its planned 2026 capital expenditure range of $5 billion to $5.5 billion and said it currently expects to complete most of its existing share-repurchase authorization, subject to market conditions and other factors.

On costs, Marks said same-facility cost per equivalent admission, including the effect of Medicaid supplemental payment programs, was essentially flat from a year earlier and improved 1.4% sequentially. He said HCA’s financial resiliency program—which includes digital transformation, global capabilities and expanded shared services—is intended to produce multiyear efficiency benefits. Professional fees remained elevated, rising about 8.5% year over year in the quarter, primarily due to anesthesia and radiology costs.

About HCA Healthcare (NYSE:HCA)HCA Healthcare is a for‑profit operator of healthcare facilities headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 1968, the company owns and operates a network of hospitals and related healthcare facilities and has grown through organic expansion and acquisitions to become a large provider of inpatient and outpatient services.

The company's core activities include the operation of acute care hospitals, freestanding surgical and emergency centers, and outpatient clinics. HCA's services encompass inpatient care, surgical services, emergency medicine, diagnostic imaging and laboratory testing, and various outpatient and ambulatory care offerings.

This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].

Should You Invest $1,000 in HCA Healthcare Right Now?Before you consider HCA Healthcare, you'll want to hear this.

MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and HCA Healthcare wasn't on the list.

While HCA Healthcare currently has a Moderate Buy rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.

View The Five Stocks Here

Looking to profit from the electric vehicle mega-trend? Click the link to see our list of which EV stocks show the most long-term potential.

Get This Free Report

HCA Healthcare (HCA - Free Report) came out with quarterly earnings of $7.59 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7.57 per share. This compares to earnings of $6.84 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.

This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +0.26%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this hospital operator would post earnings of $7.17 per share when it actually produced earnings of $7.15, delivering a surprise of -0.28%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times.

HCA, which belongs to the Zacks Medical Services industry, posted revenues of $20.23 billion for the quarter ended June 2026, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. This compares to year-ago revenues of $18.61 billion. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates just once over the last four quarters.

The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.

HCA shares have lost about 19.4% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 8.2%.

What's Next for HCA?While HCA has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?

There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.

Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.

Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for HCA was unfavorable. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to underperform the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and the current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $7.13 on $19.73 billion in revenues for the coming quarter and $29.19 on $78.51 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year.

Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Medical Services is currently in the top 39% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.

One other stock from the same industry, Teladoc (TDOC - Free Report) , is yet to report results for the quarter ended June 2026. The results are expected to be released on July 29.

This telehealth services provider is expected to post quarterly loss of $0.24 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -26.3%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.

Teladoc's revenues are expected to be $614.69 million, down 2.7% from the year-ago quarter.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: HCA) today announced financial and operating results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026. The Company's financial and operating results, as well as its updated guidance and key assumptions, are consistent with its July 14, 2026 second quarter preview. Key second quarter metrics (all percentage changes compare 2Q 2026 to 2Q 2025 unless otherwise noted): Revenues increased 8.7 percent to $20.230 billion Net income attributable.

HCA Healthcare Inc (HCA) released its 8-K filing on July 24, 2026, detailing its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026. As the largest he

, /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of HCA Healthcare, Inc. ("HCA" or the "Company") (NYSE: HCA).  Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.  

The investigation concerns whether HCA and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. 

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On July 14, 2026, HCA issued a press release reporting its preliminary financial and operating results for the second quarter of 2026.  Among other items, HCA sharply lowered its full-2026 profit guidance, citing an unfavorable shift in the Company's payer mix, which impacted revenue by approximately $400 million in the quarter. 

On this news, HCA's stock price fell $27.14 per share, or 6.95%, to close at $363.60 per share on July 14, 2026.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.

Attorney advertising.  Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.  

CONTACT:
Danielle Peyton
Pomerantz LLP
[email protected]
646-581-9980 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP

Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. Litigation Partner Brandon Walker Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In HCA To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

If you purchased or acquired stock in HCA and would like to discuss your legal rights, contact Bragar Eagel & Squire partners Brandon Walker or Melissa Fortunato by email at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 355-4648.

Click here to participate in the action.

NEW YORK, July 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

What’s Happening:

Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationally recognized stockholder rights law firm, is investigating potential claims against HCA Healthcare, Inc. (“HCA” or the “Company”) (NYSE:HCA) on behalf of HCA stockholders. Our investigation concerns whether HCA has violated the federal securities laws and/or engaged in other unlawful business practices.
Investigation Details:

On July 14, 2026, HCA issued a press release reporting its preliminary financial and operating results for the second quarter of 2026. Among other items, HCA sharply lowered its full-2026 profit guidance, citing an unfavorable shift in the Company's payer mix, which impacted revenue by approximately $400 million in the quarter.
On this news, HCA's stock price fell $27.14 per share, or 6.95%, to close at $363.60 per share on July 14, 2026.
Next Steps:

If you purchased or otherwise acquired HCA shares and suffered a loss, are a long-term stockholder, have information, would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Brandon Walker or Melissa Fortunato by email at [email protected], by telephone at (212) 355-4648, or by filling out this contact form. There is no cost or obligation to you.
About Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.:

Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm with offices in New York, South Carolina, and California. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in securities, derivative, and commercial litigation as well as individuals in consumer protection and data privacy litigation. The firm has a nationwide practice and routinely handles cases in both federal and state courts. For more information about the firm, please visit www.bespc.com.

 Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn and Facebook, and keep up with other news by following Brandon Walker, Esq. on LinkedIn.

Contact Information:

Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.
Brandon Walker, Esq.
Melissa Fortunato, Esq.
(212) 355-4648
[email protected]
www.bespc.com

RADNOR, Pa., July 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com), a nationally recognized securities litigation law firm, is investigating potential violations of the federal securities laws by HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: HCA) on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired HCA Healthcare, Inc. securities and experienced significant financial losses.

HCA Announces Disappointing Financial Results
On July 14, 2026, HCA issued a press release reporting its preliminary financial and operating results for the second quarter of 2026. Among other items, HCA sharply lowered its full-2026 profit guidance, citing an unfavorable shift in the company's payer mix, which impacted revenue by approximately $400 million in the quarter.

HCA’s Stock Drops Over 6%
Following the news of HCA’s poor financial results, HCA Healthcare, Inc.’s stock price fell over 6%.

CONTACT KTMC TO DISCUSS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS:
If you purchased or acquired HCA Healthcare, Inc. securities and have lost money on your investment, please provide your information here: https://www.ktmc.com/hca-hca-healthcare-inc-investigation?utm_campaign=hc?utm_source=Globe&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=hca&mktm=PR

You can also contact attorney Jonathan Naji, Esq. by calling (484) 270-1453 or by email at [email protected]. There is no cost or obligation to speak with an attorney.

ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP (KTMC):

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (KTMC) is a leading U.S. plaintiff-side law firm focused on securities-fraud class actions and global investor protection. The firm represents individual investors as well as institutions, such as major pension funds, asset managers, and international investors. KTMC has led some of the largest recoveries in securities litigation and has been recognized by peers and the legal media with numerous accolades, including being recognized in Chambers & Partners USA 2026 as a Band 1 Top Firm in Securities and Class Actions, Legal 500’s Tier 1 Rankings for Securities and M&A Litigation, The National Law Journal’s Plaintiff’s Hot List and Trailblazers in Plaintiffs' Law, BTI Consulting Group’s Honor Roll of Most Feared Law Firms, The Legal Intelligencer’s Class Action Firm of the Year, Lawdragon’s Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers, and Law360’s Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar. The firm operates globally with offices in Pennsylvania and California. KTMC has recovered over $25 billion for our clients and the classes they represent.

CONTACT:
Jonathan Naji, Esq.
280 King of Prussia Road
Radnor, PA 19087
(484) 270-1453
[email protected]

May be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

-

RADNOR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com), a nationally recognized securities litigation law firm, is investigating potential violations of the federal securities laws by HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: HCA) on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired HCA Healthcare, Inc. securities and experienced significant financial losses.

HCA Announces Disappointing Financial Results
On July 14, 2026, HCA issued a press release reporting its preliminary financial and operating results for the second quarter of 2026. Among other items, HCA sharply lowered its full-2026 profit guidance, citing an unfavorable shift in the company's payer mix, which impacted revenue by approximately $400 million in the quarter.

HCA’s Stock Drops Over 6%
Following the news of HCA’s poor financial results, HCA Healthcare, Inc.’s stock price fell over 6%.

CONTACT KTMC TO DISCUSS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS:
If you purchased or acquired HCA Healthcare, Inc. securities and have lost money on your investment, please provide your information here: https://www.ktmc.com/hca-hca-healthcare-inc-investigation?utm_campaign=hc?utm_source=Businesswire&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=hca&mktm=PR

You can also contact attorney Jonathan Naji, Esq. by calling (484) 270-1453 or by email at [email protected]. There is no cost or obligation to speak with an attorney.

ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP (KTMC):
Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (KTMC) is a leading U.S. plaintiff-side law firm focused on securities-fraud class actions and global investor protection. The firm represents individual investors as well as institutions, such as major pension funds, asset managers, and international investors. KTMC has led some of the largest recoveries in securities litigation and has been recognized by peers and the legal media with numerous accolades, including being recognized in Chambers & Partners USA 2026 as a Band 1 Top Firm in Securities and Class Actions, Legal 500’s Tier 1 Rankings for Securities and M&A Litigation, The National Law Journal’s Plaintiff’s Hot List and Trailblazers in Plaintiffs' Law, BTI Consulting Group’s Honor Roll of Most Feared Law Firms, The Legal Intelligencer’s Class Action Firm of the Year, Lawdragon’s Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers, and Law360’s Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar. The firm operates globally with offices in Pennsylvania and California. KTMC has recovered over $25 billion for our clients and the classes they represent.

May be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

More News From Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP

Back to Newsroom

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $HCA--HCA Investors Have Opportunity to Join HCA Healthcare, Inc. Fraud Investigation with the Schall Law Firm.

5.58K Followers

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

14.7.2026 19:54, DJI, SPX, QQQ

Americké akciové trhy během probíhajícího obchodování převážně rostou, k čemuž přispívají mírnější data o americké inflaci, která oslabují obavy z brzkého zvyšování úrokových sazeb.

Zatímco technologický Nasdaq Composite posiluje o 1,01 % na 26134,09 bodu a širší S&P 500 si připisuje 0,4 % na úroveň 7545,34 bodu, index Dow Jones mírně ztrácí 0,14 % na 52422,92 bodu. Dobrou náladu na trhu podporují solidní výsledky velkých bank na začátku výsledkové sezóny a oživení u výrobců čipů, a to i přes prudký pád akcií International Business Machines Corp (IBM).

Mezi jednotlivými odvětvími indexu S&P 500 vykazují nejsilnější výkon informační technologie s růstem o 1,4 %, následované komunikačními službami, které si připisují 1 % a základními materiály s drobným ziskem 0,2 %. Naopak největší ztráty utrpěla zdravotní péče, která odepisuje 1,7 %. Oslabuje také nezbytná spotřeba o 1,1 % a reality, které klesají o 0,5 %.

V čele růstu stojí společnost Crowdstrike Holdings (CRWD), jejíž akcie posilují o 11 %. Výrazně se daří také Monolithic Power Systems (MPWR) a Goldman Sachs Group (GS), které shodně připisují 7,7 %. Dobře si vede také Dell Technologies (DELL) o 7,2 % a Palo Alto Networks (PANW) s růstem o 6,8 %. Na druhé straně zažívá propad o 25 % společnost IBM (IBM) kvůli slabším tržbám. Výrazně oslabují také HCA Healthcare (HCA) o 7,0 %, GE HealthCare Technologies (GEHC) o 6,7 %, Biogen (BIIB) o 6,6 % a Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) se ztrátou 5,8 %.

Nižší inflační tlaky tlačí dolů výnosy desetiletých amerických vládních dluhopisů, které klesají o čtyři bazické body na 4,58 %. Americký dolar v reakci na data oslabuje, takže euro vůči němu zpevňuje o 0,4 % na 1,1427 dolaru a britská libra posiluje o 0,2 % na 1,3381 dolaru, přičemž japonský jen roste rovněž o 0,2 % na 162,18 jenu za dolar. Na komoditním trhu se daří ropě i drahým kovům. Severoamerická lehká ropa WTI přidává 1,3 % na 79,12 dolaru za barel a spotové zlato roste o 1,4 % na 4058,60 dolaru za unci. V zelených číslech se pohybuje také Bitcoin, který posiluje o 3,9 % na 64556,63 dolaru.

Index Dow Jones -0,14 % na 52422,92 b.
S&P 500 +0,4 % na 7545,34 b.
Nasdaq Composite +1,01 % na 26134,09 b.

Index S&P 500 +0,4 % na 7545,34 b. Nejsilnější sektory S&P Změna Nejslabší sektory S&P Změna Informační technologie +1,4 % Zdravotní péče -1,7 % Komunikační služby +1 % Nezbytná spotřeba -1,1 % Základní materiály +0,2 % Reality -0,5 % Nejsilnější akcie S&P Změna Nejslabší akcie S&P Změna Crowdstrike Holdings (CRWD) +11 % IBM (IBM) -25 % Monolithic Power Systems (MPWR) +7,7 % HCA Healthcare (HCA) -7,0 % Goldman Sachs Group (GS) +7,7 % GE HealthCare Technologies (GEHC) -6,7 % Dell Technologies (DELL) +7,2 % Biogen (BIIB) -6,6 % Palo Alto Networks (PANW) +6,8 % Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) -5,8 %
Daniel Marván, Fio banka, a.s.

HCA Healthcare Inc.’s (NYSE:HCA) stock is trading lower on Tuesday after cutting its fiscal 2026 earnings guidance from $29.10-$31.50 to $28.70-$30.50.

The company also narrowed its 2026 sales guidance from $76.5 billion-$80 billion to $77 billion-$79.5 billion, versus the consensus of $78.643 billion.

After the update, the stock fell around 10% during the premarket session.

The hospital operator reported preliminary second-quarter revenue of approximately $20.23 billion, up from $18.61 billion in the same period last year, compared to the consensus of $19.39 billion.

Net income is projected to reach about $1.70 billion, or $7.62 per diluted share, compared with $1.65 billion, or $6.83 per diluted share, a year earlier.

Admissions Growth Offsets Some Operational WeaknessHCA expects adjusted EBITDA of roughly $4.027 billion, compared with $3.85 billion in the prior-year quarter.

Operationally, same-facility admissions increased 2.5%, while equivalent admissions rose 2.7% year over year. Same-facility emergency room visits also increased 3.6%.

However, surgical volumes weakened during the quarter. Same-facility inpatient surgeries declined 2.3%, while outpatient surgeries fell 3.4% compared with the second quarter of 2025.

Medicaid Payments Help Counter Payer Mix PressureThe company said the biggest challenge during the quarter came from a shift in payer mix as more patients became uninsured after losing health insurance exchange coverage.

The estimated $400 million unfavorable impact on pretax income includes approximately $75 million related to an updated estimate of the first-quarter health insurance exchange impact.

HCA also noted a less significant service mix shift tied primarily to lower surgical volumes.

Partially offsetting those pressures were higher admissions, increased emergency room visits, improved expense trends, and additional benefits from Medicaid Supplemental Payment Programs.

During the quarter, the company recognized approximately $400 million in incremental net benefits from Medicaid Supplemental Payment Programs, largely related to Florida, covering the period from Oct. 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026.

The benefit reflects the impact of a state-directed payment program approved during the quarter by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

HCA Stock Price Activity: HCA Healthcare shares were down 6.25% at $366.33 during premarket trading on Tuesday, according to Benzinga Pro data.

Photo: Shutterstock

Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

© 2026 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

To add Benzinga News as your preferred source on Google, click here.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: HCA) announces the following Webcast: What: HCA Healthcare, Inc. 2Q 2026 Earnings Call When: Friday, July 24, 2026, at 9:00 AM Central (10:00 AM Eastern) How: Live Audio over the Internet: https://investor.hcahealthcare.com/events-and-presentations/default.aspx Contact: Frank Morgan, 615-344-2688, Vice President, Investor Relations, [email protected] If you are unable to listen during the live webcast, the call will be.

HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: HCA) today announced preliminary financial and operating results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026. The preliminary financial and operating results are subject to finalization of the Company's quarterly financial and accounting procedures.

HCA anticipates revenues in the second quarter of 2026 to approximate $20.230 billion, compared to $18.605 billion in the second quarter of 2025. Net income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc. is expected to approximate $1.699 billion, or $7.62 per diluted share, compared to $1.653 billion, or $6.83 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2025. Results for the second quarter of 2026 include anticipated gains on sales of facilities of $10 million, or $0.03 per diluted share. Results for the second quarter of 2025 included losses on sales of facilities of $3 million, or $0.01 per diluted share.

For the second quarter of 2026, Adjusted EBITDA is expected to approximate $4.027 billion, compared to $3.849 billion in the second quarter of 2025. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. A table providing supplemental information on Adjusted EBITDA and reconciling net income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc. to Adjusted EBITDA is included in this release.

Same facility admissions increased 2.5 percent and same facility equivalent admissions increased 2.7 percent in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the prior year period. Same facility emergency room visits increased 3.6 percent in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the prior year period. Same facility inpatient surgeries declined 2.3 percent, and same facility outpatient surgeries declined 3.4 percent in the second quarter of 2026 compared to the same period of 2025.

"Our colleagues continue to manage well through the positive and negative factors that have impacted our business in the first half of the year, and I want to thank them for their great work. As we look to the balance of the year, we have adjusted our guidance to reflect these factors. Moreover, we remain confident in our ability to navigate through this dynamic environment, maintain our focus and investments on improving patient care, and execute on our strategic plan to digitize and grow our healthcare networks," said Sam Hazen, Chief Executive Officer of HCA Healthcare.

Second Quarter Commentary

During the second quarter, the Company experienced a payer mix shift driven by an increase in uninsured volume, primarily due to patients who lost coverage on the health insurance exchanges. The Company estimates this payer mix shift had an unfavorable impact on income before income taxes of approximately $400 million during the second quarter. This amount includes an increase of approximately $75 million related to the Company’s previous estimate of the first quarter health insurance exchange impact. In addition, to a lesser degree the Company experienced a service mix shift primarily related to a decline in surgical volume.

The Company also experienced positive factors including growth in admissions, equivalent admissions and ER visits, increased benefit from Medicaid Supplemental Payment Programs and improved expense trends. During the second quarter, the Company recognized approximately $400 million of incremental net benefit from Medicaid Supplemental Payment Programs, primarily related to the state of Florida for the time period October 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026, to reflect the impact of the state directed payment program approved during the quarter by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The Company will provide additional commentary on its second quarter earnings call.

2026 Updated Guidance and Key Assumptions

Based on results through the first half of the year, the Company has revised its 2026 guidance as follows:

Previous 2026 Guidance
Ranges, as of January 27, 2026

Revised 2026 Guidance
Ranges, as of July 14, 2026

Revenues

$76.500 to $80.000 billion

$77.000 to $79.500 billion

Net Income Attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc.

$6.495 to $7.035 billion

$6.300 to $6.700 billion

Adjusted EBITDA

$15.550 to $16.450 billion

$15.400 to $16.100 billion

EPS (diluted)

$29.10 to $31.50 per diluted share

$28.70 to $30.50 per diluted share

The Company revised its 2026 key assumptions related to the unfavorable impact on income before income taxes from payer mix shifts due to the health insurance exchanges, as well as the incremental net benefit from Medicaid Supplemental Payment Programs, as follows:

Previous 2026 Estimates, as of April 24, 2026

Revised 2026 Estimates, as of July 14, 2026

Health Insurance Exchanges

($600) to ($900) million

($1.000) to ($1.200) billion

Medicaid Supplemental Payment Programs

($50) to ($250) million

$300 to $500 million

The Company's 2026 estimate for capital expenditures of $5.0 billion to $5.5 billion, excluding acquisitions, remains unchanged.

The Company’s guidance contains a number of assumptions, including, among others, the Company’s current expectations regarding volume growth coupled with an anticipated mostly stable operating environment, payer mix, service mix, the impact of current and future health care public policy developments, including the estimated impact on health insurance exchanges from administrative reforms and the expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits, anticipated results from resiliency initiatives, as well as general business or economic conditions, including inflation and the impact of trade policies, including tariffs, and excludes the impact of items such as, but not limited to, gains or losses on sales of facilities, losses on retirement of debt, legal claims costs and impairment of long-lived assets. In addition, the Company’s guidance excludes the impact of future approvals that could impact reimbursement under certain state Medicaid directed and supplemental payments.

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. A table reconciling forecasted net income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc. to forecasted Adjusted EBITDA is included in this release.

The preliminary financial information set forth above has been prepared by management based upon information available to it as of the date hereof and has not been reviewed or audited by the Company's independent registered public accounting firm. These preliminary results are subject to the completion of the Company's customary quarterly financial and accounting procedures. There can be no assurance that the Company's actual results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 will not differ materially from the preliminary estimates set forth herein. These differences could be material and adverse and may be the result of the finalization of the Company's financial close procedures, final adjustments and other developments. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these preliminary estimates. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or supplement the preliminary estimates set forth herein, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

The Company’s updated guidance is based on current plans and expectations and is subject to a number of known and unknown uncertainties and risks, including those set forth below in the Company’s “Forward-Looking Statements.”

Second Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call

HCA Healthcare will host its second quarter earnings call on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Central Time. All interested investors are invited to access a live audio broadcast of the call via webcast. The broadcast will also be available on a replay basis beginning that afternoon. The webcast can be accessed through the Company's Investor Relations web page at: https://investor.hcahealthcare.com/events-and-presentations/default.aspx

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include the Company’s expected results for the second quarter of 2026, the Company’s financial guidance for the year ending December 31, 2026, as well as other statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts, and are subject to finalization of the Company’s second quarter financial and accounting procedures. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words like “may,” “believe,” “will,” “expect,” “project,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “initiative” or “continue.” These forward-looking statements are based on our current plans and expectations and are subject to a number of known and unknown uncertainties and risks, many of which are beyond our control, which could significantly affect current plans and expectations and our future financial position and results of operations. These factors include, but are not limited to, (1) changes in or related to general economic or business conditions nationally and regionally in our markets, including inflation, and the impact of trade policies, including changes in, or the imposition of, tariffs and/or trade barriers; changes in revenues resulting from declining patient volumes; changes in payer mix (including increases in uninsured and underinsured patients); potential increased expenses related to labor, pharmaceuticals, supply chain or other expenditures; workforce disruptions; supply and pharmaceutical shortages and disruptions (including as a result of tariffs or geopolitical disruptions); and the impact of federal government shutdowns, holds on or cancellations of congressionally authorized spending and interruptions in the distribution of governmental funds, (2) the impact of current and future health care public policy developments and the implementation of new, and possible changes to existing, federal, state or local laws and regulations affecting health care spending or the health care industry, including the expiration at the end of 2025 of enhanced premium tax credits (“EPTCs”) for eligible individuals purchasing insurance coverage through federal and state-based health insurance marketplaces, changes in the structure and administration of, and funding for, federal and state agencies and programs, effects of the 2025 Federal Budget Act (the “FBA”) and efforts to address health care affordability, (3) the impact of our significant indebtedness and the ability to refinance such indebtedness on acceptable terms, (4) the effects related to the implementation of sequestration spending reductions required under the Budget Control Act of 2011, related legislation extending these reductions, and the potential for future deficit or other spending reduction legislation that may alter current spending reductions, which include cuts to Medicare payments, or impose additional spending reductions, (5) the ability to achieve operating and financial targets, develop and execute resiliency plans to offset to the extent possible impacts from the FBA, the expiration of EPTCs and tariffs, attain expected levels of patient volumes and revenues and service mix, and control the costs of providing services, (6) possible reductions or other changes in Medicare, Medicaid and other state programs, including Medicaid supplemental payment programs, Medicaid waiver programs and state directed payment arrangements, any of which may negatively impact reimbursements to health care providers and insurers and the size of the uninsured or underinsured population, (7) the results of our efforts to use technology and resilience initiatives, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, to drive efficiencies, better outcomes and an enhanced patient experience, (8) increases in the amount and risk of collectability of uninsured accounts and deductibles and copayment amounts for insured accounts, (9) personnel-related capacity constraints, increases in wages and the ability to attract, utilize and retain qualified management and other personnel, including affiliated physicians, nurses and medical and technical support personnel, (10) the highly competitive nature of the health care business, (11) changes in service mix, revenue mix and service volumes, including potential declines in the population covered under third-party payer agreements, the ability to enter into and renew third-party payer provider agreements on acceptable terms and the impact of consumer-driven health plans and physician utilization trends and practices, (12) the efforts of health insurers, health care providers, large employer groups and others to contain health care costs, (13) the outcome of our continuing efforts to monitor, maintain and comply with appropriate laws, regulations, policies and procedures, (14) the availability and terms of capital to fund the expansion of our business and improvements to our existing facilities, (15) changes in accounting practices, (16) the emergence of and effects related to pandemics, epidemics and outbreaks of infectious diseases or other public health crises, (17) future divestitures which may result in charges and possible impairments of long-lived assets, (18) changes in business strategy or development plans, (19) delays in receiving or failure to receive payments for services provided, (20) the outcome of pending and any future tax audits, disputes and litigation associated with our tax positions, (21) the impact of known and unknown government investigations, litigation and other claims that may be made against us, (22) the impact of actual and potential cybersecurity incidents or security breaches involving us or our vendors and other third parties, (23) our ongoing ability to demonstrate meaningful use of certified electronic health record technology and the impact of interoperability requirements, (24) the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes and floods, including Hurricanes Milton and Helene, physical risks from changing global weather patterns or similar events beyond our control on our assets and activities and the communities we serve, (25) changes in U.S. federal, state, or foreign tax laws, interpretations of tax laws by taxing authorities, other standard setting bodies or judicial decisions, (26) changes to, and the timing and amount of future approvals (if any) of, state Medicaid directed and supplemental payments and (27) other risk factors described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Many of the factors that will determine our future results are beyond our ability to control or predict. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements contained herein, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s views only as of the date hereof. We undertake 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. All references to “Company,” “HCA” and “HCA Healthcare” as used throughout this release refer to HCA Healthcare, Inc. and its affiliates.

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

Supplemental Non-GAAP Disclosures

Preliminary Operating Results Summary

(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

Second Quarter

2026

2025

Revenues

$

20,230

$

18,605

Net income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc.

$

1,699

$

1,653

Losses (gains) on sales of facilities (net of tax)

(8

)

3

Net income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc.,
as adjusted (a)

1,691

1,656

Depreciation and amortization

944

863

Interest expense

599

568

Provision for income taxes

562

524

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

231

238

Adjusted EBITDA (a)

$

4,027

$

3,849

Adjusted EBITDA margin (a)

19.9

%

20.7

%

Diluted earnings per share:

Net income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc.

$

7.62

$

6.83

Losses (gains) on sales of facilities

(0.03

)

0.01

Net income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc.,
as adjusted (a)

$

7.59

$

6.84

Shares used in computing diluted earnings per
share (millions)

222.828

241.911

___________________ (a)

Net income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc., as adjusted, diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as measures of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). These non-GAAP financial measures are adjusted to exclude losses (gains) on sales of facilities and losses on retirement of debt. We believe net income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc., as adjusted, diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, and Adjusted EBITDA are important measures that supplement discussions and analysis of our results of operations. We believe it is useful to investors to provide disclosures of our results of operations on the same basis used by management. Management relies upon net income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc., as adjusted, diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, and Adjusted EBITDA as the primary measures to review and assess operating performance of its health care facilities and their management teams.

Management and investors review both the overall performance (including net income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc., as adjusted, diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, and GAAP net income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc.) and operating performance (Adjusted EBITDA) of our health care facilities. Adjusted EBITDA and the Adjusted EBITDA margin (Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenues) are utilized by management and investors to compare our current operating results with the corresponding periods during the previous year and to compare our operating results with other companies in the health care industry. It is reasonable to expect that adjustments, including losses (gains) on sales of facilities and losses on retirement of debt will occur in future periods, but the amounts recognized can vary significantly from period to period, do not directly relate to the ongoing operations of our health care facilities and complicate period comparisons of our results of operations and operations comparisons with other health care companies.

Net income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc., as adjusted, diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, and Adjusted EBITDA are not measures of financial performance under GAAP, and should not be considered as alternatives to net income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc. as a measure of operating performance or cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities as a measure of liquidity. Because net income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc., as adjusted, diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, and Adjusted EBITDA are not measurements determined in accordance with GAAP and are susceptible to varying calculations, net income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc., as adjusted, diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, and Adjusted EBITDA, as presented, may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

Supplemental Non-GAAP Disclosures

2026 Operating Results Forecast

(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

For the Year Ending

December 31, 2026

Low

High

Revenues

$

77,000

$

79,500

Net income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc. (a)

$

6,300

$

6,700

Depreciation and amortization

3,745

3,795

Interest expense

2,410

2,470

Provision for income taxes

1,975

2,125

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

970

1,010

Adjusted EBITDA (a) (b)

$

15,400

$

16,100

Diluted earnings per share:

Net income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc.

$

28.70

$

30.50

Shares used in computing diluted earnings per share (millions)

219.500

219.500

The Company's forecasted guidance is based on current plans and expectations and is subject to a number of known and unknown uncertainties and risks.

___________________

(a)

The Company does not forecast the impact of items such as, but not limited to, losses (gains) on sales of facilities, losses on retirement of debt, legal claim costs (benefits) and impairments of long-lived assets because the Company does not believe that it can forecast these items with sufficient accuracy.

(b)

Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). We believe Adjusted EBITDA is an important measure that supplements discussions and analysis of our results of operations. We believe it is useful to investors to provide disclosures of our results of operations on the same basis used by management. Management relies upon Adjusted EBITDA as a primary measure to review and assess operating performance of its health care facilities and their management teams.

Management and investors review both the overall performance (including net income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc.) and operating performance (Adjusted EBITDA) of our healthcare facilities. Adjusted EBITDA is utilized by management and investors to compare our current operating results with the corresponding periods during the previous year and to compare our operating results with other companies in the health care industry.

Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc. as a measure of operating performance or cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities as a measure of liquidity. Because Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement determined in accordance with GAAP and is susceptible to varying calculations, Adjusted EBITDA, as presented, may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260714472051/en/

The for-profit operator of healthcare facilities scaled back financial guidance for the year following payer mix shifts due to health insurance exchanges.

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades, downgrades and initiations, please see our analyst ratings page.

Considering buying HCA stock? Here’s what analysts think:

Photo via Shutterstock

Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

© 2026 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

To add Benzinga News as your preferred source on Google, click here.

This post may contain links from our sponsors and affiliates, and Flywheel Publishing may receive compensation for actions taken through them.

© PeopleImages.com - Yuri A / Shutterstock.com

Your hospital’s benefits packet lists a 403(b), and it may also quietly list a 457(b) on a separate page. Human resources rarely explains what happens when a nurse funds both: the IRS treats them as separate buckets, not one aggregate limit. That is the loophole. For nurses employed by nonprofit hospitals, public health systems, or government-run facilities, stacking these two plans can shield a substantial amount of pretax income in a single year, before any catch-up contribution is added. Verify the current-year figures with your plan administrator, because these limits move annually.

Why This Works Only for Certain Nurses The 403(b) is the nonprofit and public-sector cousin of the 401(k). The 457(b) is a deferred-compensation plan offered by state and local governments and some tax-exempt hospital systems. Section 402(g) of the tax code aggregates 401(k), 403(b), SIMPLE, and SARSEP contributions under one employee elective-deferral cap. The 457(b) sits outside that cap. Contribute the max to your 403(b), then contribute the max again to your 457(b). The IRS allows it.

This is a hospital-employee benefit, not a nurse benefit per se. Travel nurses paid on 1099s, agency contractors, and per-diem nurses at for-profit hospitals typically will not see a 457(b) on the menu. If you work for HCA Healthcare (NYSE:HCA | HCA Price Prediction), Tenet Healthcare (NYSE:THC), or another investor-owned system, you likely have a 401(k) and cannot double-stack this way. Ask HR two questions: is our 457(b) governmental or non-governmental, and does the plan document allow contributions concurrent with the 403(b)?

The Math on a Staff Nurse’s Paycheck Median usual weekly earnings for full-time U.S. workers landed at $1,235 in the first quarter of 2026. Experienced RNs, charge nurses, and CRNAs typically clear well above that. A dual-income nursing household in the 24% federal bracket, which for 2026 applies to income over $211,400 for married couples filing jointly, effectively receives a 24-cent federal discount on every pretax dollar deferred, plus state tax savings. Deferring the combined maximum across both plans can trim federal tax owed by five figures in a single year.

Layer the Catch-Ups if You Qualify The stack gets larger with age. Each plan has its own age-50 catch-up. SECURE 2.0 added a higher “super catch-up” window for participants ages 60 through 63, which applies to both plans independently. Governmental 457(b) plans also carry a separate final-three-years-before-retirement catch-up that can, in some cases, double the standard 457(b) limit. You cannot use the age-50 catch-up and the final-three-year catch-up in the same year within the 457(b), but you can pair the 403(b) catch-up with either. Confirm the current dollar amounts with your plan and the IRS.

The 457(b) Advantage No One Mentions A governmental 457(b) does not impose the 10% early-withdrawal penalty that hits 403(b) and IRA distributions before age 59½. Separate from service at 55, or at 45, and the 457(b) balance is available without that penalty. Ordinary income tax still applies. For a nurse eyeing an early exit from bedside work, the 457(b) is the bridge account. Prioritize it if early access matters more than the tax deduction on employer-matched dollars.

One caution: non-governmental 457(b) plans, offered at some private nonprofit hospitals, remain assets of the employer until distribution. If the hospital files for bankruptcy, creditors can reach that balance. Governmental 457(b) plans are held in trust for participants and are protected. Ask which type your employer sponsors before loading it up.

What to Do This Pay Period Pull both plan documents. Confirm you are eligible to contribute to each concurrently. Set elective deferrals as a percentage of gross pay so raises and shift differentials automatically feed the accounts. Capture the full 403(b) employer match first. Employer contributions do not count against the employee elective-deferral limit. Direct 457(b) dollars toward broad, low-cost index options. Hospital 457(b) menus are notorious for high-fee annuity products dressed up as mutual funds. If you moonlight on a 1099, a Solo 401(k) opens a third bucket. That is a separate conversation with a CPA. Contribution limits, catch-up amounts, and bracket thresholds change every year. This article is educational, not individualized advice. Confirm current numbers with the IRS and coordinate any stacking strategy with a fiduciary advisor or CPA who has read your specific plan documents.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

Here at Zacks, we offer our members many different opportunities to take full advantage of the stock market, as well as how to invest in ways that lead to long-term success.

One of our most popular services, Zacks Premium offers daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank; full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List; Equity Research reports; and Premium stock screens like the Earnings ESP filter. All are useful tools to find what stocks to buy, what to sell, and what are today's hottest industries.

It also includes the Focus List, a long-term portfolio of top stocks that have all the elements to beat the market.

Breaking Down the Zacks Focus ListIf you could, wouldn't you jump at the chance for access to a curated list of stocks to kickstart your investing journey?

That's what the Zacks Focus List offers. It's a portfolio of 50 stocks that serve as a starting point for long-term investors to build their individual portfolios. The stocks included in the list are set to outperform the market over the next 12 months.

One thing that makes the Focus List even more advantageous is that each pick comes with a full Zacks Analyst Report. This helps explain why each stock was selected and why we believe it's a good pick for the long-term.

The portfolio's past performance only solidifies why investors should consider it as a starting point. For 2020, the Focus List gained 13.85% on an annualized basis compared to the S&P 500's return of 9.38%. Cumulatively, the portfolio has returned 2,519.23% while the S&P returned 854.95%. Returns are for the period of February 1, 1996 to March 31, 2021.

Focus List MethodologyWhen stocks are picked for the Focus List, it reflects our enduring reliance on the power of earnings estimate revisions.

Earnings estimates are expectations of growth and profitability, and are determined by brokerage analysts. Together with company management, these analysts examine every aspect that may affect future earnings, like interest rates, the economy, and sector and industry optimism.

Investors also need to look at what a company will earn down the road. This is why earnings estimate revisions are so important.

The stocks that receive positive changes to earnings estimates are more likely to receive even more upward changes in the future. Take this example: if an analyst raised their estimates last month, they'll probably do so again this month, and other analysts will follow.

Harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions is where the Zacks Rank comes in. The Zacks Rank, which is a unique, proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions to make it easier to build a winning portfolio.

Four primary factors make up the Zacks Rank: Agreement, Magnitude, Upside, and Surprise. Each is given a raw score that's recalculated every night and compiled into the Rank, and with this data, stocks are then classified into five groups, ranging from "Strong Buy" to "Strong Sell."

The Focus List is comprised of stocks hand-picked from a long list of #1 (Strong Buy) or #2 (Buy) ranked companies, meaning that each new addition boasts a bullish earnings consensus among analysts.

Since stock prices respond to revisions, it can be very profitable to buy stocks with rising earnings estimates. By buying Focus List stocks, then, you're likely getting into companies whose future earnings estimates will be raised, potentially leading to price momentum.

Focus List Spotlight: HCA Healthcare (HCA - Free Report) Headquartered in Nashville, TN, HCA Healthcare is the largest non-governmental operator of acute care hospitals in the United States. At the end of 2025, the company operated 190 hospitals and approximately 2,500 ambulatory sites of care, including surgery centers, freestanding emergency rooms, urgent care centers and physician clinics, in 19 American states and the United Kingdom.

Since being added to the Focus List on January 7, 2019 at $123.39 per share, shares of HCA have increased 232.68% to $410.5. The stock is currently a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank.

One analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.02 to $30.07. HCA boasts an average earnings surprise of 10.6%.

Additionally, HCA's earnings are expected to grow 6.6% for the current fiscal year.

Reveal Winning StocksUnlock all of our powerful research, tools and analysis, including the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research Reports, Zacks Earnings ESP Filter, Premium Screener and more, as part of Zacks Premium. You'll quickly identify which stocks to buy, hold and sell, and target today's hottest industries, to help improve the performance of your portfolio. Gain full access now >>

-

First published data evaluating gene-editing treatment in children ages 5-11 with inherited blood disorders highlights the potential for earlier intervention before cumulative injury

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA), one of the nation's leading healthcare providers, today announced new research published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) demonstrating promising results from a gene-editing therapy being investigated in children ages 5-11 with severe sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia.

Sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia are inherited blood disorders that can cause serious, lifelong complications beginning in childhood. A therapy that works in children ages 5-11 could make earlier intervention possible, potentially treating these diseases before years of cumulative injury and treatment burden occur.

The study's lead author, Dr. Haydar Frangoul, medical director of HCA Healthcare’s Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program at TriStar Centennial Children's Hospital, presented the first published data evaluating exagamglogene autotemcel (exa-cel) in children ages 5-11. The study was conducted in collaboration with Sarah Cannon Research Institute.

"For many patients with sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia, the burden of disease begins early in life," said Dr. Frangoul. “These findings reinforce the promise of gene-editing therapy and underscore the importance of continuing rigorous clinical research to evaluate new treatment options for children and individuals affected by these serious blood disorders."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sickle cell disease affects approximately 100,000 people in the United States and is the nation's most common inherited blood disorder. Children with sickle cell disease can experience severe pain crises, organ damage and frequent hospitalizations. Severe beta thalassemia affects thousands of people in the United States, and children with the condition often require lifelong blood transfusions that can lead to significant health complications.

The study evaluated exa-cel, a CRISPR-based cell therapy, which is currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for eligible patients ages 12 and older with sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia. The therapy is designed to work by editing a patient's own blood-forming stem cells to increase production of fetal hemoglobin, which can help prevent or reduce disease complications. Participants underwent myeloablative conditioning, a conditioning chemotherapy treatment used to prepare the bone marrow to receive modified stem cells.

The findings were based on two phase 3 studies that enrolled 26 children ages 5-11, including 15 with transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia and 11 with sickle cell disease. Among participants who had been followed long enough to evaluate the study's primary endpoints, all eight children with beta thalassemia achieved transfusion independence for at least 12 months, while all eight children with sickle cell disease remained free from severe vaso-occlusive crises for at least 12 months.

"Studies like this demonstrate the important role research plays in advancing medicine and expanding treatment possibilities for patients," said Dr. Michael Cuffe, executive vice president and chief clinical officer of HCA Healthcare. “Through the HCA Healthcare Research Institute and in collaboration with the Sarah Cannon Research Institute, we are helping develop new therapies and treatment possibilities for patients facing serious and complex diseases."

The current NEJM study builds on HCA Healthcare's leadership in cell and gene therapy research and the pioneering work conducted at TriStar Centennial Medical Center, a part of the Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Network. Across the network, more than 1,600 blood and marrow transplants and cellular therapies are performed annually. Dr. Frangoul was previously an investigator in the first U.S. clinical trial to use gene-editing to treat sickle cell disease, contributing to the development of the first FDA-approved CRISPR-based therapy in the U.S. for patients ages 12 and older. Like the previous CRISPR gene-editing clinical trial, the current NEJM study is sponsored by Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated. In 2026 alone, Dr. Frangoul has authored five gene-editing studies published in NEJM.

Building on this research, HCA Healthcare’s Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Network is expanding access to FDA-approved gene-editing therapies through specialized transplant and cellular therapy programs. TriStar Centennial Children's Hospital in Nashville and Methodist Children's Hospital in San Antonio currently offer gene-editing therapies for eligible patients, with Medical City Children's Hospital in Dallas preparing to expand services.

The full study is available on The New England Journal of Medicine website.

About HCA Healthcare

Nashville-based HCA Healthcare is one of the nation’s leading providers of healthcare services comprising 189 hospitals and approximately 2,600 ambulatory sites of care, including surgery centers, freestanding ERs, urgent care centers, and physician clinics, in 19 states and the United Kingdom. With its founding in 1968, HCA Healthcare created a new model for hospital care in the United States, using combined resources to strengthen hospitals, deliver patient-focused care and improve the practice of medicine. HCA Healthcare has conducted a number of clinical studies, including one that demonstrated that full-term delivery is healthier than early elective delivery of babies and another that identified a clinical protocol that can reduce bloodstream infections in ICU patients by 44%. HCA Healthcare is a learning health system that uses its approximately 47 million annual patient encounters to advance science, improve patient care and save lives.

All references to “Company,” “HCA” and “HCA Healthcare” as used throughout this document refer to HCA Healthcare, Inc. and its affiliates.

More News From HCA Healthcare

Back to Newsroom

Here at Zacks, we offer our members many different opportunities to take full advantage of the stock market, as well as how to invest in ways that lead to long-term success.

One of our most popular services, Zacks Premium offers daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank; full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List; Equity Research reports; and Premium stock screens like the Earnings ESP filter. All are useful tools to find what stocks to buy, what to sell, and what are today's hottest industries.

Also included in Zacks Premium is the Focus List. This is a long-term portfolio of top stocks that have all the traits to beat the market.

Breaking Down the Zacks Focus ListIf you could, wouldn't you jump at the chance for access to a curated list of stocks to kickstart your investing journey?

That's what the Zacks Focus List offers. It's a portfolio of 50 stocks that serve as a starting point for long-term investors to build their individual portfolios. The stocks included in the list are set to outperform the market over the next 12 months.

What makes the Focus List even more helpful is that each selection is accompanied by a full Zacks Analyst Report, which explains the reasoning behind every stock's selection and why we believe it's a good pick for the long-term.

The portfolio's past performance only solidifies why investors should consider it as a starting point. For 2020, the Focus List gained 13.85% on an annualized basis compared to the S&P 500's return of 9.38%. Cumulatively, the portfolio has returned 2,519.23% while the S&P returned 854.95%. Returns are for the period of February 1, 1996 to March 31, 2021.

Focus List MethodologyWhen stocks are picked for the Focus List, it reflects our enduring reliance on the power of earnings estimate revisions.

Earnings estimates, or expectations of growth and profitability, come from brokerage analysts who track publicly traded companies; these analysts work together with company management to analyze every aspect that may affect future earnings, like interest rates, the economy, and sector and industry optimism.

Earnings estimate revisions are very important, since investors also need to take into consideration what a company will earn in the future.

Stocks that receive upward earnings estimate revisions are more likely to receive even more upward changes in the future. For example, if an analyst raised their estimates last month, they're more likely to do it again this month, and other analysts are likely to do the same.

Harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions is where the Zacks Rank comes in. The Zacks Rank, which is a unique, proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions to make it easier to build a winning portfolio.

The Zacks Rank consists of four main pillars: Agreement, Magnitude, Upside, and Surprise. Each one is given a raw score, which is recalculated every night and compiled into the Rank. Then, stocks are classified into five groups, ranging from "Strong Buy" to "Strong Sell," using this data.

The Focus List is comprised of stocks hand-picked from a long list of #1 (Strong Buy) or #2 (Buy) ranked companies, meaning that each new addition boasts a bullish earnings consensus among analysts.

Since stock prices respond to revisions, it can be very profitable to buy stocks with rising earnings estimates. By buying Focus List stocks, then, you're likely getting into companies whose future earnings estimates will be raised, potentially leading to price momentum.

Focus List Spotlight: HCA Healthcare (HCA - Free Report) Headquartered in Nashville, TN, HCA Healthcare is the largest non-governmental operator of acute care hospitals in the United States. At the end of 2025, the company operated 190 hospitals and approximately 2,500 ambulatory sites of care, including surgery centers, freestanding emergency rooms, urgent care centers and physician clinics, in 19 American states and the United Kingdom.

On January 7, 2019, HCA was added to the Focus List at $123.39 per share. Shares have increased 214.26% to $387.76 since then, and the company is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank.

Four analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.1 to $30.07. HCA also boasts an average earnings surprise of 10.6%.

Moreover, analysts are expecting HCA's earnings to grow 6.6% for the current fiscal year.

Reveal Winning StocksUnlock all of our powerful research, tools and analysis, including the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research Reports, Zacks Earnings ESP Filter, Premium Screener and more, as part of Zacks Premium. You'll quickly identify which stocks to buy, hold and sell, and target today's hottest industries, to help improve the performance of your portfolio. Gain full access now >>

Posted by Defense World Staff on Apr 25th, 2026

Calamos Advisors LLC decreased its holdings in HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA – Free Report) by 3.9% in the fourth quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 48,373 shares of the company’s stock after selling 1,964 shares during the quarter. Calamos Advisors LLC’s holdings in HCA Healthcare were worth $22,583,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Sovran Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of HCA Healthcare by 1.0% during the third quarter. Sovran Advisors LLC now owns 2,278 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,063,000 after acquiring an additional 22 shares during the last quarter. Centerpoint Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of HCA Healthcare by 11.0% during the third quarter. Centerpoint Advisors LLC now owns 222 shares of the company’s stock valued at $95,000 after acquiring an additional 22 shares during the last quarter. Cary Street Partners Financial LLC raised its holdings in shares of HCA Healthcare by 3.9% during the third quarter. Cary Street Partners Financial LLC now owns 590 shares of the company’s stock valued at $251,000 after acquiring an additional 22 shares during the last quarter. Angeles Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of HCA Healthcare by 2.4% during the third quarter. Angeles Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,014 shares of the company’s stock valued at $432,000 after acquiring an additional 24 shares during the last quarter. Finally, One Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of HCA Healthcare by 1.1% during the third quarter. One Capital Management LLC now owns 2,250 shares of the company’s stock valued at $959,000 after acquiring an additional 24 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 62.73% of the company’s stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages have commented on HCA. Robert W. Baird reduced their target price on HCA Healthcare from $450.00 to $442.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 15th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on HCA Healthcare from $452.00 to $481.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a report on Friday, January 30th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “buy (b)” rating on shares of HCA Healthcare in a report on Friday, March 27th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price target on HCA Healthcare from $520.00 to $558.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, Mizuho increased their price target on HCA Healthcare from $540.00 to $585.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a report on Wednesday, February 25th. Sixteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, HCA Healthcare currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $534.41.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on HCA Healthcare

Key Headlines Impacting HCA Healthcare Here are the key news stories impacting HCA Healthcare this week:

Positive Sentiment: Revenue and demand beat/strength: Q1 revenue rose ~4.3% to $19.11B and the company cited strong medical care demand; some outlets note the company beat profit estimates on service demand. HCA Healthcare beats quarterly profit estimates on medical care demand Positive Sentiment: Margins still meaningful: HCA reported a ~12% operating margin in Q1, showing underlying profitability despite a dynamic operating environment. HCA posts 12% operating margin in Q1: 8 things to know Neutral Sentiment: Official results and call: HCA reported EPS of $7.15 and released its earnings call transcript and press release (revenue in line with consensus). These documents give full context on volumes, mix and expense items for analysts. HCA Healthcare Reports First Quarter 2026 Results Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript Negative Sentiment: Volume weakness weighed heavily: Surgical volumes softened and total volumes missed seasonal expectations, which traders flagged as the main reason for the share decline despite a near-term beat on profits. HCA Healthcare stock plunges nearly 8% on weak volume trends despite Q1 beat Negative Sentiment: EPS/guidance miss vs. street: Reported EPS was roughly flat to estimates (small miss on some models) and FY26 guidance of $29.10–$31.50 EPS (and revenue range) sits slightly below consensus, prompting downward revisions. HCA Trading/Guidance Summary Negative Sentiment: Policy and longer-term growth concerns: Analysts warn policy headwinds (Medicaid/ACA subsidy rollbacks) may limit admissions growth to low single digits over coming years — a reason at least one shop trimmed upside and moved to Hold. Policy Pressures May Be Limiting Admissions (Upgrade) Negative Sentiment: Rising expenses and margin retracement: Several reports cite higher expenses and a ~50 bps margin retracement in the quarter, which combined with volume softness amplifies near-term earnings risk. Q1 Earnings Miss on Rising Expenses Insider Transactions at HCA Healthcare In other news, SVP Jennifer Berres sold 8,020 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $514.58, for a total transaction of $4,126,931.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 11,993 shares in the company, valued at $6,171,357.94. This trade represents a 40.07% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Michael S. Cuffe sold 1,500 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $498.09, for a total value of $747,135.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 30,003 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $14,944,194.27. This represents a 4.76% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 15,214 shares of company stock valued at $7,797,595. Corporate insiders own 1.50% of the company’s stock.

HCA Healthcare Stock Performance Shares of HCA Healthcare stock opened at $433.04 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $96.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.26, a PEG ratio of 1.59 and a beta of 1.36. HCA Healthcare, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $321.39 and a fifty-two week high of $556.52. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $505.45 and a 200 day moving average of $485.06.

HCA Healthcare (NYSE:HCA – Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, April 24th. The company reported $7.15 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $7.19 by ($0.04). The business had revenue of $19.11 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $19.09 billion. HCA Healthcare had a negative return on equity of 409.11% and a net margin of 8.97%.The company’s revenue was up 4.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $6.45 earnings per share. HCA Healthcare has set its FY 2026 guidance at 29.100-31.500 EPS. Analysts forecast that HCA Healthcare, Inc. will post 30.15 EPS for the current year.

HCA Healthcare Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, June 30th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, June 16th will be given a dividend of $0.78 per share. This represents a $3.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, June 16th. HCA Healthcare’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 10.99%.

HCA Healthcare Profile (Free Report)

HCA Healthcare is a for‑profit operator of healthcare facilities headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 1968, the company owns and operates a network of hospitals and related healthcare facilities and has grown through organic expansion and acquisitions to become a large provider of inpatient and outpatient services.

The company’s core activities include the operation of acute care hospitals, freestanding surgical and emergency centers, and outpatient clinics. HCA’s services encompass inpatient care, surgical services, emergency medicine, diagnostic imaging and laboratory testing, and various outpatient and ambulatory care offerings.

Recommended Stories Five stocks we like better than HCA Healthcare

Receive News & Ratings for HCA Healthcare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HCA Healthcare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.

« PREVIOUS HEADLINEConocoPhillips $COP Shares Sold by Calamos Advisors LLC

NEXT HEADLINE »Calamos Wealth Management LLC Acquires 139,332 Shares of VictoryShares Core Intermediate Bond ETF $UITB

HCA Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:HCA) posted in-line earnings for the first quarter on Friday.

The company released first-quarter 2026 revenues of $19.11 billion, representing a 4.3% year-over-year increase, almost in line with the consensus estimate of $19.10 billion. The hospital chain operator reported adjusted earnings of $7.15, up from $6.45 a year ago, in line with the consensus.

"The start of the year presented a dynamic environment for HCA Healthcare,” said Sam Hazen, CEO of HCA Healthcare.

The company affirmed its 2026 earnings guidance of $29.10-$31.50 per share versus the consensus of $30.14, with sales of $76.5 billion-$80 billion compared to the consensus of $78.68. billion.

HCA Healthcare shares rose 2.2% to trade at $442.00 on Monday.

These analysts made changes to their price targets on HCA Healthcare following earnings announcement.

Considering buying HCA stock? Here’s what analysts think:

Photo via Shutterstock

Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

© 2026 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

To add Benzinga News as your preferred source on Google, click here.

On April 27, 2026, HCA Healthcare Inc HCA shares rose 3.1% today, bringing the current price to $445.77. Over the past year, the stock has experienced a notable high of $556.52 and a low of $321.39. The recent price movement reflects a challenging environment, with a year-to-date decline of 4.4% and a monthly decrease of 5.5%.

GF Value™ verdict: Current price is $445.77, slightly above GF Value™ of $445.69, indicating a margin of 0.02% upside.GF Score™ of 97/100 suggests a strong overall assessment of the company’s fundamentals.Most notable signal: Insider activity shows a sale of $29.3 million in the last three months with no buying activity. Is HCA Overvalued or Undervalued? The current price of HCA Healthcare Inc is $445.77, which is marginally above the GF Value™ estimate of $445.69, indicating that the stock is fairly valued at present. With a small margin of safety of only 0.02%, it suggests that there is limited upside potential in the short term. The GF Valuation label categorizes the stock as fairly valued, meaning that the current price aligns closely with its intrinsic value based on the assessment methodology. GF Value™ is GuruFocus' proprietary measure of intrinsic value, calculated from historical trading multiples, past business growth, and future performance estimates.

While HCA is not overvalued or undervalued by a significant margin, the current price signals that any potential for purchasing may require careful consideration of market conditions and performance benchmarks. If the stock were to be perceived as overvalued, it could imply a risk of price correction; however, as it stands, investors may view it as a stable investment opportunity given the near parity with GF Value™.

How Does HCA's Valuation Compare to Its History? Metric Current Historical P/E (TTM) 15.3x 14.6x Forward P/E 14.7x - HCA's current P/E ratio of 15.3x is above its 5-year median P/E of 14.6x, indicating that the stock is trading at a higher valuation compared to its historical average. The forward P/E of 14.7x also supports this view, suggesting that the market expectations for earnings may be slightly elevated. This P/E analysis aligns with the GF Value™ verdict, supporting the idea that HCA is fairly valued but on the higher end of its historical trading range.

What Does HCA's GF Score™ Tell Us? Metric Rating GF Score™ 97 Financial Strength 4/10 Profitability 10/10 Growth 10/10 Valuation 9/10 Momentum 10/10 The GF Score™ of 97/100 indicates that HCA Healthcare Inc is highly regarded in terms of its investment potential. The strongest areas of HCA's score are its Profitability and Growth, both rated at 10/10, suggesting robust financial performance and significant growth prospects. However, the Financial Strength rating of 4/10 highlights a potential weakness, indicating that the company may face challenges in maintaining strong financial stability. Overall, the high GF Score™ reflects confidence in HCA’s operational efficiency and market momentum, despite some concerns in financial robustness.

What Are Insiders Doing with HCA Stock? Recent insider activity reveals that insiders have sold a total of $29.3 million in HCA stock over the last three months, with no recorded buying activity during the same period. This trend of selling could suggest a lack of confidence among insiders regarding the stock's near-term prospects, as insiders typically have a better understanding of the company's operational outlook. Consequently, this selling behavior may be interpreted as caution regarding future performance or company valuation.

What This Means for Investors Based on the analysis, HCA Healthcare Inc is currently fairly valued according to the GF Value™ assessment. The stock’s price is in close alignment with its intrinsic value, indicating limited upside potential at this time. However, the strong GF Score™ and robust profitability and growth rankings suggest that HCA may still represent a stable investment option in the healthcare sector.

For the complete analysis, visit the HCA Healthcare Inc HCA stock page. You can also explore the GF Value™ page for detailed valuation methodology, or use the GuruFocus Stock Screener to find similar opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions What is HCA's GF Score™?

HCA's GF Score™ is 97/100, indicating a strong overall assessment of the company's fundamentals and potential for higher long-term returns.

Is HCA overvalued or undervalued?

HCA is currently fairly valued, with its price closely aligned to the GF Value™ estimate, suggesting minimal upside potential.

What is HCA's P/E ratio?

HCA's P/E ratio is 15.3x, which is above its 5-year median P/E of 14.6x, indicating that it is trading at a higher valuation compared to its historical average.

This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].

-

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: HCA) is scheduled to present at the following healthcare conference:

May 20, 2026, at 11:30am ET at the RBC Global Healthcare Conference

A link to the live audio webcast, where applicable, and copies of any related presentation materials will be made available at the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, www.hcahealthcare.com.

Dates and times may be subject to change, please check the conference schedule or the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website for the latest information.

About HCA Healthcare

Nashville-based HCA Healthcare is one of the nation’s leading providers of healthcare services comprising 189 hospitals and approximately 2,600 ambulatory sites of care, including surgery centers, freestanding ERs, urgent care centers, and physician clinics, in 19 states and the United Kingdom.

All references to “Company” and “HCA” as used throughout this release refer to HCA Healthcare, Inc. and its affiliates.

More News From HCA Healthcare

Back to Newsroom