HCA Healthcare (NYSE:HCA) Investment Analysis

HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA) is a leading entity in the healthcare sector, renowned for its vast network of hospitals and dedication to delivering superior healthcare services. Competing against giants like Tenet Healthcare and Community Health Systems, HCA stands out for its quality and reach.

On October 27, 2025, Barclays maintained its "Overweight" rating on HCA, showcasing confidence in the stock's future. The stock, priced at $447.04, saw Barclays elevate its price target from $445 to $494, indicating a bullish perspective on HCA's growth prospects.

The stock price of HCA Healthcare has experienced a recent uptick of 1.56%, or $6.88, reaching $447.04. Today's trading session witnessed notable volatility, with the stock fluctuating between a low of $424.21 and a peak of $461.56, the latter marking its highest point in the last year. The lowest price recorded for HCA over the past year was $289.98.

In a strategic move, HCA Healthcare announced a public offering of senior notes via its subsidiary, HCA Inc. The specifics of these notes, including their maturity and interest rates, will be finalized based on prevailing market conditions. The funds raised are earmarked for general corporate purposes, highlighting a focus on repaying existing debts.

With a market capitalization of approximately $104.6 billion, HCA Healthcare's significant stature in the healthcare industry is undeniable. The trading volume for HCA today reached 2,847,054 shares, demonstrating robust investor engagement.

• HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA) is set to release its third-quarter 2025 earnings with an expected EPS of $5.65 and revenue of approximately $18.56 billion.
• Analysts project slightly higher adjusted earnings of $5.72 per share and sales of $18.57 billion, with potential EBITDA boosts from SDP/DPP contributions and Texas CHIRP funds.
• HCA's financial metrics reveal a P/E ratio of approximately 17.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of approximately -10.55, highlighting its market valuation and financial leverage.

HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA) is a prominent player in the healthcare sector, providing a wide range of medical services across the United States. As a leading healthcare provider, HCA operates numerous hospitals and outpatient facilities. The company is set to release its third-quarter 2025 earnings on October 24, with Wall Street estimating an earnings per share (EPS) of $5.65 and revenue of approximately $18.56 billion.

Analysts have slightly different expectations, projecting adjusted earnings of $5.72 per share and sales reaching $18.57 billion. Guggenheim Partners anticipates HCA's EBITDA to meet or slightly exceed estimates, driven by a 2-3% increase in patient volumes. This growth is supported by stable trends observed through channel checks, despite a modest slowdown in August.

A favorable payor mix is expected to benefit HCA, as lower-reimbursing payors remain subdued. Contributions from SDP/DPP, including potential recognition of Texas CHIRP funds approved by CMS in September, could boost annualized EBITDA by $150-$175 million. Analyst Jason Cassorla suggests that HCA's 2025 guidance is likely to remain unchanged, focusing on the high and low ends of the current range.

HCA's financial metrics provide insights into its market valuation and cash flow efficiency. The company has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 17.84 and a price-to-sales ratio of about 1.42. Its enterprise value to sales ratio is around 2.04, while the enterprise value to operating cash flow ratio is approximately 12.44. These figures reflect HCA's valuation and operational performance.

Despite challenges such as rising costs and a decrease in outpatient surgeries, HCA's earnings estimate has remained stable over the past 60 days. The company's earnings yield is about 5.61%, offering a perspective on its earnings relative to its share price. HCA's debt-to-equity ratio is approximately -10.55, indicating a significant level of debt compared to its equity, while its current ratio of around 0.98 suggests its ability to cover short-term liabilities with short-term assets.

HCA Healthcare (NYSE:HCA) reported second-quarter earnings that beat expectations, prompting the hospital operator to raise its full-year guidance.

Adjusted EPS came in at $6.84, topping estimates by $0.57, while revenue reached $18.61 billion, exceeding the $18.49 billion consensus.

Same-facility admissions rose 1.8%, and equivalent admissions increased 1.7% year-over-year. Emergency room visits rose 1.3%, while inpatient and outpatient surgeries dipped 0.3% and 0.6%, respectively. Revenue per equivalent admission grew 4.0% from the prior year.

HCA now expects 2025 revenue between $74.0 billion and $76.0 billion, up from its earlier range of $72.8 billion to $75.8 billion. Adjusted EBITDA is forecast at $14.7 billion to $15.3 billion, and diluted EPS is projected at $25.50 to $27.00, up from the previous $24.05 to $25.85 range.

• Wall Street analysts estimate HCA Healthcare's (NYSE:HCA) EPS to be $6.19, with projected revenues of approximately $18.5 billion.
• The Zacks Consensus Estimate forecasts a slightly lower EPS of $6.14, reflecting an 11.6% increase from the previous year.
• HCA's financial metrics such as a P/E ratio of approximately 15.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of -13.20 provide insight into its market valuation and financial structure.

HCA Healthcare (NYSE:HCA) is a prominent player in the healthcare sector, providing a wide range of medical services across its network of hospitals and healthcare facilities. As the company prepares to release its quarterly earnings on July 25, 2025, investors and analysts are keenly observing the anticipated financial performance. Wall Street analysts estimate earnings per share (EPS) to be $6.19, with projected revenues of approximately $18.5 billion.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate, however, forecasts a slightly lower EPS of $6.14, reflecting an 11.6% increase from the previous year. Revenues are expected to reach $18.46 billion, marking a 5.5% rise compared to the same quarter last year. Despite a minor downward revision of 0.3% in the consensus EPS estimate over the past 30 days, the earnings estimate has remained stable over the past week, indicating confidence in HCA's projected growth.

HCA's financial metrics provide further insight into its market valuation. The company has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 15.15, suggesting how the market values its earnings. Its price-to-sales ratio stands at about 1.18, indicating the amount investors are willing to pay per dollar of sales. Additionally, HCA's enterprise value to sales ratio is around 1.81, reflecting the company's total valuation relative to its sales.

The company's enterprise value to operating cash flow ratio is approximately 13.39, highlighting its valuation in relation to cash flow from operations. HCA's earnings yield is about 6.60%, providing insight into the return on investment. Notably, the company's debt-to-equity ratio is negative at -13.20, which may suggest a unique financial structure or accounting approach. HCA maintains a current ratio of approximately 1.19, indicating its ability to cover short-term liabilities with short-term assets.

As HCA prepares to report its second-quarter 2025 earnings, the market is closely watching to see if the company will exceed expectations. A positive earnings surprise could boost the stock's price, while failing to meet estimates might lead to a decline. The management's discussion during the earnings call will be crucial in determining the sustainability of any immediate price changes and future earnings expectations.

HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA) is a prominent player in the healthcare sector, known for operating hospitals, surgery centers, and emergency care facilities across the United States. The company is dedicated to providing high-quality patient care and has been investing in technology and staff to enhance its services. HCA's strategic focus on adapting to regulatory changes and expanding its operations has contributed to its strong market position.

On April 25, 2025, HCA reported its first-quarter earnings, showcasing a robust financial performance. The company achieved an earnings per share (EPS) of $6.45, surpassing the estimated $5.75. This marks a significant improvement from the previous year's $5.36 per share, highlighting an 11.79% earnings surprise. HCA has consistently outperformed consensus EPS estimates over the past four quarters, demonstrating its financial strength.

HCA's revenue for the quarter reached $18.32 billion, slightly exceeding the forecasted $18.26 billion. This represents a 0.08% increase over the Zacks Consensus Estimate and a notable rise from $17.34 billion in the same period last year. The company has surpassed consensus revenue estimates in three of the last four quarters, underscoring its strong performance in the Zacks Medical - Hospital industry.

During the Q1 2025 earnings conference call, CEO Sam Hazen and CFO Mike Marks discussed HCA's financial results and strategic direction. The call included participation from analysts and investors from major financial institutions like Mizuho Securities, Deutsche Bank, UBS, and Bank of America. The discussion likely covered operational highlights and future outlook, providing valuable insights into HCA's market position.

HCA's financial metrics further illustrate its market valuation. The company has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 14.34, indicating how the market values its earnings. Its price-to-sales ratio is about 1.13, reflecting investor willingness to pay per dollar of sales. Despite a negative debt-to-equity ratio of -18.10, HCA maintains a current ratio of approximately 1.08, suggesting its ability to cover short-term liabilities with short-term assets.

HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA) is a prominent player in the healthcare sector, known for operating hospitals, surgery centers, and emergency care facilities across the United States. The company is dedicated to providing high-quality patient care and has been investing in technology and staff to enhance its services. HCA's strategic focus on adapting to regulatory changes and expanding its operations has contributed to its strong market position.

On April 25, 2025, HCA reported its first-quarter earnings, showcasing a robust financial performance. The company achieved an earnings per share (EPS) of $6.45, surpassing the estimated $5.75. This marks a significant improvement from the previous year's $5.36 per share, highlighting an 11.79% earnings surprise. HCA has consistently outperformed consensus EPS estimates over the past four quarters, demonstrating its financial strength.

HCA's revenue for the quarter reached $18.32 billion, slightly exceeding the forecasted $18.26 billion. This represents a 0.08% increase over the Zacks Consensus Estimate and a notable rise from $17.34 billion in the same period last year. The company has surpassed consensus revenue estimates in three of the last four quarters, underscoring its strong performance in the Zacks Medical - Hospital industry.

During the Q1 2025 earnings conference call, CEO Sam Hazen and CFO Mike Marks discussed HCA's financial results and strategic direction. The call included participation from analysts and investors from major financial institutions like Mizuho Securities, Deutsche Bank, UBS, and Bank of America. The discussion likely covered operational highlights and future outlook, providing valuable insights into HCA's market position.

HCA's financial metrics further illustrate its market valuation. The company has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 14.34, indicating how the market values its earnings. Its price-to-sales ratio is about 1.13, reflecting investor willingness to pay per dollar of sales. Despite a negative debt-to-equity ratio of -18.10, HCA maintains a current ratio of approximately 1.08, suggesting its ability to cover short-term liabilities with short-term assets.