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HCA Healthcare (HCA)
NYSE:HCA
Earnings Data
Report Date
Apr 24, 2026Before Open (Confirmed)
Period Ending
2026 (Q1)Consensus EPS Forecast
7.17Last Year’s EPS
6.45Same Quarter Last Year
Moderate Buy
Based on 15 Analysts Ratings
Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Sentiment|Positive
The call conveyed strong operational execution and financial results (double‑digit EBITDA growth, record patient encounters, robust cash flow, aggressive buybacks/dividend increase and stable margin guidance) while explicitly identifying sizable, policy-driven headwinds (expired exchange subsidies, lower supplemental payments, uninsured exposure and labor/physician cost pressures). Management presented a detailed resiliency program ($400M target) and digital initiatives intended to offset much of the exchange impact and reiterated confidence in delivering within long-term plans. Net: solid corporate momentum and balance-sheet strength tempered by meaningful near-term reimbursement and policy uncertainty.Company Guidance
Strong Revenue and Profit Growth
Revenue increased 6.7% versus prior year quarter; adjusted EBITDA grew ~11% in the quarter and 12.1% for the full year; adjusted EBITDA margin improved ~80 bps in the quarter and 90 bps for the year; net income attributable to HCA increased ~31% and adjusted diluted EPS rose ~29%.
Record Patient Activity and Consistent Volume Growth
Company recorded ~47 million patient encounters for the year (a record) and reported the nineteenth straight quarter of volume growth; same-facility admissions increased ~2.4% and equivalent admissions increased ~2.4%-2.5% (quarter and full year figures consistent with 2%-3% long-term range).
Cash Flow, Capital Allocation and Shareholder Returns
Operating cash flow of $2.4B in the quarter and $12.6B for the year (a 20% YoY increase); FY capital expenditures $4.9B; share repurchases $2.6B in the quarter and $10B for the year; board authorized a new $10B repurchase program and raised the quarterly dividend from $0.72 to $0.78.
2026 Financial Guidance Reflects Resilience
2026 guidance: revenues $76.5B–$80.0B; adjusted EBITDA $15.55B–$16.45B; net income $6.5B–$7.0B; adjusted diluted EPS $29.01–$31.50; full-year margins expected slightly above 20%; cash flow from operations expected $12B–$13B.
Operational Improvements and Resiliency Program
Management highlighted disciplined expense management, improved labor results and other operating expense improvements driving margin expansion; resiliency program is expected to deliver approximately $400M of incremental savings in 2026 through revenue integrity, cost efficiencies, capacity management and digital/AI initiatives.
Investments in Network, Outpatient Footprint and Technology
Significant investments in network expansion, workforce, clinical capabilities and AI/tech (EHR transition underway); added ~100 outpatient business units during the year (company now ~2,700 outpatient facilities) and increased 2026 capex range to $5.0B–$5.5B to support growth.
Improved Working Capital and Revenue Cycle Progress
Notable reduction in net days in accounts receivable in Q4 attributed in part to digital integration with payers; digital engagements expected to improve claims timeliness, reduce denials and support collections.
HCA Earnings History
The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.
Beat
Missed
HCA Earnings-Related Price Changes
Report Date | Price 1 Day Before | Price 1 Day After | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Jan 27, 2026 | $472.38 | $505.84 | +7.08% |
Oct 24, 2025 | $439.51 | $446.38 | +1.56% |
Jul 25, 2025 | $340.36 | $333.23 | -2.10% |
Apr 25, 2025 | $339.63 | $326.21 | -3.95% |
Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.
FAQ
When does HCA Healthcare (HCA) report earnings?
HCA Healthcare (HCA) is schdueled to report earning on Apr 24, 2026, Before Open (Confirmed).
What is HCA Healthcare (HCA) earnings time?
HCA Healthcare (HCA) earnings time is at Apr 24, 2026, Before Open (Confirmed).
Where can I see when companies are reporting earnings?
You can see which companies are reporting today on our designated earnings calendar.
What companies are reporting earnings today?
You can see a list of the companies which are reporting today on TipRanks earnings calendar.
What is HCA EPS forecast?
HCA EPS forecast for the fiscal quarter 2026 (Q1) is 7.17.
