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HCA Healthcare (HCA)
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HCA Healthcare (HCA) AI Stock Analysis

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HCA

HCA Healthcare

(NYSE:HCA)

Rating:71Outperform
Price Target:
$435.00
▲(6.72% Upside)
HCA Healthcare's strong financial performance and positive earnings call are the primary drivers of its score. The company's robust revenue growth and operational efficiency are offset by high leverage risks and valuation concerns. Technical indicators suggest a positive trend, but caution is warranted due to potential overbought conditions.
Positive Factors
Financial Performance
HCA reported a healthy earnings beat and increased its 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance by $300 million.
Revenue Growth
Revenue per equivalent admission increased by 3.9% y/y, or 150 bps ahead of the Street and is more than offsetting lower volumes.
Shareholder Returns
HCA continues to buyback a historic amount of stock.
Negative Factors
Future Growth Concerns
The stock was down as the market is concerned about 2026 growth.
Subsidy Expiration
HCA will face a 300bps headwind in 2026 from the expiration of the enhanced subsidies.
Volume Growth
Volume growth slowed by more than expected in Q2, which is consistent with the thesis of normalization of utilization after the COVID-induced labor supply shock and recovery.

HCA Healthcare (HCA) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

HCA Healthcare Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionHCA Healthcare, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides health care services company in the United States. The company operates general and acute care hospitals that offers medical and surgical services, including inpatient care, intensive care, cardiac care, diagnostic, and emergency services; and outpatient services, such as outpatient surgery, laboratory, radiology, respiratory therapy, cardiology, and physical therapy. It also operates outpatient health care facilities consisting of freestanding ambulatory surgery centers, freestanding emergency care facilities, urgent care facilities, walk-in clinics, diagnostic and imaging centers, rehabilitation and physical therapy centers, radiation and oncology therapy centers, physician practices, and various other facilities. In addition, the company operates psychiatric hospitals, which provide therapeutic programs comprising child, adolescent and adult psychiatric care, adolescent and adult alcohol, drug abuse treatment, and counseling services. As of December 31, 2021, it operated 182 hospitals, including 175 general and acute care hospitals, five psychiatric hospitals, and two rehabilitation hospitals; 125 freestanding surgery centers; and 21 freestanding endoscopy centers in 20 states and England. The company was formerly known as HCA Holdings, Inc. HCA Healthcare, Inc. was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.
How the Company Makes MoneyHCA Healthcare generates revenue primarily through patient services, which include hospital admissions, surgical procedures, outpatient services, and ancillary services such as laboratory and imaging services. The company earns money by billing patients and third-party payers, including government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, as well as commercial insurance providers. HCA's revenue model relies on a combination of fee-for-service payments and capitated payments, where they receive a set amount for patient care regardless of the number of services provided. Significant partnerships with insurance companies and healthcare organizations enhance their revenue opportunities. Additionally, HCA benefits from economies of scale due to its extensive network, enabling more efficient operations and cost management, which contribute to its overall profitability.

HCA Healthcare Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Adjusted EBITDA by Segment
Adjusted EBITDA by Segment
Highlights profitability across different business units, providing insight into which segments drive earnings and where operational efficiencies or challenges lie.
Chart InsightsHCA Healthcare's Adjusted EBITDA shows robust growth in the National, American, and Atlantic Groups, reflecting strategic expansions and improved operating margins. Despite the Corporate and Other segment's persistent negative impact, the earnings call highlighted strong financial performance, with a notable 11.3% increase in adjusted EBITDA. This growth is supported by volume increases in inpatient and emergency room admissions and effective cost management. However, challenges in surgical volumes and potential federal policy risks could pose future hurdles. Overall, the company is capitalizing on its expanded facility network and improved payer mix.
Data provided by:Main Street Data

HCA Healthcare Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 25, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Oct 17, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted strong EPS growth, revenue increases, and improved labor costs. However, there were concerns about Medicaid volume decline, challenges in specific markets, and potential adverse impacts from federal policies.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong EPS Growth
Diluted earnings per share increased by 24% to $6.84, reflecting solid revenue growth driven by demand, improved payer mix, and patient acuity levels.
Revenue Growth
Revenue grew by 6.4%, slightly above the top end of the long-term guidance of 4% to 6%, driven by increased demand and improved payer mix.
Improved Labor Costs
Same-facility contract labor costs improved by 1% from the prior year, representing 4.3% of total labor costs in Q2 2025 versus 4.6% in Q2 2024.
Adjusted EBITDA Growth
Adjusted EBITDA grew by 8.4% over the prior year quarter, with a significant portion coming from core operations.
Approval of Tennessee Program
The new Tennessee directed payment program was approved, expected to provide benefits in the back half of 2025.
Capital Allocation and Strong Cash Flow
Cash flow from operations was $4.2 billion in the quarter, with $1.2 billion in capital expenditures, $2.5 billion in share repurchases, and $171 million in dividends.
Positive Impact from Tax Policy
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act made 100% bonus depreciation permanent, which is helpful for HCA's capital investment program.
Negative Updates
Medicaid and Self-Pay Volume Decline
Medicaid volume was down 1.2% year-to-date, and self-pay volume was up only 1.5%, both below expectations.
Challenges in Specific Markets
A couple of markets performed below expectations, offsetting some better performance in hurricane-impacted markets.
Potential Adverse Impact from Federal Policies
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act and potential expiration of enhanced premium tax credits could lead to insurance coverage loss for some, impacting financials.
Increased Supply Expense
Supply expenses increased slightly as a percentage of revenue due to increased spending on cardiac-related devices.
Company Guidance
During HCA Healthcare's second quarter 2025 earnings call, the company reported a strong financial performance, with a 24% increase in diluted earnings per share to $6.84 and a 6.4% revenue growth. The guidance for 2025 was updated, projecting revenues between $74 billion and $76 billion, net income ranging from $6.11 billion to $6.48 billion, and adjusted EBITDA between $14.7 billion and $15.3 billion. The company expects diluted earnings per share to range from $25.50 to $27, with capital spending around $5 billion. Equivalent admissions are projected to grow between 2% and 3% for the year. The call also highlighted the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, with expectations that Medicaid adverse impacts would be manageable due to grandfathering provisions and other factors. HCA's financial resiliency programs are anticipated to offset potential losses from changes in federal policies, including the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits.

HCA Healthcare Financial Statement Overview

Summary
HCA Healthcare demonstrates strong revenue growth and operational efficiency, as seen in their income statement and cash flow analysis. However, the high leverage indicated on the balance sheet due to negative equity is a concern, necessitating careful financial management.
Income Statement
75
Positive
HCA Healthcare has demonstrated steady revenue growth over the past few years, with a notable increase from 2022 to 2023. The gross profit margin remains robust, indicating effective cost management. Net profit margin and EBIT margins have been consistent, although there was a slight dip in net income. The EBITDA margin indicates strong operational efficiency. Overall, the income statement reflects a healthy financial trajectory, although potential risks include slight fluctuations in net income.
Balance Sheet
60
Neutral
The company's balance sheet reveals a high debt-to-equity ratio due to negative stockholders' equity, which poses a significant financial risk, as it indicates a reliance on debt financing. However, the company maintains substantial total assets. Return on equity is not applicable due to negative equity, but total liabilities as a percentage of total assets have been stable. The balance sheet reflects adequate asset management with risks associated with leverage.
Cash Flow
80
Positive
HCA Healthcare's cash flow analysis shows positive free cash flow growth, despite fluctuations in capital expenditures. The operating cash flow to net income ratio has been strong, underscoring efficient cash generation from operations. However, free cash flow to net income ratio declined recently, which could indicate increased investment activities. Overall, the company exhibits strong cash flow management, supporting its operations and investments.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue71.58B70.60B64.97B60.23B58.75B51.53B
Gross Profit10.84B10.55B9.63B9.05B9.68B7.26B
EBITDA14.08B13.90B12.72B13.29B14.21B9.71B
Net Income5.78B5.76B5.24B5.64B6.96B3.75B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets59.80B59.51B56.21B52.44B50.74B47.49B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.06B1.93B935.00M908.00M1.45B1.79B
Total Debt46.44B45.24B41.86B40.20B36.73B33.06B
Total Liabilities60.24B58.96B55.15B52.51B49.25B44.60B
Stockholders Equity-3.52B-2.50B-1.77B-2.77B-933.00M572.00M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow4.95B5.64B4.69B4.13B5.38B6.40B
Operating Cash Flow9.70B10.51B9.43B8.52B8.96B9.23B
Investing Cash Flow-5.06B-4.93B-5.32B-3.39B-2.64B-3.39B
Financing Cash Flow-4.86B-4.58B-4.09B-5.66B-6.66B-4.68B

HCA Healthcare Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price407.61
Price Trends
50DMA
378.25
Positive
100DMA
369.55
Positive
200DMA
345.11
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
9.81
Negative
RSI
67.64
Neutral
STOCH
60.00
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For HCA, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 407.61 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 396.23, above the 50-day MA of 378.25, and above the 200-day MA of 345.11, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 9.81 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 67.64 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 60.00 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for HCA.

HCA Healthcare Risk Analysis

HCA Healthcare disclosed 31 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. HCA Healthcare reported the most risks in the "Legal & Regulatory" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

HCA Healthcare Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (51)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$11.55B9.5618.66%0.44%9.61%39.65%
75
Outperform
$16.38B11.9741.09%-1.09%-43.10%
73
Outperform
$12.26B24.1925.35%0.55%11.80%30.02%
71
Outperform
$15.03B19.854.72%3.23%1.11%25.84%
71
Outperform
$94.52B17.06-230.22%0.68%6.37%11.25%
62
Neutral
$9.85B13.46635.30%5.09%7.85%
51
Neutral
$7.90B-0.33-41.69%2.23%23.45%-1.99%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
HCA
HCA Healthcare
407.61
13.03
3.30%
DVA
DaVita
135.97
-12.77
-8.59%
FMS
Fresenius Medical Care
24.36
4.90
25.18%
EHC
Encompass Health
123.63
30.86
33.27%
THC
Tenet Healthcare
186.91
24.93
15.39%
UHS
Universal Health
181.57
-56.71
-23.80%

HCA Healthcare Corporate Events

Stock BuybackDividendsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
HCA Healthcare Reports Strong Q2 2025 Financial Results
Positive
Jul 25, 2025

On July 25, 2025, HCA Healthcare announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2025, reporting a 6.4% increase in revenues to $18.605 billion and a 13.1% rise in net income to $1.653 billion compared to the same period in 2024. The company also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.72 per share, to be paid on September 30, 2025. HCA Healthcare raised its 2025 guidance, reflecting strong financial performance and operational improvements, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by 8.4% to $3.849 billion. The company repurchased 7.031 million shares of its common stock and had $5.753 billion remaining under its repurchase authorization as of June 30, 2025.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
HCA Healthcare Appoints John Chidsey to Board
Positive
Jul 11, 2025

On July 8, 2025, HCA Healthcare announced the appointment of John W. Chidsey, III to its Board of Directors, effective July 15, 2025, expanding the board from nine to ten members. Chidsey, with a distinguished career including leadership roles at Subway and Burger King, will serve on several key committees, bringing valuable financial and operational expertise to HCA Healthcare. This strategic appointment is expected to bolster the company’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Private Placements and Financing
HCA Healthcare Launches $4 Billion Commercial Paper Program
Neutral
Jun 10, 2025

On June 10, 2025, HCA Inc., a subsidiary of HCA Healthcare, established a commercial paper program to issue up to $4 billion in unsecured notes, guaranteed by HCA Healthcare. The notes, intended for general corporate purposes, will be sold privately in the U.S. commercial paper market and are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Aug 19, 2025