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HCA Healthcare, Inc.(HCA)

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EXPLORE ADVISORIES AND THEIR HISTORY
QUALITY SIGNAL RECENCY
3-STAR RATING
STRONG BUY
BUY for 43 days
PROFIT SINCE LAST BUY
+9.84% ▲
LAST CLOSE
$451.09
10/09/2026
(24-hour delay)

Advisory History & Simulated Performance *

*as per simulation (see disclosures)
  • ALL
  • 1Y
  • 1M
  • 1W
  • BUY Advisory
  • SELL Advisory (Profit)
  • SELL Advisory (Loss)
  • Profit
  • Loss
  • PASS (Skip)
Upturn Stock price based on last close iconStock price based on last close
Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Advisory Performance History (Simulated)Advisory Performance History info

Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Upturn Advisory & Investor View for HCA

10/09/2026: HCA (3-star) is a STRONG-BUY. BUY for 43 days. Simulated Profits (9.84%). Updated daily EoD!

HCA Healthcare is a major for-profit hospital operator known for its extensive network of acute care facilities and its strategic focus on outpatient services. The company's primary strength lies in its massive scale, which provides significant leverage with payers and operational efficiencies. Its growth strategy centers on expanding its footprint in high-demand markets and investing in clinical data technology. Key risks include exposure to labor shortages, rising wages, and potential changes in government reimbursement policies. HCA may be a suitable fit for value or dividend-focused investors, though shareholders should monitor labor costs and legislative developments as key indicators of future performance.

How to Read the Upturn Advisory

The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.

Company fundamentals, valuation, risks, and news provide supporting context about the business.

Investor Fit

Investor styleFitWhy
Growth investorStrong fitThe company effectively balances organic growth with strategic expansion into high-growth outpatient sectors.
Momentum investorMixed fitMomentum suitability depends on positive price trends and sustained strength in patient volume metrics.
Value investorStrong fitHistorically, the stock trades at reasonable earnings multiples relative to its cash flow stability.
Dividend investorStrong fitHCA offers a reliable dividend supported by strong and predictable cash flows.
Low-risk investorMixed fitWhile established, the industry faces regulatory and labor cost risks that can influence volatility.

Risk Profile

Risk factorLevelWhy it matters
Price volatilityMediumMarket reactions to healthcare policy changes can cause short-term stock price swings.
Valuation riskMediumThe stock is sensitive to interest rate environments and broader market sentiment regarding healthcare.
Competition risk (labor and outpatient services)Medium / highIntense competition for staff and shifting patient preferences toward outpatient settings challenge profitability.
Business qualityStrongHCA's large scale and operational expertise reflect a high-quality, durable business model.
Dividend incomeLowDividends are well-covered by cash flows, presenting a stable income stream.
Execution riskMediumEffective integration of acquired facilities and management of labor costs are critical to operational success.

Price Behavior

Downtrend
PRICE PATH

Downtrend

The stock has experienced a sustained decline in price over recent periods.

Moderately Choppy
PRICE STABILITY

Moderately Choppy

The stock has experienced noticeable price swings while retaining some directional structure.

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit 70.69%
Avg. Invested days 61
Today’s Advisory Strong Buy
Upturn Advisory Rating upturn star rating icon
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance icon 4.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance icon 4.0
Upturn Profits based on simulation icon Profits based on simulation
Upturn last close icon Last Close 10/09/2026

Upturn Scorecard

Upturn Star Rating

★★★★★
HCA receives a 4-star rating, supported by solid unit economics, solid company fundamentals, solid quantitative characteristics, and solid analyst coverage. The rating is constrained by weak price momentum, and limited analyst upside.

Company Fundamentals

★★★★★
HCA has solid overall fundamentals (4 stars), with solid financial health, solid growth momentum, and strong ownership. In FY2025 versus FY2024, solid earnings growth (+17.8%) and solid cash generation (FCF margin 10.2%) are partially offset by moderate revenue growth (+7.1%), soft profitability (net margin 9.0%).

Financial Health Rating

★★★★★
HCA's financial health is supported by strong cash strength, including free-cash-flow generation of $7.7B (10.2% of revenue). Liquidity is moderate (3 stars), which helps explain the 4-star overall score.

Growth Momentum Score

★★★★★
Free-cash-flow growth is HCA's strongest growth driver at +36.4% FY2025 versus FY2024 (strong, 5 stars). By comparison, earnings growth (+17.8%, solid) is also solid, while revenue growth (+7.1%, moderate) holds the profile back, so recent growth is not broad-based across the business.

Ownership

★★★★★
Institutional ownership is 78.9% and approximately 66.7% of outstanding shares are publicly tradable, supporting liquidity and institutional participation. Insider ownership of 16.61% supports management-shareholder alignment.

Top 5 Institutional Investors

BlackRock Inc 6.01%
Vanguard Capital Management, LLC 4.68%
Sanders Capital, LLC 4.08%
State Street Corp 3.45%
Arnhold & S. Bleichroeder Advisers, LLC 3.04%

Unit Economics (Per $1K Revenue)

★★★★★
HCA generates approximately $415 of gross profit, $158 of operating income, and $102 of free cash flow for every $1,000 of revenue. Based on FY2025 results. Moderate margins, cash conversion, and capital efficiency support the rating.

Economic Dimensions

★★★★★
Effective Tax Rate: 20.85%

Quantitative Style Profile

★★★★★
HCA has a high-quality, large-cap, liquid profile. Weak momentum is the primary drawback.

Style Classification

Quality Focused

Value-OrientedQuality TiltLarge / Mega Cap StabilityHighly Liquid / Institution-Friendly

Key Highlights

Company Size Large-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 97.66B USD
Price to earnings Ratio 15.12
1Y Target Price 459.27
Price to earnings Ratio 15.12
1Y Target Price 459.27
Volume (30-day avg) 1.4M shares
Beta 1.11
52 Weeks Range 353.34 - 553.56
Updated Date 10/11/2026
52 Weeks Range 353.34 - 553.56
Updated Date 10/11/2026
Dividends yield (FY) 0.67%
Basic EPS (TTM) 29.83

How Company Makes Money

Business areaWhat it includesRetail investor read
Inpatient Hospital ServicesAcute care, emergency room services, and specialized surgeries.This is the core of the business, generating revenue when patients are admitted for care.
Outpatient ServicesSurgery centers, diagnostic imaging, and urgent care clinics.A faster-growing segment that is generally cheaper to operate than traditional hospitals.

Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth

Revenue by Products

Product revenue - Year on Year

Revenue by Geography

Geography revenue - Year on Year

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Valuation

Trailing PE 15.12
Forward PE 13.85
Enterprise Value 145.39B
Price to Sales(TTM) 1.25
Enterprise Value 145.39B
Price to Sales(TTM) 1.25
Enterprise Value to Revenue 1.86
Enterprise Value to EBITDA 9.17
Shares Outstanding 216.50M
Shares Floating 144.30M
Shares Outstanding 216.50M
Shares Floating 144.30M
Percent Insiders 16.61
Percent Institutions 78.87

Financial Metrics

🧭 Investment Snapshot

Total Revenue (Scale)

Information icon Total money earned from selling products or services before any costs. It is needed to understand the scale of the business and its ability to generate income.

Net Income (Profit)

Information icon Final profit after all expenses, interest, and taxes are deducted. It is needed to determine the overall profitability available to shareholders.

Free Cash Flow (Cash Strength)

Information icon Cash remaining after operating activities and capital expenditures, showing cash available for growth. It is needed to evaluate the company’s ability to invest, pay dividends, or reduce debt.

📈 Growth & Strength

Operating Income (Core Profit)

Information icon Profit from core operations after deducting all operating expenses. It is needed to measure how efficiently the company runs its primary business activities.

EBITDA (Cash Earnings)

Information icon Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, indicating operating cash potential. It is needed to compare operating performance across companies without accounting or financing differences.

Gross Profit (Unit Profitability)

Information icon Revenue minus cost of revenue, showing profit after direct production costs. It is needed to evaluate core business profitability before overhead expenses.

🛡️ Financial Safety

Cash (Liquidity Buffer)

Information icon Total cash and cash equivalents on hand. It is needed to evaluate immediate liquidity and financial flexibility.

Total Debt (Leverage Risk)

Information icon Total debt including both short-term and long-term components. It is needed to assess the company’s leverage and financial risk.

Net Working Capital (Short-Term Health)

Information icon Current assets minus current liabilities, indicating short-term liquidity strength. It is needed to assess whether the company can meet its short-term obligations.

🧱 Balance Sheet Strength

Stockholder Equity (Net Worth)

Information icon Total equity value held by shareholders. It is needed to understand the net worth of the company from the owners’ perspective.

Total Assets (Asset Base)

Information icon The full value of everything the company owns, including cash, inventory, equipment, and investments. It is needed to understand the resource base used to generate revenue.

Income Before Tax (Pre-Tax Earnings)

Information icon Income before provision for income taxes. It is needed to analyze profitability independent of tax structures.

⚙️ Cost & Drag Factors

Cost of Revenue (Production Cost)

Information icon Direct costs required to produce and deliver the products or services sold. It is needed to assess efficiency in production and service delivery.

Total Operating Expenses (Operating Cost)

Information icon Indirect costs of running the business such as salaries, marketing, and administration. It is needed to understand how much it costs to sustain ongoing business operations.

Income Tax Expense (Tax Drag)

Information icon Amount of taxes paid or payable to the government. It is needed to evaluate the impact of taxation on overall profitability.

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