HCA Healthcare Inc. (NYSE: HCA) recently unveiled its financial performance for the fourth quarter of 2025, showcasing varied outcomes that caught the attention of market watchers.
The healthcare provider's total revenues climbed to $19.513 billion, marking a 6.7% increase from the previous year. Despite this growth, the figure did not quite meet the $19.67 billion consensus forecast from analysts. Conversely, HCA Healthcare reported adjusted earnings of $8.01 per share, a notable rise from $6.22 a year ago, comfortably surpassing the estimated $7.43. CEO Sam Hazen attributed the strong finish to 2025 to strategic investments in network expansion, workforce development, and advanced clinical capabilities, all of which bolstered the HCA Healthcare system. Looking ahead to fiscal year 2026, the company projects earnings between $29.10 and $31.50 per share against a consensus of $29.54, with sales expected to range from $76.5 billion to $80 billion, compared to the $79.08 billion consensus.
In response to these results, several prominent analysts have adjusted their outlooks on HCA Healthcare's stock. Barclays analyst Andrew Mok maintained an Overweight rating and increased the price target from $494 to $551. Deutsche Bank's Pito Chickering also reiterated a Buy rating, raising the price target from $500 to $558. Truist Securities analyst David Macdonald upheld a Buy rating, moving the price target from $520 to $546. Additionally, Oppenheimer's Michael Wiederhorn maintained an Outperform rating and elevated the price target from $500 to $540. HCA Healthcare shares closed at $505.84 on Tuesday, reflecting the market's reaction to the financial report and subsequent analyst revisions.
This upward revision by analysts underscores confidence in HCA Healthcare's strategic direction and its capacity to deliver robust financial results, reinforcing a positive outlook for its future performance and market standing.