HCA(US:HCA) Benzinga·2026-01-27 16:16Core Viewpoint - HCA Healthcare Inc. reported mixed financial results for the fourth quarter of 2025, with total revenues slightly missing consensus estimates but adjusted earnings exceeding expectations [1][2]. Financial Performance - Total revenues for Q4 2025 were $19.513 billion, a 6.7% increase year-over-year, but below the consensus estimate of $19.67 billion [1]. - Adjusted earnings were $8.01 per share, up from $6.22 a year ago, surpassing the consensus of $7.43 [1]. - Net income for the quarter reached $1.878 billion, or $8.14 per share, compared to $1.438 billion, or $5.63 per share, a year ago [2]. Operational Metrics - Same-facility admissions increased by 2.4%, and same-facility equivalent admissions rose by 2.5% in Q4 2025 [3]. - Same-facility emergency room visits increased by 0.5%, while same-facility inpatient surgeries remained flat, and same-facility outpatient surgeries decreased by 0.5% [3]. - Adjusted EBITDA totaled $4.114 billion, compared to $3.712 billion a year ago [3]. Cash Flow and Investments - Cash flows from operating activities totaled $2.359 billion, down from $2.559 billion in Q4 2024 [4]. - The CEO highlighted strong performance and ongoing investments in network expansion, workforce development, and clinical capabilities [4]. Stock Buyback and Future Outlook - HCA Healthcare authorized an additional share repurchase program for up to $10 billion, representing approximately 10% of its market cap of $103 billion [5]. - The company forecasts fiscal 2026 earnings of $29.10-$31.50 per share, slightly below the consensus of $29.54 [5]. - Projected sales for 2026 are between $76.5 billion and $80 billion, compared to the consensus of $79.08 billion [5]. - Expected adjusted EBITDA for 2026 is between $15.55 billion and $16.45 billion, with net income projected at $6.495 billion-$7.035 billion [6]. Market Reaction - HCA Healthcare shares rose by 11.29% to $525.69, reaching a new 52-week high [7].