TLDR
- HCA’s profit jumps 29% as Q3 earnings and revenue crush expectations.
- Strong cash flow, share buybacks, and growth lift HCA’s 2025 outlook.
- EPS surges 42%, driving confidence and a 3% stock rally for HCA.
- Robust Q3 performance sparks guidance hike and market optimism.
- HCA’s growth streak continues with big gains in revenue and margins.
HCA Healthcare(HCA) stock jumped 3.29% in early trading to $454.64 after reporting strong third-quarter 2025 results.
HCA Healthcare, Inc., HCA
The company posted a 29.4% increase in net income and higher-than-expected earnings per share. Solid growth in revenues, operations, and cash flows strengthened its financial performance and outlook.
Revenue for the quarter reached $19.161 billion, up 9.6% compared to the same period last year. Net income rose to $1.643 billion, with diluted EPS increasing 42.6% to $6.96. Adjusted EBITDA grew 18.5% year-over-year to $3.870 billion, signaling continued operational efficiency.
Same facility metrics also showed positive trends across key areas like admissions, surgeries, and ER visits. Admissions rose 2.1%, while revenue per equivalent admission increased 6.6%. These numbers highlight sustained demand and better revenue capture per patient.
Operational Momentum and Cash Flows Strengthen Balance Sheet
The company generated $4.416 billion in operating cash flows during the third quarter, up from $3.515 billion in the same quarter a year earlier. Capital expenditures totaled $1.288 billion, excluding acquisitions, as the company continued to invest in infrastructure and technology. Total assets stood at $59.747 billion, with cash and equivalents of $997 million.
Debt levels remained high at $44.511 billion, but available credit capacity provided flexibility. The company reported $6.076 billion available under its credit facility. This financial position supports ongoing capital initiatives and shareholder returns.
Despite prior-year weather-related disruptions, operations normalized and showed resilience in 2025. In the third quarter of 2024, Hurricane Helene had caused $50 million in estimated losses. That impact did not recur in the current period.
Share Repurchase and Guidance Upgrade Support Strong Sentiment
HCA repurchased 6.514 million shares during the quarter for $2.498 billion, leaving $3.256 billion under its current authorization. This significant buyback program lifted market sentiment and reduced outstanding shares, enhancing per-share metrics. The company also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.72 per share.
Revised full-year 2025 guidance reflects higher expectations across key metrics. Revenue guidance was raised to $75.0–$76.5 billion, with net income now expected between $6.495 and $6.715 billion. EPS is forecasted to range from $27.00 to $28.00, up from earlier projections.
Adjusted EBITDA guidance increased to a range of $15.250–$15.650 billion for the full year. The company maintained its capital expenditure estimate at $5.0 billion. These updates point to a stable operating outlook and consistent execution of strategy.
HCA Healthcare’s strong quarterly performance, combined with shareholder returns and higher guidance, contributed to the recent stock surge. The company’s disciplined approach and consistent growth continue to fuel confidence across markets.
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