Updated version 2-HCA releases quarterly earnings report, strong performance driven by increased demand for medical services

Stock price information added in the second paragraph; paragraphs 3 to 6 contain detailed performance and background information; the ninth paragraph includes analysts' comments.

Reuters, October 27 - Hospital operator HCA Healthcare (HCA.N) reported third quarter results on Tuesday that topped Wall Street expectations, as strong demand for medical services offset the impact of increased numbers of uninsured patients.

The company's share price rose 1.5% in pre-market trading.

HCA stated that changes in payer mix driven by an increase in uninsured patients—mainly those who lost coverage through health insurance exchanges—led to a reduction of about $400 million in pre-tax income in the third quarter.

Hospital operators have been facing the challenge of the expiration of enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, which helped millions of Americans purchase health insurance during the pandemic. In July, HCA lowered its annual performance expectations and warned that more patients are losing insurance coverage and seeking medical services without insurance.

“Despite the challenges brought by changes in federal policy this year, our colleagues continue to provide high-quality medical services to patients, and we believe HCA Healthcare is well positioned to end the year on a positive note,” said CEO Sam Hazen.

The company said that growth in same-facility equivalent admissions accelerated this quarter, revenue from insured patients improved, and cost controls were strengthened. HCA also reported a slight increase in net earnings from supplemental Medicaid payment programs.

According to data compiled by LSEG, the company posted adjusted earnings per share of $7.22 for the quarter ending September 30, compared to analysts’ expectation of $6.66 per share.

HCA said it now expects full-year 2026 financial results to be at the upper end of the forecast range set in July, which projects annual earnings per share of $28.70 to $30.50 and revenue of $77 billion to $79.5 billion.

Cantor analysts noted that this quarter’s “solid performance and movement toward the upper end of the 2026 guidance range is encouraging.”

HCA reported same-facility admissions increased by 2.7%, same-facility equivalent admissions by 3.0%, and emergency room visits rose 5.1%.

This quarter’s revenue grew by 3.6% to $19.85 billion, exceeding the expectation of $19.33 billion.

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