📊 HCA Key Takeaways
Is HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) a Good Investment?
HCA Healthcare generates solid revenue growth (7.1% YoY) and positive operating cash flow ($2.0B), demonstrating viable healthcare operations. However, the company's financial structure is severely impaired with negative stockholders' equity (-$6.3B) and extreme leverage ($44.4B debt), combined with deteriorating net income (-12.8% YoY) despite revenue growth, signaling operational headwinds masking balance sheet distress.
HCA Healthcare shows strong core fundamentals with solid revenue growth, a healthy 13.0% operating margin, and robust free cash flow generation of $7.69B, indicating good operating quality in a capital-intensive industry. The main constraint is balance sheet risk: leverage is high, equity is negative, and liquidity is only adequate, which reduces flexibility if operating conditions weaken. Overall, the business appears fundamentally strong, but the capital structure keeps it from a higher conviction rating.
HCA Healthcare, Inc. Key Strengths (HCA)
- Solid revenue growth of 7.1% YoY in competitive healthcare sector
- Positive operating and free cash flow generation ($2.0B and $895M respectively)
- Reasonable operating margin of 12% demonstrates core business profitability
- Revenue grew 7.1% year over year, showing continued demand and scale advantages
- Operating profitability is strong with $9.83B in operating income and a 13.0% operating margin
- Cash generation is robust with $12.64B in operating cash flow and $7.69B in free cash flow
HCA Stock Risks: HCA Healthcare, Inc. Investment Risks
- Negative stockholders' equity (-$6.3B) indicates severe overleveraged balance sheet structure
- Extremely high debt burden ($44.4B) with tight 3.9x interest coverage limiting financial flexibility
- Net income declining 12.8% despite revenue growth plus liquidity strain (current ratio 0.83x, quick ratio 0.75x)
- Negative stockholders equity and $44.28B of long-term debt indicate an aggressive capital structure
- Interest coverage of 4.4x is acceptable but not especially strong for a highly leveraged company
- Net income declined 12.8% year over year, which may signal margin pressure, higher interest burden, or non-operating headwinds
Key Metrics to Watch
- Debt reduction trajectory and refinancing risk given leverage levels
- Net income reversal and margin expansion trend reversal
- Free cash flow sufficiency relative to debt service and capital requirements
- Interest coverage and long-term debt trend
- Free cash flow after capital expenditures
HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
The relatively thin 4.7% FCF margin may limit capital allocation flexibility. The current ratio below 1.0x warrants monitoring of short-term liquidity.
HCA Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
HCA vs Healthcare Sector: How HCA Healthcare, Inc. Compares
How HCA Healthcare, Inc. compares to Healthcare sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is HCA Healthcare, Inc. Stock Overvalued? HCA Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, HCA Healthcare, Inc. has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Healthcare sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
HCA Healthcare, Inc. Balance Sheet: HCA Debt, Cash & Liquidity
HCA Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: HCA Healthcare, Inc.'s revenue has grown significantly by 29% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $18.97 reflects profitable operations.
HCA Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
HCA Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 | $18.3B | $1.6B | $6.45 |
| Q3 2025 | $17.5B | $1.3B | $4.88 |
| Q2 2025 | $17.5B | $1.5B | $5.53 |
| Q1 2025 | $17.3B | $1.6B | $5.93 |
| Q3 2024 | $16.2B | $1.1B | $3.91 |
| Q2 2024 | $15.9B | $1.2B | $4.29 |
| Q1 2024 | $15.6B | $1.4B | $4.85 |
| Q3 2023 | $15.0B | $1.1B | $3.91 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
HCA Healthcare, Inc. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
HCA SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for HCA Healthcare, Inc. (CIK: 0000860730)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about HCA
What is the AI rating for HCA?
HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) has a Combined AI Grade of A from Claude (B) and ChatGPT (A) with 76% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are HCA's key strengths?
Claude: Solid revenue growth of 7.1% YoY in competitive healthcare sector. Positive operating and free cash flow generation ($2.0B and $895M respectively). ChatGPT: Revenue grew 7.1% year over year, showing continued demand and scale advantages. Operating profitability is strong with $9.83B in operating income and a 13.0% operating margin.
What are the risks of investing in HCA?
Claude: Negative stockholders' equity (-$6.3B) indicates severe overleveraged balance sheet structure. Extremely high debt burden ($44.4B) with tight 3.9x interest coverage limiting financial flexibility. ChatGPT: Negative stockholders equity and $44.28B of long-term debt indicate an aggressive capital structure. Interest coverage of 4.4x is acceptable but not especially strong for a highly leveraged company.
What is HCA's revenue and growth?
HCA Healthcare, Inc. reported revenue of $19.1B.
Does HCA pay dividends?
HCA Healthcare, Inc. pays dividends, with $183.0M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.
Where can I find HCA SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for HCA Healthcare, Inc. (CIK: 0000860730) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is HCA's EPS?
HCA Healthcare, Inc. has a diluted EPS of $7.15.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined grade reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
What is HCA's fundamental grade?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in June 2026, HCA Healthcare, Inc. has a A grade with 76% confidence. The AI analysis suggests favorable fundamentals based on SEC filings. This is not investment advice.
Is HCA stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for HCA: ROE of N/A (sector avg: 15%), net margin of 8.5% (sector avg: 12%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
What is HCA's AI grade for 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives HCA Healthcare, Inc. a combined A grade for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is HCA's free cash flow?
HCA Healthcare, Inc.'s operating cash flow is $2.0B, with capital expenditures of $1.1B. FCF margin is 4.7%.
How does HCA compare to other Healthcare stocks?
Vs Healthcare sector averages: Net margin 8.5% (avg: 12%), ROE N/A (avg: 15%), current ratio 0.83 (avg: 2).