BUZZ – HCA shares fall as cautious forecast for 2027 outweighs quarterly earnings beat

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October 27 - ** Hospital operator HCA Healthcare (HCA.N) shares fell 4.5%, closing at $444.21

** CEO Sam Hazen said during a call with analysts: “We expect earnings in 2027 to be roughly flat with 2026,” adding that “the policy environment remains highly variable.”

** Morningstar analyst Julie Utterback said, “HCA shares reversed because management projected flat profit growth in 2027, reflecting ongoing challenges from policy changes,” adding, “The market seemed disappointed with management’s flat outlook for 2027.”

** “We do expect continued significant impacts on the payer mix,” Hazen added.

** The company expects to receive about $550 million to $650 million less in net Medicaid supplemental payment proceeds in 2027.

** According to LSEG data, HCA’s adjusted earnings per share for the third quarter were $7.22, above market expectations of $6.66.

** In July, HCA said it expected adjusted earnings per share in 2026 to range between $28.70 and $30.50

**Including intraday swings, the stock has fallen 4.5% so far this year

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