HCA falls after cautious 2027 forecast overshadows quarterly beat
BUZZ-HCA falls after cautious 2027 forecast overshadows quarterly beat Updates
** Shares of hospital operator HCA Healthcare HCA.N fall 4.5% to $444.21
** CEO Sam Hazen said in a call with analysts "we anticipate our earnings in 2027 will be generally consistent with 2026," adding that the "policy environment remains fluid"
** "HCA shares reversed course after management gave only a flat initial profit growth view for 2027, which reflects challenges related to ongoing policy changes" Morningstar analyst Julie Utterback said adding that "the market appeared disappointed by management's flat 2027 outlook"
** "We do expect that there still will be a meaningful impact on payer mix," Hazen added
** Co expects to receive about $550 million to $650 million less in medicaid supplemental payment net benefits in 2027
** HCA posts Q3 adjusted profit of $7.22 per share, above estimates of $6.66 apiece — LSEG data
** In July, HCA said it expects 2026 adj. profit between $28.70 and $30.50 per share
** Including session moves, stock down 4.5% YTD
(Reporting by Christy Santhosh and Siddhi Mahatole)