HCA Healthcare (NYSE: HCA) lifts Q2 revenue, revises 2026 guidance
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
HCA Healthcare reported solid second quarter 2026 results with revenues of $20.230 billion, up 8.7% from a year earlier. Net income attributable to HCA was $1.699 billion and diluted EPS rose to $7.62 (adjusted EPS $7.59). Adjusted EBITDA increased to $4.027 billion, while same facility admissions grew 2.5%, equivalent admissions 2.7% and emergency room visits 3.6%. Same facility inpatient and outpatient surgeries declined 2.3% and 3.4%, respectively.
Results reflected a payer mix shift from higher uninsured volume tied to health insurance exchanges, which HCA estimates reduced income before income taxes by about $400 million in the quarter. This was partly offset by approximately $400 million of incremental net benefit from Medicaid Supplemental Payment Programs, largely from a Florida directed payment program that added $1.372 billion of revenues and $829 million of other operating expenses for periods back to October 1, 2024.
For the first six months of 2026, revenues were $39.339 billion and net income attributable to HCA was $3.319 billion (EPS $14.77). As of June 30, 2026 HCA held $1.013 billion in cash, $49.718 billion of total debt and $63.250 billion of total assets. Operating cash flow for the quarter was $2.335 billion. Capital expenditures in the quarter were $1.231 billion, and HCA repurchased 4.752 million shares for $2.064 billion, leaving $7.210 billion under its authorization. The board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.78 per share, payable September 30, 2026.
HCA updated its 2026 outlook, now guiding to revenues of $77.000 to $79.500 billion, net income attributable to HCA of $6.300 to $6.700 billion, Adjusted EBITDA of $15.400 to $16.100 billion, and diluted EPS of $28.70 to $30.50. The company raised its estimated unfavorable impact from health insurance exchanges on 2026 income before income taxes to $(1.000) to $(1.200) billion, from $(600) to $(900) million, and increased its expected Medicaid Supplemental Payment Programs net benefit to $300 to $500 million, from a prior estimate of $(50) to $(250) million. The 2026 capital expenditure estimate of $5.0 to $5.5 billion, excluding acquisitions, remains unchanged.
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Adjusted EBITDA financial
Medicaid Supplemental Payment Programs financial
health insurance exchanges financial
payer mix shift financial
directed payment program financial
Earnings Snapshot
For 2026 HCA guides to revenues of $77.000–$79.500 billion, net income attributable to HCA of $6.300–$6.700 billion, Adjusted EBITDA of $15.400–$16.100 billion, diluted EPS of $28.70–$30.50, and capital expenditures of $5.0–$5.5 billion.
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