HCA Healthcare (NYSE: HCA) Q1 2026 results, dividend and buybacks
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
HCA Healthcare, Inc. reported first quarter 2026 results showing modest growth and solid cash generation. Revenues rose 4.3% to $19.109 billion, while net income attributable to HCA increased 0.6% to $1.620 billion. Diluted earnings per share climbed 10.9% to $7.15, helped by share repurchases.
Adjusted EBITDA grew 1.9% to $3.802 billion, and cash flows from operating activities increased 22.0% to $2.014 billion. Management noted weaker seasonal respiratory volumes and weather-related impacts, largely offset by certain Medicaid supplemental program recognition.
The company continued significant capital deployment, with $1.119 billion in capital expenditures and repurchase of 3.157 million shares for $1.571 billion. The board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.78 per share, payable June 30, 2026. HCA reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance, including projected revenues of $76.5–$80.0 billion and Adjusted EBITDA of $15.55–$16.45 billion.
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Insights
HCA posts steady Q1 growth, strong cash flow, and reaffirms 2026 outlook.
HCA Healthcare delivered Q1 2026 revenue of $19.109 billion, up 4.3%, with net income attributable to HCA at $1.620 billion. EPS grew faster than profits, rising to $7.15 on a smaller share count. Adjusted EBITDA increased to $3.802 billion, though the margin eased to 19.9%.
Volumes were mixed: same facility admissions and equivalent admissions grew modestly, while inpatient and outpatient surgeries and emergency visits dipped slightly. Management cited a lack of typical seasonal respiratory volume and a winter storm, largely offset by certain Medicaid supplemental program recognition, highlighting reliance on policy-driven payments.
Cash generation remained strong with operating cash flow of $2.014 billion and substantial capital deployment: $1.119 billion of capital expenditures and $1.571 billion of share repurchases, plus a $0.78 per-share dividend. Reaffirmed 2026 guidance for revenues of $76.5–$80.0 billion and Adjusted EBITDA of $15.55–$16.45 billion signals unchanged expectations despite macro and policy risks detailed in the forward-looking statements.
8-K Event Classification
Key Figures
Key Terms
Adjusted EBITDA financial
same facility admissions financial
noncontrolling interests financial
non-GAAP financial measures financial
Forward-Looking Statements regulatory
Earnings Snapshot
For full-year 2026, HCA forecasts revenues of $76.5–$80.0 billion, net income attributable to HCA of $6.495–$7.035 billion, and Adjusted EBITDA of $15.55–$16.45 billion, with diluted EPS of $29.10–$31.50 on 223.5 million diluted shares.
