Monday, Oppenheimer has increased the price target for HCA Healthcare Inc (NYSE: NYSE:HCA) from $390.00 to $400.00, while maintaining an Outperform rating on the stock. The firm's analyst highlighted HCA Healthcare's ability to navigate the challenges posed by the recent hurricanes, which are expected to persist into the fourth quarter and push full-year 2024 guidance towards the lower end of the forecast range.
Despite these challenges, management anticipates earnings growth for 2025 to meet or exceed the company's long-term targets. This confidence is supported by projections of admissions growth between 3-4%, which surpasses the long-term goal of 2-3%. Following the third-quarter results, Oppenheimer has made slight revisions to its earnings per share estimates for the fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026 to $21.85, $24.64, and $27.13, respectively, down from previous estimates.
The analyst pointed out that HCA Healthcare has shown strong performance, suggesting that the stock's post-third-quarter weakness is a result of the company being a "victim of its own success." With investor attention turning to the potential impact of the upcoming elections on state-directed payments, Oppenheimer's stance remains positive, encouraging buying the stock amidst the recent dip in price.
The report concludes by reaffirming confidence in HCA Healthcare's prospects, suggesting that the company's robust growth trajectory and strategic management of external challenges position it well for future performance.
In other recent news, HCA Healthcare reported a 25% increase in adjusted diluted earnings per share to $4.90 and a 7.1% revenue growth from the same facilities, despite the challenges posed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. These natural disasters led to an estimated revenue loss of $50 million for Q3, with an additional projected loss of $200-$300 million for Q4.
The company also revealed expansion plans, aiming to add 600 inpatient beds and 100 outpatient facilities by the end of 2024. For 2025, HCA Healthcare anticipates volume growth between 3% to 4%, with formal guidance to be provided in January.
Several firms have adjusted their price targets for HCA Healthcare following these developments. KeyBanc Capital Markets reduced its price target to $420, while TD Cowen adjusted its target to $440. Meanwhile, Mizuho maintained its target at $425, and Cantor Fitzgerald raised its target to $405. These adjustments reflect the recent performance and future expectations of HCA Healthcare as analyzed by these firms.
InvestingPro Insights
Recent InvestingPro data aligns with Oppenheimer's positive outlook on HCA Healthcare. Despite the stock taking a significant hit over the last week, with a 1-week price total return of -11.49%, HCA's long-term performance remains strong. The company boasts a 62.66% 1-year price total return and a 35.07% year-to-date return, indicating resilience in the face of short-term challenges.
InvestingPro Tips highlight that HCA has been aggressively buying back shares and has raised its dividend for 4 consecutive years, demonstrating management's confidence in the company's financial health. This aligns with the analyst's view on HCA's ability to navigate challenges and maintain growth.
The company's P/E ratio of 16.3 and revenue growth of 10.23% over the last twelve months support the analyst's projection of continued earnings growth. For investors seeking more comprehensive analysis, InvestingPro offers 9 additional tips that could provide further insight into HCA's market position and future prospects.
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