The earnings call presented a mix of positive outcomes and challenges. Despite strong revenue growth, effective cost management, and robust cash flow, the impact of recent hurricanes on operations and ongoing challenges with payer denials posed significant concerns. The company's ability to generate strong volumes and manage costs effectively provided a solid foundation, but the adverse effects of natural disasters and payer challenges could not be overlooked.

Company Guidance

During the HCA Healthcare Q3 2024 earnings call, executives provided substantial guidance on several key metrics and future expectations. Adjusted EBITDA showed a 13% year-over-year increase, and diluted earnings per share as adjusted rose by 25% to $4.90, despite a $0.15 per share impact from hurricanes. The company reported a 7.9% revenue growth for the quarter and an adjusted EBITDA margin improvement of 90 basis points. Looking ahead to 2025, HCA anticipates volume growth of 3% to 4%, driven by continued strong demand and a stable operating environment. The company reaffirmed its 2024 guidance but expects results to be in the lower half of the range due to an anticipated $200 million to $300 million impact from hurricane-related expenses and lost revenue in Q4. Additionally, HCA plans to add approximately 600 inpatient beds and 100 new outpatient facilities by the end of the year, aiming to enhance its network with $6 billion in projects under development.

Strong Revenue Growth

The third quarter reflected solid revenue growth of 7.9% over the prior year, driven by strong volumes and margin improvement.

Volume Growth Across Service Lines

Inpatient admissions and adjusted admissions both grew by 4.5%. Emergency room visits increased by 4.6%, and inpatient surgeries were up by 1.6%.

Effective Cost Management

Labor costs as a percentage of revenue improved by 160 basis points from the prior year. Contract labor costs decreased by 18% from the prior year.

Strong Cash Flow and Share Repurchases

Cash flow from operations was $3.5 billion for the quarter. The company repurchased $1.79 billion of its outstanding shares.

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HCA Healthcare (DE:2BH) Earnings, Revenues Date & History

The upcoming earnings date is based on a company’s previous reporting, and may be updated when the actual date is announced

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DE:2BH Earnings History

Report Date	Fiscal Quarter	Forecast / EPS	Last Year's EPS	EPS YoY Change	Slides	Play Transcript
Jul 25, 2018	2018 (Q2)	- / 2.22	1.699	30.86% (+0.52)	―	―
Oct 30, 2018	2018 (Q3)	- / 2.10	1.175	78.51% (+0.92)	―	―
Jan 29, 2019	2018 (Q4)	- / 2.90	2.068	40.38% (+0.83)	―	―
Apr 30, 2019	2019 (Q1)	- / 2.88	2.262	27.47% (+0.62)	―	―
Jul 30, 2019	2019 (Q2)	- / 2.15	2.223	-3.49% (-0.08)	―	―
Oct 29, 2019	2019 (Q3)	- / 2.17	2.097	3.24% (+0.07)	―	―
Jan 28, 2020	2019 (Q4)	- / 3.00	2.903	3.34% (+0.10)	―	―
Apr 21, 2020	2020 (Q1)	- / 2.26	2.883	-21.55% (-0.62)	―	―
Jul 22, 2020	2020 (Q2)	- / 3.14	2.146	46.15% (+0.99)	―	―
Oct 26, 2020	2020 (Q3)	- / 1.86	2.165	-13.90% (-0.30)	―	―

The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.

Beat

Missed

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DE:2BH Earnings-Related Price Changes

Report Date	Price 1 Day Before	Price 1 Day After	Percentage Change
Oct 25, 2024	€367.72	€372.81	+1.38%
Jul 23, 2024	€297.17	€309.73	+4.22%
Apr 26, 2024	€290.53	€284.36	-2.12%
Jan 30, 2024	€261.65	€275.94	+5.46%

Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.

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