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Investing.com - BofA Securities downgraded HCA Healthcare Inc (NYSE:HCA) from Buy to Neutral on Wednesday, while lowering its price target to $394.00 from $410.00. The stock, currently trading at $371.80, down from its previous close of $380.45, has shown strong momentum with a 24% gain year-to-date. According to InvestingPro, the company maintains a "GREAT" overall financial health score.
The downgrade comes as BofA Securities cited increasing headwinds from cuts to Medicaid and Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchanges within the recently passed Reconciliation Bill, also known as OBBB.
BofA Securities reduced its 2026 and 2027 estimates for HCA Healthcare, anticipating a reduction in patient volumes and higher bad debt resulting from the legislation.
The firm also lowered its target price-to-earnings multiple for HCA Healthcare, noting that additional cuts, including reductions to state-directed payment programs, will increase in future years.
These healthcare funding cuts are expected to create approximately a 2% annual headwind for HCA Healthcare through 2030, according to BofA Securities’ analysis.
In other recent news, HCA Healthcare’s financial outlook has been a focal point for analysts. Cantor Fitzgerald has reiterated its Overweight rating on HCA Healthcare, maintaining a price target of $444.00, citing potential revenue growth from Tennessee’s Directed Payment Program and hurricane recovery efforts. Meanwhile, RBC Capital has raised its price target for HCA to $404.00, expressing increased confidence in the company’s resilience amid changing U.S. healthcare policies.
Additionally, HCA Healthcare has expanded its board by appointing John W. Chidsey, former CEO of Subway, as an independent director. This move is seen as a strategic addition, with Chidsey set to join key committees within the organization. Cantor Fitzgerald also highlighted HCA’s collaboration with Galen College of Nursing, noting it as a positive development for addressing nurse staffing needs. The partnership is expected to enhance HCA’s recruitment strategy and long-term growth potential.
These developments underscore HCA Healthcare’s strategic positioning in the healthcare sector, with analysts maintaining a favorable outlook on the company’s performance.
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