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NASHVILLE - HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: NYSE:HCA) reported fourth quarter earnings that topped analyst estimates and issued an upbeat forecast for 2025, sending shares up 1.39% in premarket trading Friday.
The hospital operator posted adjusted earnings per share of $6.22 for Q4, exceeding the consensus estimate of $6.14. Revenue came in at $18.29 billion, slightly above expectations of $18.23 billion and up 5.7% YoY.
"We finished 2024 with strong business fundamentals that were consistent with previous quarters," said Sam Hazen, Chief Executive Officer of HCA Healthcare.
For the full year 2024, HCA reported revenue of $70.6 billion, up 8.7% from 2023. Adjusted EBITDA rose to $13.88 billion from $12.73 billion the prior year.
Looking ahead, the company forecast 2025 earnings per share between $24.05 and $25.85 on revenue of $72.8 billion to $75.8 billion. The midpoint of the EPS guidance range is above the current analyst consensus of $24.61.
HCA also announced a new $10 billion share repurchase program, signaling confidence in its financial position and outlook. The company's board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.72 per share.
Same facility admissions increased 3.0% in Q4 compared to the prior year period, while same facility equivalent admissions rose 3.1%. Emergency room visits were up 2.4% on a same facility basis.
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