HCA Healthcare reports solid first-quarter financials

Editor's Note

Solid operating margins and an improved payer mix contributed to robust financial outcomes for HCA Healthcare in the first quarter of 2024, including “significant growth” in inpatient admissions, surgeries and emergency room visits, according to an April 29 article on Investing.com.

According to the report, outpatient surgery revenue decreased due to calendar effects and reduced Medicaid volume. However, a nearly 9% increase in adjusted earnings per share is among the factors contributing to HCA’s optimism about demand for services through the rest of the year. The company has reaffirmed its full-year 2024 guidance ranges.

Other takeaways include:

• Emergency room visits rose 7%
• Diluted earnings per share increased to $5.36, up almost 9% from the previous year.
• Adjusted EBITDA reached $3.35 billion, a 5.7% increase year-over-year.
• Acquisitions of Valesco and Wise Health System are contributing to non-same-store revenue.
• The company expects a modest headwind in revenue from Medicaid DPP programs in 2024.

“HCA Healthcare's first quarter of 2024 has been marked by strong performance, with growth in key areas such as inpatient admissions and emergency room visits,” the report concludes. “Despite some challenges, such as a decline in outpatient surgery revenue and potential headwinds from Medicaid DPP programs, the company's overall outlook remains positive, supported by strategic investments and operational discipline.”