HCA Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:HCA) is one of the most undervalued large cap stocks to buy according to analysts. On April 24, HCA Healthcare reported financial results for Q1 2026, featuring revenues of $19.109 billion, a 4.3% increase over the previous year. Net income rose slightly to $1.620 billion, while diluted EPS grew by 10.9% to $7.15. Adjusted EBITDA for the period reached $3.802 billion, reflecting a 1.9% increase, and cash flows from operating activities saw a significant rise of 22% to $2.014 billion.
Operational performance reflected a dynamic start to the year, with same-facility admissions increasing by 0.9% and equivalent admissions by 1.3%. However, the company noted that typical seasonal volume growth was absent, primarily driven by a 42% decline in respiratory-related admissions and the impact of severe winter storms in January. Additionally, same-facility inpatient and outpatient surgeries saw slight declines compared to Q1 2025.
CEO Sam Hazen credited the company’s staff for adapting to these changing conditions. HCA Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:HCA) noted that the unfavorable impacts on patient volumes were largely mitigated by the recognition of specific Medicaid supplemental programs that had not been accounted for in the company’s initial 2026 financial guidance.
HCA Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:HCA) is a leading American for-profit company, providing healthcare services through its 186 hospitals and approximately 2,400 sites of care in 20 states and the UK.
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