HCA Healthcare reported third-quarter revenue of $19.849 billion on October 27, up 3.6% from a year earlier, while net income attributable to the company fell 3.9% to $1.579 billion.
Diluted earnings per share increased to $7.27 from $6.96. The company’s adjusted earnings measure was $7.22 per share; that figure excludes certain items and is not calculated under generally accepted accounting principles.
Patient activity increased unevenly. Admissions at comparable facilities rose 2.7%, and emergency-room visits climbed 5.1%. Inpatient surgeries declined 1.4%, while outpatient surgeries fell 3.7%.
Operating cash flow totaled $4.461 billion, compared with $4.416 billion a year earlier. HCA spent $2.970 billion repurchasing approximately 7.23 million shares during the quarter.
Management said it now expects annual operating results in the upper half of its previously issued guidance ranges. That is a forecast, subject to changes in patient volumes, costs and other operating conditions.
The company operated 189 hospitals and approximately 2,600 ambulatory care locations at September 30.
Sources: HCA Healthcare, October 27 earnings release: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261027765972/en/HCA-Healthcare-Reports-Third-Quarter-2026-Results