HCA Healthcare Inc's stock soared 8.94% during the pre-market session on Tuesday, following the release of its fourth-quarter 2025 financial results and 2026 outlook.
The hospital operator reported adjusted earnings of $8.01 per share for the fourth quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $7.46 per share. Further fueling investor optimism, HCA provided 2026 profit guidance in the range of $29.10 to $31.50 per share, with the midpoint above the average analyst estimate.
The company attributed its strong performance to robust demand for medical care services and higher utilization of government Medicare insurance plans. Additionally, HCA's board announced a significant return of capital to shareholders by raising the quarterly dividend by 8.3% and authorizing an additional $10 billion share repurchase program.