HCA Misses on Key Financials, Stock Drops Sharply

The Nashville-based for-profit hospital operator's revenues went up slightly, but other metrics missed the mark.

Though HCA Healthcare's total revenues increased to $12.6 billion in Q2, the company missed on other key areas, according to its latest earnings released Tuesday morning.

HCA reported a net income of $783 million, down from $820 million this time last year, and an adjusted EBTDA of $2.29 that was better than Q2 2018 but fell from Q1 2019. 

The Nashville-based for-profit hospital operator's financial numbers from Q2 sent its stock tumbling in early morning trading, where it was down more than 10% by 10 a.m.  

Related: $405M in Facilities Sale Drives Busy Q1 for HCA

Same facility admissions and same facility equivalent admissions each rose by 2.1% and 2.6%, respectively, while same facility emergency room visits jumped 3% year-over-year.

However, growth in same facility outpatient surgeries and same facility revenues per equivalent admission slowed in Q2 while same facility inpatient surgeries declined 0.1%.

The company updated its financial guidance in light of its Q2 results, projecting diluted earnings per share in a range between $10.25 and $10.65.

Related: HCA Asks Judge to Toss Lawsuit Alleging ER 'Cover Charge'

HCA had two major developments in Q2, asking a federal judge to dismiss a class action lawsuit alleging unfair billing practices at three Florida hospitals and its acquisition of 24 MedSpring urgent care centers from Fresenius Medical Care.

Related: HCA Buys 24 MedSpring Urgent Care Centers from Fresenius

ADDITIONAL HCA Q2 EARNINGS REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:

• Salaries, benefits, supplies, and other operating expenses accounted for 81.9% of revenues, down from 80.8% this time last year.
• The company repurchased $242 million worth of stock in Q2 and has just over $1.75 billion remaining under its existing repurchase agreement.  
• The company also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.40 per share to be paid on September 30.
• By the end of Q2, HCA was operating 184 hospitals, down from 185 hospitals at the end of Q1.

For complete financial information, review HCA Healthcare's filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.