Yahoo Finance Why HCA Healthcare (HCA) is a Top Stock for the Long-Term
If you're a beginner investor, the idea of creating a portfolio from the ground up can feel like an impossible goal to achieve. That's why you should start by looking at stocks that are set to beat the market over the next 12 months, a strategy that's been proven to generate strong returns.
Let's now take a look at one standout stock that could be a perfect fit for your portfolio.
Why You Should Pay Attention to HCA Healthcare (HCA)
HCA Healthcare is the largest non-governmental operator of acute care hospitals in the United States. Headquartered in Nashville, TN, it operates hospitals and related health care entities. At the end of 2023, the company operated 186 hospitals and approximately 2,400 ambulatory sites of care, including surgery centers, freestanding emergency rooms, urgent care centers and physician clinics, in 20 states and the United Kingdom.
On January 7, 2019, HCA was added to the Zacks Focus List at $123.39 per share. Shares have increased 164.98% to $326.96 since then.
For fiscal 2024, six analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.30 to $20.79. HCA boasts an average earnings surprise of 5.6%.
Earnings for HCA Healthcare are forecasted to see growth of 9.4% for the current fiscal year as well.
Since stock prices respond to earnings estimate revisions, it can be very profitable to buy stocks with an increased earnings outlook. By buying a Focus List stock like HCA, then, you're likely getting into a company whose future earnings estimates will be raised, potentially leading to price momentum.
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HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) : Free Stock Analysis Report
