HCA Healthcare (HCA) Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold?
HCA - HCA Healthcare, Inc.
$426.65
3.26 (0.77%)
â˛
5d:
-2.06%
30d:
+6.12%
90d:
+2.3%
WAIT
LOW Confidence
Analysis Updated: Oct 2, 2026 12:00 AM ET
Earnings: Oct 23, 2026
20d
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Interactive Price Chart (1 Month)
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Bottom Line:
âšī¸ NEUTRAL: HCA is fairly priced but lacks strong directional signals. At -1.7% expected growth, valuation appears fair. Wait for clearer setup or better entry on dips.
âšī¸ NEUTRAL: HCA is fairly priced but lacks strong directional signals. At -1.7% expected growth, valuation appears fair. Wait for clearer setup or better entry on dips.
Long-Term Wealth Forecast (2031)
Based on Analyst Consensus Growth & Historical Valuation
0% (Stagnation)
50% (Hyper Growth)
EST. PRICE IN 2031
$603.66
Based on 6.3% avg growth
INTRINSIC VALUE TODAY
$374.82
Trading above historical range
How this is calculated: We use a Growth Decay Model: starting with analyst consensus growth (adjusted above) and gradually slowing it down to a long-term terminal rate (4%) by Year 5. This provides a more realistic valuation than assuming constant hyper-growth. We then apply a 13.9x Exit PE.
In-depth Analysis How we analyze
Valuation Analysis: HCA is currently trading at $426.65, which is considered fair relative to its 30-day fair value range of $413.84 to $432.76. The stock's valuation (Forward PE: 13.2) is in line with its historical norms (13.9). Remarkably, the market is currently pricing in an annual earnings decline of 1.7% over the next few years. This pessimistic expectation contrasts with the company's recent 11.6% earnings growth, suggesting potential undervaluation if the company simply maintains stability.
Technical Outlook: Technically, HCA is in a uptrend. The price is currently testing key support at $420.00. A bounce from this level would confirm strength, while a break below could signal further downside.
Market Sentiment: The stock scores a mixed 40/100 on our bottoming-setup gauge, with only partial signs of a stabilized entry point. In the options market, Implied Volatility is low (0th percentile), suggesting options premiums are relatively cheap. This makes it an attractive time for long options strategies if you have a directional bias. Current signals suggest waiting for a better entry point before initiating new positions.
Technical Outlook: Technically, HCA is in a uptrend. The price is currently testing key support at $420.00. A bounce from this level would confirm strength, while a break below could signal further downside.
Market Sentiment: The stock scores a mixed 40/100 on our bottoming-setup gauge, with only partial signs of a stabilized entry point. In the options market, Implied Volatility is low (0th percentile), suggesting options premiums are relatively cheap. This makes it an attractive time for long options strategies if you have a directional bias. Current signals suggest waiting for a better entry point before initiating new positions.
Quick Decision Summary
Current Position
FAIR
Historical Trading Range
$413.84 -
$432.76
Company Quality Score
48/100
(HOLD)
Volume Confirmation
HIGH
Confidence Score
73.8%
Protect Your Profits
Holding HCA? Use our AI-powered strategies to protect your downside while keeping your long-term position.
View Profit Protection PlanAll Signals
- NEUTRAL: Price in fair range
- BULLISH: Options cheap (IV 0th percentile)
- NEUTRAL: Mixed technical signals (40/100)
- BULLISH: High volume confirmation
- NEUTRAL: Near Wall St target ($454.23)
- WARNING: Composite score 48/100 in the bottom quintile â this cohort historically lags the market
Trading Range Analysis
30-Day Trading Range
$413.84 -
$432.76
Current vs Trading Range
FAIR
Expected Move (7 Days)
Âą$21.42
(5.0%)
Support & Resistance Levels
Support Level
$420.00
Resistance Level
$446.36
Current Trend
Uptrend
Technical data as of
Oct 2, 2026
Fundamental Context
Forward P/E (Next Year Est.)
13.22
Wall Street Target
$454.23
(+7.3%)
Revenue Growth (YoY)
8.7%
Earnings Growth (YoY)
11.6%
Profit Margin
8.8%
Valuation Discount vs History
-1.7% cheaper
PE vs Historical
13.2 vs 13.9
FAIR
Market-Implied Price Targets
If current PE multiple persists
Implied Growth (YoY):
-1.7%
(market-implied from PE analysis)
1-Year Target
$416.19
(-2%)
2-Year Target
$409.12
(-3%)
3-Year Target
$402.16
(-5%)
3-Yr Target (if PE normalizes)
(PE: 13â14)
$422.71
(0%)
3-Year Scenarios
Using analyst projected EPS growth
Bull:
(PE: 20.4, Growth: 8.6%)
$835.81
(+97%)
Base:
(SPY PE: 13.2, Growth: 8.6%)
$541.82
(+28%)
Bear:
(PE: 11.2, Growth: 8.6%)
$460.55
(+9%)
đ
Valuation based on Current Earnings
RECOVERY PLAY: Stock looks expensive now (14x PE), but valuation improves significantly next year (13x PE) as earnings recover.
Trailing PE: 14.47 | Current EPS (TTM): $29.49
Bull Case
$509.62
(+20%)
Analyst growth 8.6%, PE expands to 15.9
Base Case
$463.29
(+9%)
Market implied 8.6%, PE stable at 14.5
Bear Case
$290.18
(-32%)
Severe decline -20.0%, PE contracts to 12.3
These are projections based on PE multiples and EPS growth scenarios, not predictions. Actual results may vary significantly.
đĄ
Upside Surprise Potential
If earnings stabilize (0% growth), PE could expand from 13.2 to 13.9
Stabilization Target:
$445.02
(+5.1%)
PE Expansion Potential:
+5.1%
Share & Embed Analysis
Last updated: October 02, 2026 1:52 PM ET
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 2:52 PM
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 2:52 PM
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Technical Signals Check
Is HCA showing a specific setup today?
Insider Activity (6 Months)
0
Buys
0
Sells
0
Net
NEUTRAL
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Advanced HCA Option Strategies
Professional options setups generated by AI based on today's HCA price and gamma walls.
