HCA Healthcare Sees 4,344 Options Contracts Traded, 41.5% of Average Daily Volume
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 16 2026
0mins
Should l Buy HCA?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- HCA Options Volume: HCA Healthcare's options trading volume reached 4,344 contracts, representing approximately 434,400 shares, which is about 41.5% of its average daily trading volume over the past month, indicating a significant increase in market interest in the stock.
- High-Frequency Trading Analysis: Notably, the $430 strike put option expiring on February 20, 2026, saw 2,405 contracts traded today, equating to approximately 240,500 shares, suggesting heightened investor expectations for potential price declines in the future.
- KTOS Options Activity: In parallel, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions recorded an options trading volume of 13,906 contracts, approximately 1.4 million shares, which accounts for 41.4% of its average daily trading volume over the past month, reflecting strong activity in its stock.
- Bullish Call Option Trend: For KTOS, the $124 strike call option traded 806 contracts today, representing about 80,600 shares, indicating a bullish sentiment among investors regarding the company's future performance.
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Analyst Views on HCA
Wall Street analysts forecast HCA stock price to fall over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for HCA is 491.89 USD with a low forecast of 420.00 USD and a high forecast of 525.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
19 Analyst Rating
13 Buy
5 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 513.760
Low
420.00
Averages
491.89
High
525.00
Current: 513.760
Low
420.00
Averages
491.89
High
525.00
About HCA
HCA Healthcare, Inc. is a health care services company. It owns, manages or operates hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), freestanding emergency care facilities, urgent care facilities, walk-in clinics, diagnostic and imaging centers, radiation and oncology therapy centers, comprehensive rehabilitation and physical therapy centers, hospices, and various other facilities. Its general, acute care hospitals provide a full range of services to accommodate such medical specialties as internal medicine, general surgery, cardiology, oncology, neurosurgery, orthopedics and obstetrics, as well as diagnostic and emergency services. Its behavioral hospitals provide a full range of mental health care services through inpatient, partial hospitalization and outpatient settings. It operates approximately 190 hospitals and 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.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
HCA Healthcare Leverages AI to Enhance Operational Efficiency
- AI-Driven Staffing Tool: HCA Healthcare has launched an AI-assisted nurse staffing tool aimed at alleviating nurse shortages and burnout, thereby enhancing patient safety and optimizing scheduling efficiency; while not revolutionary, it significantly improves operational efficiency.
- Fetal Monitoring Technology Partnership: HCA Healthcare is collaborating with GE Healthcare to develop an AI-powered fetal heart rate monitor, designed to assist doctors in effectively monitoring fetal health and addressing workforce shortages, further enhancing the quality of medical services.
- Long-Term Investment Potential: With its extensive network of facilities and deep relationships with physicians and insurers, HCA Healthcare, combined with the application of AI technology, is expected to deliver solid investment returns in the future, particularly as global aging drives rising healthcare spending.
- Ongoing Technology Investment: HCA Healthcare has consistently prioritized investments in cutting-edge technology, and the introduction of AI will continue to enhance its ability to attract patients, ensuring the company maintains a competitive edge in the healthcare market.
See More
HCA Healthcare Leverages AI to Enhance Operational Efficiency
- AI-Driven Nurse Staffing Tool: HCA Healthcare has launched an AI nurse staffing tool aimed at alleviating nurse shortages and burnout, optimizing scheduling to enhance patient safety and improve service quality.
- Fetal Monitoring Innovation: HCA is collaborating with GE Healthcare to develop an AI-powered fetal heart rate monitor, designed to assist doctors in effectively monitoring fetal health, addressing workforce limitations and enhancing medical efficiency.
- Long-Term Growth Potential: As one of the largest hospital chains in the U.S., HCA Healthcare maintains its ability to attract patients through ongoing investments in cutting-edge technologies, particularly AI, which is expected to yield solid long-term returns.
- Market Demand Drivers: With the global aging population leading to rising healthcare spending, HCA Healthcare is well-positioned to benefit from its extensive network of facilities and strong relationships with physicians and insurers, further solidifying its market position.
See More
HCA Healthcare's 44 Hospitals Ranked Among America's 250 Best Hospitals
- Hospital Ranking Achievement: HCA Healthcare's recognition of 44 hospitals as part of America's 250 Best Hospitals for 2026 highlights its capability to deliver superior medical services across multiple specialties, reinforcing its leadership position in the national healthcare sector.
- Top Hospital List: Among these, three hospitals were named to America's 50 Best Hospitals, including Mission Hospital in North Carolina, HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge in Colorado, and HCA Florida Kendall Hospital in Florida, demonstrating their consistent performance in clinical excellence.
- Strict Evaluation Criteria: The selection criteria require hospitals to be evaluated in at least 21 of 31 Healthgrades procedures and conditions, ensuring that only those in the top 5% for clinical outcomes are recognized, which adds significant value to HCA Healthcare's brand image.
- Commitment to Continuous Improvement: Dr. Randy Fagin, HCA's senior vice president, emphasized that delivering high-quality, patient-centered care is their core mission, and this recognition reflects the dedication and teamwork of caregivers, further enhancing patient trust and satisfaction.
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HCA Healthcare Reports Mixed Q4 2025 Results Amidst Market Pressure
- Revenue Growth Weakness: HCA Healthcare reported total revenues of $19.513 billion for Q4 2025, reflecting a 6.7% year-over-year increase but falling short of the consensus estimate of $19.67 billion, indicating potential challenges in sustaining investor confidence moving forward.
- Earnings Beat Expectations: The company reported adjusted earnings of $8.01 per share, a significant increase from $6.22 a year ago, surpassing the consensus estimate of $7.43, suggesting an improvement in core business profitability.
- Cautious 2026 Outlook: HCA forecasts fiscal 2026 earnings between $29.10 and $31.50 per share, slightly below the consensus of $29.54, with projected sales of $76.5 billion to $80 billion, reflecting a cautious stance on future growth.
- Buyback Plan Boosts Confidence: The announcement of a $10 billion share buyback plan, despite market pressures, is seen as a strong signal of confidence in long-term value creation, indicating management's optimistic outlook for future business development.
See More
HCA Healthcare Reports Mixed Q4 2025 Results
- Revenue Growth: HCA Healthcare reported total revenues of $19.513 billion for Q4 2025, marking a 6.7% year-over-year increase, although it fell short of the consensus estimate of $19.67 billion, indicating increased market competition pressure.
- Earnings Beat: Adjusted earnings per share reached $8.01, up from $6.22 a year ago, surpassing the consensus of $7.43, reflecting the company's success in cost control and operational efficiency.
- Future Outlook: HCA forecasts fiscal 2026 earnings between $29.10 and $31.50 per share, slightly below the consensus of $29.54, while projecting sales of $76.5 billion to $80 billion, indicating a cautious stance on future growth.
- Stock Performance: HCA Healthcare shares closed at $505.84 on Tuesday, with analysts adjusting their price targets following the earnings announcement, reflecting mixed market sentiment regarding the company's future performance.
See More
Wall Street Analysts Adjust Ratings
- Analyst Rating Updates: Top Wall Street analysts have adjusted their ratings on several companies, reflecting varying market perspectives on their outlooks, which could influence investor decisions.
- Market Reaction Insight: While specific rating changes are not detailed, analysts' opinions typically have a direct impact on stock prices, prompting investors to closely monitor these shifts.
- Investor Guidance: When considering the purchase of GM stock, analysts' insights may provide crucial reference points, aiding investors in making more informed investment choices.
- Source of Rating Changes: Comprehensive information on all analyst rating changes can be found on the analyst ratings page, ensuring investors stay updated with the latest market insights.
See More
HCA Healthcare Leverages AI to Enhance Operational Efficiency
- AI-Driven Staffing Tool: HCA Healthcare has launched an AI-assisted nurse staffing tool aimed at alleviating nurse shortages and burnout, thereby enhancing patient safety and optimizing scheduling efficiency; while not revolutionary, it significantly improves operational efficiency.
- Fetal Monitoring Technology Partnership: HCA Healthcare is collaborating with GE Healthcare to develop an AI-powered fetal heart rate monitor, designed to assist doctors in effectively monitoring fetal health and addressing workforce shortages, further enhancing the quality of medical services.
- Long-Term Investment Potential: With its extensive network of facilities and deep relationships with physicians and insurers, HCA Healthcare, combined with the application of AI technology, is expected to deliver solid investment returns in the future, particularly as global aging drives rising healthcare spending.
- Ongoing Technology Investment: HCA Healthcare has consistently prioritized investments in cutting-edge technology, and the introduction of AI will continue to enhance its ability to attract patients, ensuring the company maintains a competitive edge in the healthcare market.
See More
HCA Healthcare Leverages AI to Enhance Operational Efficiency
- AI-Driven Nurse Staffing Tool: HCA Healthcare has launched an AI nurse staffing tool aimed at alleviating nurse shortages and burnout, optimizing scheduling to enhance patient safety and improve service quality.
- Fetal Monitoring Innovation: HCA is collaborating with GE Healthcare to develop an AI-powered fetal heart rate monitor, designed to assist doctors in effectively monitoring fetal health, addressing workforce limitations and enhancing medical efficiency.
- Long-Term Growth Potential: As one of the largest hospital chains in the U.S., HCA Healthcare maintains its ability to attract patients through ongoing investments in cutting-edge technologies, particularly AI, which is expected to yield solid long-term returns.
- Market Demand Drivers: With the global aging population leading to rising healthcare spending, HCA Healthcare is well-positioned to benefit from its extensive network of facilities and strong relationships with physicians and insurers, further solidifying its market position.
See More
HCA Healthcare's 44 Hospitals Ranked Among America's 250 Best Hospitals
- Hospital Ranking Achievement: HCA Healthcare's recognition of 44 hospitals as part of America's 250 Best Hospitals for 2026 highlights its capability to deliver superior medical services across multiple specialties, reinforcing its leadership position in the national healthcare sector.
- Top Hospital List: Among these, three hospitals were named to America's 50 Best Hospitals, including Mission Hospital in North Carolina, HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge in Colorado, and HCA Florida Kendall Hospital in Florida, demonstrating their consistent performance in clinical excellence.
- Strict Evaluation Criteria: The selection criteria require hospitals to be evaluated in at least 21 of 31 Healthgrades procedures and conditions, ensuring that only those in the top 5% for clinical outcomes are recognized, which adds significant value to HCA Healthcare's brand image.
- Commitment to Continuous Improvement: Dr. Randy Fagin, HCA's senior vice president, emphasized that delivering high-quality, patient-centered care is their core mission, and this recognition reflects the dedication and teamwork of caregivers, further enhancing patient trust and satisfaction.
See More
HCA Healthcare Reports Mixed Q4 2025 Results Amidst Market Pressure
- Revenue Growth Weakness: HCA Healthcare reported total revenues of $19.513 billion for Q4 2025, reflecting a 6.7% year-over-year increase but falling short of the consensus estimate of $19.67 billion, indicating potential challenges in sustaining investor confidence moving forward.
- Earnings Beat Expectations: The company reported adjusted earnings of $8.01 per share, a significant increase from $6.22 a year ago, surpassing the consensus estimate of $7.43, suggesting an improvement in core business profitability.
- Cautious 2026 Outlook: HCA forecasts fiscal 2026 earnings between $29.10 and $31.50 per share, slightly below the consensus of $29.54, with projected sales of $76.5 billion to $80 billion, reflecting a cautious stance on future growth.
- Buyback Plan Boosts Confidence: The announcement of a $10 billion share buyback plan, despite market pressures, is seen as a strong signal of confidence in long-term value creation, indicating management's optimistic outlook for future business development.
See More
HCA Healthcare Reports Mixed Q4 2025 Results
- Revenue Growth: HCA Healthcare reported total revenues of $19.513 billion for Q4 2025, marking a 6.7% year-over-year increase, although it fell short of the consensus estimate of $19.67 billion, indicating increased market competition pressure.
- Earnings Beat: Adjusted earnings per share reached $8.01, up from $6.22 a year ago, surpassing the consensus of $7.43, reflecting the company's success in cost control and operational efficiency.
- Future Outlook: HCA forecasts fiscal 2026 earnings between $29.10 and $31.50 per share, slightly below the consensus of $29.54, while projecting sales of $76.5 billion to $80 billion, indicating a cautious stance on future growth.
- Stock Performance: HCA Healthcare shares closed at $505.84 on Tuesday, with analysts adjusting their price targets following the earnings announcement, reflecting mixed market sentiment regarding the company's future performance.
See More
Wall Street Analysts Adjust Ratings
- Analyst Rating Updates: Top Wall Street analysts have adjusted their ratings on several companies, reflecting varying market perspectives on their outlooks, which could influence investor decisions.
- Market Reaction Insight: While specific rating changes are not detailed, analysts' opinions typically have a direct impact on stock prices, prompting investors to closely monitor these shifts.
- Investor Guidance: When considering the purchase of GM stock, analysts' insights may provide crucial reference points, aiding investors in making more informed investment choices.
- Source of Rating Changes: Comprehensive information on all analyst rating changes can be found on the analyst ratings page, ensuring investors stay updated with the latest market insights.
See More
