Summary by Futu AI
HCA Healthcare reported strong financial results for Q3 2024, with revenues increasing 7.9% to $17.49 billion from $16.21 billion in Q3 2023. Net income attributable to HCA rose 17.7% to $1.27 billion, or $4.88 per diluted share, compared to $1.08 billion, or $3.91 per diluted share, in the prior year period. The growth was driven by a 5.0% increase in equivalent admissions and a 2.8% increase in revenue per equivalent admission.Same facility metrics showed solid performance with admissions up 4.5% and emergency department visits increasing 4.6% year-over-year. The company achieved operational improvements with salaries and benefits as a percentage of revenues decreasing to 45.0% from 46.6% last year, benefiting from a 17.8% reduction in contract labor costs. Supply costs increased to 15.2% of revenues compared to 14.9% in Q3 2023.Looking ahead, HCA expects additional expenses of $200-300 million in Q4 2024 due to impacts from Hurricanes Helene and Milton on facilities in Florida and North Carolina. The company maintains a strong financial position with $7.99 billion available under credit facilities and plans approximately $5 billion in capital expenditures for 2024. During Q3, HCA repurchased 4.95 million shares at an average price of $362.74 per share.