HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) P/E Ratio History
Historical price-to-earnings valuation from 2011 to 2025
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Valuation Context
How does the current P/E compare to historical and market benchmarks?
P/E Ratio Analysis
As of March 1, 2026, HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.7x, with a stock price of $529.70 and trailing twelve-month earnings per share of $29.40.
The current P/E is 34% above its 5-year average of 13.9x. Over the past five years, HCA's P/E has ranged from a low of 8.1x to a high of 18.2x, placing the current valuation at the 100th percentile of its historical range.
Compared to the Healthcare sector median P/E of 23.7x, HCA trades at a 21% discount to its sector peers. The sector includes 224 companies with P/E ratios ranging from 0.0x to 184.4x.
The PEG ratio of 0.89 (P/E divided by 29% EPS growth) suggests the stock may be undervalued relative to its earnings growth. Peter Lynch popularized the rule that a PEG below 1.0 indicates an attractive entry point.
Relative to the broader market, HCA trades at a notable discount to the S&P 500 median P/E of 26.2x. Investors should consider the company's growth prospects, competitive position, and earnings quality when evaluating whether the current valuation is justified.
For a comprehensive intrinsic value estimate using discounted cash flow analysis, see our HCA DCF Valuation Calculator →
Note: P/E ratio is just one valuation metric. It does not account for balance sheet strength, cash flow quality, or growth sustainability. Always conduct comprehensive due diligence before making investment decisions.
Peer Comparison
P/E metrics vs. Hospitals and inpatient facilities peers
| Company | Market Cap | P/E Ratio | PEG Ratio | EPS Growth (1Y) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
HCAHCA Healthcare, Inc. | $118B | 18.7 | 0.89 | +29% |
THCTenet Healthcare Corporation | $21B | 15.5 | 0.47 | -53% |
ARDTArdent Health Partners, LLC | $1B | 5.9 | 0.08Best | +351%Best |
UHTUniversal Health Realty Income Trust | $605M | 34.3 | - | -9% |
CYHCommunity Health Systems, Inc. | $485M | 0.9Lowest | - | +197% |
AUNAAuna S.A. | $161M | 11.0 | - | +128% |
UHSUniversal Health Services, Inc. | $3M | 8.9 | 0.56 | +37% |
Peers sorted by market capitalization. P/E below peers may indicate undervaluation or lower growth expectations. Consider PEG ratio for growth-adjusted comparison.
Historical P/E Data
Quarterly P/E ratios calculated from closing price and TTM EPS
| Quarter | Date | Price | TTM EPS | P/E Ratio | vs Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2025 Q4 | Wed Dec 31 2025 00:00:00 GM | $466.86 | $28.38 | 16.5x | +26% |
| FY2025 Q3 | $426.20 | $25.87 | 16.5x | +26% | |
| FY2025 Q2 | Mon Jun 30 2025 00:00:00 GM | $383.10 | $23.80 | 16.1x | +24% |
| FY2025 Q1 | Mon Mar 31 2025 00:00:00 GM | $345.55 | $22.50 | 15.4x | +18% |
| FY2024 Q4 | $300.15 | $21.99 | 13.6x | +5% | |
| FY2024 Q3 | Mon Sep 30 2024 00:00:00 GM | $406.43 | $22.29 | 18.2x | +40% |
| FY2024 Q2 | Sun Jun 30 2024 00:00:00 GM | $321.28 | $21.29 | 15.1x | +16% |
| FY2024 Q1 | Sun Mar 31 2024 00:00:00 GM | $333.53 | $20.05 | 16.6x | +28% |
| FY2023 Q4 | Sun Dec 31 2023 00:00:00 GM | $270.68 | $18.96 | 14.3x | +10% |
| FY2023 Q3 | Sat Sep 30 2023 00:00:00 GM | $245.98 | $20.31 | 12.1x | -7% |
| FY2023 Q2 | Fri Jun 30 2023 00:00:00 GM | $303.48 | $20.33 | 14.9x | +15% |
| FY2023 Q1 | Fri Mar 31 2023 00:00:00 GM | $263.68 | $19.94 | 13.2x | +1% |
Average P/E for displayed period: 13.0x
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Start ComparisonFrequently Asked Questions
Is HCA stock overvalued or undervalued?
HCA trades at 18.7x P/E, above its 5-year average of 13.9x. The 100th percentile ranking indicates a premium to historical valuation.
How does HCA's valuation compare to peers?
HCA Healthcare, Inc. P/E of 18.7x compares to sector median of 23.7x. The discount suggests lower growth expectations or higher risk.
What is HCA's PEG ratio?
HCA PEG ratio is 0.89. Below 1.0 indicates valuation is supported by earnings growth rate. Historical P/E data spans 2011-2025.