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HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) Price Target Analysis

Wall Street analyst price targets, ratings consensus & upside potential · Updated Feb 28, 2026

Current Price
$529.70
Market reference
Price Target
$523.92
-1.1% Upside
Target Range
$425.00 — $635.00
Wide divergence
Analyst Rating
Buy
46 analysts
Forward P/E17.5x
Trailing P/E18.7x
Forward PEG0.83
Implied Growth+2.9%
Median Target$525.00
Analyst Spread40.1%

HCA trades 1.1% above the consensus target of $523.92. Current price reflects optimism beyond analyst expectations.

Price Forecast (1 Year)

Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path

Current$529.70
Consensus$523.92
High$635.00
Low$425.00
Model$659.11
Bear Case
$425
-19.8%
Consensus
$524
-1.1%
Bull Case
$635
+19.9%
Valuation Model TargetsConfidence: 81/100
Bear$538
Base$659
Bull$867

Analyst Ratings Distribution

Breakdown of 46 published analyst recommendations for HCA

30/46 analysts are bullish
+30
BearishBullish
Weighted analyst sentiment score based on 46 ratings
ConsensusBuy
Coverage46 Analysts
Net Score+30
Bull / Bear65% / 4%
Strong Buy00%
Buy3065%
Hold1430%
Sell24%
Strong Sell00%
Strong Buy
00%
Buy
3065%
Hold
1430%
Sell
24%
Strong Sell
00%
Recommendation Mix65% Buy · 30% Hold · 4% Sell
Buy (30)Hold (14)Sell (2)

HCA Price Target Analysis

Updated March 2, 2026

As of March 2, 2026, HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $523.92, based on estimates from 46 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $529.70, this represents a potential downside of -1.1%. The company has a market capitalization of $118.45B.

Analyst price targets range from a low of $425.00 to a high of $635.00, representing a 40% spread in expectations. The median target of $525.00 aligns closely with the consensus average.

The current analyst consensus rating is Buy, with 30 analysts rating the stock as a Buy or Strong Buy,14 rating it Hold, and 2 rating it Sell or Strong Sell. The positive sentiment balance indicates moderate optimism about the stock prospects.

From a valuation perspective, HCA trades at a trailing P/E of 18.7x and forward P/E of 17.5x. The forward PEG ratio of 0.83 suggests the stock may be undervalued relative to its growth. Analysts expect EPS to grow +2.9% over the next year.

Our proprietary valuation model, which blends historical multiples with forward estimates, suggests a base-case price target of $659.11, with bear and bull scenarios of $537.74 and $866.62 respectively. Model confidence stands at 81/100, indicating high predictability in the company's fundamentals.

Investment Context: Price targets represent analyst expectations for the next 12 months and should be considered alongside your own research. Targets are based on analysts' assumptions about earnings growth, margins, and market conditions which may change. For sector-specific context, view other Healthcare stocks.

Analyst Sentiment Comparison

Industry Peer Analysis
Avg Peer Upside+12.3%
Avg Forward P/E17.2x
Peers with Coverage8 / 9
CompanyMarket CapPriceTargetUpsideRatingFwd P/EAnalysts
HCAHCA Healthcare, Inc.
$118.5B$529.70$523.92-1.1%Buy17.5x46
THCTenet Healthcare Corporation$21.0B$239.39$257.45+7.5%Buy14.1x32
MPWMedical Properties Trust, Inc.$3.2B$5.44$5.00-8.1%Hold47.6x28
ACHCAcadia Healthcare Company, Inc.$2.1B$23.44$19.82-15.4%Buy15.7x25
ARDTArdent Health Partners, LLC$1.3B$9.39$14.57+55.2%Buy7.4x12
UHTUniversal Health Realty Income Trust$605M$43.62———25.2x—
CYHCommunity Health Systems, Inc.$485M$3.46$3.40-1.7%Hold—37
AUNAAuna S.A.$161M$5.34$7.63+42.9%Hold1.6x1
UHSUniversal Health Services, Inc.$3M$206.10$245.67+19.2%Hold8.8x43

Upside Potential Comparison

ARDT
+55.2%
AUNA
+42.9%
UHS
+19.2%
THC
+7.5%
HCA
-1.1%
CYH
-1.7%
MPW
-8.1%
ACHC
-15.4%

See HCA's True Return

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Is HCA Undervalued?

See our Bear / Base / Bull DCF models and intrinsic value estimates.

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Compare HCA vs AGIO

See how HCA stacks up against sector leader Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc..

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HCA stock price target for 2026?

Wall Street's consensus price target for HCA is $523.92, -1.1% from its current price of $529.7. The below-market target from 46 analysts suggests limited near-term appreciation.

Is HCA a buy, sell, or hold?

HCA has a consensus rating of "Buy" based on 46 Wall Street analysts. The rating breakdown is predominantly bullish, with 30 Buy/Strong Buy ratings. The consensus 12-month price target of $523.92 implies -1.1% downside from current levels.

Is HCA stock overvalued or undervalued?

With a forward P/E of 17.5016x, HCA trades at a relatively low valuation. The consensus target of $523.92 implies -1.1% move, suggesting the market may be pricing in risks.

How high can HCA stock go?

The most bullish Wall Street analyst has a price target of $635 for HCA, while the most conservative target is $425. The consensus of $523.92 represents the median expectation. Our quantitative valuation model projects a bull case target of $867 based on optimistic growth and margin assumptions. These targets typically reflect 12-month expectations.

How many analysts cover HCA stock?

HCA is heavily covered by Wall Street, with 46 analysts providing price targets and ratings. Of these, 0 have Strong Buy ratings, 30 have Buy ratings, 14 recommend Hold, and 2 have Sell or Strong Sell ratings. Higher analyst coverage generally indicates greater institutional interest and more reliable consensus estimates.

What is the HCA stock forecast?

The 12-month HCA stock forecast based on 46 Wall Street analysts shows a consensus price target of $523.92, with estimates ranging from $425 (bear case) to $635 (bull case). The median consensus rating is "Buy". Our proprietary valuation model produces a base case fair value of $659, with bear/bull scenarios of $538/$867.

What is HCA's fair value based on fundamentals?

Our quantitative valuation model calculates HCA's fair value at $659 (base case), with a bear case of $538 and bull case of $867. The model uses discounted cash flow analysis, historical growth rates, and margin mean-reversion to project FY+2 earnings, then applies an appropriate P/E multiple. The model confidence score is 81/100.

What is HCA's forward P/E ratio?

HCA trades at a forward P/E ratio of 17.5x based on next-twelve-months earnings estimates compared to a trailing P/E of 18.7x. The lower forward P/E indicates analysts expect earnings growth. A forward P/E is useful for comparing valuations when earnings are expected to change significantly.

Should I buy HCA stock?

Analysts are cautious on HCA, with 2 Sell ratings and a price target of $523.92 (-1.1% from current price). The "Buy" consensus suggests careful evaluation before buying. This information is for educational purposes only. Always conduct your own research, consider your financial situation, and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Why do HCA price targets vary so much?

HCA analyst price targets range from $425 to $635, a 40% moderate spread showing some variance in outlooks. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $523.92 consensus represents the middle ground. Our model's $538-$867 range provides an independent fundamental perspective.

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