HCA Earnings Preview: Analyts Expect Higher Earnings, Revenue from Prior Quarter

HCA HCA unveils its next round of earnings this Monday, July 25, 2011. Here's Benzinga's essential guide to HCA's second quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Ahead of the company's earnings announcement, analysts are expecting a positive EPS reading of 59 cents per share and revenues of $8.14 billion.

Stock Performance:

Shares of HCA were trading at $33.03 as of July 19, 2011. For a full 12 months, the return has declined by 5%. Given that these returns are generally negative, long-term shareholders are probably a little upset going into this earnings release.

• Long-term shareholders are already wary of 12-month losses prior to the announcement

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts for HCA is a Moderate Buy. Over the past three months this rating's strength has declined slightly.

Competitors:

Wondering how HCA compares to rivals in the same sector? Here are a few of the company's peers.

• Community Health Systems CYH: Hold with a $0.80 recent quarter EPS
• Health Management Associates HMA: Moderate Buy with a $0.22 recent quarter EPS
• LifePoint Hospitals LPNT: Hold with a $0.88 recent quarter EPS
• MedCath MDTH: Hold with a $0.02 recent quarter EPS

HCA is in the medical-hospitals industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 2.7%.

Take Action:

That's your advanced look at HCA's upcoming earnings numbers -- be ready to take quick action if the company's report contains any surprises. Also, check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap and what-to-do-next guide.

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