Comprehensive Earnings Preview for HCA Holdings

HCA Holdings HCA releases its next round of earnings this Tuesday, November 1, 2011. Here's Benzinga's advanced look at HCA Holdings' third quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of 44 cents/share and revenues of $7.99 billion.

Stock Performance:

At last check, shares of HCA Holdings were trading at $22.34. For a full 12 months, the return has declined by 34.9%. 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 is a Moderate Buy. This rating has strengthened slightly over the past ninety days.

Competitors:

Want to check out the performance of HCA Holdings closest competitors? Take a look at some of the company's peers in the healthcare sector.

• Community Health Systems CYH: Hold with a $0.81 recent quarter EPS
• HealthSouth HLS: Moderate Buy with a $0.30 recent quarter EPS
• Health Management Associates HMA: Moderate Buy with a $0.19 recent quarter EPS
• LifePoint Hospitals LPNT: Hold with a $0.77 recent quarter EPS

HCA Holdings is in the medical-hospitals industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 0.9%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: HCA Holdings offers health care services in the United States. The company owns, manages, or operates hospitals, freestanding surgery centers, diagnostic and imaging centers, radiation and oncology therapy centers, rehabilitation and physical therapy centers, and various other facilities.

Take Action:

There is your peek into HCA Holdings' upcoming earnings numbers, including some competitors to watch around the time of the announcement. Check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap. In the meantime, here are some links to explore today.

• To see up-to-date news on HCA Holdings, click here
• To see other trading ideas, click here
• To see other company earnings recaps, click here