Reuters: HCA’s broadly flat 2027 earnings outlook pressures hospital shares

On Oct. 27, CEO Sam Hazen said HCA expects 2027 earnings to be generally consistent with 2026; a full outlook is due in January. HCA expects 2%–3% volume growth, but cited uninsured-patient increases, exchange contraction and lower Medicaid payments. Shares fell more than 5%; Tenet fell 2% and UHS 6%. HCA said Q3 uninsured-patient mix cut pretax income about $400M.