Morgan Stanley has downgraded HCA Healthcare Inc (HCA) to Underweight from Equal-Weight, signaling increased caution about the company's outlook. This decision, effective December 14, 2025, comes as HCA's current share price stands at $473.70.
The downgrade reflects potential concerns regarding competitive pressures, market conditions, or execution risks that could impact HCA's performance. As a major player in the healthcare industry, HCA operates approximately 190 hospitals and 2,400 ambulatory sites, providing a wide range of medical services across the United States and the United Kingdom.
HCA Healthcare boasts a market capitalization of $110.1 billion, with a P/E ratio of 17.35 and a dividend yield of 61.4%. The company reported an EPS of $6.96 for Q3 2025, exceeding estimates by 20.6%. Upcoming earnings are scheduled for July 23, 2026, with an EPS estimate of $7.54.
Analyst ratings, such as this downgrade, serve as one of many factors for investors to consider. HCA's current analyst consensus remains a Buy, with 6 Strong Buy, 12 Buy, and 13 Hold ratings among 31 total analysts. The landscape of analyst opinions can shift as new information becomes available, underscoring the importance of comprehensive research in investment decisions.