HCA Healthcare Inc

**Strong Q3 Financial Performance, Despite Hurricanes**: HCA Healthcare reported a 25% increase in diluted earnings per share (EPS), reaching $4.90, despite an estimated $0.15 adverse impact from Hurricane Helene. The company's revenue growth was strong, with same-facility revenue increasing by 7.1%, driven by a 4.5% growth in inpatient admissions and a 4.6% increase in emergency room visits.

**Volume Growth Expectations for 2025**: HCA projects continued volume growth in 2025 at elevated levels of 3% to 4%, exceeding long-term demand assumptions of 2% to 3%. This is based on expectations of strong market demand and a stable operating environment.

**Challenges from Hurricanes**: The company faces ongoing challenges due to Hurricane impacts, with estimated additional expenses and lost revenue in Q4 projected to be $200 million to $300 million, largely from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Two hospitals are still affected, with repairs ongoing, but past experiences suggest they will recover and exceed previous performance.