HCA Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HCA) reported earnings that appear massive on the surface, and it is because of gains from the purchase of the part of HealthONE it didn’t already own and from asset sales. The company even noted that it is a good sign of better jobs recovery because people may start to spend money on their health again.
The headline income was $1.94 billion, or $4.25 per share, boosted by gains. HCA said 2012 earnings may be $3.35 to $3.55 per share versus the $3.49 consensus estimate.
The company recently reported that Medicaid reimbursement reductions would hurt revenue expectations.
The news on earnings is one thing, but the $2.00 per share special dividend announcement is helping to dive shares higher. In early pre-market trading the stock is up almost 8% at $28.51 against a 52-week range of $17.03 to $35.37.
JON C. OGG
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