Kiltearn Partners LLP has increased its investment in HCA Healthcare, Inc. by 8.1% during the third quarter of 2023, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm now holds 42,700 shares of HCA, valued at approximately $18.2 million, making HCA Healthcare the ninth largest position in Kiltearn’s portfolio.
This increase follows the acquisition of an additional 3,200 shares in the recent quarter, reflecting Kiltearn’s confidence in HCA’s growth potential. Institutional investors and hedge funds have also shown significant interest in the company, with several firms adjusting their positions in HCA during the same period.
Clearstead Trust LLC has notably raised its stake in HCA Healthcare by an impressive 311.8%, acquiring a total of 70 shares worth $27,000 after purchasing 53 additional shares. Similarly, Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. increased its holdings by 82.9%, resulting in ownership of 75 shares valued at $32,000.
Other firms, such as Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC and Compound Global Advisors LLC, have also entered new positions in HCA, reflecting a growing trend among institutional investors. Currently, institutional ownership stands at 62.73% of HCA’s stock.
Recent Insider Transactions
In related news, insider activity has seen notable transactions. On February 11, Christopher F. Wyatt, Senior Vice President, sold 4,000 shares at an average price of $505.00, totaling $2.02 million. Following this sale, Wyatt retained 44,379 shares valued at around $22.4 million, marking an 8.27% decrease in his ownership.
Moreover, another senior vice president, Jennifer Berres, sold 8,020 shares on the same day for a total of $4.13 million, leaving her with 11,993 shares worth approximately $6.17 million. Collectively, insiders sold 15,214 shares worth nearly $7.8 million in the last quarter, with insiders currently holding 1.30% of the stock.
HCA Healthcare’s Financial Performance
HCA Healthcare recently reported its earnings for the fourth quarter of 2023, revealing earnings per share of $8.01, surpassing analysts’ expectations of $7.37 by $0.64. The company generated revenues of $19.51 billion, slightly below analyst estimates of $19.67 billion, yet showing a year-over-year increase of 6.7%.
Looking ahead, HCA has set its fiscal year 2026 earnings guidance between $29.1 and $31.5 per share. Analysts predict that HCA will post earnings of $24.98 per share for the current year.
Additionally, HCA Healthcare announced a quarterly dividend of $0.78 per share, payable on March 31, 2024, to shareholders of record on March 17, 2024. This marks an increase from the previous dividend of $0.72, representing an annualized dividend of $3.12 and a yield of 0.6%.
The company’s payout ratio currently stands at 10.15%, indicating a strong capacity to maintain its dividend payments while reinvesting in growth.
In conclusion, Kiltearn Partners’ increased stake in HCA Healthcare, alongside positive earnings results and a rising dividend, reflect a favorable outlook for the company. As institutional interest grows, HCA Healthcare continues to position itself as a significant player in the healthcare sector.
