Stock Analysis on Net
Stock Analysis on Net

HCA Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:HCA)

This company has been moved to the archive! The financial data has not been updated since May 3, 2022.

Economic Value Added (EVA)

Microsoft Excel

EVA is registered trademark of Stern Stewart.

Economic value added or economic profit is the difference between revenues and costs,where costs include not only expenses, but also cost of capital.


Economic Profit

HCA Healthcare Inc., economic profit calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)1 9,050 5,607 5,941 5,865 4,332
Cost of capital2 17.77% 17.21% 16.18% 16.73% 14.28%
Invested capital3 36,837 34,570 33,534 29,729 27,635
 
Economic profit4 2,504 (341) 516 892 384

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 NOPAT. See details »

2 Cost of capital. See details »

3 Invested capital. See details »

4 2021 Calculation
Economic profit = NOPAT – Cost of capital × Invested capital
= 9,050 – 17.77% × 36,837 = 2,504


The financial performance from 2017 to 2021 is characterized by a general expansion of the capital base and a significant increase in operating profitability toward the end of the period. While the growth in invested capital remained steady, the ability to generate economic profit exhibited notable volatility, culminating in a substantial peak in 2021.

Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
A consistent growth trend is observed, rising from 4,332 million USD in 2017 to 9,050 million USD in 2021. A marginal decline occurred in 2020, followed by a sharp increase in 2021, indicating a significant surge in operational efficiency and earnings capacity.
Cost of Capital
The cost of capital demonstrated a general upward trajectory, increasing from 14.28% in 2017 to 17.77% by 2021. This rise indicates an increasing hurdle rate that must be overcome to create economic value.
Invested Capital
A steady increase in invested capital is evident, growing from 27,635 million USD in 2017 to 36,837 million USD in 2021. This represents a consistent expansion of the asset base used to generate operating returns.
Economic Profit
Economic profit fluctuated significantly, moving from 384 million USD in 2017 to a peak of 2,504 million USD in 2021. A period of value destruction occurred in 2020, where economic profit fell to -341 million USD, signifying that NOPAT was insufficient to cover the required return on invested capital. The subsequent recovery in 2021 reflects a strong reversal and a substantial increase in value creation above the cost of capital.

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Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)

HCA Healthcare Inc., NOPAT calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Net income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc. 6,956 3,754 3,505 3,787 2,216
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)1 17 (109) 278 15 432
Increase (decrease) in equity equivalents2 17 (109) 278 15 432
Interest expense 1,566 1,584 1,824 1,755 1,690
Interest expense, operating lease liability3 94 98 98 94 90
Adjusted interest expense 1,660 1,682 1,922 1,849 1,780
Tax benefit of interest expense4 (349) (353) (404) (388) (623)
Adjusted interest expense, after taxes5 1,312 1,329 1,518 1,461 1,157
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest 765 633 640 602 527
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT) 9,050 5,607 5,941 5,865 4,332

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 Elimination of deferred tax expense. See details »

2 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc..

3 2021 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= 2,147 × 4.40% = 94

4 2021 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense = Adjusted interest expense × Statutory income tax rate
= 1,660 × 21.00% = 349

5 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net income attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc..


Net Income Attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc.
The net income shows a general upward trend over the analyzed period. Starting at 2,216 million US dollars in 2017, the figure increased significantly to 3,787 million in 2018, representing strong growth. There was a slight decline in 2019 to 3,505 million, followed by a moderate recovery in 2020 to 3,754 million. Notably, the net income surged markedly in 2021, reaching 6,956 million US dollars, indicating a substantial increase and a possible improvement in operational efficiency or market conditions.
Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
The NOPAT values also exhibit a consistent upward trajectory with minor fluctuations. Beginning at 4,332 million US dollars in 2017, it rose steadily to 5,865 million in 2018 and slightly higher to 5,941 million in 2019. A small decrease occurred in 2020, with NOPAT declining to 5,607 million. However, a significant increase is evident in 2021, with NOPAT rising sharply to 9,050 million US dollars. This substantial growth in 2021 may reflect enhanced operational performance or effective cost management, contributing to improved profitability after taxes.

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Cash Operating Taxes

HCA Healthcare Inc., cash operating taxes calculation

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Provision for income taxes 2,112 1,043 1,099 946 1,638
Less: Deferred income tax expense (benefit) 17 (109) 278 15 432
Add: Tax savings from interest expense 349 353 404 388 623
Cash operating taxes 2,444 1,505 1,225 1,319 1,829

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).


Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes exhibited a fluctuating pattern over the five-year period. Initially, there was a decline from 1,638 million US dollars in 2017 to 946 million in 2018. This was followed by an increase in 2019 to 1,099 million. In 2020, the provision slightly decreased to 1,043 million, but surged significantly in 2021 to 2,112 million US dollars, representing the highest level in the observed timeframe.
Cash Operating Taxes
Cash operating taxes showed a general upward trend despite some variability. The amount decreased from 1,829 million US dollars in 2017 to 1,319 million in 2018, then marginally declined again to 1,225 million in 2019. However, there was a notable increase in 2020 to 1,505 million, followed by a substantial rise in 2021 to 2,444 million US dollars, reaching the peak value for the period under review.
Comparative Analysis
Both the provision for income taxes and cash operating taxes demonstrated significant increases in 2021, more than doubling their respective lows in 2018 and 2019. The divergence in trends between 2017 and 2018 indicates an initial reduction phase before a strong upward movement. The cash operating taxes consistently remained higher than the provision for income taxes each year, suggesting a potential difference in the timing or recognition of tax expenses compared to actual tax payments.

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Invested Capital

HCA Healthcare Inc., invested capital calculation (financing approach)

US$ in millions

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Long-term debt due within one year 237 209 145 788 200
Long-term debt due after one year, less debt issuance costs and discounts 34,342 30,795 33,577 32,033 32,858
Operating lease liability1 2,147 2,052 1,849 1,708 1,725
Total reported debt & leases 36,726 33,056 35,571 34,529 34,783
Stockholders’ equity (deficit) attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc. (933) 572 (2,808) (4,950) (6,806)
Net deferred tax (assets) liabilities2 (395) (385) (300) (478) (510)
Equity equivalents3 (395) (385) (300) (478) (510)
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax4 404 502 460 381 278
Noncontrolling interests 2,422 2,320 2,243 2,032 1,811
Adjusted stockholders’ equity (deficit) attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc. 1,498 3,009 (405) (3,015) (5,227)
Construction in progress5 (1,387) (1,495) (1,632) (1,785) (1,921)
Invested capital 36,837 34,570 33,534 29,729 27,635

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 Addition of capitalized operating leases.

2 Elimination of deferred taxes from assets and liabilities. See details »

3 Addition of equity equivalents to stockholders’ equity (deficit) attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc..

4 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.

5 Subtraction of construction in progress.


Total reported debt & leases

This liability metric showed a generally stable pattern throughout the observed periods, fluctuating slightly but remaining within the range of approximately US$33 billion to US$37 billion. Specifically, the value decreased from US$34.8 billion in 2017 to US$33.1 billion in 2020, followed by an increase to US$36.7 billion in 2021. This trend suggests a degree of active debt management, with a reduction during the 2018-2020 period and an increase in the most recent year.

Stockholders’ equity (deficit) attributable to HCA Healthcare, Inc.

The equity position exhibited a significant improvement from a negative value of US$6.8 billion in 2017 to nearly break-even at US$572 million in 2020, indicating a substantial repair of shareholders’ equity over this four-year span. However, in 2021, there was a reversal back to a negative equity balance of US$933 million, though this deficit was still less severe than the initial figures at the beginning of the period. This reflects volatility in retained earnings or other components influencing equity, as well as possible impacts of operational or non-operational factors on equity structure.

Invested capital

A steady and continuous increase in invested capital is evident across the five-year timeframe, rising from US$27.6 billion in 2017 to US$36.8 billion in 2021. This indicates ongoing investment activity and capital deployment in the business, suggesting expansion or renewal efforts. The upward trend is consistent year-over-year without any contractions or plateaus, signaling sustained capital growth.

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Cost of Capital

HCA Healthcare Inc., cost of capital calculations

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 74,109 74,109 ÷ 114,797 = 0.65 0.65 × 25.54% = 16.49%
Long-term debt3 38,541 38,541 ÷ 114,797 = 0.34 0.34 × 4.60% × (1 – 21.00%) = 1.22%
Operating lease liability4 2,147 2,147 ÷ 114,797 = 0.02 0.02 × 4.40% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.07%
Total: 114,797 1.00 17.77%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Long-term debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 60,291 60,291 ÷ 98,157 = 0.61 0.61 × 25.54% = 15.69%
Long-term debt3 35,814 35,814 ÷ 98,157 = 0.36 0.36 × 5.00% × (1 – 21.00%) = 1.44%
Operating lease liability4 2,052 2,052 ÷ 98,157 = 0.02 0.02 × 4.80% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.08%
Total: 98,157 1.00 17.21%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Long-term debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 50,124 50,124 ÷ 88,999 = 0.56 0.56 × 25.54% = 14.38%
Long-term debt3 37,026 37,026 ÷ 88,999 = 0.42 0.42 × 5.20% × (1 – 21.00%) = 1.71%
Operating lease liability4 1,849 1,849 ÷ 88,999 = 0.02 0.02 × 5.30% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.09%
Total: 88,999 1.00 16.18%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Long-term debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 48,621 48,621 ÷ 83,216 = 0.58 0.58 × 25.54% = 14.92%
Long-term debt3 32,887 32,887 ÷ 83,216 = 0.40 0.40 × 5.50% × (1 – 21.00%) = 1.72%
Operating lease liability4 1,708 1,708 ÷ 83,216 = 0.02 0.02 × 5.50% × (1 – 21.00%) = 0.09%
Total: 83,216 1.00 16.73%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Long-term debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 35,284 35,284 ÷ 71,698 = 0.49 0.49 × 25.54% = 12.57%
Long-term debt3 34,689 34,689 ÷ 71,698 = 0.48 0.48 × 5.20% × (1 – 35.00%) = 1.64%
Operating lease liability4 1,725 1,725 ÷ 71,698 = 0.02 0.02 × 5.20% × (1 – 35.00%) = 0.08%
Total: 71,698 1.00 14.28%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 US$ in millions

2 Equity. See details »

3 Long-term debt. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »


Economic Spread Ratio

HCA Healthcare Inc., economic spread ratio calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit1 2,504 (341) 516 892 384
Invested capital2 36,837 34,570 33,534 29,729 27,635
Performance Ratio
Economic spread ratio3 6.80% -0.99% 1.54% 3.00% 1.39%
Benchmarks
Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors4
Abbott Laboratories -1.92%
Elevance Health Inc. 1.50%
Intuitive Surgical Inc. 12.34%
Medtronic PLC -6.68%
UnitedHealth Group Inc. 3.96%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 Invested capital. See details »

3 2021 Calculation
Economic spread ratio = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Invested capital
= 100 × 2,504 ÷ 36,837 = 6.80%

4 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The financial performance between 2017 and 2021 is characterized by a consistent expansion of the capital base contrasted by significant volatility in economic value generation. While the total capital employed increased steadily each year, the capacity to generate returns exceeding the cost of capital varied, culminating in a substantial peak in 2021.

Invested Capital Growth
A sustained upward trend in invested capital is evident, rising from 27,635 million USD in 2017 to 36,837 million USD by 2021. This continuous growth indicates a steady increase in the scale of operations and asset accumulation over the five-year period.
Economic Profit Volatility
Economic profit demonstrated marked instability, fluctuating from 384 million USD in 2017 to a peak of 2,504 million USD in 2021. A critical contraction occurred in 2020, where economic profit fell to -341 million USD, signifying that the returns generated were insufficient to cover the cost of the invested capital during that fiscal year.
Economic Spread Ratio Analysis
The economic spread ratio mirrored the fluctuations in economic profit, serving as a measure of capital efficiency. The ratio rose from 1.39% in 2017 to 3.00% in 2018, then declined to 1.54% in 2019 and reached a trough of -0.99% in 2020. The period ended with a sharp recovery to 6.80% in 2021, representing the highest efficiency of value creation relative to the capital base within the analyzed timeframe.

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Economic Profit Margin

HCA Healthcare Inc., economic profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019 Dec 31, 2018 Dec 31, 2017
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Economic profit1 2,504 (341) 516 892 384
Revenues 58,752 51,533 51,336 46,677 43,614
Performance Ratio
Economic profit margin2 4.26% -0.66% 1.01% 1.91% 0.88%
Benchmarks
Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3
Abbott Laboratories -2.77%
Elevance Health Inc. 0.70%
Intuitive Surgical Inc. 9.71%
Medtronic PLC -16.04%
UnitedHealth Group Inc. 1.94%

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 2021 Calculation
Economic profit margin = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Revenues
= 100 × 2,504 ÷ 58,752 = 4.26%

3 Click competitor name to see calculations.


An analysis of the financial performance from 2017 to 2021 reveals a consistent expansion in revenues paired with significant volatility in economic profit and the corresponding economic profit margin.

Revenue Trajectory
Revenues exhibited a steady upward trend, growing from 43,614 million USD in 2017 to 58,752 million USD by 2021. This indicates a consistent increase in the scale of operations over the five-year period.
Economic Profit Volatility
Economic profit experienced substantial fluctuations during the period. An initial increase from 384 million USD in 2017 to 892 million USD in 2018 was followed by a decline to 516 million USD in 2019. A contraction occurred in 2020, where economic profit fell to -341 million USD, before a sharp recovery in 2021, reaching a peak of 2,504 million USD.
Economic Profit Margin Performance
The economic profit margin closely mirrored the volatility of the absolute economic profit. The margin rose to 1.91% in 2018 but declined to a negative 0.66% in 2020, signifying that the return on capital was insufficient to cover the cost of capital during that year. A significant reversal was observed in 2021, with the margin expanding to 4.26%, the highest level recorded in the analyzed period, reflecting a substantial increase in value creation relative to revenue.

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