Stockchase Opinions

Eric BushellHCA IncHCATOP PICKMay 28, 2003

Trading at 10 X future earnings. Huge free cash flow generator.
$33.34

Stock price when the opinion was issued

$386.92

As of Jun 23, 2026. Market Open.

medical services
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It is the largest hospital operator in the U.S. It is a defensive stock with consistent revenue but not consistent costs. It will continue to have issues with this and he wants to see more visibility on costs. It executes well.

TOP PICK
A bit contrarian. Not a consensus long. Unique. Largest operator of for-profit hospitals in the US, plus emergency and ambulatory care centres. Key component of healthcare delivery. Executing exceptionally well over 6-7 years. Labour costs have been a drag, but this is abating. Yield is 1.07%. (Analysts’ price target is $257.67)
BUY
This got upgraded yesterday, and he thinks it will go to $200.
PAST TOP PICK

(A Top Pick Aug 13/15. Down 11.51%.) This has been dead quiet over the course of the last year. It had a lift through November-February, and then basically has consolidated ever since. The group is actually starting to look quite interesting. The sector has been improving from a relative strength standpoint, since June. This could still be a Buy at these levels.

TOP PICK

Healthcare has been a big focus of his. This is the largest hospital management companies in the US, even if only 5% of the market, so there is lots of room for growth. The US population is aging. This is a steady, non-economically sensitive company.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick May 28/03. Up 18%.) When the economy went into a downturn, they got out.
TOP PICK
The hospital sector is interesting. There is a lot of room for consolidation. Trading at low multiples.
BUY
The largest public health hospital in the US. Buying some of the troubled Tenet Health Care assets. Cheap. Prefers over Tenet.
HOLD
Disappointed on the earnings. Should be near their bottom now.
PAST TOP PICK
(Was a top pick on Sept 20. Down 11%.) Still likes. It has been oversold.
TOP PICK
One of the biggest US health care stocks. Was oversold by the market.
TOP PICK
Demographics on health care are good.
PAST TOP PICK
A top pick on Mar 18. Up around 7 or 8%) Still likes.
TOP PICK
Making money. Demographic trends are very positive.