HCA Holdings (HCA) Called Best 2nd-Half Idea at Bernstein

Bernstein analyst Lance Wilkes called HCA Holdings (NYSE: HCA) his best idea for the 2nd-half.

The analyst commented, " Hospitals valuations imply permanently impaired margins, while we expect wage inflation will be passed along. Our view is (1) 3Q/4Q should see mixed results with stable volumes and controlled temporary labor costs, offset by permanent labor wage increases, (2) we are seeing early indicators of wage inflation being passed along to payers, and (3) longer term upside from volume returning to pre Covid trend."

You May Also Be Interested In

• Bernstein SocGen: 'MediaTek Inc. (2454:TT) (MDTKF) is our Top Pick and the recent pullback provides a good setup'
• Amrize Ltd (AMRZ) PT Lowered to $40 at DA Davidson as FY26 Guidance 'at Risk'
• RPM International (RPM) PT Lowered to $117 at KeyBanc