HCA predicts better first-quarter profits

HCA has reported that it expects to announce much-better first-quarter profits for this year compared with 2008, largely due to higher outpatient volume and better control of expenses.

HCA now expects pre-tax income of about $600 million to $650 million for the quarter, compared to $344 million in the year-ago quarter. These numbers were bolstered by the fact that same-facility equivalent admissions climbed 1.9 percent.

Quarterly revenue for Q1 '09 is expected to be between $7.4 billion and $7.45 billion, up from $7.27 billion a year ago, HCA leaders say.

To keep finances in balance, HCA will also offer $500 million in 10-year, senior secured notes, whose net proceeds will be used to repay term loans HCA has due in 2012 and 2013.

To learn more about HCA's expected results:
- read this Modern Healthcare article (reg. req.)

Related Articles:
HCA sees debt rising until patients get insured
HCA boosts income, stabilizes bad debt expense