Brandes Investment Partners 13F: Cuts HCA Stake by $17M

Brandes Investment Partners Adjusts Hospital Holdings

Brandes Investment Partners filed a Form 13F with the Securities and Exchange Commission showing a reduced stake in HCA Healthcare, Inc. NYSE:HCA during the period. The institutional investor parted ways with 43,607 shares of the hospital operator, translating to an 11.3% decrease from its prior holdings. Institutional filings look backward at a prior quarter and may not reflect the firm's current portfolio today.

Trimming the Stake in HCA Healthcare

Prior to the adjustment, the firm held 386,831 shares of HCA Healthcare. The recent cut leaves Brandes Investment Partners with a remaining block of 343,224 shares. Based on the reporting period values, that remaining block carried an estimated market value of about $134.0 million. Brandes often adjusts positions across its portfolio, having recently made adjustments in other equities like Alphabet and Graham Corporation.

HCA Healthcare Stock Trades and Market Standing

The hospital operator's shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker HCA. The stock changes hands against a backdrop of varying market sentiment, with the company operating numerous hospitals and surgery centers across the United States. Investors often monitor these large fund changes to gauge how major value managers view the health care sector.

Recent Earnings and Financial Health

HCA Healthcare reported solid financial figures with $78.0 billion in revenue alongside an 8.7% revenue growth rate. The firm generated earnings per share of $29.81, supported by a net margin of 8.8% and a return on equity of over 40%. The next earnings report is scheduled for October 23, 2026, when management will update the market on hospital volumes and operating costs.

Dividend Payouts for Shareholders

The company distributes an annual dividend rate of $3.12 per share, which translates to a dividend yield of 0.7%. This payout is supported by a conservative dividend payout ratio of 10.1%, leaving the company plenty of room to reinvest in its facilities or buy back shares.

Wall Street Analyst Views on HCA

Wall Street firms keep a close watch on the medical care provider, with a consensus buy rating and a mean price target of $452.29 based on 21 analyst opinions. On October 12, 2026, TD Cowen maintained its buy rating and raised its price target to $460.00. Earlier on October 7, 2026, RBC Capital kept an outperform rating while lifting its target to $496.00. BMO Capital also initiated coverage on September 23, 2026, with an outperform rating and a $495.00 target.

Inside HCA Healthcare Operations

HCA Healthcare, Inc. provides health care services through its extensive network of hospitals, freestanding emergency care facilities, and outpatient centers across the United States. Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, the firm employs over 230,000 people dedicated to acute care, surgical services, and community health.

What to Watch Next for the Fund

As investors digest these latest regulatory disclosures, attention turns to upcoming quarterly filings and operational milestones. Form 13F reports provide a helpful look at institutional shifts, though they arrive months after the trades actually occurred. Observers will watch whether Brandes continues trimming or stabilizes its position in subsequent quarters.