10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2002

HCA Healthcare, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2002

Filed May 10, 2002For Securities:HCA

Summary

HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) reported strong financial performance for the first quarter ended March 31, 2002. Revenues increased by 8.3% to $4.87 billion compared to the prior year, driven by an 8.8% rise in revenue per equivalent admission. This growth was primarily attributed to renegotiated managed care contracts offering more favorable terms and improved government reimbursements. The company also demonstrated improved profitability, with income before income taxes rising 15.5% to $626 million. Reported net income increased by 18.1% to $385 million, or $0.74 per diluted share. This performance reflects effective cost management, with other operating expenses decreasing as a percentage of revenue, despite an increase in supply costs. HCA's strategic focus on core communities and operational efficiencies continues to drive positive financial results.

Key Highlights

  • 1Revenue increased 8.3% to $4.87 billion in Q1 2002 compared to Q1 2001.
  • 2Income before income taxes grew by 15.5% to $626 million.
  • 3Reported net income rose 18.1% to $385 million, with diluted EPS of $0.74.
  • 4Revenue per equivalent admission increased by 8.8%, driven by favorable managed care contract renewals.
  • 5Salaries and benefits remained stable as a percentage of revenue (39.6%), despite increased revenue per equivalent admission.
  • 6Other operating expenses decreased as a percentage of revenue to 16.3% from 17.5%, demonstrating cost control.
  • 7Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of revenue decreased due to the adoption of SFAS 142, which ceased goodwill amortization.

Frequently Asked Questions

HCA's revenue growth of 8.3% was primarily driven by an 8.8% increase in revenue per equivalent admission. This was largely due to the renegotiation and renewal of managed care contracts on more favorable terms, a shift towards PPO business from HMO business, and improved reimbursements from government programs.

HCA continues to cooperate with governmental investigations, including those by the Department of Justice and the SEC. The company has settled certain federal criminal and civil claims relating to DRG coding, outpatient laboratory billing, and home health issues. However, civil issues related to cost reports and physician relations remain outstanding. HCA also faces various other lawsuits, including qui tam actions, shareholder derivative suits, and patient/payer class actions. While management believes it has made adequate provisions, the ultimate outcome of these matters is uncertain and could materially impact financial results.

HCA adopted SFAS 142 on January 1, 2002, which changed the accounting for goodwill. Under the new standard, goodwill is no longer amortized but is subject to impairment tests. This resulted in the elimination of goodwill amortization expense starting in 2002, which positively impacted reported net income and earnings per share compared to prior periods where goodwill amortization was a recognized expense.

HCA has planned capital expenditures of approximately $1.6 billion for 2002 and $1.8 billion for 2003, with significant ongoing projects under construction. The company expects to finance these expenditures through internally generated funds and borrowed capital, including available amounts under its credit agreement and access to debt markets. Management believes its current liquidity and capital resources are sufficient to meet its obligations over the next twelve months.