If you're a beginner investor, the idea of creating a portfolio from the ground up can feel like an impossible goal to achieve. That's why you should start by looking at stocks that are set to beat the market over the next 12 months, a strategy that's been proven to generate strong returns.
Let's now take a look at one standout stock that could be a perfect fit for your portfolio.
HCA Healthcare is the largest non-governmental operator of acute care hospitals in the United States. Headquartered in Nashville, TN, it operates hospitals and related health care entities. At the end of 2024, the company operated 190 hospitals and approximately 2,400 ambulatory sites of care, including surgery centers, freestanding emergency rooms, urgent care centers and physician clinics, in 20 states and the United Kingdom.
HCA was added to the Zacks Focus List on January 7, 2019 at $123.39 per share. Since then, shares have increased 182.01% to $347.97.
Seven analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2025. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.27 to $25.22. HCA boasts an average earnings surprise of 7.1%.
Additionally, HCA Healthcare's earnings are expected to grow 14.9% for the current fiscal year.
Because stock prices react to revisions, buying stocks with rising earnings estimates can be very profitable. Focus List stocks like HCA offer investors a great opportunity to get into a company whose future earnings estimates will be raised, potentially leading to price momentum.
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) : Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
Zacks Investment Research
Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.