HCA (HCA, Financial) is the largest operator of for-profit hospitals and related health care services in the U.S. The company benefits from scale and size advantages, an attractive geographic footprint in higher growth markets, best-in-class management and governance, and an equity-friendly approach to capital allocation. We expect HCA to grow operating income in the mid-single digits and grow EPS in the low-double digits over time. Hospital stocks sold off following the presidential election due to concerns that the benefits from health care reform will be lost. We believe that HCA’s share price discounts the effects of repealing the Affordable Care Act. Accordingly, the shares are selling below our estimate of intrinsic value.
From Bill Nygren (Trades, Portfolio)'s Oakmark Fund fourth quarter 2016 commentary.
