13 Best Blue Chip Stocks to Buy Now

9. HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 73

HCA Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:HCA) is one of the best blue-chip stocks to buy now. On October 27, analysts at RBC Capital reiterated an Outperform rating on HCA Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:HCA) and raised the price target to $482 from $449. The price target was raised following the company’s strong third‑quarter results, reported on October 24, which came in ahead of expectations.

Revenues in the quarter increased 9.6% year over year to $19.16 billion as net income increased 29.4% to $1.64 billion. Diluted earnings per share increased 42.6% to $6.96 per diluted share. RBC Capital increased its price target after management raised its full-year guidance.

Management expects revenue to range between $75 billion and $76.45 billion, up from the previous guidance of $74.00 billion to $76.00 billion. Net income attributed to shareholders is expected to be between $6.495 billion and $6.715 billion, up from the prior guidance of $6.110 billion to $6.480 billion. Earnings per share are expected to range between $27.00 $28.00 per diluted share, up from the previous guidance of between $25.50 and $27.00 per diluted share.

According to RBC Capital, the strong Q3 performance and guidance upgrade affirm management’s confidence in achieving volume growth in line with long-term targets. The research firm expects strong demographics and expanded patient access to support HCA’s growth prospects in 2026.

HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA) is a private healthcare provider, operating a vast network of hospitals, outpatient facilities, and other healthcare sites.