HCA Healthcare reported second-quarter revenue of $18.61 billion, a 6.4% increase from the prior year, as strong patient volumes and higher revenue per admission lifted results. Net income attributable to the company rose 13.1% to $1.65 billion, boosting diluted earnings per share to $6.83, or $6.84 on an adjusted basis. Adjusted EBITDA advanced 8.4% to $3.85 billion. On the back of the better-than-expected quarter, the Nashville-based hospital operator raised its full-year guidance. Management now projects 2025 revenue of $74 billion to $76 billion, up from a prior range of $72.8 billion to $75.8 billion. Diluted earnings per share are forecast at $25.50 to $27.00, compared with $24.05 to $25.85 previously, while adjusted EBITDA is expected to reach $14.7 billion to $15.3 billion. HCA continued to return cash to shareholders, repurchasing 7.03 million shares for $2.51 billion during the quarter and leaving $5.75 billion on its current authorization. The board also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.72 a share, payable Sept. 30 to holders of record on Sept. 16.