HCA Healthcare's (NYSE:HCA) stock tumbled nearly 10%, dragging down rivals as Q3 results fell short of expectations. Despite 8% revenue growth to $17.5 billion, the company missed forecasts by $50 million, largely due to disruptions from hurricanes Helene and Milton. The storms took a $50 million toll on HCA's bottom line, with more impact expected in Q4, pushing the company to revise its full-year outlook to the lower end of its guidance range. The hit served as a stark reminder of how natural disasters can slam even the healthcare sector's giants.

Operationally, there were bright spotsadjusted EBITDA surged 13% year-over-year to $3.3 billion, with margins improving. Yet, earnings per share landed $0.10 below target at $4.88, reflecting the strain from the hurricanes. Admissions saw a healthy 4.5% increase, but outpatient surgeries dipped by 2%, highlighting the mixed results on the ground. HCA is adjusting its forecast at the lower end of the previously provided guidance range, at $21.60-$22.80 in earnings per share and $69.75-$71.75 billion in revenue.

The news sent ripples through the healthcare sector, with Universal Health Services, Tenet Healthcare, and others feeling the shock. For investors, HCA's quarter was a wake-up call: resilience is key, but when Mother Nature strikes, even the best-laid plans can falter. As the healthcare landscape braces for more unpredictable weather events, the focus on operational agility and risk management has never been more crucial.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.