Insider Buying Signals in a Rising Market
Wyatt Christopher F., HCA’s Senior Vice President and Controller, added 2,560 Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) to his portfolio on January 29, 2026. The transaction was executed at no cash outlay, a typical move for SAR holders that reflects confidence in the company’s future share price. The deal coincided with a sharp 5.1 % weekly gain and a 48 % year‑to‑date rally, lifting HCA’s share price to $488.27. The SAR purchase, combined with a positive social‑media sentiment of +65 and a buzz level above 550 %, signals that insiders are willing to commit capital (in the form of rights) even as the stock price climbs.
Insider Activity: A Patchwork of Confidence
The 2026 filing is one thread in a broader tapestry of insider activity. CEO Samuel Hazen made a sizeable buy of 84,360 shares at $81.96 on January 30, while the same day he sold 41,483 shares at $488.27, a move that balances short‑term liquidity with long‑term positioning. Other executives—Michael McAlevey and Mike Marks—also purchased SARs in the same window, while COO Jon Foster and EVP Michael Marks added ordinary shares at market prices. The pattern suggests a coordinated effort to reinforce the share price base ahead of the 2027 vesting window for SARs, a strategy that aligns with management’s belief in continued upside.
Implications for Investors
For shareholders, the insider buying spree signals a healthy conviction that HCA’s earnings trajectory will sustain its current 17‑P/E valuation. The company’s 52‑week high of $527.55 is still within reach, and the recent institutional activity—large purchases by Krilogy Financial and others—adds institutional depth. However, the simultaneous selling by CEO Hazen indicates that insiders are also managing cash flows, a reminder that liquidity management remains a priority. Overall, the mix of buying and selling, coupled with a strong market rally, points to a cautiously optimistic outlook for HCA, but investors should monitor any future large‑volume sales that could dampen momentum.
| Date | Owner | Transaction Type | Shares | Price per Share | Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-29 | Wyatt Christopher F. (SVP & Controller) | Buy | 2,560.00 | N/A | Stock Appreciation Right |
| 2026-01-29 | McAlevey Michael R (EVP & Chief Legal & Admin Off.) | Buy | 8,067.00 | N/A | Stock Appreciation Right |
| 2026-01-29 | Marks Mike A (EVP and CFO) | Buy | 11,945.00 | N/A | Stock Appreciation Right |
| 2026-01-30 | HAZEN SAMUEL N (CEO) | Buy | 84,360.00 | 81.96 | Common Stock |
| 2026-01-30 | HAZEN SAMUEL N (CEO) | Sell | 41,483.00 | 488.27 | Common Stock |
| N/A | HAZEN SAMUEL N (CEO) | Holding | 14,979.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | HAZEN SAMUEL N (CEO) | Holding | 16,731.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | HAZEN SAMUEL N (CEO) | Holding | 93,088.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | HAZEN SAMUEL N (CEO) | Holding | 178,289.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | HAZEN SAMUEL N (CEO) | Holding | 200,000.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | HAZEN SAMUEL N (CEO) | Holding | 813,320.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-01-29 | HAZEN SAMUEL N (CEO) | Buy | 55,846.00 | N/A | Stock Appreciation Right |
| 2026-01-30 | HAZEN SAMUEL N (CEO) | Sell | 84,360.00 | 0.00 | Stock Appreciation Right |
| N/A | Foster Jon M (EVP and COO) | Holding | 67,595.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | Foster Jon M (EVP and COO) | Holding | 72,308.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | Foster Jon M (EVP and COO) | Holding | 19,985.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| N/A | Foster Jon M (EVP and COO) | Holding | 11,566.00 | N/A | Common Stock |
| 2026-01-29 | Foster Jon M (EVP and COO) | Buy | 11,945.00 | N/A | Stock Appreciation Right |
| 2026-01-29 | Cuffe Michael S. (EVP and Chief Clinical Officer) | Buy | 8,067.00 | N/A | Stock Appreciation Right |
| 2026-01-29 | Berres Jennifer (SVP & Chief Human Res. Officer) | Buy | 6,206.00 | N/A | Stock Appreciation Right |




