Nashville-based HCA Healthcare Inc. lifted its yearly profit and revenue forecasts Friday based on third quarter earnings that significantly exceeded analysts' expectations.

The company posted adjusted earnings of $6.96 per share for the quarter ended Sept. 30, beating analysts' estimates of $5.72 per share.

Revenue rose 9.6 percent year over year to $19.16 billion, surpassing the consensus forecast of $18.56 billion. Same facility admissions increased 2.1 percent while revenue per equivalent admission grew 6.6 period compared to the number of the same period last year.

Company officials said the results were based on the strength in HCA's Medicare business and sustained demand for surgical procedures.

HCA Healthcare shares rose nearly 4 percent in above-average volume trading followin

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