What's behind HCA's rising administrative costs since 2022?

HCA Healthcare's administrative expenses have shown a general upward trend since 2022, with a few fluctuations. The specific reasons for the rise are not detailed in the available data, but we can infer some possible factors based on the information provided: 1. **New Hospital and Emergency Center Openings**: HCA has been expanding its facility footprint, including the opening of a new emergency center in Yulee, Florida. The estimated project cost for this ER is $32 million, which could contribute to increased administrative expenses related to the setup and operation of new facilities. 2. **Increased Dividend Payments**: HCA has announced an increase in its quarterly dividend, from $0.60 to $0.72, resulting in an annualized yield of 0.84%. While not directly related to administrative expenses, changes in dividend payments can sometimes reflect broader financial management decisions that might influence administrative costs. To summarize, the rise in HCA's administrative expenses since 2022 is likely a result of a combination of factors, including expansion of facilities and increased dividend payments. Further details about specific cost drivers would require more comprehensive financial data or direct inquiry with the company.