New York, Feb 3, 2026, 12:54 EST — Regular session
- DaVita shares surged after the company reported a 2026 profit forecast that beat estimates, alongside robust Q4 earnings.
- Company cites a boost from higher reimbursement rates alongside a seasonal lift from flu vaccines
- The spotlight now turns to treatment volumes, a potential ACA-subsidy challenge, and specifics to be revealed in the upcoming annual filing
DaVita Inc shares jumped roughly 19.6% to $132.98 by midday Tuesday following the dialysis company’s projection of 2026 profits that topped Wall Street predictions.
This move comes as DaVita works to recalibrate expectations following a turbulent year of fluctuating treatment volumes and rising expenses. Investors have shown a strong preference for straightforward margin and cash-flow forecasts.
DaVita projected adjusted earnings per share between $13.60 and $15.00 for 2026, topping the analyst consensus of $12.65, according to LSEG data cited by Reuters. The “adjusted” figure excludes specific items to highlight core performance. Reuters
Shares surged in after-hours trading Monday following the company’s stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter results. On Tuesday, the stock climbed further, hitting a high of $139.68 after opening at $128.
DaVita reported adjusted earnings of $3.40 per share for the quarter ended Dec. 31, surpassing analysts’ estimates of $3.16. Revenue came in at $3.62 billion, topping the expected $3.50 billion, according to Reuters.
DaVita forecasted adjusted operating income between $2.085 billion and $2.235 billion for 2026, with free cash flow expected to hit $1.0 billion to $1.25 billion, per its earnings release.
The company said higher reimbursement rates and a seasonal boost from flu shots supported the quarter. CEO Javier Rodriguez told investors they “delivered once again in 2025,” highlighting investments and process changes planned for 2026. Reuters
The operational picture remains murky. Total U.S. dialysis treatments averaged 91,608 per day in Q4, slipping 0.1% from Q3. Normalized non-acquired treatment growth also dipped compared to last year, the release showed.
DaVita signaled a roughly $40 million drag in 2026 tied to the end of Affordable Care Act subsidies, Reuters reported. Executives noted, however, that not having to deal with last year’s cyber-incident fallout somewhat eases that burden.
DaVita announced a partnership with home-health and hospice provider Elara, backed by an investment from Ares, to develop a kidney-centered, home-based care model. Steve Phillips, DaVita’s Chief Strategy Officer, said the initiative aims to help patients “avoid unnecessary hospitalizations.” Newsroom
The push toward home treatment comes as dialysis firms seek methods to maintain patient stability beyond clinics and control expenses—a trend also relevant to competitors like Fresenius Medical Care and device manufacturer Baxter.
The rally isn’t without risks: treatment volumes could keep falling, and if reimbursement or payer mix weakens, the guidance might not hold up. Investors are also wary of lingering effects from the ransomware attack DaVita revealed last year, which disrupted operations and exposed personal data, Reuters reported.
Traders are now turning to DaVita’s annual report for the full 2025 results. The company said this detailed filing, which comes after the unaudited release, will shed more light on costs, volumes, and the assumptions used for the 2026 targets.
