AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsHCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$188.41
+1.47%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $284.30B
HCA
HCA Healthcare, Inc.
$391.68
+2.85%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $86.89B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
HCA Healthcare, Inc. generates 26% more annual revenue ($76.39B vs $60.44B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.2% profit margin vs 8.9%. HCA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.18. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AZN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
HCA
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+5.9%
Fair Value
$194.57
Current Price
$188.41
$6.16 discount
Margin of Safety
-85.5%
Fair Value
$286.48
Current Price
$391.68
$105.20 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 27.9%
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Every $100 of equity generates 136 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
4.3% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AZN
The strongest argument for AZN centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.2% and operating margin at 27.9%. Revenue growth of 12.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : HCA
The strongest argument for HCA centers on Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. PEG of 1.18 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : HCA
The primary concerns for HCA are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while HCA is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
HCA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.13 — expect wider price swings.
AZN is growing revenue faster at 12.5% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 17.2% margins and 12.5% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
AstraZeneca PLC
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
AstraZeneca PLC discovers, develops, manufactures and markets prescription drugs in the areas of oncology, cardiovascular, renal and metabolism, respiratory, infections, neuroscience and gastroenterology worldwide. The company is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom.
HCA Healthcare, Inc.
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES · USA
HCA Healthcare is an American for-profit operator of health care facilities that was founded in 1968. It is based in Nashville, Tennessee, and, as of May 2020, owns and operates 186 hospitals and approximately 2,000 sites of care, including surgery centers, freestanding emergency rooms, urgent care centers and physician clinics in 21 states and the United Kingdom.
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