WallStSmart

Dollar General Corporation (DG)vsHCA Holdings Inc (HCA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HCA Holdings Inc generates 79% more annual revenue ($76.39B vs $42.72B). HCA leads profitability with a 8.9% profit margin vs 3.5%. HCA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.29. HCA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

DG

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 6.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.00

HCA

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.0Value: 6.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.71
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DGUndervalued (+31.5%)

Margin of Safety

+31.5%

Fair Value

$214.72

Current Price

$113.29

$101.43 discount

UndervaluedFair: $214.72Overvalued
HCAFair Value (-4.8%)

Margin of Safety

-4.8%

Fair Value

$506.98

Current Price

$435.19

$71.79 premium

UndervaluedFair: $506.98Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DG4 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
121.9%10/10

Earnings expanding 121.9% YoY

P/E RatioValuation
17.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.27B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

HCA4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
136.3%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 136 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
-8.3310/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$95.17B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
14.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

DG3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.694/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Profit MarginProfitability
3.5%3/10

3.5% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
2.021/10

Elevated debt levels

HCA2 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.3%4/10

4.3% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.714/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : DG

The strongest argument for DG centers on EPS Growth, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Bull Case : HCA

The strongest argument for HCA centers on Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. PEG of 1.29 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : DG

The primary concerns for DG are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.02 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 3.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : HCA

The primary concerns for HCA are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HCA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.19 — expect wider price swings.

DG is growing revenue faster at 5.9% — sustainability is the question.

DG generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor DISCOUNT STORES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

DG scores higher overall (63/100 vs 63/100). 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.

Dollar General Corporation

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA

Dollar General Corporation is an American chain of variety stores headquartered in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

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HCA Holdings 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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