Dollar General Corporation (DG)vsHCA Holdings Inc (HCA)
DG
Dollar General Corporation
$119.55
+1.42%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $25.96B
HCA
HCA Holdings Inc
$484.02
-0.35%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $108.62B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
HCA Holdings Inc generates 77% more annual revenue ($75.60B vs $42.72B). HCA leads profitability with a 9.0% profit margin vs 3.5%. HCA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.35. HCA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
DG
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
HCA
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+54.1%
Fair Value
$320.58
Current Price
$119.55
$201.03 discount
Margin of Safety
+59.9%
Fair Value
$1326.31
Current Price
$484.02
$842.29 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Earnings expanding 121.9% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 1.3B 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
Earnings expanding 44.5% YoY
Areas to Watch
3.5% margin — thin
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : DG
The strongest argument for DG centers on EPS Growth, P/E Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.44 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : HCA
The strongest argument for HCA centers on Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. PEG of 1.35 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : DG
The primary concerns for DG are 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 Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HCA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.34 — expect wider price swings.
HCA is growing revenue faster at 6.7% — 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
HCA scores higher overall (69/100 vs 65/100). DG offers better value entry with a 54.1% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.
Visit Website →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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other DISCOUNT STORES Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?