Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsHCA Holdings Inc (HCA)
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$129.55
+2.40%
UTILITIES · Cap: $100.82B
HCA
HCA Holdings Inc
$434.78
+0.66%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $96.38B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
HCA Holdings Inc generates 140% more annual revenue ($76.39B vs $31.79B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.6% profit margin vs 8.9%. HCA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.31. HCA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
DUK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
HCA
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-64.7%
Fair Value
$78.65
Current Price
$129.55
$50.90 premium
Margin of Safety
-5.0%
Fair Value
$506.21
Current Price
$434.78
$71.43 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 28.1%
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
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 2.2%
4.3% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : DUK
The strongest argument for DUK centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.6% and operating margin at 28.1%.
Bull Case : HCA
The strongest argument for HCA centers on Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. PEG of 1.31 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : DUK
The primary concerns for DUK are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.75 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : HCA
The primary concerns for HCA are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DUK profiles as a mature stock while HCA is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
HCA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.37 — expect wider price swings.
DUK is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.
HCA generates stronger free cash flow (895M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HCA scores higher overall (63/100 vs 59/100). 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.
Duke Energy Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Duke Energy Corporation is an American electric power and natural gas holding company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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 UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
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