Edwards Lifesciences Corp (EW)vsHCA Holdings Inc (HCA)
EW
Edwards Lifesciences Corp
$82.67
+1.20%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $48.01B
HCA
HCA Holdings Inc
$484.02
-0.35%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $108.62B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
HCA Holdings Inc generates 1146% more annual revenue ($75.60B vs $6.07B). EW leads profitability with a 17.7% profit margin vs 9.0%. HCA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.35. HCA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
EW
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
HCA
Strong Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-544.4%
Fair Value
$12.31
Current Price
$82.67
$70.36 premium
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
Strong operational efficiency at 23.7%
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
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Earnings declined 76.6%
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : EW
The strongest argument for EW centers on Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.7% and operating margin at 23.7%. Revenue growth of 13.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : EW
The primary concerns for EW are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 45.7x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : HCA
The primary concerns for HCA are Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
EW profiles as a mature stock while HCA is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
HCA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.34 — expect wider price swings.
EW is growing revenue faster at 13.3% — sustainability is the question.
HCA generates stronger free cash flow (870M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HCA scores higher overall (69/100 vs 55/100). 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.
Edwards Lifesciences Corp
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DEVICES · USA
Edwards Lifesciences is an American medical technology company headquartered in Irvine, California, specializing in artificial heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring.
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 MEDICAL DEVICES Stocks
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