HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA)vsLifestance Health Group Inc (LFST)
HCA
HCA Healthcare, Inc.
$372.13
+2.85%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $80.58B
LFST
Lifestance Health Group Inc
$7.41
-3.01%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $2.94B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
HCA Healthcare, Inc. generates 5010% more annual revenue ($76.39B vs $1.49B). HCA leads profitability with a 8.9% profit margin vs 1.6%. HCA trades at a lower P/E of 12.5x. HCA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
HCA
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
LFST
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-85.7%
Fair Value
$286.26
Current Price
$372.13
$85.87 premium
Margin of Safety
+33.6%
Fair Value
$10.44
Current Price
$7.41
$3.03 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
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 1927.0% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 21.2% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
4.3% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 1.6% — below average capital efficiency
1.6% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : HCA
The strongest argument for HCA centers on Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. PEG of 1.12 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : LFST
The strongest argument for LFST centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 21.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : HCA
The primary concerns for HCA are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : LFST
The primary concerns for LFST are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 128.5x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 1.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HCA profiles as a value stock while LFST is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
LFST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.
LFST is growing revenue faster at 21.2% — sustainability is the question.
HCA generates stronger free cash flow (895M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HCA scores higher overall (63/100 vs 56/100). LFST offers better value entry with a 33.6% margin of safety. 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.
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.
Visit Website →Lifestance Health Group Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES · USA
LifeStance Health Group, Inc., provides outpatient mental health services to children, adolescents, adults and geriatrics. The company is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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