HCA Holdings Inc (HCA)vsLinde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)
HCA
HCA Holdings Inc
$435.19
+1.44%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $95.17B
LIN
Linde plc Ordinary Shares
$493.16
-0.14%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $228.33B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
HCA Holdings Inc generates 120% more annual revenue ($76.39B vs $34.65B). LIN leads profitability with a 20.4% profit margin vs 8.9%. HCA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.29. HCA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
HCA
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
LIN
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-4.8%
Fair Value
$506.98
Current Price
$435.19
$71.79 premium
Margin of Safety
-39.0%
Fair Value
$355.19
Current Price
$493.16
$137.97 premium
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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 28.5%
Areas to Watch
4.3% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : LIN
The strongest argument for LIN centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.4% and operating margin at 28.5%.
Bear Case : HCA
The primary concerns for HCA are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : LIN
The primary concerns for LIN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HCA profiles as a value stock while LIN is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
HCA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.19 — expect wider price swings.
LIN is growing revenue faster at 8.2% — sustainability is the question.
LIN generates stronger free cash flow (898M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HCA scores higher overall (63/100 vs 62/100). 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.
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 →Linde plc Ordinary Shares
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Linde plc is a multinational chemical company. It is the largest industrial gas company by market share and revenue. It serves customers in the healthcare, petroleum refining, manufacturing, food, beverage carbonation, fiber-optics, steel making, aerospace, chemicals, electronics and water treatment industries. The company's primary business is the manufacturing and distribution of atmospheric gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, argon, rare gases, and process gases, including carbon dioxide, helium, hydrogen, electronic gases, specialty gases, and acetylene.
Visit Website →Compare with Other MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES Stocks
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