WallStSmart

HCA Holdings Inc (HCA)vsNational HealthCare Corporation (NHC)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HCA Holdings Inc generates 4938% more annual revenue ($75.60B vs $1.50B). HCA leads profitability with a 9.0% profit margin vs 6.8%. NHC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.82. HCA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

HCA

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 10.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.71

NHC

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 5.5Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HCAUndervalued (+59.9%)

Margin of Safety

+59.9%

Fair Value

$1326.31

Current Price

$484.02

$842.29 discount

UndervaluedFair: $1326.31Overvalued
NHCSignificantly Overvalued (-282.1%)

Margin of Safety

-282.1%

Fair Value

$44.06

Current Price

$161.42

$117.36 premium

UndervaluedFair: $44.06Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HCA5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
136.3%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 136 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
-8.3310/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$108.62B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
17.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
44.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 44.5% YoY

NHC2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.828/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

HCA1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.714/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

NHC3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Market CapQuality
$1.96B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
6.8%3/10

6.8% margin — thin

EPS GrowthGrowth
-8.4%2/10

Earnings declined 8.4%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : NHC

The strongest argument for NHC centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 12.5% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.82 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : HCA

The primary concerns for HCA are Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : NHC

The primary concerns for NHC are Market Cap, Profit Margin, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HCA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.34 — expect wider price swings.

NHC is growing revenue faster at 12.5% — sustainability is the question.

HCA generates stronger free cash flow (870M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

HCA scores higher overall (69/100 vs 54/100). 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.

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.

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National HealthCare Corporation

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES · USA

National HealthCare Corporation operates, manages, and provides services to skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, independent living facilities, home health programs, and a behavioral health hospital. The company is headquartered in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

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