HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)
HCA
HCA Healthcare, Inc.
$494.99
-2.46%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $98.85B
NVS
Novartis AG ADR
$161.93
+0.38%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $303.67B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
HCA Healthcare, Inc. generates 37% more annual revenue ($78.70B vs $57.36B). NVS leads profitability with a 17.5% profit margin vs 8.6%. HCA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.43. HCA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).
HCA
Buy57
out of 100
Grade: C
NVS
Hold48
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-68.0%
Fair Value
$316.29
Current Price
$494.99
$178.70 premium
Margin of Safety
-68.3%
Fair Value
$95.56
Current Price
$161.93
$66.37 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
Generating 1.1B in free cash flow
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 34.3%
Generating 5.6B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
3.6% revenue growth
4.5% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 8.2x book value
4.7% revenue growth
Grey zone — moderate risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : HCA
The strongest argument for HCA centers on Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. PEG of 1.43 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : NVS
The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.5% and operating margin at 34.3%.
Bear Case : HCA
The primary concerns for HCA are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : NVS
The primary concerns for NVS are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HCA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.11 — expect wider price swings.
NVS is growing revenue faster at 4.7% — sustainability is the question.
NVS generates stronger free cash flow (5.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
HCA scores higher overall (57/100 vs 48/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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 →Novartis AG ADR
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures and markets medical devices worldwide. The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.
Visit Website →Compare with Other MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES Stocks
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