WallStSmart

HCA Holdings Inc (HCA)vsBanco Santander SA ADR (SAN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HCA Holdings Inc generates 61% more annual revenue ($76.39B vs $47.37B). SAN leads profitability with a 34.1% profit margin vs 8.9%. HCA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.29. SAN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

HCA

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.0Value: 6.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.71

SAN

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 3.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.38
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HCAFair Value (-4.8%)

Margin of Safety

-4.8%

Fair Value

$506.98

Current Price

$435.19

$71.79 premium

UndervaluedFair: $506.98Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for SAN.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HCA4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
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
$95.17B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
14.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

SAN6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Profit MarginProfitability
34.1%10/10

Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
43.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 43.3%

EPS GrowthGrowth
67.4%10/10

Earnings expanding 67.4% YoY

Market CapQuality
$175.40B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

HCA2 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.3%4/10

4.3% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.714/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

SAN4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% revenue growth

PEG RatioValuation
2.792/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.382/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
4.471/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HCA

The strongest argument for HCA centers on Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. PEG of 1.29 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : SAN

The strongest argument for SAN centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 34.1% and operating margin at 43.3%.

Bear Case : HCA

The primary concerns for HCA are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : SAN

The primary concerns for SAN are Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 4.47 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HCA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.19 — expect wider price swings.

SAN is growing revenue faster at 4.6% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

SAN scores higher overall (67/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 34.1% margins. 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.

Visit Website →

Banco Santander SA ADR

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Banco Santander, SA, offers various commercial and retail banking products and services to individuals, small and medium-sized companies and large companies worldwide. The company is headquartered in Madrid, Spain.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?