WallStSmart

HCA Holdings Inc (HCA)vsUnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated generates 489% more annual revenue ($449.71B vs $76.39B). HCA leads profitability with a 8.9% profit margin vs 2.7%. UNH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.27. HCA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

HCA

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

UNH

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 5.5Value: 7.3Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 4/9
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
UNHUndervalued (+42.2%)

Margin of Safety

+42.2%

Fair Value

$639.72

Current Price

$379.98

$259.74 discount

UndervaluedFair: $639.72Overvalued

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

UNH2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$335.78B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Free Cash FlowQuality
$8.15B8/10

Generating 8.1B in free cash flow

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

UNH4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.9x4/10

Moderate valuation

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.0%4/10

2.0% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.7%4/10

0.7% earnings growth

Profit MarginProfitability
2.7%3/10

2.7% margin — thin

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 : UNH

The strongest argument for UNH centers on Market Cap, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.27 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : HCA

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

Bear Case : UNH

The primary concerns for UNH are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

HCA is growing revenue faster at 4.3% — sustainability is the question.

UNH generates stronger free cash flow (8.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

HCA scores higher overall (63/100 vs 54/100). UNH offers better value entry with a 42.2% 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 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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UnitedHealth Group Incorporated

HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated is an American for-profit multinational managed healthcare and insurance company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota. It offers health care products and insurance services. In 2020, it was the second-largest healthcare company (behind CVS Health) by revenue with $257.1 billion, and the largest insurance company by net premiums. UnitedHealthcare revenues comprise 80% of the Group's overall revenue.

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