WallStSmart

HCA Holdings Inc (HCA)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HCA Holdings Inc generates 187% more annual revenue ($75.60B vs $26.35B). USB leads profitability with a 28.7% profit margin vs 9.0%. HCA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.35. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (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

USB

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.39
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
USBUndervalued (+75.8%)

Margin of Safety

+75.8%

Fair Value

$214.00

Current Price

$51.89

$162.11 discount

UndervaluedFair: $214.00Overvalued

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

USB6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
39.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.3%

Market CapQuality
$81.01B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
28.7%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
24.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 24.7% YoY

Areas to Watch

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

Distress zone — elevated risk

USB2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.804/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.392/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : USB

The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.7% and operating margin at 39.3%.

Bear Case : HCA

The primary concerns for HCA are Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : USB

The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HCA profiles as a value stock while USB is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

HCA is growing revenue faster at 6.7% — sustainability is the question.

USB generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

USB scores higher overall (75/100 vs 69/100), backed by strong 28.7% margins. HCA offers better value entry with a 59.9% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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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U.S. Bancorp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

U.S. Bancorp is an American bank holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and incorporated in Delaware. The company provides banking, investment, mortgage, trust, and payment services products to individuals, businesses, governmental entities, and other financial institutions.

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