WallStSmart

Apple Inc (AAPL)vsHCA Holdings Inc (HCA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Apple Inc generates 476% more annual revenue ($435.62B vs $75.60B). AAPL leads profitability with a 27.0% profit margin vs 9.0%. HCA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.35. HCA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

AAPL

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.5Value: 8.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 2.42

HCA

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

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

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AAPLUndervalued (+11.8%)

Margin of Safety

+11.8%

Fair Value

$285.39

Current Price

$252.62

$32.77 discount

UndervaluedFair: $285.39Overvalued
HCAUndervalued (+59.9%)

Margin of Safety

+59.9%

Fair Value

$1326.31

Current Price

$484.02

$842.29 discount

UndervaluedFair: $1326.31Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AAPL5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Market CapQuality
$3.70T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
35.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.4%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$51.55B10/10

Generating 51.6B in free cash flow

Profit MarginProfitability
27.0%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.7%8/10

15.7% revenue growth

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

Areas to Watch

AAPL4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.244/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
31.9x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Return on EquityProfitability
1.5%3/10

ROE of 1.5% — below average capital efficiency

Debt/EquityHealth
1.033/10

Elevated debt levels

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

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AAPL

The strongest argument for AAPL centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.0% and operating margin at 35.4%. Revenue growth of 15.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

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.

Bear Case : AAPL

The primary concerns for AAPL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : HCA

The primary concerns for HCA are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AAPL profiles as a growth stock while HCA is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

AAPL is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — sustainability is the question.

AAPL generates stronger free cash flow (51.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

HCA scores higher overall (69/100 vs 65/100). 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.

Apple Inc

TECHNOLOGY · CONSUMER ELECTRONICS · USA

Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company that specializes in consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. Apple is the world's largest technology company by revenue (totalling $274.5 billion in 2020) and, since January 2021, the world's most valuable company. As of 2021, Apple is the world's fourth-largest PC vendor by unit sales, and fourth-largest smartphone manufacturer. It is one of the Big Five American information technology companies, along with Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.

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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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