WallStSmart

AbbVie Inc (ABBV)vsHCA Holdings Inc (HCA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HCA Holdings Inc generates 24% more annual revenue ($75.60B vs $61.16B). HCA leads profitability with a 9.0% profit margin vs 6.9%. ABBV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.49. HCA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

ABBV

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 8.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.39

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

ABBVSignificantly Overvalued (-1190.8%)

Margin of Safety

-1190.8%

Fair Value

$16.05

Current Price

$207.18

$191.13 premium

UndervaluedFair: $16.05Overvalued
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

ABBV6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Market CapQuality
$362.83B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

PEG RatioValuation
0.4910/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Return on EquityProfitability
62.3%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 62 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
34.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 34.1%

Debt/EquityHealth
-21.0610/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.89B8/10

Generating 4.9B in free cash flow

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

ABBV4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Profit MarginProfitability
6.9%3/10

6.9% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
87.0x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

EPS GrowthGrowth
-88.7%2/10

Earnings declined 88.7%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.392/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ABBV

The strongest argument for ABBV centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Return on Equity. PEG of 0.49 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : ABBV

The primary concerns for ABBV are Profit Margin, P/E Ratio, EPS Growth. A P/E of 87.0x leaves little room for execution misses.

Bear Case : HCA

The primary concerns for HCA are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

ABBV is growing revenue faster at 10.0% — sustainability is the question.

ABBV generates stronger free cash flow (4.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

HCA scores higher overall (69/100 vs 63/100). 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.

AbbVie Inc

HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA

AbbVie is an American publicly traded biopharmaceutical company founded in 2013. It originated as a spin-off of Abbott Laboratories.

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 →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?