WallStSmart

Accenture plc (ACN)vsHCA Holdings Inc (HCA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HCA Holdings Inc generates 5% more annual revenue ($75.60B vs $72.11B). ACN leads profitability with a 10.6% 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-).

ACN

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.79

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

ACNSignificantly Overvalued (-19.5%)

Margin of Safety

-19.5%

Fair Value

$160.91

Current Price

$192.29

$31.38 premium

UndervaluedFair: $160.91Overvalued
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

ACN4 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$118.34B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
24.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
15.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.67B8/10

Generating 3.7B 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

ACN3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.554/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
4.0%4/10

4.0% earnings growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ACN

The strongest argument for ACN centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio.

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 : ACN

The primary concerns for ACN are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

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.

ACN is growing revenue faster at 8.3% — sustainability is the question.

ACN generates stronger free cash flow (3.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

HCA scores higher overall (69/100 vs 60/100). 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.

Accenture plc

TECHNOLOGY · INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES · USA

Accenture plc is an Irish-domiciled multinational company that provides consulting and processing services. It has been incorporated in Dublin, Ireland since 2009.

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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