WallStSmart

Ardent Health Partners, Inc. (ARDT)vsHCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HCA Healthcare, Inc. generates 1088% more annual revenue ($76.39B vs $6.43B). HCA leads profitability with a 8.9% profit margin vs 2.1%. ARDT trades at a lower P/E of 9.7x. HCA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

ARDT

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.0Value: 6.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.04

HCA

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ARDT.

HCASignificantly Overvalued (-85.7%)

Margin of Safety

-85.7%

Fair Value

$286.26

Current Price

$372.13

$85.87 premium

UndervaluedFair: $286.26Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ARDT2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.9x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

HCA4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
136.3%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 136 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
-7.9110/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$80.58B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
12.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

ARDT4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Market CapQuality
$1.32B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
7.7%3/10

ROE of 7.7% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
2.1%3/10

2.1% margin — thin

EPS GrowthGrowth
-3.4%2/10

Earnings declined 3.4%

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

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ARDT

The strongest argument for ARDT centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Bull Case : HCA

The strongest argument for HCA centers on Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. PEG of 1.12 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ARDT

The primary concerns for ARDT are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 2.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : HCA

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ARDT is growing revenue faster at 7.0% — sustainability is the question.

HCA generates stronger free cash flow (895M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

HCA scores higher overall (63/100 vs 49/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Ardent Health Partners, Inc.

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES · USA

Ardent Health Partners, Inc., based in Nashville, Tennessee, is a leading healthcare organization committed to providing exceptional, patient-centered care via its robust network of hospitals and outpatient facilities. With a reputation for innovation and quality, Ardent boasts a diverse portfolio of acute care hospitals and is focused on developing healthcare solutions that address the unique needs of the communities it serves. Supported by a strong financial foundation and a strategic growth plan, the company is strategically positioned to expand healthcare access and enhance patient outcomes in an ever-evolving industry landscape.

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HCA Healthcare, 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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