WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HCA Holdings Inc generates 1095% more annual revenue ($75.60B vs $6.32B). HCA leads profitability with a 9.0% profit margin vs 2.1%. ARDT trades at a lower P/E of 8.8x. HCA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

ARDT

Hold

45

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 5.5Value: 5.7Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.08

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

ARDTSignificantly Overvalued (-43.2%)

Margin of Safety

-43.2%

Fair Value

$6.53

Current Price

$8.78

$2.25 premium

UndervaluedFair: $6.53Overvalued
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

ARDT2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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

ARDT4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Market CapQuality
$1.21B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
2.1%3/10

2.1% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.843/10

Elevated debt levels

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.1%2/10

Revenue declined 0.1%

HCA1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
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 1.35 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ARDT

The primary concerns for ARDT are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.84 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 2.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : HCA

The primary concerns for HCA are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

HCA generates stronger free cash flow (870M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

HCA scores higher overall (69/100 vs 45/100). Both earn "Strong 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 dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care through its extensive network of hospitals and outpatient facilities. The company's strong portfolio of acute care hospitals is complemented by its commitment to innovation in healthcare solutions, allowing it to effectively address the evolving needs of diverse communities. With a robust financial framework, Ardent is strategically poised for growth, aiming to improve healthcare access and outcomes while skillfully navigating the complexities of the contemporary healthcare environment.

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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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