AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsHCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$156.45
-0.50%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $243.86B
HCA
HCA Healthcare, Inc.
$404.68
-1.71%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $86.76B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
HCA Healthcare, Inc. generates 27% more annual revenue ($78.01B vs $61.37B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.0% profit margin vs 8.8%. HCA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.30. HCA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
AZN
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
HCA
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+20.4%
Fair Value
$196.68
Current Price
$156.45
$40.23 discount
Margin of Safety
-76.8%
Fair Value
$300.66
Current Price
$404.68
$104.02 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 23.5%
Generating 2.1B in free cash flow
Every $100 of equity generates 136 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 1.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
2.5% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AZN
The strongest argument for AZN centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.0% and operating margin at 23.5%. PEG of 1.40 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 1.30 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : HCA
The primary concerns for HCA are Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while HCA is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
HCA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.11 — expect wider price swings.
HCA is growing revenue faster at 8.7% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (2.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AZN scores higher overall (65/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 17.0% margins. 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.
AstraZeneca PLC
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
AstraZeneca PLC discovers, develops, manufactures and markets prescription drugs in the areas of oncology, cardiovascular, renal and metabolism, respiratory, infections, neuroscience and gastroenterology worldwide. The company is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom.
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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