WallStSmart

Carnival Corporation (CCL)vsHCA Holdings Inc (HCA)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HCA Holdings Inc generates 184% more annual revenue ($75.60B vs $26.62B). CCL leads profitability with a 10.4% profit margin vs 9.0%. CCL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.09. CCL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).

CCL

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.0Value: 10.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.89

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

CCLUndervalued (+65.0%)

Margin of Safety

+65.0%

Fair Value

$94.54

Current Price

$25.73

$68.81 discount

UndervaluedFair: $94.54Overvalued
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

CCL4 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
25.6%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.6x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
35.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 35.8% YoY

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

CCL2 concerns · Avg: 1.5/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.892/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.281/10

Elevated debt levels

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

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CCL

The strongest argument for CCL centers on Return on Equity, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 1.09 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 : CCL

The primary concerns for CCL are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.28 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : HCA

The primary concerns for HCA are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CCL carries more volatility with a beta of 2.46 — expect wider price swings.

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

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

Monitor TRAVEL SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

CCL scores higher overall (72/100 vs 69/100). HCA offers better value entry with a 59.9% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

Carnival Corporation

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · TRAVEL SERVICES · USA

Carnival Corporation & plc is a British-American cruise operator, currently the world's largest travel leisure company, with a combined fleet of over 100 vessels across 10 cruise line brands.

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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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