Edwards Lifesciences Corp (EW)vsHCA Holdings Inc (HCA)
EW
Edwards Lifesciences Corp
$79.96
-3.38%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $47.71B
HCA
HCA Holdings Inc
$435.19
+1.44%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $95.17B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
HCA Holdings Inc generates 1112% more annual revenue ($76.39B vs $6.30B). EW leads profitability with a 17.4% profit margin vs 8.9%. HCA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.29. HCA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
EW
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
HCA
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+69.7%
Fair Value
$261.90
Current Price
$79.96
$181.94 discount
Margin of Safety
-4.8%
Fair Value
$507.35
Current Price
$435.19
$72.16 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 31.2%
16.7% revenue growth
Every $100 of equity generates 136 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
4.3% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : EW
The strongest argument for EW centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.4% and operating margin at 31.2%. Revenue growth of 16.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : HCA
The strongest argument for HCA centers on Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. PEG of 1.29 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : EW
The primary concerns for EW are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 44.7x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : HCA
The primary concerns for HCA are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
EW profiles as a growth stock while HCA is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
HCA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.19 — expect wider price swings.
EW is growing revenue faster at 16.7% — sustainability is the question.
HCA generates stronger free cash flow (895M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HCA scores higher overall (63/100 vs 61/100). EW offers better value entry with a 69.7% margin of safety. Both earn "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.
Edwards Lifesciences Corp
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DEVICES · USA
Edwards Lifesciences is an American medical technology company headquartered in Irvine, California, specializing in artificial heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring.
Visit Website →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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other MEDICAL DEVICES Stocks
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