WallStSmart

HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA)vsJohnson & Johnson (JNJ)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Johnson & Johnson generates 26% more annual revenue ($99.33B vs $78.70B). JNJ leads profitability with a 16.2% profit margin vs 8.6%. HCA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.43. HCA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 57/100 (C).

HCA

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.5Value: 5.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.71

JNJ

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.5Value: 3.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.64
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HCASignificantly Overvalued (-68.0%)

Margin of Safety

-68.0%

Fair Value

$316.29

Current Price

$494.99

$178.70 premium

UndervaluedFair: $316.29Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for JNJ.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HCA5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
136.3%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 136 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
-7.4210/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$98.85B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
15.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.10B8/10

Generating 1.1B in free cash flow

JNJ3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Market CapQuality
$657.68B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
25.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.7%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$6.36B8/10

Generating 6.4B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

HCA3 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.6%4/10

3.6% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
4.5%4/10

4.5% earnings growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.714/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

JNJ4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
8.2x4/10

Trading at 8.2x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.072/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
41.5x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HCA

The strongest argument for HCA centers on Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. PEG of 1.43 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : JNJ

The strongest argument for JNJ centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.2% and operating margin at 25.7%.

Bear Case : HCA

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

Bear Case : JNJ

The primary concerns for JNJ are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 41.5x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HCA profiles as a value stock while JNJ is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

HCA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.11 — expect wider price swings.

JNJ is growing revenue faster at 5.9% — sustainability is the question.

JNJ generates stronger free cash flow (6.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

HCA scores higher overall (57/100 vs 54/100). 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.

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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Johnson & Johnson

HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is an American multinational corporation founded in 1886 that develops medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and consumer packaged goods. Its common stock is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the company is ranked No. 36 on the 2021 Fortune 500 list of the largest United States corporations by total revenue. Johnson & Johnson is one of the world's most valuable companies, and is one of only two U.S.-based companies that has a prime credit rating of AAA, higher than that of the United States government.

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