WallStSmart

HCA Holdings Inc (HCA)vsLifestance Health Group Inc (LFST)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HCA Holdings Inc generates 5208% more annual revenue ($75.60B vs $1.42B). LFST leads profitability with a 68.0% profit margin vs 9.0%. HCA trades at a lower P/E of 17.1x. HCA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

HCA

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 10.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.71

LFST

Hold

45

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.5Value: 3.0Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HCAUndervalued (+59.9%)

Margin of Safety

+59.9%

Fair Value

$1326.31

Current Price

$484.02

$842.29 discount

UndervaluedFair: $1326.31Overvalued
LFSTSignificantly Overvalued (-4850.0%)

Margin of Safety

-4850.0%

Fair Value

$0.14

Current Price

$6.65

$6.51 premium

UndervaluedFair: $0.14Overvalued

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
-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

LFST4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
65.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 65 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
68.0%10/10

Keeps 68 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
17.4%8/10

17.4% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

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

Distress zone — elevated risk

LFST3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Operating MarginProfitability
4.7%3/10

Operating margin of 4.7%

P/E RatioValuation
322.5x2/10

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 1.35 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : LFST

The strongest argument for LFST centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 68.0% and operating margin at 4.7%. Revenue growth of 17.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HCA

The primary concerns for HCA are Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : LFST

The primary concerns for LFST are EPS Growth, Operating Margin, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 322.5x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HCA profiles as a value stock while LFST is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

HCA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.34 — expect wider price swings.

LFST is growing revenue faster at 17.4% — sustainability is the question.

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

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.

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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Lifestance Health Group Inc

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES · USA

LifeStance Health Group, Inc., provides outpatient mental health services to children, adolescents, adults and geriatrics. The company is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona.

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