WallStSmart

HCA Holdings Inc (HCA)vsNasdaq Inc (NDAQ)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HCA Holdings Inc generates 1310% more annual revenue ($76.39B vs $5.42B). NDAQ leads profitability with a 35.3% profit margin vs 8.9%. HCA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.29. NDAQ earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).

HCA

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.0Value: 6.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.71

NDAQ

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.5Value: 5.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HCAFair Value (-4.8%)

Margin of Safety

-4.8%

Fair Value

$506.98

Current Price

$435.19

$71.79 premium

UndervaluedFair: $506.98Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for NDAQ.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HCA4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
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
$95.17B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
14.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

NDAQ4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Profit MarginProfitability
35.3%10/10

Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
48.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 48.4%

Market CapQuality
$50.28B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

EPS GrowthGrowth
33.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 33.8% YoY

Areas to Watch

HCA2 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.3%4/10

4.3% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.714/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

NDAQ2 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.324/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
26.8x4/10

Moderate valuation

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HCA

The strongest argument for HCA centers on Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. PEG of 1.29 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : NDAQ

The strongest argument for NDAQ centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.3% and operating margin at 48.4%. Revenue growth of 13.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HCA

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

Bear Case : NDAQ

The primary concerns for NDAQ are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

HCA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.19 — expect wider price swings.

NDAQ is growing revenue faster at 13.7% — sustainability is the question.

HCA generates stronger free cash flow (895M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

NDAQ scores higher overall (69/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 35.3% margins and 13.7% revenue growth. 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.

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 →

Nasdaq Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA

Nasdaq, Inc. is an American multinational financial services corporation that owns and operates stock exchanges in the United States and Europe. It is headquartered in New York City.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?