WallStSmart

HCA Holdings Inc (HCA)vsNorthrop Grumman Corporation (NOC)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HCA Holdings Inc generates 80% more annual revenue ($75.60B vs $41.95B). NOC leads profitability with a 10.0% profit margin vs 9.0%. HCA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.35. 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

NOC

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.96
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
NOCUndervalued (+24.9%)

Margin of Safety

+24.9%

Fair Value

$904.35

Current Price

$691.21

$213.14 discount

UndervaluedFair: $904.35Overvalued

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

NOC3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Market CapQuality
$97.36B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
26.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.23B8/10

Generating 3.2B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

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

Distress zone — elevated risk

NOC4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.964/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Debt/EquityHealth
1.183/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
5.362/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 : NOC

The strongest argument for NOC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : HCA

The primary concerns for HCA are Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : NOC

The primary concerns for NOC are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

NOC is growing revenue faster at 9.6% — sustainability is the question.

NOC generates stronger free cash flow (3.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

HCA scores higher overall (69/100 vs 56/100). NOC offers better value entry with a 24.9% margin of safety. 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.

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Northrop Grumman Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is an American multinational aerospace and defense technology company.

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