HCA Holdings Inc (HCA)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)
HCA
HCA Holdings Inc
$435.19
+1.44%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $95.17B
NVS
Novartis AG ADR
$146.03
+0.44%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $277.42B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
HCA Holdings Inc generates 35% more annual revenue ($76.39B vs $56.58B). NVS leads profitability with a 23.9% 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+).
HCA
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
NVS
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-4.8%
Fair Value
$506.98
Current Price
$435.19
$71.79 premium
Margin of Safety
-51.8%
Fair Value
$110.12
Current Price
$146.03
$35.91 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 136 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 30.5%
Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 2.9B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
4.3% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Grey zone — moderate risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 0.7%
Earnings declined 9.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : NVS
The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 23.9% and operating margin at 30.5%.
Bear Case : HCA
The primary concerns for HCA are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : NVS
The primary concerns for NVS are Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HCA profiles as a value stock while NVS is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
HCA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.19 — expect wider price swings.
HCA is growing revenue faster at 4.3% — sustainability is the question.
NVS generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HCA scores higher overall (63/100 vs 51/100). 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 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 →Novartis AG ADR
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures and markets medical devices worldwide. The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.
Visit Website →Compare with Other MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?