WallStSmart

HCA Holdings Inc (HCA)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HCA Holdings Inc generates 664% more annual revenue ($75.60B vs $9.89B). PANW leads profitability with a 13.0% 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

PANW

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 2.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.02
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
PANWSignificantly Overvalued (-81.9%)

Margin of Safety

-81.9%

Fair Value

$84.24

Current Price

$153.22

$68.98 premium

UndervaluedFair: $84.24Overvalued

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

PANW3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
60.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$128.28B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Areas to Watch

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

Distress zone — elevated risk

PANW4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
11.5x4/10

Trading at 11.5x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.962/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
87.3x2/10

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 : PANW

The strongest argument for PANW centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 14.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HCA

The primary concerns for HCA are Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : PANW

The primary concerns for PANW are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 87.3x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

PANW is growing revenue faster at 14.9% — sustainability is the question.

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

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

Bottom Line

HCA scores higher overall (69/100 vs 58/100). 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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Palo Alto Networks Inc

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. provides cybersecurity platform solutions globally. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.

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