WallStSmart

HCA Holdings Inc (HCA)vsCharles Schwab Corp (SCHW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HCA Holdings Inc generates 216% more annual revenue ($75.60B vs $23.92B). SCHW leads profitability with a 37.0% profit margin vs 9.0%. SCHW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.12. SCHW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (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

SCHW

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.0Value: 10.0Quality: 8.3
Piotroski: 6/9
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
SCHWUndervalued (+56.0%)

Margin of Safety

+56.0%

Fair Value

$217.62

Current Price

$95.68

$121.94 discount

UndervaluedFair: $217.62Overvalued

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

SCHW6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Profit MarginProfitability
37.0%10/10

Keeps 37 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
49.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 49.7%

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0910/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$169.34B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Revenue GrowthGrowth
18.9%8/10

18.9% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
41.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 41.1% YoY

Areas to Watch

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

Distress zone — elevated risk

SCHW1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$-921.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 : SCHW

The strongest argument for SCHW centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 37.0% and operating margin at 49.7%. Revenue growth of 18.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HCA

The primary concerns for HCA are Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : SCHW

The primary concerns for SCHW are Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

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

SCHW is growing revenue faster at 18.9% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

SCHW scores higher overall (75/100 vs 69/100), backed by strong 37.0% margins and 18.9% revenue growth. HCA offers better value entry with a 59.9% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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 →

Charles Schwab Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

The Charles Schwab Corporation is an American multinational financial services company. It offers banking, commercial banking, an electronic trading platform, and wealth management advisory services to both retail and institutional clients.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?