HCA Holdings Inc (HCA)vsSouthern Company (SO)
HCA
HCA Holdings Inc
$484.02
-0.35%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $108.62B
SO
Southern Company
$94.61
+0.67%
UTILITIES · Cap: $105.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
HCA Holdings Inc generates 156% more annual revenue ($75.60B vs $29.55B). SO leads profitability with a 14.7% 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 Buy69
out of 100
Grade: B-
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+59.9%
Fair Value
$1326.31
Current Price
$484.02
$842.29 discount
Margin of Safety
-254.9%
Fair Value
$26.66
Current Price
$94.61
$67.95 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
Earnings expanding 44.5% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 22.1%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : HCA
The primary concerns for HCA are Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HCA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.34 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 10.1% — 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 54/100). 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.
Visit Website →Southern Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices also located in Birmingham, Alabama.
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