HCA Holdings Inc (HCA)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)
HCA
HCA Holdings Inc
$435.19
+1.44%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $95.17B
VRTX
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
$429.82
+1.13%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $107.87B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
HCA Holdings Inc generates 525% more annual revenue ($76.39B vs $12.22B). VRTX leads profitability with a 35.5% profit margin vs 8.9%. HCA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.29. VRTX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
HCA
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
VRTX
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
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
+57.2%
Fair Value
$992.87
Current Price
$429.82
$563.05 discount
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
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 38.1%
Earnings expanding 61.4% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Areas to Watch
4.3% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
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 : VRTX
The strongest argument for VRTX centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.5% and operating margin at 38.1%.
Bear Case : HCA
The primary concerns for HCA are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : VRTX
The primary concerns for VRTX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HCA profiles as a value stock while VRTX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
HCA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.19 — expect wider price swings.
VRTX is growing revenue faster at 7.8% — sustainability is the question.
VRTX generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
VRTX scores higher overall (66/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 35.5% margins. 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 →Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts.
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