AlphaStocks

HCA vs NHC

As of Sep 20, 2026, HCA Healthcare (HCA) scores 3.8/10 and National Healthcare (NHC) 5.8/10 on AlphaStocks' five-model composite, so NHC scores higher. HCA trades 35% below its model fair value; NHC trades 11% above its model fair value.

HCA

HCA Healthcare, Inc.

3.8

Weak

$427.99

NHC

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP

5.8

Consider Buy

$221.74

HCA vs NHC: Which is the Better Investment?

HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) scores 3.8/10 while NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP (NHC) scores 5.8/10 on AlphaStocks' composite model. NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP has the higher composite rating of Consider Buy. On a P/E basis, HCA Healthcare, Inc. trades at 15.1x, making it the more attractively priced of the two. HCA Healthcare, Inc. trades further below its estimated fair value.

This comparison is algorithmically generated and is not financial advice.

MetricHCANHC
Scores & Fundamentals
Composite Score3.8/105.8/10
RatingWeakConsider Buy
Price$427.99$221.74
P/E Ratio15.128.9
ROE-119.4%11.3%
Market Cap$97B$3B
Fair Value$663.42$199.81
Dividend Yield0.7%1.2%
Sector Rank#141 of 168#63 of 168
Model Verdicts
PiotroskiAttractiveStrong
BuffettNeutralNeutral
GrahamAttractiveNeutral
LynchAttractiveAttractive
GreenblattStrongNeutral
View full HCAanalysis →View full NHCanalysis →

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HCA vs NHC: Which Stock Scores Higher?

HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) and NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP (NHC) are both in the Health Care sector. NHC currently leads with a composite score of 5.8/10 (Consider Buy) compared to HCA's 3.8/10 (Weak).

The AlphaStocks composite score evaluates each stock across four dimensions: Quality (business strength measured by Piotroski F-Score and Buffett quality criteria), Value (discount to intrinsic worth using Graham, Lynch, and Greenblatt models), Momentum (6-month price trend), and Timing (a confirmation signal that requires both value and momentum to align). A higher composite score indicates stronger overall fundamentals combined with favorable market conditions.

This comparison uses the same scoring framework for both companies, ensuring an apples-to-apples evaluation. Scores are recalculated daily after market close using data from SEC filings and market prices. Read the full methodology to understand how each model contributes to the composite score.

Scores are algorithm-generated research tools, not investment recommendations. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always do your own due diligence. Full disclaimer