HCA Healthcare, Inc. vs Merck & Company, Inc. — Stock Comparison
HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) and Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) are both listed on US exchanges. This page compares their Q·Score ratings, key fundamentals (P/E, margins, growth), and Wall Street analyst consensus side by side. Data sourced from Yahoo Finance and updated on each page load.
Merck & Company, Inc. narrowly edges HCA Healthcare, Inc. on Q·Score (6.9 vs 6.5 out of 10), led by Quality (7.7 vs 5.8) and Health (7 vs 5.4). HCA Healthcare, Inc. scores higher on Valuation, reflecting stronger P/E and price-target positioning. Analyst consensus targets imply greater upside for HCA (+31.6%) than for MRK (+7.6%).
Price Performance
Normalised to 100 at period start — shows relative performance.
Q·Score Breakdown
Consensus analyst target of $510.95 is 32% above current price.
⚠ balance sheet warrants attention.
High-quality business with 19% return on equity and 14% profit margins.
Analyst Consensus
Fundamentals
Frequently Asked Questions
HCA vs MRK: which stock scores better overall?
Based on Q·Score, Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) scores 6.9/10 versus HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) at 6.5/10. The Q·Score measures five dimensions: Quality, Health, Growth, Valuation, and Sentiment. For informational purposes only — not financial advice.
Which has better revenue growth: HCA or MRK?
HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) scores higher on Growth (6.3/10 vs 6.2/10). HCA Healthcare, Inc. reports revenue growth (4.3% YoY) while Merck & Company, Inc. reports (4.9% YoY). Growth scores reflect revenue and earnings momentum relative to sector peers.
Is HCA or MRK more attractively valued?
HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) scores higher on Valuation (8.7/10 vs 6.4/10). HCA trades at 11.7× P/E versus MRK at 12.6×. Valuation is assessed using P/E ratio, analyst price targets, and 52-week range positioning relative to sector peers.
What do analysts say about HCA vs MRK?
There are 21 analysts covering HCA with a consensus price target of $510.95, and 27 analysts covering MRK with a consensus target of $129.74. Analyst consensus ratings are aggregated from Wall Street research and do not constitute investment advice.
Which is more profitable: HCA or MRK?
Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) scores higher on Quality (7.7/10 vs 5.8/10). Net profit margin: HCA at 8.9%, MRK at 13.6%. Quality scores reflect profit margins, return on equity, and free cash flow generation.
Which has stronger financial health: HCA or MRK?
Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) scores higher on Financial Health (7/10 vs 5.4/10). Market beta: HCA at 1.19, MRK at 0.20. Health scores consider beta, debt-to-equity, and current ratio. All investments carry risk — this is not investment advice.
What are the market caps of HCA and MRK?
HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) has a market capitalisation of $86.1B, while Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) has a market cap of $297.9B. Market cap data is sourced from Yahoo Finance and reflects the most recent available figures.
Do HCA or MRK pay dividends?
HCA pays a dividend yield of 0.80%, while MRK pays a dividend yield of 2.83%. Dividend yields fluctuate with share price and company payout decisions.
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Q·Score is an educational tool and is not financial advice. Data provided by Yahoo Finance. Updated on each page load. How it's calculated →