HCA Healthcare vs Pfizer (HCA vs PFE)
HCA Healthcare (HCA) vs Pfizer (PFE) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
HCA Healthcare (HCA) and Pfizer (PFE) compete in healthcare and pharma. Here are HCA Healthcare and Pfizer side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy HCA Healthcare or Pfizer.
HCA Healthcare vs Pfizer: the figures
| Figure | HCA Healthcare | Pfizer |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $510.70 (November 4, 2026) | $30.79 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $106.7 billion | $175.5 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 16.9x | 44.0x |
| Forward P/E | 16.3x | 10.6x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +3.6% | -0.4% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 8.6% | 6.3% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 3.3x | N/A |
| Dividend yield | 0.67% | 5.73% |
| Beta | 1.10 | N/A |
HCA Healthcare and Pfizer figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that HCA Healthcare or Pfizer figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between HCA Healthcare and Pfizer
- Valuation: Pfizer trades at 44.0x its annual earnings and HCA Healthcare at 16.9x; the market pays more for each dollar of Pfizer profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Dividend: Pfizer yields 5.73% at today's price and HCA Healthcare yields 0.67%.
- Growth: HCA Healthcare grew sales +3.6% year on year in its latest quarter, against -0.4% for Pfizer.
HCA Healthcare or Pfizer: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: HCA Healthcare is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Pfizer pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If price is what matters most to you: HCA Healthcare trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither HCA Healthcare nor Pfizer wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How HCA Healthcare and Pfizer make money
HCA Healthcare (HCA)
HCA Healthcare runs hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, freestanding emergency rooms and other care sites across the United States, plus a smaller presence in the United Kingdom. It earns revenue by billing private insurers, Medicare, Medicaid and patients for treatment, with inpatient hospital care forming the core of the business. Full HCA Healthcare analysis.
Pfizer (PFE)
Pfizer sells medicines and vaccines grouped into Primary Care, which includes the blood thinner Eliquis shared with Bristol Myers, Prevnar and Comirnaty vaccines and the antiviral Paxlovid; Specialty Care, led by Vyndaqel; and Oncology, with Ibrance, Xtandi and Seagen drugs like Padcev. The U.S. is its biggest market. Full Pfizer analysis.
Frequently asked questions: HCA Healthcare vs Pfizer
Is HCA Healthcare or Pfizer the better stock?
Choosing between HCA Healthcare and Pfizer depends on what you are looking for. HCA Healthcare is growing faster right now, and HCA Healthcare trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy HCA Healthcare or Pfizer: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, HCA Healthcare or Pfizer?
As of November 4, 2026, Pfizer yields 5.73% and HCA Healthcare yields 0.67%. Also check how much of their profit HCA Healthcare and Pfizer pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, HCA Healthcare or Pfizer?
On P/E, Pfizer (44.0x) is more expensive than HCA Healthcare (16.9x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both HCA Healthcare and Pfizer?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as HCA Healthcare and Pfizer, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying HCA Healthcare or Pfizer.
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More companies like HCA Healthcare and Pfizer: healthcare and pharma stocks. Educational content about HCA Healthcare and Pfizer, not investment advice.