HCA Healthcare vs Thermo Fisher (HCA vs TMO)
HCA Healthcare (HCA) vs Thermo Fisher (TMO) 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 Thermo Fisher (TMO) compete in healthcare and pharma. Here are HCA Healthcare and Thermo Fisher 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 Thermo Fisher.
HCA Healthcare vs Thermo Fisher: the figures
| Figure | HCA Healthcare | Thermo Fisher |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $510.70 (November 4, 2026) | $706.16 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $106.7 billion | $261.6 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 16.9x | 37.2x |
| Forward P/E | 16.3x | 25.4x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +3.6% | +9.1% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 8.6% | 14.9% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 3.3x | 2.9x |
| Dividend yield | 0.67% | 0.27% |
| Beta | 1.10 | 0.84 |
HCA Healthcare and Thermo Fisher figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that HCA Healthcare or Thermo Fisher figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between HCA Healthcare and Thermo Fisher
- Valuation: Thermo Fisher trades at 37.2x its annual earnings and HCA Healthcare at 16.9x; the market pays more for each dollar of Thermo Fisher profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Thermo Fisher keeps 14.9 as net profit and HCA Healthcare keeps 8.6.
- Growth: Thermo Fisher grew sales +9.1% year on year in its latest quarter, against +3.6% for HCA Healthcare.
HCA Healthcare or Thermo Fisher: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Thermo Fisher 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): HCA Healthcare pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Thermo Fisher has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- 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 Thermo Fisher 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 Thermo Fisher 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.
Thermo Fisher (TMO)
Thermo Fisher Scientific sells instruments, reagents and services to drugmakers, labs and hospitals. It reports Laboratory Products and Biopharma Services, the largest, including Fisher Scientific distribution, PPD clinical research and contract drug manufacturing; Life Science Solutions; Analytical Instruments; and Specialty Diagnostics. North America is its biggest market. Full Thermo Fisher analysis.
Frequently asked questions: HCA Healthcare vs Thermo Fisher
Is HCA Healthcare or Thermo Fisher the better stock?
Choosing between HCA Healthcare and Thermo Fisher depends on what you are looking for. Thermo Fisher 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 Thermo Fisher: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, HCA Healthcare or Thermo Fisher?
As of November 4, 2026, HCA Healthcare yields 0.67% and Thermo Fisher yields 0.27%. Also check how much of their profit HCA Healthcare and Thermo Fisher pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, HCA Healthcare or Thermo Fisher?
On P/E, Thermo Fisher (37.2x) 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 Thermo Fisher?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as HCA Healthcare and Thermo Fisher, 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 Thermo Fisher.
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More companies like HCA Healthcare and Thermo Fisher: healthcare and pharma stocks. Educational content about HCA Healthcare and Thermo Fisher, not investment advice.