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HCA vs THC
Which Stock Would AI Choose? HCA Healthcare (HCA) vs. Tenet Healthcare (THC) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Based on observable trend consistency, momentum, and catalysts, Tickeron's AI currently leans toward THC over HCA.
- HCA brings unmatched scale and stability, while THC offers faster recent momentum and a beat-and-raise earnings pattern.
- Both operators face reimbursement headwinds from Medicaid policy shifts and rising uninsured volumes, but their business mixes respond differently.
- Recent guidance trends diverge: THC has repeatedly raised 2026 expectations, while HCA has signaled broadly flat 2027 earnings.
- For additional context, explore HCA Major News and HCA Today's Price Move, as well as THC Major News and THC Today's Price Move.
- To see which strategies are currently outperforming, explore the Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Investors and traders evaluating the U.S. hospital and healthcare-services sector frequently weigh HCA (HCA Healthcare, Inc.) against THC (Tenet Healthcare Corporation). Both companies generate revenue from acute-care hospitals, ambulatory services, and related care, yet they differ sharply in size, business mix, and growth profile. This stock comparison examines recent performance, momentum, and market positioning to help readers understand the relative trade-offs between the two. It is especially relevant for investors seeking sector exposure, as well as traders monitoring momentum, guidance revisions, and reimbursement-driven sentiment shifts across the healthcare-provider space.
HCA Overview and Recent Performance
HCA is one of the largest hospital operators in the United States, managing roughly 190 hospitals and thousands of ambulatory care sites across 19 states and the United Kingdom. Its scale and diversified footprint support consistent patient volumes and substantial free cash flow, which management has directed toward an aggressive share-repurchase program, including a recently authorized $10 billion buyback.
In recent quarters, HCA has continued to post steady revenue and adjusted earnings growth, supported by same-facility admissions and emergency-room visits. However, sentiment has cooled in recent weeks after management signaled that 2027 earnings would be "generally consistent" with 2026, citing lower Medicaid supplemental payments, rising uninsured volumes, and a shifting payer mix. These reimbursement headwinds, tied to Affordable Care Act exchange coverage losses and state-directed payment programs, have weighed on the stock even as core patient demand remains solid. The result is a picture of a financially strong but policy-sensitive operator with moderating near-term earnings visibility.
THC Overview and Recent Performance
THC (Tenet Healthcare Corporation) is a diversified healthcare-services company headquartered in Dallas. Its portfolio includes roughly 50 acute-care and specialty hospitals, a large ambulatory-surgery platform through United Surgical Partners International (USPI), and a revenue-cycle management business. This structure differentiates it from pure hospital operators by adding a fast-growing, higher-margin ambulatory segment.
Recent performance has been notably strong. THC has delivered several consecutive quarters of better-than-expected results, with adjusted earnings per share rising sharply and management repeatedly raising full-year guidance for adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization). Same-facility revenue growth and a "high acuity" strategy—favoring more complex, higher-reimbursement procedures—have supported margins. Analysts have largely maintained Buy or Overweight ratings. The main caveat is that a portion of 2026 adjusted EBITDA reflects one-time contract-transition benefits tied to Conifer that are not expected to recur in 2027, introducing some uncertainty into forward comparisons.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
Several contrasts define this stock comparison. On business model, HCA is a scale-driven hospital operator with a dominant acute-care footprint, while THC is more diversified, with its ambulatory-surgery segment (USPI) providing faster growth and higher margins. On growth drivers, THC is leaning on high-acuity procedures and ambulatory expansion, whereas HCA relies on broad patient-volume growth and network capacity investments.
On recent momentum, THC has shown stronger relative performance, supported by repeated upward guidance revisions. HCA has delivered consistent results but faces more direct exposure to Medicaid and exchange-related reimbursement pressures, which prompted a flatter forward outlook. On risk, both stocks carry policy and payer-mix sensitivity, but THC's reliance on non-recurring transition benefits adds a layer of earnings-comparison risk, while HCA's size offers greater balance-sheet stability. Market sentiment currently rewards THC's momentum, while treating HCA with more caution given its flatter growth signal.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Weighing trend consistency, relative momentum, and forward catalysts, Tickeron's AI currently favors THC over HCA. The lean is driven primarily by THC's repeated guidance increases, accelerating earnings growth, and a higher-growth ambulatory segment that partially insulates it from hospital-focused reimbursement pressures. By contrast, HCA's recently signaled flat 2027 earnings and heavier Medicaid exposure present a more cautious near-term setup despite its superior scale. This is a probabilistic, trend-based assessment rather than a definitive prediction, and it could shift if reimbursement policy, patient volumes, or earnings guidance evolve.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is HCA is a Hold and THC is a Buy.
HCA's RSI Oscillator recovers from overbought zone
The 10-day RSI Oscillator for HCA moved out of overbought territory on November 06, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. Traders may want to look at selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 49 instances where the indicator moved out of the overbought zone. In 31 of the 49 cases the stock moved lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move down at 63%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 3 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where HCA declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 62%.
HCA broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 04, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on November 04, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on HCA as a result. In 65 of 89 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for HCA just turned positive on November 04, 2026. Looking at past instances where HCA's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 35 of 47 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 74%.
The 50-day moving average for HCA moved above the 200-day moving average on November 09, 2026. This could be a long-term bullish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an upward trend.
Following a +6.25% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where HCA advanced for three days, in 247 of 347 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 71%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 206 of 322 cases where HCA Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 64%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 19 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. HCA’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 29 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 83, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 56 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 64 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (-16.135) is normal, around the industry mean (204.532). P/E Ratio (16.380) is within average values for comparable stocks, (21.572). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.323) is also within normal values, averaging (2.498). Dividend Yield (0.006) settles around the average of (0.154) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.264) is also within normal values, averaging (2.688).
THC in upward trend: 10-day moving average crossed above 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026
The 10-day moving average for THC crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 15, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 14 of 15 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on November 04, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on THC as a result. In 65 of 79 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 82%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for THC just turned positive on November 04, 2026. Looking at past instances where THC's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 34 of 45 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
THC moved above its 50-day moving average on October 28, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +2.45% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where THC advanced for three days, in 265 of 323 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 82%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 220 of 264 cases where THC Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 83%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for THC moved out of overbought territory on November 05, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 54 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 35 of the 54 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 65%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 37 of 60 cases where THC's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 62%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where THC declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 66%.
THC broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 04, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 10 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 83, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 20 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 38 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. THC’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 68 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 69 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (4.898) is normal, around the industry mean (204.532). P/E Ratio (10.872) is within average values for comparable stocks, (21.572). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.789) is also within normal values, averaging (2.498). Dividend Yield (0.000) settles around the average of (0.154) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.022) is also within normal values, averaging (2.688).
HCA | THC | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 75 | 29 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 64 Fair valued | 69 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 29 | 10 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 45 | 20 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 19 | 38 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 56 | 68 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
HCA's Valuation (64) in the Hospital Or Nursing Management industry is in the same range as THC (69). This means that HCA’s stock grew similarly to THC’s over the last 12 months.
THC's Profit vs Risk Rating (10) in the Hospital Or Nursing Management industry is in the same range as HCA (29). This means that THC’s stock grew similarly to HCA’s over the last 12 months.
THC's SMR Rating (20) in the Hospital Or Nursing Management industry is in the same range as HCA (45). This means that THC’s stock grew similarly to HCA’s over the last 12 months.
HCA's Price Growth Rating (19) in the Hospital Or Nursing Management industry is in the same range as THC (38). This means that HCA’s stock grew similarly to THC’s over the last 12 months.
HCA's P/E Growth Rating (56) in the Hospital Or Nursing Management industry is in the same range as THC (68). This means that HCA’s stock grew similarly to THC’s over the last 12 months.
| HCA | THC | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 63% | 2 days ago 65% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 46% | 2 days ago 62% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 73% | 2 days ago 82% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 74% | 2 days ago 76% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 70% | 2 days ago 80% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 68% | 2 days ago 78% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 14 days ago 71% | 2 days ago 82% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 62% | 6 days ago 66% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 49% | 2 days ago 56% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 64% | 2 days ago 83% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
HCA’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while THC’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- HCA’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- THC’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
HCA’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while THC’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- HCA’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
- THC’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
HCA (@Hospital/Nursing Management) experienced а +8.98% price change this week, while THC (@Hospital/Nursing Management) price change was +8.84% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Hospital/Nursing Management industry was -5.75%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +0.37%, and the average quarterly price growth was +10.84%.
Reported Earning Dates
HCA is expected to report earnings on Feb 02, 2027.
THC is expected to report earnings on Feb 11, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Hospital/Nursing Management (-5.75% weekly)Hospital/Nursing Management companies own and operate health care facilities. Their operations include nursing homes, acute care facilities, retirement centers and outpatient surgery centers. HCA Healthcare Inc., Alcon Inc. and Universal Health Services, Inc. are some major companies in this industry. Technology has been at the forefront of development of advanced solutions, including quicker diagnoses of complex conditions. Investments in new diagnostics, healthcare IoT, and other healthcare technologies continue to gather momentum in this industry.
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HCA and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, HCA has been closely correlated with UHS. These tickers have moved in lockstep 68% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if HCA jumps, then UHS could also see price increases.
THC and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, THC has been loosely correlated with HCA. These tickers have moved in lockstep 65% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if THC jumps, then HCA could also see price increases.