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HCA vs UHS
Which Stock Would AI Choose? HCA Healthcare (HCA) vs. Universal Health Services (UHS) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- HCA is the largest U.S. for-profit hospital operator with a market cap near $98 billion, while UHS is a roughly $11 billion operator that combines acute-care hospitals with a leading behavioral-health (mental-health and psychiatric) footprint.
- Recent analyst activity has leaned more favorably toward HCA, with multiple price-target increases and an "Outperform" stance, whereas UHS has drawn a heavier mix of "Hold" ratings.
- UHS trades at a lower valuation multiple (a price-to-earnings ratio near 7.6 versus roughly 16 for HCA), reflecting greater perceived uncertainty around its earnings outlook.
- Both names remain sensitive to reimbursement policy, labor costs, and hospital admission volumes, but UHS adds behavioral-health-specific risks tied to payor mix and regulatory changes.
- For more detail on each company's major developments and daily price action, explore the HCA Major News and HCA Today's Price Move pages, as well as the UHS Major News and UHS Today's Price Move pages.
- To see how AI-driven systems are currently positioning across these and thousands of other tickers, explore the Trending AI Robots page.
Introduction
Investors evaluating the hospital and healthcare-facilities sector often compare HCA Healthcare and Universal Health Services because they occupy the same broad industry yet pursue different business mixes. HCA is the dominant general acute-care hospital operator at scale, while UHS pairs a smaller acute-care platform with the nation's largest behavioral-health network. This stock comparison is most relevant to investors weighing scale and stability against a more specialized, lower-multiple exposure, and to traders monitoring relative performance and market positioning within a sector that is highly sensitive to policy, reimbursement, and utilization trends.
HCA Overview and Recent Performance
HCA Healthcare operates a vast network of acute-care hospitals, surgery centers, and outpatient facilities across the United States and the United Kingdom. Its scale—hundreds of facilities and annual revenue well above $70 billion—gives it meaningful negotiating leverage and diversified geographic exposure. In recent weeks, the stock has firmed toward the upper portion of its one-month trading range, supported by a joint venture with Solis Mammography to expand breast-imaging services and by favorable supplemental-payment developments in certain states. Analyst sentiment has been constructive: RBC Capital raised its price target and called HCA a "near-term strategic pick," while TD Cowen and BMO also issued constructive updates. The company nonetheless faces a legal challenge from North Carolina's attorney general regarding Mission Hospital operations, a reminder that regulatory and litigation risk persists alongside an otherwise resilient operating profile.
UHS Overview and Recent Performance
Universal Health Services operates acute-care hospitals alongside outpatient and behavioral-health facilities, and it is the largest provider of behavioral-health services in the United States. This mix differentiates it from pure acute-care operators and exposes it to distinct demand drivers, including mental-health utilization and payor reimbursement for psychiatric care. In recent market activity, UHS shares have traded well below their 52-week high, and the company attracted attention after moving its third-quarter earnings release to late October, citing conflicts with other healthcare firms—an unusual scheduling change that amplified sector-wide caution. The analyst backdrop has been more reserved than for HCA, with Barclays and RBC maintaining "Hold" ratings. Positively, UHS trades at a notably lower earnings multiple, which some investors view as a valuation cushion if its outpatient and virtual-care expansion gains traction.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between HCA and UHS is one of scale versus specialization. HCA's broader footprint, higher revenue base, and lower beta (a measure of volatility relative to the market, near 0.65) historically contribute to steadier performance and stronger margin consistency. UHS, with a beta near 1.0 and a heavier behavioral-health tilt, offers a differentiated growth narrative but carries more idiosyncratic risk around reimbursement policy, facility ramp-ups, and payor mix. On valuation, UHS's low price-to-earnings multiple reflects the market's discount for that uncertainty, while HCA commands a premium for its scale and stability. Growth drivers also differ: HCA leans on volume growth, outpatient expansion, and capital returns, while UHS emphasizes outpatient behavioral services, telehealth, and de novo (newly built) hospital openings. Sentiment currently favors HCA's momentum, though UHS's valuation and specialized positioning represent a meaningful trade-off for value-oriented investors.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors—including trend consistency, analyst sentiment, valuation stability, and relative positioning—Tickeron's AI would likely favor HCA over UHS in the current environment. HCA exhibits more consistent price momentum, a steadier earnings trajectory, and a stronger recent pattern of constructive analyst revisions, whereas UHS faces a heavier mix of "Hold" ratings, an unusual earnings-timing change, and greater uncertainty around its behavioral-health reimbursement outlook. These are probabilistic signals rather than definitive outcomes, and UHS's discounted valuation could appeal under a different set of market conditions. Still, on the balance of trend quality and stability, HCA currently presents the more favorable AI-scored profile.
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 Buy and UHS is a Buy.
HCA in +6.25% Uptrend, growing for three consecutive days on October 29, 2026
Moving higher for three straight days is viewed as a bullish sign. Keep an eye on this stock for future growth. 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%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 29, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on HCA as a result. In 60 of 88 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 68%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for HCA just turned positive on October 30, 2026. Looking at past instances where HCA's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 33 of 47 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 70%.
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%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for HCA moved out of overbought territory on October 16, 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 49 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 29 of the 49 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 59%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 37 of 66 cases where HCA's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 56%.
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 October 29, 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 32 (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 34 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 84, placing this stock slightly 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 61 (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 63 (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 (-15.424) is normal, around the industry mean (204.120). P/E Ratio (15.658) is within average values for comparable stocks, (19.084). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.323) is also within normal values, averaging (2.498). Dividend Yield (0.007) settles around the average of (0.091) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.264) is also within normal values, averaging (2.688).
UHS sees its 50-day moving average cross bullishly above its 200-day moving average
The 50-day moving average for UHS moved above the 200-day moving average on October 27, 2026. This could be a long-term bullish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an upward trend.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 1 day, which means it's wise to expect a price bounce in the near future.
Following a +4.67% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where UHS advanced for three days, in 236 of 330 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
UHS may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 190 of 298 cases where UHS Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 64%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for UHS moved out of overbought territory on October 16, 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 44 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 21 of the 44 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 48%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 27, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on UHS as a result. In 59 of 94 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 63%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for UHS turned negative on October 27, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 43 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 27 of the 43 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 63%.
UHS moved below its 50-day moving average on October 28, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where UHS 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%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 2 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued 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 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 52 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. UHS’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 60 (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 (1.381) is normal, around the industry mean (204.120). P/E Ratio (7.107) is within average values for comparable stocks, (19.084). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.197) is also within normal values, averaging (2.498). Dividend Yield (0.005) settles around the average of (0.091) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.621) is also within normal values, averaging (2.688).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 71 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. UHS’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 84, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 80 (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.
HCA | UHS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 63 Fair valued | 60 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 34 | 71 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 45 | 45 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 32 | 52 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 61 | 80 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 2 |
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.
UHS's Valuation (60) in the Hospital Or Nursing Management industry is in the same range as HCA (63). This means that UHS’s stock grew similarly to HCA’s over the last 12 months.
HCA's Profit vs Risk Rating (34) in the Hospital Or Nursing Management industry is somewhat better than the same rating for UHS (71). This means that HCA’s stock grew somewhat faster than UHS’s over the last 12 months.
HCA's SMR Rating (45) in the Hospital Or Nursing Management industry is in the same range as UHS (45). This means that HCA’s stock grew similarly to UHS’s over the last 12 months.
HCA's Price Growth Rating (32) in the Hospital Or Nursing Management industry is in the same range as UHS (52). This means that HCA’s stock grew similarly to UHS’s over the last 12 months.
HCA's P/E Growth Rating (61) in the Hospital Or Nursing Management industry is in the same range as UHS (80). This means that HCA’s stock grew similarly to UHS’s over the last 12 months.
| HCA | UHS | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 59% | 3 days ago 48% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 56% | 3 days ago 62% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 68% | 3 days ago 63% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 70% | 3 days ago 63% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 70% | 3 days ago 65% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 68% | 3 days ago 70% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 71% | 18 days ago 72% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 62% | 5 days ago 66% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 53% | 3 days ago 69% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 64% | 3 days ago 64% |
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 1 FA rating(s) are green while UHS’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s).
- HCA’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- UHS’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 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 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while UHS’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- HCA’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
- UHS’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
HCA (@Hospital/Nursing Management) experienced а +0.89% price change this week, while UHS (@Hospital/Nursing Management) price change was -5.80% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Hospital/Nursing Management industry was +0.92%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +4.04%, and the average quarterly price growth was +19.38%.
Reported Earning Dates
HCA is expected to report earnings on Feb 02, 2027.
UHS is expected to report earnings on Mar 03, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Hospital/Nursing Management (+0.92% 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 66% 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.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To HCA | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HCA | 100% | -1.02% | ||
| UHS - HCA | 66% Closely correlated | -0.32% | ||
| THC - HCA | 62% Loosely correlated | +0.99% | ||
| ENSG - HCA | 39% Loosely correlated | -2.58% | ||
| CON - HCA | 33% Loosely correlated | -2.11% | ||
| SGRY - HCA | 32% Poorly correlated | N/A | ||
More | ||||
UHS and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, UHS 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 UHS jumps, then HCA could also see price increases.