Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX) vs HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA)

A side-by-side comparison of Becton, Dickinson and Company and HCA Healthcare, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 31, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnBDX vs HCA

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 15y
BDX +258.4%HCA +1412.3%HCA compounded faster
05001k2k2kStart $10020142017202020232026$358$1,512
BDX HCA

BDX vs HCA: by the numbers

  • HCA is the larger company ($87.16B vs $60.00B market cap).
  • HCA trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (13.61 vs 41.93 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • HCA converts more revenue to profit (8.89% vs 5.33% net margin).
  • HCA grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.73% vs 2.52% CAGR).
  • BDX pays the higher dividend yield (2.26% vs 0.76%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricBDXHCA
P/E ratio41.9313.61
Forward P/E13.1313.38
P/S ratio2.181.17
P/B ratio1.93N/A
PEG ratio2.580.57
EV / EBITDA13.548.90
FCF yield6.76%8.83%

Profitability

MetricBDXHCA
Gross margin46.48%34.92%
Operating margin10.61%15.67%
Net margin5.33%8.89%
ROE4.72%-112.56%
ROIC4.73%18.53%

Dividends

MetricBDXHCA
Dividend yield2.26%0.76%
Payout ratio64.09%10.48%

Growth (annualized)

MetricBDXHCA
Revenue CAGR (5Y)2.52%7.73%
EPS CAGR (5Y)16.26%20.90%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-5.41%1.92%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-1.59%11.12%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, BDX or HCA?
HCA has the lower trailing P/E: BDX trades at 41.93 and HCA at 13.61. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, BDX or HCA?
Over the past five years, HCA grew revenue faster — BDX at a 2.52% CAGR versus HCA at 7.73%.
Does BDX or HCA pay a bigger dividend?
BDX yields 2.26% and HCA yields 0.76% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is BDX or HCA more profitable?
HCA runs the higher net margin — BDX at 5.33% versus HCA at 8.89%.
How have BDX and HCA total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, BDX delivered 3.69% and HCA delivered 18.86% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 31, 2026.