HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) vs McKesson Corporation (MCK)

HCA leads on 9 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of HCA Healthcare, Inc. and McKesson Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 19, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — HCA vs MCK

growth of $100 · last 15y
HCA +1109.4%MCK +857.7%HCA compounded faster
05001k2kStart $10020142017202020232026$1,209$958
HCA MCK

HCA vs MCK: by the numbers

  • MCK is the larger company ($87.88B vs $83.23B market cap).
  • HCA trades at the lower earnings multiple (12.90 vs 19.51 P/E).
  • HCA converts more revenue to profit (8.89% vs 1.18% net margin).
  • MCK grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.11% vs 7.73% CAGR).
  • HCA pays the higher dividend yield (0.80% vs 0.44%).

Which is better, HCA or MCK?

Metric tally: HCA 9 · MCK 7

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueHCA(lower P/E)
GrowthMCK(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeHCA(higher dividend yield)
QualityMCK(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricHCAMCK
P/E ratio12.9019.51
Forward P/E11.3014.90
P/S ratio1.110.23
PEG ratio0.560.46
EV / EBITDA8.5513.79
FCF yield9.32%6.44%

Profitability

MetricHCAMCK
Gross margin34.92%3.61%
Operating margin15.67%1.58%
Net margin8.89%1.18%
ROE-112.56%-219.24%
ROIC18.53%31.48%

Dividends

MetricHCAMCK
Dividend yield0.80%0.44%
Payout ratio10.48%8.51%

Growth (annualized)

MetricHCAMCK
Revenue CAGR (5Y)7.73%11.11%
EPS CAGR (5Y)20.90%40.71%
FCF CAGR (5Y)1.92%8.76%
Total return CAGR (5Y)14.20%33.07%

Frequently asked

Which is better, HCA or MCK?
It depends on your goal. value: HCA (lower P/E); growth: MCK (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: HCA (higher dividend yield); quality: MCK (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, HCA leads 9 to 7.
Is HCA or MCK cheaper?
On trailing earnings, HCA is cheaper: HCA trades at a 12.90 P/E and MCK at 19.51.
Which has grown faster, HCA or MCK?
Over the past five years, MCK grew revenue faster — HCA at a 7.73% CAGR versus MCK at 11.11%.
Does HCA or MCK pay a bigger dividend?
HCA yields 0.80% and MCK yields 0.44% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is HCA or MCK more profitable?
HCA runs the higher net margin — HCA at 8.89% versus MCK at 1.18%.
Which has been the better investment, HCA or MCK?
Over the past 10-year, HCA delivered the higher annualized total return — HCA at 17.99% versus MCK at 16.38%. 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 June 19, 2026.