HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA) vs Stryker Corporation (SYK)

A side-by-side comparison of HCA Healthcare, Inc. and Stryker Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 23, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnHCA vs SYK

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
HCA +518.0% (+20.0%/yr)SYK +224.1% (+12.5%/yr)HCA compounded faster over this window
200400600800Start $10020182020202220242026$618$324
HCA SYK

HCA vs SYK: by the numbers

  • SYK is the larger company ($126.30B vs $92.92B market cap).
  • HCA trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (14.37 vs 34.14 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • SYK converts more revenue to profit (14.43% vs 8.77% net margin).
  • SYK grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.72% vs 6.85% CAGR).
  • SYK pays the higher dividend yield (1.06% vs 0.70%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricHCASYK
P/E ratio14.3734.14
Forward P/E14.5421.93
P/S ratio1.234.92
P/B ratioN/A5.30
EV / EBITDA9.1120.00
FCF yield6.27%3.70%

Profitability

MetricHCASYK
Gross margin41.50%65.17%
Operating margin15.48%22.03%
Net margin8.77%14.43%
ROE-112.56%15.55%
ROIC19.41%9.82%

Dividends

MetricHCASYK
Dividend yield0.70%1.06%
Payout ratio10.48%40.99%

Growth (annualized)

MetricHCASYK
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.85%9.72%
EPS CAGR (5Y)20.90%14.79%
FCF CAGR (5Y)56.45%9.60%
Total return CAGR (5Y)12.40%5.51%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, HCA or SYK?
HCA has the lower trailing P/E: HCA trades at 14.37 and SYK at 34.14. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, HCA or SYK?
Over the past five years, SYK grew revenue faster — HCA at a 6.85% CAGR versus SYK at 9.72%.
Does HCA or SYK pay a bigger dividend?
HCA yields 0.70% and SYK yields 1.06% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is HCA or SYK more profitable?
SYK runs the higher net margin — HCA at 8.77% versus SYK at 14.43%.
How have HCA and SYK total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, HCA delivered 20.01% and SYK delivered 12.44% 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 August 23, 2026.