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

HCA leads on 9 of 16 compared metrics.

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 June 16, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — HCA vs SYK

growth of $100 · last 15y
HCA +1179.6%SYK +393.6%HCA compounded faster
05001k2kStart $10020142017202020232026$1,280$494
HCA SYK

HCA vs SYK: by the numbers

  • SYK is the larger company ($119.06B vs $88.05B market cap).
  • HCA trades at the lower earnings multiple (13.65 vs 35.95 P/E).
  • SYK converts more revenue to profit (13.21% vs 8.89% net margin).
  • SYK grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.42% vs 7.73% CAGR).
  • SYK pays the higher dividend yield (1.11% vs 0.76%).

Which is better, HCA or SYK?

Metric tally: HCA 9 · SYK 7

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueHCA(lower P/E)
GrowthSYK(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeSYK(higher dividend yield)
QualityHCA(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricHCASYK
P/E ratio13.6535.95
Forward P/E11.9618.56
P/S ratio1.184.75
P/B ratio5.22
PEG ratio0.565.16
EV / EBITDA8.8621.49
FCF yield8.81%3.81%

Profitability

MetricHCASYK
Gross margin34.92%63.67%
Operating margin15.67%21.34%
Net margin8.89%13.21%
ROE-112.56%14.52%
ROIC18.53%8.53%

Dividends

MetricHCASYK
Dividend yield0.76%1.11%
Payout ratio10.48%40.52%

Growth (annualized)

MetricHCASYK
Revenue CAGR (5Y)7.73%11.42%
EPS CAGR (5Y)20.90%14.79%
FCF CAGR (5Y)1.92%11.01%
Total return CAGR (5Y)14.89%4.98%

Frequently asked

Which is better, HCA or SYK?
It depends on your goal. value: HCA (lower P/E); growth: SYK (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: SYK (higher dividend yield); quality: HCA (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, HCA leads 9 to 7.
Is HCA or SYK cheaper?
On trailing earnings, HCA is cheaper: HCA trades at a 13.65 P/E and SYK at 35.95.
Which has grown faster, HCA or SYK?
Over the past five years, SYK grew revenue faster — HCA at a 7.73% CAGR versus SYK at 11.42%.
Does HCA or SYK pay a bigger dividend?
HCA yields 0.76% and SYK yields 1.11% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is HCA or SYK more profitable?
SYK runs the higher net margin — HCA at 8.89% versus SYK at 13.21%.
Which has been the better investment, HCA or SYK?
Over the past 10-year, HCA delivered the higher annualized total return — HCA at 18.63% versus SYK at 11.71%. 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 16, 2026.