AFLAC Incorporated vs HCA Health Inc — how do they compare? AFLAC Incorporated trades at $120.78 (market cap $60.70B), while HCA Health Inc trades at $416.09 (market cap $89.08B). The key difference: HCA Health Inc is the larger of the two by market cap, and AFLAC Incorporated pays the higher dividend (2.02%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AFL | HCA | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $60.70B | $89.08B |
Sector | Financials | Health |
52-Week High | $129.55 | $545.13 |
52-Week Low | $103.55 | $361.32 |
Enterprise Value | $70.65B | $139.62B |
Dividend Yield | 2.02% | 0.76% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
AFL trades at $121.09, down 0.7% on the day, with a bullish overall technical signal but bearish moving averages and oscillators. The stock shows strong profitability with a 26.59% net income margin and 16.91% ROE, though recent quarters have seen EPS misses. Revenue declined to $17.36B in 2025, with net income of $3.65B. Recent news highlights AFL's rebranding of network services and ongoing dividend commitments.
Outlook is mixed; solid fundamentals and a 43-year dividend growth history support income investors, but near-term headwinds include revenue pressure in Japan and FX impacts. Analyst consensus is cautious with a $118 price target below current levels, suggesting limited upside amid execution risks and competitive pressures.
HCA Healthcare trades at $413.27, down 0.18% on the day, with strong technical momentum showing a bullish moving average signal. The company reported solid Q2 2026 earnings with EPS of $7.59 beating estimates of $7.56, marking the third consecutive quarterly beat. Revenue growth continues with 2025 revenue reaching $75.60 billion, while maintaining healthy profit margins of 8.77%. Recent management appointments and ongoing legal investigations create mixed sentiment around the stock.
HCA presents a compelling value opportunity with attractive valuation multiples (P/E 13.8, EV/EBITDA 8.8) and strong analyst support (63% buy ratings, $449.93 price target). However, investors face risks from multiple ongoing legal investigations, high debt levels (debt-to-asset ratio 80.9% in 2025), and margin pressure from rising operational costs. The stock offers 8.9% upside to consensus target but requires monitoring of legal developments and expense management.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Aflac Inc offers supplemental health insurance and life insurance in the two largest insurance markets in the world, the U.S. and Japan. In addition to its cancer policies, the company has broadened its product offerings to include accidents, disability, and long-term-care insurance. It markets its products through independent distributors, selling most of its policies directly to consumers at their places of work.
Read more on AFL →HCA Healthcare is a Nashville-based healthcare provider organization operating the largest collection of acute-care hospitals in the U.S. As of December 2021, the firm owned and operated 182 hospitals, 125 freestanding outpatient surgery centers, and a broad network of physician offices, urgent care clinics, and freestanding emergency rooms across nearly 20 states and a small foothold in England.
Read more on HCA →