HCA Health Inc vs NRG Energy Inc — how do they compare? HCA Health Inc trades at $371.71 (market cap $82.17B), while NRG Energy Inc trades at $132.99 (market cap $27.55B). The key difference: HCA Health Inc is far larger — about 3× NRG Energy Inc's market cap, and NRG Energy Inc pays the higher dividend (1.46%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| HCA | NRG | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $82.17B | $27.55B |
Sector | Health | Utilities |
52-Week High | $545.13 | $184.03 |
52-Week Low | $334.32 | $120.65 |
Enterprise Value | $131.08B | $51.38B |
Dividend Yield | 0.84% | 1.46% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
HCA Healthcare trades at $370.74, down 0.12% on the day, with a bearish technical signal but strong fundamentals including consistent earnings beats and revenue growth to $75.6 billion in 2025. The stock faces headwinds from lowered 2026 guidance and negative news flow, but maintains a solid valuation with a P/E of 12.79 and positive analyst consensus.
The outlook is mixed: attractive valuation and operational strength support upside to the $469.40 price target, but near-term risks from payer mix shifts and legal investigations warrant caution. Long-term growth drivers include capacity expansion and medical advancements, though investor sentiment is currently pressured.
NRG Energy trades at $131.02, up 1.48% with a bearish technical signal despite recent earnings beats. The stock shows mixed fundamentals with strong revenue growth to $30.71B but thin net margins of 0.74%. Analyst consensus remains bullish with a $196.33 price target, representing 50% upside potential from current levels. Recent news highlights expanding generation capacity and data center deals as growth catalysts.
The outlook balances strong analyst support against elevated valuation multiples and technical weakness. Key opportunities include power demand growth and strategic positioning, while risks involve margin pressure and debt levels exceeding 56% of assets. The upcoming Q2 2026 earnings report on August 4 will be critical for confirming growth trajectory.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →NRG Energy is one of the largest retail energy providers in the U.S., with 7 million customers, including its 2021 acquisition of Direct Energy. It also is one of the largest U.S. independent power producers, with 16 gigawatts of nuclear, coal, gas, and oil power generation capacity primarily in Texas. Since 2018, NRG has divested its 47% stake in NRG Yield, among other renewable energy and conventional generation investments. NRG exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy as a stand-alone entity in December 2003.
Read more on NRG →