Medical - Care Facilities
Compare Stocks
2 / 10Stock Comparison
AVAH vs HCSG
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
Medical - Care Facilities
AVAH vs HCSG — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | ||
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Medical - Care Facilities | Medical - Care Facilities |
| Market Cap | $1.46B | $1.60B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $2.43B | $1.84B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $225M | $59M |
| Gross Margin | 33.1% | 13.3% |
| Operating Margin | 10.9% | 3.0% |
| Forward P/E | 12.0x | 20.8x |
| Total Debt | $1.34B | $25M |
| Cash & Equiv. | $193M | $161M |
AVAH vs HCSG — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
| Stock | Apr 21 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aveanna Healthcare … (AVAH) | 100 | 59.4 | -40.6% |
| Healthcare Services… (HCSG) | 100 | 74.5 | -25.5% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: AVAH vs HCSG
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
AVAH carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for growth exposure.
- Rev growth 20.2%, EPS growth 19.5%, 3Y rev CAGR 10.8%
- 20.2% revenue growth vs HCSG's 7.1%
- Lower P/E (12.0x vs 20.8x)
HCSG is the clearest fit if your priority is income & stability and long-term compounding.
- Dividend streak 20 yrs, beta 1.12
- -26.8% 10Y total return vs AVAH's -42.2%
- Lower volatility, beta 1.12, Low D/E 4.8%, current ratio 3.38x
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | 20.2% revenue growth vs HCSG's 7.1% | |
| Value | Lower P/E (12.0x vs 20.8x) | |
| Quality / Margins | 9.2% margin vs HCSG's 3.2% | |
| Stability / Safety | Beta 1.12 vs AVAH's 1.40, lower leverage | |
| Dividends | Tie | Neither stock pays a meaningful dividend |
| Momentum (1Y) | +55.8% vs AVAH's +44.0% | |
| Efficiency (ROA) | 12.4% ROA vs HCSG's 7.3%, ROIC 15.1% vs 9.0% |
AVAH vs HCSG — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
AVAH vs HCSG — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
AVAH leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
AVAH and HCSG operate at a comparable scale, with $2.4B and $1.8B in trailing revenue. AVAH is the more profitable business, keeping 9.2% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to HCSG's 3.2%. On growth, AVAH holds the edge at +27.4% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $2.4B | $1.8B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $289M | $72M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $225M | $59M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $126M | $139M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +33.1% | +13.3% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +10.9% | +3.0% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +9.2% | +3.2% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +5.2% | +7.6% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +27.4% | +6.6% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +4.9% | +175.0% |
Valuation Metrics
AVAH leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 6.6x trailing earnings, AVAH trades at a 76% valuation discount to HCSG's 27.5x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, AVAH's 9.0x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than HCSG's 22.4x.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $1.5B | $1.6B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $2.6B | $1.5B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 6.61x | 27.54x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 11.96x | 20.83x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 9.04x | 22.38x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 0.60x | 0.87x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 7.67x | 3.19x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 11.63x | 11.49x |
Profitability & Efficiency
HCSG leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
AVAH delivers a 9.5% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $10 in annual profit, vs $12 for HCSG. HCSG carries lower financial leverage with a 0.05x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to AVAH's 6.91x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), HCSG scores 7/9 vs AVAH's 6/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +9.5% | +11.8% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +12.4% | +7.3% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +15.1% | +9.0% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +18.6% | +7.7% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 6 | 7 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 6.91x | 0.05x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $1.2B | -$136M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $193M | $161M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $1.3B | $25M |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 1.79x | 33.02x |
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
HCSG leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in HCSG five years ago would be worth $7,888 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $6,019 for AVAH. Over the past 12 months, HCSG leads with a +55.8% total return vs AVAH's +44.0%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors AVAH at 89.5% vs HCSG's 14.1% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -14.1% | +28.6% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +44.0% | +55.8% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +580.4% | +48.6% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -39.8% | -21.1% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -42.2% | -26.8% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +89.5% | +14.1% |
Risk & Volatility
HCSG leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
HCSG is the less volatile stock with a 1.12 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than AVAH's 1.40 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. HCSG currently trades 91.5% from its 52-week high vs AVAH's 67.2% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 1.40x | 1.12x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $10.32 | $24.39 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $3.73 | $12.66 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +67.2% | +91.5% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 53.4 | 61.8 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 1.1M | 676K |
Analyst Outlook
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates AVAH as "Hold" and HCSG as "Hold". Consensus price targets imply 58.5% upside for AVAH (target: $11) vs 9.8% for HCSG (target: $25).
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Hold | Hold |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $11.00 | $24.50 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 12 | 15 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | — | — |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | — | 20 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | — | — |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | +3.9% |
HCSG leads in 3 of 6 categories (Profitability & Efficiency, Total Returns). AVAH leads in 2 (Income & Cash Flow, Valuation Metrics).
AVAH vs HCSG: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is AVAH or HCSG a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc.
(AVAH) is the stronger pick with 20. 2% revenue growth year-over-year, versus 7. 1% for Healthcare Services Group, Inc. (HCSG). Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc. (AVAH) offers the better valuation at 6. 6x trailing P/E (12. 0x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc. (AVAH) a "Hold" — based on 12 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — AVAH or HCSG?
On trailing P/E, Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc.
(AVAH) is the cheapest at 6. 6x versus Healthcare Services Group, Inc. at 27. 5x. On forward P/E, Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc. is actually cheaper at 12. 0x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — AVAH or HCSG?
Over the past 5 years, Healthcare Services Group, Inc.
(HCSG) delivered a total return of -21. 1%, compared to -39. 8% for Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc. (AVAH). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: HCSG returned -26. 8% versus AVAH's -42. 2%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — AVAH or HCSG?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Healthcare Services Group, Inc.
(HCSG) is the lower-risk stock at 1. 12β versus Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc. 's 1. 40β — meaning AVAH is approximately 25% more volatile than HCSG relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Healthcare Services Group, Inc. (HCSG) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 5% versus 7% for Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — AVAH or HCSG?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc.
(AVAH) is pulling ahead at 20. 2% versus 7. 1% for Healthcare Services Group, Inc. (HCSG). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc. grew EPS 1952% year-over-year, compared to 52. 8% for Healthcare Services Group, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, AVAH leads at 10. 8% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — AVAH or HCSG?
Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc.
(AVAH) is the more profitable company, earning 9. 2% net margin versus 3. 2% for Healthcare Services Group, Inc. — meaning it keeps 9. 2% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: AVAH leads at 10. 9% versus 2. 6% for HCSG. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — AVAH leads at 33. 1%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is AVAH or HCSG more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc.
(AVAH) trades at 12. 0x forward P/E versus 20. 8x for Healthcare Services Group, Inc. — 8. 9x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for AVAH: 58. 5% to $11. 00.
08Which pays a better dividend — AVAH or HCSG?
None of the stocks in this comparison currently pay a material dividend.
All are effectively zero-yield and should be held for capital appreciation rather than income.
09Is AVAH or HCSG better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Healthcare Services Group, Inc.
(HCSG) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 1. 12)). Both have compounded well over 10 years (HCSG: -26. 8%, AVAH: -42. 2%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between AVAH and HCSG?
Both stocks operate in the Healthcare sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: AVAH is a small-cap high-growth stock; HCSG is a small-cap quality compounder stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
Find Stocks Like These
Explore pre-built screens for each stock's profile, or build a custom screen to find stocks that outperform both.
You Might Also Compare
Based on how these companies actually compete and overlap — not just which sector they're filed under.