WallStSmart

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR (HSBC)vsJohnson & Johnson (JNJ)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Johnson & Johnson generates 49% more annual revenue ($94.19B vs $63.22B). HSBC leads profitability with a 35.2% profit margin vs 28.5%. HSBC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. HSBC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

HSBC

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.33

JNJ

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.0Value: 10.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.62
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HSBCUndervalued (+68.7%)

Margin of Safety

+68.7%

Fair Value

$280.80

Current Price

$81.21

$199.59 discount

UndervaluedFair: $280.80Overvalued
JNJUndervalued (+54.5%)

Margin of Safety

+54.5%

Fair Value

$516.67

Current Price

$239.93

$276.74 discount

UndervaluedFair: $516.67Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HSBC6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$264.52B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
35.2%10/10

Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
55.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 55.2%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
58.4%10/10

Revenue surging 58.4% year-over-year

P/E RatioValuation
12.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
24.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 24.0% YoY

JNJ6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Market CapQuality
$567.22B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
35.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 35 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
28.5%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
24.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.0%

EPS GrowthGrowth
48.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 48.6% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$5.47B8/10

Generating 5.5B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

HSBC2 concerns · Avg: 1.5/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.332/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.791/10

Elevated debt levels

JNJ1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.654/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HSBC

The strongest argument for HSBC centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.2% and operating margin at 55.2%. Revenue growth of 58.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : JNJ

The strongest argument for JNJ centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.5% and operating margin at 24.0%.

Bear Case : HSBC

The primary concerns for HSBC are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.79 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : JNJ

The primary concerns for JNJ are PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HSBC profiles as a growth stock while JNJ is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

HSBC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.47 — expect wider price swings.

HSBC is growing revenue faster at 58.4% — sustainability is the question.

HSBC generates stronger free cash flow (9.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

HSBC scores higher overall (77/100 vs 71/100), backed by strong 35.2% margins and 58.4% revenue growth. JNJ offers better value entry with a 54.5% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA

HSBC Holdings plc offers banking and financial products and services globally. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

Johnson & Johnson

HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is an American multinational corporation founded in 1886 that develops medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and consumer packaged goods. Its common stock is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the company is ranked No. 36 on the 2021 Fortune 500 list of the largest United States corporations by total revenue. Johnson & Johnson is one of the world's most valuable companies, and is one of only two U.S.-based companies that has a prime credit rating of AAA, higher than that of the United States government.

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