WallStSmart

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR (HSBC)vsLincoln National Corporation (LNC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR generates 246% more annual revenue ($63.22B vs $18.27B). HSBC leads profitability with a 35.2% profit margin vs 6.4%. LNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.01. HSBC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

HSBC

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 10.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.33

LNC

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 2.0Profit: 5.0Value: 7.0Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HSBC6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Market CapQuality
$318.28B10/10

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

EPS GrowthGrowth
2398.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 2398.0% YoY

P/E RatioValuation
15.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

LNC2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
6.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.7x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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

LNC4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
6.4%3/10

6.4% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-3.1%2/10

Revenue declined 3.1%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-60.7%2/10

Earnings declined 60.7%

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 : LNC

The strongest argument for LNC centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 1.01 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : LNC

The primary concerns for LNC are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HSBC profiles as a growth stock while LNC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

LNC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.22 — 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 59/100), backed by strong 35.2% margins and 58.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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.

Lincoln National Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - LIFE · USA

Lincoln National Corporation is an American holding company, which operates multiple insurance and investment management businesses through subsidiary companies. Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for LNC and its subsidiary companies.

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