WallStSmart

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR (HSBC)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR generates 135% more annual revenue ($63.22B vs $26.88B). HSBC leads profitability with a 35.2% profit margin vs 31.9%. 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

MCD

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 3/9
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
MCDSignificantly Overvalued (-31.1%)

Margin of Safety

-31.1%

Fair Value

$237.84

Current Price

$311.70

$73.86 premium

UndervaluedFair: $237.84Overvalued

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

MCD5 strengths · Avg: 9.6/10
Market CapQuality
$219.68B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
31.9%10/10

Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
45.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 45.1%

Debt/EquityHealth
-38.1210/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.64B8/10

Generating 1.6B 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

MCD4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.8x4/10

Moderate valuation

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.742/10

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 : MCD

The strongest argument for MCD centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.9% and operating margin at 45.1%.

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 : MCD

The primary concerns for MCD are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

MCD carries more volatility with a beta of 0.50 — 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 53/100), 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.

McDonald’s Corporation

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

McDonald's Corporation is an American fast food company, founded in 1940 as a restaurant operated by Richard and Maurice McDonald, in San Bernardino, California, United States. They rechristened their business as a hamburger stand, and later turned the company into a franchise, with the Golden Arches logo being introduced in 1953 at a location in Phoenix, Arizona.

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