WallStSmart

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR (HSBC)vsMorningstar Inc (MORN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR generates 2485% more annual revenue ($63.22B vs $2.45B). HSBC leads profitability with a 35.2% profit margin vs 15.3%. HSBC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.20. 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

MORN

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 8.5Value: 5.0Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.46

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

MORN2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
26.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
21.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.7%

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

MORN2 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.314/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
4.5%4/10

4.5% earnings growth

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 : MORN

The strongest argument for MORN centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.3% and operating margin at 21.7%.

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 : MORN

The primary concerns for MORN are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

MORN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.11 — 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 57/100), 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.

Morningstar Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA

Morningstar, Inc. offers independent investment research services in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

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