HSBC Holdings PLC ADR (HSBC)vsMorgan Stanley (MS)
HSBC
HSBC Holdings PLC ADR
$79.46
-0.60%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $274.80B
MS
Morgan Stanley
$158.93
-0.24%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $250.61B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Morgan Stanley generates 11% more annual revenue ($70.30B vs $63.22B). HSBC leads profitability with a 35.2% profit margin vs 24.0%. HSBC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.08. HSBC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).
HSBC
Strong Buy77
out of 100
Grade: B+
MS
Strong Buy76
out of 100
Grade: B+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+68.7%
Fair Value
$280.80
Current Price
$79.46
$201.34 discount
Margin of Safety
+61.6%
Fair Value
$413.17
Current Price
$158.93
$254.24 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 55.2%
Revenue surging 58.4% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 2398.0% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%
Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 20.7% YoY
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : MS
The strongest argument for MS centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.0% and operating margin at 38.6%. Revenue growth of 11.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : HSBC
The primary concerns for HSBC are Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : MS
The primary concerns for MS are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HSBC profiles as a growth stock while MS is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
MS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.21 — 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 76/100), backed by strong 35.2% margins and 58.4% revenue growth. MS offers better value entry with a 61.6% 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.
Morgan Stanley
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA
Morgan Stanley is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered at 1585 Broadway in the Morgan Stanley Building, Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
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