HSBC Holdings PLC ADR (HSBC)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)
HSBC
HSBC Holdings PLC ADR
$81.21
+2.45%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $264.52B
NVS
Novartis AG ADR
$150.75
+1.44%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $286.27B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
HSBC Holdings PLC ADR generates 12% more annual revenue ($63.22B vs $56.67B). HSBC leads profitability with a 35.2% profit margin vs 24.7%. HSBC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. HSBC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).
HSBC
Strong Buy77
out of 100
Grade: B+
NVS
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+68.7%
Fair Value
$280.80
Current Price
$81.21
$199.59 discount
Margin of Safety
-243.7%
Fair Value
$48.62
Current Price
$150.75
$102.13 premium
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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Earnings expanding 24.0% YoY
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 27.8%
Generating 1.6B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
2.2% revenue growth
Grey zone — moderate risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 11.6%
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 : NVS
The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 27.8%.
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 : NVS
The primary concerns for NVS are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HSBC profiles as a growth stock while NVS is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
NVS 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 51/100), 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.
Novartis AG ADR
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures and markets medical devices worldwide. The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.
Visit Website →Compare with Other BANKS - DIVERSIFIED Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?