HSBC Holdings PLC ADR (HSBC)vsPrincipal Financial Group Inc (PFG)
HSBC
HSBC Holdings PLC ADR
$90.16
+1.34%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $313.47B
PFG
Principal Financial Group Inc
$100.50
+0.47%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $21.61B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
HSBC Holdings PLC ADR generates 313% more annual revenue ($63.77B vs $15.46B). HSBC leads profitability with a 35.0% profit margin vs 10.1%. PFG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.06. PFG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
HSBC
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
PFG
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
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 49.7%
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Earnings expanding 819.0% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
3.3% revenue growth
2.6% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 4.5%
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 35.0% and operating margin at 49.7%. PEG of 1.23 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : PFG
The strongest argument for PFG centers on EPS Growth, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 1.06 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : HSBC
The primary concerns for HSBC are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.79 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : PFG
The primary concerns for PFG are Piotroski F-Score, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HSBC profiles as a value stock while PFG is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
PFG carries more volatility with a beta of 0.90 — expect wider price swings.
HSBC is growing revenue faster at 3.3% — sustainability is the question.
Monitor BANKS - DIVERSIFIED industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
PFG scores higher overall (67/100 vs 61/100). 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.
Principal Financial Group Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA
Principal Financial Group is an American global financial investment management and insurance company headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa.
Compare with Other BANKS - DIVERSIFIED Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?