WallStSmart

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR (HSBC)vsSaratoga Investment Corp (SAR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR generates 54206% more annual revenue ($67.43B vs $124.17M). HSBC leads profitability with a 37.8% profit margin vs 12.7%. HSBC trades at a lower P/E of 14.9x. HSBC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

HSBC

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.31

SAR

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 5.3Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 4/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HSBC5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$357.59B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
37.8%10/10

Keeps 38 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
58.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 58.8%

P/E RatioValuation
14.9x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
25.4%8/10

Revenue surging 25.4% year-over-year

SAR2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
0.8x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
69.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 69.0%

Areas to Watch

HSBC3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Price/BookValuation
8.2x4/10

Trading at 8.2x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
2.6%4/10

2.6% earnings growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.312/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

SAR4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$311.65M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Debt/EquityHealth
1.563/10

Elevated debt levels

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-4.8%2/10

Revenue declined 4.8%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-25.97M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 37.8% and operating margin at 58.8%. Revenue growth of 25.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : SAR

The strongest argument for SAR centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin.

Bear Case : HSBC

The primary concerns for HSBC are Price/Book, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : SAR

The primary concerns for SAR are Market Cap, Debt/Equity, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 1.56 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HSBC profiles as a growth stock while SAR is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

SAR carries more volatility with a beta of 0.59 — expect wider price swings.

HSBC is growing revenue faster at 25.4% — sustainability is the question.

Monitor BANKS - DIVERSIFIED industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

HSBC scores higher overall (67/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 37.8% margins and 25.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" 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.

Saratoga Investment Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Saratoga Investment Corp (SAR) is a publicly traded business development company specializing in providing flexible debt and equity capital to middle-market enterprises across various sectors, including healthcare, technology, and consumer products. The firm employs a disciplined investment strategy that prioritizes comprehensive due diligence and risk management to safeguard capital while striving for optimal shareholder returns. With a robust portfolio management approach and a history of consistent dividend payouts, Saratoga offers institutional investors a compelling opportunity to enhance their exposure to alternative investments while benefiting from the growth potential inherent in the middle-market segment.

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