WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR generates 50124% more annual revenue ($63.22B vs $125.89M). HSBC leads profitability with a 35.2% profit margin vs 30.6%. SAR trades at a lower P/E of 9.7x. 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

SAR

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 6.7Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 4/9

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

SAR4 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.9x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
30.6%10/10

Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
67.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 67.9%

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

SAR3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Market CapQuality
$381.75M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Debt/EquityHealth
1.853/10

Elevated debt levels

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-11.8%2/10

Revenue declined 11.8%

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 : SAR

The strongest argument for SAR centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.6% and operating margin at 67.9%.

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 : SAR

The primary concerns for SAR are Market Cap, Debt/Equity, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 1.85 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 0.60 — 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 54/100), 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.

Saratoga Investment Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Saratoga Investment Corp (SAR) is a publicly traded business development company focused on delivering flexible debt and equity capital to middle-market companies across diverse sectors such as healthcare, technology, and consumer products. The firm employs a disciplined investment strategy characterized by extensive due diligence and strong risk management, prioritizing capital preservation alongside the enhancement of shareholder returns. With its proactive approach to portfolio management and a track record of reliable dividend distributions, Saratoga presents an appealing opportunity for institutional investors seeking to diversify within the alternative asset landscape.

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