HSBC Holdings PLC ADR (HSBC)vsSouthern Company (SO)
HSBC
HSBC Holdings PLC ADR
$81.21
+2.45%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $264.52B
SO
Southern Company
$94.61
+0.67%
UTILITIES · Cap: $105.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
HSBC Holdings PLC ADR generates 114% more annual revenue ($63.22B vs $29.55B). HSBC leads profitability with a 35.2% profit margin vs 14.7%. 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+
SO
Buy54
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
-254.9%
Fair Value
$26.66
Current Price
$94.61
$67.95 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
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 22.1%
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 : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HSBC profiles as a growth stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
HSBC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.47 — 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.
Southern Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices also located in Birmingham, Alabama.
Compare with Other BANKS - DIVERSIFIED Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?