WallStSmart

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR (HSBC)vsUnilever PLC ADR (UL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR generates 26% more annual revenue ($63.77B vs $50.50B). HSBC leads profitability with a 35.0% profit margin vs 18.8%. HSBC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.23. HSBC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

HSBC

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.33

UL

Hold

46

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.0Profit: 8.5Value: 4.3Quality: 5.0

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HSBC4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$313.47B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
35.0%10/10

Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
49.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 49.7%

P/E RatioValuation
15.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

UL4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
31.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit

Market CapQuality
$130.20B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
20.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.1%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$5.48B8/10

Generating 5.5B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

HSBC4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.3%4/10

3.3% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
2.6%4/10

2.6% earnings growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.332/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.791/10

Elevated debt levels

UL3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
10.732/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-3.2%2/10

Revenue declined 3.2%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-3.4%2/10

Earnings declined 3.4%

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 35.0% and operating margin at 49.7%. PEG of 1.23 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : UL

The strongest argument for UL centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.8% and operating margin at 20.1%.

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 : UL

The primary concerns for UL are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HSBC profiles as a value stock while UL is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

HSBC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.57 — 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

HSBC scores higher overall (61/100 vs 46/100), backed by strong 35.0% margins. Both earn "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.

Unilever PLC ADR

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · HOUSEHOLD & PERSONAL PRODUCTS · USA

Unilever PLC is a fast moving consumer goods company in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, America and Europe. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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