WallStSmart

Apple Inc (AAPL)vsHSBC Holdings PLC ADR (HSBC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Apple Inc generates 608% more annual revenue ($451.44B vs $63.77B). HSBC leads profitability with a 35.0% profit margin vs 27.2%. HSBC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.23. AAPL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

AAPL

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 10.0Value: 3.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 2.42

HSBC

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AAPL6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$4.22T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
141.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 142 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
32.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.3%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$26.73B10/10

Generating 26.7B in free cash flow

Profit MarginProfitability
27.2%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.6%8/10

16.6% revenue growth

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

Areas to Watch

AAPL4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
34.8x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Debt/EquityHealth
1.033/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
2.522/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
48.9x2/10

Trading at 48.9x book value

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

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AAPL

The strongest argument for AAPL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.2% and operating margin at 32.3%. Revenue growth of 16.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

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.

Bear Case : AAPL

The primary concerns for AAPL are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.

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.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AAPL profiles as a growth stock while HSBC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

AAPL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.

AAPL is growing revenue faster at 16.6% — sustainability is the question.

Monitor CONSUMER ELECTRONICS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

AAPL scores higher overall (67/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 27.2% margins and 16.6% 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.

Apple Inc

TECHNOLOGY · CONSUMER ELECTRONICS · USA

Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company that specializes in consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. Apple is the world's largest technology company by revenue (totalling $274.5 billion in 2020) and, since January 2021, the world's most valuable company. As of 2021, Apple is the world's fourth-largest PC vendor by unit sales, and fourth-largest smartphone manufacturer. It is one of the Big Five American information technology companies, along with Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.

Visit Website →

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.

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