WallStSmart

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR (HSBC)vsLive Oak Bancshares, Inc. (LOB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR generates 12243% more annual revenue ($63.22B vs $512.21M). HSBC leads profitability with a 35.2% profit margin vs 24.6%. LOB trades at a lower P/E of 14.4x. 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

LOB

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.0Value: 6.0Quality: 6.5
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

LOB6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
35.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
185.7%10/10

Earnings expanding 185.7% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0810/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Profit MarginProfitability
24.6%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
14.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

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

LOB1 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$1.75B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

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 : LOB

The strongest argument for LOB centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.6% and operating margin at 35.5%. Revenue growth of 29.1% 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 : LOB

The primary concerns for LOB are Market Cap.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LOB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.90 — 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.

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

Bottom Line

HSBC scores higher overall (77/100 vs 72/100), backed by strong 35.2% margins and 58.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. is the banking holding company for Live Oak Banking Company offering a variety of commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses and professionals in North Carolina, United States. The company is headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina.

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