WallStSmart

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR (HSBC)vsNorthern Trust Corporation (NTRS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR generates 656% more annual revenue ($63.22B vs $8.36B). HSBC leads profitability with a 35.2% profit margin vs 22.4%. HSBC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.20. NTRS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (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

NTRS

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.0Value: 6.3Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -0.35

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

NTRS5 strengths · Avg: 8.6/10
Operating MarginProfitability
31.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 31.7%

Profit MarginProfitability
22.4%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
17.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
42.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 42.6% YoY

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

NTRS2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.352/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : NTRS

The strongest argument for NTRS centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.4% and operating margin at 31.7%. Revenue growth of 13.9% 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 : NTRS

The primary concerns for NTRS are Piotroski F-Score, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HSBC profiles as a growth stock while NTRS is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

NTRS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — 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

NTRS scores higher overall (78/100 vs 77/100), backed by strong 22.4% margins and 13.9% 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.

Northern Trust Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Northern Trust Corporation is a financial services company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois that caters to corporations, institutional investors, and ultra high net worth individuals.

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