WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR generates 642% more annual revenue ($67.43B vs $9.09B). HSBC leads profitability with a 37.8% profit margin vs 24.7%. HSBC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.94. NTRS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 84/100 (A-).

HSBC

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 7.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.31

NTRS

Exceptional Buy

84

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 10.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -0.32

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HSBC6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$366.94B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
37.8%10/10

Keeps 38 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
58.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 58.8%

PEG RatioValuation
0.948/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
15.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
25.4%8/10

Revenue surging 25.4% year-over-year

NTRS6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Operating MarginProfitability
42.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 42.5%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
36.4%10/10

Revenue surging 36.4% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
98.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 98.6% YoY

Profit MarginProfitability
24.7%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
16.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

HSBC3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Price/BookValuation
8.3x4/10

Trading at 8.3x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
2.6%4/10

2.6% earnings growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.312/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

NTRS4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.183/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-284.40M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.322/10

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 37.8% and operating margin at 58.8%. Revenue growth of 25.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : NTRS

The strongest argument for NTRS centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 42.5%. Revenue growth of 36.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HSBC

The primary concerns for HSBC are Price/Book, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : NTRS

The primary concerns for NTRS are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

NTRS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.26 — expect wider price swings.

NTRS is growing revenue faster at 36.4% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

NTRS scores higher overall (84/100 vs 69/100), backed by strong 24.7% margins and 36.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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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