WallStSmart

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR (HSBC)vsRLI Corp (RLI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR generates 3230% more annual revenue ($63.22B vs $1.90B). HSBC leads profitability with a 35.2% profit margin vs 20.8%. HSBC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.20. 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

RLI

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 5/9

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

RLI5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.0210/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Return on EquityProfitability
23.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
20.8%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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

RLI3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.734/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.0%4/10

4.0% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
-12.4%2/10

Earnings declined 12.4%

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 35.2% and operating margin at 55.2%. Revenue growth of 58.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : RLI

The strongest argument for RLI centers on Debt/Equity, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.8% and operating margin at 15.9%.

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 : RLI

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

HSBC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.56 — 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

HSBC scores higher overall (77/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 35.2% margins and 58.4% 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.

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.

RLI Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - PROPERTY & CASUALTY · USA

RLI Corp. The company is headquartered in Peoria, Illinois.

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