HSBC Holdings PLC ADR (HSBC)vsSouthern Company (SO)
HSBC
HSBC Holdings PLC ADR
$90.16
+1.34%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $313.47B
SO
Southern Company
$91.80
-0.68%
UTILITIES · Cap: $103.49B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
HSBC Holdings PLC ADR generates 111% more annual revenue ($63.77B vs $30.18B). HSBC leads profitability with a 35.0% profit margin vs 14.5%. HSBC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.23. HSBC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).
HSBC
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for HSBC.
Margin of Safety
-26.1%
Fair Value
$73.33
Current Price
$91.80
$18.47 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 49.7%
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%
Areas to Watch
3.3% revenue growth
2.6% earnings growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
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.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HSBC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.57 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.
Monitor BANKS - DIVERSIFIED industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
HSBC scores higher overall (61/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 35.0% margins. Both earn "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.
Southern Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices also located in Birmingham, Alabama.
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