WallStSmart

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR (HSBC)vsSouthState Corporation (SSB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR generates 2262% more annual revenue ($63.22B vs $2.68B). HSBC leads profitability with a 35.2% profit margin vs 34.9%. HSBC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.20. SSB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 81/100 (A-).

HSBC

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 10.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.33

SSB

Exceptional Buy

81

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.5Value: 7.0Quality: 3.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.19

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

SSB6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.4x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
34.9%10/10

Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
50.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 50.3%

EPS GrowthGrowth
162.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 162.1% YoY

Revenue GrowthGrowth
22.8%8/10

Revenue surging 22.8% year-over-year

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

SSB1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.192/10

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 : SSB

The strongest argument for SSB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 34.9% and operating margin at 50.3%. Revenue growth of 22.8% 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 : SSB

The primary concerns for SSB are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

SSB carries more volatility with a beta of 0.75 — 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

SSB scores higher overall (81/100 vs 77/100), backed by strong 34.9% margins and 22.8% 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.

SouthState Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

South State Corporation is the banking holding company for South State Bank offering a range of banking products and services. The company is headquartered in Winter Haven, Florida.

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