WallStSmart

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR (HSBC)vsSynchrony Financial (SYF)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR generates 548% more annual revenue ($63.22B vs $9.76B). SYF leads profitability with a 36.4% profit margin vs 35.2%. HSBC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. HSBC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

HSBC

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 10.0Profit: 9.0Value: 10.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.41

SYF

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.03
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HSBCUndervalued (+68.7%)

Margin of Safety

+68.7%

Fair Value

$280.80

Current Price

$76.95

$203.85 discount

UndervaluedFair: $280.80Overvalued
SYFUndervalued (+59.2%)

Margin of Safety

+59.2%

Fair Value

$178.92

Current Price

$66.19

$112.73 discount

UndervaluedFair: $178.92Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HSBC6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Market CapQuality
$264.52B10/10

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
12.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

SYF6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.1x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
36.4%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
48.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 48.5%

Return on EquityProfitability
21.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.45B8/10

Generating 2.5B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

HSBC1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.412/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

SYF2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
3.272/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.032/10

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 : SYF

The strongest argument for SYF centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.4% and operating margin at 48.5%.

Bear Case : HSBC

The primary concerns for HSBC are Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : SYF

The primary concerns for SYF are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

SYF carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — 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 71/100), backed by strong 35.2% margins and 58.4% revenue growth. SYF offers better value entry with a 59.2% margin of safety. 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.

Synchrony Financial

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Synchrony Financial is a consumer financial services company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, United States. The company offers consumer financing products, including credit, promotional financing and loyalty programs, installment lending to industries, and FDIC-insured consumer savings products through Synchrony Bank, its wholly owned online bank subsidiary.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?