WallStSmart

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR (HSBC)vsUpstart Holdings Inc (UPST)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HSBC Holdings PLC ADR generates 5778% more annual revenue ($63.22B vs $1.08B). HSBC leads profitability with a 35.2% profit margin vs 5.0%. HSBC trades at a lower P/E of 15.3x. 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

UPST

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 4.5Value: 4.0Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.83

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

UPST2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
34.4%10/10

Revenue surging 34.4% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
209.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 209.1% YoY

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

UPST4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
7.5%3/10

ROE of 7.5% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
5.0%3/10

5.0% margin — thin

P/E RatioValuation
67.7x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.832/10

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 : UPST

The strongest argument for UPST centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 34.4% 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 : UPST

The primary concerns for UPST are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 67.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 5.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HSBC profiles as a growth stock while UPST is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.

UPST carries more volatility with a beta of 2.16 — 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 51/100), 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.

Upstart Holdings Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Upstart Holdings, Inc. operates a cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) lending platform. The company is headquartered in San Mateo, California.

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