On Sep 5, 2016, we issued an updated research report on HSBC Holdings (HSBC - Free Report) . We believe the company’s consistent focus on expense management will enhance its financial stability in the near future. Also, its steady capital deployment activities will keep attracting investors. However, strained top-line growth, mounting litigation charges and stringent regulatory restrictions remain its near-term headwinds.
Revenue generation remains a major concern at HSBC. A lower yield curve and global economic concerns along with the Brexit storm are expected to weigh on the core business drivers, thereby challenging top-line growth. HSBC dropped its target of surpassing 10% return on equity by 2017 due to the current global growth concerns.
Further, with relatively high inflation and wage pressures in some key emerging markets, HSBC’s business growth remains challenging. Stringent regulatory reforms, feeble loan demand and elevated legal costs may further hurt HSBC’s profitability in the near term.
With the help of its cost-cutting programs, HSBC experienced a decline in operating expenses in the first half of 2016. The company consistently undertakes cost-cutting initiatives to mitigate top-line pressure and improve operating efficiency.
In Jun 2015, HSBC initiated a cost-cutting program that includes global job cuts and divestiture of non-core operations. The target of this program is to lower expenses by $4.5–$5 billion by the end of 2017.
Moreover, HSBC’s steady capital deployment activities indicate its capital strength. In Aug 2016, HSBC initiated the repurchase of $2.5 billion common shares (following the completion of sale of Brazilian unit). Further, the company plans to keep its payout ratio intact at the 40–60% range.
Notably, over the past six months, HSBC’s stock gained around 20% on the NYSE.
Over the past 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged at $3.04 per share and $3.10 per share for 2016 and 2017, respectively.
Currently, HSBC Holdings plc carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Stocks to Consider
Some better-ranked stocks in the same space are Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. (GGAL - Free Report) , Banco Macro S.A. (BMA - Free Report) and Westpac Banking Corporation , each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
It’s a little-known chemical company that’s up 65% over last year, yet still dirt cheap. With unrelenting demand, soaring 2022 earnings estimates, and $1.5 billion for repurchasing shares, retail investors could jump in at any time.
This company could rival or surpass other recent Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Boston Beer Company which shot up +143.0% in little more than 9 months and NVIDIA which boomed +175.9% in one year.
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On Sep 5, 2016, we issued an updated research report on HSBC Holdings (HSBC - Free Report) . We believe the company’s consistent focus on expense management will enhance its financial stability in the near future. Also, its steady capital deployment activities will keep attracting investors. However, strained top-line growth, mounting litigation charges and stringent regulatory restrictions remain its near-term headwinds.
Revenue generation remains a major concern at HSBC. A lower yield curve and global economic concerns along with the Brexit storm are expected to weigh on the core business drivers, thereby challenging top-line growth. HSBC dropped its target of surpassing 10% return on equity by 2017 due to the current global growth concerns.
Further, with relatively high inflation and wage pressures in some key emerging markets, HSBC’s business growth remains challenging. Stringent regulatory reforms, feeble loan demand and elevated legal costs may further hurt HSBC’s profitability in the near term.
With the help of its cost-cutting programs, HSBC experienced a decline in operating expenses in the first half of 2016. The company consistently undertakes cost-cutting initiatives to mitigate top-line pressure and improve operating efficiency.
In Jun 2015, HSBC initiated a cost-cutting program that includes global job cuts and divestiture of non-core operations. The target of this program is to lower expenses by $4.5–$5 billion by the end of 2017.
Moreover, HSBC’s steady capital deployment activities indicate its capital strength. In Aug 2016, HSBC initiated the repurchase of $2.5 billion common shares (following the completion of sale of Brazilian unit). Further, the company plans to keep its payout ratio intact at the 40–60% range.
Notably, over the past six months, HSBC’s stock gained around 20% on the NYSE.
Over the past 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged at $3.04 per share and $3.10 per share for 2016 and 2017, respectively.
Currently, HSBC Holdings plc carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Stocks to Consider
Some better-ranked stocks in the same space are Grupo Financiero Galicia S.A. (GGAL - Free Report) , Banco Macro S.A. (BMA - Free Report) and Westpac Banking Corporation , each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
Confidential from Zacks
Beyond this Analyst Blog, would you like to see Zacks' best recommendations that are not available to the public? Our Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister, knows when key trades are about to be triggered and which of our experts has the hottest hand. Click to see them now>>
Zacks Names "Single Best Pick to Double"
From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
It’s a little-known chemical company that’s up 65% over last year, yet still dirt cheap. With unrelenting demand, soaring 2022 earnings estimates, and $1.5 billion for repurchasing shares, retail investors could jump in at any time.
This company could rival or surpass other recent Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Boston Beer Company which shot up +143.0% in little more than 9 months and NVIDIA which boomed +175.9% in one year.
Free: See Our Top Stock and 4 Runners Up >>
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