HSBC (HSBC, $41.36) misses 2018 expectations, gears up for 2019
London headquartered HSBC, Europe’s largest bank, recently published its full-year report revealing several forecast misses primarily due to a challenging fourth quarter.
The bank’s pre-tax profit for 2018 stood at $19.89 billion, 15.9% higher than the previous year, versus a forecast of a 23.8% jump to $21.26 billion. Reported revenue was 4.5% higher than 2017 to $53.78 billion versus a forecast of 6.28% higher to $54.674 billion.
Other financial metrics include: Net interest margin, a measure of lending profitability, stood at 1.66% as of December 31, 2018 – higher than the 1.63% seen in 2017; earnings per share for 2018 was $0.63 compared to $0.48 in 2017; and common equity tier 1 ratio — a proportion of the bank's core capital to assets — as on December 31 2018 stood at 14 % compared to 14.5% at end-2017. The bank’s Hong Kong listed shares also fell by 2% on Tuesday. It also missed its positive revenue ‘jaws’ target for 2018 recorded at minus 1.2%.
Despite these results, the bank’s CFO is satisfied, as the last quarter was particularly challenging which led to trading revenue losses in many banking groups. He is optimistic for 2019 as the bank is well-prepared for any outcome related to Brexit, and is yet to experience any dramatic slowdown in its business in China as a result of trade disputes between Washington and Beijing. However, wealth management strategists consider exactly these factors to become headwinds for the bank ahead in the market.
Aroon Indicator for HSBC shows an upward move is likely
HSBC's Aroon Indicator triggered a bullish signal on September 11, 2026. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor detected that the AroonUp green line is above 70 while the AroonDown red line is below 30. When the up indicator moves above 70 and the down indicator remains below 30, it is a sign that the stock could be setting up for a bullish move. Traders may want to buy the stock or look to buy calls options. A.I.dvisor looked at 440 similar instances where the Aroon Indicator showed a similar pattern. In 304 of the 440 cases, the stock moved higher in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move higher at 69%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on September 01, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on HSBC as a result. In 55 of 81 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 68%.
Following a +2.07% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where HSBC advanced for three days, in 258 of 374 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for HSBC moved out of overbought territory on September 08, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 53 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 18 of the 53 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 34%.
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 26 of 63 cases where HSBC's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 41%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for HSBC turned negative on September 10, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 42 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 14 of the 42 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 33%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where HSBC declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 47%.
HSBC broke above its upper Bollinger Band on September 03, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 2 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 19, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 3 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 31 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to good earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 40 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. HSBC’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 58 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.834) is normal, around the industry mean (1.928). P/E Ratio (15.043) is within average values for comparable stocks, (15.436). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.924) is also within normal values, averaging (1.358). HSBC has a moderately high Dividend Yield (0.036) as compared to the industry average of (0.025). P/S Ratio (4.933) is also within normal values, averaging (3.980).
Notable companies
Industry description
Market Cap
High and low price notable news
Volume
Fundamental Analysis Ratings
The average fundamental analysis ratings, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, are as follows
Advertisement
General Information
a major bank
Industry MajorBanks
Advertisement