Pretty bad stuff surrounded HSBC Holdings(LSE: HSBA)(NYSE: HSBC.US)in the last couple of days, and contributed to losses in the broader banking sector: the companysSwiss banking arm helped wealthy clients dodge taxes. It now facesinvestigation by US authorities and an inquiry by British lawmakers, according to Reuters.
But how bad is it?
And, equally important, do the latest revelations change the investment case? For those familiar with the banking system in the UK and across the pond, the latest news should be easy to swallow. Similarly, it should be easy to suggest that it will soon be business as usual at HSBC, once the dust settles.
If you think Im insane, read on
Time To Buy?
The latest events will likely have a limited impact on HSBCs valuation simply because the shares of most banks already price in such risks. In fact, I believe it may a good time to add 1.5% to 2.5% of HSBC stock to your portfolio (despite not being a big fan of banks at this point in the business cycle).
HSBC is valued at 601p a share. In the last 12months, it has lost just about 2% of its value; market consensus estimates are for an average price target of 697p, which implies a 16% upside to the end of the year. I think the market may be a tad bullish, but a price target in the region of 665p is conceivable,based on the fair value of HSBCs assets.
HSBC is by far the most conservative bet in the UK banking industry, and has plenty of tools at its disposal to deliver value, including a projected dividend yield north of 5%. Moreover, at a time when banks need to shrink their assets base, HSBC is well positioned to surprise investors,hefty finesnotwithstanding.
Elsewhere In The News
HSBC is not exactly in a sweet spot its a bank, after all, in a sluggish business cycle! but its assets base offer more upside than that of other troubled banks in the UK.
I dont think that trading metrics are reliable when it comes to assessing the value of bank stocks at this economic juncture, so I am not going to tell you that HSBC is cheap based on its lowly P/E ratio, but Id point out that it offers value simply because it has plenty of options both with regard to funding sources and divestments.
In other words, if things go bad, it wont go under.
While the press focuses on litigation risk, I think other news deserves attention, too. Hang Seng Bank, a subsidiary ofHSBC, is divesting up to 5% in Chinas Industrial Bank, in a deal that will likely fetch up to 1.3bn, it emerged on Tuesday.
HSBC has managed to cope with volatility in the financial markets for decades, faring better than mostother rivals. With a strong focus on Asia, it could certainly reward you with decent returns.
But if you are looking for stellar returns, then you ought to choose onesuperstar growth stock included in our latestFREE investment report: the shares of this companyhave registered a stellar performance in the last few weeks and, based on its lowly trading multiples, they will likely deliver plenty of value and income in the next three to five years! A financially solid entity, this is not the only company thatcould give you market-beating returns — in fact, there are a few other options!
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Alessandro Pasetti has no position in any shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended HSBC Holdings. We Fools don’t all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.