WallStSmart

First Busey Corp (BUSE)vsHartford Financial Services Group (HIG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Hartford Financial Services Group generates 3645% more annual revenue ($29.32B vs $782.83M). BUSE leads profitability with a 29.5% profit margin vs 14.9%. HIG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.12. HIG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

BUSE

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -0.02

HIG

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 8.3Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.23

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BUSE6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
45.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 45.5%

Profit MarginProfitability
29.5%9/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.279/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

P/E RatioValuation
12.6x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
32.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 32.7% YoY

HIG6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.1210/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
9.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
22.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.229/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
36.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 36.1% YoY

Areas to Watch

BUSE4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.914/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.1%4/10

1.1% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.022/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

HIG1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.232/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : BUSE

The strongest argument for BUSE centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.5% and operating margin at 45.5%.

Bull Case : HIG

The strongest argument for HIG centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity. PEG of 0.12 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : BUSE

The primary concerns for BUSE are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : HIG

The primary concerns for HIG are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BUSE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.71 — expect wider price swings.

HIG is growing revenue faster at 8.1% — sustainability is the question.

HIG generates stronger free cash flow (1.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor BANKS - REGIONAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

HIG scores higher overall (77/100 vs 70/100). 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.

First Busey Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

First Busey Corporation is the banking holding company for Busey Bank offering retail and commercial banking products and services to individual, corporate, institutional and government clients in the United States. The company is headquartered in Champaign, Illinois.

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Hartford Financial Services Group

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., usually known as The Hartford, is a United States-based investment and insurance company.

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