WallStSmart

Community Bank System Inc (CBU)vsHartford Financial Services Group (HIG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Hartford Financial Services Group generates 3398% more annual revenue ($29.32B vs $838.16M). CBU leads profitability with a 27.2% 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+).

CBU

Strong Buy

69

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.0Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 0.31

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

CBU4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Operating MarginProfitability
39.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.0%

Profit MarginProfitability
27.2%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
15.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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

CBU2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.632/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.312/10

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 : CBU

The strongest argument for CBU centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.2% and operating margin at 39.0%. Revenue growth of 12.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : CBU

The primary concerns for CBU are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : HIG

The primary concerns for HIG are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CBU profiles as a mature stock while HIG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CBU carries more volatility with a beta of 0.79 — expect wider price swings.

CBU is growing revenue faster at 12.0% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

HIG scores higher overall (77/100 vs 69/100). 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.

Community Bank System Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Community Bank System, Inc. is the banking holding company for Community Bank, NA providing various banking and other financial services to retail, commercial and municipal clients. The company is headquartered in Onondaga, New York.

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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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