WallStSmart

Encore Capital Group Inc (ECPG)vsHartford Financial Services Group (HIG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Hartford Financial Services Group generates 1528% more annual revenue ($28.79B vs $1.77B). ECPG leads profitability with a 14.5% profit margin vs 14.1%. HIG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.12. ECPG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 90/100 (A).

ECPG

Exceptional Buy

90

out of 100

Grade: A

Growth: 8.7Profit: 8.0Value: 8.3Quality: 5.0

HIG

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 8.3Quality: 8.3
Piotroski: 6/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ECPG6 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.1710/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
7.5x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
36.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 36.6%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
78.3%10/10

Revenue surging 78.3% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
151.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 151.6% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
29.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit

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

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
9.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
22.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.239/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
41.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 41.4% YoY

Areas to Watch

ECPG1 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$1.75B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

HIG0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ECPG

The strongest argument for ECPG centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 78.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.17 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : ECPG

The primary concerns for ECPG are Market Cap.

Bear Case : HIG

No major red flags identified for HIG, but monitor valuation.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ECPG profiles as a growth stock while HIG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

ECPG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.27 — expect wider price swings.

ECPG is growing revenue faster at 78.3% — sustainability is the question.

HIG generates stronger free cash flow (1.0B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ECPG scores higher overall (90/100 vs 77/100) and 78.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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.

Encore Capital Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Encore Capital Group, Inc., a specialty finance company, offers debt recovery solutions and other related services to consumers in a variety of financial assets worldwide. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California.

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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