Encore Capital Group Inc (ECPG)vsHartford Financial Services Group (HIG)
ECPG
Encore Capital Group Inc
$98.56
+0.63%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $2.06B
HIG
Hartford Financial Services Group
$136.36
-0.32%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $36.75B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Hartford Financial Services Group generates 1442% more annual revenue ($29.32B vs $1.90B). ECPG leads profitability with a 15.9% profit margin vs 14.9%. HIG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.12. ECPG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 83/100 (A-).
ECPG
Exceptional Buy83
out of 100
Grade: A-
HIG
Strong Buy79
out of 100
Grade: B+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 38.0%
Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 36.1% YoY
Areas to Watch
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ECPG
The strongest argument for ECPG centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.9% and operating margin at 38.0%. Revenue growth of 11.3% 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 : ECPG
The primary concerns for ECPG are Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 4.52 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : HIG
The primary concerns for HIG are Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ECPG profiles as a mature stock while HIG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
ECPG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.28 — expect wider price swings.
ECPG is growing revenue faster at 11.3% — sustainability is the question.
HIG generates stronger free cash flow (1.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ECPG scores higher overall (83/100 vs 79/100), backed by strong 15.9% margins and 11.3% 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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