WallStSmart

First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (FCNCA)vsHartford Financial Services Group (HIG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Hartford Financial Services Group generates 215% more annual revenue ($28.79B vs $9.14B). FCNCA leads profitability with a 24.7% profit margin vs 14.1%. HIG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.12. HIG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 79/100 (B+).

FCNCA

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 6.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.32

HIG

Strong Buy

79

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

FCNCA5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
34.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 34.2%

Profit MarginProfitability
24.7%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
23.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 23.6% YoY

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

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
9.1x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
21.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 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

FCNCA4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.9%4/10

4.9% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.543/10

Elevated debt levels

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-22.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.322/10

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 : FCNCA

The strongest argument for FCNCA centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 34.2%. PEG of 1.30 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 : FCNCA

The primary concerns for FCNCA are Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 1.54 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : HIG

The primary concerns for HIG are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FCNCA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.62 — expect wider price swings.

HIG is growing revenue faster at 6.1% — sustainability is the question.

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

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

Bottom Line

HIG scores higher overall (79/100 vs 75/100). 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 Citizens BancShares, Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

First Citizens BancShares, Inc. is the parent company of First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company providing retail and business banking services to individuals, businesses and professionals. The company is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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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