First Merchants Corporation (FRME)vsHartford Financial Services Group (HIG)
FRME
First Merchants Corporation
$40.66
-0.66%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $2.55B
HIG
Hartford Financial Services Group
$130.04
-2.60%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $36.60B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Hartford Financial Services Group generates 4236% more annual revenue ($29.32B vs $676.12M). FRME leads profitability with a 29.2% profit margin vs 14.9%. HIG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.12. HIG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 79/100 (B+).
FRME
Strong Buy78
out of 100
Grade: B+
HIG
Strong Buy79
out of 100
Grade: B+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 45.0%
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Revenue surging 21.0% year-over-year
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
ROE of 7.4% — below average capital efficiency
Distress zone — elevated risk
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FRME
The strongest argument for FRME centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.2% and operating margin at 45.0%. Revenue growth of 21.0% 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 : FRME
The primary concerns for FRME are Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : HIG
The primary concerns for HIG are Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FRME profiles as a growth stock while HIG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
FRME carries more volatility with a beta of 0.88 — expect wider price swings.
FRME is growing revenue faster at 21.0% — sustainability is the question.
HIG generates stronger free cash flow (1.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HIG scores higher overall (79/100 vs 78/100). 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 Merchants Corporation
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA
First Merchants Corporation is the financial holding company for First Merchants Bank providing community banking services. The company is headquartered in Muncie, Indiana.
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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