WallStSmart

Gladstone Capital Corporation (GLAD)vsHartford Financial Services Group (HIG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Hartford Financial Services Group generates 29531% more annual revenue ($29.32B vs $98.93M). GLAD leads profitability with a 48.7% 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+).

GLAD

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 8.0Value: 6.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.19

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

GLAD5 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.1x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.9x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
48.7%10/10

Keeps 49 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
74.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 74.3%

EPS GrowthGrowth
68.8%10/10

Earnings expanding 68.8% YoY

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

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
9.4x10/10

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
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
36.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 36.1% YoY

Areas to Watch

GLAD4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.314/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Market CapQuality
$439.89M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-85.05M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.192/10

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 : GLAD

The strongest argument for GLAD centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 48.7% and operating margin at 74.3%. Revenue growth of 13.1% 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 : GLAD

The primary concerns for GLAD are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Free Cash Flow.

Bear Case : HIG

The primary concerns for HIG are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

GLAD carries more volatility with a beta of 0.93 — expect wider price swings.

GLAD is growing revenue faster at 13.1% — 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 66/100). 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.

Gladstone Capital Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Gladstone Capital Corporation (GLAD) is a leading publicly traded business development company that focuses on delivering tailored debt and equity financing to lower middle-market enterprises, facilitating their growth and strategic initiatives. Committed to a disciplined investment strategy centered on capital preservation, GLAD seeks to provide investors with attractive risk-adjusted returns through a diverse array of financing options, including term loans and equity investments. With a seasoned management team equipped with deep industry expertise, Gladstone Capital is strategically positioned to adapt to evolving market conditions, fostering enduring partnerships with portfolio companies and driving sustainable value creation.

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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