WallStSmart

Heritage Financial Corporation (HFWA)vsHartford Financial Services Group (HIG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Hartford Financial Services Group generates 9835% more annual revenue ($29.32B vs $295.08M). HFWA leads profitability with a 26.4% profit margin vs 14.9%. HIG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.12. HIG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

HFWA

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 5.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 0.40

HIG

Strong Buy

77

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

HFWA6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
53.1%10/10

Revenue surging 53.1% year-over-year

Profit MarginProfitability
26.4%9/10

Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.179/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

P/E RatioValuation
14.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
28.9%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.9%

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

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
9.8x10/10

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
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
36.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 36.1% YoY

Areas to Watch

HFWA4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.134/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Market CapQuality
$1.21B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
6.5%3/10

ROE of 6.5% — below average capital efficiency

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.402/10

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 : HFWA

The strongest argument for HFWA centers on Price/Book, Revenue Growth, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.4% and operating margin at 28.9%. Revenue growth of 53.1% 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 : HFWA

The primary concerns for HFWA are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : HIG

The primary concerns for HIG are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

HFWA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.49 — expect wider price swings.

HFWA is growing revenue faster at 53.1% — sustainability is the question.

HIG generates stronger free cash flow (1.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

HIG scores higher overall (77/100 vs 67/100). 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.

Heritage Financial Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Heritage Financial Corporation is the banking holding company for Heritage Bank providing various financial services to small and medium-sized businesses and individuals in the United States. The company is headquartered in Olympia, Washington.

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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