WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Hartford Financial Services Group generates 10741% more annual revenue ($28.79B vs $265.57M). HFWA leads profitability with a 27.3% 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+).

HFWA

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 5.7Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 0.40

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

HFWA6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
32.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.3%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
37.2%10/10

Revenue surging 37.2% year-over-year

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Profit MarginProfitability
27.3%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
13.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

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

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

Expensive relative to growth rate

Market CapQuality
$1.15B3/10

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, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.3% and operating margin at 32.3%. Revenue growth of 37.2% 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 0.51 — expect wider price swings.

HFWA is growing revenue faster at 37.2% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

HIG scores higher overall (79/100 vs 71/100). 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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