WallStSmart

Hartford Financial Services Group (HIG)vsLazard Ltd (LAZ)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Hartford Financial Services Group generates 816% more annual revenue ($29.32B vs $3.20B). HIG leads profitability with a 14.9% profit margin vs 7.1%. HIG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.12. HIG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 79/100 (B+).

HIG

Strong Buy

79

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 8.3Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.23

LAZ

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.0Value: 6.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.05

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

LAZ2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
31.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
1.008/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

HIG1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.232/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

LAZ4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.1%4/10

0.1% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
7.1%3/10

7.1% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.8%3/10

Operating margin of 4.8%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : LAZ

The strongest argument for LAZ centers on Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 1.00 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : HIG

The primary concerns for HIG are Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : LAZ

The primary concerns for LAZ are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Debt-to-equity of 2.35 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LAZ carries more volatility with a beta of 1.42 — expect wider price swings.

HIG is growing revenue faster at 8.1% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

HIG scores higher overall (79/100 vs 53/100). Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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.

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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Lazard Ltd

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

Lazard Ltd, is a financial advisory and asset management firm in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Central and South America. The company is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.

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