WallStSmart

Hartford Financial Services Group (HIG)vsMarkel Corporation (MKL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Hartford Financial Services Group generates 80% more annual revenue ($28.79B vs $16.01B). HIG leads profitability with a 14.1% profit margin vs 11.1%. HIG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.12. HIG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

HIG

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 8.3Quality: 8.3
Piotroski: 6/9

MKL

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 4.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9

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
9.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
22.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 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

MKL3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
95.4%10/10

Earnings expanding 95.4% YoY

P/E RatioValuation
12.9x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

HIG0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

MKL4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.764/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-16.9%2/10

Revenue declined 16.9%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-31.35M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 : MKL

The strongest argument for MKL centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, P/E Ratio.

Bear Case : HIG

No major red flags identified for HIG, but monitor valuation.

Bear Case : MKL

The primary concerns for MKL are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HIG profiles as a value stock while MKL is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

MKL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.79 — expect wider price swings.

HIG is growing revenue faster at 6.1% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

HIG scores higher overall (77/100 vs 59/100). 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.

Visit Website →

Markel Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - PROPERTY & CASUALTY · USA

Markel Corporation, a diverse financial holding company, markets and underwrites specialty insurance products in the United States, Bermuda, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, Canada, Latin America, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. The company is headquartered in Glen Allen, Virginia.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?