WallStSmart

Hartford Financial Services Group (HIG)vsNicolet Bankshares Inc. (NIC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Hartford Financial Services Group generates 6616% more annual revenue ($28.79B vs $428.66M). NIC leads profitability with a 31.1% profit margin vs 14.1%. 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

NIC

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.0Value: 5.7Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 7/9

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

NIC6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Profit MarginProfitability
31.1%10/10

Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
50.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 50.5%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
46.5%10/10

Revenue surging 46.5% year-over-year

Debt/EquityHealth
0.119/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

P/E RatioValuation
17.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

HIG0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

NIC3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.924/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
7.8%3/10

ROE of 7.8% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-61.1%2/10

Earnings declined 61.1%

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 : NIC

The strongest argument for NIC centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.1% and operating margin at 50.5%. Revenue growth of 46.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HIG

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

Bear Case : NIC

The primary concerns for NIC are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

NIC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.74 — expect wider price swings.

NIC is growing revenue faster at 46.5% — 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 64/100). 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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Nicolet Bankshares Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. is the bank holding company of Nicolet National Bank that offers banking products and services for businesses and individuals. The company is headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

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