WallStSmart

Hartford Financial Services Group (HIG)vsPeapack-Gladstone Financial (PGC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Hartford Financial Services Group generates 10413% more annual revenue ($28.79B vs $273.87M). PGC leads profitability with a 16.0% 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

PGC

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 6.5Value: 7.0Quality: 5.0

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

PGC6 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
86.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 86.0% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
0.648/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
17.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
28.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.1%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
25.5%8/10

Revenue surging 25.5% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

HIG0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

PGC3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Market CapQuality
$758.27M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
6.6%3/10

ROE of 6.6% — below average capital efficiency

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-14.34M2/10

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 : PGC

The strongest argument for PGC centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.0% and operating margin at 28.1%. Revenue growth of 25.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HIG

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

Bear Case : PGC

The primary concerns for PGC are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

PGC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.63 — expect wider price swings.

PGC is growing revenue faster at 25.5% — 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 76/100). 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.

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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Peapack-Gladstone Financial

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation is the banking holding company for Peapack-Gladstone Bank providing private banking and wealth management services in the United States. The company is headquartered in Bedminster, New Jersey.

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