WallStSmart

Hartford Financial Services Group (HIG)vsSouthern Company (SO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Southern Company generates 4% more annual revenue ($29.55B vs $28.38B). SO leads profitability with a 14.7% profit margin vs 13.5%. 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: 10.0Quality: 8.3
Piotroski: 6/9

SO

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HIGUndervalued (+77.2%)

Margin of Safety

+77.2%

Fair Value

$623.84

Current Price

$134.10

$489.74 discount

UndervaluedFair: $623.84Overvalued
SOSignificantly Overvalued (-254.9%)

Margin of Safety

-254.9%

Fair Value

$26.66

Current Price

$94.61

$67.95 premium

UndervaluedFair: $26.66Overvalued

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
10.2x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
21.7%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

Operating MarginProfitability
20.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.0%

SO2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$105.91B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

HIG0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

SO3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.672/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-22.1%2/10

Earnings declined 22.1%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.86B2/10

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 : SO

The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HIG

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

Bear Case : SO

The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HIG carries more volatility with a beta of 0.52 — expect wider price swings.

SO is growing revenue faster at 10.1% — sustainability is the question.

HIG generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

HIG scores higher overall (79/100 vs 54/100). 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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Southern Company

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices also located in Birmingham, Alabama.

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