WallStSmart

Hartford Financial Services Group (HIG)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Hartford Financial Services Group generates 8% more annual revenue ($28.38B vs $26.35B). USB leads profitability with a 28.7% 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

USB

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.39
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
USBUndervalued (+75.8%)

Margin of Safety

+75.8%

Fair Value

$214.00

Current Price

$51.89

$162.11 discount

UndervaluedFair: $214.00Overvalued

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%

USB6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
39.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.3%

Market CapQuality
$81.01B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
28.7%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
24.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 24.7% YoY

Areas to Watch

HIG0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

USB2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.804/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.392/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : USB

The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.7% and operating margin at 39.3%.

Bear Case : HIG

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

Bear Case : USB

The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HIG profiles as a value stock while USB is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

USB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.04 — expect wider price swings.

HIG is growing revenue faster at 6.7% — sustainability is the question.

USB generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

HIG scores higher overall (79/100 vs 75/100). USB offers better value entry with a 75.8% margin of safety. 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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U.S. Bancorp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

U.S. Bancorp is an American bank holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and incorporated in Delaware. The company provides banking, investment, mortgage, trust, and payment services products to individuals, businesses, governmental entities, and other financial institutions.

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