WallStSmart

Hartford Financial Services Group (HIG)vsValley National Bancorp (VLY)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Hartford Financial Services Group generates 1383% more annual revenue ($28.79B vs $1.94B). VLY leads profitability with a 33.8% profit margin vs 14.1%. 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: 8.3Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.23

VLY

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 7.3
Piotroski: 5/9

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
9.1x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
21.5%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

EPS GrowthGrowth
41.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 41.4% YoY

VLY6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
33.8%10/10

Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
46.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 46.4%

EPS GrowthGrowth
58.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 58.1% YoY

P/E RatioValuation
13.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
23.8%8/10

Revenue surging 23.8% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

HIG1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.232/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

VLY0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

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 : VLY

The strongest argument for VLY centers on Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.8% and operating margin at 46.4%. Revenue growth of 23.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HIG

The primary concerns for HIG are Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : VLY

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

VLY carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.

VLY is growing revenue faster at 23.8% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

HIG scores higher overall (79/100 vs 77/100). 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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Valley National Bancorp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Valley National Bancorp is the parent company of Valley National Bank offering various commercial, retail, insurance and wealth management financial services products. The company is headquartered in New York, New York.

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