WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Hartford Financial Services Group generates 1360% more annual revenue ($29.32B vs $2.01B). VLY leads profitability with a 34.5% profit margin vs 14.9%. HIG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.12. VLY 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: 8.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.23

VLY

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.21

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
9.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
22.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.229/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
36.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 36.1% YoY

VLY6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
34.5%10/10

Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
46.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 46.8%

P/E RatioValuation
12.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.0%8/10

15.0% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.8% YoY

Areas to Watch

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

Distress zone — elevated risk

VLY1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.212/10

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 : VLY

The strongest argument for VLY centers on Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 34.5% and operating margin at 46.8%. Revenue growth of 15.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HIG

The primary concerns for HIG are Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : VLY

The primary concerns for VLY are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

VLY carries more volatility with a beta of 1.05 — expect wider price swings.

VLY is growing revenue faster at 15.0% — sustainability is the question.

HIG generates stronger free cash flow (1.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

HIG scores higher overall (77/100 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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