Hartford Financial Services Group (HIG)vsValley National Bancorp (VLY)
HIG
Hartford Financial Services Group
$135.52
+2.21%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $34.77B
VLY
Valley National Bancorp
$14.27
-1.25%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $7.89B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Hartford Financial Services Group generates 1340% more annual revenue ($29.59B vs $2.05B). VLY leads profitability with a 35.8% profit margin vs 15.6%. HIG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.12. HIG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 79/100 (B+).
HIG
Strong Buy79
out of 100
Grade: B+
VLY
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 22.6%
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 48.6%
Earnings expanding 29.6% YoY
Areas to Watch
3.9% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : HIG
The strongest argument for HIG centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.6% and operating margin at 22.6%. PEG of 0.12 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : VLY
The strongest argument for VLY centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.8% and operating margin at 48.6%. PEG of 1.16 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : HIG
The primary concerns for HIG are Revenue Growth, 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 1.09 — expect wider price swings.
VLY is growing revenue faster at 9.7% — sustainability is the question.
HIG generates stronger free cash flow (1.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HIG scores higher overall (79/100 vs 73/100), backed by strong 15.6% margins. 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.
Visit Website →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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