WallStSmart

Hartford Financial Services Group (HIG)vsWestern Alliance Bancorporation (WAL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Hartford Financial Services Group generates 741% more annual revenue ($29.32B vs $3.49B). WAL leads profitability with a 28.2% profit margin vs 14.9%. 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

WAL

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 7.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.63

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
9.4x10/10

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
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
36.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 36.1% YoY

WAL4 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.0x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
39.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.4%

Profit MarginProfitability
28.2%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Areas to Watch

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

Distress zone — elevated risk

WAL2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$-375.40M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.632/10

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 : WAL

The strongest argument for WAL centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.2% and operating margin at 39.4%. Revenue growth of 13.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HIG

The primary concerns for HIG are Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : WAL

The primary concerns for WAL are Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

WAL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.32 — expect wider price swings.

WAL is growing revenue faster at 13.6% — 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 75/100). 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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Western Alliance Bancorporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Western Alliance Bancorporation is the banking holding company for Western Alliance Bank offering various banking products and related services primarily in Arizona, California and Nevada. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.

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