Hartford Financial Services Group (HIG)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
HIG
Hartford Financial Services Group
$133.49
-0.49%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $37.23B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$37.54
+0.13%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.77B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Hartford Financial Services Group generates 1063% more annual revenue ($28.79B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 14.1%. HIG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.12. HIG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).
HIG
Strong Buy77
out of 100
Grade: B+
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for HIG.
Margin of Safety
+47.4%
Fair Value
$71.13
Current Price
$37.54
$33.59 discount
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 23 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 41.4% YoY
Strong operational efficiency at 32.4%
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
15.7% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
No major concerns identified
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 30.0%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : WTRG
The strongest argument for WTRG centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.9% and operating margin at 32.4%. Revenue growth of 15.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : HIG
No major red flags identified for HIG, but monitor valuation.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HIG profiles as a value stock while WTRG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
WTRG carries more volatility with a beta of 0.77 — expect wider price swings.
WTRG is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — sustainability is the question.
HIG generates stronger free cash flow (1.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HIG scores higher overall (77/100 vs 60/100). WTRG offers better value entry with a 47.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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 →Essential Utilities Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
Essential Utilities, Inc. operates regulated utilities that provide water, wastewater, or natural gas services in the United States. The company is headquartered in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
Visit Website →Compare with Other INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?