WallStSmart

Bank of America Corp (BAC)vsHartford Financial Services Group (HIG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Bank of America Corp generates 279% more annual revenue ($107.42B vs $28.38B). BAC leads profitability with a 28.4% profit margin vs 13.5%. HIG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.12. BAC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 80/100 (B+).

BAC

Strong Buy

80

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -0.27

HIG

Strong Buy

79

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 10.0Quality: 8.3
Piotroski: 6/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

BACUndervalued (+68.6%)

Margin of Safety

+68.6%

Fair Value

$155.14

Current Price

$48.75

$106.39 discount

UndervaluedFair: $155.14Overvalued
HIGUndervalued (+77.2%)

Margin of Safety

+77.2%

Fair Value

$623.84

Current Price

$134.10

$489.74 discount

UndervaluedFair: $623.84Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BAC6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$351.54B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
41.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 41.6%

Profit MarginProfitability
28.4%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.898/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
12.6x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

HIG6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.1210/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
10.2x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
21.7%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

Operating MarginProfitability
20.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.0%

Areas to Watch

BAC3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.213/10

Elevated debt levels

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-22.95B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.272/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

HIG0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : BAC

The strongest argument for BAC centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.4% and operating margin at 41.6%. PEG of 0.89 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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.

Bear Case : BAC

The primary concerns for BAC are Debt/Equity, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : HIG

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

BAC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.26 — expect wider price swings.

BAC is growing revenue faster at 7.2% — sustainability is the question.

HIG generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BAC scores higher overall (80/100 vs 79/100), backed by strong 28.4% margins. HIG offers better value entry with a 77.2% margin of safety. 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.

Bank of America Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA

The Bank of America Corporation is an American multinational investment bank and financial services holding company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Founded in San Francisco, Bank of America was formed through NationsBank's acquisition of BankAmerica in 1998. It is the second largest banking institution in the United States, after JPMorgan Chase, and the eighth largest bank in the world. Bank of America is one of the Big Four banking institutions of the United States. It services approximately 10 percent of all American bank deposits, in direct competition with JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup and Wells Fargo. Its primary financial services revolve around commercial banking, wealth management, and investment banking.

Visit Website →

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 →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?