WallStSmart

ConnectOne Bancorp Inc (CNOB)vsHartford Financial Services Group (HIG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Hartford Financial Services Group generates 7509% more annual revenue ($28.79B vs $378.40M). CNOB leads profitability with a 25.9% profit margin vs 14.1%. HIG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.12. CNOB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).

CNOB

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.0Value: 5.7Quality: 5.0

HIG

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

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

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CNOB6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
53.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 53.9%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
65.5%10/10

Revenue surging 65.5% year-over-year

Profit MarginProfitability
25.9%9/10

Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
15.6x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
47.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 47.5% YoY

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

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
9.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
22.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.239/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
41.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 41.4% YoY

Areas to Watch

CNOB3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.834/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Market CapQuality
$1.46B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
6.9%3/10

ROE of 6.9% — below average capital efficiency

HIG0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CNOB

The strongest argument for CNOB centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 25.9% and operating margin at 53.9%. Revenue growth of 65.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : CNOB

The primary concerns for CNOB are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : HIG

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNOB profiles as a growth stock while HIG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CNOB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.08 — expect wider price swings.

CNOB is growing revenue faster at 65.5% — sustainability is the question.

HIG generates stronger free cash flow (1.0B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CNOB scores higher overall (78/100 vs 77/100), backed by strong 25.9% margins and 65.5% revenue growth. 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.

ConnectOne Bancorp Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

ConnectOne Bancorp, Inc. is the banking holding company for ConnectOne Bank, a licensed commercial bank offering a variety of commercial banking products and services. The company is headquartered in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

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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