WallStSmart

Hartford Financial Services Group (HIG)vsIndependent Bank Corporation (IBCP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Hartford Financial Services Group generates 12714% more annual revenue ($28.79B vs $224.68M). IBCP leads profitability with a 31.1% profit margin vs 14.1%. 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

IBCP

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 7.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -0.77

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
9.1x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
21.5%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

EPS GrowthGrowth
41.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 41.4% YoY

IBCP5 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
31.1%10/10

Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
39.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.0%

Debt/EquityHealth
0.159/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Areas to Watch

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

Distress zone — elevated risk

IBCP3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Market CapQuality
$743.26M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-13.77M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.772/10

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 : IBCP

The strongest argument for IBCP centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.1% and operating margin at 39.0%. PEG of 1.40 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : HIG

The primary concerns for HIG are Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : IBCP

The primary concerns for IBCP are Market Cap, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

IBCP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.71 — expect wider price swings.

IBCP is growing revenue faster at 9.7% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

HIG scores higher overall (79/100 vs 70/100). 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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Independent Bank Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Independent Bank Corporation is the bank holding company of Independent Bank providing various banking services to individuals and businesses. The company is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

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