WallStSmart

Hartford Financial Services Group (HIG)vsLive Oak Bancshares, Inc. (LOB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Hartford Financial Services Group generates 5521% more annual revenue ($28.79B vs $512.21M). LOB leads profitability with a 24.6% profit margin vs 14.1%. HIG trades at a lower P/E of 9.6x. HIG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

HIG

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

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

LOB

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.0Value: 6.0Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 4/9

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
9.6x10/10

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

LOB6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
35.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
185.7%10/10

Earnings expanding 185.7% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0810/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Profit MarginProfitability
24.6%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
14.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

HIG0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

LOB1 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$1.75B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

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 : LOB

The strongest argument for LOB centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.6% and operating margin at 35.5%. Revenue growth of 29.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HIG

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

Bear Case : LOB

The primary concerns for LOB are Market Cap.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

LOB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.90 — expect wider price swings.

LOB is growing revenue faster at 29.1% — 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 72/100). 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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Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. is the banking holding company for Live Oak Banking Company offering a variety of commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses and professionals in North Carolina, United States. The company is headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina.

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