WallStSmart

Hartford Financial Services Group (HIG)vsMarkel Corporation (MKL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Hartford Financial Services Group generates 77% more annual revenue ($29.32B vs $16.60B). HIG leads profitability with a 14.9% profit margin vs 13.8%. HIG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.12. 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: 8.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.23

MKL

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 6.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.80

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
9.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
22.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.229/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
36.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 36.1% YoY

MKL5 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.4x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
30.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 30.1%

EPS GrowthGrowth
86.8%10/10

Earnings expanding 86.8% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.249/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Areas to Watch

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

Distress zone — elevated risk

MKL3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.394/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-31.35M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.802/10

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 : MKL

The strongest argument for MKL centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 12.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HIG

The primary concerns for HIG are Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : MKL

The primary concerns for MKL are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MKL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.66 — expect wider price swings.

MKL is growing revenue faster at 12.7% — sustainability is the question.

HIG generates stronger free cash flow (1.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

HIG scores higher overall (77/100 vs 75/100). 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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Markel Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - PROPERTY & CASUALTY · USA

Markel Corporation, a diverse financial holding company, markets and underwrites specialty insurance products in the United States, Bermuda, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, Canada, Latin America, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. The company is headquartered in Glen Allen, Virginia.

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