Hartford Financial Services Group (HIG)vsMorgan Stanley (MS)
HIG
Hartford Financial Services Group
$134.10
-0.97%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $37.77B
MS
Morgan Stanley
$165.65
-1.47%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $263.03B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Morgan Stanley generates 148% more annual revenue ($70.30B vs $28.38B). MS leads profitability with a 24.0% profit margin vs 13.5%. HIG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.12. HIG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 79/100 (B+).
HIG
Strong Buy79
out of 100
Grade: B+
MS
Strong Buy76
out of 100
Grade: B+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+77.2%
Fair Value
$623.84
Current Price
$134.10
$489.74 discount
Margin of Safety
+59.3%
Fair Value
$407.18
Current Price
$165.65
$241.53 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 20.0%
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%
Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 20.7% YoY
Areas to Watch
No major concerns identified
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : MS
The strongest argument for MS centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.0% and operating margin at 38.6%. Revenue growth of 11.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : HIG
No major red flags identified for HIG, but monitor valuation.
Bear Case : MS
The primary concerns for MS are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HIG profiles as a value stock while MS is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
MS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.21 — expect wider price swings.
MS is growing revenue faster at 11.0% — sustainability is the question.
HIG generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HIG scores higher overall (79/100 vs 76/100). MS offers better value entry with a 59.3% 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.
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 →Morgan Stanley
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA
Morgan Stanley is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered at 1585 Broadway in the Morgan Stanley Building, Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
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