WallStSmart

Hartford Financial Services Group (HIG)vsMidland States Bancorp, Inc. (MSBI)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Hartford Financial Services Group generates 9441% more annual revenue ($29.32B vs $307.24M). MSBI leads profitability with a 19.0% profit margin vs 14.9%. HIG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.12. MSBI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 80/100 (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

MSBI

Strong Buy

80

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 6.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.65

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
22.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.229/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
36.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 36.1% YoY

MSBI5 strengths · Avg: 9.6/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
37.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.5%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
34.5%10/10

Revenue surging 34.5% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
299.1%10/10

Earnings expanding 299.1% YoY

P/E RatioValuation
14.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

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

Distress zone — elevated risk

MSBI3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Market CapQuality
$684.40M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Debt/EquityHealth
1.103/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.652/10

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 : MSBI

The strongest argument for MSBI centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.0% and operating margin at 37.5%. Revenue growth of 34.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HIG

The primary concerns for HIG are Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : MSBI

The primary concerns for MSBI are Market Cap, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

MSBI carries more volatility with a beta of 0.64 — expect wider price swings.

MSBI is growing revenue faster at 34.5% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

MSBI scores higher overall (80/100 vs 79/100), backed by strong 19.0% margins and 34.5% 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.

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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Midland States Bancorp, Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Midland States Bancorp, Inc. is a financial holding company for Midland States Bank offering various banking products and services to individuals, businesses, municipalities, and other entities. The company is headquartered in Effingham, Illinois.

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