WallStSmart

Enact Holdings Inc (ACT)vsEssent Group Ltd (ESNT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Essent Group Ltd generates 2% more annual revenue ($1.26B vs $1.24B). ESNT leads profitability with a 54.7% profit margin vs 54.5%. ESNT trades at a lower P/E of 8.9x. ESNT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

ACT

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.5Value: 6.7Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 3/9

ESNT

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 8.0Value: 7.7Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 3.68

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ACT5 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.4x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
54.5%10/10

Keeps 55 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
72.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 72.3%

Debt/EquityHealth
0.149/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

ESNT6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.9x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
54.7%10/10

Keeps 55 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
61.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 61.7%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.6810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

PEG RatioValuation
0.848/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

ACT2 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.7%4/10

1.7% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

ESNT3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.9%4/10

0.9% earnings growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.8%2/10

Revenue declined 0.8%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ACT

The strongest argument for ACT centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 54.5% and operating margin at 72.3%.

Bull Case : ESNT

The strongest argument for ESNT centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 54.7% and operating margin at 61.7%. PEG of 0.84 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ACT

The primary concerns for ACT are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : ESNT

The primary concerns for ESNT are EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ACT profiles as a value stock while ESNT is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

ESNT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.81 — expect wider price swings.

ACT is growing revenue faster at 1.7% — sustainability is the question.

ACT generates stronger free cash flow (224M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ESNT scores higher overall (67/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 54.7% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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.

Enact Holdings Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - SPECIALTY · USA

Enact Holdings Inc (ACT) is a premier provider of private mortgage insurance and risk management solutions, focusing on the U.S. housing sector. The company plays a critical role in facilitating homeownership and promoting sustainable housing initiatives, utilizing its strong capital position and strategic alliances to navigate market complexities. With a commitment to innovation and technological advancement, Enact is well-equipped to adapt to industry dynamics, positioning itself to seize growth opportunities while enhancing lender capabilities and effectively managing risk exposure.

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Essent Group Ltd

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - SPECIALTY · USA

Essent Group Ltd., provides private mortgage insurance and reinsurance for mortgages secured by residential properties located in the United States. The company is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.

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