WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Essent Group Ltd generates 6% more annual revenue ($1.32B vs $1.25B). ACT leads profitability with a 54.5% profit margin vs 51.4%. ESNT trades at a lower P/E of 9.6x. ESNT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

ACT

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.5Value: 6.7Quality: 7.8
Piotroski: 4/9

ESNT

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 7.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 4.50

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ACT5 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

Profit MarginProfitability
54.5%10/10

Keeps 55 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
73.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 73.3%

Debt/EquityHealth
0.149/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

ESNT6 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
51.4%10/10

Keeps 51 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
65.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 65.7%

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0910/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.5010/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Areas to Watch

ACT1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.1%4/10

4.1% revenue growth

ESNT1 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 73.3%.

Bull Case : ESNT

The strongest argument for ESNT centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 51.4% and operating margin at 65.7%. Revenue growth of 13.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ACT

The primary concerns for ACT are Revenue Growth.

Bear Case : ESNT

The primary concerns for ESNT are Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

ESNT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.76 — expect wider price swings.

ESNT is growing revenue faster at 13.6% — sustainability is the question.

ESNT generates stronger free cash flow (196M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ESNT scores higher overall (73/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 51.4% margins and 13.6% revenue growth. 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 prominent player in the U.S. housing sector, specializing in private mortgage insurance and comprehensive risk management solutions that enhance the affordability and accessibility of homeownership. The company is characterized by a strong capital foundation and a commitment to innovation, driven by strategic collaborations that optimize lender operations and navigate complex market dynamics. With a focus on proactive risk management and sustainable housing practices, Enact is well-positioned to seize emerging growth opportunities within the evolving real estate landscape, highlighting its essential role in supporting the housing market.

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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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