WallStSmart

AXIS Capital Holdings Ltd (AXS)vsEssent Group Ltd (ESNT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

AXIS Capital Holdings Ltd generates 423% more annual revenue ($6.69B vs $1.28B). ESNT leads profitability with a 53.6% profit margin vs 16.0%. ESNT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.84. AXS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).

AXS

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 7.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.05

ESNT

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 7.7Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 4.50

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AXS4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Debt/EquityHealth
0.239/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

EPS GrowthGrowth
45.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 45.6% YoY

ESNT6 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.9x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
53.6%10/10

Keeps 54 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
63.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 63.7%

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0910/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.5010/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Areas to Watch

AXS1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.052/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AXS

The strongest argument for AXS centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.0% and operating margin at 19.0%. PEG of 1.18 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : ESNT

The strongest argument for ESNT centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 53.6% and operating margin at 63.7%. PEG of 0.84 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : AXS

The primary concerns for AXS are Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : ESNT

The primary concerns for ESNT are Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ESNT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.78 — expect wider price swings.

AXS is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.

AXS generates stronger free cash flow (519M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

AXS scores higher overall (76/100 vs 73/100), backed by strong 16.0% margins. 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.

AXIS Capital Holdings Ltd

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - SPECIALTY · USA

AXIS Capital Holdings Limited, offers various specialized insurance and reinsurance products worldwide. The company is headquartered in Pembroke, Bermuda.

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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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