WallStSmart

Enact Holdings Inc (ACT)vsFirst American Corporation (FAF)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

First American Corporation generates 521% more annual revenue ($7.71B vs $1.24B). ACT leads profitability with a 54.5% profit margin vs 8.7%. ACT trades at a lower P/E of 9.4x. FAF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

ACT

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

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

FAF

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 6.0Value: 5.7Quality: 7.3
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.51

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

FAF4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
10.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
70.4%10/10

Earnings expanding 70.4% YoY

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.2%8/10

16.2% revenue growth

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

FAF3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.514/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

PEG RatioValuation
2.982/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-32.70M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 : FAF

The strongest argument for FAF centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 16.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ACT

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

Bear Case : FAF

The primary concerns for FAF are Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ACT profiles as a value stock while FAF is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

FAF carries more volatility with a beta of 1.30 — expect wider price swings.

FAF is growing revenue faster at 16.2% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

FAF scores higher overall (68/100 vs 54/100) and 16.2% 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 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.

Visit Website →

First American Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - SPECIALTY · USA

First American Financial Corporation, provides financial services. The company is headquartered in Santa Ana, California.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?