WallStSmart

Assured Guaranty Ltd (AGO)vsEssent Group Ltd (ESNT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Essent Group Ltd generates 63% more annual revenue ($1.32B vs $813.00M). ESNT leads profitability with a 51.4% profit margin vs 43.2%. AGO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.33. ESNT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

AGO

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 2.7Profit: 7.0Value: 8.3Quality: 6.0
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

AGO5 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.3310/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
9.4x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.6x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
43.2%10/10

Keeps 43 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
42.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 42.6%

ESNT6 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.4x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

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

AGO3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
7.9%3/10

ROE of 7.9% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.5%2/10

Revenue declined 0.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-57.7%2/10

Earnings declined 57.7%

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

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AGO

The strongest argument for AGO centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 43.2% and operating margin at 42.6%. PEG of 0.33 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 51.4% and operating margin at 65.7%. Revenue growth of 13.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : AGO

The primary concerns for AGO are Return on Equity, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : ESNT

The primary concerns for ESNT are Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AGO profiles as a declining 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 66/100), backed by strong 51.4% margins and 13.6% 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.

Assured Guaranty Ltd

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - SPECIALTY · USA

Assured Guaranty Ltd., provides credit protection products to the public finance, infrastructure and structured finance markets in the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.

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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