WallStSmart

Assured Guaranty Ltd (AGO)vsFirst American Corporation (FAF)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

First American Corporation generates 895% more annual revenue ($8.09B vs $813.00M). AGO leads profitability with a 43.2% profit margin vs 9.1%. AGO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.33. AGO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

AGO

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 2.7Profit: 7.0Value: 8.3Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.53

FAF

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.0Value: 5.7Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 5/9

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%

FAF2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

AGO4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.534/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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%

FAF2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.982/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-6.5%2/10

Earnings declined 6.5%

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 : FAF

The strongest argument for FAF centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Bear Case : AGO

The primary concerns for AGO are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth.

Bear Case : FAF

The primary concerns for FAF are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AGO profiles as a declining stock while FAF is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

FAF carries more volatility with a beta of 1.26 — expect wider price swings.

FAF is growing revenue faster at 5.3% — sustainability is the question.

FAF generates stronger free cash flow (197M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AGO scores higher overall (66/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 43.2% 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.

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.

First American Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - SPECIALTY · USA

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

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