WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

AXIS Capital Holdings Ltd generates 421% more annual revenue ($6.56B vs $1.26B). ESNT leads profitability with a 54.7% profit margin vs 15.4%. ESNT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.84. AXS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

AXS

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.0Value: 10.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.62

ESNT

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 8.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 3.68
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AXSUndervalued (+60.0%)

Margin of Safety

+60.0%

Fair Value

$253.92

Current Price

$101.04

$152.88 discount

UndervaluedFair: $253.92Overvalued
ESNTSignificantly Overvalued (-15.2%)

Margin of Safety

-15.2%

Fair Value

$56.86

Current Price

$57.95

$1.09 premium

UndervaluedFair: $56.86Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AXS5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.2x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Debt/EquityHealth
0.259/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Operating MarginProfitability
20.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.2%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
17.8%8/10

17.8% revenue growth

ESNT6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
54.7%10/10

Keeps 55 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
61.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 61.7%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.6810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

PEG RatioValuation
0.848/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

AXS1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.622/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

ESNT3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.9%4/10

0.9% earnings growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.8%2/10

Revenue declined 0.8%

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 15.4% and operating margin at 20.2%. Revenue growth of 17.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : ESNT

The strongest argument for ESNT centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 54.7% and operating margin at 61.7%. 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 EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXS profiles as a growth stock while ESNT is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

ESNT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.87 — expect wider price swings.

AXS is growing revenue faster at 17.8% — sustainability is the question.

AXS generates stronger free cash flow (614M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AXS scores higher overall (74/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 15.4% margins and 17.8% 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.

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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