AXIS Capital Holdings Ltd (AXS)vsEssent Group Ltd (ESNT)
AXS
AXIS Capital Holdings Ltd
$99.39
+0.08%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $7.32B
ESNT
Essent Group Ltd
$63.13
+2.52%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $5.77B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AXIS Capital Holdings Ltd generates 430% more annual revenue ($6.69B vs $1.26B). ESNT leads profitability with a 54.7% 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 Buy76
out of 100
Grade: B+
ESNT
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Earnings expanding 45.6% YoY
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Keeps 55 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 61.7%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
Distress zone — elevated risk
0.9% earnings growth
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 0.8%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 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 mature stock while ESNT is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
ESNT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.81 — 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.
Bottom Line
AXS scores higher overall (76/100 vs 67/100), 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.
Visit Website →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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