Essent Group Ltd (ESNT)vsJames River Group Holdings Ltd (JRVR)
ESNT
Essent Group Ltd
$67.19
-0.46%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $6.15B
JRVR
James River Group Holdings Ltd
$3.69
-2.64%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $182.18M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Essent Group Ltd generates 103% more annual revenue ($1.32B vs $653.21M). ESNT leads profitability with a 51.4% profit margin vs 4.7%. JRVR trades at a lower P/E of 8.9x. ESNT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
ESNT
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
JRVR
Hold50
out of 100
Grade: D+
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Keeps 51 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 65.7%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 57.2% YoY
Areas to Watch
Weak financial health signals
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 4.7% — below average capital efficiency
4.7% margin — thin
Revenue declined 7.7%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : JRVR
The strongest argument for JRVR centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : ESNT
The primary concerns for ESNT are Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : JRVR
The primary concerns for JRVR are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 4.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ESNT profiles as a mature stock while JRVR is a value 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 50/100), backed by strong 51.4% margins and 13.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
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.
James River Group Holdings Ltd
FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - SPECIALTY · USA
James River Group Holdings, Ltd., offers specialized insurance and reinsurance services in the United States. The company is headquartered in Pembroke, Bermuda.
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