Essent Group Ltd
NYSE: ESNT · FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - SPECIALTY
Updated 2026-05-06
Essent Group Ltd (ESNT) Stock Valuation Analysis
Fair value estimate, historical valuation range, and quality signals for ESNT.
Valued
Valuation reasonably reflects current fundamentals. Limited margin of safety at these levels.
ESNT historical valuation range
Where current P/E sits in ESNT's own 5Y range.
ESNT intrinsic value (DCF)
DCF-based fair value estimate vs current market price.
Standard discounted cash flow models produce unreliable output for unprofitable or near-breakeven companies. Revenue-based multiples such as P/S and EV/Sales, combined with the historical valuation position above, give a more reliable read for this stock.
Intrinsic value calculated using discounted cash flow (DCF) model based on projected free cash flows, discount rate, and terminal growth assumptions. A positive margin of safety indicates the current price is below estimated fair value, providing a cushion against estimation error.
ESNT valuation signals
Quick-read green flags, caution flags, and risks based on current metrics.
P/E Ratio — History
Current: 8.70x
P/S Ratio — History
Current: 4.48x
Is ESNT overvalued in 2026?
Essent Group Ltd (ESNT) currently trades at $61.41 per share with a market capitalization of $5,643,397,000.00. Based on our multi-factor framework, the stock trades at a fair valuation with a Smart Value Score of 67/100. This score blends growth quality, financial health, and price attractiveness into a single institutional-grade read.
The stock trades at a P/E ratio of 8.7x, above its 5-year median of 8.6x. The PEG ratio of 0.84 suggests earnings growth is outpacing the multiple, a classic sign of undervaluation.
Looking at its own history, ESNT is currently trading more expensive than 54% of the last 5Y on P/E. This places it in the 54th percentile of its historical range, a reasonable but unremarkable position.
A standard DCF model does not produce reliable output for ESNT under current conditions. For unprofitable or near-breakeven companies, revenue-based multiples such as EV/Sales and historical P/S percentile are more informative than intrinsic value calculations.
Financial quality is a concern. The Piotroski F-Score of 2/9 flags weakening fundamentals that deserve closer scrutiny before the valuation case can be fully trusted.
Bottom line: ESNT trades at a fair valuation on our framework, with a Smart Value Score of 67/100. The valuation is defensible but offers no obvious bargain. Patience or a better entry price may reward disciplined buyers.
Frequently asked questions
Is ESNT overvalued in 2026?
Based on a Smart Value Score of 67/100, ESNT is fairly valued. Price reasonably reflects current fundamentals with limited cushion in either direction.
What is ESNT's fair value?
Standard DCF is unreliable for ESNT due to its current profitability profile. Revenue-based approaches such as EV/Sales or historical P/S percentile are more informative for this stock.
What P/E ratio does ESNT trade at?
ESNT trades at a P/E of 8.7x on trailing twelve-month earnings, compared to its 5-year median of 8.6x.
Is ESNT a buy based on valuation?
WallStSmart does not issue buy or sell recommendations. Our Smart Value Score of 67/100 reflects the combined read on growth, quality, and price. The profile is balanced. Best suited for investors with an existing thesis.
How does ESNT's valuation compare to its history?
On P/E, ESNT currently sits in the 54th percentile of its own 5Y range. That is above its long-run median relative to where it has traded over the period.
What is ESNT's Smart Value Score?
ESNT's Smart Value Score is 67/100. The Smart Value Score is a proprietary WallStSmart metric blending growth quality, financial health, and valuation attractiveness into a single 0-100 read. Scores above 75 are rare and indicate strong multi-factor alignment.