
Essent Group (ESNT) Stock Forecast & Price Target
Essent Group (ESNT) Analyst Ratings
Bulls say
Essent Group Ltd reported a 0.5% sequential increase in book value per share, closing Q4 at $53.36, and increased its new insurance written (NIW) market share to 15.6%, outperforming the industry average despite a reported decline in overall NIW. The company’s estimates for future NIW growth are consistent, projecting $48 billion in 2025, $57 billion in 2026, and $64 billion in 2027, leading to improved insurance in force (IIF) growth rates of +2.3%, +4.7%, and +6.0% year-over-year. Despite facing rising defaults attributed to external factors, Essent Group's strategic positioning indicates potential upside compared to peers, particularly if the purchase market strengthens and the company can leverage capital for IIF expansion.
Bears say
Essent Group Ltd's persistency rate declined to 85.7% in Q4, indicating a potential weakening in customer retention compared to the previous quarter, which could adversely affect future revenue stability. Additionally, the company's title insurance segment experienced a 4.3% year-over-year decline in net premiums earned, largely attributed to reduced housing transaction activity, further exacerbating revenue pressures. Lastly, the decrease in PMIERs excess capital from $1.69 billion to $1.58 billion reduces the company's capital cushion, raising concerns about its ability to withstand macroeconomic weaknesses and the associated risks in mortgage credit.
This aggregate rating is based on analysts' research of Essent Group and is not a guaranteed prediction by Public.com or investment advice.
Essent Group (ESNT) Analyst Forecast & Price Prediction
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