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Root vs. EverQuote: Which Stock Is the Stronger Bet in Insurtech?
ZACKSยท 2025-09-19 17:15
Core Insights - InsurTech companies like ROOT Inc. and EverQuote Inc. are striving to innovate using advanced technologies but face challenges from market conditions and competition [1][2] ROOT Inc. Overview - ROOT operates primarily in the auto insurance market, utilizing telematics and data-driven pricing models for differentiation [3] - The company is focused on geographic expansion and targeted investments, with a steady increase in policies in force [3] - ROOT has managed fixed expenses while investing in marketing, with a key catalyst being the expected refinancing of its debt facility, projected to reduce interest expenses by 50% in 2025 [4] - The company has improved its net margin significantly, expanding by 15,350 basis points over the past three years, marking its first profitable year in 2024 [4][9] - ROOT has successfully lowered its gross loss ratio to below the long-term target of 60-65%, although elevated debt levels remain a concern [5] - The return on equity for ROOT stands at 38.24%, significantly higher than the industry average of 8.3% [6] EverQuote Inc. Overview - EverQuote is a leading online marketplace for insurance, connecting consumers with insurance providers and focusing on growth in property and casualty insurance [7] - The company anticipates benefiting from the recovery of auto insurance carrier demand and aims to expand into new verticals [8] - EverQuote projects revenues between $155 million and $160 million for Q3 2025, driven by increased consumer traffic and new advertising channels [8][9] - The company leverages AI-driven efficiency and a proprietary data platform to enhance operations and streamline workflows [11][12] - EverQuote has a debt-free balance sheet and has approved a $50 million share buyback program, with a return on equity of 36.9% [13] Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ROOT's 2025 revenues and EPS indicates a year-over-year increase of 16.4% and 43.4%, respectively [14] - For EverQuote, the estimates imply a 48.9% increase in revenues and a 30% increase in EPS for 2025 [15] - ROOT's price-to-book multiple is 6.38, while EverQuote's is 5.33, both above their respective medians over the last three years [16] Conclusion - ROOT aims to be the largest and most profitable company in the industry, focusing on technological advancements in pricing and underwriting [17] - EverQuote is positioned for long-term growth due to its exclusive data assets and strong financial profile [18] - Year-to-date stock performance shows ROOT shares have increased by 39.1%, while EverQuote shares have risen by 24.4% [18]