Company Overview - Essent Group Ltd. is a Bermuda-based holding company that provides private mortgage insurance, reinsurance, title insurance, and settlement services for mortgage lenders, borrowers, and investors [5]. Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Essent reported a net income of $164 million, with diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.67 [3]. - The company's US mortgage insurance in force increased to $249 billion, reflecting a 2% growth from the previous year, while persistency remained strong at 86% [3]. Shareholder Returns - Chairman and CEO Mark Casale emphasized Essent's robust capital position, noting that the company repurchased nearly 9 million shares for over $500 million year-to-date through October 31 [4]. - A new share repurchase authorization of $500 million has been announced, which will be effective through year-end 2027, alongside a Q4 dividend of $0.31 per share [4]. Market Outlook - JPMorgan analyst Richard Shane raised the price target for Essent Group to $66 from $65, maintaining a Neutral rating, amid updated ratings and price targets across the consumer finance sector [2]. - The analyst highlighted potential volatility in the sector due to President Trump's proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10% for one year, which could significantly impact issuer profitability and consumer credit access [2].

Core Insights - First American Financial Corporation (FAF) is recognized as one of the 15 overlooked dividend stocks to consider for investment [1] - Truist Securities has raised its price target for FAF to $76 from $73, maintaining a Buy rating after the company's strong Q3 performance [2] - FAF reported a significant revenue increase of 41% year-over-year in Q3 2025, reaching $2 billion, exceeding market expectations by $115.7 million [3] - The company achieved a net income of $190 million, or $1.84 per diluted share, a turnaround from a net loss of $104 million in the same quarter of 2024 [3] - FAF declared a quarterly dividend of $0.55 per share, marking 15 consecutive years of dividend increases [4] Financial Performance - Revenue for Q3 2025 was $2 billion, a 41% increase from the previous year [3] - Net income improved to $190 million, compared to a net loss of $104 million in Q3 2024 [3] - Operating cash flow increased to $273 million from $237 million year-over-year [3] Dividend Information - FAF declared a quarterly dividend of $0.55 per share, consistent with prior payouts [4] - The company has a track record of increasing its dividend for 15 consecutive years [4] Analyst Ratings - Truist Securities raised the price target for FAF to $76, reflecting confidence in the company's future earnings potential [2] - The stock is projected to trade at approximately 12.5 times its estimated earnings for 2026 [2]

Core Insights - First American Financial Corporation (FAF) announced a 2% increase in its quarterly cash dividend to 55 cents per share, reflecting its strong financial position and commitment to shareholders [1][2][9] - The new dividend yield is 3.2%, significantly higher than the industry average of 0.2%, making FAF an attractive option for yield-seeking investors [3][9] - FAF has a solid track record of dividend increases, with a nine-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% [3][9] Financial Strength and Capital Management - FAF is committed to returning excess cash to shareholders through both dividend increases and share repurchases, with a new repurchase plan authorizing up to $300 million [4][5] - As of June 30, 2025, FAF had $114.2 million in cash and cash equivalents, along with $900 million available on its revolving credit facility, indicating strong liquidity [6][9] - The return on equity for FAF was 10.4%, outperforming the industry average of 7.6%, which supports its ability to sustain dividend payments [7] Market Performance - FAF shares have gained 9% year-to-date, outperforming the industry growth of 7.5%, indicating positive market momentum [8] - The company's strategy of enhancing growth and capital position is expected to help maintain this momentum [8]