ESNT vs JPM: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ESNT and JPM are closely matched. ESNT offers the higher yield at 2.16%, JPM has the higher dividend-safety score, and ESNT looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 37% above its share price).
Key facts: ESNT vs JPM
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Essent Group Ltd. (ESNT) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.16%, versus 1.94% for JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ESNT's dividend safety B (75/100) and JPM's A (82/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ESNT has raised its dividend for 6 consecutive years and JPM for 15.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ESNT pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and JPM pays out 26%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ESNT's fair-value estimate is 37% above its share price and JPM's fair-value estimate is 7% above its share price, so ESNT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ESNT vs JPM: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/esnt-vs-jpm
| Metric | ESNT | JPM |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.16% | 1.94% |
| Annual dividend | $1.40 | $6.60 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 26% |
| Years of growth | 6 yr | 15 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 14.1% | 9.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 56% | 114% |
| Dividend safety score | 75 (B) | 82 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $88.33 | $364.60 |
| Upside to fair value | +37% | +7% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $5.8B | $902.2B |
| P/E ratio | 9.0 | 14.3 |
Higher yield
ESNT
2.16%
Safer dividend
JPM
Grade A
Faster growth
ESNT
14.1%
Better value
ESNT
+37% upside
ESNT vs JPM — FAQ
Is ESNT or JPM a better dividend stock?
ESNT and JPM are closely matched. ESNT has the higher yield; JPM scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, ESNT or JPM?
ESNT has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.16%, versus 1.94% for JPM.
Is ESNT or JPM safer?
JPM has the higher dividend-safety score (82/100 vs 75/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ESNT or JPM better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, ESNT looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 37% above its share price (undervalued). For JPM, its fair-value estimate is 7% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.