ESNT vs V: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, V (Visa Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ESNT offers the higher yield at 2.16%, V 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 V
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 0.67% for Visa Inc. (V).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ESNT's dividend safety B (75/100) and V's A (93/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ESNT has raised its dividend for 6 consecutive years and V for 17.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ESNT pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and V pays out 22%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, ESNT's fair-value estimate is 37% above its share price and V's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so ESNT looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ESNT vs V: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/esnt-vs-v
| Metric | ESNT | V |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.16% | 0.67% |
| Annual dividend | $1.40 | $2.68 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 22% |
| Years of growth | 6 yr | 17 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 14.1% | 14.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 56% | 108% |
| Dividend safety score | 75 (B) | 93 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $88.33 | $306.97 |
| Upside to fair value | +37% | -24% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $5.8B | $755.8B |
| P/E ratio | 9.0 | 34.3 |
Higher yield
ESNT
2.16%
Safer dividend
V
Grade A
Faster growth
V
14.9%
Better value
ESNT
+37% upside
ESNT vs V — FAQ
Is ESNT or V a better dividend stock?
On the data, V wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). ESNT offers the higher yield (2.16%), while V has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, ESNT or V?
ESNT has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.16%, versus 0.67% for V.
Is ESNT or V safer?
V has the higher dividend-safety score (93/100 vs 75/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ESNT or V 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 V, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.