MetaCap

Encore Capital Group (ECPG) vs Jefferson Capital (JCAP)

Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.

Summary

Encore Capital Group (ECPG) has outperformed Jefferson Capital (JCAP) over the past year, gaining 139.9% versus a gain of 10.9%. Encore Capital Group is the larger company by market cap ($2.11 billion vs $1.15 billion), about 1.8 times the size. On valuation, Jefferson Capital trades at a lower forward P/E (6.5x vs 7.4x for Encore Capital Group).

Jefferson Capital pays a dividend yielding 2.40%, while Encore Capital Group does not currently pay one.

Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology

Relative performance

ECPG+139.89%JCAP+10.85%
+159%+68%-22%
Oct 7, 20251 yearOct 7, 2026
ECPG+151.75%JCAP+5.37%
+172%+74%-23%
Jun 23, 20255 yearsOct 5, 2026

Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.

Head-to-head

ECPG versus JCAP key metrics
MetricECPGJCAP
Share price$99.27$20.02
Market cap$2.11B$1.15B
1-day change+0.08%+0.81%
YTD return+82.64%-10.38%
1-year return+139.89%+10.85%
5-year return+94.07%—
P/E ratio (TTM)7.5422.00
Forward P/E7.436.51
EPS (TTM)$13.17$0.91
Dividend yield0.00%2.40%
Annual dividend$0.00$0.48
52-week high$104.98$24.44
52-week low$39.95$15.50
Distance from 52-week high-5.44%-18.09%
Analyst consensusnone—
Avg. price target upside+16.53%—
Average volume345.11K325.58K
Shares outstanding21.21M57.43M
Employees7,350—
SectorFinanceFinance
IndustryFinance CompaniesFinance Companies

Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.

Key differences

  • ECPG has outperformed JCAP by 129.0 percentage points over the past year.
  • Jefferson Capital trades at a higher earnings multiple (22.0x vs 7.5x trailing P/E).
  • Jefferson Capital offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.40% vs 0.00%).

About Encore Capital Group

ECPG stock →

Encore Capital Group, Inc., a specialty finance company, provides debt recovery solutions and other related services for consumers across financial assets worldwide. The company purchases portfolios of defaulted consumer receivables at discounts to face value, as well as manages them by working with individuals as they repay their obligations and works toward financial recovery.

Finance · Finance Companies · 7,350 employees

ECPG vs JCAP FAQ

Which is bigger, Encore Capital Group or Jefferson Capital?

Encore Capital Group (ECPG) is larger, with a market capitalization of $2.11B compared with $1.15B for Jefferson Capital (JCAP).

Which stock has performed better over the past year, ECPG or JCAP?

ECPG returned +139.89% over the past 12 months, compared with +10.85% for JCAP (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.

Which has the lower P/E ratio, ECPG or JCAP?

ECPG has the lower trailing P/E at 7.5, versus 22.0 for JCAP. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.

Which pays a higher dividend, Encore Capital Group or Jefferson Capital?

Jefferson Capital pays a dividend yielding 2.40%, while Encore Capital Group does not currently pay a regular dividend.

Are Encore Capital Group and Jefferson Capital in the same industry?

Yes. Both are classified in the Finance Companies industry within the Finance sector.

More comparisons