MA vs UNM: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, UNM (Unum Group) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. UNM offers the higher yield at 2.19%, UNM has the higher dividend-safety score, and UNM looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price).
Key facts: MA vs UNM
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Unum Group (UNM) has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.19%, versus 0.56% for Mastercard Incorporated (MA).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MA's dividend safety A (89/100) and UNM's A (92/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, MA has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years and UNM for 17.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA pays out 18% of its earnings as dividends and UNM pays out 43%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, MA's fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price and UNM's fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price, so UNM looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MA vs UNM: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ma-vs-unm
| Metric | MA | UNM |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.56% | 2.19% |
| Annual dividend | $3.48 | $2.02 |
| Payout ratio | 18% | 43% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 17 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 13.7% | 9.1% |
| 5-yr total return | 96% | 299% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 92 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $474.95 | $76.81 |
| Upside to fair value | -23% | -17% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $540.9B | $14.6B |
| P/E ratio | 34.0 | 21.5 |
Higher yield
UNM
2.19%
Safer dividend
UNM
Grade A
Faster growth
MA
13.7%
Better value
UNM
-17% upside
MA vs UNM — FAQ
Is MA or UNM a better dividend stock?
On the data, UNM wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). UNM offers the higher yield (2.19%), while UNM has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MA or UNM?
UNM has the higher forward dividend yield at 2.19%, versus 0.56% for MA.
Is MA or UNM safer?
UNM has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MA or UNM better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, UNM looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price (overvalued). For MA, its fair-value estimate is 23% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.