SLF 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. SLF offers the higher yield at 3.41%, V has the higher dividend-safety score, and SLF looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price).
Key facts: SLF vs V
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Sun Life Financial Inc. (SLF) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.41%, versus 0.67% for Visa Inc. (V).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades SLF's dividend safety C (64/100) and V's A (93/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, SLF has raised its dividend for 10 consecutive years and V for 17.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SLF pays out 62% of its earnings as dividends and V pays out 22%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SLF's fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price and V's fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price, so SLF looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "SLF vs V: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/slf-vs-v
| Metric | SLF | V |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.41% | 0.67% |
| Annual dividend | $2.71 | $2.68 |
| Payout ratio | 62% | 22% |
| Years of growth | 10 yr | 17 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.3% | 14.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 49% | 108% |
| Dividend safety score | 64 (C) | 93 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $66.23 | $306.97 |
| Upside to fair value | -17% | -24% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $44.1B | $755.8B |
| P/E ratio | 18.5 | 34.3 |
Higher yield
SLF
3.41%
Safer dividend
V
Grade A
Faster growth
V
14.9%
Better value
SLF
-17% upside
SLF vs V — FAQ
Is SLF or V a better dividend stock?
On the data, V wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). SLF offers the higher yield (3.41%), 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, SLF or V?
SLF has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.41%, versus 0.67% for V.
Is SLF or V safer?
V has the higher dividend-safety score (93/100 vs 64/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is SLF or V better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, SLF looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price (overvalued). For V, its fair-value estimate is 24% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.