14 Best Mid Cap Dividend Aristocrat Stocks to Buy Now

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4. Unum Group (NYSE:UNM)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 42

Consecutive Years of Dividend Growth: 17

Unum Group (NYSE:UNM) is one of the best dividend aristocrat stocks to invest in.

On January 8, Barclays raised its price target on UNM to $96 from $94 and maintained an Overweight rating. The firm said it remains “cautiously optimistic” on life insurers as the industry heads into 2026. Barclays pointed to strong capital positions, solid cash flow generation, and continued consolidation as positives that can help offset pressure from spread compression and higher technology spending. The update was part of Barclays’ broader set of rating and price target changes tied to its 2026 outlook.

In other news, on December 4, Unum announced that its board approved a new share repurchase authorization of up to $1 billion, which started on January 1, 2026. The company’s current buyback program runs through December 31, 2025, after which it expires, and any repurchases going forward will fall under the new plan.

Unum Group (NYSE:UNM) is an international provider of workplace benefits and related services. Through its Unum and Colonial Life brands, the company offers products such as disability, life, accident, critical illness, dental, and vision coverage, along with leave management support and behavioral health services.

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