While the S&P 500 has fallen nearly 5% since the start of the U.S.-Iran conflict, three dividend-paying stocks are bucking the trend: Crescent Energy, Viper Energy Partners, and Unum Group. Crescent Energy benefits from its Permian Basin operations and recent analyst upgrades. Viper Energy's royalty model shields it from operational risks while offering a 3.3% dividend yield. Unum Group, a life and disability insurer, stands out as a non-energy play with expected 8%-12% EPS growth and 30% upside potential.

Ushur announced Voice-Guided Experience, a new capability that enables organizations in regulated industries to guide customers through complex workflows using synchronized voice and mobile interactions. The AI-powered feature keeps voice conversations active while opening a synchronized mobile experience, allowing customers to speak or tap without switching channels. The platform supports 74 languages, maintains enterprise-grade compliance (HITRUST r2, SOC 2, HIPAA), and is designed to improve completion rates and reduce operational burden for healthcare, insurance, and financial services organizations.

Unum Group, an insurance company specializing in health, disability, and benefits coverage, has experienced a temporary setback after disappointing Q4 2025 earnings, with stock down 6% year-to-date. However, the article identifies three catalysts that could drive recovery: (1) executing a plan to return 100% of free cash flow to shareholders through buybacks and dividends, (2) achieving premium growth above the guided 4-7% range, and (3) stabilizing disability benefit ratios back to the 62-64% range to restore underwriting profitability.

Unum Group reported Q2 2025 earnings of $2.07 per share, missing analyst estimates. Revenue grew to $3.36 billion, but the company experienced challenges in claims costs, customer retention, and new business sales across its insurance segments.

Five U.S. stocks have recently increased their dividends, with analysts seeing potential for price appreciation and attractive total return potential over the next 12 months.

Globe Life Inc.'s first-quarter 2025 net operating income missed estimates, but premiums and underwriting income improved. The company's results were impacted by lower investment income and higher expenses.

Unum is a strong dividend stock with a 2.68% dividend yield, which is higher than the industry and S&P 500 averages. The company has increased its dividend by an average of 7.59% annually over the last 5 years, and its payout ratio is low at 18%, indicating potential for future dividend growth.

Unum (UNM) is an attractive dividend play with a strong Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy). The company has seen a 20.9% increase in its annualized dividend over the past year and has a dividend yield of 3.09%, higher than the industry and S&P 500 averages. Unum's earnings are expected to grow 10.44% this fiscal year, making it a compelling investment opportunity.

The cancer insurance market is expected to grow strongly in the coming years, driven by factors such as rising cancer incidence rates, medical inflation, and heightened awareness. Key trends include innovative product developments, customizable policies, and integration with health plans. The increasing number of cancer cases is a major driver for the market's growth.

The Accident and Health Insurance industry is expected to benefit from increased underwriting exposure and adoption of technology, despite ongoing pricing pressure and potential rise in claims frequency. Aflac, Unum Group, and Trupanion are highlighted as companies that should continue to perform well in this environment.

Unum Group has agreed to divest its Medical Stop Loss business to Amynta Group, a leading insurance services provider. This move will help Unum focus on its strategic growth priorities. The addition of Unum's Medical Stop Loss business will enhance Amynta Group's product portfolio and help it serve clients better.

Favorable sales trends and risk experience, strong persistency, an improving rate environment and a solid capital position poise Unum (UNM) well.