Cigna Corporation (CI) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)

A side-by-side comparison of Cigna Corporation and Merck & Co., Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCI vs MRK

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CI +144.8% (+9.4%/yr)MRK +228.7% (+12.6%/yr)MRK compounded faster over this window
100200300Start $10020182020202220242026$245$329
CI MRK

CI vs MRK: by the numbers

  • MRK is the larger company ($355.49B vs $74.19B market cap).
  • CI trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (11.62 vs 115.15 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • MRK converts more revenue to profit (4.78% vs 2.27% net margin).
  • CI grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.11% vs 7.87% CAGR).
  • MRK pays the higher dividend yield (2.32% vs 2.20%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCIMRK
P/E ratio11.62115.15
Forward P/E9.2052.41
P/S ratio0.265.35
P/B ratio1.748.48
EV / EBITDA8.0822.76
FCF yield12.28%4.52%

Profitability

MetricCIMRK
Gross margin11.66%75.38%
Operating margin3.46%36.17%
Net margin2.27%4.78%
ROE15.05%7.57%
ROIC7.69%5.80%

Dividends

MetricCIMRK
Dividend yield2.20%2.32%
Payout ratio25.62%268.80%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCIMRK
Revenue CAGR (5Y)11.11%7.87%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-0.76%21.21%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-1.95%23.61%
Total return CAGR (5Y)8.53%18.15%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CI or MRK?
CI has the lower trailing P/E: CI trades at 11.62 and MRK at 115.15. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CI or MRK?
Over the past five years, CI grew revenue faster — CI at a 11.11% CAGR versus MRK at 7.87%.
Does CI or MRK pay a bigger dividend?
CI yields 2.20% and MRK yields 2.32% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CI or MRK more profitable?
MRK runs the higher net margin — CI at 2.27% versus MRK at 4.78%.
How have CI and MRK total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CI delivered 9.30% and MRK delivered 12.68% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 11, 2026.