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.
CI
Cigna Corporation
$280.76HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
MRK
Merck & Co., Inc.
$143.94HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CI vs MRK
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCI +144.8% (+9.4%/yr)MRK +228.7% (+12.6%/yr)MRK compounded faster over this window
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
| Metric | CI | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 11.62 | 115.15 |
| Forward P/E | 9.20 | 52.41 |
| P/S ratio | 0.26 | 5.35 |
| P/B ratio | 1.74 | 8.48 |
| EV / EBITDA | 8.08 | 22.76 |
| FCF yield | 12.28% | 4.52% |
Profitability
| Metric | CI | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 11.66% | 75.38% |
| Operating margin | 3.46% | 36.17% |
| Net margin | 2.27% | 4.78% |
| ROE | 15.05% | 7.57% |
| ROIC | 7.69% | 5.80% |
Dividends
| Metric | CI | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.20% | 2.32% |
| Payout ratio | 25.62% | 268.80% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CI | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Cigna P/E ratioMerck P/E ratioCigna dividend yieldMerck dividend yieldCigna ROEMerck ROECigna operating marginMerck operating marginCigna revenue growthMerck revenue growthCigna free cash flowMerck free cash flow
Cigna & Merck appear in these rankings
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.