Cincinnati Financial Corporation (CINF) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)

A side-by-side comparison of Cincinnati Financial Corporation and Merck & Co., Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

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Different business models: CINF is classified in Financial Services; MRK is classified in Healthcare. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnCINF vs MRK

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
CINF +2605.4%MRK +990.2%CINF compounded faster
01k2kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,705$1,090
CINF MRK

CINF vs MRK: by the numbers

  • MRK is the larger company ($325.61B vs $28.25B market cap).
  • CINF trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (8.69 vs 36.83 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CINF converts more revenue to profit (23.84% vs 13.62% net margin).
  • MRK grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.60% vs 8.12% CAGR).
  • MRK pays the higher dividend yield (2.57% vs 1.96%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCINFMRK
P/E ratio8.6936.83
Forward P/E21.0847.09
P/S ratio2.064.93
P/B ratio1.727.05
PEG ratio3.031.81
EV / EBITDAN/A15.16
FCF yieldN/A4.37%

Profitability

MetricCINFMRK
Gross margin52.29%75.91%
Operating margin29.83%36.17%
Net margin23.84%13.62%
ROE19.96%19.48%
ROIC10.68%18.27%

Dividends

MetricCINFMRK
Dividend yield1.96%2.57%
Payout ratio23.86%46.03%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCINFMRK
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.12%8.60%
EPS CAGR (5Y)15.01%21.21%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A15.69%
Total return CAGR (5Y)12.76%14.44%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CINF or MRK?
CINF has the lower trailing P/E: CINF trades at 8.69 and MRK at 36.83. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CINF or MRK?
Over the past five years, MRK grew revenue faster — CINF at a 8.12% CAGR versus MRK at 8.60%.
Does CINF or MRK pay a bigger dividend?
CINF yields 1.96% and MRK yields 2.57% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CINF or MRK more profitable?
CINF runs the higher net margin — CINF at 23.84% versus MRK at 13.62%.

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 July 28, 2026.