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 September 13, 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 10y
CINF +185.3% (+11.1%/yr)MRK +226.9% (+12.6%/yr)MRK compounded faster over this window
100200300Start $10020182020202220242026$285$327
CINF MRK

CINF vs MRK: by the numbers

  • MRK is the larger company ($357.73B vs $26.40B market cap).
  • CINF trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (8.11 vs 115.87 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • CINF converts more revenue to profit (23.84% vs 4.78% net margin).
  • CINF grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.12% vs 7.87% CAGR).
  • MRK pays the higher dividend yield (2.33% vs 2.13%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCINFMRK
P/E ratio8.11115.87
Forward P/E20.5552.74
P/S ratio1.895.39
P/B ratio1.588.53
EV / EBITDAN/A22.88
FCF yieldN/A4.49%

Profitability

MetricCINFMRK
Gross margin52.29%75.38%
Operating margin29.78%36.17%
Net margin23.84%4.78%
ROE19.96%7.57%
ROICN/A5.80%

Dividends

MetricCINFMRK
Dividend yield2.13%2.33%
Payout ratio17.07%268.80%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCINFMRK
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.12%7.87%
EPS CAGR (5Y)15.01%21.21%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A23.61%
Total return CAGR (5Y)10.35%18.01%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CINF or MRK?
CINF has the lower trailing P/E: CINF trades at 8.11 and MRK at 115.87. 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, CINF grew revenue faster — CINF at a 8.12% CAGR versus MRK at 7.87%.
Does CINF or MRK pay a bigger dividend?
CINF yields 2.13% and MRK yields 2.33% 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 4.78%.
How have CINF and MRK total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CINF delivered 11.33% and MRK delivered 12.62% 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 13, 2026.