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.
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.
CINF
Cincinnati Financial Corporation
$172.02Financial ServicesDelayed quote: Sep 14, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
MRK
Merck & Co., Inc.
$144.84HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 14, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
Total return — CINF vs MRK
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCINF +185.3% (+11.1%/yr)MRK +226.9% (+12.6%/yr)MRK compounded faster over this window
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
| Metric | CINF | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 8.11 | 115.87 |
| Forward P/E | 20.55 | 52.74 |
| P/S ratio | 1.89 | 5.39 |
| P/B ratio | 1.58 | 8.53 |
| EV / EBITDA | N/A | 22.88 |
| FCF yield | N/A | 4.49% |
Profitability
| Metric | CINF | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 52.29% | 75.38% |
| Operating margin | 29.78% | 36.17% |
| Net margin | 23.84% | 4.78% |
| ROE | 19.96% | 7.57% |
| ROIC | N/A | 5.80% |
Dividends
| Metric | CINF | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.13% | 2.33% |
| Payout ratio | 17.07% | 268.80% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CINF | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.12% | 7.87% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 15.01% | 21.21% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | N/A | 23.61% |
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Cincinnati Financial P/E ratioMerck P/E ratioCincinnati Financial dividend yieldMerck dividend yieldCincinnati Financial ROEMerck ROECincinnati Financial operating marginMerck operating marginCincinnati Financial revenue growthMerck revenue growthMerck free cash flow
Cincinnati Financial & 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 13, 2026.