Cintas Corporation (CTAS) vs W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW)

CTAS leads on 9 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Cintas Corporation and W.W. Grainger, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 25, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — CTAS vs GWW

growth of $100 · last 30y
CTAS +3648.5%GWW +3325.8%CTAS compounded faster
01k2k3k4k5kStart $100200120062011201620212026$3,748$3,426
CTAS GWW

CTAS vs GWW: by the numbers

  • CTAS is the larger company ($68.40B vs $64.91B market cap).
  • CTAS trades at the lower earnings multiple (36.06 vs 36.96 P/E).
  • CTAS converts more revenue to profit (17.57% vs 9.70% net margin).
  • CTAS grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.83% vs 9.12% CAGR).
  • CTAS pays the higher dividend yield (1.05% vs 0.67%).

Which is better, CTAS or GWW?

Metric tally: CTAS 9 · GWW 7

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueCTAS(lower P/E)
GrowthCTAS(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeCTAS(higher dividend yield)
QualityGWW(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCTASGWW
P/E ratio36.0636.96
Forward P/E31.4430.14
P/S ratio6.313.55
P/B ratio14.5216.58
PEG ratio3.091.66
EV / EBITDA23.7823.32
FCF yield2.57%2.12%

Profitability

MetricCTASGWW
Gross margin50.36%39.15%
Operating margin22.95%14.23%
Net margin17.57%9.70%
ROE40.46%45.34%
ROIC22.95%27.73%

Dividends

MetricCTASGWW
Dividend yield1.05%0.67%
Payout ratio40.18%26.13%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCTASGWW
Revenue CAGR (5Y)9.83%9.12%
EPS CAGR (5Y)16.48%22.25%
FCF CAGR (5Y)9.81%7.67%
Total return CAGR (5Y)13.65%26.72%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CTAS or GWW?
It depends on your goal. value: CTAS (lower P/E); growth: CTAS (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: CTAS (higher dividend yield); quality: GWW (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, CTAS leads 9 to 7.
Is CTAS or GWW cheaper?
On trailing earnings, CTAS is cheaper: CTAS trades at a 36.06 P/E and GWW at 36.96.
Which has grown faster, CTAS or GWW?
Over the past five years, CTAS grew revenue faster — CTAS at a 9.83% CAGR versus GWW at 9.12%.
Does CTAS or GWW pay a bigger dividend?
CTAS yields 1.05% and GWW yields 0.67% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CTAS or GWW more profitable?
CTAS runs the higher net margin — CTAS at 17.57% versus GWW at 9.70%.
Which has been the better investment, CTAS or GWW?
Over the past 10-year, CTAS delivered the higher annualized total return — CTAS at 23.34% versus GWW at 22.08%. 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 June 25, 2026.