Cintas Corporation (CTAS) vs 3M Company (MMM)
A side-by-side comparison of Cintas Corporation and 3M Company 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.
CTAS
Cintas Corporation
$198.95IndustrialsDelayed quote: Sep 15, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
MMM
3M Company
$164.66IndustrialsDelayed quote: Sep 15, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
Total return — CTAS vs MMM
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCTAS +666.5% (+22.6%/yr)MMM +64.5% (+5.1%/yr)CTAS compounded faster over this window
CTAS MMM
CTAS vs MMM: by the numbers
- •MMM is the larger company ($84.92B vs $79.61B market cap).
- •MMM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (29.25 vs 40.52 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •CTAS converts more revenue to profit (17.75% vs 11.90% net margin).
- •CTAS grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.62% vs -6.23% CAGR).
- •MMM pays the higher dividend yield (1.86% vs 0.89%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CTAS | MMM |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 40.52 | 29.25 |
| Forward P/E | 36.16 | 18.41 |
| P/S ratio | 7.07 | 3.37 |
| P/B ratio | 15.49 | 28.77 |
| EV / EBITDA | 26.30 | N/A |
| FCF yield | 2.36% | 4.69% |
Profitability
| Metric | CTAS | MMM |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 50.67% | 39.40% |
| Operating margin | 23.14% | 19.01% |
| Net margin | 17.75% | 11.90% |
| ROE | 38.91% | 101.52% |
| ROIC | 23.53% | 14.64% |
Dividends
| Metric | CTAS | MMM |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.89% | 1.86% |
| Payout ratio | 36.66% | 54.53% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CTAS | MMM |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 9.62% | -6.23% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 13.58% | -8.53% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 9.10% | -10.85% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 15.89% | 5.48% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CTAS or MMM?
- MMM has the lower trailing P/E: CTAS trades at 40.52 and MMM at 29.25. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CTAS or MMM?
- Over the past five years, CTAS grew revenue faster — CTAS at a 9.62% CAGR versus MMM at -6.23%.
- Does CTAS or MMM pay a bigger dividend?
- CTAS yields 0.89% and MMM yields 1.86% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CTAS or MMM more profitable?
- CTAS runs the higher net margin — CTAS at 17.75% versus MMM at 11.90%.
- How have CTAS and MMM total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CTAS delivered 22.94% and MMM delivered 5.07% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Cintas P/E ratio3M P/E ratioCintas dividend yield3M dividend yieldCintas ROE3M ROECintas operating margin3M operating marginCintas revenue growth3M revenue growthCintas free cash flow3M free cash flow
Cintas & 3M 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.