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.

Compare

Total returnCTAS vs MMM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CTAS +666.5% (+22.6%/yr)MMM +64.5% (+5.1%/yr)CTAS compounded faster over this window
200400600800Start $10020182020202220242026$766$165
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

MetricCTASMMM
P/E ratio40.5229.25
Forward P/E36.1618.41
P/S ratio7.073.37
P/B ratio15.4928.77
EV / EBITDA26.30N/A
FCF yield2.36%4.69%

Profitability

MetricCTASMMM
Gross margin50.67%39.40%
Operating margin23.14%19.01%
Net margin17.75%11.90%
ROE38.91%101.52%
ROIC23.53%14.64%

Dividends

MetricCTASMMM
Dividend yield0.89%1.86%
Payout ratio36.66%54.53%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCTASMMM
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.

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.