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 August 1, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCTAS vs MMM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
CTAS +6642.3%MMM +1384.1%CTAS compounded faster
02k4k6kStart $100200120062011201620212026$6,742$1,484
CTAS MMM

CTAS vs MMM: by the numbers

  • MMM is the larger company ($90.91B vs $81.89B market cap).
  • MMM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (31.31 vs 41.68 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 (1.71% vs 0.88%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCTASMMM
P/E ratio41.6831.31
Forward P/E41.8019.82
P/S ratio7.343.69
P/B ratio16.1031.51
PEG ratio3.18N/A
EV / EBITDA28.4917.57
FCF yield2.27%4.28%

Profitability

MetricCTASMMM
Gross margin50.67%39.40%
Operating margin23.14%19.01%
Net margin17.75%11.90%
ROE38.91%101.52%
ROIC23.39%11.53%

Dividends

MetricCTASMMM
Dividend yield0.88%1.71%
Payout ratio36.22%50.00%

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)16.80%4.96%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CTAS or MMM?
MMM has the lower trailing P/E: CTAS trades at 41.68 and MMM at 31.31. 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 0.88% and MMM yields 1.71% 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 23.83% and MMM delivered 5.06% 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 August 1, 2026.