Dover Corporation (DOV) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)

A side-by-side comparison of Dover 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.

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Different business models: DOV is classified in Industrials; MRK is classified in Healthcare. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnDOV vs MRK

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
DOV +278.5% (+14.2%/yr)MRK +226.9% (+12.6%/yr)DOV compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$379$327
DOV MRK

DOV vs MRK: by the numbers

  • MRK is the larger company ($357.73B vs $25.48B market cap).
  • DOV trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (22.85 vs 115.87 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • DOV converts more revenue to profit (13.48% vs 4.78% net margin).
  • MRK grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.87% vs 2.54% CAGR).
  • MRK pays the higher dividend yield (2.33% vs 1.10%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricDOVMRK
P/E ratio22.85115.87
Forward P/E17.6952.74
P/S ratio3.035.39
P/B ratio3.318.53
EV / EBITDA14.8922.88
FCF yield4.61%4.49%

Profitability

MetricDOVMRK
Gross margin39.58%75.38%
Operating margin16.87%36.17%
Net margin13.48%4.78%
ROE14.73%7.57%
ROIC9.56%5.80%

Dividends

MetricDOVMRK
Dividend yield1.10%2.33%
Payout ratio25.18%268.80%

Growth (annualized)

MetricDOVMRK
Revenue CAGR (5Y)2.54%7.87%
EPS CAGR (5Y)10.95%21.21%
FCF CAGR (5Y)2.55%23.61%
Total return CAGR (5Y)2.98%18.01%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, DOV or MRK?
DOV has the lower trailing P/E: DOV trades at 22.85 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, DOV or MRK?
Over the past five years, MRK grew revenue faster — DOV at a 2.54% CAGR versus MRK at 7.87%.
Does DOV or MRK pay a bigger dividend?
DOV yields 1.10% and MRK yields 2.33% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is DOV or MRK more profitable?
DOV runs the higher net margin — DOV at 13.48% versus MRK at 4.78%.
How have DOV and MRK total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, DOV delivered 14.80% and MRK delivered 12.62% 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.