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 July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
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.
DOV
Dover Corporation
$203.08IndustrialsDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
MRK
Merck & Co., Inc.
$131.84HealthcareDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
Total return — DOV vs MRK
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yDOV +2249.0%MRK +990.2%DOV compounded faster
DOV MRK
DOV vs MRK: by the numbers
- •MRK is the larger company ($325.61B vs $27.35B market cap).
- •DOV trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (24.86 vs 36.83 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MRK converts more revenue to profit (13.62% vs 13.48% net margin).
- •MRK grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.60% vs 2.54% CAGR).
- •MRK pays the higher dividend yield (2.57% vs 1.01%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | DOV | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 24.86 | 36.83 |
| Forward P/E | 19.27 | 47.09 |
| P/S ratio | 3.31 | 4.93 |
| P/B ratio | 3.62 | 7.05 |
| PEG ratio | 2.27 | 1.81 |
| EV / EBITDA | 17.14 | 15.16 |
| FCF yield | 4.21% | 4.37% |
Profitability
| Metric | DOV | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 39.58% | 75.91% |
| Operating margin | 16.87% | 36.17% |
| Net margin | 13.48% | 13.62% |
| ROE | 14.73% | 19.48% |
| ROIC | 9.40% | 18.27% |
Dividends
| Metric | DOV | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.01% | 2.57% |
| Payout ratio | 26.10% | 46.03% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | DOV | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 2.54% | 8.60% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 10.95% | 21.21% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 2.56% | 15.69% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 6.04% | 14.44% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, DOV or MRK?
- DOV has the lower trailing P/E: DOV trades at 24.86 and MRK at 36.83. 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 8.60%.
- Does DOV or MRK pay a bigger dividend?
- DOV yields 1.01% and MRK yields 2.57% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is DOV or MRK more profitable?
- MRK runs the higher net margin — DOV at 13.48% versus MRK at 13.62%.
- How have DOV and MRK total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, DOV delivered 15.37% and MRK delivered 12.27% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Dover P/E ratioMerck & P/E ratioDover dividend yieldMerck & dividend yieldDover ROEMerck & ROEDover operating marginMerck & operating marginDover revenue growthMerck & revenue growthDover free cash flowMerck & free cash flow
Dover & Merck & 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 July 28, 2026.