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.
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
$189.17IndustrialsDelayed quote: Sep 14, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
MRK
Merck & Co., Inc.
$144.84HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 14, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
Total return — DOV vs MRK
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yDOV +278.5% (+14.2%/yr)MRK +226.9% (+12.6%/yr)DOV compounded faster over this window
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
| Metric | DOV | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 22.85 | 115.87 |
| Forward P/E | 17.69 | 52.74 |
| P/S ratio | 3.03 | 5.39 |
| P/B ratio | 3.31 | 8.53 |
| EV / EBITDA | 14.89 | 22.88 |
| FCF yield | 4.61% | 4.49% |
Profitability
| Metric | DOV | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 39.58% | 75.38% |
| Operating margin | 16.87% | 36.17% |
| Net margin | 13.48% | 4.78% |
| ROE | 14.73% | 7.57% |
| ROIC | 9.56% | 5.80% |
Dividends
| Metric | DOV | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.10% | 2.33% |
| Payout ratio | 25.18% | 268.80% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | DOV | MRK |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
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 September 13, 2026.