Dover Corporation (DOV) vs RLI Corp. (RLI)

A side-by-side comparison of Dover Corporation and RLI Corp. 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; RLI is classified in Financial Services. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnDOV vs RLI

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
DOV +278.5% (+14.2%/yr)RLI +137.2% (+9.0%/yr)DOV compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$379$237
DOV RLI

DOV vs RLI: by the numbers

  • DOV is the larger company ($25.45B vs $5.63B market cap).
  • RLI trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (12.90 vs 22.83 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • RLI converts more revenue to profit (22.22% vs 13.48% net margin).
  • RLI grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.29% vs 2.54% CAGR).
  • RLI pays the higher dividend yield (4.10% vs 1.10%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricDOVRLI
P/E ratio22.8312.90
Forward P/E17.6721.46
P/S ratio3.022.85
P/B ratio3.303.22
EV / EBITDA14.88N/A
FCF yield4.61%N/A

Profitability

MetricDOVRLI
Gross margin39.58%29.82%
Operating margin16.87%28.42%
Net margin13.48%22.22%
ROE14.73%25.04%
ROIC9.56%N/A

Dividends

MetricDOVRLI
Dividend yield1.10%4.10%
Payout ratio25.18%52.10%

Growth (annualized)

MetricDOVRLI
Revenue CAGR (5Y)2.54%11.29%
EPS CAGR (5Y)10.95%20.14%
FCF CAGR (5Y)2.55%N/A
Total return CAGR (5Y)2.98%5.73%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, DOV or RLI?
RLI has the lower trailing P/E: DOV trades at 22.83 and RLI at 12.90. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, DOV or RLI?
Over the past five years, RLI grew revenue faster — DOV at a 2.54% CAGR versus RLI at 11.29%.
Does DOV or RLI pay a bigger dividend?
DOV yields 1.10% and RLI yields 4.10% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is DOV or RLI more profitable?
RLI runs the higher net margin — DOV at 13.48% versus RLI at 22.22%.
How have DOV and RLI total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, DOV delivered 14.80% and RLI delivered 8.86% 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.