Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (HRZN) vs Meridian Corporation (MRBK)

A side-by-side comparison of Horizon Technology Finance Corporation and Meridian Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

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Total return — HRZN vs MRBK

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 9y
HRZN +21.4% (+2.2%/yr)MRBK +163.0% (+11.3%/yr)MRBK compounded faster over this window
50100150200250300Start $1002019202120232025$121$263
HRZN MRBK

HRZN vs MRBK: by the numbers

  • •HRZN is the larger company ($230M vs $226M market cap).
  • •MRBK trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (9.23 vs 13.15 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •MRBK converts more revenue to profit (11.89% vs 4.62% net margin).
  • •HRZN grew revenue faster over the past five years (32.13% vs 2.90% CAGR).
  • •HRZN pays the higher dividend yield (24.24% vs 2.85%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricHRZNMRBK
P/E ratio13.159.23
Forward P/E6.8011.67
P/S ratio2.091.10
P/B ratio0.551.10

Profitability

MetricHRZNMRBK
Gross margin18.03%N/A
Operating margin-3.99%15.39%
Net margin4.62%11.89%
ROE1.21%11.90%

Meridian Corporation: Gross margin is not shown for a lender or insurer: its revenue is interest, premiums and fees rather than the sale of goods, so there is no cost of goods sold to measure it against.

Dividends

MetricHRZNMRBK
Dividend yield24.24%2.85%
Payout ratio318.33%26.46%

Growth (annualized)

MetricHRZNMRBK
Revenue CAGR (5Y)32.13%2.90%
EPS CAGR (5Y)N/A-2.14%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-11.36%8.21%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, HRZN or MRBK?
MRBK has the lower trailing P/E: HRZN trades at 13.15 and MRBK at 9.23. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, HRZN or MRBK?
Over the past five years, HRZN grew revenue faster — HRZN at a 32.13% CAGR versus MRBK at 2.90%.
Does HRZN or MRBK pay a bigger dividend?
HRZN yields 24.24% and MRBK yields 2.85% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is HRZN or MRBK more profitable?
MRBK runs the higher net margin — HRZN at 4.62% versus MRBK at 11.89%.
How have HRZN and MRBK total returns compared?
Over the past 5 years, HRZN delivered -11.36% and MRBK delivered 8.21% 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 October 6, 2026.