CDW Corporation (CDW) vs Fortive Corporation (FTV)

A side-by-side comparison of CDW Corporation and Fortive Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 8, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCDW vs FTV

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CDW +283.5% (+14.4%/yr)FTV +78.8% (+6.0%/yr)CDW compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$384$179
CDW FTV

CDW vs FTV: by the numbers

  • CDW is the larger company ($18.46B vs $17.07B market cap).
  • CDW trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (18.31 vs 33.49 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • FTV converts more revenue to profit (12.38% vs 4.60% net margin).
  • CDW grew revenue faster over the past five years (3.60% vs 2.10% CAGR).
  • CDW pays the higher dividend yield (1.65% vs 0.42%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCDWFTV
P/E ratio18.3133.49
Forward P/E13.9418.87
P/S ratio0.834.06
P/B ratio7.952.89
EV / EBITDA12.8617.52
FCF yield5.71%5.45%

Profitability

MetricCDWFTV
Gross margin21.36%63.23%
Operating margin7.15%18.23%
Net margin4.60%12.38%
ROE44.24%8.82%
ROIC12.55%6.83%

Dividends

MetricCDWFTV
Dividend yield1.65%0.42%
Payout ratio30.23%14.12%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCDWFTV
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.60%2.10%
EPS CAGR (5Y)8.01%-17.51%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-1.21%-4.98%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-4.25%0.46%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CDW or FTV?
CDW has the lower trailing P/E: CDW trades at 18.31 and FTV at 33.49. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CDW or FTV?
Over the past five years, CDW grew revenue faster — CDW at a 3.60% CAGR versus FTV at 2.10%.
Does CDW or FTV pay a bigger dividend?
CDW yields 1.65% and FTV yields 0.42% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CDW or FTV more profitable?
FTV runs the higher net margin — CDW at 4.60% versus FTV at 12.38%.
How have CDW and FTV total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CDW delivered 14.44% and FTV delivered 5.83% 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 8, 2026.