CDW Corporation (CDW) vs Fortive Corporation (FTV)

CDW leads on 11 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of CDW Corporation and Fortive Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 20, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total returnCDW vs FTV

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CDW +272.8%FTV +107.4%CDW compounded faster
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$373$207
CDW FTV

CDW vs FTV: by the numbers

  • FTV is the larger company ($18.59B vs $16.61B market cap).
  • CDW trades at the lower earnings multiple (16.21 vs 36.30 P/E).
  • FTV converts more revenue to profit (11.48% vs 4.70% net margin).
  • CDW grew revenue faster over the past five years (3.90% vs 2.10% CAGR).
  • CDW pays the higher dividend yield (1.89% vs 0.39%).

Which is better, CDW or FTV?

Metric tally: CDW 11 · FTV 5

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueCDW(lower P/E)
GrowthCDW(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeCDW(higher dividend yield)
QualityCDW(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCDWFTV
P/E ratio16.2136.30
Forward P/E12.3920.38
P/S ratio0.754.03
P/B ratio6.753.14
PEG ratio19.29
EV / EBITDA11.6017.68
FCF yield6.24%5.09%

Profitability

MetricCDWFTV
Gross margin21.57%61.83%
Operating margin7.30%17.73%
Net margin4.70%11.48%
ROE42.15%8.94%
ROIC12.13%7.44%

Dividends

MetricCDWFTV
Dividend yield1.89%0.39%
Payout ratio30.93%13.71%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCDWFTV
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.90%2.10%
EPS CAGR (5Y)8.01%-17.51%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-3.45%-7.26%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-4.45%3.44%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CDW or FTV?
It depends on your goal. value: CDW (lower P/E); growth: CDW (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: CDW (higher dividend yield); quality: CDW (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, CDW leads 11 to 5.
Is CDW or FTV cheaper?
On trailing earnings, CDW is cheaper: CDW trades at a 16.21 P/E and FTV at 36.30.
Which has grown faster, CDW or FTV?
Over the past five years, CDW grew revenue faster — CDW at a 3.90% CAGR versus FTV at 2.10%.
Does CDW or FTV pay a bigger dividend?
CDW yields 1.89% and FTV yields 0.39% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CDW or FTV more profitable?
FTV runs the higher net margin — CDW at 4.70% versus FTV at 11.48%.
Which has been the better investment, CDW or FTV?
Over the past 10-year, CDW delivered the higher annualized total return — CDW at 13.36% versus FTV at 7.19%. 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 July 20, 2026.