Columbus McKinnon Corporation (CMCO) vs Forward Air Corporation (FWRD)
A side-by-side comparison of Columbus McKinnon Corporation and Forward Air 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.
CMCO
Columbus McKinnon Corporation
$16.91IndustrialsDelayed quote: Oct 6, 2026, 10:40 AM EDT
FWRD
Forward Air Corporation
$15.18IndustrialsDelayed quote: Oct 6, 2026, 10:40 AM EDT
Total return — CMCO vs FWRD
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCMCO +2.6% (+0.3%/yr)FWRD -61.5% (-9.1%/yr)CMCO compounded faster over this window
CMCO FWRD
CMCO vs FWRD: by the numbers
- •CMCO is the larger company ($488M vs $480M market cap).
- •Both run net losses; FWRD's is the smaller (-11.37% vs -21.25% net margin).
- •CMCO grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.51% vs 11.44% CAGR).
- •CMCO pays a dividend (1.65% yield), while FWRD is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CMCO | FWRD |
|---|---|---|
| Forward P/E | 8.40 | N/A |
| P/S ratio | 0.33 | 0.19 |
| P/B ratio | 0.87 | N/A |
| EV / EBITDA | 38.34 | N/A |
| FCF yield | N/A | 10.04% |
Profitability
| Metric | CMCO | FWRD |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 28.78% | 20.48% |
| Operating margin | -3.08% | 1.46% |
| Net margin | -21.25% | -11.37% |
| ROE | -23.14% | N/A |
| ROIC | -1.07% | -8.57% |
Dividends
| Metric | CMCO | FWRD |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.65% | N/A |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CMCO | FWRD |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 15.51% | 11.44% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | N/A | -1.10% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -18.54% | -28.94% |
Frequently asked
- Which has grown faster, CMCO or FWRD?
- Over the past five years, CMCO grew revenue faster — CMCO at a 15.51% CAGR versus FWRD at 11.44%.
- Does CMCO or FWRD pay a bigger dividend?
- CMCO pays a dividend (1.65% yield), while FWRD is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
- How have CMCO and FWRD total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CMCO delivered 0.14% and FWRD delivered -9.35% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Columbus McKinnon dividend yieldColumbus McKinnon ROEForward Air ROEColumbus McKinnon operating marginForward Air operating marginColumbus McKinnon revenue growthForward Air revenue growthColumbus McKinnon free cash flowForward Air free cash flow
Columbus McKinnon & Forward Air 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 October 6, 2026.