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.

Compare

Total return — CMCO vs FWRD

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CMCO +2.6% (+0.3%/yr)FWRD -61.5% (-9.1%/yr)CMCO compounded faster over this window
0100200300Start $10020182020202220242026$103$39
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

MetricCMCOFWRD
Forward P/E8.40N/A
P/S ratio0.330.19
P/B ratio0.87N/A
EV / EBITDA38.34N/A
FCF yieldN/A10.04%

Profitability

MetricCMCOFWRD
Gross margin28.78%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

MetricCMCOFWRD
Dividend yield1.65%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricCMCOFWRD
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.

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.