Curtiss-Wright Corporation (CW) vs Fortive Corporation (FTV)

CW and FTV are evenly matched — 8 metrics each of 16.

A side-by-side comparison of Curtiss-Wright Corporation and Fortive Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 15, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — CW vs FTV

growth of $100 · last 10y
CW +820.9%FTV +96.2%CW compounded faster
200400600800Start $10020182020202220242026$921$196
CW FTV

CW vs FTV: by the numbers

  • CW is the larger company ($28.00B vs $18.33B market cap).
  • FTV trades at the lower earnings multiple (35.80 vs 55.49 P/E).
  • CW converts more revenue to profit (14.17% vs 11.48% net margin).
  • CW grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.60% vs -0.20% CAGR).
  • FTV pays the higher dividend yield (0.30% vs 0.16%).

Which is better, CW or FTV?

Metric tally: CW 8 · FTV 8

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueFTV(lower P/E)
GrowthCW(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityCW(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCWFTV
P/E ratio55.4935.80
Forward P/E44.4118.69
P/S ratio7.793.97
P/B ratio10.673.09
PEG ratio1.94
EV / EBITDA35.3217.93
FCF yield2.10%5.16%

Profitability

MetricCWFTV
Gross margin37.17%61.83%
Operating margin18.48%17.73%
Net margin14.17%11.48%
ROE19.42%8.94%
ROIC12.41%7.44%

Dividends

MetricCWFTV
Dividend yield0.16%0.30%
Payout ratio9.43%10.29%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCWFTV
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.60%-0.20%
EPS CAGR (5Y)21.79%-17.51%
FCF CAGR (5Y)8.67%-7.26%
Total return CAGR (5Y)43.13%2.65%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CW or FTV?
It depends on your goal. value: FTV (lower P/E); growth: CW (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: CW (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, they are evenly matched.
Is CW or FTV cheaper?
On trailing earnings, FTV is cheaper: CW trades at a 55.49 P/E and FTV at 35.80.
Which has grown faster, CW or FTV?
Over the past five years, CW grew revenue faster — CW at a 8.60% CAGR versus FTV at -0.20%.
Does CW or FTV pay a bigger dividend?
CW yields 0.16% and FTV yields 0.30% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CW or FTV more profitable?
CW runs the higher net margin — CW at 14.17% versus FTV at 11.48%.
Which has been the better investment, CW or FTV?
Over the past 5-year, CW delivered the higher annualized total return — CW at 24.85% versus FTV at 2.65%. 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 June 15, 2026.