Kforce Inc. (KFRC) vs Upwork Inc. (UPWK)

A side-by-side comparison of Kforce Inc. and Upwork Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnKFRC vs UPWK

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 8y
KFRC +74.9% (+7.2%/yr)UPWK -61.1% (-11.1%/yr)KFRC compounded faster over this window
100200300Start $1002020202220242026$175$39
KFRC UPWK

KFRC vs UPWK: by the numbers

  • UPWK is the larger company ($1.08B vs $918M market cap).
  • UPWK trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (11.47 vs 24.17 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • UPWK converts more revenue to profit (12.93% vs 2.71% net margin).
  • UPWK grew revenue faster over the past five years (12.31% vs -1.99% CAGR).
  • KFRC pays a dividend (3.07% yield), while UPWK has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricKFRCUPWK
P/E ratio24.1711.47
Forward P/E20.186.27
P/S ratio0.681.37
P/B ratio7.421.76
EV / EBITDA17.446.57
FCF yield2.46%18.50%

Profitability

MetricKFRCUPWK
Gross margin27.48%77.21%
Operating margin4.04%15.10%
Net margin2.71%12.93%
ROE29.51%16.66%
ROIC13.34%8.71%

Dividends

MetricKFRCUPWK
Dividend yield3.07%N/A
Payout ratio74.53%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricKFRCUPWK
Revenue CAGR (5Y)-1.99%12.31%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-6.00%N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)-25.93%85.69%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-0.29%-29.17%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, KFRC or UPWK?
UPWK has the lower trailing P/E: KFRC trades at 24.17 and UPWK at 11.47. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, KFRC or UPWK?
Over the past five years, UPWK grew revenue faster — KFRC at a -1.99% CAGR versus UPWK at 12.31%.
Does KFRC or UPWK pay a bigger dividend?
KFRC pays a dividend (3.07% yield), while UPWK has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is KFRC or UPWK more profitable?
UPWK runs the higher net margin — KFRC at 2.71% versus UPWK at 12.93%.
How have KFRC and UPWK total returns compared?
Over the past 5 years, KFRC delivered -0.29% and UPWK delivered -29.17% 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 11, 2026.