Kforce Inc. (KFRC) vs Upwork Inc. (UPWK)
UPWK leads on 10 of 14 compared metrics.
A side-by-side comparison of Kforce Inc. and Upwork Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 14, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).
Total return — KFRC vs UPWK
growth of $100 · last 8yKFRC +36.5%UPWK -59.9%KFRC compounded faster
KFRC UPWK
KFRC vs UPWK: by the numbers
- •UPWK is the larger company ($1.05B vs $892M market cap).
- •UPWK trades at the lower earnings multiple (10.61 vs 25.64 P/E).
- •UPWK converts more revenue to profit (13.81% vs 2.60% net margin).
- •UPWK grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.37% vs -1.39% CAGR).
- •KFRC pays a dividend (3.16% yield) while UPWK does not currently pay one.
Which is better, KFRC or UPWK?
Metric tally: KFRC 4 · UPWK 10It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueUPWK(lower P/E)
GrowthUPWK(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityKFRC(higher ROIC)
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | KFRC | UPWK |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 25.64 | 10.61● |
| Forward P/E | 20.77 | 4.84● |
| P/S ratio | 0.65● | 1.46 |
| P/B ratio | 7.33 | 2.02● |
| EV / EBITDA | 18.36 | 6.91● |
| FCF yield | 5.04% | 19.46%● |
Profitability
| Metric | KFRC | UPWK |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 27.22% | 77.54%● |
| Operating margin | 3.80% | 15.60%● |
| Net margin | 2.60% | 13.81%● |
| ROE | 29.49%● | 19.16% |
| ROIC | 14.55%● | 9.66% |
Dividends
| Metric | KFRC | UPWK |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 3.16% | — |
| Payout ratio | 80.61% | — |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | KFRC | UPWK |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | -1.39% | 14.37%● |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -6.00% | — |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -18.81% | 78.14%● |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -1.68%● | -30.01% |
Frequently asked
- Which is better, KFRC or UPWK?
- It depends on your goal. value: UPWK (lower P/E); growth: UPWK (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: KFRC (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, UPWK leads 10 to 4.
- Is KFRC or UPWK cheaper?
- On trailing earnings, UPWK is cheaper: KFRC trades at a 25.64 P/E and UPWK at 10.61.
- Which has grown faster, KFRC or UPWK?
- Over the past five years, UPWK grew revenue faster — KFRC at a -1.39% CAGR versus UPWK at 14.37%.
- Does KFRC or UPWK pay a bigger dividend?
- KFRC pays a dividend (3.16% yield) while UPWK does not currently pay one.
- Is KFRC or UPWK more profitable?
- UPWK runs the higher net margin — KFRC at 2.60% versus UPWK at 13.81%.
- Which has been the better investment, KFRC or UPWK?
- Over the past 5-year, KFRC delivered the higher annualized total return — KFRC at 13.04% versus UPWK at -30.01%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Kforce P/E ratioUpwork P/E ratioKforce dividend yieldUpwork dividend yieldKforce ROEUpwork ROEKforce operating marginUpwork operating marginKforce revenue growthUpwork revenue growthKforce free cash flowUpwork free cash flow
Kforce & Upwork 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 June 14, 2026.