Fortive (FTV) vs Lincoln Electric (LECO)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Fortive (FTV) has outperformed Lincoln Electric (LECO) over the past year, gaining 13.9% versus a gain of 11.3%. Over five years, LECO leads with a +89.6% price change compared with +3.2% for FTV. Fortive is the larger company by market cap ($17.07 billion vs $14.34 billion), about 1.2 times the size, while Lincoln Electric is growing revenue faster (+5.6% vs +1.9%).
On valuation, Fortive trades at a lower forward P/E (17.4x vs 21.0x for Lincoln Electric). Lincoln Electric offers the higher dividend yield (1.19% vs 0.21%). Fortive converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 13.9% versus 12.3%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | FTV | LECO |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $56.52 | $263.17 |
| Market cap | $17.07B | $14.34B |
| 1-day change | -2.37% | -4.49% |
| YTD return | +2.37% | +9.82% |
| 1-year return | +13.93% | +11.31% |
| 5-year return | +3.22% | +89.59% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 30.39 | 26.29 |
| Forward P/E | 17.37 | 21.01 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.86 | $10.01 |
| Dividend yield | 0.21% | 1.19% |
| Annual dividend | $0.12 | $3.12 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $4.16B | $4.23B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +1.92% | +5.60% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $579.20M | $520.53M |
| Gross margin | 63.50% | 36.25% |
| Operating margin | 17.32% | 16.96% |
| Net margin | 13.93% | 12.30% |
| 52-week high | $64.56 | $310.00 |
| 52-week low | $47.71 | $216.22 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -12.45% | -15.11% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +12.60% | +15.86% |
| Average volume | 2.44M | 420.91K |
| Shares outstanding | 302.02M | 54.51M |
| Employees | 10,000 | 12,000 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Industrial Machinery/Components | Industrial Machinery/Components |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
About Fortive
FTV stock →Fortive Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, and markets products, software, and services in the United States, China, and internationally. It operates through Intelligent Operating Solutions and Advanced Healthcare Solutions segments.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 10,000 employees
About Lincoln Electric
LECO stock →Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and sells welding, cutting, and brazing products in the United States and internationally. It operates in three segments: Americas Welding, International Welding, and The Harris Products Group.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 12,000 employees
FTV vs LECO FAQ
Which is bigger, Fortive or Lincoln Electric?
Fortive (FTV) is larger, with a market capitalization of $17.07B compared with $14.34B for Lincoln Electric (LECO).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, FTV or LECO?
FTV returned +13.93% over the past 12 months, compared with +11.31% for LECO (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, FTV or LECO?
LECO has the lower trailing P/E at 26.3, versus 30.4 for FTV. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Fortive or Lincoln Electric?
Lincoln Electric has the higher yield at 1.19%, compared with 0.21% for Fortive.
Are Fortive and Lincoln Electric in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Machinery/Components industry within the Industrials sector.