Fortive
Fortive Corporation is a diversified industrial technology company headquartered in Everett, Washington, that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets professional and engineered products, software, and services focused on essential technologies for safety, productivity, and connected workflows in industrial and healthcare sectors.[1][2] Founded in 2016 as a spin-off from Danaher Corporation, Fortive operates as an independent, publicly traded entity on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol FTV, with a team of approximately 10,000 employees across 50 countries.[3][1] The company leverages the Fortive Business System, a structured approach to continuous improvement, to drive innovation and operational excellence across its portfolio of 10 market-leading brands, including Fluke and ASP Global.[1][4] Fortive's core businesses address critical challenges in workplace safety, built environments, and healthcare sterilization, serving end-markets such as manufacturing and medical facilities worldwide.[5] Since its inception, the company has pursued growth through strategic mergers and acquisitions, completing 23 transactions valued at $9 billion, while emphasizing sustainability and inclusive culture to foster long-term value creation.[1] In 2024, Fortive reported full-year revenues of $6.23 billion, reflecting 3% year-over-year growth, with a market capitalization of approximately $16.1 billion as of November 2025.[6][7] In June 2025, Fortive completed the separation of its Precision Technologies segment into Ralliant Corporation, an independent publicly traded company, enhancing focus on its core Intelligent Operating Solutions and Advanced Healthcare Solutions segments to drive specialized growth and shareholder value.[8] Led by President and CEO Olumide Soroye, Fortive continues to prioritize customer success and technological advancement in mission-critical industries.[1]History
Spin-off from Danaher
Fortive Corporation was established in 2016 through a tax-free spin-off from Danaher Corporation, encompassing Danaher's industrial automation, specialty distribution, and industrial technologies businesses. This separation transferred key assets and brands to Fortive, including Fluke Corporation for precision measurement tools, Tektronix for test and measurement equipment, and Gilbarco Veeder-Root for fuel dispensing and environmental solutions, along with other entities such as Matco Tools, Qualitrol, and Kollmorgen. These businesses formed Fortive's initial segments: Professional Instrumentation and Industrial Technologies, generating approximately $6.2 billion in revenue for the prior year.[9][10][11] The strategic rationale for the spin-off was to create two independent companies with distinct focuses, enabling each to pursue tailored growth strategies and maximize shareholder value. Danaher retained its emphasis on life sciences, diagnostics, and related high-technology sectors, while Fortive concentrated on industrial growth opportunities in test and measurement, automation, and specialty distribution. This division allowed both entities to apply the Danaher Business System more effectively to their respective markets, fostering organic and inorganic expansion without competing priorities.[12][13] Preparations for the spin-off began in 2015, including the assembly of Fortive's management team under President and CEO James A. Lico, who had previously served as Danaher's Executive Vice President overseeing Test & Measurement and Gilbarco Veeder-Root. The transaction was completed on July 2, 2016, with Fortive shares distributed to Danaher shareholders on a one-for-two basis, resulting in approximately 345 million shares outstanding. Fortive's common stock began regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol FTV on July 5, 2016, at an initial market capitalization of approximately $17 billion.[12][3][14][15]Expansion and restructuring (2016–2024)
Following its spin-off from Danaher Corporation in July 2016, Fortive operated through two primary business segments: Professional Instrumentation, which focused on advanced test and measurement tools, and Industrial Technologies, encompassing sensing, motion control, and automation solutions.[16] These segments generated initial annual revenue of approximately $6.7 billion in 2017, reflecting the company's emphasis on industrial growth markets.[17] Over the subsequent years, Fortive pursued operational expansion by integrating software and services into its portfolio, exemplified by the 2018 acquisition of Accruent, which bolstered facility management software offerings within the Industrial Technologies segment.[3] In 2018, Fortive underwent a significant internal restructuring through the split-off of its Automation & Specialty platform businesses (excluding certain retained units like Hengstler and Dynapar) to Altra Industrial Motion Corp., completed on October 1.[18] This transaction streamlined the Industrial Technologies segment by divesting non-core automation assets, allowing Fortive to concentrate on high-growth areas such as sensing and precision components, while generating approximately $2.1 billion in proceeds for reinvestment.[19] The reorganization supported revenue growth to $6.7 billion that year, driven by organic expansion and strategic acquisitions.[17] The year 2020 marked further evolution amid global challenges, as Fortive reorganized its remaining operations into three strategic segments following the October spin-off of its Industrial Technologies platform as Vontier Corporation: Intelligent Devices Group (later renamed Intelligent Operating Solutions), focusing on software-enabled industrial automation and asset management; Precision Technologies Group, centered on test, measurement, and specialty components; and Advanced Healthcare Solutions Group, emphasizing sterilization and infection prevention technologies.[20] This restructuring reduced revenue to $4.6 billion, partly due to the divestiture, but also reflected impacts from COVID-19 disruptions, including supply chain interruptions and reduced demand in industrial and transportation end-markets.[17] Recovery strategies emphasized digital transformation, with accelerated adoption of software solutions for remote monitoring and predictive maintenance, contributing to sequential quarterly improvements and a return to positive core revenue growth of 0.7% by the fourth quarter.[21] By 2023, Fortive continued portfolio optimization through targeted investments, completing a major acquisition worth $1.45 billion to enhance software and recurring revenue streams across its segments, while refining its focus on high-margin, technology-driven solutions in healthcare and industrial applications.[22] These efforts drove core revenue growth of 5% and adjusted gross margin expansion to 59.5%, building on post-pandemic recovery that saw annual revenue rebound to $5.8 billion in 2022 and $6.1 billion in 2023.[23] Overall, from 2016 to 2024, Fortive achieved sustained mid-single-digit core growth, with 2024 revenue reaching $6.2 billion, underscoring its shift toward software-centric models and resilient operations.[17]2025 separation into Fortive and Ralliant
On September 4, 2024, Fortive Corporation announced plans to separate into two independent public companies through a spin-off of its Precision Technologies segment, which would become Ralliant Corporation, with the transaction targeted for completion in the fourth quarter of 2025.[24] The separation was completed on June 28, 2025, following shareholder approval and satisfaction of customary closing conditions.[8] The rationale for the spin-off was to unlock shareholder value by creating two focused entities: the new Fortive would concentrate on industrial and healthcare solutions with a high proportion of recurring revenue from software and services, while Ralliant would target growth in test and measurement, sensors, and related technologies for aerospace, defense, and other sectors.[24] Under the asset allocation, Fortive retained its Intelligent Operating Solutions and Advanced Healthcare Solutions segments, which together represented approximately 50% recurring revenue and emphasized productivity, safety, and reliability applications.[24] Ralliant received the full Precision Technologies segment, including key brands like Tektronix and Fluke, positioned to capitalize on secular trends in technology advancements.[24] Leadership transitioned effectively with the completion. Olumide Soroye was appointed President, CEO, and Director of Fortive on June 28, 2025, succeeding James A. Lico, who retired from those roles but remained as a non-executive senior advisor through year-end.[8] For Ralliant, Tami Newcombe assumed the role of President and CEO, also joining the Board of Directors, bringing over 30 years of experience in operational leadership from roles at Tektronix and other technology firms.[25] The spin-off was structured as a tax-free distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes, with Fortive shareholders receiving one share of Ralliant common stock for every three shares of Fortive stock held as of the record date of June 16, 2025, resulting in the distribution of approximately 113 million Ralliant shares.[8][24] Ralliant began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker "RAL" on June 30, 2025.[25] Initial market reactions were mixed; Fortive's stock declined by 1.9% on June 30, 2025, amid a lowered full-year revenue outlook for the company post-separation, while Ralliant's when-issued shares traded at around $47, implying a market value of approximately $5.3 billion.[26][27] Pro forma financial statements for both entities, including unaudited combined condensed balance sheets as of March 28, 2025, and statements of earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, were filed with the SEC to reflect the separation's impact, showing Fortive's post-spin focus on adjusted EBITDA growth and free cash flow generation.[28][29]Corporate affairs
Headquarters and leadership
Fortive Corporation's headquarters has been located in Everett, Washington, since its spin-off from Danaher Corporation in 2016, with the primary address at 6920 Seaway Boulevard.[30] The company maintains additional key offices in Charlotte, North Carolina, supporting operational and strategic functions, alongside global facilities that enable its international presence across research, development, manufacturing, and sales.[31] As of 2025, Fortive's board of directors consists of ten members, including a majority of independent directors with expertise in industrials, technology, finance, and healthcare. Sharmistha “Shar” Dubey serves as Chair, bringing experience from her role as CEO of Match Group, while other key independents include Eric Branderiz, with a background in technology investments at Advent International, and Gregory L. Moore, MD, PhD, appointed in February 2025 for his leadership in healthcare innovation at GE Healthcare.[32][1] The board emphasizes strategic oversight in industrial technologies, with members like Rejji P. Hayes contributing financial acumen from his executive roles at Walmart.[33] Olumide Soroye was appointed President and CEO of Fortive on June 28, 2025, coinciding with the completion of the separation into Fortive and Ralliant, succeeding James A. Lico who retired after leading the company since 2016.[8] Soroye, who joined Fortive in 2021 as President and CEO of the Intelligent Operating Solutions segment, brings over 30 years of experience in software, data, analytics, and AI strategies, including prior roles at McKinsey & Company advising technology firms and as Chief Technology Officer at QuinStreet, Inc. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, a Master's in Materials Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.[34] In 2024, as segment leader, Soroye's total compensation was approximately $8.06 million, comprising 9.5% base salary and 90.5% in equity and incentives.[35] The executive leadership team includes Mark D. Okerstrom as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, appointed effective March 24, 2025, with prior experience as CEO of Expedia Group and a base salary of $800,000 plus incentives.[36] Other key roles feature Stacey Walker as Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer, overseeing human resources and diversity initiatives, and Peter Underwood as Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, managing governance and compliance. Group presidents such as Arul Elumalai lead major business areas, with executive tenures averaging under two years post-separation and compensation structures emphasizing performance-based equity awards aligned with long-term shareholder value.[1][37] Fortive maintains strong governance practices, including a commitment to ethical standards through its Standards of Conduct, which prohibit corruption and promote integrity in all business interactions. The board's diversity stands at approximately 33% women as of 2025, with ongoing efforts to enhance representation through inclusive recruitment and annual certifications on anti-bribery compliance.[38][39]Financial overview
Fortive reported full-year 2024 revenue of $6.23 billion, representing a 3% increase year-over-year, driven by core revenue growth of 1%.[6] Net earnings for the year totaled $833 million, with adjusted net earnings of $1.37 billion.[6] In the first quarter of 2025, revenue was $1.47 billion, reflecting a 3% decline year-over-year and a 2% core revenue decline.[40] In the third quarter of 2025 (ended September 26, 2025), revenue was $1.03 billion, up 2.3% year-over-year with 1.9% core growth, and adjusted diluted net earnings per share of $0.74.[41] Fortive's common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol FTV since its spin-off from Danaher in 2016.[42] As of November 2025, the company's market capitalization stood at approximately $16 billion.[43] Fortive initiated a quarterly dividend in 2017, with payments consistently made thereafter, including $0.08 per share in each quarter of 2024.[44] In 2024, Fortive executed share repurchases totaling $889.6 million as part of its capital allocation strategy.[45] Post-separation in June 2025, long-term debt levels decreased to $2.12 billion, contributing to a net debt position of around $2.0 billion and supporting an investment-grade credit rating of BBB with a stable outlook from S&P Global Ratings.[46][47] Fortive has maintained a core revenue growth rate of 3-5% annually over recent economic cycles, with a three-year compound annual growth rate of about 5%.[48] In 2024, adjusted EBITDA margins reached approximately 25%, reflecting operational efficiency amid moderate revenue expansion.[49] The 2025 separation streamlined the balance sheet by isolating the precision technologies segment into Ralliant, reducing Fortive's overall debt exposure.[50]Operations
Business segments
Following the completion of the spin-off of its Precision Technologies segment into Ralliant Corporation on June 28, 2025, Fortive restructured into two primary business segments: Intelligent Operating Solutions and Advanced Healthcare Solutions.[8] This separation, which evolved from Fortive's pre-2025 three-segment model, allows for focused strategies in industrial automation and healthcare technologies.[2] The Intelligent Operating Solutions segment, often referred to in the context of industrial technologies, develops automation and software solutions for manufacturing, including advanced instrumentation for electrical test and measurement, asset lifecycle management software, and tools for workplace safety and facility compliance. It holds leadership positions in enhancing engineering productivity and ensuring worker safety across industrial end markets.[51] Meanwhile, the Advanced Healthcare Solutions segment specializes in essential devices for diagnostics, monitoring, sterilization, instrument tracking, and radiation safety in hospitals and laboratories, emphasizing reliable technologies critical to healthcare operations.[31] Fortive's operations span globally. The company employs over 10,000 people worldwide following the separation.[1][52] Strategically, Fortive prioritizes recurring revenue streams, which account for approximately 50% of total revenue, derived primarily from software subscriptions, maintenance services, and consumables to drive predictable growth and customer retention.[8]Products and services
Fortive's products and services focus on delivering essential technologies that enhance safety, efficiency, and connectivity in industrial and healthcare environments. The company's offerings are organized across its Intelligent Operating Solutions and Advanced Healthcare Solutions segments, providing hardware, software, and support services tailored to mission-critical applications. These solutions serve a diverse customer base, including manufacturing firms, utilities, and healthcare providers, emphasizing reliable performance and ongoing operational support.[53] In the industrial domain, Fortive provides robust tools and software for testing, safety, and asset management. Fluke offers industry-leading electrical testing and measurement instruments, such as multimeters and calibration devices, used by technicians for troubleshooting electrical systems and ensuring equipment reliability in manufacturing and utilities settings. Accruent delivers facility management software, including SaaS-based platforms for asset lifecycle tracking, space optimization, and compliance management, helping organizations streamline operations across commercial real estate and industrial facilities. Safety solutions from Industrial Scientific include portable and fixed gas detection systems for monitoring hazardous environments, preventing workplace incidents in sectors like oil and gas and chemicals. Services complement these products through calibration, preventive maintenance, and predictive analytics, often delivered as bundled packages to maintain compliance with safety standards. Gordian provides construction cost estimating and project management tools, supporting infrastructure development with data-driven insights for budgeting and operations.[53][4] Fortive's healthcare solutions emphasize precision instrumentation and workflow automation to support patient care and facility operations. Fluke Health Solutions supplies advanced test and measurement tools, including biomedical analyzers and patient simulators, for verifying the performance of medical devices like defibrillators and infusion pumps in hospitals and clinics. Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP) develops infection prevention technologies, such as low-temperature sterilization systems and endoscope processing solutions, enabling safe reprocessing of surgical instruments to reduce hospital-acquired infections. Provation offers software for clinical documentation, endoscopy reporting, and procedure efficiency, integrating with electronic health records to boost productivity for healthcare providers. These offerings include services like equipment validation, maintenance contracts, and SaaS subscriptions for software updates and remote monitoring, with bundled solutions facilitating regulatory compliance in patient monitoring and lab environments.[53][54][4]Business development
Acquisitions
Fortive has actively pursued inorganic growth through a series of strategic acquisitions since its spin-off from Danaher in 2016, targeting technologies that complement its core segments in precision technologies, healthcare solutions, and intelligent operating systems. These deals have primarily focused on software-enabled workflows, industrial automation, and healthcare IT, enabling Fortive to expand its market presence and integrate advanced capabilities into its portfolio. By 2023, the company had completed over 10 notable acquisitions, with total consideration exceeding $10 billion for major transactions alone, though many smaller bolt-on deals remain undisclosed in aggregate value.[55] The following table summarizes key acquisitions, highlighting their strategic fit:| Year | Acquired Company | Purchase Price | Description and Strategic Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Industrial Scientific | Undisclosed | Pittsburgh-based manufacturer of gas detection and safety monitoring products; enhanced Fortive's sensors and safety systems segment by adding connected worker safety solutions. |
| 2017 | Landauer | $770 million | Provider of radiation dosimetry and health physics services; bolstered Fortive's healthcare offerings with dose monitoring technology for medical and industrial applications.[56] |
| 2018 | Gordian | $775 million | Leading provider of construction cost data, project management software, and services; expanded Fortive's intelligent operating solutions into facilities maintenance and construction intelligence, targeting a $1.5 billion market segment.[57] |
| 2018 | Accruent | $2 billion | Physical resource management software provider; advanced Fortive's IoT and digital strategy in asset management for real estate and facilities, creating synergies in connected workflows.[58] |
| 2019 | Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP) | $2.7 billion | Johnson & Johnson's sterilization and infection prevention business; significantly strengthened Fortive's healthcare segment with capital equipment for hospitals, marking its largest deal to date.[59] |
| 2019 | Censis Technologies | Undisclosed | Surgical instrument tracking and asset management software; deepened healthcare workflow solutions by improving sterile processing efficiency in hospitals.[60] |
| 2019 | Intelex Technologies | $570 million | Environmental, health, and safety management software; integrated into Fortive's software portfolio to support compliance and risk management in industrial operations.[61][62] |
| 2019 | Prüftechnik | Undisclosed | Vibration monitoring and alignment tools for industrial machinery; enhanced precision measurement capabilities in the products and services segment.[61] |
| 2021 | ServiceChannel | $1.2 billion | Facilities maintenance management platform; expanded field service software offerings, adding network management for multi-location enterprises in the intelligent operating solutions segment.[63] |
| 2022 | Provation | $1.425 billion | Healthcare documentation and workflow software; accelerated growth in advanced healthcare solutions by integrating procedure capture tools for endoscopy and perioperative care.[64] |
| 2024 | EA Elektro-Automatik | $1.45 billion | High-power electronic test and measurement solutions provider; reinforced Fortive's precision technologies segment with programmable power supplies for EV, renewable energy, and data center testing markets.[65] |