Fortive Corporation (NYSE: FTV) sets up broad shelf for future securities sales

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Fortive Corporation has filed an automatic shelf registration statement as a well-known seasoned issuer, allowing it to offer from time to time a broad range of securities, including common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, depositary shares, purchase contracts, purchase units, warrants and subscription rights. The registration also covers potential resales of common stock by selling shareholders, and Fortive states it will not receive proceeds from those resale transactions. Securities may be sold directly, or through agents, underwriters or dealers, with terms and prices set in future prospectus supplements.

Fortive intends to use net proceeds from its own primary offerings for general corporate purposes, which may include acquisitions, debt repayment or refinancing, working capital and capital expenditures. Its common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol FTV, with 302,399,100 shares outstanding as of July 16, 2026.

Filing Explained

The registration adds financing capacity, but no current issuance or dilution is established; those effects depend on later offering terms.

The company’s July 20 S-3ASR establishes an automatic shelf registration that creates capacity for future securities sales, but it does not itself issue securities or complete an offering.

The filing provides general descriptions only; the amount, price and terms of any particular sale are deferred to a later prospectus supplement.

Fortive states that its charter authorizes 2,000,000,000 shares of common stock and 15,000,000 shares of preferred stock, compared with 302,399,100 shares of common stock outstanding as of July 16, 2026.

If Fortive later issues additional common shares, existing holders’ percentage ownership would decrease absent offsetting changes; the filing also permits the board to establish and issue series of preferred stock without further shareholder action unless approval is required by law or exchange rules.

Key Figures

Common stock price: $61.78 per share Shares outstanding: 302,399,100 shares Authorized common stock: 2,000,000,000 shares +2 more

5 metrics

Common stock price $61.78 per share Last reported sale price on NYSE on July 17, 2026

Shares outstanding 302,399,100 shares Common stock outstanding as of July 16, 2026

Authorized common stock 2,000,000,000 shares Par value $0.01 per share under Certificate of Incorporation

Authorized preferred stock 15,000,000 shares Par value $0.01 per share authorized

Par value $0.01 per share Applies to both common and preferred stock

Key Terms

automatic shelf registration statement, well-known seasoned issuer, blank check preferred stock, Section 203 of the DGCL, +1 more

5 terms

automatic shelf registration statement regulatory

"This prospectus is part of an “automatic shelf” registration statement that we filed"

An automatic shelf registration statement is a pre-approved filing that companies submit to securities regulators, allowing them to sell new shares or bonds quickly and efficiently when needed. It acts like a standing permit, enabling the company to raise money without going through a lengthy approval process each time, which can be helpful for responding promptly to market opportunities or needs. For investors, it provides transparency about the company's ability to raise funds and signals planning flexibility.

well-known seasoned issuer regulatory

"as a “well-known seasoned issuer” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act"

A well-known seasoned issuer (WKSI) is a large, established public company that meets regulatory size and reporting tests and is granted special, faster options to sell new securities to raise money. Think of it like a trusted borrower with a standing credit line: investors and markets see it as more familiar and the company can access capital quickly with less paperwork, which can affect share supply and investor returns.

blank check preferred stock financial

"We are authorized to issue “blank check” preferred stock, which may be issued in one or more series"

Section 203 of the DGCL regulatory

"We are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, an anti-takeover statute"

proxy access regulatory

"Our Bylaws permit a shareholder... owning 3% or more... to nominate and include in our proxy materials"

Proxy access allows shareholders to include their nominated directors on a company’s official proxy ballot and meeting materials, instead of running separate, costly campaigns. It matters to investors because it makes it easier for shareholders to push for board change, hold management accountable, and influence strategy—similar to getting your preferred candidate listed on a neighborhood ballot rather than having to start an independent petition drive.

Offering Details

shelf

Offering

Offering Type shelf

Use of Proceeds Net proceeds from primary offerings to be used for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions, debt repayment or refinancing, working capital and capital expenditures.

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Available on EDGAR 07/20/2026 - 04:30 PM Accepted by SEC EDGAR 07/20/2026 - 04:30 PM Learn about SEC filing dates

FAQ

What does Fortive (FTV) plan to offer under this new shelf registration?

Fortive may offer common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, depositary shares, purchase contracts, purchase units, warrants and subscription rights. Specific terms, amounts and prices will be detailed later in separate prospectus supplements for each offering.

Will Fortive (FTV) receive cash from shares sold by selling shareholders?

No. The filing states Fortive will not receive any proceeds from sales of common stock by selling shareholders. Only securities sold directly by Fortive under the shelf would generate proceeds for the company.

How will Fortive (FTV) use proceeds from its own securities offerings?

Fortive intends to use net proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include acquisitions, repayment or refinancing of debt, working capital and capital expenditures. Exact allocations will be described in the relevant prospectus supplement when securities are offered.

What is Fortive’s (FTV) current share count and listing status?

As of July 16, 2026, Fortive had 302,399,100 shares of common stock outstanding. Its common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol FTV, with a last reported sale price of $61.78 on July 17, 2026.

What types of investor protections or anti-takeover features does Fortive (FTV) describe?

Fortive highlights Delaware law and charter provisions, including Section 203 anti-takeover protections, proxy access, limits on shareholder written consents, the ability to issue blank-check preferred stock and exclusive forum provisions for certain disputes in Delaware courts.

How might Fortive (FTV) sell securities under this shelf registration?

Securities may be sold from time to time at fixed, market-related, negotiated or at-the-market prices, directly to investors or through underwriters, dealers, agents, block trades or subscription rights offerings, as detailed in future prospectus supplements.

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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 20, 2026

Registration No. 333-       ​

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

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FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

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FORTIVE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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​ Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)​ ​ ​ 47-5654583 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number) ​

6920 Seaway Blvd
Everett, WA 98203
(425) 446-5000

(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)

​

Daniel B. Kim
Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Secretary
Fortive Corporation
6920 Seaway Blvd
Everett, WA 98203
(425) 446-5000

(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)

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Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after this registration statement becomes effective.

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ☐

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. ☒

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☒

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

​	Large accelerated filer ☒ ​	​	​	Accelerated filer ☐ ​	​
​	Non-accelerated filer ☐ ​	​	​	Smaller reporting company ☐ ​	​
​	​	​	​	Emerging growth company ☐ ​	​

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act. ☐

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FORTIVE CORPORATION

Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Debt Securities
Depositary Shares
Purchase Contracts
Purchase Units
Warrants
Subscription Rights

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We may offer and sell securities from time to time in one or more offerings. This prospectus describes the general terms of these securities and the general manner in which these securities will be offered. We will provide the specific terms of these securities in supplements to this prospectus. The prospectus supplements will also describe the specific manner in which these securities will be offered and may also supplement, update or amend information contained in this document. You should read this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement as well as the documents incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference in this prospectus carefully before you invest.

We may offer these securities in amounts, at prices and on terms determined at the time of offering. The securities may be sold directly to you, through agents, or through underwriters and dealers. If agents, underwriters or dealers are used to sell the securities, we will name them and describe their compensation in a prospectus supplement. Additionally, shares of common stock may also be resold from time to time by selling shareholders. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares offered by the selling shareholder pursuant to this prospectus.

Our common stock is listed on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FTV”. On July 17, 2026, the last reported sale price of our common stock as reported on The New York Stock Exchange was $61.78 per share. Each prospectus supplement will indicate whether the securities offered thereby will be listed on any securities exchange.

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Investing in these securities involves certain risks. See “Risk Factors” included in any accompanying prospectus supplement and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus for a discussion of the factors you should carefully consider before deciding to purchase these securities.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

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The date of this prospectus is July 20, 2026

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​	ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS	​	​	​	​	1	​	​
​	WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION	​	​	​	​	1	​	​
​	INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE	​	​	​	​	1	​	​
​	FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS	​	​	​	​	3	​	​
​	FORTIVE CORPORATION	​	​	​	​	3	​	​
​	USE OF PROCEEDS	​	​	​	​	4	​	​
​	DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK	​	​	​	​	4	​	​
​	DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES	​	​	​	​	11	​	​
​	DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES	​	​	​	​	15	​	​
​	DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND PURCHASE UNITS	​	​	​	​	18	​	​
​	DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS	​	​	​	​	18	​	​
​	DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS	​	​	​	​	19	​	​
​	FORMS OF SECURITIES	​	​	​	​	20	​	​
​	PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION	​	​	​	​	22	​	​
​	LEGAL MATTERS	​	​	​	​	24	​	​
​	EXPERTS	​	​	​	​	24	​	​

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of an “automatic shelf” registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as a “well-known seasoned issuer” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may from time to time sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings.

This prospectus only provides you with a general description of the securities that we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide one or more prospectus supplements that will contain specific information about the terms of the offering, including the specific amounts, prices and terms of the securities offered. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should carefully read both this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us, together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page 1 of this prospectus.

The registration statement containing this prospectus, including exhibits to the registration statement, provides additional information about us and the securities offered under this prospectus. The registration statement can be read on the SEC’s website.

You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or in any related free writing prospectus filed by us with the SEC. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the securities described in this prospectus or such accompanying prospectus supplement or an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy such securities in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, the documents incorporated by reference and any related free writing prospectus is accurate only as of their respective dates. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed materially since those dates.

Unless the context otherwise indicates, references in this prospectus to “Fortive,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer, collectively, to Fortive Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of certain information filed by us with the SEC are also available on our website at www.fortive.com. Our website is not a part of this prospectus and is not incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

This prospectus is part of a registration statement we filed with the SEC. This prospectus omits some information contained in the registration statement in accordance with SEC rules and regulations. You should review the information in and exhibits to the registration statement for further information about us and our consolidated subsidiaries and the securities we are offering. Statements in this prospectus concerning any document we filed as an exhibit to the registration statement or that we otherwise filed with the SEC are not intended to be comprehensive and are qualified by reference to these filings. You should review the complete document to evaluate these statements.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” into this prospectus information contained in documents that we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents rather than including the information in this prospectus. Information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this prospectus, and information contained in documents that we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and that are incorporated by reference herein will automatically update and supersede information contained in this prospectus or previously incorporated by reference herein. Any statement so updated or superseded will not be deemed, except as so updated or

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superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings that we make with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) (excluding any information deemed to have been “furnished” rather than “filed” in accordance with SEC rules, including information furnished pursuant to Items 2.02 and 7.01 of Form 8-K), until the termination or completion of the offering of the securities under this prospectus:

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Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, including the information specifically incorporated by reference into the Annual Report on Form 10-K from our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed on April 29, 2026;

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Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 3, 2026;

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Current Reports on Form 8-K filed March 20, 2026, May 14, 2026 and June 11, 2026; and

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The description of our common stock contained in our Information Statement, filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Registration Statement on Form 10 initially filed on December 3, 2015 (Commission File No. 001-37654), including all amendments and reports filed for the purpose of updating such description, including Exhibit 4.2 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025.

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We will provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus has been delivered, a copy of any or all of the information that has been incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address or telephone number:

Fortive Corporation
6920 Seaway Blvd
Everett, WA 98203
Attn: Fortive Investor Relations
(425) 446-5000

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus and the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus contain certain statements that are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States federal securities laws. All statements other than historical factual information are forward-looking statements, including without limitation statements regarding: projections of revenue, expenses, profit, profit margins, tax rates, tax provisions, cash flows, pension and benefit obligations and funding requirements, our liquidity position or other financial measures; management’s plans and strategies for future operations, including statements relating to anticipated operating performance, cost reductions, restructuring activities, new product and service developments, competitive strengths or market position, acquisitions, divestitures, strategic opportunities, securities offerings, stock repurchases, dividends and executive compensation; growth, declines and other trends in markets we sell into, including the expected impact of trade and tariff policies; new or modified laws, regulations and accounting pronouncements; impact of climate-related events or transition activities; outstanding claims, legal proceedings, tax audits and assessments and other contingent liabilities; foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates; impact of changes to tax laws; general economic and capital markets conditions, including impact of inflation or interest rate changes; impact of geopolitical events, including the impact of the Ukraine/Russia and Middle East conflicts and other hostilities; the timing of any of the foregoing; assumptions underlying any of the foregoing; and any other statements that address events or developments that we intend or believe will or may occur in the future. Terminology such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “should,” “could,” “intend,” “will,” “plan,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “target,” “may,” “possible,” “potential,” “forecast” and “positioned” and similar references to future periods are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements are accompanied by such words.

Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties set forth in “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and our other reports and documents we file from time to time with the SEC that are or are deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from the results, developments and business decisions contemplated by our forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that other factors not currently anticipated by us will not materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the report, document, press release, webcast, call, materials or other communication in which they are made (or such earlier date as may be specified herein or therein). Except as required by law, we do not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events and developments or otherwise.

FORTIVE CORPORATION

Fortive innovates essential technologies to keep our world safe and productive. Our strategic segments — Intelligent Operating Solutions and Advanced Healthcare Solutions — include iconic inventor brands with leading positions in their markets. Our businesses design, develop, manufacture, and market products, software, and services, building upon leading brand names, innovative technologies, and strong market positions. We are headquartered in Everett, Washington and employ a team of more than 10,000 research and development, manufacturing, sales, distribution, service, and administrative professionals in approximately 50 countries around the world.

Fortive is a Delaware corporation and was incorporated in 2015 in connection with the separation of Fortive from Danaher Corporation on July 2, 2016 as an independent, publicly-traded company, listed on The New York Stock Exchange.

Fortive’s principal executive offices are located at 6920 Seaway Blvd, Everett, Washington 98203, and its telephone number is (425) 446-5000.

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For additional information regarding Fortive, please refer to our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference into this document. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

USE OF PROCEEDS

We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of any securities offered under this prospectus for general corporate purposes unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. General corporate purposes may include the acquisition of companies or businesses, repayment and refinancing of debt, working capital and capital expenditures. We have not determined the amount of net proceeds to be used specifically for such purposes. As a result, management will retain broad discretion over the allocation of net proceeds.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

The following description of capital stock of Fortive Corporation (“us,” “our,” “we” or the “Company”) is intended as a summary only and therefore is not a complete description of our capital stock. This description is subject to the applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law, as it may be amended from time to time (the “DGCL”), and is based upon and qualified in its entirety by reference to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation (our “Certificate of Incorporation”) and our amended and restated bylaws (our “Bylaws”). You should read our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, for the provisions that are important to you.

Our authorized capital stock consists of 2,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 15,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of July 16, 2026, 302,399,100 shares of common stock were outstanding. The number of authorized shares of any class may be increased or decreased by an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation proposed by our board of directors and approved by a majority of voting shares voted on the issue at a meeting at which a quorum exists.

Common Stock

Each holder of our common stock is entitled to one vote for each share on all matters to be voted upon by the common shareholders, and there are no cumulative voting rights. The holders of our common stock entitled to cast a majority of votes at a shareholder meeting will constitute a quorum at such meeting. Subject to any preferential rights of any outstanding preferred stock, holders of our common stock are entitled to receive ratably the dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors out of funds legally available for that purpose. If there is a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Fortive, holders of our common stock would be entitled to ratable distribution of our assets remaining after the payment in full of liabilities and any preferential rights of any then-outstanding preferred stock.

Directors are generally elected by a majority of the votes cast by holders of our common stock. However, directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast by holders of our common stock in the case of elections held at a shareholders’ meeting for which (i) our corporate secretary has received a notice or otherwise has become aware, prior to such meeting, that a holder of our common stock has nominated a person for election to the board of directors and (ii) such nomination has not been withdrawn by such shareholder on or before the tenth day before we first mail our notice of meeting for such meeting to the shareholders. A majority of the votes cast means that the number of votes cast “for” a director’s election exceeds the number of votes cast “against” that director’s election. Abstentions and broker non-votes are not counted as votes cast either “for” or “against” a director’s election.

Holders of our common stock have no preemptive, exchange or conversion rights or other subscription rights, and there are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and non-assessable. The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of our common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that we may designate and issue in the future.

Computershare Trust Company, N.A. is the transfer agent and registrar for the common stock.

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Preferred Stock

We are authorized to issue “blank check” preferred stock, which may be issued in one or more series upon authorization of our board of directors. Our board of directors is authorized to fix the designation of the series, the number of authorized shares of the series, dividend rights and terms, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption rights and terms, liquidation preferences and any other rights, powers, preferences and limitations applicable to each series of preferred stock. The authorized shares of our preferred stock are available for issuance without further action by our shareholders, unless such action is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange on which our securities may be listed. If the approval of our shareholders is not required for the issuance of shares of our preferred stock, our board may determine not to seek shareholder approval. The specific terms of any series of preferred stock offered pursuant to this prospectus will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to that series of preferred stock.

A series of our preferred stock could, depending on the terms of such series, impede the completion of a merger, tender offer or other takeover attempt. Our board of directors will make any determination to issue preferred shares based upon its judgment as to the best interests of our shareholders. Our directors, in so acting, could issue preferred stock having terms that could discourage an acquisition attempt through which an acquirer may be able to change the composition of our board of directors, including a tender offer or other transaction that some, or a majority, of our shareholders might believe to be in their best interests or in which shareholders might receive a premium for their stock over the then-current market price of the stock.

The preferred stock has the terms described below unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of preferred stock. You should read the prospectus supplement relating to the particular series of preferred stock being offered for specific terms, including:

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the designation and stated value per share of the preferred stock and the number of shares offered;

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the amount of liquidation preference per share;

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the price at which the preferred stock will be issued;

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the dividend rate, or method of calculation of dividends, the dates on which dividends will be payable, whether dividends will be cumulative or noncumulative and, if cumulative, the dates from which dividends will commence to accumulate;

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any redemption or sinking fund provisions;

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if other than the currency of the United States, the currency or currencies including composite currencies in which the preferred stock is denominated and/or in which payments will or may be payable;

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any conversion provisions;

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provisions relating to a change of control

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whether we have elected to offer depositary shares as described under “Description of Depositary Shares”; and

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any other rights, preferences, privileges, limitations and restrictions on the preferred stock, including those that differ from the descriptions herein.

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The preferred stock will, when issued, be fully paid and non-assessable. Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, each series of preferred stock will rank equally as to dividends and liquidation rights in all respects with each other series of preferred stock. The rights of holders of shares of each series of preferred stock will be subordinate to those of our general creditors.

As described under “Description of Depositary Shares,” we may, at our option, with respect to any series of preferred stock, elect to offer fractional interests in shares of preferred stock, and provide for the issuance of depositary receipts representing depositary shares, each of which will represent a fractional interest in a share of the series of preferred stock. The fractional interest will be specified in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of preferred stock.

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Rank.   Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, the preferred stock will, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, rank:

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senior to our common stock and to all equity securities ranking junior to such preferred stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs;

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on a parity with all equity securities issued by us, the terms of which specifically provide that such equity securities rank on a parity with the preferred stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs; and

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junior to all equity securities issued by us, the terms of which specifically provide that such equity securities rank senior to the preferred stock with respect to dividend rights or rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.

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The term “equity securities” does not include convertible debt securities.

Dividends.   Holders of the preferred stock of each series will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our board of directors, cash dividends at such rates and on such dates described in the prospectus supplement. Different series of preferred stock may be entitled to dividends at different rates or based on different methods of calculation. The dividend rate may be fixed or variable or both. Dividends will be payable to the holders of record as they appear on our stock books on record dates fixed by our board of directors, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Dividends on any series of preferred stock may be cumulative or noncumulative, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. If our board of directors does not declare a dividend payable on a dividend payment date on any series of noncumulative preferred stock, then the holders of that noncumulative preferred stock will have no right to receive a dividend for that dividend payment date, and we will have no obligation to pay the dividend accrued for that period, whether or not dividends on that series are declared payable on any future dividend payment dates. Dividends on any series of cumulative preferred stock will accrue from the date we initially issue shares of such series or such other date specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

No dividends may be declared or paid or funds set apart for the payment of any dividends on any parity securities unless full dividends have been paid or set apart for payment on the preferred stock. If full dividends are not paid, the preferred stock will share dividends pro rata with the parity securities.

No dividends may be declared or paid or funds set apart for the payment of dividends on any junior securities unless full dividends for all dividend periods terminating on or prior to the date of the declaration or payment will have been paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment set apart for payment on the preferred stock.

Liquidation Preference.   Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, then, before we make any distribution or payment to the holders of any common stock or any other class or series of our capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock in the distribution of assets upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, the holders of each series of preferred stock shall be entitled to receive out of assets legally available for distribution to shareholders, liquidating distributions in the amount of the liquidation preference per share set forth in the prospectus supplement, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon. Such dividends will not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid noncumulative dividends for prior dividend periods. Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, after payment of the full amount of their liquidating distributions, the holders of preferred stock will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets. Upon any such voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, if our available assets are insufficient to pay the amount of the liquidating distributions on all outstanding preferred stock and the corresponding amounts payable on all other classes or series of our capital stock ranking on parity with the preferred stock and all other such classes or series of shares of capital stock ranking on parity with the preferred stock in the distribution of assets, then the holders of the preferred stock and all other such classes or series of capital stock will share ratably in any such distribution of assets in proportion to the full liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be entitled.

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Upon any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up and if we have made liquidating distributions in full to all holders of preferred stock, we will distribute our remaining assets among the holders of any other classes or series of capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock according to their respective rights and preferences and, in each case, according to their respective number of shares. For such purposes, our consolidation or merger with or into any other corporation, trust or entity, or the sale, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or assets will not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.

Redemption.   If so provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the preferred stock will be subject to mandatory redemption or redemption at our option, as a whole or in part, in each case upon the terms, at the times and at the redemption prices set forth in such prospectus supplement.

The prospectus supplement relating to a series of preferred stock that is subject to mandatory redemption will specify the number of shares of preferred stock that shall be redeemed by us in each year commencing after a date to be specified, at a redemption price per share to be specified, together with an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the date of redemption. Unless the shares have a cumulative dividend, such accrued dividends will not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods. We may pay the redemption price in cash or other property, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. If the redemption price for preferred stock of any series is payable only from the net proceeds of the issuance of shares of our capital stock, the terms of such preferred stock may provide that, if no such shares of our capital stock shall have been issued or to the extent the net proceeds from any issuance are insufficient to pay in full the aggregate redemption price then due, such preferred stock shall automatically and mandatorily be converted into the applicable shares of our capital stock pursuant to conversion provisions specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we will not redeem any preferred stock of a series unless:

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if that series of preferred stock has a cumulative dividend, we have declared and paid or contemporaneously declare and pay or set aside funds to pay full cumulative dividends on the preferred stock for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period; or

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if such series of preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend, we have declared and paid or contemporaneously declare and pay or set aside funds to pay full dividends for the then current dividend period.

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In addition, we will not acquire any preferred stock of a series unless:

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if that series of preferred stock has a cumulative dividend, we have declared and paid or contemporaneously declare and pay or set aside funds to pay full cumulative dividends on all outstanding shares of such series of preferred stock for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period; or

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if that series of preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend, we have declared and paid or contemporaneously declare and pay or set aside funds to pay full dividends on the preferred stock of such series for the then current dividend period.

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However, at any time we may purchase or acquire preferred stock of that series (1) pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding preferred stock of such series or (2) by conversion into or exchange for shares of our capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock of such series as to dividends and upon liquidation.

If fewer than all of the outstanding shares of preferred stock of any series are to be redeemed, we will determine the number of shares that may be redeemed pro rata from the holders of record of such shares in proportion to the number of such shares held or for which redemption is requested by such holder or by any other equitable manner that we determine. Such determination will reflect adjustments to avoid redemption of fractional shares.

Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, we will mail notice of redemption at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of record of preferred stock to be redeemed at the address shown on our stock transfer books. Each notice shall state:

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the redemption date;

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the number of shares and series of preferred stock to be redeemed;

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the redemption price;

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the place or places where certificates for such preferred stock are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price;

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that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accrue on such redemption date;

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the date on which the holder’s conversion rights, if any, as to such shares shall terminate; and

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the specific number of shares to be redeemed from each such holder if fewer than all the shares of any series are to be redeemed.

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If notice of redemption has been given and we have set aside the funds necessary for such redemption in trust for the benefit of the holders of any shares called for redemption, then from and after the redemption date, dividends will cease to accrue on such shares, and all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate, except the right to receive the redemption price.

Voting Rights.   Holders of preferred stock will not have any voting rights, except as required by law or as indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Unless otherwise provided for under the terms of any series of preferred stock, no consent or vote of the holders of shares of preferred stock or any series thereof shall be required for any amendment to our certificate of incorporation that would increase the number of authorized shares of preferred stock or the number of authorized shares of any series thereof or decrease the number of authorized shares of preferred stock or the number of authorized shares of any series thereof (but not below the number of authorized shares of preferred stock or such series, as the case may be, then outstanding).

Conversion Rights.   The terms and conditions, if any, upon which any series of preferred stock is convertible into our common stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating thereto. Such terms will include the number of shares of common stock into which the shares of preferred stock are convertible, the conversion price, rate or manner of calculation thereof, the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be at our option or at the option of the holders of the preferred stock, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption.

Transfer Agent and Registrar.   The transfer agent and registrar for the preferred stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Provisions of Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and Delaware Law That May Have Anti-Takeover Effects

Provisions of the DGCL and our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws could make it more difficult to acquire us by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise, or to remove incumbent officers and directors. These provisions, summarized below, are expected to discourage certain types of coercive takeover practices and takeover bids that our board of directors may consider inadequate and to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board of directors. We believe that the benefits of increased protection of our ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure us outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging takeover or acquisition proposals because, among other things, negotiation of these proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.

Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute.   We are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, an anti-takeover statute. In general, Section 203 of the DGCL prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a period of three years following the time the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless (i) prior to such time, the board of directors of such corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; (ii) upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in

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the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of such corporation at the time the transaction commenced (excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) the voting stock owned by directors who are also officers or held in employee benefit plans in which the employees do not have a confidential right to tender or vote stock held by the plan); or (iii) on or subsequent to such time the business combination is approved by the board of directors of such corporation and authorized at a meeting of stockholders (and not by written consent) by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock of such corporation not owned by the interested stockholder. Generally, a “business combination” includes a merger, asset or stock sale, or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Generally, an “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns (or within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status did own) 15% or more of a corporation’s voting stock. The existence of this provision would be expected to have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions not approved in advance by our board of directors, including discouraging attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares of common stock held by our shareholders.

Proxy Access.   Our Bylaws permit a shareholder, or a group of up to 20 shareholders, owning 3% or more of our outstanding common stock continuously for at least three years to nominate and include in our proxy materials directors constituting up to 20% of our board of directors, provided that the nominating shareholder(s) and the nominee(s) satisfy the procedural and eligibility requirements specified in our Bylaws.

Size of Board and Vacancies.   Our Bylaws provide that the number of directors on our board of directors will be fixed exclusively by the board of directors. Any vacancies created in the board of directors resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or the death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause will be filled exclusively by a majority of the board of directors then in office, even if less than a quorum is present, or by a sole remaining director. Any director appointed to fill a vacancy, other than one arising from an increase in the authorized number of directors, will hold office until the earlier of the expiration of the term of office of the director whom he or she has replaced, a successor is duly elected and qualified or the earlier of such director’s death, resignation or removal. Any director appointed to fill a newly created directorship resulting from an increase in the authorized number of directors will hold office until the earlier of the next subsequent annual meeting of shareholders, a successor is duly elected and qualified or the earlier of such director’s death, resignation or removal.

Special Shareholder Meetings.   Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that shareholders who own at least 25% of our outstanding common stock and who otherwise comply with the requirements set forth in the Bylaws may request that a special meeting of shareholders be called.

Shareholder Action by Written Consent.   Our Certificate of Incorporation expressly eliminates the right of our shareholders to act by written consent. Shareholder action must take place at the annual or a special meeting of shareholders.

Shareholder Nomination of Directors.   Our Certificate of Incorporation mandates that shareholder nominations for the election of directors will be given in accordance with the Bylaws. The Bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to shareholder proposals and nomination of candidates for election as directors as well as minimum qualification requirements for shareholders making the proposals or nominations. Additionally, the Bylaws require that candidates for election as a director disclose their qualifications and make certain representations.

No Cumulative Voting.   The DGCL provides that shareholders are denied the right to cumulate votes in the election of directors unless the company’s certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Our Certificate of Incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting.

Undesignated Preferred Stock.   The authority that our board of directors possesses to issue preferred stock could potentially be used to discourage attempts by third parties to obtain control of us through a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise by making such attempts more difficult or more costly. Our board of directors may be able to issue preferred stock with voting rights or conversion rights that, if exercised, could adversely affect the voting power of the holders of common stock.

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Exclusive Forum.   Unless we otherwise consent in writing, the sole and exclusive forum for (1) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, (2) any action asserting a claim of breach of fiduciary duty owed by any director or officer of the Company to the Company or our shareholders, (3) any action asserting a claim against the Company or any director or officer of the Company arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, or (4) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or, if the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware does not have jurisdiction, another state or federal court located within the State of Delaware.

Authorized but Unissued Shares.   Our authorized but unissued shares of common stock and preferred stock are available for future issuance without stockholder approval. We may use additional shares for a variety of purposes, including future public offerings to raise additional capital, to fund acquisitions and as employee compensation. The existence of authorized but unissued shares of common stock and preferred stock could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of the Company by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

This section describes the general terms and provisions of the debt securities that Fortive Corporation may offer from time to time under this prospectus in one or more series, which may be senior or subordinated, secured or unsecured, and which may be issued as convertible or exchangeable debt securities. We refer to the senior debt securities and the subordinated debt securities collectively as “debt securities.” As used in this “Description of Debt Securities” section, references to “Fortive,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Fortive Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and do not, unless the context otherwise indicates, include Fortive’s subsidiaries.

We may issue senior debt securities or convertible senior debt securities from time to time under a senior indenture to be entered into between us and a senior trustee to be named in the applicable prospectus supplement, which we refer to as the “senior trustee.” We may issue subordinated debt securities or convertible subordinated debt securities from time to time under a subordinated indenture to be entered into between us and a subordinated trustee to be named in the applicable prospectus supplement, which we refer to as the “subordinated trustee.” The forms of senior indenture and subordinated indenture are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. In this section, each of the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture is referred to individually as an “indenture” and collectively as the “indentures,” the senior trustee and the subordinated trustee are each referred to as a “trustee.”

The following summaries of certain provisions of the indentures and the debt securities are not complete and are subject to the detailed provisions of the applicable indenture. You should refer to the form of senior indenture and the form of subordinated indenture, each of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, for more specific information. In addition, you should review the applicable prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus that we authorize to be delivered for the specific terms of the debt securities being offered.

The indentures do not limit the amount of debt securities that may be issued by Fortive. Each indenture will provide that debt securities may be issued from time to time in one or more series. When we offer to sell a particular series of debt securities, we will describe the specific terms of the series in the applicable prospectus supplement. The applicable prospectus supplement will also indicate if any of the general terms and provisions described below do not apply to the series of debt securities.

General

The senior debt securities will constitute our unsubordinated general obligations and will rank pari passu with our other unsubordinated obligations. The subordinated debt securities will constitute our subordinated general obligations and will be junior in right of payment to our senior indebtedness (including the senior debt securities), as described under the heading “— Certain Terms of the Subordinated Debt Securities — Subordination.” The debt securities will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries unless such subsidiaries expressly guarantee such debt securities.

The debt securities may be issued as secured or unsecured obligations. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe whether a particular series of debt securities will be secured or unsecured and, if secured, the collateral securing such series. To the extent a series of debt securities is unsecured, any secured indebtedness or other secured obligations that we incur will be effectively senior to such series of debt securities to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness or other obligations.

The aggregate principal amount of debt securities that may be issued under the indentures is unlimited. The applicable prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities that we may offer from time to time will describe the specific terms of the series being offered, including, as applicable:

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the title and type of the debt securities;

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whether the debt securities will be senior, convertible senior, subordinated or convertible subordinated debt securities, and, with respect to subordinated debt securities issued under the subordinated indenture, the terms on which they are subordinated;

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the initial aggregate principal amount of the debt securities, any limit on the aggregate principal amount of the series and whether the debt securities are part of a previously issued series or represent a new series;

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the price or prices at which we will sell the debt securities;

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the maturity date or dates of the debt securities and the right, if any, to extend such date or dates;

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the rate or rates, if any, per year, at which the debt securities will bear interest, or the method of determining such interest rate or rates;

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the date or dates from which such interest will accrue, the interest payment dates on which such interest will be payable (or the manner of determining such interest payment dates) and the related record dates;

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the right, if any, to extend one or more interest payment periods and the duration of any such extension;

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the applicable day-count convention used to calculate interest;

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the manner of paying principal and interest and the place or places where principal and interest will be payable;

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the denominations of the debt securities if other than $2,000 or multiples of $1,000;

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provisions for a sinking fund, purchase fund or other analogous fund, if any;

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any redemption, repayment, repurchase or purchase rights or obligations, including the applicable dates, prices and any other conditions or restrictions applicable thereto;

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the currency, currencies or currency units in which the debt securities will be denominated and the currency, currencies or currency units in which principal and interest, if any, on the debt securities may be payable;

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any conversion or exchange features of the debt securities;

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whether and upon what terms the debt securities may be defeased;

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any addition to, elimination of or other change in the events of default or covenants set forth in the applicable indenture;

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whether the debt securities will be issued in definitive or global form and, if issued in global form, the circumstances under which definitive debt securities may be issued or in definitive form only upon satisfaction of certain conditions;

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whether the debt securities will be issued as secured or unsecured debt securities and, if secured, a description of the collateral securing such series;

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whether the debt securities will be guaranteed as to payment or performance and the terms of any such guarantee;

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how the terms of such debt securities may be amended or modified;

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any special tax implications of the debt securities; and

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any additional, different or other material terms of the debt securities.

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When we refer to “principal” in this section with reference to the debt securities, we are also referring to “premium, if any.”

We may from time to time, without notice to or the consent of the holders of any series of debt securities, create and issue additional debt securities of any such series ranking equally with the debt securities of such series in all respects (or in all respects other than (1) the payment of interest accruing prior to the issue date of such additional debt securities or (2) the first payment of interest following the issue date of such additional debt securities). Such additional debt securities may be consolidated and form a single series with the debt securities of such series and have the same terms as to status, redemption or otherwise as the debt securities of such series.

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You may present debt securities for exchange or transfer in the manner, at the places and subject to the restrictions set forth in the applicable indenture and the applicable prospectus supplement. We will provide these services without charge, although you may have to pay any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with any exchange or transfer.

Debt securities may bear interest at a fixed rate or a floating rate. Debt securities bearing no interest or interest at a rate that, at the time of issuance, is below the prevailing market rate (“original issue discount securities”) may be issued and sold at a discount below their stated principal amount. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe any material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to original issue discount securities and certain debt securities issued at par that are treated as having been issued at a discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

We may issue debt securities for which the principal amount payable at maturity or on any principal payment date, or the interest payable on any interest payment date, is determined by reference to one or more currency exchange rates, securities or baskets of securities, commodity prices or indices. Accordingly, the amount of principal or interest payable may be greater than or less than the amount otherwise payable, depending on the value of the applicable currency, security or basket of securities, commodity or index. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the method of determining the amount of principal or interest payable, the currencies, securities or baskets of securities, commodities or indices to which such amounts are linked and any material related U.S. federal income tax considerations.

We expect most debt securities to be issued in fully registered form, without coupons, in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. Subject to the limitations set forth in the applicable indenture and the applicable prospectus supplement, debt securities issued in registered form may be transferred or exchanged at the designated corporate trust office of the trustee without payment of any service charge, other than any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with such transfer or exchange.

Certain Terms of the Senior Debt Securities

Certain Covenants.   The senior indenture contains certain covenants that, among other things, limit our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to incur secured indebtedness and to enter into sale and leaseback transactions, in each case, subject to various important exceptions, qualifications and limitations described therein. The covenants do not restrict our ability to incur unsecured indebtedness and do not contain financial maintenance covenants or similar restrictive provisions.

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets.   The senior indenture provides that we may not consolidate with or merge into another entity or sell, lease or transfer substantially all of our assets unless certain conditions set forth therein are satisfied, including the assumption by the successor entity of our obligations thereunder.

Events of Default.   The senior indenture provides for customary events of default, including payment defaults, certain breaches of the covenants contained therein (subject to applicable notice and cure periods), specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization and any additional events of default that may be specified for a particular series of debt securities. Additional or different events of default applicable to a particular series of debt securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Certain Definitions.   Certain definitions and calculations under the senior indenture are determined based on generally accepted accounting principles in effect as of the execution date of such senior indenture. In addition, for purposes of certain provisions, including those relating to secured debt and sale and leaseback transactions, the classification and accounting of leases will continue to be determined based on generally accepted accounting principles in effect as of December 31, 2017, and will not reflect subsequent changes. As a result, such calculations may differ from those reflected in our financial statements.

No Personal Liability of Incorporators, Shareholders, Officers, Directors.   The senior indenture provides that no recourse may be had under any obligation, covenant or agreement contained in the senior indenture or any supplemental indenture thereto, or in any of the senior debt securities or for any claim based thereon or otherwise in respect thereof, against any of our incorporators, shareholders, officers or directors, past, present or future, or of any predecessor or successor entity, whether by virtue of any constitution,

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statute or rule or law, by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise. Each holder, by accepting the senior debt securities, will be deemed to have waived and released all such claims and any potential liability.

Concerning the Trustee.   The senior indenture provides that, except during the continuance of an event of default, the senior trustee will undertake to perform only those duties specifically set forth in the senior indenture. If an event of default has occurred and is continuing, the senior trustee will exercise the rights and powers vested in it under the senior indenture and will use the same degree of care and skill in the exercise thereof as a prudent person would exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.

The senior indenture and the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 incorporated therein contain limitations on the rights of the senior trustee thereunder, should it become a creditor of ours or any of our Subsidiaries (as defined in the senior indenture), to obtain payment of claims in certain cases or to realize on certain property received by it in respect of any such claims, as security or otherwise. The senior trustee is permitted to engage in other transactions, provided that if it acquires any conflicting interest (as defined in the Trust Indenture Act), it must eliminate such conflict or resign.

We may have normal banking relationships with the senior trustee in the ordinary course of business.

Unclaimed Funds.   All funds deposited with the senior trustee or any paying agent for the payment of principal, premium, interest or additional amounts in respect of the senior debt securities that remain unclaimed for two years after the date upon which such principal, premium or interest became due and payable will be repaid to us upon our request. Thereafter, any right of any holder of senior debt securities to such funds shall be enforceable only against us, and the senior trustee and paying agents will have no liability therefor.

Governing Law.   The senior indenture and the senior debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

Certain Terms of the Subordinated Debt Securities

Other than the terms of the subordinated indenture and subordinated debt securities relating to subordination or otherwise as described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of subordinated debt securities, the terms of the subordinated indenture and subordinated debt securities are identical in all material respects to the terms of the senior indenture and senior debt securities, except that, unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the subordinated indenture and subordinated debt securities will not include a limitation on the creation, assumption, or guarantee of secured debt or a limitation on sale and leaseback transactions.

Additional or different subordination terms may be specified in the prospectus supplement applicable to a particular series.

Subordination.   The indebtedness evidenced by the subordinated debt securities is subordinate to the prior payment in full of all of our senior indebtedness, as defined in the subordinated indenture. During the continuance beyond any applicable grace period of any default in the payment of principal, premium, interest or any other payment due on any of our senior indebtedness, we may not make any payment of principal of or interest on the subordinated debt securities (except for certain sinking fund payments). In addition, upon any payment or distribution of our assets upon any dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization, the payment of the principal of and interest on the subordinated debt securities will be subordinated to the extent provided in the subordinated indenture in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all our senior indebtedness. Because of this subordination, if we dissolve or otherwise liquidate, holders of our subordinated debt securities may receive less, ratably, than holders of our senior indebtedness. The subordination provisions do not prevent the occurrence of an event of default under the subordinated indenture.

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The term “senior indebtedness” of a person means with respect to such person the principal of, premium, if any, interest on, and any other payment due pursuant to any of the following, whether outstanding on the date of the subordinated indenture or incurred by that person in the future:

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all of the indebtedness of that person for money borrowed;

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all of the indebtedness of that person evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other securities sold by that person for money;

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all of the lease obligations that are capitalized on the books of that person in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

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all indebtedness of others of the kinds described in the first two bullet points above and all lease obligations of others of the kind described in the third bullet point above that the person, in any manner, assumes or guarantees or that the person in effect guarantees through an agreement to purchase, whether that agreement is contingent or otherwise; and

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all renewals, extensions or refundings of indebtedness of the kinds described in the first, second or fourth bullet point above and all renewals or extensions of leases of the kinds described in the third or fourth bullet point above;

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unless, in the case of any particular indebtedness, renewal, extension or refunding, the instrument creating or evidencing it or the assumption or guarantee relating to it expressly provides that such indebtedness, renewal, extension or refunding is not superior in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities. Our senior debt securities constitute senior indebtedness for purposes of the subordinated debt indenture.

Conversion or Exchange Rights

Debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for other securities or property of Fortive. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms and conditions of conversion or exchange, including, as applicable:

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the conversion or exchange price;

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the conversion or exchange period;

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provisions regarding the ability of us or the holder to convert or exchange the debt securities;

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events requiring adjustment to the conversion or exchange price; and

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provisions affecting conversion or exchange in the event of our redemption of the debt securities.

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DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES

General

We may, at our option, elect to offer fractional shares of preferred stock, which we call depositary shares, rather than full shares of preferred stock. If we do, we will issue to the public receipts, called depositary receipts, for depositary shares, each of which will represent a fraction, to be described in the applicable prospectus supplement, of a share of a particular series of preferred stock. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, each owner of a depositary share will be entitled, in proportion to the applicable fractional interest in a share of preferred stock represented by the depositary share, to all the rights and preferences of the preferred stock represented by the depositary share. Those rights include dividend, voting, redemption, conversion and liquidation rights.

The shares of preferred stock underlying the depositary shares will be deposited with a bank or trust company selected by us to act as depositary under a deposit agreement between us, the depositary and the holders of the depositary receipts. The depositary will be the transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent for the depositary shares.

The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the deposit agreement. Holders of depositary receipts agree to be bound by the deposit agreement, which requires holders to take certain actions such as filing proof of residence and paying certain charges.

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The following summary of certain provisions of the depositary shares and any related depositary agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable depositary agreement, which will be filed with the SEC in connection with any offering of depositary shares. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the depositary shares and the related depositary agreement.

Dividends and Other Distributions

The depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions, if any, received in respect of the preferred stock underlying the depositary shares to the record holders of depositary shares in proportion to the numbers of depositary shares owned by those holders on the relevant record date. The relevant record date for depositary shares will be the same date as the record date for the underlying preferred stock.

If there is a distribution other than in cash, the depositary will distribute property (including securities) received by it to the record holders of depositary shares, unless the depositary determines that it is not feasible to make the distribution. If this occurs, the depositary may, with our approval, adopt another method for the distribution, including selling the property and distributing the net proceeds from the sale to the holders.

Liquidation Preference

If a series of preferred stock underlying the depositary shares has a liquidation preference, in the event of the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of us, holders of depositary shares will be entitled to receive the fraction of the liquidation preference accorded each share of the applicable series of preferred stock, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Withdrawal of Stock

Unless the related depositary shares have been previously called for redemption, upon surrender of the depositary receipts at the office of the depositary, the holder of the depositary shares will be entitled to delivery, at the office of the depositary to or upon his or her order, of the number of whole shares of the preferred stock and any money or other property represented by the depositary shares. If the depositary receipts delivered by the holder evidence a number of depositary shares in excess of the number of depositary shares representing the number of whole shares of preferred stock to be withdrawn, the depositary will deliver to the holder at the same time a new depositary receipt evidencing the excess number of depositary shares. In no event will the depositary deliver fractional shares of preferred stock upon surrender of depositary receipts. Holders of preferred stock thus withdrawn may not thereafter deposit those shares under the deposit agreement or receive depositary receipts evidencing depositary shares therefor.

Redemption of Depositary Shares

Whenever we redeem shares of preferred stock held by the depositary, the depositary will redeem as of the same redemption date the number of depositary shares representing shares of the preferred stock so redeemed, so long as we have paid in full to the depositary the redemption price of the preferred stock to be redeemed plus an amount equal to any accumulated and unpaid dividends on the preferred stock to the date fixed for redemption. The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to the redemption price and any other amounts per share payable on the preferred stock multiplied by the fraction of a share of preferred stock represented by one depositary share. If less than all the depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot or pro rata or by any other equitable method as may be determined by the depositary.

After the date fixed for redemption, depositary shares called for redemption will no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all rights of the holders of depositary shares will cease, except the right to receive the monies payable upon redemption and any money or other property to which the holders of the depositary shares were entitled upon redemption upon surrender to the depositary of the depositary receipts evidencing the depositary shares.

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Voting the Preferred Stock

Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the preferred stock are entitled to vote, the depositary will mail the information contained in the notice of meeting to the record holders of the depositary receipts relating to that preferred stock. The record date for the depositary receipts relating to the preferred stock will be the same date as the record date for the preferred stock. Each record holder of the depositary shares on the record date will be entitled to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the number of shares of preferred stock represented by that holder’s depositary shares. The depositary will endeavor, insofar as practicable, to vote the number of shares of preferred stock represented by the depositary shares in accordance with those instructions, and we will agree to take all action that may be deemed necessary by the depositary in order to enable the depositary to do so. The depositary will not vote any shares of preferred stock except to the extent it receives specific instructions from the holders of depositary shares representing that number of shares of preferred stock.

Charges of Depositary

We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. We will pay charges of the depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the preferred stock and any redemption of the preferred stock. Holders of depositary receipts will pay transfer, income and other taxes and governmental charges and such other charges (including those in connection with the receipt and distribution of dividends, the sale or exercise of rights, the withdrawal of the preferred stock and the transferring, splitting or grouping of depositary receipts) as are expressly provided in the deposit agreement to be for their accounts. If these charges have not been paid by the holders of depositary receipts, the depositary may refuse to transfer depositary shares, withhold dividends and distributions and sell the depositary shares evidenced by the depositary receipt.

Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement

The form of depositary receipt evidencing the depositary shares and any provision of the deposit agreement may be amended by agreement between us and the depositary. However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders of depositary shares, other than fee changes, will not be effective unless the amendment has been approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding depositary shares. The deposit agreement may be terminated by the depositary or us only if:

•

all outstanding depositary shares have been redeemed; or

​

•

there has been a final distribution of the preferred stock in connection with our dissolution and such distribution has been made to all the holders of depositary shares.

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Resignation and Removal of Depositary

The depositary may resign at any time by delivering to us notice of its election to do so, and we may remove the depositary at any time. Any resignation or removal of the depositary will take effect upon our appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment. The successor depositary must be appointed within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal and must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having the requisite combined capital and surplus as set forth in the applicable depositary agreement.

Notices

The depositary will forward to holders of depositary receipts all notices, reports and other communications, including proxy solicitation materials received from us, that are delivered to the depositary and that we are required to furnish to the holders of the preferred stock. In addition, the depositary will make available for inspection by holders of depositary receipts at the principal office of the depositary, and at such other places as it may from time to time deem advisable, any reports and communications we deliver to the depositary as the holder of preferred stock.

Limitation of Liability

Neither we nor the depositary will be liable if either we or it is prevented or delayed by law or any circumstance beyond its control in performing its obligations. Our obligations and those of the depositary

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will be limited to performance in good faith of our and their duties thereunder. We and the depositary will not be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any depositary shares or preferred stock unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. We and the depositary may rely upon written advice of counsel or accountants, on information provided by persons presenting preferred stock for deposit, holders of depositary receipts or other persons believed to be competent to give such information and on documents believed to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.

DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS AND PURCHASE UNITS

We may issue purchase contracts, including contracts obligating holders to purchase from or sell to us, and obligating us to sell to or purchase from the holders, a specified number of shares of our common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares at a future date or dates, which we refer to in this prospectus as purchase contracts. The price per share of common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares and the number of shares of each may be fixed at the time the purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula set forth in the purchase contracts, and may be subject to adjustments under anti-dilution formulas. The purchase contracts may be issued separately or as part of units, often known as purchase units, consisting of one or more purchase contracts and beneficial interests in debt securities of Fortive or an entity unaffiliated with Fortive or any other securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement or any combination of the foregoing, securing the holders’ obligations to purchase the common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares under the purchase contracts.

The purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to the holders of the purchase units or vice versa, and these payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis. The purchase contracts may require holders to secure their obligations under those contracts in a specified manner, including pledging their interest in another purchase contract.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the purchase contracts and purchase units, including, if applicable, collateral or depositary arrangements.

The description of any purchase contracts or purchase units contained in the applicable prospectus supplement may not be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable purchase contract or purchase unit, which will be filed with the SEC in connection with any offering of purchase contracts or purchase units. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the purchase contracts or purchase units being offered and the related purchase contract or purchase unit.

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We may issue warrants to purchase common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares or debt securities. We may offer warrants separately or together with one or more additional warrants, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares or debt securities, or any combination of those securities in the form of units, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. If we issue warrants as part of a unit, the accompanying prospectus supplement will specify whether those warrants may be separated from the other securities in the unit prior to the expiration date of the warrants. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement that we will enter into with a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, as detailed in an accompanying prospectus supplement. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation, or agency or trust relationship, with you. The applicable prospectus supplement will also describe the specific terms of any warrants being offered, including, as applicable:

•

the specific designation and aggregate number of, and the offering price at which we will issue, the warrants;

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•

the currency or currency units in which the offering price, if any, and the exercise price are payable;

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the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will begin and the date on which that right will expire or, if you may not continuously exercise the warrants throughout that period, the specific date or dates on which you may exercise the warrants;

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whether the warrants are to be sold separately or with other securities as parts of units;

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•

whether the warrants will be issued in definitive or global form or in any combination of these forms, although, in any case, the form of a warrant included in a unit will correspond to the form of the unit and of any security included in that unit;

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•

any applicable material U.S. federal income tax consequences;

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the identity of the warrant agent for the warrants and of any other depositaries, execution or paying agents, transfer agents, registrars or other agents;

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the proposed listing, if any, of the warrants or any securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants on any securities exchange;

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the designation and terms of any equity securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants;

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the designation, aggregate principal amount, currency and terms of any debt securities that may be purchased upon exercise of the warrants;

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•

if applicable, the designation and terms of the preferred stock or depositary shares with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each security;

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•

if applicable, the date from and after which any warrants issued as part of a unit and the related debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares or common stock will be separately transferable;

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•

the number of shares of common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares purchasable upon exercise of a warrant and the price at which those shares may be purchased;

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•

if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of the warrants that may be exercised at any one time;

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•

information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;

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•

the anti-dilution provisions of, and other provisions for changes to or adjustment in the exercise price of, the warrants, if any;

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•

any redemption or call provisions; and

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•

any additional terms of the warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange or exercise of the warrants.

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The description of any warrants contained in the applicable prospectus supplement may not be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable warrant agreement, which will be filed with the SEC in connection with any offering of warrants. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the warrants being offered and the related warrant agreement.

DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS

We may issue subscription rights to purchase shares of our common stock, shares of our preferred stock or our debt securities. We may issue subscription rights independent of or together with any other offered security, which may or may not be transferable by the shareholder. In connection with any offering of subscription rights, we may enter into a standby arrangement with one or more underwriters or other purchasers pursuant to which the underwriters or other purchasers may be required to purchase any securities remaining unsubscribed for after such offering.

The applicable prospectus supplement relating to any subscription rights we may offer will describe the specific terms of the subscription rights being offered, including, as applicable:

•

the price, if any, for the subscription rights;

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•

the number and terms of each share of common stock or preferred stock or debt securities which may be purchased per each subscription right;

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the exercise price payable for each share of common stock or preferred stock or debt securities upon the exercise of the subscription rights;

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the extent to which the subscription rights are transferable;

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•

any provisions for adjustment of the number or amount of securities receivable upon exercise of the subscription rights or the exercise price of the subscription rights;

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•

any other terms of the subscription rights, including the terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the subscription rights;

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•

the date on which the right to exercise the subscription rights shall commence, and the date on which the subscription rights shall expire;

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•

the extent to which the subscription rights may include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed securities; and

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•

if applicable, the material terms of any standby underwriting or purchase arrangement entered into by us in connection with the offering of subscription rights.

​

The description of any subscription rights contained in the applicable prospectus supplement may not be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable subscription rights certificate or subscription rights agreement, which will be filed with the SEC in connection with any offering of subscription rights. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of the subscription units being offered and the related subscription rights certificate or subscription rights agreement.

FORMS OF SECURITIES

Each debt security, depositary share, purchase contract, purchase unit and warrant will be represented either by a certificate issued in definitive form to a particular investor or by one or more global securities representing the entire issuance of securities. Unless the applicable prospectus supplement provides otherwise, certificated securities in definitive form and global securities will be issued in registered form. Definitive securities name you or your nominee as the owner of the security, and in order to transfer or exchange these securities or to receive payments other than interest or other interim payments, you or your nominee must physically deliver the securities to the trustee, registrar, paying agent or other agent, as applicable. Global securities name a depositary or its nominee as the owner of the debt securities, depositary shares, purchase contracts, purchase units or warrants represented by these global securities. The depositary maintains a computerized system that will reflect each investor’s beneficial ownership of the securities through an account maintained by the investor with its broker/dealer, bank, trust company or other representative, as we explain more fully below.

Global Securities

We may issue the debt securities, depositary shares, purchase contracts, purchase units and warrants in the form of one or more fully registered global securities that will be deposited with a depositary or its nominee identified in the applicable prospectus supplement and registered in the name of that depositary or nominee. In those cases, one or more global securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal or face amount of the securities to be represented by global securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole for securities in definitive registered form, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by and among the depositary for the global security, the nominees of the depositary or any successors of the depositary or those nominees.

If not described below, any specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any securities to be represented by a global security will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to those securities. We anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depositary arrangements.

Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to persons, called participants, that have accounts with the depositary or persons that may hold interests through participants. Upon the issuance of a global security, the depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the participants’ accounts with the respective principal or face amounts of the securities beneficially owned by the participants. Any dealers, underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of the securities will designate the accounts to be credited. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary, with respect to interests of participants, and on the records of participants, with respect to interests of

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persons holding through participants. The laws of some states may require that some purchasers of securities take physical delivery of these securities in definitive form. These laws may impair your ability to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in global securities.

So long as the depositary, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a global security, that depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the securities represented by the global security for all purposes under the applicable indenture, deposit agreement, purchase contract, warrant agreement or purchase unit agreement. Except as described below, owners of beneficial interests in a global security will not be entitled to have the securities represented by the global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders of the securities under the applicable indenture, deposit agreement, purchase contract, purchase unit agreement or warrant agreement. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a global security must rely on the procedures of the depositary for that global security and, if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which the person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the applicable indenture, deposit agreement, purchase contract, purchase unit agreement or warrant agreement. We understand that under existing industry practices, if we request any action of holders or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a global security desires to give or take any action that a holder is entitled to give or take under the applicable indenture, deposit agreement, purchase contract, purchase unit agreement or warrant agreement, the depositary for the global security would authorize the participants holding the relevant beneficial interests to give or take that action, and the participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through them to give or take that action or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners holding through them.

Principal, premium, if any, and interest payments on debt securities, and any payments to holders with respect to depositary shares, warrants, purchase agreements or purchase units, represented by a global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the global security. None of us, or any trustee, warrant agent, unit agent or other agent of ours, or any agent of any trustee, warrant agent or unit agent will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to those beneficial ownership interests.

We expect that the depositary for any of the securities represented by a global security, upon receipt of any payment to holders of principal, premium, interest or other distribution of underlying securities or other property on that registered global security, will immediately credit participants’ accounts in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in that global security as shown on the records of the depositary. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a global security held through participants will be governed by standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of those participants.

If the depositary for any of the securities represented by a global security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and a successor depositary registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act is not appointed by us within 90 days, we will issue securities in definitive form in exchange for the global security that had been held by the depositary. Any securities issued in definitive form in exchange for a global security will be registered in the name or names that the depositary gives to the relevant trustee, warrant agent, unit agent or other relevant agent of ours or theirs. It is expected that the depositary’s instructions will be based upon directions received by the depositary from participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the global security that had been held by the depositary.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may sell the securities offered under this prospectus in any one or more of the following ways from time to time:

•

through underwriters;

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•

through agents;

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•

to dealers;

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•

directly to one or more purchasers;

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•

in “at the market” offerings, within the meaning of Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act, to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market on an exchange or otherwise;

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•

in block trades;

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•

through a combination of any of the above; and

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•

any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law.

​

In addition, we may issue the securities as a dividend or distribution or in a subscription rights offering to our existing security holders. This prospectus may be used in connection with any offering of our securities through any of these methods or other methods described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

We may directly solicit offers to purchase securities, or agents may be designated to solicit such offers. We will, in the prospectus supplement relating to such offering, name any agent that could be viewed as an underwriter under the Securities Act, and describe any commissions that we must pay. Any such agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment or, if indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, on a firm commitment basis.

The distribution of the securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions:

•

at a fixed price, or prices, which may be changed from time to time;

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•

at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;

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•

at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or

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•

at negotiated prices.

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Each prospectus supplement will describe the method of distribution of the securities and any applicable restrictions.

The prospectus supplement with respect to the securities of a particular series will describe the terms of the offering of the securities, including the following:

•

the name of the agent or any underwriters;

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•

the public offering or purchase price and the proceeds we will receive from the sale of the securities;

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•

any discounts and commissions to be allowed or re-allowed or paid to the agent or underwriters;

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all other items constituting underwriting compensation;

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•

any discounts and commissions to be allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers; and

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•

any exchanges on which the securities will be listed.

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If any underwriters or agents are utilized in the sale of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered, we will enter into an underwriting agreement or other agreement with them at the time of sale to them, and we will set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such offering the names of the underwriters or agents and the terms of the related agreement with them.

If a dealer is utilized in the sale of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered, we will sell such securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell such securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the time of resale.

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If we offer securities in a subscription rights offering to our existing security holders, we may enter into a standby underwriting agreement with dealers, acting as standby underwriters. We may pay the standby underwriters a commitment fee for the securities they commit to purchase on a standby basis. If we do not enter into a standby underwriting arrangement, we may retain a dealer-manager to manage a subscription rights offering for us.

Remarketing firms, agents, underwriters, dealers and other persons may be entitled under agreements which they may enter into with us to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.

If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize underwriters or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase securities from us pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on the date stated in the prospectus supplement. Each contract will be for an amount not less than, and the aggregate amount of securities sold pursuant to such contracts shall not be less nor more than, the respective amounts stated in the prospectus supplement. Institutions with whom the contracts, when authorized, may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and other institutions, but shall in all cases be subject to our approval. Delayed delivery contracts will not be subject to any conditions except that:

•

the purchase by an institution of the securities covered under that contract shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of the jurisdiction to which that institution is subject; and

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•

if the securities are also being sold to underwriters acting as principals for their own account, the underwriters shall have purchased such securities not sold for delayed delivery. The underwriters and other persons acting as our agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of delayed delivery contracts.

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Certain agents, underwriters and dealers, and their associates and affiliates may be customers of, have borrowing relationships with, engage in other transactions with, and/or perform services, including investment banking services, for us or one or more of our respective affiliates in the ordinary course of business.

In order to facilitate the offering of the securities, any underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the securities or any other securities the prices of which may be used to determine payments on such securities. Specifically, any underwriters may overallot in connection with the offering, creating a short position for their own accounts. In addition, to cover overallotments or to stabilize the price of the securities or of any such other securities, the underwriters may bid for, and purchase, the securities or any such other securities in the open market. Finally, in any offering of the securities through a syndicate of underwriters, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer for distributing the securities in the offering if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed securities in transactions to cover syndicate short positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities above independent market levels. Any such underwriters are not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time.

Pursuant to Rule 15c6-1 under the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in one business day, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. The applicable prospectus supplement may provide that the original issue date for your securities may be more than one scheduled business day after the trade date for your securities. Accordingly, in such a case, if you wish to trade securities on any date prior to the first business day before the original issue date for your securities, you will be required, by virtue of the fact that your securities initially are expected to settle in more than one scheduled business day after the trade date for your securities, to make alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement.

The securities may be new issues of securities and may have no established trading market. The securities may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange. We can make no assurance as to the liquidity of or the existence of trading markets for any of the securities.

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LEGAL MATTERS

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement indicates otherwise, the validity of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered will be passed upon by Daniel B. Kim, our Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Secretary. Mr. Kim is paid a salary by us, is a participant in various employee benefit plans and incentive plans offered by us and owns or has rights to acquire an aggregate of less than 0.01% of our common stock. If legal matters in connection with offerings made pursuant to this prospectus are passed upon by counsel for the underwriters, dealers or agents, if any, such counsel will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to such offering.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Fortive Corporation appearing in Fortive Corporation’s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2025, and the effectiveness of Fortive Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements and Fortive Corporation’s management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

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​

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FORTIVE CORPORATION

Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Debt Securities
Depositary Shares
Purchase Contracts
Purchase Units
Warrants
Subscription Rights

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PROSPECTUS

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July 20, 2026

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14.   Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

The following table sets forth the fees and expenses payable by us in connection with the sale of the offered securities being registered hereby, other than underwriting discounts and commissions.

​	SEC registration fee	​	​	​	$	(1)	​	​
​	Printing and engraving	​	​	​	​	​ (2)	​	​
​	Accounting services	​	​	​	​	​ (2)	​	​
​	Legal fees of registrant’s counsel	​	​	​	​	​ (2)	​	​
​	Transfer agent’s and depositary’s fees and expenses	​	​	​	​	​ (2)	​	​
​	Trustee’s fees and expenses	​	​	​	​	​ (2)	​	​
​	Miscellaneous	​	​	​	​	​ (2)	​	​
​	Total	​	​	​	$	​ (2)	​	​

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(1)

Deferred in reliance upon Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act.

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(2)

These fees and expenses are calculated based on the securities offered and the number of issuances and accordingly are not estimated at this time and will be reflected in the applicable prospectus supplement.

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Item 15.   Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) and Fortive’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation (“Certificate of Incorporation”) and amended and restated bylaws (“Bylaws”).

Section 145 of the DGCL provides, generally, that a corporation shall have the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (except actions by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation against all expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. A corporation may similarly indemnify such person for expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of any action or suit by or in the right of the corporation, provided that such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, in the case of claims, issues and matters as to which such person shall have been adjudged liable to the corporation, provided that a court shall have determined, upon application, that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all of the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which such court shall deem proper.

Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL provides, generally, that Fortive’s Certificate of Incorporation may contain a provision eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, provided that such provision may not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its shareholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under section 174 of the DGCL, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. No such provision may eliminate or limit the liability of a director for any act or omission occurring prior to the date when such provision became effective.

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Fortive’s Certificate of Incorporation requires the Company to indemnify to the full extent authorized or permitted by law any person made, or threatened to be made a party to any action or proceeding by reason of his or her service as a director or officer of the Company, or by reason of serving at the request of the Company as a director or officer of any other entity, subject to limited exceptions. Our Bylaws provide for similar indemnification rights. In addition, we have executed with each of our directors and executive officers an indemnification agreement which provides for substantially similar indemnification rights and under which we have agreed to pay expenses in advance of the final disposition of any such indemnifiable proceeding. Fortive’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws expressly authorize Fortive to carry directors’ and officers’ insurance, and while we maintain insurance for this type of liability, a significant deductible applies to this coverage and any such liability could exceed the amount of the insurance coverage.

Item 16.   Exhibits.

EXHIBIT INDEX

​	Exhibit No.	​	​	Description	​
​	1.1*	​	​	Form of Underwriting Agreement	​
​	4.1	​	​	Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Fortive Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Fortive Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 28, 2024 (Commission File No. 1-37654))	​
​	4.2	​	​	Amended and Restated Bylaws of Fortive Corporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to Fortive Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on November 8, 2022 (Commission File No. 1-37654))	​
​	4.3*	​	​	Specimen Stock Certificate evidencing the shares of common stock	​
​	4.4	​	​	Form of Senior Indenture	​
​	4.5	​	​	Form of Subordinated Indenture (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.5 to Fortive Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed on June 12, 2017 (Commission File Number: 333-218676))	​
​	4.6*	​	​	Form of Senior Note	​
​	4.7*	​	​	Form of Subordinated Note	​
​	4.8*	​	​	Form of Deposit Agreement	​
​	4.9*	​	​	Form of Warrant Agreement	​
​	4.10*	​	​	Form of Purchase Contract Agreement	​
​	4.11*	​	​	Form of Unit Agreement	​
​	4.12*	​	​	Form of Subscription Rights Agreement	​
​	5.1	​	​	Opinion of Daniel B. Kim, Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Secretary	​
​	23.1	​	​	Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm	​
​	23.2	​	​	Consent of Daniel B. Kim, Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Secretary (included in Exhibit 5.1)	​
​	24.1	​	​	Powers of Attorney (included in the signature pages to the Registration Statement)	​
​	25.1**	​	​	The Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of the Trustee under the Senior Indenture	​
​	25.2**	​	​	The Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of the Trustee under the Subordinated Indenture	​
​	107	​	​	Filing Fee Table	​

​

*

To be filed by amendment or as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference herein.

​

**

To be filed pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

​

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Item 17.   Undertakings.

(a)   The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

(1)   To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made of securities registered hereby, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(i)   to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

(ii)   to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and

(iii)   to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this registration statement or any material change to such information in this registration statement;

provided, however, that paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of this registration statement.

(2)   That, for the purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at the time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3)   To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4)   That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:

(i)   each prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

(ii)   each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii) or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or

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modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

(5)   That, for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of such undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, such undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i)   any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of such undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(ii)   any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of such undersigned Registrant or used or referred to by such undersigned Registrant;

(iii)   the portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about such undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of such undersigned Registrant; and

(iv)   any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by such undersigned Registrant to the purchaser.

(6)   That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act:

(i)   the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of the registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the time it was declared effective; and

(ii)   each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(b)   The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(c)   Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the indemnification provisions described herein, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

(d)   The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Everett, State of Washington, on July 20, 2026.

FORTIVE CORPORATION

By:

/s/ Olumide Soroye

​

​

Name:

Olumide Soroye

​

Title:

President and Chief Executive Officer

​

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SIGNATURES AND POWER OF ATTORNEY

We, the undersigned officers and directors of Fortive Corporation, hereby severally constitute and appoint Olumide Soroye, Peter Underwood and Daniel B. Kim, and each of them singly, our true and lawful attorneys with full power to any of them, and to each of them singly, to sign for us and in our names in the capacities indicated below the Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed herewith and any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to said Registration Statement, and any registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with said Registration Statement, and to file or cause to be filed the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and generally to do all such things in our names and on our behalf in our capacities as officers and directors to enable Fortive Corporation to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys, and each of them, or their substitute or substitutes, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

​	Signature	​	​	Title	​	​	Date	​
​	/s/ Olumide Soroye ​ Olumide Soroye	​	​	President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)	​	​	July 20, 2026	​
​	/s/ Mark Okerstrom ​ Mark Okerstrom	​	​	Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)	​	​	July 20, 2026	​
​	/s/ Christopher M. Mulhall ​ Christopher M. Mulhall	​	​	Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)	​	​	July 20, 2026	​
​	/s/ Sharmistha Dubey ​ Sharmistha Dubey	​	​	Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director	​	​	July 20, 2026	​
​	/s/ Daniel L. Comas ​ Daniel L. Comas	​	​	Director	​	​	July 20, 2026	​
​	/s/ Rejji P. Hayes ​ Rejji P. Hayes	​	​	Director	​	​	July 20, 2026	​
​	/s/ Wright Lassiter III ​ Wright Lassiter III	​	​	Director	​	​	July 20, 2026	​
​	/s/ Kate D. Mitchell ​ Kate D. Mitchell	​	​	Director	​	​	July 20, 2026	​
​	/s/ Gregory Moore, M.D., Ph.D ​ Gregory Moore, M.D., Ph.D.	​	​	Director	​	​	July 20, 2026	​
​	/s/ Jeannine P. Sargent ​ Jeannine P. Sargent	​	​	Director	​	​	July 20, 2026	​

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