Axcelis Technologies (ACLS) vs ESAB (ESAB)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Axcelis Technologies (ACLS) has outperformed ESAB (ESAB) over the past year, gaining 65.4% versus a loss of 42.8%. Axcelis Technologies is the larger company by market cap ($4.27 billion vs $4.17 billion), about 1.0 times the size, while ESAB is growing revenue faster (+3.7% vs -17.6%). On valuation, ESAB trades at a lower forward P/E (10.4x vs 26.3x for Axcelis Technologies).
ESAB pays a dividend yielding 0.63%, while Axcelis Technologies does not currently pay one. Axcelis Technologies converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 14.3% versus 8.0%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | ACLS | ESAB |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $138.40 | $67.12 |
| Market cap | $4.27B | $4.17B |
| 1-day change | -1.95% | -6.56% |
| YTD return | +72.27% | -39.92% |
| 1-year return | +65.43% | -42.83% |
| 5-year return | +180.33% | — |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 47.40 | 22.37 |
| Forward P/E | 26.27 | 10.35 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.92 | $3.00 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.63% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $0.42 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $839.05M | $2.84B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -17.57% | +3.71% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $120.24M | $226.77M |
| Gross margin | 44.91% | 36.88% |
| Operating margin | 14.22% | 14.50% |
| Net margin | 14.33% | 7.98% |
| 52-week high | $193.78 | $137.42 |
| 52-week low | $73.60 | $64.83 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -28.58% | -51.16% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +16.33% | +89.08% |
| Average volume | 370.77K | 816.80K |
| Shares outstanding | 30.88M | 62.14M |
| Employees | 1,465 | 10,300 |
| Sector | Technology | Industrials |
| Industry | Industrial Machinery/Components | Industrial Machinery/Components |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- ACLS has outperformed ESAB by 108.3 percentage points over the past year.
- Axcelis Technologies trades at a higher earnings multiple (47.4x vs 22.4x trailing P/E).
- Axcelis Technologies is more profitable, keeping 14.3 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 8.0 cents for ESAB.
- ESAB grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+3.71% vs -17.57%).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: Axcelis Technologies in Technology and ESAB in Industrials.
About Axcelis Technologies
ACLS stock →Axcelis Technologies, Inc. designs, manufactures, and services ion implantation and other processing equipment used in the fabrication of semiconductor chips in the United States, Europe, and the Asia Pacific.
Technology · Industrial Machinery/Components · 1,465 employees
About ESAB
ESAB stock →ESAB Corporation engages in the formulation, development, manufacture, and supply of consumable products and equipment for use in cutting, joining, automated welding, and gas control equipment. It offers its products through independent distributors and direct salespeople.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 10,300 employees
ACLS vs ESAB FAQ
Which is bigger, Axcelis Technologies or ESAB?
Axcelis Technologies (ACLS) is larger, with a market capitalization of $4.27B compared with $4.17B for ESAB (ESAB).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, ACLS or ESAB?
ACLS returned +65.43% over the past 12 months, compared with -42.83% for ESAB (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, ACLS or ESAB?
ESAB has the lower trailing P/E at 22.4, versus 47.4 for ACLS. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Axcelis Technologies or ESAB?
ESAB pays a dividend yielding 0.63%, while Axcelis Technologies does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Axcelis Technologies and ESAB in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Machinery/Components industry within the Technology sector.