Axcelis Technologies (ACLS) vs Kadant (KAI)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 20, 2026.
Summary
Axcelis Technologies (ACLS) has outperformed Kadant (KAI) over the past year, gaining 32.6% versus a loss of 12.8%. Over five years, ACLS leads with a +102.5% price change compared with +18.8% for KAI. Axcelis Technologies is the larger company by market cap ($3.49 billion vs $3.13 billion), about 1.1 times the size, while Kadant is growing revenue faster (-0.1% vs -17.6%).
On valuation, Kadant trades at a lower forward P/E (19.6x vs 21.4x for Axcelis Technologies). Kadant pays a dividend yielding 0.53%, 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 9.7%.
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 | KAI |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $112.93 | $264.81 |
| Market cap | $3.49B | $3.13B |
| 1-day change | +1.55% | +0.39% |
| YTD return | +38.42% | -7.46% |
| 1-year return | +32.58% | -12.81% |
| 5-year return | +102.46% | +18.75% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 37.90 | 28.47 |
| Forward P/E | 21.44 | 19.60 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.98 | $9.30 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.53% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $1.40 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $839.05M | $1.05B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -17.57% | -0.11% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $120.24M | $101.97M |
| Gross margin | 44.91% | 45.21% |
| Operating margin | 14.22% | 14.95% |
| Net margin | 14.33% | 9.69% |
| 52-week high | $193.78 | $354.07 |
| 52-week low | $73.60 | $244.87 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -41.72% | -25.21% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | none |
| Avg. price target upside | +42.57% | +36.58% |
| Average volume | 351.00K | 142.80K |
| Shares outstanding | 30.88M | 11.81M |
| Employees | 1,465 | 4,000 |
| 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 KAI by 45.4 percentage points over the past year.
- Axcelis Technologies trades at a higher earnings multiple (37.9x vs 28.5x trailing P/E).
- Kadant grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (-0.11% vs -17.57%).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: Axcelis Technologies in Technology and Kadant 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 Kadant
KAI stock →Kadant Inc. supplies technologies and engineered systems worldwide.
Industrials · Industrial Machinery/Components · 4,000 employees
ACLS vs KAI FAQ
Which is bigger, Axcelis Technologies or Kadant?
Axcelis Technologies (ACLS) is larger, with a market capitalization of $3.49B compared with $3.13B for Kadant (KAI).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, ACLS or KAI?
ACLS returned +32.58% over the past 12 months, compared with -12.81% for KAI (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, ACLS or KAI?
KAI has the lower trailing P/E at 28.5, versus 37.9 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 Kadant?
Kadant pays a dividend yielding 0.53%, while Axcelis Technologies does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Axcelis Technologies and Kadant in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Industrial Machinery/Components industry within the Technology sector.