AECOM (ACM) vs VSE (VSEC)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 10, 2026.
Summary
VSE (VSEC) has outperformed AECOM (ACM) over the past year, gaining 9.1% versus a loss of 54.8%. Over five years, VSEC leads with a +261.6% price change compared with -6.4% for ACM. AECOM is the larger company by market cap ($7.63 billion vs $4.87 billion), about 1.6 times the size, while VSE is growing revenue faster (+41.5% vs +0.2%).
On valuation, AECOM trades at a lower forward P/E (9.3x vs 21.0x for VSE). AECOM offers the higher dividend yield (2.01% vs 0.23%). AECOM converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 3.5% versus 1.1%.
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 | ACM | VSEC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $59.28 | $173.63 |
| Market cap | $7.63B | $4.87B |
| 1-day change | -0.30% | +2.15% |
| YTD return | -37.82% | +0.50% |
| 1-year return | -54.85% | +9.13% |
| 5-year return | -6.36% | +261.58% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 20.87 | 55.47 |
| Forward P/E | 9.30 | 20.97 |
| EPS (TTM) | $2.84 | $3.13 |
| Dividend yield | 2.01% | 0.23% |
| Annual dividend | $1.19 | $0.40 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $16.14B | $1.11B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +0.21% | +41.46% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $561.77M | $11.70M |
| Gross margin | 7.54% | — |
| Operating margin | 6.36% | 8.06% |
| Net margin | 3.48% | 1.05% |
| 52-week high | $135.52 | $247.85 |
| 52-week low | $56.39 | $154.76 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -56.26% | -29.95% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +45.21% | +55.50% |
| Average volume | 1.93M | 401.48K |
| Shares outstanding | 128.70M | 28.06M |
| Employees | 51,000 | 1,600 |
| Sector | Consumer Discretionary | Consumer Discretionary |
| Industry | Military/Government/Technical | Military/Government/Technical |
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
- VSEC has outperformed ACM by 64.0 percentage points over the past year.
- VSE trades at a higher earnings multiple (55.5x vs 20.9x trailing P/E).
- AECOM offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.01% vs 0.23%).
- VSE grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+41.46% vs +0.21%).
About AECOM
ACM stock →AECOM, together with its subsidiaries, provides professional infrastructure consulting services for governments, businesses, and organizations internationally. The company operates in three segments: Americas, International, and AECOM Capital.
Consumer Discretionary · Military/Government/Technical · 51,000 employees
About VSE
VSEC stock →VSE Corporation engages in providing aviation aftermarket parts distribution and maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for air transportation assets for commercial and government markets. It offers its services to global client base of commercial airlines, regional airlines, air cargo transporters, MRO integrators and providers, aviation manufacturers, corporate and private aircraft owners, and fixed-base operators.
Consumer Discretionary · Military/Government/Technical · 1,600 employees
ACM vs VSEC FAQ
Which is bigger, AECOM or VSE?
AECOM (ACM) is larger, with a market capitalization of $7.63B compared with $4.87B for VSE (VSEC).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, ACM or VSEC?
VSEC returned +9.13% over the past 12 months, compared with -54.85% for ACM (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, ACM or VSEC?
ACM has the lower trailing P/E at 20.9, versus 55.5 for VSEC. 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, AECOM or VSE?
AECOM has the higher yield at 2.01%, compared with 0.23% for VSE.
Are AECOM and VSE in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Military/Government/Technical industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.