Astronics (ATRO) vs VSE (VSEC)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Astronics (ATRO) has outperformed VSE (VSEC) over the past year, gaining 69.2% versus a gain of 2.9%. Over five years, ATRO leads with a +473.1% price change compared with +248.5% for VSEC. VSE is the larger company by market cap ($4.72 billion vs $2.79 billion), about 1.7 times the size.
On valuation, VSE trades at a lower forward P/E (20.3x vs 20.6x for Astronics). VSE pays a dividend yielding 0.24%, while Astronics does not currently pay one. Astronics converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 3.4% 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 | ATRO | VSEC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $64.86 | $168.18 |
| Market cap | $2.79B | $4.72B |
| 1-day change | +0.36% | +0.50% |
| YTD return | +49.30% | -3.14% |
| 1-year return | +69.17% | +2.90% |
| 5-year return | +473.12% | +248.48% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 35.44 | 53.73 |
| Forward P/E | 20.61 | 20.32 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.83 | $3.13 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.24% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $0.40 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $862.13M | $1.11B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +8.39% | +41.46% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $29.36M | $11.70M |
| Gross margin | 29.94% | — |
| Operating margin | 8.86% | 8.06% |
| Net margin | 3.41% | 1.05% |
| 52-week high | $94.46 | $247.85 |
| 52-week low | $33.12 | $154.67 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -31.34% | -32.14% |
| Analyst consensus | none | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +54.95% | +60.54% |
| Average volume | 603.44K | 397.28K |
| Shares outstanding | 36.11M | 28.06M |
| Employees | 2,700 | 1,600 |
| Sector | Industrials | 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
- ATRO has outperformed VSEC by 66.3 percentage points over the past year.
- VSE trades at a higher earnings multiple (53.7x vs 35.4x trailing P/E).
- VSE grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+41.46% vs +8.39%).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: Astronics in Industrials and VSE in Consumer Discretionary.
About Astronics
ATRO stock →Astronics Corporation, through its subsidiaries, designs and manufactures products for the aerospace, defense, and electronics industries in the United States, rest of North America, Asia, Europe, South America, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Aerospace and Test Systems.
Industrials · Military/Government/Technical · 2,700 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
ATRO vs VSEC FAQ
Which is bigger, Astronics or VSE?
VSE (VSEC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $4.72B compared with $2.79B for Astronics (ATRO).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, ATRO or VSEC?
ATRO returned +69.17% over the past 12 months, compared with +2.90% for VSEC (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, ATRO or VSEC?
ATRO has the lower trailing P/E at 35.4, versus 53.7 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, Astronics or VSE?
VSE pays a dividend yielding 0.24%, while Astronics does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Astronics and VSE in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Military/Government/Technical industry within the Industrials sector.