MetaCap

Cadre (CDRE) vs Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (KTOS)

Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.

Summary

Cadre (CDRE) has outperformed Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (KTOS) over the past year, losing 33.6% versus a loss of 59.6%. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is the larger company by market cap ($7.87 billion vs $1.07 billion), about 7.4 times the size. On valuation, Cadre trades at a lower forward P/E (15.2x vs 38.0x for Kratos Defense & Security Solutions).

Cadre pays a dividend yielding 1.56%, while Kratos Defense & Security Solutions does not currently pay one.

Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology

Relative performance

CDRE-33.64%KTOS-59.55%
+30%-17%-64%
Oct 7, 20251 yearOct 7, 2026
CDRE+63.20%KTOS+87.48%
+512%+212%-87%
Nov 1, 20215 yearsOct 5, 2026

Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.

Head-to-head

CDRE versus KTOS key metrics
MetricCDREKTOS
Share price$24.97$41.94
Market cap$1.07B$7.87B
1-day change-2.08%-4.05%
YTD return-38.86%-44.75%
1-year return-33.64%-59.55%
5-year return—+86.57%
P/E ratio (TTM)30.83262.13
Forward P/E15.2138.02
EPS (TTM)$0.81$0.16
Dividend yield1.56%0.00%
Annual dividend$0.39$0.00
Revenue (latest FY)—$1.35B
Revenue growth (YoY)—+18.53%
Net income (latest FY)—$22.00M
Gross margin—22.86%
Operating margin—1.90%
Net margin—1.63%
52-week high$48.76$134.00
52-week low$24.42$40.93
Distance from 52-week high-48.79%-68.70%
Analyst consensusstrong_buystrong_buy
Avg. price target upside+90.23%+140.18%
Average volume408.06K3.85M
Shares outstanding42.82M187.72M
Employees2,5334,300
SectorIndustrialsIndustrials
IndustryAerospace & DefenseAerospace & Defense

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

  • Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is about 7.4 times larger than Cadre by market value ($7.87B vs $1.07B).
  • CDRE has outperformed KTOS by 25.9 percentage points over the past year.
  • Kratos Defense & Security Solutions trades at a higher earnings multiple (262.1x vs 30.8x trailing P/E).
  • Cadre offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.56% vs 0.00%).

About Cadre

CDRE stock →

Cadre Holdings, Inc. manufactures and distributes safety equipment and other related products that provides protection to users in hazardous or life-threatening situations in the United States and internationally.

Industrials · Aerospace & Defense · 2,533 employees

About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions

KTOS stock →

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., a technology company, provides technology, hardware, products, system, and software for the defense, national security, and commercial markets in the United States, other North America, the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, and Internationally. The company operates through Kratos Government Solutions and Unmanned Systems segments.

Industrials · Aerospace & Defense · 4,300 employees

CDRE vs KTOS FAQ

Which is bigger, Cadre or Kratos Defense & Security Solutions?

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (KTOS) is larger, with a market capitalization of $7.87B compared with $1.07B for Cadre (CDRE).

Which stock has performed better over the past year, CDRE or KTOS?

CDRE returned -33.64% over the past 12 months, compared with -59.55% for KTOS (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.

Which has the lower P/E ratio, CDRE or KTOS?

CDRE has the lower trailing P/E at 30.8, versus 262.1 for KTOS. 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, Cadre or Kratos Defense & Security Solutions?

Cadre pays a dividend yielding 1.56%, while Kratos Defense & Security Solutions does not currently pay a regular dividend.

Are Cadre and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions in the same industry?

Yes. Both are classified in the Aerospace & Defense industry within the Industrials sector.

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