MetaCap

Ducommun (DCO) 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

Ducommun (DCO) has outperformed VSE (VSEC) over the past year, gaining 71.8% versus a gain of 2.9%. Over five years, VSEC leads with a +248.5% price change compared with +236.2% for DCO. VSE is the larger company by market cap ($4.70 billion vs $2.50 billion), about 1.9 times the size.

On valuation, VSE trades at a lower forward P/E (20.2x vs 30.9x for Ducommun). VSE pays a dividend yielding 0.24%, while Ducommun does not currently pay one. VSE converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 1.1% versus -4.5%.

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

Relative performance

DCO+71.84%VSEC+2.90%
+121%+52%-17%
Oct 7, 20251 yearOct 7, 2026
DCO+223.49%VSEC+245.82%
+421%+185%-51%
Oct 4, 20215 yearsOct 5, 2026

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

Head-to-head

DCO versus VSEC key metrics
MetricDCOVSEC
Share price$165.69$167.34
Market cap$2.50B$4.70B
1-day change-5.50%-0.68%
YTD return+74.17%-3.14%
1-year return+71.84%+2.90%
5-year return+236.15%+248.48%
P/E ratio (TTM)—53.81
Forward P/E30.9020.22
EPS (TTM)$-1.75$3.11
Dividend yield0.00%0.24%
Annual dividend$0.00$0.40
Revenue (latest FY)$824.84M$1.11B
Revenue growth (YoY)+4.88%+41.46%
Net income (latest FY)$-37.35M$11.70M
Gross margin26.87%—
Operating margin-4.33%8.06%
Net margin-4.53%1.05%
52-week high$210.39$247.85
52-week low$84.76$154.67
Distance from 52-week high-21.25%-32.48%
Analyst consensusnonestrong_buy
Avg. price target upside+27.95%+61.35%
Average volume249.29K394.19K
Shares outstanding15.10M28.06M
Employees2,1301,600
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

  • DCO has outperformed VSEC by 68.9 percentage points over the past year.
  • VSE is more profitable, keeping 1.1 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -4.5 cents for Ducommun.
  • VSE grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+41.46% vs +4.88%).

About Ducommun

DCO stock →

Ducommun Incorporated provides engineering and manufacturing services for products and applications used in the aerospace and defense, industrial, medical, and other industries in the United States. It operates through two segments, Electronic Systems and Structural Systems.

Industrials · Aerospace & Defense · 2,130 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.

Industrials · Aerospace & Defense · 1,600 employees

DCO vs VSEC FAQ

Which is bigger, Ducommun or VSE?

VSE (VSEC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $4.70B compared with $2.50B for Ducommun (DCO).

Which stock has performed better over the past year, DCO or VSEC?

DCO returned +71.84% over the past 12 months, compared with +2.90% for VSEC (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.

Which pays a higher dividend, Ducommun or VSE?

VSE pays a dividend yielding 0.24%, while Ducommun does not currently pay a regular dividend.

Are Ducommun and VSE in the same industry?

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

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