KBR (KBR) 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
VSE (VSEC) has outperformed KBR (KBR) over the past year, gaining 2.9% versus a loss of 27.6%. Over five years, VSEC leads with a +248.5% price change compared with -20.1% for KBR. VSE is the larger company by market cap ($4.70 billion vs $4.27 billion), about 1.1 times the size.
On valuation, KBR trades at a lower forward P/E (8.3x vs 20.2x for VSE). KBR offers the higher dividend yield (1.95% vs 0.24%). KBR converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 5.3% 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 | KBR | VSEC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $33.89 | $167.34 |
| Market cap | $4.27B | $4.70B |
| 1-day change | -2.08% | -0.68% |
| YTD return | -15.70% | -3.14% |
| 1-year return | -27.63% | +2.90% |
| 5-year return | -20.11% | +248.48% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 10.18 | 53.81 |
| Forward P/E | 8.34 | 20.22 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.33 | $3.11 |
| Dividend yield | 1.95% | 0.24% |
| Annual dividend | $0.66 | $0.40 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $7.79B | $1.11B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +0.99% | +41.46% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $415.00M | $11.70M |
| Gross margin | 14.77% | — |
| Operating margin | 9.99% | 8.06% |
| Net margin | 5.33% | 1.05% |
| 52-week high | $46.96 | $247.85 |
| 52-week low | $29.94 | $154.67 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -27.83% | -32.48% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +30.69% | +61.35% |
| Average volume | 1.47M | 394.19K |
| Shares outstanding | 126.07M | 28.06M |
| Employees | 37,000 | 1,600 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Military/Government/Technical | Aerospace & 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
- VSEC has outperformed KBR by 30.5 percentage points over the past year.
- VSE trades at a higher earnings multiple (53.8x vs 10.2x trailing P/E).
- KBR offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.95% vs 0.24%).
- VSE grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+41.46% vs +0.99%).
About KBR
KBR stock →KBR, Inc. provides scientific, technology, and engineering solutions to governments and commercial customers worldwide.
Industrials · Military/Government/Technical · 37,000 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.
Industrials · Aerospace & Defense · 1,600 employees
KBR vs VSEC FAQ
Which is bigger, KBR or VSE?
VSE (VSEC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $4.70B compared with $4.27B for KBR (KBR).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, KBR or VSEC?
VSEC returned +2.90% over the past 12 months, compared with -27.63% for KBR (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, KBR or VSEC?
KBR has the lower trailing P/E at 10.2, versus 53.8 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, KBR or VSE?
KBR has the higher yield at 1.95%, compared with 0.24% for VSE.
Are KBR and VSE in the same industry?
Both are in the Industrials sector, but in different industries: Military/Government/Technical for KBR and Aerospace & Defense for VSE.