Karman (KRMN) 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 Karman (KRMN) over the past year, gaining 2.9% versus a loss of 58.3%. VSE is the larger company by market cap ($4.70 billion vs $4.16 billion), about 1.1 times the size. On valuation, VSE trades at a lower forward P/E (20.2x vs 32.7x for Karman).
VSE pays a dividend yielding 0.24%, while Karman does not currently pay one. Karman converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 3.7% 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 | KRMN | VSEC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $31.39 | $167.34 |
| Market cap | $4.16B | $4.70B |
| 1-day change | -5.71% | -0.68% |
| YTD return | -57.10% | -3.14% |
| 1-year return | -58.26% | +2.90% |
| 5-year return | — | +248.48% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 112.11 | 53.46 |
| Forward P/E | 32.75 | 20.22 |
| EPS (TTM) | $0.28 | $3.13 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.24% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $0.40 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $471.50M | $1.11B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +36.57% | +41.46% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $17.37M | $11.70M |
| Gross margin | 40.30% | — |
| Operating margin | 15.47% | 8.06% |
| Net margin | 3.68% | 1.05% |
| 52-week high | $118.38 | $247.85 |
| 52-week low | $30.97 | $154.67 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -73.48% | -32.48% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +180.98% | +61.35% |
| Average volume | 3.48M | 394.19K |
| Shares outstanding | 132.53M | 28.06M |
| Employees | 1,400 | 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
- VSEC has outperformed KRMN by 61.2 percentage points over the past year.
- Karman trades at a higher earnings multiple (112.1x vs 53.5x trailing P/E).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: Karman in Industrials and VSE in Consumer Discretionary.
About Karman
KRMN stock →Karman Holdings Inc., through its subsidiary, engages in designing, testing, manufacturing, and sale of mission-critical systems in the United States. The company offers payload protection and deployment systems, aerodynamic interstage systems, and propulsion systems.
Industrials · Military/Government/Technical · 1,400 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
KRMN vs VSEC FAQ
Which is bigger, Karman or VSE?
VSE (VSEC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $4.70B compared with $4.16B for Karman (KRMN).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, KRMN or VSEC?
VSEC returned +2.90% over the past 12 months, compared with -58.26% for KRMN (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, KRMN or VSEC?
VSEC has the lower trailing P/E at 53.5, versus 112.1 for KRMN. 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, Karman or VSE?
VSE pays a dividend yielding 0.24%, while Karman does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Karman and VSE in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Military/Government/Technical industry within the Industrials sector.