Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (KTOS) 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 Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (KTOS) over the past year, gaining 2.9% versus a loss of 59.6%. Over five years, VSEC leads with a +248.5% price change compared with +86.6% for KTOS. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is the larger company by market cap ($7.87 billion vs $4.70 billion), about 1.7 times the size, while VSE is growing revenue faster (+41.5% vs +18.5%).
On valuation, VSE trades at a lower forward P/E (20.2x vs 38.0x for Kratos Defense & Security Solutions). VSE pays a dividend yielding 0.24%, while Kratos Defense & Security Solutions does not currently pay one. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 1.6% 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 | KTOS | VSEC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $41.94 | $167.34 |
| Market cap | $7.87B | $4.70B |
| 1-day change | -4.05% | -0.68% |
| YTD return | -44.75% | -3.14% |
| 1-year return | -59.55% | +2.90% |
| 5-year return | +86.57% | +248.48% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 246.71 | 53.81 |
| Forward P/E | 38.02 | 20.22 |
| EPS (TTM) | $0.17 | $3.11 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.24% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $0.40 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $1.35B | $1.11B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +18.53% | +41.46% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $22.00M | $11.70M |
| Gross margin | 22.86% | — |
| Operating margin | 1.90% | 8.06% |
| Net margin | 1.63% | 1.05% |
| 52-week high | $134.00 | $247.85 |
| 52-week low | $40.93 | $154.67 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -68.70% | -32.48% |
| Analyst consensus | strong_buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +140.18% | +61.35% |
| Average volume | 3.85M | 394.19K |
| Shares outstanding | 187.72M | 28.06M |
| Employees | 4,300 | 1,600 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Aerospace & Defense | 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 KTOS by 62.4 percentage points over the past year.
- Kratos Defense & Security Solutions trades at a higher earnings multiple (246.7x vs 53.8x trailing P/E).
- VSE grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+41.46% vs +18.53%).
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
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
KTOS vs VSEC FAQ
Which is bigger, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions or VSE?
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (KTOS) is larger, with a market capitalization of $7.87B compared with $4.70B for VSE (VSEC).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, KTOS or VSEC?
VSEC returned +2.90% 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, KTOS or VSEC?
VSEC has the lower trailing P/E at 53.8, versus 246.7 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, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions or VSE?
VSE pays a dividend yielding 0.24%, while Kratos Defense & Security Solutions does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Kratos Defense & Security Solutions and VSE in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Aerospace & Defense industry within the Industrials sector.