Loar (LOAR) 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 Loar (LOAR) over the past year, gaining 2.9% versus a loss of 20.8%. Loar is the larger company by market cap ($5.69 billion vs $4.68 billion), about 1.2 times the size, while VSE is growing revenue faster (+41.5% vs +23.2%). On valuation, VSE trades at a lower forward P/E (20.2x vs 37.6x for Loar).
VSE pays a dividend yielding 0.24%, while Loar does not currently pay one. Loar converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 14.5% 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 | LOAR | VSEC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $60.74 | $166.79 |
| Market cap | $5.69B | $4.68B |
| 1-day change | -0.43% | -0.33% |
| YTD return | -10.29% | -3.14% |
| 1-year return | -20.76% | +2.90% |
| 5-year return | — | +248.48% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 85.55 | 53.29 |
| Forward P/E | 37.63 | 20.15 |
| EPS (TTM) | $0.71 | $3.13 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.24% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $0.40 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $496.28M | $1.11B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +23.20% | +41.46% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $72.15M | $11.70M |
| Gross margin | 52.66% | — |
| Operating margin | 21.41% | 8.06% |
| Net margin | 14.54% | 1.05% |
| 52-week high | $83.43 | $247.85 |
| 52-week low | $53.15 | $154.67 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -27.20% | -32.71% |
| Analyst consensus | none | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +47.84% | +61.88% |
| Average volume | 654.61K | 397.28K |
| Shares outstanding | 93.69M | 28.06M |
| Employees | 1,700 | 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 LOAR by 23.7 percentage points over the past year.
- Loar trades at a higher earnings multiple (85.5x vs 53.3x trailing P/E).
- Loar is more profitable, keeping 14.5 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 1.1 cents for VSE.
- VSE grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+41.46% vs +23.20%).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: Loar in Industrials and VSE in Consumer Discretionary.
About Loar
LOAR stock →Loar Holdings Inc., through its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and sells aerospace and defense components for aircraft, and aerospace and defense systems in the United States and internationally. It offers airframe components, structural components, avionics, composites, braking system components, de-ice and ice protection, electro-mechanical, engineered materials, flight controls, fluid and motion controls, environmental, metal forming, molded components, and restraints and safety devices.
Industrials · Military/Government/Technical · 1,700 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
LOAR vs VSEC FAQ
Which is bigger, Loar or VSE?
Loar (LOAR) is larger, with a market capitalization of $5.69B compared with $4.68B for VSE (VSEC).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, LOAR or VSEC?
VSEC returned +2.90% over the past 12 months, compared with -20.76% for LOAR (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, LOAR or VSEC?
VSEC has the lower trailing P/E at 53.3, versus 85.5 for LOAR. 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, Loar or VSE?
VSE pays a dividend yielding 0.24%, while Loar does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Loar and VSE in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Military/Government/Technical industry within the Industrials sector.