Aecom (ACM) vs Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (KTOS)

ACM leads on 9 of 14 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Aecom and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 24, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — ACM vs KTOS

growth of $100 · last 19y
ACM +227.3%KTOS +240.6%KTOS compounded faster
0200400600800Start $1002011201520192023$327$341
ACM KTOS

ACM vs KTOS: by the numbers

  • KTOS is the larger company ($8.99B vs $8.88B market cap).
  • ACM trades at the lower earnings multiple (16.60 vs 281.40 P/E).
  • ACM converts more revenue to profit (3.16% vs 2.08% net margin).
  • KTOS grew revenue faster over the past five years (12.85% vs 3.69% CAGR).
  • ACM pays a dividend (1.65% yield) while KTOS does not currently pay one.

Which is better, ACM or KTOS?

Metric tally: ACM 9 · KTOS 5

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueACM(lower P/E)
GrowthKTOS(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityACM(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricACMKTOS
P/E ratio16.60281.40
Forward P/E11.54
P/S ratio0.566.08
P/B ratio3.932.52
PEG ratio0.7232.78
EV / EBITDA8.9967.19
FCF yield4.60%

Profitability

MetricACMKTOS
Gross margin7.73%21.80%
Operating margin6.38%2.04%
Net margin3.16%2.08%
ROE22.27%0.86%
ROIC12.33%0.83%

Dividends

MetricACMKTOS
Dividend yield1.65%
Payout ratio26.89%

Growth (annualized)

MetricACMKTOS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.69%12.85%
EPS CAGR (5Y)25.59%1.34%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-11.26%-4.96%
Total return CAGR (5Y)3.11%11.81%

Frequently asked

Which is better, ACM or KTOS?
It depends on your goal. value: ACM (lower P/E); growth: KTOS (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: ACM (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, ACM leads 9 to 5.
Is ACM or KTOS cheaper?
On trailing earnings, ACM is cheaper: ACM trades at a 16.60 P/E and KTOS at 281.40.
Which has grown faster, ACM or KTOS?
Over the past five years, KTOS grew revenue faster — ACM at a 3.69% CAGR versus KTOS at 12.85%.
Does ACM or KTOS pay a bigger dividend?
ACM pays a dividend (1.65% yield) while KTOS does not currently pay one.
Is ACM or KTOS more profitable?
ACM runs the higher net margin — ACM at 3.16% versus KTOS at 2.08%.
Which has been the better investment, ACM or KTOS?
Over the past 10-year, KTOS delivered the higher annualized total return — ACM at 7.82% versus KTOS at 28.26%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 24, 2026.