A. O. Smith Corporation (AOS) vs Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (KTOS)

A side-by-side comparison of A. O. Smith Corporation and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 23, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAOS vs KTOS

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AOS +57.0% (+4.6%/yr)KTOS +668.4% (+22.6%/yr)KTOS compounded faster over this window
05001k2kStart $10020182020202220242026$157$768
AOS KTOS

AOS vs KTOS: by the numbers

  • KTOS is the larger company ($10.72B vs $8.74B market cap).
  • AOS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (17.57 vs 335.50 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • AOS converts more revenue to profit (13.15% vs 2.03% net margin).
  • KTOS grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.51% vs 3.37% CAGR).
  • AOS pays a dividend (2.28% yield), while KTOS has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAOSKTOS
P/E ratio17.57335.50
Forward P/E16.89N/A
P/S ratio2.307.14
P/B ratio4.743.17
EV / EBITDA12.1384.50
FCF yield7.32%N/A

Profitability

MetricAOSKTOS
Gross margin38.59%21.99%
Operating margin17.57%1.54%
Net margin13.15%2.03%
ROE27.16%0.90%
ROIC18.44%0.49%

Dividends

MetricAOSKTOS
Dividend yield2.28%N/A
Payout ratio37.31%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricAOSKTOS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.37%13.51%
EPS CAGR (5Y)12.52%-28.43%
FCF CAGR (5Y)4.38%-4.96%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-0.51%21.07%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AOS or KTOS?
AOS has the lower trailing P/E: AOS trades at 17.57 and KTOS at 335.50. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AOS or KTOS?
Over the past five years, KTOS grew revenue faster — AOS at a 3.37% CAGR versus KTOS at 13.51%.
Does AOS or KTOS pay a bigger dividend?
AOS pays a dividend (2.28% yield), while KTOS has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is AOS or KTOS more profitable?
AOS runs the higher net margin — AOS at 13.15% versus KTOS at 2.03%.
How have AOS and KTOS total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AOS delivered 4.74% and KTOS delivered 23.59% annualized total return. 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 August 23, 2026.