AeroVironment, Inc. (AVAV) vs Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (KTOS)

AVAV leads on 6 of 11 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of AeroVironment, Inc. 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 — AVAV vs KTOS

growth of $100 · last 19y
AVAV +494.1%KTOS +104.9%AVAV compounded faster
05001k2kStart $1002011201520192023$594$205
AVAV KTOS

AVAV vs KTOS: by the numbers

  • KTOS is the larger company ($8.99B vs $7.10B market cap).
  • KTOS is profitable (2.08% net margin) while AVAV runs a net loss (-13.93%).
  • AVAV grew revenue faster over the past five years (32.50% vs 12.85% CAGR).

Which is better, AVAV or KTOS?

Metric tally: AVAV 6 · KTOS 5

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

GrowthAVAV(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityAVAV(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAVAVKTOS
P/E ratio281.40
Forward P/E35.37
P/S ratio4.316.08
P/B ratio1.622.52
PEG ratio32.78
EV / EBITDA40.9067.19

Profitability

MetricAVAVKTOS
Gross margin21.82%21.80%
Operating margin-6.10%2.04%
Net margin-13.93%2.08%
ROE-5.25%0.86%
ROIC4.17%0.83%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAVAVKTOS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)32.50%12.85%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-2.16%1.34%
FCF CAGR (5Y)21.25%-4.96%
Total return CAGR (5Y)4.55%11.81%

Frequently asked

Which is better, AVAV or KTOS?
It depends on your goal. growth: AVAV (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: AVAV (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, AVAV leads 6 to 5.
Which has grown faster, AVAV or KTOS?
Over the past five years, AVAV grew revenue faster — AVAV at a 32.50% CAGR versus KTOS at 12.85%.
Is AVAV or KTOS more profitable?
KTOS runs the higher net margin — AVAV at -13.93% versus KTOS at 2.08%.
Which has been the better investment, AVAV or KTOS?
Over the past 10-year, KTOS delivered the higher annualized total return — AVAV at 17.03% 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.