Barrett Business Services, Inc. (BBSI) vs Kforce Inc. (KFRC)

A side-by-side comparison of Barrett Business Services, Inc. and Kforce Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — BBSI vs KFRC

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
BBSI +187.5% (+11.1%/yr)KFRC +225.1% (+12.5%/yr)KFRC compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$288$325
BBSI KFRC

BBSI vs KFRC: by the numbers

  • •KFRC is the larger company ($915M vs $767M market cap).
  • •BBSI trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (22.96 vs 24.11 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •BBSI grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.78% vs -1.99% CAGR).
  • •KFRC pays the higher dividend yield (3.07% vs 1.02%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricBBSIKFRC
P/E ratio22.9624.11
Forward P/E23.3420.13
PEG ratio1.68N/A
P/S ratio0.610.68
P/B ratio3.767.40
EV / EBITDA12.5417.40
FCF yield2.02%2.46%

Profitability

MetricBBSIKFRC
Gross margin19.81%27.48%
Operating margin4.13%4.04%
Net margin2.77%2.71%
ROE17.22%29.51%
ROIC9.99%13.34%

Dividends

MetricBBSIKFRC
Dividend yield1.02%3.07%
Payout ratio23.53%75.00%

Growth (annualized)

MetricBBSIKFRC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.78%-1.99%
EPS CAGR (5Y)13.72%-6.00%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A-25.93%
Total return CAGR (5Y)10.71%-1.32%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, BBSI or KFRC?
BBSI has the lower trailing P/E: BBSI trades at 22.96 and KFRC at 24.11. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, BBSI or KFRC?
Over the past five years, BBSI grew revenue faster — BBSI at a 6.78% CAGR versus KFRC at -1.99%.
Does BBSI or KFRC pay a bigger dividend?
BBSI yields 1.02% and KFRC yields 3.07% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
How have BBSI and KFRC total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, BBSI delivered 11.18% and KFRC delivered 12.49% 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 October 6, 2026.