kratos defense stock — KTOS overview

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions — Stock (KTOS)

kratos defense stock appears throughout this guide to help investors, researchers, and beginners quickly find core public-market information about Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (ticker: KTOS). This page summarizes the company profile, listing and quote identifiers, market metrics, recent short-interest and analyst activity (with dates), business segments and growth drivers, important contracts and corporate milestones, ownership and trading activity, governance, financing events, and practical notes on how to trade KTOS. Content is factual and informational; it is not investment advice. Explore KTOS details below and use the cited primary sources to verify current numbers.

Company overview

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. is a U.S.-based technology and defense contractor that develops systems and components for national security and commercial customers. The company focuses on two primary operating areas: Kratos Government Solutions (KGS), which supplies mission-critical systems and engineering services to defense and national security customers, and Unmanned Systems (US), which develops unmanned aerial, ground, and seaborne platforms and supporting subsystems.

Core technology and solution areas include unmanned systems, propulsion and power systems, microwave and RF electronics, C5ISR (command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance), and systems integration. Kratos supports U.S. Department of Defense and allied partners as well as select commercial customers through manufacturing, prototype-to-production capabilities, and specialized R&D and engineering.

The corporate headquarters and founding information are presented in the company’s investor materials. Readers should consult Kratos investor relations for the canonical corporate history and filings.

Listing and ticker information

• Exchange: NASDAQ
• Ticker symbol: KTOS
• Primary trading hours: U.S. regular session (typically 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM ET)
• Quote delays: Public quotes from many data providers may show a short delay (usually a few seconds to minutes); real-time data is available through most brokerages and market-data services.
• Transfer agent and shareholder services: See Kratos investor relations or company filings for transfer agent contact details and procedures.

This basic listing information is the starting point for locating live quotes, historical prices, corporate filings, and official investor communications.

Market data and stock profile

Real-time and summary data

Typical data points shown for kratos defense stock on market screens include the current price per share, market capitalization, 52-week range, average daily trading volume, last trade time, bid/ask, and beta (volatility versus the market). For up-to-date quotes consult your brokerage or market-data provider; sample snapshot items are provided by financial news services.

As of 2026-01-28, Benzinga reported KTOS quotes in its market update and noted trader interest and recent analyst actions (see References and data sources).

Key valuation and multiples

Commonly reported valuation metrics for kratos defense stock include trailing P/E (if positive earnings), forward P/E (analyst consensus), price-to-sales and price-to-book ratios, and enterprise-value measures (EV/EBITDA). These ratios are updated by data providers and depend on the provider’s earnings and share-count assumptions; check multiple sources before forming a view.

Historical price highlights

Readers track multi-period performance for kratos defense stock using 1-day, 1-month, 3-month, year-to-date, 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year charts. Significant price moves often follow earnings releases, large contract awards, analyst initiations or changes, and macro or sector shifts in defense spending.

Financial performance

Note: Specific numeric financials (revenue, net income, margins) change quarter-to-quarter. For exact numbers refer to the company’s SEC filings and the latest earnings press release.

Revenue and profitability trends

Kratos historically reports revenue from contracts across its government and unmanned businesses. Revenue growth and margins depend on new awards, contract mix (fixed-price vs. cost-plus), program execution, and ramp timing from development to production. Profitability trends can show swings in gross margin, operating margin and net income depending on program costs, amortization and R&D investments.

Recent quarterly results

As a factual snapshot of market reporting activity, Benzinga noted analyst coverage and pricing context on 2026-01-28. Investors should review Kratos’ latest quarterly earnings release and investor presentation for the most recent revenue, organic growth rates, backlog/book-to-bill ratios, and management guidance. Quarterly disclosures typically include segment revenue breakdowns, notable contract contributions, and updated outlook.

Balance sheet and cash flow highlights

Key balance sheet items for kratos defense stock that investors track include cash and short-term investments, total debt and maturities, and shareholders’ equity. Free cash flow and operating cash flow trends are important for assessing the company’s ability to fund R&D, capital expenditures, and potential dividend or buyback activity. For authoritative figures consult the company’s balance sheet and cash-flow statements in the latest 10-Q or 10-K.

Business segments and growth drivers

Kratos Government Solutions (KGS)

KGS supplies systems engineering, mission systems integration, secure communications, and hardware subsystems to U.S. defense and national security accounts. Customers include various defense agencies and prime contractors; revenue from KGS is driven by awarded programs, task-order wins, and long-term service contracts.

Unmanned Systems (US)

The Unmanned Systems segment designs and manufactures unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), tactical drones, target and training systems, and related propulsion and control systems. Growth in this segment is propelled by demand for training targets, attritable/unmanned aircraft for force-multiplication, and export opportunities subject to approvals.

Strategic initiatives (hypersonics, manufacturing capacity, and integration)

Kratos has emphasized strategic projects such as hypersonic vehicle propulsion and payload integration, precision systems, and enhanced manufacturing capacity in recent corporate communications. Facilities and investments that advance hypersonic and propulsion capabilities can affect future revenue if programs transition from R&D to production. Check the company’s press releases and investor presentations for announced facilities and program milestones.

Major contracts, milestones and news affecting the stock

Material awards, contract announcements, and program milestones are frequent catalysts for kratos defense stock. Examples of stock-moving events typically include:

• Major DoD or defense agency contracts for unmanned systems or mission-support services.
• Prototype delivery milestones and successful test campaigns for propulsion or hypersonics programs.
• Manufacturing facility openings or capacity expansions that enable higher-volume production.
• Announced partnerships or selected supplier status on larger platform programs.

As of 2026-01-28, market coverage highlighted analyst initiations and short-interest dynamics that market participants used to gauge sentiment. For precise contract awards and dates, consult Kratos’ investor relations press releases and the company’s SEC filings.

Ownership and trading activity

Institutional ownership and major holders

Institutional investors typically own a meaningful share of kratos defense stock. Examples of sizable institutional holders that are often cited in equity-ownership summaries include asset managers and funds such as ARK Invest, Franklin Templeton, Geode Capital Management, and Invesco; actual holdings change frequently and should be verified via 13F filings or institutional holding screens.

Insider activity and share count

Insider trading activity (officer and director purchases/sales) and changes in shares outstanding are reported via SEC filings and company announcements. Notable insider buying or selling can attract market attention, but each transaction should be confirmed through official filings.

Volume and liquidity profile

Average daily trading volume and liquidity measures determine how easily shares of kratos defense stock can be bought or sold without moving the market. Short interest, days-to-cover, and average volume are useful liquidity gauges. As of 2026-01-28, Benzinga reported a short interest of 8.67 million shares, representing 5.25% of the regular shares available for trading (float), and estimated that based on trading volume it would take approximately 4.17 days to cover those short positions. Readers should confirm current short-interest reports from exchange data providers for the latest values.

Analyst coverage and price targets

Analyst coverage can influence short-term sentiment around kratos defense stock. On 2026-01-28, Benzinga reported that Piper Sandler analyst Clarke Jeffries initiated coverage on Kratos with a Neutral rating and a price target of $99; this initiation was reported alongside market quotes in Benzinga’s coverage. Investor reaction to initiations, upgrades, downgrades or price-target changes often affects intraday and short-term price moves.

Analyst consensus, when available, aggregates buy/hold/sell ratings and average price targets across the sell-side. Always cross-check analyst notes and the dates of their publications.

Risks and investment considerations

This section outlines general risk categories relevant to a defense technology contractor. It is neutral, factual, and not investment advice.

Business and execution risks

Kratos participates in complex defense programs that carry execution risk, including schedule slippage, technical integration challenges, and performance penalties. Reliance on a concentrated set of large contracts or prime customers can amplify revenue volatility if awards slow or programs are delayed.

Financial and valuation risks

Valuation metrics for kratos defense stock can be sensitive to earnings swings, backlog recognition, and one-time charges. High growth expectations embedded in market pricing may lead to volatility if revenue or margin outcomes disappoint. Debt levels and capital requirements for scaling manufacturing or R&D should be monitored.

Market and regulatory/geopolitical risks

As a defense contractor, Kratos is subject to government budgeting cycles, procurement processes, export controls and regulatory approvals. Changes in defense budgets or procurement priorities can affect contract flow. Export rules and foreign policy considerations can limit international sales.

Corporate governance and management

Kratos’ management and board of directors are described in proxy statements and investor presentations. Key executive leadership (CEO and senior management) and the board chair are responsible for corporate strategy, capital allocation, and oversight; investors commonly evaluate management track records in execution, contract wins, and capital stewardship.

Capital markets activity

Equity raises, convertible offerings, and debt issuance can affect kratos defense stock through dilution or changes in leverage. The company’s historical capital-market actions—including issuances for acquisitions, working-capital needs, or targeted investments in manufacturing—are documented in SEC filings and press releases. Share repurchase programs, if authorized, are typically announced via company communications.

How to trade KTOS

Retail and institutional investors find kratos defense stock under the ticker KTOS on NASDAQ during U.S. market hours. Common trading products include ordinary shares and listed equity options where available. For retail investors seeking to trade KTOS, Bitget provides brokerage and market access; check Bitget’s platform for live quotes and order execution availability. For Web3 wallet integration or related custody services, consider the Bitget Wallet when interacting with on‑chain functionality offered by Bitget (if applicable to your account setup).

Historical timeline of stock-related events

• Selected year — Company formation and initial growth in defense and systems engineering (see corporate filings).
• Multiple years — Expansion into unmanned systems with product introductions and technology demonstrations.
• Recent years — Facility investments and announced work in propulsion and hypersonics research and integration.
• 2025–2026 — Publicly reported short-interest updates, analyst coverage initiations, and periodic earnings releases that drove headline volatility.

(For exact dates, dollar values, and event descriptions consult Kratos investor relations press releases, earnings transcripts, and SEC filings.)

See also

• Defense and aerospace equities
• Unmanned aerial systems and defense suppliers
• Sector ETFs and defense industry indexes (review ETF holdings for exposure to Kratos and peers)

References and data sources

• As of 2026-01-28, Benzinga market news and data: short interest, share-count context, and analyst initiation coverage (Benzinga market roundup reports). Source cited for short-interest figures: Benzinga exchange-reported short-interest snapshot.
• Company investor relations, press releases and SEC filings (10-Q/10-K and earnings releases) — primary source for contracts, backlog, segment reporting, and capital-market events.
• Financial data providers and market pages (quote snapshots, valuation ratios, analyst coverage) — consult your brokerage or market-data provider for the latest real-time numbers.

Notes and disclaimers

This article is informational in nature and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation or an offer to buy or sell securities. Readers should consult up-to-date market data, the company’s SEC filings, and professional advisors before making any investment decision. All figures cited with dates reference the named data provider; verify current values as markets and company disclosures change.

Further exploration: to view the latest share price, short-interest updates, analyst notes and official company releases for kratos defense stock, go to your brokerage or the company’s investor relations pages. If you plan to trade KTOS, Bitget offers access to market quotes and trading services—check Bitget's platform for availability and account requirements.

Last updated: 2026-01-28 (data points cited from Benzinga and public company filings as of that date).