Gilat Satellite Networks (GILT) Competitors

Applied Optoelectronics (NASDAQ:AAOI) and Gilat Satellite Networks (NASDAQ:GILT) are both small-cap computer and technology companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, profitability, analyst recommendations, dividends, media sentiment, risk, valuation and institutional ownership.

Do analysts rate AAOI or GILT?

Applied Optoelectronics currently has a consensus target price of $24.80, indicating a potential downside of 5.88%. Gilat Satellite Networks has a consensus target price of $8.50, indicating a potential upside of 4.94%. Given Gilat Satellite Networks' stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Gilat Satellite Networks is more favorable than Applied Optoelectronics.

Company	Sell Ratings	Hold Ratings	Buy Ratings	Strong Buy Ratings	Rating Score
Applied Optoelectronics	0 Sell rating(s)	3 Hold rating(s)	3 Buy rating(s)	0 Strong Buy rating(s)	2.50
Gilat Satellite Networks	0 Sell rating(s)	0 Hold rating(s)	2 Buy rating(s)	0 Strong Buy rating(s)	3.00

Which has more volatility and risk, AAOI or GILT?

Applied Optoelectronics has a beta of 2.78, indicating that its stock price is 178% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Gilat Satellite Networks has a beta of 0.4, indicating that its stock price is 60% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Which has better earnings and valuation, AAOI or GILT?

Gilat Satellite Networks has higher revenue and earnings than Applied Optoelectronics. Applied Optoelectronics is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Gilat Satellite Networks, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Company	Gross Revenue	Price/Sales Ratio	Net Income	Earnings Per Share	Price/Earnings Ratio
Applied Optoelectronics	$249.37M	5.87	-$186.73M	-$3.86	-6.83
Gilat Satellite Networks	$305.45M	1.52	$24.85M	$0.24	33.75

Do institutionals and insiders believe in AAOI or GILT?

61.7% of Applied Optoelectronics shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 35.7% of Gilat Satellite Networks shares are owned by institutional investors. 4.5% of Applied Optoelectronics shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 1.1% of Gilat Satellite Networks shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Does the media favor AAOI or GILT?

In the previous week, Applied Optoelectronics had 3 more articles in the media than Gilat Satellite Networks. MarketBeat recorded 8 mentions for Applied Optoelectronics and 5 mentions for Gilat Satellite Networks. Applied Optoelectronics' average media sentiment score of 0.50 beat Gilat Satellite Networks' score of -0.13 indicating that Applied Optoelectronics is being referred to more favorably in the media.

Company	Very Positive	Positive	Neutral	Negative	Very Negative	Overall Sentiment
Applied Optoelectronics	3 Very Positive mention(s)	2 Positive mention(s)	2 Neutral mention(s)	0 Negative mention(s)	0 Very Negative mention(s)	Positive
Gilat Satellite Networks	0 Very Positive mention(s)	0 Positive mention(s)	5 Neutral mention(s)	0 Negative mention(s)	0 Very Negative mention(s)	Neutral

Is AAOI or GILT more profitable?

Gilat Satellite Networks has a net margin of 4.32% compared to Applied Optoelectronics' net margin of -55.98%. Gilat Satellite Networks' return on equity of 8.16% beat Applied Optoelectronics' return on equity.

Company	Net Margins	Return on Equity	Return on Assets
Applied Optoelectronics	-55.98%	-15.40%	-7.40%
Gilat Satellite Networks	4.32%	8.16%	5.16%

Summary

Gilat Satellite Networks beats Applied Optoelectronics on 9 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks.