Gilat Satellite Networks (GILT) Competitors

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

Is GILT or AAOI 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
Gilat Satellite Networks	4.32%	8.16%	5.16%
Applied Optoelectronics	-55.98%	-15.40%	-7.40%

Do analysts prefer GILT or AAOI?

Gilat Satellite Networks currently has a consensus target price of $8.50, indicating a potential upside of 12.88%. Applied Optoelectronics has a consensus target price of $24.80, indicating a potential downside of 12.21%. Given Gilat Satellite Networks' stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities analysts plainly believe Gilat Satellite Networks is more favorable than Applied Optoelectronics.

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

Does the media refer more to GILT or AAOI?

In the previous week, Applied Optoelectronics had 4 more articles in the media than Gilat Satellite Networks. MarketBeat recorded 8 mentions for Applied Optoelectronics and 4 mentions for Gilat Satellite Networks. Gilat Satellite Networks' average media sentiment score of 0.68 beat Applied Optoelectronics' score of 0.60 indicating that Gilat Satellite Networks is being referred to more favorably in the media.

Company	Very Positive	Positive	Neutral	Negative	Very Negative	Overall Sentiment
Gilat Satellite Networks	1 Very Positive mention(s)	1 Positive mention(s)	1 Neutral mention(s)	0 Negative mention(s)	0 Very Negative mention(s)	Positive
Applied Optoelectronics	2 Very Positive mention(s)	1 Positive mention(s)	3 Neutral mention(s)	0 Negative mention(s)	0 Very Negative mention(s)	Positive

Do insiders and institutionals hold more shares of GILT or AAOI?

35.7% of Gilat Satellite Networks shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 61.7% of Applied Optoelectronics shares are held by institutional investors. 1.1% of Gilat Satellite Networks shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 4.5% of Applied Optoelectronics shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Which has more risk & volatility, GILT or AAOI?

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

Which has higher valuation and earnings, GILT or AAOI?

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
Gilat Satellite Networks	$305.45M	1.41	$24.85M	$0.24	31.38
Applied Optoelectronics	$249.37M	6.29	-$186.73M	-$3.86	-7.32

Summary

Gilat Satellite Networks beats Applied Optoelectronics on 10 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks.