Applied Optoelectronics (NASDAQ:AAOI – Get Free Report) and Ascent Solar Technologies (NASDAQ:ASTI – Get Free Report) are both small-cap computer and technology companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, risk, institutional ownership, valuation, analyst recommendations, dividends and profitability.
Profitability
This table compares Applied Optoelectronics and Ascent Solar Technologies’ net margins, return on equity and return on assets.
Net Margins | Return on Equity | Return on Assets | |
Applied Optoelectronics | -34.84% | -19.82% | -10.51% |
Ascent Solar Technologies | -4,900.29% | N/A | -144.70% |
Institutional & Insider Ownership
61.7% of Applied Optoelectronics shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 10.6% of Ascent Solar Technologies shares are owned by institutional investors. 5.4% of Applied Optoelectronics shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 0.3% of Ascent Solar Technologies shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.
Earnings & Valuation
Gross Revenue | Price/Sales Ratio | Net Income | Earnings Per Share | Price/Earnings Ratio | |
Applied Optoelectronics | $206.94 million | 2.94 | -$56.05 million | ($1.82) | -8.59 |
Ascent Solar Technologies | $266,077.00 | 12.26 | -$17.07 million | N/A | N/A |
Ascent Solar Technologies has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Applied Optoelectronics.
Risk & Volatility
Applied Optoelectronics has a beta of 1.96, suggesting that its stock price is 96% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Ascent Solar Technologies has a beta of 2.62, suggesting that its stock price is 162% more volatile than the S&P 500.
Analyst Recommendations
This is a summary of current ratings for Applied Optoelectronics and Ascent Solar Technologies, as provided by MarketBeat.com.
Sell Ratings | Hold Ratings | Buy Ratings | Strong Buy Ratings | Rating Score | |
Applied Optoelectronics | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2.50 |
Ascent Solar Technologies | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/A |
Applied Optoelectronics currently has a consensus target price of $13.75, suggesting a potential downside of 13.30%. Given Applied Optoelectronics’ higher probable upside, research analysts clearly believe Applied Optoelectronics is more favorable than Ascent Solar Technologies.
Summary
Applied Optoelectronics beats Ascent Solar Technologies on 7 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks.
About Applied Optoelectronics
Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells fiber-optic networking products in the United States, Taiwan, and China. It offers optical modules, optical filters, lasers, laser components, subassemblies, transmitters and transceivers, turn-key equipment, headend, node, distribution equipment, and amplifiers. The company sells its products to internet data center operators, cable television, telecom equipment manufacturers, fiber-to-the-home, and internet service providers through its direct and indirect sales channels. Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. was incorporated in 1997 and is headquartered in Sugar Land, Texas.
About Ascent Solar Technologies
Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc., a solar technology company, engages in the manufacture and sale of photovoltaic solar modules in the United States. The company markets and sells its products through OEMs, system integrators, distributors, retailers, and value-added resellers. It serves agrivoltaics, aerospace, satellites, near earth orbiting vehicles, and fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicles. Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Thornton, Colorado.
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