Ceragon Networks (CRNT) Competitors

Applied Optoelectronics (NASDAQ:AAOI) and Ceragon Networks (NASDAQ:CRNT) 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 analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, dividends, community ranking, risk, earnings, profitability, media sentiment and valuation.

Does the media refer more to AAOI or CRNT?

In the previous week, Applied Optoelectronics had 4 more articles in the media than Ceragon Networks. MarketBeat recorded 16 mentions for Applied Optoelectronics and 12 mentions for Ceragon Networks. Applied Optoelectronics' average media sentiment score of 0.46 beat Ceragon Networks' score of 0.41 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	6 Very Positive mention(s)	4 Positive mention(s)	3 Neutral mention(s)	1 Negative mention(s)	0 Very Negative mention(s)	Neutral
Ceragon Networks	3 Very Positive mention(s)	1 Positive mention(s)	7 Neutral mention(s)	0 Negative mention(s)	0 Very Negative mention(s)	Neutral

Which has more volatility & risk, AAOI or CRNT?

Applied Optoelectronics has a beta of 2.39, indicating that its share price is 139% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Ceragon Networks has a beta of 1.6, indicating that its share price is 60% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Does the MarketBeat Community prefer AAOI or CRNT?

Applied Optoelectronics received 188 more outperform votes than Ceragon Networks when rated by MarketBeat users. Likewise, 64.99% of users gave Applied Optoelectronics an outperform vote while only 64.37% of users gave Ceragon Networks an outperform vote.

Company	Underperform	Outperform
Applied Optoelectronics	Outperform Votes 609 64.99%	Underperform Votes 328 35.01%
Ceragon Networks	Outperform Votes 421 64.37%	Underperform Votes 233 35.63%

Is AAOI or CRNT more profitable?

Ceragon Networks has a net margin of 5.10% compared to Applied Optoelectronics' net margin of -38.61%. Ceragon Networks' return on equity of 19.77% beat Applied Optoelectronics' return on equity.

Company	Net Margins	Return on Equity	Return on Assets
Applied Optoelectronics	-38.61%	-22.36%	-12.08%
Ceragon Networks	5.10%	19.77%	9.38%

Do analysts prefer AAOI or CRNT?

Applied Optoelectronics presently has a consensus price target of $29.20, indicating a potential downside of 5.90%. Ceragon Networks has a consensus price target of $6.83, indicating a potential upside of 52.19%. Given Ceragon Networks' stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Ceragon Networks is more favorable than Applied Optoelectronics.

Company	Sell Ratings	Hold Ratings	Buy Ratings	Strong Buy Ratings	Rating Score
Applied Optoelectronics	1 Sell rating(s)	1 Hold rating(s)	3 Buy rating(s)	0 Strong Buy rating(s)	2.40
Ceragon Networks	0 Sell rating(s)	0 Hold rating(s)	3 Buy rating(s)	1 Strong Buy rating(s)	3.25

Which has better valuation and earnings, AAOI or CRNT?

Ceragon Networks has higher revenue and earnings than Applied Optoelectronics. Applied Optoelectronics is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Ceragon 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	$217.65M	6.68	-$56.05M	-$2.06	-15.06
Ceragon Networks	$347.18M	1.10	$6.22M	$0.22	20.41

Do institutionals and insiders believe in AAOI or CRNT?

61.7% of Applied Optoelectronics shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 13.3% of Ceragon Networks shares are held by institutional investors. 5.4% of Applied Optoelectronics shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 19.0% of Ceragon Networks shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Summary

Ceragon Networks beats Applied Optoelectronics on 11 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks.