908 Devices (NASDAQ:MASS – Get Free Report) and Acorn Energy (NASDAQ:ACFN – Get Free Report) are both small-cap technology companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, dividends, profitability, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, risk and valuation.
Volatility and Risk
908 Devices has a beta of 0.66, indicating that its share price is 34% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Acorn Energy has a beta of 0.41, indicating that its share price is 59% less volatile than the S&P 500.
Analyst Recommendations
This is a breakdown of current ratings and price targets for 908 Devices and Acorn Energy, as provided by MarketBeat.com.
| Sell Ratings | Hold Ratings | Buy Ratings | Strong Buy Ratings | Rating Score | |
| 908 Devices | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2.50 |
| Acorn Energy | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2.00 |
908 Devices presently has a consensus price target of $13.50, suggesting a potential upside of 28.27%. Given 908 Devices’ stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, research analysts clearly believe 908 Devices is more favorable than Acorn Energy.
Profitability
This table compares 908 Devices and Acorn Energy’s net margins, return on equity and return on assets.
| Net Margins | Return on Equity | Return on Assets | |
| 908 Devices | -56.96% | -12.54% | -8.87% |
| Acorn Energy | 23.04% | 17.04% | 10.55% |
Insider & Institutional Ownership
88.1% of 908 Devices shares are held by institutional investors. 28.2% of 908 Devices shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 35.6% of Acorn Energy shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.
Valuation & Earnings
This table compares 908 Devices and Acorn Energy”s top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.
| Gross Revenue | Price/Sales Ratio | Net Income | Earnings Per Share | Price/Earnings Ratio | |
| 908 Devices | $56.20 million | 7.74 | $19.49 million | ($0.95) | -11.08 |
| Acorn Energy | $9.68 million | 3.93 | $2.51 million | $0.88 | 17.07 |
908 Devices has higher revenue and earnings than Acorn Energy. 908 Devices is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Acorn Energy, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.
Summary
908 Devices beats Acorn Energy on 8 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.
About 908 Devices
908 Devices Inc. is a Boston-based analytical technology company that develops purpose-built mass spectrometers for use outside traditional laboratory environments. Its instruments are designed to provide rapid chemical and biological analysis in the field, helping users identify unknown substances and make time-sensitive decisions. The company’s product portfolio includes the MX908 handheld mass spectrometer, which is used to detect and identify chemical threats, explosives, narcotics and other hazardous materials.
About Acorn Energy
Acorn Energy, Inc. is a technology company focused on energy infrastructure management and remote monitoring solutions. Through its operating businesses, the company develops systems that help customers monitor, control and maintain distributed energy assets and other critical infrastructure. Acorn Energy’s principal operating business is OmniMetrix, which provides remote monitoring and control solutions for backup power generators and cathodic protection systems. Its products use communications networks and cloud-based software to provide alerts, operating information and other data intended to help customers improve equipment reliability, maintenance and regulatory compliance.
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