Energy Focus (NASDAQ: EFOI) and Orion Energy Systems (NASDAQ:OESX) are both small-cap construction companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, risk, analyst recommendations, earnings, profitabiliy, institutional ownership and valuation.
Valuation & Earnings
This table compares Energy Focus and Orion Energy Systems’ revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.
| Gross Revenue | Price/Sales Ratio | EBITDA | Earnings Per Share | Price/Earnings Ratio | |
| Energy Focus | $26.68 million | 0.89 | -$17.01 million | ($1.67) | -1.20 |
| Orion Energy Systems | $70.21 million | 0.39 | -$10.11 million | ($0.56) | -1.72 |
Orion Energy Systems has higher revenue and earnings than Energy Focus. Orion Energy Systems is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Energy Focus, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.
Analyst Ratings
This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Energy Focus and Orion Energy Systems, as reported by MarketBeat.
| Sell Ratings | Hold Ratings | Buy Ratings | Strong Buy Ratings | Rating Score | |
| Energy Focus | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2.50 |
| Orion Energy Systems | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2.33 |
Energy Focus currently has a consensus target price of $6.88, indicating a potential upside of 242.04%. Orion Energy Systems has a consensus target price of $2.00, indicating a potential upside of 107.25%. Given Energy Focus’ stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities research analysts plainly believe Energy Focus is more favorable than Orion Energy Systems.
Volatility and Risk
Energy Focus has a beta of -0.23, meaning that its share price is 123% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Orion Energy Systems has a beta of 1.52, meaning that its share price is 52% more volatile than the S&P 500.
Insider & Institutional Ownership
18.2% of Energy Focus shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 42.1% of Orion Energy Systems shares are held by institutional investors. 11.4% of Energy Focus shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 9.2% of Orion Energy Systems shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.
Profitability
This table compares Energy Focus and Orion Energy Systems’ net margins, return on equity and return on assets.
| Net Margins | Return on Equity | Return on Assets | |
| Energy Focus | -72.79% | -43.14% | -36.42% |
| Orion Energy Systems | -23.70% | -37.61% | -22.58% |
Summary
Orion Energy Systems beats Energy Focus on 8 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks.
Energy Focus Company Profile
Energy Focus, Inc. along with its subsidiaries is engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, marketing, installation and sale of lighting systems. The Company is engaged in developing and selling of light-emitting diode (LED) lighting products for military maritime market, and general commercial and industrial markets. It produces, sources and/or markets a range of lighting technologies to serve its primary end markets. It offers military maritime products, such as Military Intellitube, military globe lights and military berth light to serve the United States navy and allied foreign navies. It offers commercial products, such as direct-wire tubular LED (TLED) replacements for linear fluorescent lamps, LED dock lights, low-bay and high-bay lighting for high-intensity discharge applications and LED retrofit kits to serve general commercial and industrial markets.
Orion Energy Systems Company Profile
Orion Energy Systems, Inc. is a designer and manufacturer of lighting platforms. The Company researches, develops, designs, manufactures, markets, sells and implements energy management systems consisting primarily of commercial and industrial interior and exterior lighting systems, and related services. The Company operates through three segments: Orion U.S. Markets Division (USM), Orion Engineered Systems Division (OES) and Distribution Services Division (ODS). The USM division develops and sells its commercial lighting systems and energy management systems to the wholesale contractor markets. The OES division develops and sells lighting products, and provides construction and engineering services for its commercial light emitting diode (LED) and high intensity fluorescent (HIF) lighting and energy management systems. The ODS division focuses on selling its lighting products through manufacturer representative agencies and a network of broadline North American distributors.
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