Corning (NYSE: GLW) and Planar Systems (NASDAQ:PLNR) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, dividends, valuation, profitability, risk, analyst recommendations and institutional ownership.
Analyst Recommendations
This is a breakdown of recent ratings and price targets for Corning and Planar Systems, as provided by MarketBeat.com.
| Sell Ratings | Hold Ratings | Buy Ratings | Strong Buy Ratings | Rating Score | |
| Corning | 2 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 2.14 |
| Planar Systems | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/A |
Corning currently has a consensus price target of $27.63, suggesting a potential downside of 2.90%. Given Corning’s higher probable upside, equities research analysts clearly believe Corning is more favorable than Planar Systems.
Profitability
This table compares Corning and Planar Systems’ net margins, return on equity and return on assets.
| Net Margins | Return on Equity | Return on Assets | |
| Corning | 24.16% | 11.67% | 6.52% |
| Planar Systems | -0.69% | -2.40% | -1.40% |
Dividends
Corning pays an annual dividend of $0.62 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.2%. Planar Systems does not pay a dividend. Corning pays out 27.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Corning has increased its dividend for 6 consecutive years.
Valuation and Earnings
This table compares Corning and Planar Systems’ revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.
| Gross Revenue | Price/Sales Ratio | EBITDA | Earnings Per Share | Price/Earnings Ratio | |
| Corning | $9.85 billion | 2.61 | $2.77 billion | $2.22 | 12.82 |
| Planar Systems | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Corning has higher revenue and earnings than Planar Systems.
Insider & Institutional Ownership
73.9% of Corning shares are held by institutional investors. 0.6% of Corning shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.
Summary
Corning beats Planar Systems on 10 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks.
Corning Company Profile
Corning Incorporated is engaged in manufacturing specialty glass and ceramics. Its segments include Display Technologies, Optical Communications, Environmental Technologies, Specialty Materials, Life Sciences and All Other. The Display Technologies segment manufactures glass substrates for flat panel liquid crystal displays (LCDs). The Optical Communications segment manufactures carrier and enterprise network components for the telecommunications industry. The Environmental Technologies segment manufactures ceramic substrates and filters for automotive and diesel emission control applications. As of December 31, 2016, the Specialty Materials segment manufactured products, which provided more than 150 material formulations for glass, glass ceramics and fluoride crystals. The Life Sciences segment manufactures glass and plastic labware, equipment, media and reagents. The All Other segment consists of its Pharmaceutical Technologies business and non-LCD glass business, and among others.
Planar Systems Company Profile
Planar Systems, Inc. is engaged in designing display solutions. The Company offers display and digital signage technology. It categorizes the products into approximately two areas, including Digital Signage, and Commercial and Industrial. It markets and sells its products under the Planar, Clarity and Runco brands. The Company’s products include LCD Video Walls, Rear Projection Video Walls, LED Video Walls, Clarity LED3 series, Large Format LCD Displays, Planar LookThru Series, Desktop and Touch Screen Monitors, Processing and Players, Open Frame and Custom Displays, and Planar Accessories. Its Digital Signage solutions are installed in various environments, including retail locations, airports and sports arenas. It serves commercial and industrial display markets. The Company caters to retailers, educational institutions, government agencies, businesses, utilities and energy firms, and home theater enthusiasts.
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