Critical Analysis: Vivani Medical (NASDAQ:VANI) vs. Star Equity (NASDAQ:STRR)

Star Equity (NASDAQ:STRR) and Vivani Medical (NASDAQ:VANI) are both small-cap multi-sector conglomerates companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, dividends, profitability, earnings, analyst recommendations, risk and valuation.

Risk & Volatility

Star Equity has a beta of 0.22, indicating that its share price is 78% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Vivani Medical has a beta of 3.26, indicating that its share price is 226% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Profitability

This table compares Star Equity and Vivani Medical’s net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

	Net Margins	Return on Equity	Return on Assets
Star Equity	42.49%	-0.33%	-0.18%
Vivani Medical	N/A	-87.15%	-50.47%

Insider & Institutional Ownership

3.8% of Star Equity shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 6.8% of Vivani Medical shares are held by institutional investors. 28.8% of Star Equity shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 55.6% of Vivani Medical shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Star Equity and Vivani Medical’s gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

	Gross Revenue	Price/Sales Ratio	Net Income	Earnings Per Share	Price/Earnings Ratio
Star Equity	$45.78 million	0.30	$25.13 million	$1.47	0.59
Vivani Medical	N/A	N/A	-$25.65 million	($0.50)	-3.40

Star Equity has higher revenue and earnings than Vivani Medical. Vivani Medical is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Star Equity, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of current recommendations and price targets for Star Equity and Vivani Medical, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

	Sell Ratings	Hold Ratings	Buy Ratings	Strong Buy Ratings	Rating Score
Star Equity	0	0	0	0	N/A
Vivani Medical	0	0	0	0	N/A

Summary

Star Equity beats Vivani Medical on 7 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Star Equity

Star Equity Holdings, Inc. engages in the construction business in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments: Construction, and Investments. It manufactures modular housing units, structural wall panels, permanent wood foundation systems, and other engineered wood products; supplies general contractors with building materials; holds real estate assets; and manages investments. The company was formerly known as Digirad Corporation and changed its name to Star Equity Holdings, Inc. in December 2020. Star Equity Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Old Greenwich, Connecticut.

About Vivani Medical

Vivani Medical, Inc., a clinical stage company, develops various implants that treat chronic diseases with high unmet medical need. It engages in developing a portfolio of miniature drug implants to deliver minimally fluctuating drug profiles; and implantable visual prostheses devices to deliver useful artificial vision to blind individuals. The company is headquartered in Emeryville, California.