Critical Contrast: Viper Networks (OTCMKTS:VPER) & MultiPlan (NYSE:MPLN)

MultiPlan (NYSE:MPLN) and Viper Networks (OTCMKTS:VPER) are both small-cap medical companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, profitability, dividends, analyst recommendations, risk, valuation and institutional ownership.

Profitability

This table compares MultiPlan and Viper Networks’ net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

	Net Margins	Return on Equity	Return on Assets
MultiPlan	-163.30%	-12.14%	-1.84%
Viper Networks	N/A	N/A	N/A

Volatility and Risk

MultiPlan has a beta of 0.13, suggesting that its stock price is 87% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Viper Networks has a beta of -1.18, suggesting that its stock price is 218% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares MultiPlan and Viper Networks”s top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

	Gross Revenue	Price/Sales Ratio	Net Income	Earnings Per Share	Price/Earnings Ratio
MultiPlan	$930.62 million	0.36	-$91.70 million	($101.54)	-0.21
Viper Networks	$30,000.00	65.64	-$820,000.00	N/A	N/A

Viper Networks has lower revenue, but higher earnings than MultiPlan.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

87.2% of MultiPlan shares are held by institutional investors. 8.0% of MultiPlan shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of current ratings and recommmendations for MultiPlan and Viper Networks, as reported by MarketBeat.

	Sell Ratings	Hold Ratings	Buy Ratings	Strong Buy Ratings	Rating Score
MultiPlan	0	2	0	0	2.00
Viper Networks	0	0	0	0	0.00

MultiPlan currently has a consensus target price of $26.25, indicating a potential upside of 25.66%. Given MultiPlan’s stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities analysts clearly believe MultiPlan is more favorable than Viper Networks.

Summary

MultiPlan beats Viper Networks on 6 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks.

About MultiPlan

MultiPlan Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides data analytics and technology-enabled cost management, payment, and revenue integrity solutions to the healthcare industry in the United States. The company offers analytics-based services that reduce medical costs, through data-driven algorithms and insights that detect claims over-charges and negotiate or recommend reimbursement; and network-based services that provide contracted discounts with healthcare providers, as well as outsourced network development and management services. It provides payment and revenue integrity services, such as identifying and removing improper and unnecessary charges paid during the claim, as well as services to identify and help restore and preserve underpaid premium dollars. In addition, the company offers data and decision science services including a suite of solutions that apply modern methods of data science to produce descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics that drive optimized benefit plan design, support decision-making, improve clinical outcomes, and reduce the total cost of care; and business-to-business healthcare payments and other services. It serves national and regional insurance companies, Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans, provider-sponsored and independent health plans, TPAs, self-insured health plans, property and casualty insurers, bill review companies, and other companies involved in the claim adjudication process. MultiPlan Corporation was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

About Viper Networks

Viper Networks, Inc. manufactures and distributes LED lighting products. The company provides CyberGrab; Vnet, a communication application; Viper unified communications platform for carriers and providers; VRoom; parking lot lightings system; and solar power and telecom systems, as well as intelligent lighting solutions with camera, sensor, and wireless technologies. Its products are used in street, roadway, security, parking lot, and billboard lighting. Viper Networks, Inc. was incorporated in 2000 and is based in Troy, Michigan.