HLIT
Harmonic Inc.
Communication Equipment
Market Cap$1.38B
5Y Perf.+127.8%
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Stock Comparison
HLIT vs VIAV
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
VIAV
Viavi Solutions Inc.
Communication Equipment
Market Cap$11.81B
5Y Perf.+340.5%
HLIT vs VIAV — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | HLIT | VIAV |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Communication Equipment | Communication Equipment |
| Market Cap | $1.38B | $11.81B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $636M | $1.37B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $50M | $-55M |
| Gross Margin | 55.7% | 55.7% |
| Operating Margin | 12.1% | 8.2% |
| Forward P/E | 21.8x | 55.2x |
| Total Debt | $148M | $692M |
| Cash & Equiv. | $101M | $424M |
HLIT vs VIAV — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
HLIT
VIAV
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harmonic Inc. (HLIT) | 100 | 227.8 | +127.8% |
| Viavi Solutions Inc. (VIAV) | 100 | 440.5 | +340.5% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: HLIT vs VIAV
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: HLIT leads in 5 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and valuation and capital efficiency. Viavi Solutions Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for recent price momentum and sentiment. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
HLIT
Harmonic Inc.
The Income Pick
HLIT carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and growth exposure.
- beta 1.51
- Rev growth 11.6%, EPS growth -54.2%, 3Y rev CAGR 10.2%
- Lower volatility, beta 1.51, Low D/E 31.9%, current ratio 2.18x
Best for: income & stability and growth exposure
VIAV
Viavi Solutions Inc.
The Long-Run Compounder
VIAV is the clearest fit if your priority is long-term compounding.
- 7.2% 10Y total return vs HLIT's 269.9%
- +466.6% vs HLIT's +38.1%
Best for: long-term compounding
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | HLIT | 11.6% revenue growth vs VIAV's 8.4% |
| Value | HLIT | Lower P/E (21.8x vs 55.2x) |
| Quality / Margins | HLIT | 7.8% margin vs VIAV's -4.0% |
| Stability / Safety | HLIT | Beta 1.51 vs VIAV's 1.54, lower leverage |
| Dividends | Tie | Neither stock pays a meaningful dividend |
| Momentum (1Y) | VIAV | +466.6% vs HLIT's +38.1% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | HLIT | 6.5% ROA vs VIAV's -2.3%, ROIC 9.3% vs 5.5% |
HLIT vs VIAV — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2024
FY 2025
HLIT vs VIAV — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLHLITLAGGINGVIAV
VIAVViavi Solutions Inc.
1leads
HLITHarmonic Inc.
4leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs VIAVMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
HLIT4/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
HLIT6/6
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
HLIT9/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
VIAV6/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
HLIT2/2
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
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Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
HLIT leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
VIAV is the larger business by revenue, generating $1.4B annually — 2.1x HLIT's $636M. HLIT is the more profitable business, keeping 7.8% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to VIAV's -4.0%. On growth, VIAV holds the edge at +42.8% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | HLITHarmonic Inc. | VIAVViavi Solutions I… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $636M | $1.4B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $88M | $207M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $50M | -$55M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $133M | $46M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +55.7% | +55.7% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +12.1% | +8.2% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +7.8% | -4.0% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +21.0% | +3.3% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -27.3% | +42.8% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -87.5% | -70.2% |
HLIT leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
HLIT leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 37.2x trailing earnings, HLIT trades at a 89% valuation discount to VIAV's 340.3x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, HLIT's 18.9x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than VIAV's 90.4x.
| Metric | HLITHarmonic Inc. | VIAVViavi Solutions I… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $1.4B | $11.8B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $1.4B | $12.1B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 37.21x | 340.33x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 21.80x | 55.18x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | 74.57x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 18.93x | 90.43x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 2.03x | 10.89x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 3.10x | 14.77x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 26.13x | 190.52x |
HLIT leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
HLIT leads this category, winning 9 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
HLIT delivers a 11.2% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $11 in annual profit, vs $-7 for VIAV. HLIT carries lower financial leverage with a 0.32x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to VIAV's 0.89x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), HLIT scores 7/9 vs VIAV's 5/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | HLITHarmonic Inc. | VIAVViavi Solutions I… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +11.2% | -6.9% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +6.5% | -2.3% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +9.3% | +5.5% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +11.2% | +4.9% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 7 | 5 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.32x | 0.89x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $47M | $269M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $101M | $424M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $148M | $692M |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 12.92x | 2.70x |
HLIT leads this category, winning 9 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
VIAV leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in VIAV five years ago would be worth $31,204 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $16,938 for HLIT. Over the past 12 months, VIAV leads with a +466.6% total return vs HLIT's +38.1%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors VIAV at 77.7% vs HLIT's -3.1% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | HLITHarmonic Inc. | VIAVViavi Solutions I… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +22.6% | +181.3% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +38.1% | +466.6% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -8.9% | +461.0% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +69.4% | +212.0% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +269.9% | +715.5% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -3.1% | +77.7% |
VIAV leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
HLIT leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
HLIT is the less volatile stock with a 1.51 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than VIAV's 1.54 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. HLIT currently trades 99.2% from its 52-week high vs VIAV's 84.5% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | HLITHarmonic Inc. | VIAVViavi Solutions I… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 1.51x | 1.54x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $12.38 | $60.43 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $7.80 | $8.87 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +99.2% | +84.5% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 76.9 | 66.7 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 1.1M | 6.3M |
HLIT leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates HLIT as "Hold" and VIAV as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 1.8% upside for HLIT (target: $13) vs -36.8% for VIAV (target: $32).
| Metric | HLITHarmonic Inc. | VIAVViavi Solutions I… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Hold | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $12.50 | $32.25 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 19 | 19 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | — | — |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | — | 1 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | — | — |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +2.2% | +0.1% |
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Key Takeaway
HLIT leads in 4 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Valuation Metrics). VIAV leads in 1 (Total Returns).
Best OverallHarmonic Inc. (HLIT)Leads 4 of 6 categories
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HLIT vs VIAV: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is HLIT or VIAV a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Harmonic Inc.
(HLIT) is the stronger pick with 11. 6% revenue growth year-over-year, versus 8. 4% for Viavi Solutions Inc. (VIAV). Harmonic Inc. (HLIT) offers the better valuation at 37. 2x trailing P/E (21. 8x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Viavi Solutions Inc. (VIAV) a "Buy" — based on 19 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — HLIT or VIAV?
On trailing P/E, Harmonic Inc.
(HLIT) is the cheapest at 37. 2x versus Viavi Solutions Inc. at 340. 3x. On forward P/E, Harmonic Inc. is actually cheaper at 21. 8x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — HLIT or VIAV?
Over the past 5 years, Viavi Solutions Inc.
(VIAV) delivered a total return of +212. 0%, compared to +69. 4% for Harmonic Inc. (HLIT). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: VIAV returned +715. 5% versus HLIT's +269. 9%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — HLIT or VIAV?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Harmonic Inc.
(HLIT) is the lower-risk stock at 1. 51β versus Viavi Solutions Inc. 's 1. 54β — meaning VIAV is approximately 2% more volatile than HLIT relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Harmonic Inc. (HLIT) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 32% versus 89% for Viavi Solutions Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — HLIT or VIAV?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Harmonic Inc.
(HLIT) is pulling ahead at 11. 6% versus 8. 4% for Viavi Solutions Inc. (VIAV). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Viavi Solutions Inc. grew EPS 225. 0% year-over-year, compared to -54. 2% for Harmonic Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, HLIT leads at 10. 2% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — HLIT or VIAV?
Harmonic Inc.
(HLIT) is the more profitable company, earning 5. 8% net margin versus 3. 2% for Viavi Solutions Inc. — meaning it keeps 5. 8% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: HLIT leads at 9. 3% versus 6. 5% for VIAV. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — VIAV leads at 56. 8%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is HLIT or VIAV more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Harmonic Inc.
(HLIT) trades at 21. 8x forward P/E versus 55. 2x for Viavi Solutions Inc. — 33. 4x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for HLIT: 1. 8% to $12. 50.
08Which pays a better dividend — HLIT or VIAV?
None of the stocks in this comparison currently pay a material dividend.
All are effectively zero-yield and should be held for capital appreciation rather than income.
09Is HLIT or VIAV better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Viavi Solutions Inc.
(VIAV) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (+715. 5% 10Y return). Harmonic Inc. (HLIT) carries a higher beta of 1. 51 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (VIAV: +715. 5%, HLIT: +269. 9%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between HLIT and VIAV?
Both stocks operate in the Technology sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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(HLIT: -27.3% · VIAV: 42.8%)P/E Ratio<
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