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4 / 10Stock Comparison
SURG vs LQDT vs RILY vs GSAT
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
Specialty Retail
Financial - Conglomerates
Telecommunications Services
SURG vs LQDT vs RILY vs GSAT — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industry | Software - Application | Specialty Retail | Financial - Conglomerates | Telecommunications Services |
| Market Cap | $11M | $1.12B | $305M | $10.33B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $50M | $480M | $1.03B | $262M |
| Net Income (TTM) | $-42M | $30M | $531M | $-50M |
| Gross Margin | -38.6% | 23.2% | 65.0% | 57.2% |
| Operating Margin | -78.8% | 8.4% | 14.6% | 1.4% |
| Forward P/E | — | 24.3x | 1.1x | — |
| Total Debt | $5M | $14M | $1.47B | $542M |
| Cash & Equiv. | $12M | $175M | $227M | $391M |
SURG vs LQDT vs RILY vs GSAT — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| SurgePays, Inc. (SURG) | 100 | 3.6 | -96.4% |
| Liquidity Services,… (LQDT) | 100 | 634.9 | +534.9% |
| BRC Group Holdings,… (RILY) | 100 | 45.2 | -54.8% |
| Globalstar, Inc. (GSAT) | 100 | 1826.9 | +1726.9% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: SURG vs LQDT vs RILY vs GSAT
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
SURG lags the leaders in this set but could rank higher in a more targeted comparison.
LQDT is the #2 pick in this set and the best alternative if income & stability and growth exposure is your priority.
- Dividend streak 1 yrs, beta 0.76
- Rev growth 31.2%, EPS growth 38.1%, 3Y rev CAGR 19.4%
- 5.1% 10Y total return vs GSAT's 201.8%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.76, Low D/E 6.9%, current ratio 1.38x
RILY carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for value and quality.
- Better valuation composite
- 29.8% margin vs SURG's -83.4%
- 31.3% ROA vs SURG's -242.4%, ROIC 8.3% vs -229.7%
GSAT is the clearest fit if your priority is dividends and momentum.
- 0.1% yield; 2-year raise streak; the other 3 pay no meaningful dividend
- +305.2% vs SURG's -78.9%
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | 31.2% revenue growth vs SURG's -55.6% | |
| Value | Better valuation composite | |
| Quality / Margins | 29.8% margin vs SURG's -83.4% | |
| Stability / Safety | Beta 0.76 vs GSAT's 2.08, lower leverage | |
| Dividends | 0.1% yield; 2-year raise streak; the other 3 pay no meaningful dividend | |
| Momentum (1Y) | +305.2% vs SURG's -78.9% | |
| Efficiency (ROA) | 31.3% ROA vs SURG's -242.4%, ROIC 8.3% vs -229.7% |
SURG vs LQDT vs RILY vs GSAT — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
SURG vs LQDT vs RILY vs GSAT — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 4 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
Who Leads Where
GSAT leads in 2 of 6 categories
RILY leads 1 • SURG leads 1 • LQDT leads 1 • 1 tied
Explore the data ↓Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
RILY leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
RILY is the larger business by revenue, generating $1.0B annually — 20.5x SURG's $50M. RILY is the more profitable business, keeping 29.8% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to SURG's -83.4%.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $50M | $480M | $1.0B | $262M |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | -$39M | $51M | $390M | $93M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | -$42M | $30M | $531M | -$50M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | -$26M | $78M | $180M | $151M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | -38.6% | +23.2% | +65.0% | +57.2% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | -78.8% | +8.4% | +14.6% | +1.4% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | -83.4% | +6.3% | +29.8% | -19.0% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | -50.9% | +16.2% | -6.9% | +57.6% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +2.9% | +3.7% | — | +2.1% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +47.2% | +4.5% | +100.0% | -121.9% |
Valuation Metrics
SURG leads this category, winning 2 of 5 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 1.1x trailing earnings, RILY trades at a 97% valuation discount to LQDT's 41.7x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, RILY's 8.3x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than GSAT's 119.1x.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $11M | $1.1B | $305M | $10.3B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $4M | $964M | $1.5B | $10.5B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | -0.23x | 41.67x | 1.14x | -138.10x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | — | 24.33x | — | — |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | — | 21.19x | 8.33x | 119.09x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 0.18x | 2.36x | 0.30x | 41.28x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 0.70x | 5.78x | — | 28.58x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | — | 19.07x | — | 57.85x |
Profitability & Efficiency
LQDT leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
LQDT delivers a 14.2% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $14 in annual profit, vs $-10 for SURG. LQDT carries lower financial leverage with a 0.07x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to GSAT's 1.51x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), LQDT scores 7/9 vs SURG's 2/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | -10.1% | +14.2% | — | -13.7% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | -2.4% | +8.0% | +31.3% | -2.3% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | -2.3% | +60.8% | +8.3% | -0.1% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | -177.3% | +17.3% | +10.2% | -0.1% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 2 | 7 | 4 | 5 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.30x | 0.07x | — | 1.51x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | -$7M | -$160M | $1.2B | $151M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $12M | $175M | $227M | $391M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $5M | $14M | $1.5B | $542M |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | -40.65x | — | 10.78x | -0.07x |
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
GSAT leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in GSAT five years ago would be worth $49,382 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $715 for SURG. Over the past 12 months, GSAT leads with a +305.2% total return vs SURG's -78.9%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors GSAT at 80.1% vs SURG's -49.3% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -67.4% | +22.5% | +67.8% | +27.3% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | -78.9% | +15.0% | +210.4% | +305.2% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -86.9% | +157.1% | -65.6% | +484.1% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -92.8% | +47.8% | -64.6% | +393.8% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -99.1% | +508.2% | +239.7% | +201.8% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -49.3% | +37.0% | -29.9% | +80.1% |
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — LQDT and GSAT each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
LQDT is the less volatile stock with a 0.76 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than GSAT's 2.08 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. GSAT currently trades 98.3% from its 52-week high vs SURG's 16.2% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 1.30x | 0.76x | 2.03x | 2.08x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $3.45 | $38.83 | $10.97 | $82.85 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $0.46 | $21.67 | $2.75 | $17.24 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +16.2% | +93.4% | +79.2% | +98.3% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 39.9 | 81.6 | 65.8 | 66.4 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 378K | 159K | 820K | 1.5M |
Analyst Outlook
GSAT leads this category, winning 1 of 1 comparable metric.
Analyst Outlook
Analyst consensus: LQDT as "Buy", RILY as "Hold", GSAT as "Hold". Consensus price targets imply 21.4% upside for LQDT (target: $44) vs -19.0% for GSAT (target: $66). GSAT is the only dividend payer here at 0.10% yield — a key consideration for income-focused portfolios.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | — | Buy | Hold | Hold |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | — | $44.00 | — | $66.00 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | — | 14 | 1 | 5 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | — | — | — | +0.1% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | — | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | — | — | — | $0.08 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +5.6% | +1.4% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
GSAT leads in 2 of 6 categories (Total Returns, Analyst Outlook). RILY leads in 1 (Income & Cash Flow). 1 tied.
SURG vs LQDT vs RILY vs GSAT: Key Questions Answered
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is SURG or LQDT or RILY or GSAT a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Liquidity Services, Inc.
(LQDT) is the stronger pick with 31. 2% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -55. 6% for SurgePays, Inc. (SURG). BRC Group Holdings, Inc. (RILY) offers the better valuation at 1. 1x trailing P/E, making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Liquidity Services, Inc. (LQDT) a "Buy" — based on 14 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 — SURG or LQDT or RILY or GSAT?
On trailing P/E, BRC Group Holdings, Inc.
(RILY) is the cheapest at 1. 1x versus Liquidity Services, Inc. at 41. 7x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — SURG or LQDT or RILY or GSAT?
Over the past 5 years, Globalstar, Inc.
(GSAT) delivered a total return of +393. 8%, compared to -92. 8% for SurgePays, Inc. (SURG). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: LQDT returned +508. 2% versus SURG's -99. 1%. 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 — SURG or LQDT or RILY or GSAT?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Liquidity Services, Inc.
(LQDT) is the lower-risk stock at 0. 76β versus Globalstar, Inc. 's 2. 08β — meaning GSAT is approximately 174% more volatile than LQDT relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Liquidity Services, Inc. (LQDT) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 7% versus 151% for Globalstar, Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — SURG or LQDT or RILY or GSAT?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Liquidity Services, Inc.
(LQDT) is pulling ahead at 31. 2% versus -55. 6% for SurgePays, Inc. (SURG). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: BRC Group Holdings, Inc. grew EPS 129. 9% year-over-year, compared to -273. 2% for SurgePays, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, GSAT leads at 26. 3% 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 — SURG or LQDT or RILY or GSAT?
BRC Group Holdings, Inc.
(RILY) is the more profitable company, earning 29. 8% net margin versus -75. 1% for SurgePays, Inc. — meaning it keeps 29. 8% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: RILY leads at 14. 6% versus -68. 6% for SURG. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — GSAT leads at 66. 9%, 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 SURG or LQDT or RILY or GSAT more undervalued right now?
Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for LQDT: 21.
4% to $44. 00.
08Which pays a better dividend — SURG or LQDT or RILY or GSAT?
In this comparison, GSAT (0.
1% yield) pays a dividend. SURG, LQDT, RILY do not pay a meaningful dividend and should not be held primarily for income.
09Is SURG or LQDT or RILY or GSAT better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Liquidity Services, Inc.
(LQDT) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0. 76), +508. 2% 10Y return). Globalstar, Inc. (GSAT) carries a higher beta of 2. 08 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (LQDT: +508. 2%, GSAT: +201. 8%), 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 SURG and LQDT and RILY and GSAT?
These companies operate in different sectors (SURG (Technology) and LQDT (Consumer Cyclical) and RILY (Financial Services) and GSAT (Communication Services)), which means they face different economic cycles, regulatory environments, and macro sensitivities — making direct comparison nuanced.
In terms of investment character: SURG is a small-cap quality compounder stock; LQDT is a small-cap high-growth stock; RILY is a small-cap deep-value stock; GSAT is a mid-cap quality compounder stock. 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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