Financial Analysis: Express (NYSE:EXPR) versus J-Long Group (NASDAQ:JL)

Express (NYSE:EXPR) and J-Long Group (NASDAQ:JL) are both small-cap retail/wholesale companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their risk, dividends, profitability, valuation, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership and earnings.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

18.9% of Express shares are held by institutional investors. 6.5% of Express shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for Express and J-Long Group, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

	Sell Ratings	Hold Ratings	Buy Ratings	Strong Buy Ratings	Rating Score
Express	0	0	0	0	N/A
J-Long Group	0	0	0	0	N/A

Profitability

This table compares Express and J-Long Group’s net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

	Net Margins	Return on Equity	Return on Assets
Express	10.01%	-85.36%	-13.20%
J-Long Group	N/A	N/A	N/A

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Express and J-Long Group”s top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

	Gross Revenue	Price/Sales Ratio	Net Income	Earnings Per Share	Price/Earnings Ratio
Express	$1.79 billion	0.00	$293.83 million	$54.98	0.00
J-Long Group	$28.38 million	0.80	$780,000.00	N/A	N/A

Express has higher revenue and earnings than J-Long Group.

Summary

Express beats J-Long Group on 5 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Express

Express, Inc. operates as a fashion retail company that offers apparel and accessories in the United States and Puerto Rico. The company sells its products under the UpWest and Express brands for men and women through its retail and factory outlet stores; express.com, an online store; and Express mobile app, as well as franchisees Express locations in Latin America. The company was formerly known as Express Parent LLC and changed its name to Express, Inc. in May 2010. Express, Inc. was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.

About J-Long Group

J-Long Group Limited distributes reflective and non-reflective garment trims in Asia, Hong Kong, the People's Republic of China, and internationally. The company offers heat transfers, fabrics, woven labels and tapes, sewing badges, piping, zipper pullers, and drawcords. It also sells through online. The company was founded in 1985 and is based in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong.