Analyzing J-Long Group (NASDAQ:JL) and Express (NYSE:EXPR)

J-Long Group (NASDAQ:JL) and Express (NYSE:EXPR) are both small-cap consumer discretionary companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, valuation, risk, analyst recommendations, profitability, dividends and earnings.

Analyst Ratings

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

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

Profitability

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

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

Valuation and Earnings

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

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

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

Insider and Institutional Ownership

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

Summary

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

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.

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.