Comparing Star Equity (NASDAQ:STRR) & Jardine Matheson (OTCMKTS:JMHLY)

Star Equity (NASDAQ:STRR) and Jardine Matheson (OTCMKTS:JMHLY) are both multi-sector conglomerates companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, dividends, risk, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, earnings and profitability.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

3.8% of Star Equity shares are owned by institutional investors. 33.5% of Star Equity shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Profitability

This table compares Star Equity and Jardine Matheson’s net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

	Net Margins	Return on Equity	Return on Assets
Star Equity	-2.81%	-3.81%	-2.84%
Jardine Matheson	N/A	N/A	N/A

Volatility & Risk

Star Equity has a beta of 0.4, indicating that its share price is 60% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Jardine Matheson has a beta of 0.38, indicating that its share price is 62% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for Star Equity and Jardine Matheson, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

	Sell Ratings	Hold Ratings	Buy Ratings	Strong Buy Ratings	Rating Score
Star Equity	1	1	0	0	1.50
Jardine Matheson	0	0	0	2	4.00

Star Equity presently has a consensus price target of $5.00, indicating a potential downside of 54.21%. Given Star Equity’s higher probable upside, equities research analysts clearly believe Star Equity is more favorable than Jardine Matheson.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Star Equity and Jardine Matheson”s revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

	Gross Revenue	Price/Sales Ratio	Net Income	Earnings Per Share	Price/Earnings Ratio
Star Equity	$140.06 million	0.22	-$4.77 million	($1.30)	-8.40
Jardine Matheson	$35.78 billion	0.50	-$468.00 million	N/A	N/A

Star Equity has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Jardine Matheson.

Summary

Jardine Matheson beats Star Equity on 7 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Star Equity

Star Equity Holdings, Inc. engages in the construction business in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments: Construction, and Investments. It manufactures modular housing units, structural wall panels, permanent wood foundation systems, and other engineered wood products; supplies general contractors with building materials; holds real estate assets; and manages investments. The company was formerly known as Digirad Corporation and changed its name to Star Equity Holdings, Inc. in December 2020. Star Equity Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Old Greenwich, Connecticut.

About Jardine Matheson

Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, operates in motor vehicles and related operations, property investment and development, food retailing, health and beauty, home furnishings, engineering and construction, and transport businesses in China, Southeast Asia, and internationally. It also involved in the restaurants and hotels, financial services, heavy equipment, mining, and agribusinesses. The company offers automotive and transport services, as well as invests in, develops, and manages residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties. It also operates 7-Eleven, IKEA, and other retailing business, as well as Pizza Hut and KFC franchise restaurants; and invests in and manages hotels, resorts, and residences, as well as engages in construction and energy, infrastructure and logistics, and information technology businesses. In addition, the company sells and services motor vehicles; invests in, owns, develops, and manages office and retail properties; operates outlets, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, health and beauty stores, and home furnishings stores. Further, it engages in the automotive dealerships business. Additionally, the company invests in digital business, such as Halodoc, a healthtech online ecosystem; Sayurbox, an e-commerce grocery platform; Paxel, a technology-based logistics business; and OLX, a used car platform. Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited was founded in 1832 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda.