Analyzing Marks and Spencer Group (OTCMKTS:MAKSY) and J. Sainsbury (OTCMKTS:JSAIY)

Marks and Spencer Group (OTCMKTS:MAKSY) and J. Sainsbury (OTCMKTS:JSAIY) are both retail/wholesale companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their risk, analyst recommendations, valuation, earnings, institutional ownership, profitability and dividends.

Risk & Volatility

Marks and Spencer Group has a beta of 1.04, meaning that its stock price is 4% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, J. Sainsbury has a beta of 1.1, meaning that its stock price is 10% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Profitability

This table compares Marks and Spencer Group and J. Sainsbury’s net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

	Net Margins	Return on Equity	Return on Assets
Marks and Spencer Group	N/A	N/A	N/A
J. Sainsbury	N/A	N/A	N/A

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Marks and Spencer Group and J. Sainsbury”s revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

	Gross Revenue	Price/Sales Ratio	Net Income	Earnings Per Share	Price/Earnings Ratio
Marks and Spencer Group	$23.15 billion	0.45	$347.67 million	N/A	N/A
J. Sainsbury	$45.10 billion	0.21	$526.74 million	N/A	N/A

J. Sainsbury has higher revenue and earnings than Marks and Spencer Group.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of recent ratings and target prices for Marks and Spencer Group and J. Sainsbury, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

	Sell Ratings	Hold Ratings	Buy Ratings	Strong Buy Ratings	Rating Score
Marks and Spencer Group	0	1	2	2	3.20
J. Sainsbury	2	3	1	0	1.83

Dividends

Marks and Spencer Group pays an annual dividend of $0.16 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.6%. J. Sainsbury pays an annual dividend of $1.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.9%.

About Marks and Spencer Group

Marks and Spencer Group plc operates various retail stores. It operates through five segments: UK Clothing & Home, UK Food, International, Ocado, and All Other. The company offers protein deli and dairy; produce; ambient and in-store bakery; meals dessert and frozen; and hospitality and Food on the Move' products. The company also provides womenswear, menswear, lingerie, kids wear, and home products; financial services, including credit cards, payment solutions, insurances, savings, and loans; and renewable energy services. In addition, it invests in and develops real estate properties; operates international franchises; and provides its products online. The company also exports its products. The company was founded in 1884 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

About J. Sainsbury

J Sainsbury plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the food, general merchandise and clothing retailing, and financial services activities in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. It operates through three segments: Retail Food, Retail General Merchandise and Clothing, and Financial Services. The company operates various store formats, including convenience stores and supermarkets. It is also involved in the online grocery and general merchandise operations. In addition, it offers financial services, such as credit cards, scorecards, and personal loans; and home, car, pet, travel, and life insurance products. J Sainsbury plc was founded in 1869 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.