Critical Contrast: Ck Hutchison (OTCMKTS:CKHUY) and Star Equity (NASDAQ:STRR)

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

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Ck Hutchison and Star Equity”s gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

	Gross Revenue	Price/Sales Ratio	Net Income	Earnings Per Share	Price/Earnings Ratio
Ck Hutchison	$36.07 billion	0.72	$2.19 billion	N/A	N/A
Star Equity	$148.97 million	0.24	-$4.77 million	($1.58)	-6.53

Ck Hutchison has higher revenue and earnings than Star Equity.

Volatility and Risk

Ck Hutchison has a beta of 0.44, indicating that its stock price is 56% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Star Equity has a beta of 0.42, indicating that its stock price is 58% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Institutional & Insider 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, endowments and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Profitability

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

	Net Margins	Return on Equity	Return on Assets
Ck Hutchison	N/A	N/A	N/A
Star Equity	-2.81%	-3.81%	-2.84%

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current recommendations for Ck Hutchison and Star Equity, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

	Sell Ratings	Hold Ratings	Buy Ratings	Strong Buy Ratings	Rating Score
Ck Hutchison	0	0	0	1	4.00
Star Equity	1	1	0	0	1.50

Star Equity has a consensus target price of $5.00, indicating a potential downside of 51.50%. Given Star Equity’s higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Star Equity is more favorable than Ck Hutchison.

Summary

Ck Hutchison beats Star Equity on 9 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Ck Hutchison

CK Hutchison Holdings Limited, an investment holding company, primarily operates in ports and related services, retail, infrastructure, and telecommunications businesses in Hong Kong and internationally. The company operates through four segments: Ports and Related Services, Retail, Infrastructure, and Telecommunications. It invests in, develops, and operates ports, which operate 293 berths in 53 ports spanning 24 countries; and provides logistics and transportation-related services, such as cruise ship terminals, distribution centers, rail services, and ship repair facilities. The company also operates retail brands with stores that offer personal care, health and beauty products, food and fine wines, consumer electronics, and electrical appliances, as well as operates supermarkets under Watsons, PARKnSHOP, and FORTRESS brands; and manufactures and distributes bottled water and other beverages under the Watsons Water and Mr. Juicy brands. In addition, it invests in energy infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, water infrastructure, waste management, waste-to-energy, household infrastructure, and other infrastructure related businesses. Further, the company provides mobile telecommunications and data services, as well as operates as an integrated energy company. Additionally, it researches, develops, manufactures, commercializes, markets, and sells nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture-related products; provides marine construction and ship repair yard, general engineering, and tug operations, water supply and sewerage, electricity generation and distribution, gas distribution, and aircraft maintenance services; and leases rolling stocks. The company was founded in 1828 and is based in Central, Hong Kong.

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.