Comparing Vista Gold (NYSE:VGZ) and Mexus Gold US (OTCMKTS:MXSG)

Mexus Gold US (OTCMKTS:MXSG) and Vista Gold (NYSE:VGZ) are both small-cap basic materials companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, earnings, dividends, profitability and risk.

Profitability

This table compares Mexus Gold US and Vista Gold’s net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

	Net Margins	Return on Equity	Return on Assets
Mexus Gold US	N/A	N/A	N/A
Vista Gold	N/A	93.43%	68.97%

Institutional & Insider Ownership

27.3% of Vista Gold shares are held by institutional investors. 8.6% of Mexus Gold US shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 4.2% of Vista Gold shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Mexus Gold US and Vista Gold”s revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

	Gross Revenue	Price/Sales Ratio	Net Income	Earnings Per Share	Price/Earnings Ratio
Mexus Gold US	N/A	N/A	-$1.80 million	N/A	N/A
Vista Gold	N/A	N/A	-$6.59 million	$0.09	5.83

Risk & Volatility

Mexus Gold US has a beta of 0.59, suggesting that its share price is 41% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Vista Gold has a beta of 1.72, suggesting that its share price is 72% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of current recommendations and price targets for Mexus Gold US and Vista Gold, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

	Sell Ratings	Hold Ratings	Buy Ratings	Strong Buy Ratings	Rating Score
Mexus Gold US	0	0	0	0	0.00
Vista Gold	0	0	1	0	3.00

Vista Gold has a consensus target price of $2.75, suggesting a potential upside of 423.81%. Given Vista Gold’s stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Vista Gold is more favorable than Mexus Gold US.

Summary

Vista Gold beats Mexus Gold US on 7 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Mexus Gold US

Mexus Gold US, an exploration stage mining company, engages in the evaluation, acquisition, exploration, and advancement of gold, silver, copper, and other precious metal projects in the United Mexican States. The company holds 100% interest in the Santa Elena prospect comprising 9 concessions covering an area of approximately 6500 acres located to the northwest of Caborca, Sonora State; and 90% interest in the Mabel Property covering an area of approximately 2,128 hectares located to the southwest of Nogales, Sonora State. It also owns mineral rights to Ures Property comprising 9 concessions covering an area of approximately 10,000 acres located in Sonora State, Mexico. The company was formerly known as Action Fashions, Ltd. and changed its name to Mexus Gold US in September 2009. Mexus Gold US was incorporated in 1990 and is based in Carson City, Nevada.

About Vista Gold

Vista Gold Corp., together with its subsidiaries, acquires, explores, evaluates, and advances gold exploration and development projects in Australia. Its flagship asset is the 100% owned Mt Todd gold project located in Northern Territory, Australia. The company was incorporated in 1983 and is based in Englewood, Colorado.