WallStSmart

Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS)vsHoulihan Lokey Inc (HLI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Goldman Sachs Group Inc generates 2578% more annual revenue ($67.57B vs $2.52B). GS leads profitability with a 31.0% profit margin vs 16.1%. GS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.49. GS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 83/100 (A-).

GS

Exceptional Buy

83

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 10.0Profit: 8.0Value: 6.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.14

HLI

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.55

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

GS6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Market CapQuality
$312.82B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
31.0%10/10

Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
42.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 42.2%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
42.5%10/10

Revenue surging 42.5% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
92.3%10/10

Earnings expanding 92.3% YoY

P/E RatioValuation
16.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

HLI1 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.219/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Areas to Watch

GS3 concerns · Avg: 1.7/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$-32.43B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.142/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
6.471/10

Elevated debt levels

HLI3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
6.542/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-15.6%2/10

Revenue declined 15.6%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-19.0%2/10

Earnings declined 19.0%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : GS

The strongest argument for GS centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.0% and operating margin at 42.2%. Revenue growth of 42.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : HLI

The strongest argument for HLI centers on Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.1% and operating margin at 18.0%.

Bear Case : GS

The primary concerns for GS are Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 6.47 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : HLI

The primary concerns for HLI are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

GS profiles as a growth stock while HLI is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

GS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.29 — expect wider price swings.

GS is growing revenue faster at 42.5% — sustainability is the question.

HLI generates stronger free cash flow (287M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

GS scores higher overall (83/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 31.0% margins and 42.5% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered in New York City. It offers services in investment management, securities, asset management, prime brokerage, and securities underwriting. It also provides investment banking to institutional investors.

Houlihan Lokey Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

Houlihan Lokey, Inc., an investment banking firm, provides valuation and financial advisory services, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) globally. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

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