WallStSmart

Houlihan Lokey Inc (HLI)vsRobinhood Markets Inc (HOOD)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Robinhood Markets Inc generates 69% more annual revenue ($4.47B vs $2.65B). HOOD leads profitability with a 42.1% profit margin vs 16.9%. HLI trades at a lower P/E of 21.4x. HLI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

HLI

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.55

HOOD

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.5Value: 5.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.41
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HLIUndervalued (+38.5%)

Margin of Safety

+38.5%

Fair Value

$276.54

Current Price

$141.88

$134.66 discount

UndervaluedFair: $276.54Overvalued
HOODSignificantly Overvalued (-439.5%)

Margin of Safety

-439.5%

Fair Value

$13.94

Current Price

$72.54

$58.60 premium

UndervaluedFair: $13.94Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HLI3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
20.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
24.9%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.9%

EPS GrowthGrowth
22.3%8/10

Earnings expanding 22.3% YoY

HOOD5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Profit MarginProfitability
42.1%10/10

Keeps 42 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
46.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 46.5%

Market CapQuality
$62.19B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
22.0%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
26.5%8/10

Revenue surging 26.5% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

HLI1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
6.542/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

HOOD4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
33.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Debt/EquityHealth
1.683/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-34.5%2/10

Earnings declined 34.5%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HLI

The strongest argument for HLI centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.9% and operating margin at 24.9%. Revenue growth of 13.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : HOOD

The strongest argument for HOOD centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 42.1% and operating margin at 46.5%. Revenue growth of 26.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HLI

The primary concerns for HLI are PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : HOOD

The primary concerns for HOOD are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.68 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HLI profiles as a mature stock while HOOD is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

HOOD carries more volatility with a beta of 2.48 — expect wider price swings.

HOOD is growing revenue faster at 26.5% — sustainability is the question.

HLI generates stronger free cash flow (217M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

HLI scores higher overall (66/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 16.9% margins and 13.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

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

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.

Robinhood Markets Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

Robinhood Markets Inc (HOOD) is a leading fintech innovator that has revolutionized retail investing by offering a commission-free trading platform since 2013. With its intuitive mobile application, the company enables a diverse range of market participants to access stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies, fostering financial literacy and inclusivity. Robinhood's commitment to transparency and product innovation, including features like fractional shares and cash management services, solidifies its role as a significant player in the digital brokerage industry, appealing to a new generation of investors looking for accessible and efficient ways to navigate financial markets.

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