WallStSmart

Houlihan Lokey Inc (HLI)vsInteractive Brokers Group Inc (IBKR)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Interactive Brokers Group Inc generates 134% more annual revenue ($6.21B vs $2.65B). HLI leads profitability with a 16.9% profit margin vs 15.9%. IBKR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.32. IBKR 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

IBKR

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.5Value: 9.3Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 2/9
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
IBKRUndervalued (+26.5%)

Margin of Safety

+26.5%

Fair Value

$103.90

Current Price

$68.68

$35.22 discount

UndervaluedFair: $103.90Overvalued

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

IBKR6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
78.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 78.8%

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0010/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$115.34B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
23.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.2%8/10

15.2% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
30.3%8/10

Earnings expanding 30.3% YoY

Areas to Watch

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

Expensive relative to growth rate

IBKR3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.324/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
30.6x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : IBKR

The strongest argument for IBKR centers on Operating Margin, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.9% and operating margin at 78.8%. Revenue growth of 15.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HLI

The primary concerns for HLI are PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : IBKR

The primary concerns for IBKR are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

IBKR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.25 — expect wider price swings.

IBKR is growing revenue faster at 15.2% — sustainability is the question.

IBKR generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

HLI scores higher overall (66/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 16.9% margins and 13.0% revenue growth. IBKR offers better value entry with a 26.5% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

Interactive Brokers Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. is a global automated electronic broker. The company is headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut.

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