WallStSmart

Houlihan Lokey Inc (HLI)vsJPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

JPMorgan Chase & Co generates 6454% more annual revenue ($173.56B vs $2.65B). JPM leads profitability with a 33.9% profit margin vs 16.9%. JPM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.67. JPM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

HLI

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.61

JPM

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.0Value: 5.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.55

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

JPM5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$820.65B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
33.9%10/10

Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
43.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 43.7%

P/E RatioValuation
14.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

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

Expensive relative to growth rate

JPM4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.674/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.383/10

Elevated debt levels

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-211.76B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.552/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : JPM

The strongest argument for JPM centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.9% and operating margin at 43.7%. Revenue growth of 12.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HLI

The primary concerns for HLI are PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : JPM

The primary concerns for JPM are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

JPM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.02 — expect wider price swings.

HLI is growing revenue faster at 13.0% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor CAPITAL MARKETS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

JPM scores higher overall (73/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 33.9% margins and 12.7% revenue growth. 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.

JPMorgan Chase & Co

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is an American multinational investment bank and financial services holding company headquartered in New York City. JPMorgan Chase is incorporated in Delaware. As a Bulge Bracket bank, it is a major provider of various investment banking and financial services. It is one of America's Big Four banks, along with Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo. JPMorgan Chase is considered to be a universal bank and a custodian bank. The J.P. Morgan brand is used by the investment banking, asset management, private banking, private wealth management, and treasury services divisions.

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