Houlihan Lokey Inc (HLI)vsJPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM)
HLI
Houlihan Lokey Inc
$139.25
-1.38%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $9.52B
JPM
JPMorgan Chase & Co
$331.48
-0.20%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $855.84B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
JPMorgan Chase & Co generates 6531% more annual revenue ($173.56B vs $2.62B). JPM leads profitability with a 33.9% profit margin vs 16.3%. JPM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.70. JPM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
HLI
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
JPM
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Strong operational efficiency at 22.5%
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 43.7%
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 4.6%
Earnings declined 16.6%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : HLI
The strongest argument for HLI centers on Debt/Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.3% and operating margin at 22.5%.
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, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : JPM
The primary concerns for JPM are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 3.39 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HLI profiles as a declining stock while JPM is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
JPM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.00 — expect wider price swings.
JPM is growing revenue faster at 12.7% — sustainability is the question.
HLI generates stronger free cash flow (287M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
JPM scores higher overall (73/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 33.9% margins and 12.7% 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.
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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