WallStSmart

Houlihan Lokey Inc (HLI)vsSun Life Financial Inc. (SLF)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Sun Life Financial Inc. generates 1217% more annual revenue ($34.88B vs $2.65B). HLI leads profitability with a 16.9% profit margin vs 10.2%. SLF appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.18. HLI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (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

SLF

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 6.0Value: 6.3Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 5/9

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

SLF4 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
240.9%10/10

Earnings expanding 240.9% YoY

P/E RatioValuation
17.6x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$5.28B8/10

Generating 5.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

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

Expensive relative to growth rate

SLF1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.7%4/10

4.7% revenue growth

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 : SLF

The strongest argument for SLF centers on EPS Growth, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 1.18 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : HLI

The primary concerns for HLI are PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : SLF

The primary concerns for SLF are Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HLI profiles as a mature stock while SLF is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

HLI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.00 — expect wider price swings.

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

SLF generates stronger free cash flow (5.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

HLI scores higher overall (68/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 16.9% margins and 13.0% 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.

Sun Life Financial Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Sun Life Financial Inc., a financial services company, provides insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individuals and corporate clients around the world. The company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

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