WallStSmart

Heidrick & Struggles International (HSII)vsKorn Ferry (KFY)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Korn Ferry generates 138% more annual revenue ($2.86B vs $1.20B). KFY leads profitability with a 9.4% profit margin vs 3.1%. HSII appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.05. KFY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

HSII

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.0Value: 8.0Quality: 5.0

KFY

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 6.0Value: 10.0Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.41
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HSIIFair Value (-1.4%)

Margin of Safety

-1.4%

Fair Value

$58.20

Current Price

$59.01

$0.81 premium

UndervaluedFair: $58.20Overvalued
KFYUndervalued (+51.5%)

Margin of Safety

+51.5%

Fair Value

$128.62

Current Price

$63.01

$65.61 discount

UndervaluedFair: $128.62Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HSII2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.9%8/10

15.9% revenue growth

KFY2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
12.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

HSII4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
34.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Market CapQuality
$1.23B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
7.5%3/10

ROE of 7.5% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
3.1%3/10

3.1% margin — thin

KFY0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HSII

The strongest argument for HSII centers on Price/Book, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 15.9% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.05 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : KFY

The strongest argument for KFY centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 1.20 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : HSII

The primary concerns for HSII are P/E Ratio, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Thin 3.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : KFY

No major red flags identified for KFY, but monitor valuation.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HSII profiles as a growth stock while KFY is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

KFY carries more volatility with a beta of 1.33 — expect wider price swings.

HSII is growing revenue faster at 15.9% — sustainability is the question.

KFY generates stronger free cash flow (212M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

KFY scores higher overall (64/100 vs 56/100). Both earn "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.

Heidrick & Struggles International

INDUSTRIALS · STAFFING & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES · USA

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc., provides executive search and consulting services to companies and business leaders worldwide. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Korn Ferry

INDUSTRIALS · STAFFING & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES · USA

Korn Ferry, provides organizational consulting services worldwide. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

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