Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS)vsHoulihan Lokey Inc (HLI)
GS
Goldman Sachs Group Inc
$1,038.68
-1.60%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $317.48B
HLI
Houlihan Lokey Inc
$139.25
-1.38%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $9.52B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Goldman Sachs Group Inc generates 2251% more annual revenue ($61.53B vs $2.62B). GS leads profitability with a 29.4% profit margin vs 16.3%. GS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.64. GS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
GS
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
HLI
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 38.6%
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 24.2% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Strong operational efficiency at 22.5%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 4.6%
Earnings declined 16.6%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : GS
The strongest argument for GS centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.4% and operating margin at 38.6%. Revenue growth of 14.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull 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%.
Bear Case : GS
The primary concerns for GS are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 6.10 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : HLI
The primary concerns for HLI are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
GS profiles as a mature stock while HLI is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
GS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.29 — expect wider price swings.
GS is growing revenue faster at 14.5% — sustainability is the question.
HLI generates stronger free cash flow (287M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
GS scores higher overall (73/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 29.4% margins and 14.5% 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.
Goldman Sachs Group Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered in New York City. It offers services in investment management, securities, asset management, prime brokerage, and securities underwriting. It also provides investment banking to institutional investors.
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.
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