WallStSmart

Houlihan Lokey Inc (HLI)vsRobinhood Markets Inc (HOOD)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Robinhood Markets Inc generates 74% more annual revenue ($4.61B vs $2.65B). HOOD leads profitability with a 41.1% profit margin vs 16.9%. HLI trades at a lower P/E of 22.6x. 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

HOOD

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.5Value: 4.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.41

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

HOOD6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Profit MarginProfitability
41.1%10/10

Keeps 41 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
38.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.5%

Market CapQuality
$68.69B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
21.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.1%8/10

15.1% revenue growth

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.19B8/10

Generating 1.2B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

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

Expensive relative to growth rate

HOOD4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
37.0x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

EPS GrowthGrowth
2.7%4/10

2.7% earnings growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.683/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : HOOD

The strongest argument for HOOD centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 41.1% and operating margin at 38.5%. Revenue growth of 15.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HLI

The primary concerns for HLI are PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : HOOD

The primary concerns for HOOD are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.68 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HLI profiles as a mature stock while HOOD is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

HOOD carries more volatility with a beta of 2.29 — expect wider price swings.

HOOD is growing revenue faster at 15.1% — sustainability is the question.

HOOD generates stronger free cash flow (1.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

HLI scores higher overall (68/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 16.9% margins and 13.0% 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.

Robinhood Markets Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

Robinhood Markets Inc (HOOD) is a pioneering fintech company that has transformed the retail investing landscape since its inception in 2013 by providing a commission-free trading platform accessible via an intuitive mobile app. The firm caters to a diverse user base, allowing access to a wide array of investment vehicles, including stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies, while prioritizing financial literacy and inclusivity. By offering innovative features such as fractional shares and cash management solutions, Robinhood positions itself as a key player in the digital brokerage sector, appealing to a new generation of investors seeking efficient and transparent ways to engage with financial markets.

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