Houlihan Lokey Inc (HLI)vsMorgan Stanley (MS)
HLI
Houlihan Lokey Inc
$145.86
-0.92%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $9.25B
MS
Morgan Stanley
$182.44
-0.55%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $288.43B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Morgan Stanley generates 3062% more annual revenue ($79.79B vs $2.52B). MS leads profitability with a 25.6% profit margin vs 16.1%. MS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.61. MS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
HLI
Hold48
out of 100
Grade: D+
MS
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 39.9%
Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 15.5%
Earnings declined 19.0%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : HLI
The strongest argument for HLI centers on Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.1% and operating margin at 18.4%.
Bull Case : MS
The strongest argument for MS centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 25.6% and operating margin at 39.9%. Revenue growth of 10.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : HLI
The primary concerns for HLI are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : MS
The primary concerns for MS are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HLI profiles as a declining stock while MS is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
MS carries more volatility with a beta of 1.21 — expect wider price swings.
MS is growing revenue faster at 10.8% — sustainability is the question.
Monitor CAPITAL MARKETS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MS scores higher overall (72/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 25.6% margins and 10.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" 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.
Morgan Stanley
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA
Morgan Stanley is an American multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered at 1585 Broadway in the Morgan Stanley Building, Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
Compare with Other CAPITAL MARKETS Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?