WallStSmart

Houlihan Lokey Inc (HLI)vsNomura Holdings Inc ADR (NMR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Nomura Holdings Inc ADR generates 92276% more annual revenue ($2.33T vs $2.52B). NMR leads profitability with a 17.3% profit margin vs 16.1%. NMR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.82. NMR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 84/100 (A-).

HLI

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 8.0Value: 4.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.55

NMR

Exceptional Buy

84

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 10.0Profit: 7.0Value: 7.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.53

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HLI1 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.229/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

NMR6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
30.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 30.8%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
31.2%10/10

Revenue surging 31.2% year-over-year

PEG RatioValuation
0.828/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
12.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
42.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 42.0% YoY

Areas to Watch

HLI4 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
6.542/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-15.5%2/10

Revenue declined 15.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-19.0%2/10

Earnings declined 19.0%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-342.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

NMR2 concerns · Avg: 1.5/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.532/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
9.181/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : NMR

The strongest argument for NMR centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.3% and operating margin at 30.8%. Revenue growth of 31.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HLI

The primary concerns for HLI are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : NMR

The primary concerns for NMR are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 9.18 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HLI profiles as a declining stock while NMR is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

HLI carries more volatility with a beta of 0.97 — expect wider price swings.

NMR is growing revenue faster at 31.2% — sustainability is the question.

Monitor CAPITAL MARKETS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

NMR scores higher overall (84/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 17.3% margins and 31.2% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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.

Nomura Holdings Inc ADR

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

Nomura Holdings, Inc. provides various financial services to individuals, corporations, financial institutions, governments, and government agencies worldwide. The company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

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