WallStSmart

Houlihan Lokey Inc (HLI)vsCharles Schwab Corp (SCHW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Charles Schwab Corp generates 837% more annual revenue ($24.80B vs $2.65B). SCHW leads profitability with a 38.0% profit margin vs 16.9%. SCHW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.18. SCHW earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (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

SCHW

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.0Value: 6.3Quality: 8.3
Piotroski: 6/9

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

SCHW6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Profit MarginProfitability
38.0%10/10

Keeps 38 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
49.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 49.2%

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0910/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$156.82B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
17.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.8%8/10

15.8% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

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

Expensive relative to growth rate

SCHW0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

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 : SCHW

The strongest argument for SCHW centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 38.0% and operating margin at 49.2%. Revenue growth of 15.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : HLI

The primary concerns for HLI are PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : SCHW

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

HLI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.00 — expect wider price swings.

SCHW is growing revenue faster at 15.8% — sustainability is the question.

SCHW generates stronger free cash flow (7.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SCHW scores higher overall (75/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 38.0% margins and 15.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

Charles Schwab Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CAPITAL MARKETS · USA

The Charles Schwab Corporation is an American multinational financial services company. It offers banking, commercial banking, an electronic trading platform, and wealth management advisory services to both retail and institutional clients.

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