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HLI vs RJF
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Houlihan Lokey (HLI) vs. Raymond James Financial (RJF) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- HLI is a premier advisory-focused investment bank, while RJF is a diversified financial services firm spanning wealth management, capital markets, banking, and asset management.
- RJF has posted record revenues and earnings in recent quarters, while HLI has faced revenue-timing and technology-sector headwinds despite record annual results.
- Relative performance has diverged: RJF has broadly outperformed, whereas HLI shares have lagged year-to-date.
- RJF trades at a lower forward earnings multiple than HLI, reflecting different business mixes and growth profiles.
- Both firms cite record pipelines and backlog, but near-term catalysts and sentiment favor RJF's steadier, fee-based model.
Introduction
Investors comparing financial-services stocks often weigh a pure advisory franchise against a diversified wealth and capital-markets platform. This stock comparison between Houlihan Lokey (HLI) and Raymond James Financial (RJF) speaks directly to that choice. HLI derives most of its revenue from M&A (mergers and acquisitions), restructuring, and valuation advisory, making it sensitive to deal activity. RJF blends recurring wealth-management fees with investment banking and a bank, producing more stable earnings. Traders focused on relative performance and market positioning, as well as long-term investors assessing risk profiles, will find this comparison relevant.
HLI Overview and Recent Performance
Houlihan Lokey (HLI) is a global independent investment bank recognized for leadership in M&A advisory, financial restructuring, and financial and valuation advisory. In its fiscal 2026, the firm reported record revenue of roughly $2.62 billion, up about 10% year over year, with adjusted earnings per share rising around 20%. Despite these records, sentiment has cooled. Shares have declined notably from their 52-week high in recent months, and the stock has lagged its industry year-to-date.
The pressure reflects timing, not a collapse in demand. Management has pointed to a record backlog and pipeline, but transaction closings were delayed by geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East and pronounced volatility in the software and technology sectors, where some clients reassessed or postponed deals. Financial restructuring revenue, typically a countercyclical offset, also softened in the near term. The result is a growth story that remains intact on an annual basis but has shown choppy quarterly results in recent market activity.
RJF Overview and Recent Performance
Raymond James Financial (RJF) is a diversified financial-services company operating through its Private Client Group (PCG), Capital Markets, Asset Management, and Bank segments. Its business is anchored by recurring, fee-based wealth-management revenue. In its most recent fiscal quarter, the firm reported record net revenues of about $3.93 billion, up 16% year over year, with strong growth in asset-management and administrative fees. For the first nine months of fiscal 2026, revenue and earnings per share each set records.
The stock has been a relative outperformer over recent months, supported by record client assets under administration, robust net new assets, and advisor recruiting. Recent acquisitions have expanded its wealth and capital-markets capabilities. While elevated expenses and sensitivity to capital-markets conditions remain watchpoints, the firm's diversified, asset-heavy model has produced steadier earnings growth and a more favorable market positioning than its advisory-focused peer during the recent period.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The core contrast is business-model concentration versus diversification. HLI is heavily weighted toward advisory fees, which are recognized when deals close. This creates high operating leverage in strong M&A markets but also quarterly lumpiness when closings slip. RJF spreads risk across recurring wealth-management fees, interest income, and investment banking, smoothing results through the cycle.
Growth drivers differ as well. HLI's upside hinges on a rebound in technology deal flow, the closing of a record backlog, and an improving restructuring environment. RJF's momentum is tied to asset appreciation, net new assets, advisor recruitment, and acquisitions. On valuation, RJF has recently traded near or below its industry's forward earnings multiple, while HLI has carried a modest premium. Risk factors also differ: HLI faces competition from large banks and independent advisory firms, whereas RJF contends with capital-markets volatility and expense pressure.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, stability, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would currently lean toward RJF. The stock's steadier, fee-based earnings stream, record quarterly results, and relative strength against both its industry and HLI suggest a more consistent trend profile. HLI retains meaningful catalysts in its record backlog and an eventual technology-deal recovery, but its recent quarterly volatility and weaker relative performance introduce greater near-term uncertainty. The AI's preference is probabilistic rather than definitive, reflecting RJF's currently stronger momentum and stability rather than any guaranteed outcome.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is HLI is a Buy and RJF is a Buy.
Momentum Indicator for HLI turns positive, indicating new upward trend
HLI saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 15, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 82 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 58 of the 82 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 71%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for HLI just turned positive on October 12, 2026. Looking at past instances where HLI's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 26 of 39 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
HLI moved above its 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for HLI crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 28, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 8 of 16 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 50%.
Following a +5.28% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where HLI advanced for three days, in 202 of 355 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 7 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where HLI declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 62%.
HLI broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 02, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for HLI entered a downward trend on October 16, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 49 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 51 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. HLI’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 58 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 88, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 80 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (4.538) is normal, around the industry mean (3.059). P/E Ratio (24.007) is within average values for comparable stocks, (6.833). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.210) is also within normal values, averaging (0.809). Dividend Yield (0.019) settles around the average of (8.748) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.517) is also within normal values, averaging (16.899).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 81 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
RJF's RSI Oscillator recovers from oversold territory
The RSI Indicator for RJF moved out of oversold territory on October 20, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 30 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 22 of the 30 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 73%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 27, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on RJF as a result. In 46 of 76 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for RJF just turned positive on October 06, 2026. Looking at past instances where RJF's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 30 of 45 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
Following a +0.27% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where RJF advanced for three days, in 210 of 355 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 59%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where RJF declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 59%.
RJF broke above its upper Bollinger Band on November 02, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for RJF entered a downward trend on October 27, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 9 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 28 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 81, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 54 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. RJF’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 59 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 83 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.458) is normal, around the industry mean (2.436). P/E Ratio (13.884) is within average values for comparable stocks, (-3.642). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.791) is also within normal values, averaging (1.319). Dividend Yield (0.013) settles around the average of (0.272) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.197) is also within normal values, averaging (15.694).
HLI | RJF | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 35 | 27 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 80 Overvalued | 83 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 58 | 28 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 49 | 9 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 51 | 54 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 81 | 59 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
HLI's Valuation (80) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is in the same range as RJF (83). This means that HLI’s stock grew similarly to RJF’s over the last 12 months.
RJF's Profit vs Risk Rating (28) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is in the same range as HLI (58). This means that RJF’s stock grew similarly to HLI’s over the last 12 months.
RJF's SMR Rating (9) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is somewhat better than the same rating for HLI (49). This means that RJF’s stock grew somewhat faster than HLI’s over the last 12 months.
HLI's Price Growth Rating (51) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is in the same range as RJF (54). This means that HLI’s stock grew similarly to RJF’s over the last 12 months.
RJF's P/E Growth Rating (59) in the Investment Banks Or Brokers industry is in the same range as HLI (81). This means that RJF’s stock grew similarly to HLI’s over the last 12 months.
| HLI | RJF | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 58% | 1 day ago 73% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 62% | 1 day ago 56% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 71% | 1 day ago 61% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 67% | 1 day ago 67% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 63% | 1 day ago 64% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 60% | 1 day ago 61% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 57% | 8 days ago 59% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 9 days ago 62% | 16 days ago 59% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 60% | 1 day ago 44% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 60% | 1 day ago 61% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
HLI’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while RJF’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- HLI’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- RJF’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
HLI’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while RJF’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- HLI’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- RJF’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
HLI (@Investment Banks/Brokers) experienced а +11.61% price change this week, while RJF (@Investment Managers) price change was +2.25% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Investment Banks/Brokers industry was -6.31%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -19.42%, and the average quarterly price growth was -23.80%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Investment Managers industry was +0.11%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -5.61%, and the average quarterly price growth was -4.24%.
Reported Earning Dates
HLI is expected to report earnings on Feb 02, 2027.
RJF is expected to report earnings on Jan 27, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Investment Banks/Brokers (-6.31% weekly)These banks specialize in underwriting (helping companies with debt financing or equity issuances), IPOs, facilitating mergers and other corporate reorganizations and acting as a broker or financial advisor for institutions. They might also trade securities on their own accounts. Investment banks potentially thrive on expanding its network of clients, since that could help them increase profits. Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and CME Group Inc are some of the largest investment banking companies.
@Investment Managers (+0.11% weekly)Investment Managers manage financial assets and other investments of clients. Management includes designing a short- or long-term strategy for buying/holding and selling of portfolio holdings. It can also include tax services and other aspects of financial planning as well. While it is perceived that the industry is faced with growing competition from robo-advisors/digital platforms and passive/ index-tracking funds, many investors still find value in actively managed in-person services that investment management companies often emphasize on. At the same time, many wealth managers are also incorporating digital initiatives/low cost options in addition to their in-person customized services. Their main sources of revenues are fees as a percentage of assets under management, in addition to a certain portion of clients’ gains from asset appreciation. BlackRock, Inc., Blackstone Group Inc and Brookfield Asset Management are some of the major investment management companies.
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HLI and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, HLI has been closely correlated with RJF. These tickers have moved in lockstep 76% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if HLI jumps, then RJF could also see price increases.
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