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Houlihan Lokey (HLI) Hits 52-Week High, Can the Run Continue?

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Shares of Houlihan Lokey (HLI - Free Report) have been strong performers lately, with the stock up 4.3% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $83.35 in the previous session. Houlihan Lokey has gained 23% since the start of the year compared to the 18.3% move for the Zacks Finance sector and the 14.7% return for the Zacks Financial - Miscellaneous Services industry.

What's Driving the Outperformance?

The stock has an impressive record of positive earnings surprises, as it hasn't missed our earnings consensus estimate in any of the last four quarters. In its last earnings report on May 11, 2021, Houlihan Lokey reported EPS of $1.51 versus consensus estimate of $1.12 while it beat the consensus revenue estimate by 39.32%.

For the current fiscal year, Houlihan Lokey is expected to post earnings of $4.27 per share on $1.5 billion in revenues. This represents a -7.58% change in EPS on a -1.88% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $4.34 per share on $1.52 billion in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 1.44% and 1.6%, respectively.

Valuation Metrics

Houlihan Lokey may be at a 52-week high right now, but what might the future hold for the stock? A key aspect of this question is taking a look at valuation metrics in order to determine if the company has run ahead of itself.

On this front, we can look at the Zacks Style Scores, as these give investors a variety of ways to comb through stocks (beyond looking at the Zacks Rank of a security). These styles are represented by grades running from A to F in the categories of Value, Growth, and Momentum, while there is a combined VGM Score as well. Investors should consider the style scores a valuable tool that can help you to pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style.

Houlihan Lokey has a Value Score of C. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are A and F, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of B.

In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 19.4X current fiscal year EPS estimates. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 17X versus its peer group's average of 9.2X. This isn't enough to put the company in the top echelon of all stocks we cover from a value perspective.

Zacks Rank

We also need to consider the stock's Zacks Rank, as this supersedes any trend on the style score front. Fortunately, Houlihan Lokey currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) thanks to rising earnings estimates.

Since we recommend that investors select stocks carrying Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and Style Scores of A or B, it looks as if Houlihan Lokey fits the bill. Thus, it seems as though Houlihan Lokey shares could still be poised for more gains ahead.


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