Earnings release
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Houlihan Lokey Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2027Financial Results October 28, 2026 –– –– –– –– LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Houlihan Lokey, Inc. (NYSE:HLI) (“Houlihan Lokey” or the “Company”) today reported financial results for its second quarter ended September 30, 2026. For the second quarter ended September 30, 2026, revenues were $692 million, compared with $660 million for the second quarter ended September 30, 2025. Net income attributable to Houlihan Lokey, Inc. was $109 million, or $1.64 per diluted share, for the second quarter ended September 30, 2026, compared with $111 million, or $1.63 per diluted share, for the second quarter ended September 30, 2025. Adjusted net income attributable to Houlihan Lokey, Inc. was $124 million, or $1.85 per diluted share, for the second quarter ended September 30, 2026, compared with $127 million, or $1.84 per diluted share, for the second quarter ended September 30, 2025. “Improving market conditions resulted in a stronger second quarter,” stated Scott Adelson, Chief Executive Officer of Houlihan Lokey. “While we remain cautious due to the volatility of external factors, we expect to see solid performance across our businesses for the remainder of the year.” Selected Financial Data U.S. GAAP Three Months Ended September 30, Six Months Ended September 30, 2026 2025 2026 2025 Revenues by segment Corporate Finance $ 481 $ 439 $ 784 $ 837 Financial Restructuring 118 134 237 262 Financial and Valuation Advisory 93 87 182 166 Revenues 692 660 1,203 1,265 Operating expenses: Compensation 441 423 769 816 Non-compensation 97 86 202 208 Operating income 154 151 232 241 Other (income) expense, net (5) (9) (13) (17) Income before provision for income taxes 159 160 245 258 Provision for income taxes 49 49 57 49 Net income 110 111 188 209 Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (1) — (1) — Net income attributable to Houlihan Lokey, Inc. $ 109 $ 111 $ 187 $ 209 Diluted earnings per share attributable to Houlihan Lokey, Inc. $ 1.64 $ 1.63 $ 2.78 $ 3.04
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Revenues For the second quarter ended September 30, 2026, revenues were $692 million, compared with $660 million for the second quarter ended September 30, 2025. For the second quarter ended September 30, 2026, Corporate Finance (“CF”) revenues increased 10%, Financial Restructuring (“FR”) revenues decreased (12)%, and Financial and Valuation Advisory (“FVA”) revenues increased 7%, in each case, when compared with the second quarter ended September 30, 2025. Expenses The Company’s compensation expenses, non-compensation expenses, and provision for income taxes during the periods presented and described below are on a GAAP and an adjusted basis. U.S. GAAP Adjusted (Non-GAAP) Three Months Ended September 30, 2026 2025 2026 2025 Expenses: Compensation $ 441 $ 423 $ 426 $ 406 Non-compensation $ 97 $ 86 $ 91 $ 83 Provision for income taxes $ 49 $ 49 $ 54 $ 53 U.S. GAAP Adjusted (Non-GAAP) Six Months Ended September 30, 2026 2025 2026 2025 Expenses: Compensation $ 769 $ 816 $ 740 $ 778 Non-compensation $ 202 $ 208 $ 191 $ 177 Provision for income taxes $ 57 $ 49 $ 67 $ 52 (1)Adjusted figures represent non-GAAP information. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and the tables at the end of this release for an explanation of the adjustments and reconciliations to the comparable GAAP numbers. (2)The percentages are presented as calculated; therefore, they may not recalculate precisely due to rounding. Compensation expenses were $441 million for the second quarter ended September 30, 2026, compared with $423 million for the second quarter ended September 30, 2025. This resulted in a compensation ratio of 63.7% for the second quarter ended September 30, 2026, compared with 64.2% for the second quarter ended September 30, 2025. Adjusted compensation expenses were $426 million for the second quarter ended September 30, 2026, compared with $406 million for the second quarter ended September 30, 2025. This resulted in an adjusted compensation ratio of 61.5% for both the second quarter ended September 30, 2026 and the second quarter ended September 30, 2025. The increase in GAAP and adjusted compensation expenses was primarily a result of an increase in revenues for the quarter when compared with the same quarter last year. Non-compensation expenses were $97 million for the second quarter ended September 30, 2026, compared with $86 million for the second quarter ended September 30, 2025. Adjusted non-compensation expenses were $91 million for the second quarter ended September 30, 2026, compared with $83 million for the second quarter ended September 30, 2025. The increase in GAAP and adjusted non-compensation expenses was primarily a result of an increase in rent expense and other operating expenses when compared with the same quarter last year. The effective tax rate was 30.6% for the second quarter ended September 30, 2026, compared with 30.2% for the second quarter ended September 30, 2025. The adjusted effective tax rate was 30.0% for the second quarter ended September 30, 2026, compared with 29.7% for the second quarter ended September 30, 2025. Segment Reporting for the Second Fiscal Quarter CF revenues were $481 million for the second quarter ended September 30, 2026, compared with $439 million for the second quarter ended September 30, 2025. Revenues increased due to an increase in the average transaction fee on closed transactions, which was driven by transaction mix and improved market conditions for M&A and capital markets transactions. This increase was partially offset by a decline in the number of closed transactions, which we believe does not represent a trend. (1) (1)
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Three Months Ended September 30, Six Months Ended September 30, 2026 2025 2026 2025 Corporate Finance Revenues $ 481 $ 439 $ 784 $ 837 # of Managing Directors 267 242 267 242 # of Closed transactions 142 171 269 296 FR revenues were $118 million for the second quarter ended September 30, 2026, compared with $134 million for the second quarter ended September 30, 2025. Revenues decreased primarily due to a decrease in the number of closed transactions, driven by timing of transaction closings. This was partially offset by an increase in the average transaction fee on closed transactions, driven by transaction mix, which we believe does not represent a trend. Three Months Ended September 30, Six Months Ended September 30, 2026 2025 2026 2025 Financial Restructuring Revenues $ 118 $ 134 $ 237 $ 262 # of Managing Directors 57 58 57 58 # of Closed transactions 27 37 50 72 FVA revenues were $93 million for the second quarter ended September 30, 2026, compared with $87 million for the second quarter ended September 30, 2025. Revenues increased due to growth in our non-cyclical businesses. Three Months Ended September 30, Six Months Ended September 30, 2026 2025 2026 2025 Financial and Valuation Advisory Revenues $ 93 $ 87 $ 182 $ 166 # of Managing Directors 46 45 46 45 # of Fee Events 1,071 1,075 1,554 1,517 (1)As of the end of the respective reporting period. (2)A Fee Event includes any engagement that involves revenue activity during the measurement period based on a revenue minimum of one thousand dollars. References in this press release to closed transactions should be understood to be the same as transactions that are “effectively closed” as described in our annual report on Form 10- K. Other Announcements The Board of Directors of the Company declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.70 per share of Class A and Class B common stock. The dividend will be payable on December 15, 2026 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 1, 2026. Also, during the second quarter ended September 30, 2026, the Company repurchased 397 thousand shares as part of its share repurchase program. As of September 30, 2026, the Company had $888 million of cash and cash equivalents and investment securities. Investor Conference Call and Webcast The Company will host a conference call and live webcast at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, to discuss its second quarter fiscal 2027 results. The number to call is 1-844-501-1995 (domestic) or 1-412-317-5180 (international). A live webcast will be available in the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website. A replay of the conference call will be available from October 28, 2026 through November 4, 2026, by dialing 1-844-512-2921 (domestic) or 1-412-317-6671 (international) and entering the passcode 10212286. A replay of the webcast will be archived and available on the Company’s website. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. You can identify these statements by our use of the words “assumes,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “guidance,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “indicates,” “suggests,” “sees,” “will,” and similar expressions that do not relate to historical matters. (1) (2) (1) (2) (1) (2)
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You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Company’s control and could materially affect actual results, performance, or achievements. For a further description of such factors, you should read the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The events and circumstances reflected in our forward- looking statements may not be achieved or occur and actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Non-GAAP Financial Measures As a supplement to our financial measures presented in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), the Company presents certain adjusted (non-GAAP) measures of financial performance. These non-GAAP financial measures are not intended to be considered in isolation from, as a substitute for, or as more important than, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all of the items associated with the Company’s results of operations as determined in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted net income, total and on a per share basis, and certain adjusted items used to determine adjusted net income, are presented and discussed in this earnings press release and are non-GAAP measures that management believes, when presented together with comparable GAAP measures, are useful to investors in understanding the Company’s financial and operating performance. The non-GAAP financial measures exclude the following items, as applicable in any given reporting period: certain acquisition related costs, including (1) acquisition related deferred retention payments, which may be settled in cash or common stock of the Company; (2) amortization of intangible assets recognized in purchase accounting; (3) fair value remeasurements of acquisition-related contingent consideration; and (4) other integration and acquisition related costs, including asset write offs or impairments; legal and other professional fees associated with the simplification of our legal entity structure that has resulted from acquisitions; the income tax adjustments associated with the non-tax adjustments above, determined by applying the tax rates in effect in the jurisdictions for which the non-tax adjustment relates; and significant discrete tax related items, including (1) acquisition-related costs which are non-deductible for income tax purposes and (2) other unusual or unique tax-related items and activities. In the future, the Company may also consider whether other items should also be excluded in calculating the non-GAAP financial measures used by the Company. These non-GAAP measures facilitate comparison of operating performance between periods and help investors to understand our underlying operating results by excluding certain items that may not be indicative of the Company’s core business, operating results, or future outlook. We consider quantitative and qualitative factors in assessing whether to adjust for the impact of items that could affect an understanding of our ongoing financial and business performance or trends. Internally, management uses these non-GAAP financial measures, along with GAAP financial measures, in assessing the Company’s operating results. The adjusted items included in this earnings press release as calculated by the Company are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Additionally, these adjusted amounts are not a measurement of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to the Company’s financial information determined under GAAP. For additional descriptions of the Company’s use of these adjusted items and a reconciliation with comparable GAAP items, see the section of this press release titled “Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted Financial Information.” We encourage investors to review our GAAP financial statements and other regulatory filings for a comprehensive understanding of our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. About Houlihan Lokey Houlihan Lokey, Inc. (NYSE:HLI) is a leading global investment bank recognized for delivering independent strategic and financial advice to corporations, financial sponsors, and governments. With uniquely deep industry expertise, broad
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international reach, and a partnership approach rooted in trust, the firm provides innovative, integrated solutions across mergers and acquisitions, capital solutions, financial restructuring, and financial and valuation advisory. Our unmatched transaction volumes provide differentiated, data-driven perspectives that help our clients achieve their most critical goals. To learn more about Houlihan Lokey, please visit . HOULIHAN LOKEY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) September 30, 2026 March 31, 2026 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 837 $ 1,189 Investment securities 51 170 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses 285 228 Unbilled work in progress, net of allowance for credit losses 267 271 Property and equipment, net 148 143 Operating lease right-of-use assets 410 407 Goodwill 1,471 1,396 Other intangible assets, net 212 204 Other assets 294 301 Total assets $ 3,975 $ 4,309 Liabilities, temporary equity and stockholders' equity Liabilities: Accrued salaries and bonuses $ 775 $ 1,077 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 102 136 Operating lease liabilities 494 492 Other liabilities 186 151 Total liabilities 1,557 1,856 Redeemable noncontrolling interest 111 111 Stockholders' equity: Class A common stock, $0.001 par value. Authorized 1,000 shares; issued and outstanding 54.0 and 54.2 shares, respectively — — Class B common stock, $0.001 par value. Authorized 1,000 shares; issued and outstanding 15.4 and 15.3 shares, respectively — — Additional paid-in capital 631 746 Retained earnings 1,726 1,645 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (50) (49) Total stockholders’ equity 2,307 2,342 Total liabilities, temporary equity and stockholders’ equity $ 3,975 $ 4,309 HOULIHAN LOKEY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) Three Months Ended September 30, Six Months Ended September 30, 2026 2025 2026 2025 Revenues $ 692 $ 660 $ 1,203 $ 1,265 Operating expenses: Employee compensation and benefits 426 406 740 778 Acquisition related compensation and benefits 15 17 29 38 Travel, meals, and entertainment 17 15 36 35 Rent 22 18 43 36 Depreciation and amortization 10 10 18 26 Information technology and communications 19 17 38 35 Professional fees 10 10 27 22 Other operating expenses 19 16 40 36 Revaluation of acquisition contingent consideration — — — 18
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Total operating expenses 538 509 971 1,024 Operating income 154 151 232 241 Other (income) expense, net (5) (9) (13) (17) Income before provision for income taxes 159 160 245 258 Provision for income taxes 49 49 57 49 Net income 110 111 188 209 Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (1) — (1) — Net income attributable to Houlihan Lokey, Inc. $ 109 $ 111 $ 187 $ 209 Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding: Basic 66.6 67.0 66.6 66.6 Fully diluted 67.0 68.6 67.3 68.8 Earnings per share Basic $ 1.64 $ 1.67 $ 2.81 $ 3.14 Fully diluted $ 1.64 $ 1.63 $ 2.78 $ 3.04 HOULIHAN LOKEY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO ADJUSTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) Three Months Ended September 30, Six Months Ended September 30, 2026 2025 2026 2025 $ 692 $ 660 $ 1,203 $ 1,265 Compensation expenses (GAAP) $ 441 $ 423 $ 769 $ 816 Less: Acquisition related compensation and benefits (15) (17) (29) (38) Compensation expenses (adjusted) 426 406 740 778 Non-compensation expenses (GAAP) $ 97 $ 86 $ 202 $ 208 Less: Acquisition related legal structure reorganization — — — (1) Less: Integration and acquisition related costs (3) — (6) — Less: Acquisition amortization (3) (3) (5) (12) Less: Revaluation of acquisition contingent consideration — — — (18) Non-compensation expenses (adjusted) 91 83 191 177 Operating income (GAAP) $ 154 $ 151 $ 232 $ 241 Plus: Adjustments 21 20 40 69 Operating income (adjusted) 175 171 272 310 Other (income) expense, net (GAAP) $ (5) $ (9) $ (13) $ (17) Other (income) expense, net (adjusted) (5) (9) (13) (17) Provision for income taxes (GAAP) $ 49 $ 49 $ 57 $ 49 Less: Non-deductible acquisition related costs — (1) — (2) Adjusted provision for income taxes 49 48 57 47 Plus: Resulting tax impact 5 5 10 5 Provision for income taxes (adjusted) 54 53 67 52 Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (GAAP) $ (1) $ — $ (1) $ — Less: Impact of adjustments on noncontrolling interest, net of tax (1) — (2) — Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (adjusted) (2) — (3) — Net income attributable to Houlihan Lokey, Inc. (GAAP) $ 109 $ 111 $ 187 $ 209 Plus: Adjustments 15 16 28 66 Net income attributable to Houlihan Lokey, Inc. (adjusted) $ 124 $ 127 $ 215 $ 275 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)
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Fully diluted shares outstanding (GAAP) 67.0 68.6 67.3 68.8 Plus: Impact of unvested GCA retention and deferred share awards — 0.3 — 0.3 Fully diluted shares outstanding (adjusted) 67.0 68.9 67.3 69.1 Fully diluted EPS (GAAP) $ 1.64 $ 1.63 $ 2.78 $ 3.04 Fully diluted EPS (adjusted) $ 1.85 $ 1.84 $ 3.20 $ 3.98 Notes to Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted Financial Information (1) Reflects acquisition related deferred retention payments. (2) Reflects legal and other professional fees associated with the simplification of our legal entity structure that has resulted from acquisitions. (3) Reflects integration and acquisition related costs, including asset write offs or impairments. (4) Reflects amortization of intangible assets recognized in purchase accounting from our acquisitions. (5) Reflects the fair value remeasurement of acquisition ‐ related contingent consideration. (6) The aggregate of adjustments from compensation and non-compensation expenses. (7) Reflects acquisition-related costs which are non-deductible for income tax purposes. (8) Reflects the tax impact of the non-tax adjustments identified above. (9) Reflects the impact of adjustments attributable to the noncontrolling interest, net of tax. (10)Consists of all adjustments identified above, net of the associated tax impact. Investor Relations +1 212.331.8225 Media Relations +1 212.331.8223 Source: Houlihan Lokey, Inc.