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    Houlihan Lokey (HLI) Adds Dan Buffery, Is The Stock Trading At A Discount?

    Simply Wall St·07/18/2026 05:26:45
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    Why Dan Buffery’s Appointment Matters for Houlihan Lokey Stock

    Houlihan Lokey (HLI) recently announced that Dan Buffery has joined its Capital Solutions Group as a Managing Director, taking a lead role in North American GP-led secondaries advisory within Equity Capital Solutions.

    For you as an investor, this kind of senior hire is less about headlines and more about what it might indicate for the firm’s advisory depth in private equity secondaries, infrastructure, and real assets.

    See our latest analysis for Houlihan Lokey.

    At a share price of $140.01, Houlihan Lokey has seen short term share price pressure, with the 90 day share price return down 13.84% and the year to date share price return down 20.60%. However, the 5 year total shareholder return of 78.04% points to a stronger long run record and suggests recent momentum has faded despite news such as Buffery’s appointment.

    If you want to see how other companies are positioning for deal flow and corporate activity, this is a good moment to broaden your view with 18 top founder-led companies

    Houlihan Lokey’s share price has pulled back while both analyst targets and intrinsic value estimates sit higher. The next step is clear: how far apart are those valuation anchors, and what does that gap really imply?

    Most Popular Narrative: 18.8% Undervalued

    Houlihan Lokey's most followed valuation narrative places fair value at $172.50, compared with the last close of $140.01. It frames the current pullback as a gap worth understanding before reacting to recent share price pressure.

    Ongoing global expansion, sector diversification, and talent recruitment position Houlihan Lokey for sustained revenue growth and increased market share.

    Strong pipelines from succession planning, resilient restructuring activity, and enhanced client engagement are stabilizing fee income and supporting earnings despite macroeconomic shifts.

    Read the complete narrative.

    Want to see why this narrative supports a higher fair value for Houlihan Lokey? The projections hinge on compounding revenue growth, steady margins, and a richer earnings multiple that is anything but casual.

    Result: Fair Value of $172.50 (UNDERVALUED)

    Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what's behind the forecasts.

    However, this Houlihan Lokey narrative could be challenged if deal activity outside the US stays muted or if high compensation costs squeeze margins more than expected.

    Find out about the key risks to this Houlihan Lokey narrative.

    Next Steps

    Given the mixed tone around Houlihan Lokey, you may want to review the full picture yourself, consider acting while sentiment is still shifting, and weigh up the 5 key rewards

    Looking for more investment ideas beyond Houlihan Lokey?

    If Houlihan Lokey has your attention, do not stop there, as fresh opportunities across other stocks could matter just as much to your long term returns.

    This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.