Houlihan Lokey(HLI) - 2026 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenues of $717 million for Q3 2026, representing a 13% increase year-over-year, and adjusted earnings per share of $1.94, up 18% compared to the same period last year [5][11] - The adjusted effective tax rate for the third quarter was 30.6%, down from 33.3% in the same quarter last year, primarily due to decreased state taxes and non-deductible expenses [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Corporate Finance generated $474 million in revenue for the quarter, a 12% increase year-over-year, with 177 transactions closed, up from 170 in the same period last year [7][11] - Financial Restructuring produced $156 million in revenue, a 19% increase year-over-year, with 41 transactions closed, consistent with the same quarter last year [8][11] - Financial and Valuation Advisory revenues were $87 million, a 6% increase year-over-year, with 1,103 fee events, up from 1,005 in the same period last year [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted an acceleration in private equity activity, with more portfolio companies exploring liquidity options due to improving investor sentiment and expectations of declining interest rates [5] - The company is experiencing strong growth in its European business, bolstered by recent acquisitions, which are expected to enhance its market presence in France [9][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand its workforce and capabilities in key markets, particularly in Europe, where it sees significant growth potential [9][28] - The strategy includes a focus on independent, high-quality advice to clients and a commitment to creating shareholder value [10] - The company is actively pursuing acquisitions to strengthen its Capital Solutions capabilities and enhance its market position [9][60] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the M&A recovery, citing improving market conditions and increased deal activity [5][10] - There is a recognition of potential revenue pressures in Financial Restructuring as the market improves, but geopolitical events may create new opportunities [8][54] - The company believes it is in the early stages of the advisory cycle, with significant pent-up demand expected to drive future growth [87][90] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with approximately $1.2 billion in cash and investments and repurchased approximately 418,000 shares as part of its share repurchase program [14][15] - The company is focused on maintaining a balance between cash for acquisitions and share repurchases, with a strong preference for strategic acquisitions [57][58] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for restructuring activity - Management indicated that while restructuring activity may decline due to improving market conditions, there are still pockets of opportunity driven by geopolitical events [18][19] Question: Corporate finance revenue expectations - Management confirmed that corporate finance is experiencing strong growth, with increasing M&A activity, particularly in private equity [21][22] Question: U.S. vs. non-U.S. growth outlook - Management highlighted that while the U.S. remains the largest market, the European business is growing significantly, aided by recent acquisitions [28][31] Question: Sponsor engagement and market pressures - Management noted a steady improvement in sponsor engagement, with broad-based growth across sectors, despite some external pressures [42][44] Question: Capital management and acquisition pipeline - Management stated that the acquisition pipeline is strong, and they will continue to evaluate share repurchases while maintaining flexibility for acquisitions [56][60] Question: Non-compensation expenses outlook - Management indicated that non-compensation expenses are expected to grow in line with year-to-date trends, with some increases in specific areas like rent [64][66] Question: Data bank product strategy - Management discussed the potential for monetizing proprietary data, indicating that it is an important area of focus for future growth [68][69] Question: Impact of geopolitical uncertainty on activity levels - Management acknowledged the presence of geopolitical noise but noted that clients are increasingly willing to proceed with business despite uncertainties [74][75] Question: Capital Solutions group build-out - Management indicated that the Capital Solutions group is still in early stages of development, with significant demand across various fronts [76][77] Question: Advisory cycle positioning - Management agreed that they are in the early innings of the advisory cycle, with a strong position to capitalize on future growth opportunities [86][90]