MetaCap

Carlyle Group (CG) vs Houlihan Lokey (HLI)

Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.

Summary

Houlihan Lokey (HLI) has outperformed Carlyle Group (CG) over the past year, losing 34.4% versus a loss of 36.6%. Over five years, HLI leads with a +23.9% price change compared with -25.4% for CG. Carlyle Group is the larger company by market cap ($13.68 billion vs $8.77 billion), about 1.6 times the size, while Houlihan Lokey is growing revenue faster (+9.5% vs -11.9%).

On valuation, Carlyle Group trades at a lower forward P/E (7.6x vs 14.5x for Houlihan Lokey). Carlyle Group offers the higher dividend yield (3.65% vs 1.99%). Carlyle Group converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 16.9% versus 16.3%.

Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology

Relative performance

CG-36.60%HLI-34.38%
+12%-14%-40%
Oct 8, 20251 yearOct 8, 2026
CG-22.32%HLI+26.19%
+118%+31%-56%
Oct 4, 20215 yearsOct 5, 2026

Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.

Head-to-head

CG versus HLI key metrics
MetricCGHLI
Share price$38.39$125.53
Market cap$13.68B$8.77B
1-day change+1.56%+0.25%
YTD return-35.05%-27.94%
1-year return-36.60%-34.38%
5-year return-25.38%+23.92%
P/E ratio (TTM)39.5821.06
Forward P/E7.6314.54
EPS (TTM)$0.97$5.96
Dividend yield3.65%1.99%
Annual dividend$1.40$2.50
Revenue (latest FY)$4.78B$2.62B
Revenue growth (YoY)-11.91%+9.55%
Net income (latest FY)$808.70M$425.70M
Operating margin—20.13%
Net margin16.92%16.26%
52-week high$67.30$204.18
52-week low$37.08$112.83
Distance from 52-week high-42.96%-38.52%
Analyst consensusbuybuy
Avg. price target upside+42.98%+23.08%
Average volume3.55M907.89K
Shares outstanding356.33M54.20M
Employees2,5002,800
SectorFinanceFinance
IndustryInvestment ManagersInvestment Managers

Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.

Key differences

  • Carlyle Group trades at a higher earnings multiple (39.6x vs 21.1x trailing P/E).
  • Carlyle Group offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (3.65% vs 1.99%).
  • Houlihan Lokey grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+9.55% vs -11.91%).

About Carlyle Group

CG stock →

The Carlyle Group Inc. is an investment firm specializing in direct and fund of fund investments.

Finance · Investment Managers · 2,500 employees

About Houlihan Lokey

HLI stock →

Houlihan Lokey, Inc., an investment banking company, provides merger and acquisition (M&A), capital market, financial restructurings and liability management, and financial and valuation advisory services worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Corporate Finance (CF), Financial Restructuring (FR), and Financial and Valuation Advisory (FVA).

Finance · Investment Managers · 2,800 employees

CG vs HLI FAQ

Which is bigger, Carlyle Group or Houlihan Lokey?

Carlyle Group (CG) is larger, with a market capitalization of $13.68B compared with $8.77B for Houlihan Lokey (HLI).

Which stock has performed better over the past year, CG or HLI?

HLI returned -34.38% over the past 12 months, compared with -36.60% for CG (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.

Which has the lower P/E ratio, CG or HLI?

HLI has the lower trailing P/E at 21.1, versus 39.6 for CG. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.

Which pays a higher dividend, Carlyle Group or Houlihan Lokey?

Carlyle Group has the higher yield at 3.65%, compared with 1.99% for Houlihan Lokey.

Are Carlyle Group and Houlihan Lokey in the same industry?

Yes. Both are classified in the Investment Managers industry within the Finance sector.

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