HQI Stock Analysis: Buy, Sell, or Hold?
HQI - HireQuest, Inc. Common Stock (DE)
$13.19
0.72 (5.77%)
▲
5d:
+7.94%
30d:
+28.68%
90d:
+23.62%
HOLD
MODERATE Confidence
Analysis Updated: May 14, 2026 12:00 AM ET
Earnings: May 12, 2026
0d
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Interactive Price Chart (1 Month)
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Bottom Line:
📊 HOLD - EXTENDED: HQI is 11.0% above its trading range ($11.88). Fundamentals are solid but entry is stretched. Hold existing positions; wait for pullback to add new shares.
📊 HOLD - EXTENDED: HQI is 11.0% above its trading range ($11.88). Fundamentals are solid but entry is stretched. Hold existing positions; wait for pullback to add new shares.
Long-Term Wealth Forecast (2031)
Based on Analyst Consensus Growth & Historical Valuation
0% (Stagnation)
50% (Hyper Growth)
EST. PRICE IN 2031
$15.54
Based on 6.7% avg growth
INTRINSIC VALUE TODAY
$9.65
Trading above historical range
How this is calculated: We use a Growth Decay Model: starting with analyst consensus growth (adjusted above) and gradually slowing it down to a long-term terminal rate (4%) by Year 5. This provides a more realistic valuation than assuming constant hyper-growth. We then apply a 19.1x Exit PE.
In-depth Analysis How we analyze
Valuation Analysis: HQI is currently trading at $13.19, which is considered extended relative to its 30-day fair value range of $10.31 to $11.88. From a valuation perspective, the stock is trading at a premium (Forward PE: 22.4) compared to its historical average (19.1). At these levels, the market is pricing in 5.4% annual earnings growth. This growth rate appears achievable given the company's track record, suggesting the valuation is rational.
Technical Outlook: Technically, HQI is showing sideways momentum. The price is approaching resistance at $12.75. A breakout above this level would be a bullish signal, while rejection here could lead to consolidation. The stock is showing strong short-term momentum, up 5.8% recently.
Market Sentiment: HQI has a strong technical setup (75/100), with favorable trendlines, momentum, and price action for short-term traders. The stock is fairly positioned - fine to hold existing positions or accumulate slowly on dips, but not an urgent buy.
Technical Outlook: Technically, HQI is showing sideways momentum. The price is approaching resistance at $12.75. A breakout above this level would be a bullish signal, while rejection here could lead to consolidation. The stock is showing strong short-term momentum, up 5.8% recently.
Market Sentiment: HQI has a strong technical setup (75/100), with favorable trendlines, momentum, and price action for short-term traders. The stock is fairly positioned - fine to hold existing positions or accumulate slowly on dips, but not an urgent buy.
Quick Decision Summary
Current Position
EXTENDED
Historical Trading Range
$10.31 -
$11.88
Company Quality Score
59/100
(HOLD)
Volume Confirmation
HIGH
Confidence Score
51.4%
All Signals
- BEARISH: Price significantly overextended (+11.0% above its trading range)
- BULLISH: Strong technical setup (75/100)
- BULLISH: High volume confirmation
- BULLISH: Strong upward momentum (+5.8%)
- NEUTRAL: Near Wall St target ($14.00)
- NEUTRAL: Trading at premium valuation - market expects 5.4% growth which is achievable
Trading Range Analysis
30-Day Trading Range
$10.31 -
$11.88
Current vs Trading Range
EXTENDED
Support & Resistance Levels
Support Level
$10.90
Resistance Level
$12.75
Current Trend
Sideways
Technical data as of
May 14, 2026
Fundamental Context
Forward P/E (Next Year Est.)
22.36
Wall Street Target
$14.00
(+6.1%)
Revenue Growth (YoY)
-12.7%
Earnings Growth (YoY)
15.3%
Profit Margin
22.0%
Valuation Premium vs History
+5.4% premium
PE vs Historical
22.4 vs 19.1
STRETCHED
Market-Implied Price Targets
If current PE multiple persists
Implied Growth (YoY):
+5.4%
(market-implied from PE analysis)
1-Year Target
$13.90
(+5%)
2-Year Target
$14.65
(+11%)
3-Year Target
$15.44
(+17%)
3-Yr Target (if PE normalizes)
(PE: 22→19)
PE COMPRESSION
$13.19
(0%)
Earnings growth offset by PE compression
3-Year Scenarios
Using analyst projected EPS growth
Bull:
(PE: 22.4, Growth: 9.3%)
$17.20
(+30%)
Base:
(SPY PE: 22.0, Growth: 9.3%)
$16.96
(+29%)
Bear:
(PE: 18.7, Growth: 9.3%)
$14.42
(+9%)
📈
Valuation based on Current Earnings
RECOVERY PLAY: Stock looks expensive now (26x PE), but valuation improves significantly next year (22x PE) as earnings recover.
Trailing PE: 25.98 | Current EPS (TTM): $0.48
Bull Case
$16.86
(+28%)
Analyst growth 22.9%, PE expands to 28.6
Base Case
$15.33
(+16%)
Market implied 22.9%, PE stable at 26.0
Bear Case
$8.48
(-36%)
Severe decline -20.0%, PE contracts to 22.1
These are projections based on PE multiples and EPS growth scenarios, not predictions. Actual results may vary significantly.
Share & Embed Analysis
Last updated: May 14, 2026 7:50 PM ET
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 8:50 PM
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 8:50 PM
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Technical Signals Check
Is HQI showing a specific setup today?
Insider Activity (6 Months)
3
Buys
0
Sells
+
Net
INSIDERS BUYING
Recent Transactions
Richard Hermanns
BUY
9704 shares
2025-12-30
Richard Hermanns
BUY
422 shares
2025-12-24
Richard Hermanns
BUY
18854 shares
2025-12-22
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