HQI Stock Analysis: Buy, Sell, or Hold?
HQI - HireQuest, Inc. Common Stock (DE)
$18.81
-0.78 (-3.98%)
▼
5d:
-6.14%
30d:
+12.57%
90d:
+54.69%
WAIT
LOW Confidence
Analysis Updated: Oct 2, 2026 12:00 AM ET
Earnings: Nov 05, 2026
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Interactive Price Chart (1 Month)
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Bottom Line:
📊 MIXED SIGNALS: HQI shows conflicting indicators. Wait for confirmation before entering.
📊 MIXED SIGNALS: HQI shows conflicting indicators. Wait for confirmation before entering.
Long-Term Wealth Forecast (2031)
Based on Analyst Consensus Growth & Historical Valuation
0% (Stagnation)
50% (Hyper Growth)
EST. PRICE IN 2031
$23.49
Based on 6.5% avg growth
INTRINSIC VALUE TODAY
$14.58
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 20.3x Exit PE.
In-depth Analysis How we analyze
Valuation Analysis: HQI is currently trading at $18.81, which is considered extended relative to its 30-day fair value range of $15.98 to $18.63. The stock's valuation (Forward PE: 22.3) is in line with its historical norms (20.3). At these levels, the market is pricing in 3.1% annual earnings growth. This growth rate appears achievable given the company's track record, suggesting the valuation is rational.
Technical Outlook: Technically, HQI is in a strong uptrend. Immediate support is located at $16.37, while resistance sits at $20.84. Short-term momentum is weak, with the stock down 4.0% recently.
Market Sentiment: HQI scores 0/100 on our bottoming-setup gauge. Note this measures entry quality, not trend direction — a low score can mean the chart is extended after a strong run (don't chase) or still falling without stabilization; better entries typically come after a pullback toward the 20-day average. Current signals suggest waiting for a better entry point before initiating new positions.
Technical Outlook: Technically, HQI is in a strong uptrend. Immediate support is located at $16.37, while resistance sits at $20.84. Short-term momentum is weak, with the stock down 4.0% recently.
Market Sentiment: HQI scores 0/100 on our bottoming-setup gauge. Note this measures entry quality, not trend direction — a low score can mean the chart is extended after a strong run (don't chase) or still falling without stabilization; better entries typically come after a pullback toward the 20-day average. Current signals suggest waiting for a better entry point before initiating new positions.
Quick Decision Summary
Current Position
EXTENDED
Historical Trading Range
$15.98 -
$18.63
Company Quality Score
33/100
(SELL)
Volume Confirmation
HIGH
Confidence Score
20.0%
All Signals
- BEARISH: Price extended above range
- BEARISH: Weak technical setup (0/100)
- BULLISH: High volume confirmation
- BEARISH: Downward momentum (-4.0%)
- NEUTRAL: Near Wall St target ($19.00)
- NEUTRAL: Market pricing in 3.1% annual earnings growth - fairly valued
- WARNING: Composite score 33/100 in the bottom quintile — this cohort historically lags the market
Trading Range Analysis
30-Day Trading Range
$15.98 -
$18.63
Current vs Trading Range
EXTENDED
Support & Resistance Levels
Support Level
$16.37
Resistance Level
$20.84
Current Trend
Strong Uptrend
Technical data as of
Oct 2, 2026
Fundamental Context
Forward P/E (Next Year Est.)
22.26
Wall Street Target
$19.00
(+1.0%)
Revenue Growth (YoY)
6.0%
Earnings Growth (YoY)
156.8%
Profit Margin
27.1%
Valuation Premium vs History
+3.1% premium
PE vs Historical
22.3 vs 20.3
FAIR
Market-Implied Price Targets
If current PE multiple persists
Implied Growth (YoY):
+3.1%
(market-implied from PE analysis)
1-Year Target
$19.39
(+3%)
2-Year Target
$19.99
(+6%)
3-Year Target
$20.61
(+10%)
3-Yr Target (if PE normalizes)
(PE: 22→20)
PE COMPRESSION
$18.80
(0%)
Earnings growth offset by PE compression
3-Year Scenarios
Using analyst projected EPS growth
Bull:
(PE: 22.3, Growth: 9.0%)
$24.38
(+30%)
Base:
(SPY PE: 20.4, Growth: 9.0%)
$22.34
(+19%)
Bear:
(PE: 17.3, Growth: 9.0%)
$18.99
(+1%)
📈
Valuation based on Current Earnings
RECOVERY PLAY: Stock looks expensive now (32x PE), but valuation improves significantly next year (22x PE) as earnings recover.
Trailing PE: 31.60 | Current EPS (TTM): $0.62
Bull Case
$29.37
(+56%)
Analyst growth 36.3%, PE expands to 34.8
Base Case
$26.70
(+42%)
Market implied 36.3%, PE stable at 31.6
Bear Case
$13.32
(-29%)
Severe decline -20.0%, PE contracts to 26.9
These are projections based on PE multiples and EPS growth scenarios, not predictions. Actual results may vary significantly.
Share & Embed Analysis
Last updated: October 03, 2026 4:44 PM ET
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 5:44 PM
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 5:44 PM
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Technical Signals Check
Is HQI showing a specific setup today?
Insider Activity (6 Months)
0
Buys
0
Sells
0
Net
NEUTRAL
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