HQI Stock Analysis: Buy, Sell, or Hold?
HQI - HireQuest, Inc. Common Stock (DE)
$16.18
-0.33 (-2.00%)
▼
5d:
-9.56%
30d:
-13.71%
90d:
+17.33%
HOLD
MODERATE Confidence
Analysis Updated: Oct 23, 2026 12:00 AM ET
Earnings: Nov 05, 2026
11d
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Interactive Price Chart (1 Month)
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Bottom Line:
📊 HOLD: HQI shows mixed signals. Fine to hold existing positions. Not urgent to buy or sell.
📊 HOLD: HQI shows mixed signals. Fine to hold existing positions. Not urgent to buy or sell.
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 $16.18, which is considered oversold relative to its 30-day fair value range of $16.78 to $18.97. The stock's valuation (Forward PE: 19.1) is in line with its historical norms (20.3). Remarkably, the market is currently pricing in an annual earnings decline of 2.0% over the next few years. This pessimistic expectation contrasts with the company's recent 156.8% earnings growth, suggesting potential undervaluation if the company simply maintains stability.
Technical Outlook: Technically, HQI is in a strong uptrend. Immediate support is located at $15.69, while resistance sits at $18.68.
Market Sentiment: The stock scores a mixed 40/100 on our bottoming-setup gauge, with only partial signs of a stabilized entry point. Wall Street analysts see significant upside, with an average price target of $19.00 (+17.4%). 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 in a strong uptrend. Immediate support is located at $15.69, while resistance sits at $18.68.
Market Sentiment: The stock scores a mixed 40/100 on our bottoming-setup gauge, with only partial signs of a stabilized entry point. Wall Street analysts see significant upside, with an average price target of $19.00 (+17.4%). 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
OVERSOLD
Historical Trading Range
$16.78 -
$18.97
Company Quality Score
55/100
(HOLD)
Volume Confirmation
HIGH
Confidence Score
77.1%
All Signals
- BULLISH: Price oversold vs 30-day range
- NEUTRAL: Mixed technical signals (40/100)
- BULLISH: High volume confirmation
- BULLISH: Trading below Wall St target ($19.00)
- NEUTRAL: Bottoming setup forming (40/100) — watch for confirmation
- CAUTION: 5-day price weakness (-9.6%) - monitor closely
Trading Range Analysis
30-Day Trading Range
$16.78 -
$18.97
Current vs Trading Range
OVERSOLD
Support & Resistance Levels
Support Level
$15.69
Resistance Level
$18.68
Current Trend
Strong Uptrend
Technical data as of
Oct 23, 2026
Fundamental Context
Forward P/E (Next Year Est.)
19.15
Wall Street Target
$19.00
(+17.4%)
Revenue Growth (YoY)
6.0%
Earnings Growth (YoY)
156.8%
Profit Margin
27.1%
Valuation Discount vs History
-2.0% cheaper
PE vs Historical
19.2 vs 20.3
FAIR
Market-Implied Price Targets
If current PE multiple persists
Implied Growth (YoY):
-2.0%
(market-implied from PE analysis)
1-Year Target
$15.86
(-2%)
2-Year Target
$15.54
(-4%)
3-Year Target
$15.23
(-6%)
3-Yr Target (if PE normalizes)
(PE: 19→20)
$16.14
(0%)
3-Year Scenarios
Using analyst projected EPS growth
Bull:
(PE: 19.9, Growth: 9.0%)
$21.75
(+34%)
Base:
(SPY PE: 19.1, Growth: 9.0%)
$20.97
(+30%)
Bear:
(PE: 16.3, Growth: 9.0%)
$17.83
(+10%)
📈
Valuation based on Current Earnings
RECOVERY PLAY: Stock looks expensive now (27x PE), but valuation improves significantly next year (19x PE) as earnings recover.
Trailing PE: 27.07 | Current EPS (TTM): $0.61
Bull Case
$25.16
(+56%)
Analyst growth 38.5%, PE expands to 29.8
Base Case
$22.87
(+41%)
Market implied 38.5%, PE stable at 27.1
Bear Case
$11.23
(-31%)
Severe decline -20.0%, PE contracts to 23.0
These are projections based on PE multiples and EPS growth scenarios, not predictions. Actual results may vary significantly.
💡
Upside Surprise Potential
If earnings stabilize (0% growth), PE could expand from 19.1 to 20.3
Stabilization Target:
$17.15
(+6.0%)
PE Expansion Potential:
+6.0%
Share & Embed Analysis
Last updated: October 24, 2026 12:20 PM ET
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 1:20 PM
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 1:20 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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