HQI Stock Analysis: Buy, Sell, or Hold?
HQI - HireQuest, Inc. Common Stock (DE)
$17.14
0.10 (0.59%)
▲
5d:
+1.9%
30d:
+35.17%
90d:
+38.56%
WAIT
LOW Confidence
Analysis Updated: Aug 21, 2026 12:00 AM ET
Earnings: Aug 10, 2026
0d
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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
$23.37
Based on 6.5% avg growth
INTRINSIC VALUE TODAY
$14.51
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 20.2x Exit PE.
In-depth Analysis How we analyze
Valuation Analysis: HQI is currently trading at $17.14, which is considered extended relative to its 30-day fair value range of $12.38 to $16.16. The stock's valuation (Forward PE: 20.3) is in line with its historical norms (20.2). At these levels, the market is pricing in 0.1% 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 $13.33, while resistance sits at $19.01.
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. Wall Street analysts see significant upside, with an average price target of $19.00 (+10.9%). 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 $13.33, while resistance sits at $19.01.
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. Wall Street analysts see significant upside, with an average price target of $19.00 (+10.9%). Current signals suggest waiting for a better entry point before initiating new positions.
Quick Decision Summary
Current Position
EXTENDED
Historical Trading Range
$12.38 -
$16.16
Company Quality Score
31/100
(SELL)
Volume Confirmation
HIGH
Confidence Score
22.4%
All Signals
- BEARISH: Price extended above range (+6.1% above its trading range)
- BEARISH: Weak technical setup (0/100)
- BULLISH: High volume confirmation
- BULLISH: Trading below Wall St target ($19.00)
- NEUTRAL: Market pricing in 0.1% annual earnings growth - fairly valued
- WARNING: Composite score 31/100 in the bottom quintile — this cohort historically lags the market
Trading Range Analysis
30-Day Trading Range
$12.38 -
$16.16
Current vs Trading Range
EXTENDED
Support & Resistance Levels
Support Level
$13.33
Resistance Level
$19.01
Current Trend
Strong Uptrend
Technical data as of
Aug 21, 2026
Fundamental Context
Forward P/E (Next Year Est.)
20.28
Wall Street Target
$19.00
(+10.9%)
Revenue Growth (YoY)
6.0%
Earnings Growth (YoY)
156.8%
Profit Margin
27.1%
Valuation Premium vs History
+0.1% premium
PE vs Historical
20.3 vs 20.2
FAIR
Market-Implied Price Targets
If current PE multiple persists
Implied Growth (YoY):
+0.1%
(market-implied from PE analysis)
1-Year Target
$17.16
(+0%)
2-Year Target
$17.17
(+0%)
3-Year Target
$17.19
(+0%)
3-Yr Target (if PE normalizes)
(PE: 20→20)
PE COMPRESSION
$17.12
(0%)
Earnings growth offset by PE compression
3-Year Scenarios
Using analyst projected EPS growth
Bull:
(PE: 20.3, Growth: 9.0%)
$22.22
(+30%)
Base:
(SPY PE: 20.1, Growth: 9.0%)
$21.98
(+28%)
Bear:
(PE: 17.1, Growth: 9.0%)
$18.68
(+9%)
📈
Valuation based on Current Earnings
RECOVERY PLAY: Stock looks expensive now (28x PE), but valuation improves significantly next year (20x PE) as earnings recover.
Trailing PE: 27.93 | Current EPS (TTM): $0.61
Bull Case
$25.97
(+52%)
Analyst growth 38.5%, PE expands to 30.7
Base Case
$23.60
(+38%)
Market implied 38.5%, PE stable at 27.9
Bear Case
$11.59
(-32%)
Severe decline -20.0%, PE contracts to 23.7
These are projections based on PE multiples and EPS growth scenarios, not predictions. Actual results may vary significantly.
Share & Embed Analysis
Last updated: August 23, 2026 8:28 AM ET
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 9:28 AM
Data refreshes hourly during market hours. Next update: 9:28 AM
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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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