HireQuest, Inc. (HQI) P/E Ratio History
Fairly ValuedTrading at 29.8x, near 5Y avg of 33.7x · 55th percentile · In line with own history · Data 2003–2026
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P/E Ratio Analysis
As of November 8, 2026, HireQuest, Inc. (HQI) trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.8x, with a stock price of $17.59 and trailing twelve-month earnings per share of $0.59.
The current P/E is 12% below its 5-year average of 33.7x. Over the past five years, HQI's P/E has ranged from a low of 14.8x to a high of 127.3x, placing the current valuation at the 55th percentile of its historical range.
Compared to the Industrials sector median P/E of 22.3x, HQI trades at a 34% premium to its sector peers. The sector includes 417 companies with P/E ratios ranging from 0.0x to 193.8x.
The PEG ratio of 10.25 (P/E divided by 73% EPS growth) suggests the stock may be expensive relative to its earnings growth. Peter Lynch popularized the rule that a PEG below 1.0 indicates an attractive entry point.
Relative to the broader market, HQI commands a significant premium over the S&P 500 median P/E of 21.8x. Investors should consider the company's growth prospects, competitive position, and earnings quality when evaluating whether the current valuation is justified.
For a comprehensive intrinsic value estimate using discounted cash flow analysis, see our HQI DCF Valuation Calculator →
Note: P/E ratio is just one valuation metric. It does not account for balance sheet strength, cash flow quality, or growth sustainability. Always conduct comprehensive due diligence before making investment decisions.
HQI Cross-Benchmark Valuation
How does the current P/E compare to sector peers and the broader market?
HQI P/E vs Peers
Staffing and Recruiting peers sorted by market cap
| Company | Market Cap | P/E Ratio | PEG Ratio | EPS Growth (1Y) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $966M | 22.8 | - | -25% | |
| $2B | 17.8Lowest | - | -110% | |
| $121B | 26.7 | 2.13 | +10% | |
| $2B | 625.9 | - | -108% | |
| $1B | 20.8 | - | -32% | |
| $13B | 20.7 | 0.77Best | -9% | |
| $42B | 23.1 | 2.30 | +7% | |
| $4B | 63.4 | - | +53%Best |
Lower P/E can signal a discount or weaker growth expectations; PEG adds growth context.
HQI Historical P/E Data (2003–2026)
Quarterly P/E ratios calculated from closing price and TTM EPS
| Quarter | Period End | Price | TTM EPS | P/E Ratio | vs Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2026 Q2 | - | $12.56 | $0.59 | 21.3x | -64% |
| FY2026 Q1 | - | $9.98 | $0.47 | 21.4x | -64% |
| FY2025 Q4 | Dec 31 2025 | $10.51 | $0.45 | 23.2x | -61% |
| FY2025 Q3 | - | $9.62 | $0.49 | 19.5x | -67% |
| FY2025 Q2 | Jun 30 2025 | $10.01 | $0.17 | 57.8x | -3% |
| FY2025 Q1 | Mar 31 2025 | $11.90 | $0.25 | 48.1x | -19% |
| FY2024 Q4 | - | $14.16 | $0.27 | 52.4x | -12% |
| FY2024 Q3 | Sep 30 2024 | $14.16 | $0.11 | 127.3x | +114% |
| FY2024 Q2 | Jun 30 2024 | $12.35 | $0.38 | 32.4x | -46% |
| FY2024 Q1 | Mar 31 2024 | $12.95 | $0.38 | 34.0x | -43% |
| FY2023 Q4 | Dec 31 2023 | $15.35 | $0.45 | 34.0x | -43% |
| FY2023 Q3 | Sep 30 2023 | $15.43 | $0.65 | 23.7x | -60% |
| FY2023 Q2 | Jun 30 2023 | $26.03 | $0.85 | 30.6x | -49% |
| FY2023 Q1 | Mar 31 2023 | $21.57 | $1.06 | 20.3x | -66% |
| FY2022 Q4 | Dec 31 2022 | $15.81 | $0.91 | 17.3x | -71% |
| FY2022 Q3 | Sep 30 2022 | $12.90 | $0.87 | 14.8x | -75% |
| FY2022 Q2 | - | $14.09 | $0.79 | 17.7x | -70% |
| FY2022 Q1 | - | $19.12 | $0.63 | 30.2x | -49% |
| FY2021 Q4 | Dec 31 2021 | $20.16 | $0.86 | 23.4x | -61% |
| FY2021 Q3 | - | $19.33 | $0.80 | 24.2x | -59% |
| FY2021 Q2 | Jun 30 2021 | $18.51 | $0.72 | 25.7x | -57% |
| FY2021 Q1 | Mar 31 2021 | $17.25 | $0.61 | 28.3x | -53% |
| FY2020 Q4 | - | $10.22 | $0.40 | 25.6x | -57% |
| FY2020 Q3 | Sep 30 2020 | $7.61 | $0.56 | 13.6x | -77% |
| FY2019 Q2 | Jun 28 2019 | $5.62 | $0.27 | 20.8x | -65% |
| FY2019 Q1 | Mar 29 2019 | $3.93 | $0.29 | 13.6x | -77% |
| FY2018 Q4 | Dec 31 2018 | $4.00 | $0.21 | 19.0x | -68% |
| FY2018 Q2 | Jun 29 2018 | $5.70 | $0.02 | 256.8x | +331% |
| FY2018 Q1 | Mar 30 2018 | $5.70 | $0.05 | 109.2x | +83% |
| FY2017 Q4 | Dec 31 2017 | $5.90 | $0.33 | 17.8x | -70% |
| FY2017 Q3 | Sep 29 2017 | $5.35 | $0.39 | 13.9x | -77% |
| FY2017 Q2 | Jun 30 2017 | $4.20 | $0.34 | 12.5x | -79% |
| FY2017 Q1 | Mar 31 2017 | $4.22 | $0.25 | 17.1x | -71% |
| FY2016 Q4 | Dec 31 2016 | $4.32 | $0.11 | 40.6x | -32% |
| FY2016 Q3 | Sep 23 2016 | $4.44 | $0.12 | 36.0x | -40% |
| FY2016 Q2 | Jun 24 2016 | $4.68 | $0.12 | 38.0x | -36% |
| FY2016 Q1 | Mar 25 2016 | $4.92 | $0.19 | 25.6x | -57% |
| FY2015 Q4 | - | $5.98 | $0.31 | 19.5x | -67% |
| FY2015 Q3 | Sep 25 2015 | $6.60 | $0.45 | 14.5x | -76% |
| FY2015 Q2 | - | $7.68 | $1.41 | 5.4x | -91% |
| FY2015 Q1 | Mar 27 2015 | $8.64 | $1.53 | 5.6x | -91% |
| FY2014 Q4 | Dec 31 2014 | $9.00 | $1.64 | 5.5x | -91% |
| FY2014 Q3 | Sep 26 2014 | $8.28 | $1.69 | 4.9x | -92% |
| FY2014 Q2 | Jun 27 2014 | $7.00 | $0.85 | 8.2x | -86% |
| FY2014 Q1 | Mar 28 2014 | $4.92 | $0.73 | 6.7x | -89% |
| FY2013 Q4 | - | $5.40 | $0.61 | 8.8x | -85% |
| FY2013 Q3 | Sep 27 2013 | $4.92 | $0.47 | 10.4x | -83% |
| FY2013 Q2 | Jun 30 2013 | $2.28 | $0.35 | 6.5x | -89% |
| FY2013 Q1 | Mar 31 2013 | $3.00 | $0.35 | 8.5x | -86% |
| FY2012 Q4 | Dec 31 2012 | $3.24 | $0.24 | 13.5x | -77% |
| FY2012 Q3 | Sep 28 2012 | $3.12 | $0.30 | 10.4x | -83% |
| FY2012 Q2 | Jun 29 2012 | $4.20 | $0.32 | 13.1x | -78% |
| FY2012 Q1 | Mar 31 2012 | $5.40 | $0.32 | 16.9x | -72% |
| FY2005 Q2 | - | $7.80 | $0.01 | 1218.8x | +1946% |
| FY2005 Q1 | - | $10.80 | $0.50 | 21.8x | -63% |
| FY2004 Q4 | Dec 31 2004 | $9.00 | $0.44 | 20.7x | -65% |
| FY2004 Q3 | - | $6.00 | $0.87 | 6.9x | -88% |
| FY2004 Q2 | Jun 30 2004 | $5.40 | $0.66 | 8.2x | -86% |
| FY2004 Q1 | Mar 31 2004 | $10.80 | $0.11 | 102.5x | +72% |
| FY2003 Q4 | Dec 31 2003 | $12.72 | $0.13 | 95.3x | +60% |
| FY2003 Q3 | - | $11.40 | $0.17 | 65.7x | +10% |
| FY2003 Q1 | Mar 31 2003 | $9.24 | $0.02 | 607.9x | +920% |
Average P/E for displayed period: 59.6x
HQI Chart Terminal
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Historical Returns
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Peer Comparison
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HQI — Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying HQI stock.
What is HQI's P/E ratio?
HireQuest, Inc. (HQI) trailing twelve-month P/E ratio is 29.8x, based on TTM diluted EPS of $0.59. The 5-year average P/E is 33.7x and the historical range spans 14.8x to 127.3x.
Is HQI stock overvalued or undervalued?
HQI trades at 29.8x P/E, near its 5-year average of 33.7x. The 55th percentile ranking within the 14.8x–127.3x historical range places valuation within normal bounds.
Is HQI stock expensive?
HQI is fairly valued relative to its own history. The current P/E of 29.8x is near the 5-year average of 33.7x (55th percentile of historical range).
What is HQI's historical P/E range?
Over the past 5 years, HQI's P/E ratio has ranged from 14.8x to 127.3x, with a median of 24.2x and an average of 33.7x. The current P/E of 29.8x places the stock at the 55th percentile of this range. Full historical data spans 2003–2026.
How does HQI's P/E compare to the S&P 500?
HQI trades at 29.8x P/E versus the S&P 500 median of 21.8x. The 37% premium to the market typically reflects higher expected earnings growth or quality.
How does HQI's valuation compare to Industrials peers?
HireQuest, Inc. P/E of 29.8x compares to the Industrials sector median of 22.3x. The premium reflects expected growth above peers or stronger fundamentals. See the peer comparison table on this page for ticker-by-ticker P/E and PEG.
What is HQI's PEG ratio?
HQI PEG ratio is 10.25, based on a P/E of 29.8x and EPS growth of 73.1%. A PEG above 2.0 indicates a premium valuation relative to earnings growth — typically considered expensive.
What is HQI's earnings yield?
HQI earnings yield is 3.36%, the inverse of its 29.8x P/E ratio. Earnings yield represents the percentage of each dollar invested that the company earns. It can be compared directly to bond yields to assess relative attractiveness of stocks versus fixed income.