HQI trades 8.0% below Wall Street's consensus target of $19.00.
Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path
The base valuation assumes HQI achieves its forward estimates and maintains a stable P/E multiple of 22.7x. This scenario reflects the blended consensus of 3 Wall Street analysts, balancing both positive catalysts and macroeconomic headwinds over the next 12 months.
As of November 8, 2026, HireQuest, Inc. (HQI) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $19.00, based on estimates from 3 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $17.59, this represents a potential upside of +8.0%. The company has a market capitalization of $245M.
Analyst price targets range from a low of $19.00 to a high of $19.00, representing a 0% spread in expectations. The median target of $19.00 aligns closely with the consensus average. The tight target dispersion indicates high conviction among analysts.
The current analyst consensus rating is Buy, with 3 analysts rating the stock as a Buy or Strong Buy,0 rating it Hold, and 0 rating it Sell or Strong Sell. This overwhelmingly bullish sentiment suggests analysts see significant catalysts for upside ahead.
From a valuation perspective, HQI trades at a trailing P/E of 29.8x and forward P/E of 22.7x. The forward PEG ratio of 7.82 reflects a premium valuation. Analysts expect EPS to grow +31.2% over the next year.
Our proprietary valuation model, which blends historical multiples with forward estimates, suggests a base-case price target of $22.00, with bear and bull scenarios of $13.86 and $28.98 respectively. Model confidence stands at 43/100, suggesting limited visibility into future performance.
| Company | Market Cap | Price | Target | Upside Potential | Rating | Fwd P/E | Analysts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 KELYAKelly Services, Inc. | $479M | $13.82 | $20.00 | +44.8% | Buy | 12.6x | 5 |
 KFRCKforce Inc. | $966M | $54.15 | $63.00 | +16.3% | Hold | 19.9x | 10 |
 TBITrueBlue, Inc. | $369M | $12.15 | $9.50 | -21.8% | Buy | — | 10 |
 MANManpowerGroup Inc. | $2.1B | $44.50 | $52.14 | +17.2% | Hold | 12.4x | 29 |
 ADPAutomatic Data Processing, Inc. | $121.3B | $303.35 | $286.29 | -5.6% | Hold | 27.4x | 36 |
 NSPInsperity, Inc. | $1.9B | $49.82 | $56.33 | +13.1% | Hold | 23.9x | 8 |
 EFOREverforth, Inc. | $1.4B | $34.34 | $46.00 | +42.5% | Hold | 8.9x | 13 |
 PAYCPaycom Software, Inc. | $13.0B | $237.32 | $230.25 | -3.0% | Hold | 19.6x | 36 |
 PAYXPaychex, Inc. | $41.6B | $117.06 | $111.71 | -4.6% | Hold | 21.3x | 31 |
 WKWorkiva Inc. | $4.0B | $72.76 | $86.25 | +18.5% | Buy | 21.7x | 18 |
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying HQI stock.
The consensus price target for HQI is $19, close to the current price of $17.59 (8.0% implied move). Based on 3 analyst estimates, the stock appears fairly valued near current levels.
HQI has a consensus rating of "Buy" based on 3 Wall Street analysts. The rating breakdown is predominantly bullish, with 3 Buy/Strong Buy ratings. The consensus 12-month price target of $19 implies 8.0% upside from current levels.
HQI trades at a forward P/E of 22.6968x, representing a moderate valuation. With analysts targeting $19 (8.0% implied move), the stock appears reasonably valued with upside.
The most bullish Wall Street analyst has a price target of $19 for HQI, while the most conservative target is $19. The consensus of $19 represents the median expectation. Our quantitative valuation model projects a bull case target of $29 based on optimistic growth and margin assumptions. These targets typically reflect 12-month expectations.
HQI is lightly followed, with 3 analysts providing price targets and ratings. Of these, 0 have Strong Buy ratings, 3 have Buy ratings, 0 recommend Hold, and 0 have Sell or Strong Sell ratings. Higher analyst coverage generally indicates greater institutional interest and more reliable consensus estimates.
The 12-month HQI stock forecast based on 3 Wall Street analysts shows a consensus price target of $19, with estimates ranging from $19 (bear case) to $19 (bull case). The median consensus rating is "Buy". Our proprietary valuation model produces a base case fair value of $22, with bear/bull scenarios of $14/$29.
Our quantitative valuation model calculates HQI's fair value at $22 (base case), with a bear case of $14 and bull case of $29. The model uses discounted cash flow analysis, historical growth rates, and margin mean-reversion to project FY+2 earnings, then applies an appropriate P/E multiple. The model confidence score is 43/100.
HQI trades at a forward P/E ratio of 22.7x based on next-twelve-months earnings estimates compared to a trailing P/E of 29.8x. The lower forward P/E indicates analysts expect earnings growth. A forward P/E is useful for comparing valuations when earnings are expected to change significantly.
HQI appears fairly valued according to analysts, with a "Buy" rating and minimal upside to the $19 target. Consider your investment thesis and risk tolerance. This information is for educational purposes only. Always conduct your own research, consider your financial situation, and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HQI analyst price targets range from $19 to $19, a 0% tight range reflecting strong analyst consensus. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $19 consensus represents the middle ground. Our model's $14-$29 range provides an independent fundamental perspective.
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