WallStSmart

Hirequest Inc (HQI)vsHeidrick & Struggles International (HSII)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Heidrick & Struggles International generates 3879% more annual revenue ($1.20B vs $30.15M). HQI leads profitability with a 27.1% profit margin vs 3.1%. HQI trades at a lower P/E of 26.9x. HSII earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).

HQI

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 7.0Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.61

HSII

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 5.0Value: 4.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.04
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HQIUndervalued (+56.5%)

Margin of Safety

+56.5%

Fair Value

$24.51

Current Price

$16.05

$8.46 discount

UndervaluedFair: $24.51Overvalued
HSIISignificantly Overvalued (-22.2%)

Margin of Safety

-22.2%

Fair Value

$48.29

Current Price

$59.01

$10.72 premium

UndervaluedFair: $48.29Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HQI4 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Operating MarginProfitability
41.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 41.3%

EPS GrowthGrowth
156.8%10/10

Earnings expanding 156.8% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.6110/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Profit MarginProfitability
27.1%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

HSII3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.209/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.9%8/10

15.9% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

HQI3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
26.9x4/10

Moderate valuation

Market CapQuality
$232.11M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

HSII4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
34.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Market CapQuality
$1.23B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
7.3%3/10

ROE of 7.3% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
3.1%3/10

3.1% margin — thin

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HQI

The strongest argument for HQI centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.1% and operating margin at 41.3%.

Bull Case : HSII

The strongest argument for HSII centers on Debt/Equity, Price/Book, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 15.9% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.05 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : HQI

The primary concerns for HQI are P/E Ratio, Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : HSII

The primary concerns for HSII are P/E Ratio, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Thin 3.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HQI profiles as a mature stock while HSII is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

HQI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.12 — expect wider price swings.

HSII is growing revenue faster at 15.9% — sustainability is the question.

HSII generates stronger free cash flow (129M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

HSII scores higher overall (56/100 vs 53/100) and 15.9% revenue growth. HQI offers better value entry with a 56.5% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Hirequest Inc

INDUSTRIALS · STAFFING & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES · USA

HireQuest, Inc. provides temporary and on-demand staffing solutions in the United States. The company is headquartered in Goose Creek, South Carolina.

Heidrick & Struggles International

INDUSTRIALS · STAFFING & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES · USA

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc., provides executive search and consulting services to companies and business leaders worldwide. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

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