WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Heidrick & Struggles International generates 3941% more annual revenue ($1.20B vs $29.69M). HQI leads profitability with a 22.0% profit margin vs 3.1%. HQI trades at a lower P/E of 27.3x. HSII earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).

HQI

Hold

45

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 7.0Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.66

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 (+56.4%)

Margin of Safety

+56.4%

Fair Value

$24.48

Current Price

$12.62

$11.86 discount

UndervaluedFair: $24.48Overvalued
HSIISignificantly Overvalued (-22.4%)

Margin of Safety

-22.4%

Fair Value

$48.23

Current Price

$59.01

$10.78 premium

UndervaluedFair: $48.23Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HQI4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.6610/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Profit MarginProfitability
22.0%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
2.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
22.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.6%

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

HQI4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.3x4/10

Moderate valuation

Market CapQuality
$182.34M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-12.7%2/10

Revenue declined 12.7%

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 Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.0% and operating margin at 22.6%.

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 declining stock while HSII is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

HQI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.11 — 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 45/100) and 15.9% revenue growth. HQI offers better value entry with a 56.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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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