Forecasting The Future: 4 Analyst Projections For HireQuest
Analysts' ratings for HireQuest (NASDAQ:HQI) over the last quarter vary from bullish to bearish, as provided by 4 analysts.
Summarizing their recent assessments, the table below illustrates the evolving sentiments in the past 30 days and compares them to the preceding months.
| Bullish | Somewhat Bullish | Indifferent | Somewhat Bearish | Bearish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Ratings | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Last 30D | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1M Ago | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2M Ago | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3M Ago | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The 12-month price targets, analyzed by analysts, offer insights with an average target of $18.5, a high estimate of $23.00, and a low estimate of $16.00. This current average represents a 8.64% decrease from the previous average price target of $20.25.
Diving into Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Exploration
In examining recent analyst actions, we gain insights into how financial experts perceive HireQuest. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
| Analyst | Analyst Firm | Action Taken | Rating | Current Price Target | Prior Price Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Steinke | Barrington Research | Maintains | Outperform | $16.00 | $16.00 |
| Kevin Steinke | Barrington Research | Lowers | Outperform | $16.00 | $19.00 |
| Kevin Steinke | Barrington Research | Lowers | Outperform | $19.00 | $21.00 |
| Michael Baker | DA Davidson | Lowers | Buy | $23.00 | $25.00 |
Key Insights:
- Action Taken: In response to dynamic market conditions and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their reaction to recent developments related to HireQuest. This insight gives a snapshot of analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.
- Rating: Gaining insights, analysts provide qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of HireQuest compared to the broader market.
- Price Targets: Analysts set price targets as an estimate of a stock's future value. Comparing the current and prior price targets provides insight into how analysts' expectations have changed over time. This information can be valuable for investors seeking to understand consensus views on the stock's potential future performance.
To gain a panoramic view of HireQuest's market performance, explore these analyst evaluations alongside essential financial indicators. Stay informed and make judicious decisions using our Ratings Table.
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Discovering HireQuest: A Closer Look
HireQuest Inc is a nationwide franchisor of offices providing direct-dispatch, executive search, and commercial staffing solutions in the light industrial and blue-collar segments of the staffing industry and traditional commercial staffing. The company's franchisees provide various types of temporary personnel through two business models operating under the trade names HireQuest Direct, HireQuest, Snelling, DriverQuest, HireQuest Health, Northbound Executive Search, and MRI. The primary source of revenue for the company is royalty fees based on the operation of its franchised offices.
HireQuest's Economic Impact: An Analysis
Market Capitalization: Indicating a reduced size compared to industry averages, the company's market capitalization poses unique challenges.
Negative Revenue Trend: Examining HireQuest's financials over 3 months reveals challenges. As of 31 March, 2024, the company experienced a decline of approximately -14.59% in revenue growth, reflecting a decrease in top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Industrials sector.
Net Margin: HireQuest's net margin excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 19.23%. This signifies efficient cost management and strong financial health.
Return on Equity (ROE): HireQuest's ROE is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in efficiently utilizing equity capital. With an ROE of 2.56%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial returns.
Return on Assets (ROA): HireQuest's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROA, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROA of 1.54%, the company showcases efficient use of assets and strong financial health.
Debt Management: HireQuest's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average at 0.26, reflecting a lower dependency on debt financing and a more conservative financial approach.
Analyst Ratings: What Are They?
Analysts work in banking and financial systems and typically specialize in reporting for stocks or defined sectors. Analysts may attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter.
Analysts may supplement their ratings with predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, offering investors a more comprehensive outlook. However, investors should be mindful that analysts, like any human, can have subjective perspectives influencing their forecasts.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.