WallStSmart

Hirequest Inc (HQI)vsKorn Ferry (KFY)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Korn Ferry generates 9543% more annual revenue ($2.91B vs $30.15M). HQI leads profitability with a 27.1% profit margin vs 9.5%. KFY trades at a lower P/E of 15.5x. KFY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 61/100 (C+).

HQI

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

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

KFY

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.0Value: 6.7Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.50
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
KFYUndervalued (+2.2%)

Margin of Safety

+2.2%

Fair Value

$63.80

Current Price

$77.59

$13.79 discount

UndervaluedFair: $63.80Overvalued

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

KFY3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.309/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

P/E RatioValuation
15.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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

KFY0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

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 : KFY

The strongest argument for KFY centers on Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 1.20 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 : KFY

No major red flags identified for KFY, but monitor valuation.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HQI profiles as a mature stock while KFY is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

KFY carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.

KFY is growing revenue faster at 6.7% — sustainability is the question.

KFY generates stronger free cash flow (272M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

KFY scores higher overall (61/100 vs 53/100). 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.

Korn Ferry

INDUSTRIALS · STAFFING & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES · USA

Korn Ferry, provides organizational consulting services worldwide. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

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