WallStSmart

Hirequest Inc (HQI)vsKorn Ferry (KFY)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Korn Ferry generates 9532% more annual revenue ($2.86B vs $29.69M). HQI leads profitability with a 22.0% profit margin vs 9.4%. KFY trades at a lower P/E of 14.5x. KFY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

HQI

Hold

45

out of 100

Grade: D+

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

KFY

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.0Value: 6.0Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.41
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
KFYFair Value (-0.7%)

Margin of Safety

-0.7%

Fair Value

$62.01

Current Price

$72.32

$10.31 premium

UndervaluedFair: $62.01Overvalued

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%

KFY3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.289/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

P/E RatioValuation
14.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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%

KFY0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

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 : 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 declining stock while KFY is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

KFY carries more volatility with a beta of 1.21 — expect wider price swings.

KFY is growing revenue faster at 7.3% — sustainability is the question.

KFY generates stronger free cash flow (212M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

KFY scores higher overall (64/100 vs 45/100). 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.

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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