HireQuest, Inc. (HQI)

In the past six months, HireQuest, Inc.'s stock increased by 15.2% to $12.1050 as of May 8, 2026. HireQuest reported its Q4 2025 earnings, posting an EPS of $0.19, exceeding analysts' expectations. HireQuest, Inc. declared a quarterly dividend of $0.06 per share on February 17, 2026, and again on May 8, 2026. The board approved a new share repurchase program authorizing up to $20 million in stock buybacks. HireQuest is restructuring its MRINetwork brand, transitioning majority ownership of the permanent placement business to a group of current and former franchisees, while retaining full ownership of the contract staffing side. The company is scheduled to hold its Q1 2026 financial results conference call on May 12, 2026.

Demand for HireQuest, Inc.'s temporary and day labor staffing services can fluctuate based on locations and seasonality. Historically, the third quarter is typically the strongest sales period for HireQuest Direct and, to a lesser extent, for Snelling. The company's franchisees are noted for their keen understanding of the market and ability to provide staffing services despite demand fluctuations.

HireQuest, Inc. is a franchisor of staffing solutions, licensing its brands and operating model to local entrepreneurs and generating revenue through royalty fees. The company offers direct-dispatch, executive search, and commercial staffing across industries such as construction, light industrial, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, cybersecurity, engineering, warehousing, hospitality, and logistics. HireQuest operates under trade names including HireQuest Direct, HireQuest Health, MRINetwork, Snelling, TradeCorp, DriverQuest, and Northbound Executive Search.

HireQuest, Inc. has a significant geographic footprint across the U.S. and international markets, with over 400 franchised staffing and recruiting offices. In the United States, HireQuest franchisees operate in 47 states and Washington, D.C.

In the past year, HireQuest, Inc. has focused on strengthening local communities by transforming how people find work and supporting businesses. The company emphasizes delivering workforce solutions that drive growth and change lives. Their consistent declaration of quarterly dividends and the initiation of a share repurchase program contribute to a stable corporate reputation. While the Q4 2025 revenue declined, the company's continued profitability and management's outlook on a stabilizing job market suggest a resilient operational reputation.

HireQuest, Inc. has 56 institutional owners holding a total of 1,628,393 shares, including Vanguard Group Inc and BlackRock, Inc. Individual insiders hold approximately 43.9% of shares, while institutions hold about 12.5%, private companies 17.3%, and the general public 26.3%. Richard F. Hermanns, the CEO, holds a significant individual ownership stake of over 21%.