No connection

Search Results

CAT vs HQI

CAT
Caterpillar Inc.
NEUTRAL
Price
$735.35
Market Cap
$344.13B
Sector
Industrials
AI Confidence
90%
HQI
HireQuest, Inc.
BEARISH
Price
$10.28
Market Cap
$144.5M
Sector
Industrials
AI Confidence
85%

Valuation

P/E Ratio
CAT
39.01
HQI
21.87
Forward P/E
CAT
26.48
HQI
16.58
P/B Ratio
CAT
16.05
HQI
2.11
P/S Ratio
CAT
5.09
HQI
4.72
EV/EBITDA
CAT
26.1
HQI
14.05

Profitability

Gross Margin
CAT
28.79%
HQI
100.0%
Operating Margin
CAT
16.02%
HQI
24.97%
Profit Margin
CAT
13.14%
HQI
20.66%
ROE
CAT
43.53%
HQI
9.93%
ROA
CAT
7.89%
HQI
4.77%

Growth

Revenue Growth
CAT
18.0%
HQI
-13.0%
Earnings Growth
CAT
-11.4%
HQI
-28.7%

Financial Health

Debt/Equity
CAT
2.07
HQI
--
Current Ratio
CAT
1.44
HQI
3.15
Quick Ratio
CAT
0.87
HQI
2.81

Dividends

Dividend Yield
CAT
0.85%
HQI
2.23%
Payout Ratio
CAT
31.05%
HQI
51.06%

AI Verdict

CAT NEUTRAL

CAT shows neutral fundamentals based on deterministic rules. Financial strength is stable (F-Score 4/9). Mixed signals with both opportunities and risks present.

Strengths
Strong revenue growth of 18.0%
Strong ROE of 43.5%
Risks
High valuation with P/E of 39.0
Premium vs Graham Number ($139.4)
High debt burden with D/E of 2.07
HQI BEARISH

HQI exhibits a stable but mediocre financial health profile with a Piotroski F-Score of 4/9. The stock is significantly overvalued, trading at $10.28, which is well above both its Graham Number ($7.02) and its growth-based Intrinsic Value ($3.15). This valuation premium is difficult to justify given the negative revenue growth (-13.00%) and sharp decline in earnings growth (-28.70%). While liquidity is strong and analyst sentiment remains bullish, the fundamental data and long-term price performance suggest a bearish outlook.

Strengths
Strong liquidity with a Current Ratio of 3.15
Healthy profit margins (20.66%) and operating margins (24.97%)
Sustainable dividend payout ratio of 51.06%
Risks
Significant negative revenue growth (-13.00% YoY)
Sharp decline in earnings growth (-28.70% YoY)
Trading at a substantial premium to intrinsic and Graham value

Compare Another Pair

CAT vs HQI: Head-to-Head Comparison

This page compares Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) and HireQuest, Inc. (HQI) across key fundamental metrics including valuation ratios, profitability margins, growth rates, financial health indicators, and dividend metrics. Each metric highlights the better-performing stock so you can quickly identify relative strengths and weaknesses.

Our AI engine independently analyzes each company's financials, competitive position, and market conditions to produce a verdict (Bullish, Neutral, or Bearish) along with key strengths and risks. Use this comparison alongside your own research to make informed investment decisions.

Home
Terminal
AI
Markets
Profile