HireQuest, Inc. (HQI) vs RCM Technologies, Inc. (RCMT)

A side-by-side comparison of HireQuest, Inc. and RCM Technologies, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — HQI vs RCMT

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
HQI +364.9% (+16.6%/yr)RCMT +622.4% (+21.9%/yr)RCMT compounded faster over this window
0200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$465$722
HQI RCMT

HQI vs RCMT: by the numbers

  • •RCMT is the larger company ($293M vs $269M market cap).
  • •RCMT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (18.48 vs 32.76 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •HQI converts more revenue to profit (27.06% vs 5.13% net margin).
  • •RCMT grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.95% vs 13.66% CAGR).
  • •HQI pays a dividend (1.26% yield), while RCMT is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricHQIRCMT
P/E ratio32.7618.48
Forward P/E24.9414.01
PEG ratio11.30N/A
P/S ratio8.940.88
P/B ratio3.916.01
EV / EBITDA22.1410.42
FCF yield3.51%7.78%

Profitability

MetricHQIRCMT
Gross margin97.47%26.42%
Operating margin29.92%7.73%
Net margin27.06%5.13%
ROE11.85%35.04%
ROIC11.23%23.02%

Dividends

MetricHQIRCMT
Dividend yield1.26%N/A
Payout ratio40.68%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricHQIRCMT
Revenue CAGR (5Y)13.66%14.95%
EPS CAGR (5Y)2.38%N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)5.64%11.42%
Total return CAGR (5Y)1.04%47.89%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, HQI or RCMT?
RCMT has the lower trailing P/E: HQI trades at 32.76 and RCMT at 18.48. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, HQI or RCMT?
Over the past five years, RCMT grew revenue faster — HQI at a 13.66% CAGR versus RCMT at 14.95%.
Does HQI or RCMT pay a bigger dividend?
HQI pays a dividend (1.26% yield), while RCMT is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Is HQI or RCMT more profitable?
HQI runs the higher net margin — HQI at 27.06% versus RCMT at 5.13%.
How have HQI and RCMT total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, HQI delivered 16.31% and RCMT delivered 22.09% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 6, 2026.