HireQuest shares surge 14.58% premarket after Q3 net income jumps to $2.3M (from $2.2M loss) and adjusted EBITDA stabilizes at $4.7M amid cost controls.

HireQuest (HQI) surged 14.58% in premarket trading following the release of its Q3 2025 earnings report, which highlighted a turnaround in profitability. The company reported net income of $2.3 million ($0.16 per share) compared to a $2.2 million loss in the prior-year quarter, with adjusted net income rising to $3.4 million ($0.24 per share). Reduced interest and financing expenses ($63,000 vs. $268,000) and a workers’ compensation benefit of $99,000 contributed to margin improvement. CEO Rick Hermanns emphasized the franchise model’s resilience amid a weak hiring environment and noted early recovery signs in temporary staffing and franchisee sales. The results exceeded analyst estimates for both earnings and revenue, with adjusted EBITDA at $4.7 million (slightly below the prior-year $4.9 million but stable). The stock’s sharp rise reflects optimism over improved profitability and disciplined cost management despite declining top-line sales.