Core Insights - Robert Half has been recognized as one of PEOPLE's Companies that Care, highlighting its commitment to an inclusive workplace and positive community impact [1][2][3] Company Initiatives - People-first culture: The company prioritizes employee well-being through regular surveys, flexible work options, and career growth opportunities [3] - Inclusive workplace: Robert Half promotes inclusivity with various benefits and resources, including professional development and mentoring programs, supported by Employee Network Groups [3] - Community support: The company encourages philanthropy through initiatives like gift matching and "Dollars for Doers," contributing over $7 million to charitable causes in 2023 [3] Company Overview - Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions and business consulting firm, providing services in finance, accounting, technology, marketing, legal, and administrative support [4] - The company has received multiple accolades, including being named one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies and Forbes' Best Employer for Diversity [4]

Core Viewpoint - The comparison between Kelly Services (KELYA) and Robert Half (RHI) indicates that KELYA currently presents a better value opportunity for investors based on various financial metrics and analyst outlooks [1][3][7]. Valuation Metrics - KELYA has a forward P/E ratio of 8.12, significantly lower than RHI's forward P/E of 23.36, suggesting KELYA is undervalued relative to RHI [5]. - The PEG ratio for KELYA is 0.62, indicating a favorable valuation when considering expected earnings growth, while RHI's PEG ratio stands at 5.67, suggesting it may be overvalued [5]. - KELYA's P/B ratio is 0.55, compared to RHI's P/B of 4.23, further highlighting KELYA's relative undervaluation [6]. Analyst Outlook - KELYA holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting an improving earnings estimate revision activity, while RHI has a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell), indicating a less favorable analyst outlook [3][7]. - The overall valuation metrics contribute to KELYA earning a Value grade of A, whereas RHI has a Value grade of C, reinforcing KELYA's position as the superior value option [6].

Core Viewpoint - Kelly Services (KELYA) is currently viewed as a more attractive investment option compared to Robert Half (RHI) based on various valuation metrics and earnings outlooks [1][6]. Valuation Metrics - KELYA has a P/B ratio of 0.65, indicating it is undervalued compared to RHI's P/B ratio of 4.50 [3]. - The forward P/E ratio for KELYA is 10.78, significantly lower than RHI's forward P/E of 24.60 [5]. - KELYA's PEG ratio stands at 0.83, while RHI has a much higher PEG ratio of 5.97, suggesting KELYA is expected to grow earnings at a more favorable rate [5]. Earnings Outlook - KELYA holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive earnings estimate revision trend, whereas RHI has a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell) [4]. - The stronger estimate revision activity for KELYA suggests a more favorable earnings outlook compared to RHI [6]. Value Grades - KELYA has received a Value grade of A, while RHI has a Value grade of C, reflecting KELYA's superior valuation metrics [9].

Core Viewpoint - Robert Half Inc is currently facing negative earnings estimate revisions, resulting in a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell) due to a recent earnings miss and downward adjustments in earnings forecasts [2][5][6]. Company Overview - Robert Half, Inc. provides talent solutions and business consulting services, operating through segments such as Contract Talent Solutions, Permanent Placement Talent Solutions, and Protiviti [1]. - The company was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Menlo Park, CA [1]. Earnings Performance - The most recent earnings report showed a miss, with the company posting earnings of $0.66 against a consensus estimate of $0.71 [3]. - The current fiscal year consensus earnings estimate has decreased from $2.92 to $2.69 over the past week [4]. - For the next fiscal year, the earnings estimate has also been revised down from $3.86 to $3.63 [11]. Zacks Rank Analysis - The Zacks Rank is influenced by the movement of earnings estimates, and for Robert Half, estimates have been trending lower, contributing to its current rank of 5 (Strong Sell) [9][10].

Core Insights - The research indicates that hiring will continue at a steady pace for the remainder of 2024, with 52% of companies planning to add new permanent positions and 57% intending to increase contract workers [1][2] Hiring Plans - 52% of companies plan to add new permanent positions in the second half of 2024, a decrease from 57% in the first half [2] - 43% of companies plan to fill vacated positions, up from 39% in the first half [2] - 57% of companies plan to hire more contract workers, down from 67% in the first half [1][2] Hiring Plans by Specialization - Finance and Accounting: 45% [2] - Technology: 58% [2] - Marketing and Creative: 48% [2] - Legal: 50% [2] - Administrative and Customer Support: 49% [2] - Human Resources: 56% [2] Hiring Challenges - 86% of employers report facing hiring challenges, with the top concerns being: - Lack of applicants with required skills: 48% [3] - Difficulty in hiring quickly enough: 48% [3] - Meeting candidates' salary expectations: 48% [3] - 62% of managers are willing to relax experience requirements if candidates possess necessary skills [3] Strategic Approaches to Attract Talent - Employers are adopting proactive strategies to attract talent, including: - Offering hybrid jobs: 41% [4] - Allowing windowed work hours: 41% [4] - Providing higher starting salaries: 38% [4] - Emphasis on retention strategies is crucial to maintain skilled talent [4] Research Methodology - The survey was conducted in June 2024, involving over 2,500 managers with hiring responsibilities across various sectors in the U.S. [5]

Core Viewpoint - The recommendation for Robert Half Inc. (RHI) remains a sell due to ongoing poor revenue growth outlook and high fixed cost structure, leading to continued pressure on margins and stock price [1][10]. Financial Performance - RHI reported a 10% year-over-year decline in revenue for 2Q24, primarily driven by a 14% decline in contract staffing and a 12% decline in Protiviti [2]. - EBIT margins fell by 270 basis points year-over-year to 6.2%, reflecting negative operating leverage [2]. - Earnings per share (EPS) for 2Q24 was $0.66, below the consensus expectation of $0.71 [2]. Market Outlook - The outlook for RHI remains bleak as macroeconomic uncertainties continue to affect client confidence and budgets, with staffing revenue experiencing a mid-teens year-over-year decline [3]. - Management's guidance for 3Q24 suggests total revenue will be between $1.39 billion and $1.49 billion, indicating a 9% decline at the midpoint [3]. - The company has seen revenue decline for seven consecutive quarters, with expectations for an eighth quarter in 3Q24 [6]. Cost Structure and Margins - RHI operates with a high fixed cost structure, necessitating significant labor costs to drive growth, which has led to substantial margin declines [4]. - Decremental margins are expected to continue in 3Q24, with management sacrificing margins for potential recovery [5]. Valuation Concerns - RHI is currently trading at approximately 13 times forward EBITDA, which is 2.5 times above its historical average, suggesting an excessive valuation given the current uncertainties [8]. - The stock is trading at a premium compared to peers, indicating potential for multiple contractions if earnings remain weak [8]. Hiring Trends - Despite job openings being above pre-COVID levels, the conversion of these openings into actual hires remains sluggish, indicating deferred demand [7][8]. - Management has noted that clients are cautious in hiring, leading to elongated decision cycles [3].

Protiviti was honored for its AI solutions focused on fairness, inclusion and equitable representation – including healthcare solutions for determination of disability claims, and financial services solutions designed to promote equity in credit decisioning and underwriting – along with a responsible AI solution helping to reduce air pollution. Spearheaded by AI veterans, Protiviti's rapidly growing AI practice is enabling clients to leverage AI/GenAI technology creatively to improve decision making, enhanc ...

Companies were selected based on feedback from an independent survey of more than 150,000 women working for U.S. employers. Respondents rated organizations on several attributes, including workplace conditions, career development, company culture and issues that support gender equality, such as parental leave, family support, flexibility and pay equity. Diversity among top executives and board members was also considered. Robert Half is committed to providing inclusive benefits and resources for women to ac ...

Robert Half Inc. (NYSE:RHI) Q2 2024 Earnings Conference Call July 24, 2024 5:00 PM ET Company Participants Keith Waddell - President and CEO Michael Buckley - CFO Conference Call Participants Mark Marcon - Baird Andrew Steinerman - JPMorgan Princy Thomas - Barclays Heather Balsky - Bank of America Merrill Lynch Jeff Silber - BMO Capital Markets Kartik Mehta - Northcoast Research Partners George Tong - Goldman Sachs Trevor Romeo - William Blair Jack Wilson - Truist Securities David Silver - CL King Operator ...

As these metrics influence top- and bottom-line performance, comparing them to the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated helps investors project a stock's price performance more accurately. Shares of Robert Half have returned +0.8% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.8% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), indicating that it could perform in line with the broader market in the near term. The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.5 b ...