12th Annual Survey cites among IT audit teams, 68% perceive high threat levels for cybersecurity over the next 12 months MENLO PARK, Calif., Oct. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) transforms industries, organizations are becoming increasingly aware of the elevated risks it brings— particularly in the areas of cybersecurity and data privacy. The 12th Annual Global Technology Audit Risks Survey by Protiviti and The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) highlights how ...

Core Insights - The 2025 Salary Guide by Robert Half reveals significant trends in hiring and compensation, highlighting the evolving labor market dynamics and the importance of flexible work arrangements and comprehensive compensation packages [2][3] Group 1: In-Office Premiums - 66% of managers are willing to increase starting salaries for new hires who work in the office for jobs that can be done remotely [3] - 59% of these managers are offering up to 20% more pay for employees who come into the office 4 to 5 days a week [3] Group 2: AI and Skill Requirements - 54% of hiring managers indicate that advancements in AI and automation are reshaping the necessary skill sets for various positions [3] - 37% of managers are hiring contract talent to support AI-related projects [3] Group 3: Comprehensive Compensation Packages - Nearly 48% of managers consider meeting candidates' salary expectations as one of their greatest hiring challenges [3] - Providing benefits and perks that enhance employee well-being and career advancement can make job offers more attractive [3] Group 4: Retirements and Skills Gaps - Retirements are a significant concern for managers, prompting strategic measures to address resulting skills gaps [3] - 45% of managers are investing in training and upskilling their current workforce, while 41% are rehiring retirees as part-time consultants [3] Group 5: Recommendations for Job Seekers - Job seekers are encouraged to leverage the 2025 Salary Guide to research current salary ranges [3] - Evaluating the entire compensation package, including benefits and perks, is essential for improving work-life balance [3] - Being open to in-office work can facilitate face-to-face interactions and training opportunities [3] - Prioritizing training and professional certifications can enhance skill sets and marketability [3] - Exploring contract positions can provide diverse project exposure and experience [3]

Group 1 - Protiviti has been recognized on the 2024 Fortune Best Workplaces for Millennials list for the sixth time, highlighting its positive work environment for millennial employees [1][2] - The firm has also been named one of the 2024 Best Companies for Multicultural Women by Seramount, marking its fourth consecutive year on this list [1][3] - Multicultural women represent 26% of the U.S. workforce, and Seramount evaluates companies on their efforts to support and advance these employees [4] Group 2 - Protiviti has implemented various initiatives to support employee growth, including education, mentorship, and community outreach programs [5] - The company has established employee network groups for women and multicultural communities to foster a supportive workplace [5] - Protiviti collaborates with diversity-focused professional organizations to enhance its recruitment of diverse candidates [5][6] Group 3 - The firm has been listed on the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For for 10 consecutive years and has received multiple accolades for its workplace culture [6][8] - Protiviti serves over 80% of Fortune 100 and nearly 80% of Fortune 500 companies, indicating its significant presence in the consulting industry [8]

A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Robert Half (RHI) . Shares have added about 3.7% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500. Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Robert Half due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts. Robert Half Q2 Earnings Miss Estimates Robert Half ...

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].