Americas Business & Information Services_ What's Powering Your Services Recap - 12_27_24

Industry and Company Key Points 1. Information Services Sector: * The Information Services sector saw an average increase of +1% this week and +11% YTD. * Top movers included MCO (+3%), SPGI (+3%), CSGP (+2%), CLVT (+2%), and FDS (+2%). * Investors had mixed views on credit bureaus, with slightly negative feedback on EFX and TRU and more positive feedback on EXPN. * FactSet consensus estimates for 2025 mortgage revenue and EBITDA margin at EFX and TRU were considered overly elevated. 2. CoStar Group (CSGP, Buy): * Homes.com online traffic accelerated in y/y growth over the past three months, surpassing traffic growth at Zillow. * CSGP's residential revenue is expected to increase from $46mn in 2023 to $300mn+ by 2026, representing an 85%+ 3-year CAGR. * CSGP's residential business is expected to drive robust earnings growth and valuation upside, with EBITDA margins expanding from 8% in 2024 to 27% in 2026 and 40% over the medium-term. 3. Bright Horizons Family Solutions (BFAM, Buy): * Kastle swipe data shows an ongoing recovery in return-to-office, which is positive for BFAM's child care center occupancy rates. * BFAM's child care center occupancy rates are expected to increase from low-60s in 2024 to ~65% in 2025 and ~70% in 2026. * BFAM's NTM P/E multiple of 27x based on FactSet consensus compares favorably to the 10-year average of 34x. 4. KinderCare (KLC, Buy): * Kastle swipe data shows an ongoing recovery in return-to-office, which is positive for KLC's child care center occupancy rates. * KLC's child care center occupancy rates are expected to increase from 69% in 2024 to ~70% in 2025 and ~71% in 2026. * KLC's valuation upside is leveraged to its differentiated focus on community-based centers and targeting of customers across all income demographics. 5. Robert Half (RHI): * Investors expressed cautious sentiment on RHI due to risks from AI and the impact on revenue. * There is a high probability that RHI will not achieve FactSet consensus EPS expectations of $4/shr by 2026. 6. Korn Ferry (KFY): * Investors expressed positive sentiment on KFY, given its insulation from AI risks with its focus on recruiting for executive roles. * KFY's 8% sell-off in response to F2Q earnings earlier this month presents an attractive buying opportunity. 7. Staffing Industry: * The Staffing industry saw an average increase of +1% this week and +13% YTD. * Top movers included NATL (+10%), BV (+3%), KFY (+3%), BFAM (+2%), and VSTS (-4%). * Staffing revenue demonstrated signs of stability, including positive growth in exec search and narrowing y/y declines in RPO and professional search & interim. 8. Business Services: * The Business Services sector saw an average increase of +1% this week and +13% YTD. * Top movers included NATL (+10%), BV (+3%), KFY (+3%), BFAM (+2%), and VSTS (-4%). * Investors had negative feedback on RHI and positive feedback on KFY. 9. Diversified Business Services: * The Diversified Business Services sector saw an average increase of +1% this week and +13% YTD. * Top movers included NATL (+10%), BV (+3%), KFY (+3%), BFAM (+2%), and VSTS (-4%). * Investors had negative feedback on RHI and positive feedback on KFY. 10. Macro Developments: * The Consumer Confidence Index decreased to 104.7 in December from 112.8 in November. * Initial jobless claims decreased to 219k for the week ending 12/21 from 220k the prior week. * The tightening labor market is incrementally positive for temp staffers MAN and RHI.