Robert Half (RHI) | News Based Sentiment Analysis

• On September 5, 2025, Robert Half, along with its consulting subsidiary Protiviti, received recognition as a Fortune Best Workplace in Consulting & Professional Services™, with 91% of Robert Half employees reporting a positive work experience – significantly exceeding the 57% average for U.S. companies. This positive workplace culture could help attract and retain talent in a competitive labor market.
• Protiviti’s annual Global Finance Trends Survey, released on September 9, 2025, revealed a more than doubling in AI adoption by finance teams, jumping from 34% in 2024 to 72% in 2025, with process automation (66%) and financial forecasting (58%) as primary applications. This trend suggests Protiviti is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for AI-driven financial solutions.
• New data from Robert Half Australia, published on September 11, 2025, indicated that 74% of Australian employers plan to maintain their current work arrangements (in-office or hybrid) for the next 12 months, with 15% planning to increase in-office days and 9% aiming for greater flexibility. This suggests a stabilizing trend in work arrangements, though some employers are still pushing for more in-office presence.
• Protiviti bolstered its advisory board on September 5, 2025, with the appointment of Amy Wilkinson, founder and CEO of Ingenuity and a faculty member at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Adding Wilkinson’s expertise to the advisory board could provide valuable strategic guidance for Protiviti’s growth initiatives.
• Robert Half reaffirmed its commitment to shareholders by declaring a quarterly dividend of $0.59 per share on September 15, 2025, payable to shareholders of record as of August 25, 2025, representing an annualized yield of 6.5%. While the current payout ratio is high at 134.86%, projections suggest it will become more sustainable at 66.11% next year.
• Amundi increased its stake in Robert Half on September 12, 2025, purchasing an additional 58,125 shares, bringing its total holding to 58,366 shares valued at $2,974,000. This increased investment from a major institutional investor signals continued confidence in Robert Half’s long-term prospects.
• Analyst consensus for Robert Half remained at a 'Hold' rating as of September 12, 2025, with a price target of $45.83, representing a 25.88% upside from the current price of $36.41. JPMorgan Chase & Co. adjusted its price objective to $45.00 on July 24th, while Wall Street Zen upgraded its rating to “hold” on August 3rd, reflecting ongoing uncertainty but a slight improvement in sentiment.

The Investment Story: September brought a mix of results for Robert Half, with positive developments in workplace culture and AI adoption at Protiviti offset by continued caution in the labor market and mixed analyst sentiment. The company continues to return capital to shareholders, signaling confidence despite ongoing challenges.

What It Means for Investors: Investors should view Robert Half as a cautiously optimistic play. The dividend and share repurchases provide downside protection, while the growth in AI adoption at Protiviti offers potential upside. However, the mixed analyst views and uncertain economic outlook suggest limited near-term gains.

Looking Ahead: The Q3 2025 earnings report on October 28, 2025, will be crucial. Investors should pay close attention to updates on revenue trends, the impact of AI adoption, and any further changes in analyst sentiment.

The Bottom Line: Robert Half presents a complex investment case. Its commitment to shareholders and the growth potential of Protiviti are positives, but the challenging economic environment and mixed analyst sentiment require a cautious approach.