Staffing & Employment Services
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4 / 10Stock Comparison
VOLT vs KELYA vs MAN vs RHI
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
Staffing & Employment Services
Staffing & Employment Services
Staffing & Employment Services
VOLT vs KELYA vs MAN vs RHI — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industry | Staffing & Employment Services | Staffing & Employment Services | Staffing & Employment Services | Staffing & Employment Services |
| Market Cap | $891M | $349M | $1.41B | $2.77B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $895M | $3.09B | $17.96B | $5.38B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $-460K | $-266M | $-13M | $133M |
| Gross Margin | 15.9% | 26.3% | 16.7% | 36.8% |
| Operating Margin | 0.2% | -2.8% | 0.8% | 1.4% |
| Forward P/E | 663.2x | 11.0x | 8.3x | 20.8x |
| Total Debt | $100M | $159M | $2.39B | $421M |
| Cash & Equiv. | $71M | $33M | $871M | $464M |
VOLT vs KELYA vs MAN vs RHI — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volt Information Sc… (VOLT) | 100 | 4634.0 | +4534.0% |
| Kelly Services, Inc. (KELYA) | 100 | 64.7 | -35.3% |
| ManpowerGroup Inc. (MAN) | 100 | 44.0 | -56.0% |
| Robert Half Interna… (RHI) | 100 | 54.0 | -46.0% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: VOLT vs KELYA vs MAN vs RHI
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
VOLT carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for growth exposure and long-term compounding.
- Rev growth 7.7%, EPS growth 103.9%, 3Y rev CAGR -5.2%
- 11.6% 10Y total return vs RHI's 10.2%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.98, current ratio 1.87x
- 7.7% revenue growth vs RHI's -7.2%
KELYA lags the leaders in this set but could rank higher in a more targeted comparison.
MAN is the clearest fit if your priority is value.
- Lower P/E (8.3x vs 20.8x)
RHI is the #2 pick in this set and the best alternative if income & stability and defensive is your priority.
- Dividend streak 22 yrs, beta 0.99, yield 8.7%
- Beta 0.99, yield 8.7%, current ratio 1.52x
- 2.5% margin vs KELYA's -8.6%
- 8.7% yield, 22-year raise streak, vs KELYA's 3.2%, (1 stock pays no dividend)
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | 7.7% revenue growth vs RHI's -7.2% | |
| Value | Lower P/E (8.3x vs 20.8x) | |
| Quality / Margins | 2.5% margin vs KELYA's -8.6% | |
| Stability / Safety | Beta 0.98 vs MAN's 1.03 | |
| Dividends | 8.7% yield, 22-year raise streak, vs KELYA's 3.2%, (1 stock pays no dividend) | |
| Momentum (1Y) | +78.4% vs RHI's -31.4% | |
| Efficiency (ROA) | 4.7% ROA vs KELYA's -11.3%, ROIC 4.6% vs -4.0% |
VOLT vs KELYA vs MAN vs RHI — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
VOLT vs KELYA vs MAN vs RHI — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 4 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
Who Leads Where
RHI leads in 2 of 6 categories
VOLT leads 2 • MAN leads 1 • KELYA leads 0 • 1 tied
Explore the data ↓Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
RHI leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
MAN is the larger business by revenue, generating $18.0B annually — 20.1x VOLT's $895M. RHI is the more profitable business, keeping 2.5% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to KELYA's -8.6%. On growth, MAN holds the edge at +7.1% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $895M | $3.1B | $18.0B | $5.4B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $6M | -$54M | $236M | $150M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | -$460,000 | -$266M | -$13M | $133M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $6M | $66M | -$161M | $267M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +15.9% | +26.3% | +16.7% | +36.8% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +0.2% | -2.8% | +0.8% | +1.4% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | -0.1% | -8.6% | -0.1% | +2.5% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +0.7% | +2.1% | -0.9% | +5.0% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +4.1% | -100.0% | +7.1% | -5.8% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +50.0% | -2.1% | +36.2% | -39.6% |
Valuation Metrics
MAN leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 20.6x trailing earnings, RHI trades at a 97% valuation discount to VOLT's 663.2x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, MAN's 9.0x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than VOLT's 75.7x.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $891M | $349M | $1.4B | $2.8B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $919M | $475M | $2.9B | $2.7B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 663.16x | -1.34x | -104.90x | 20.60x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | — | 10.96x | 8.28x | 20.76x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 75.71x | — | 9.02x | 21.57x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 1.01x | 0.08x | 0.08x | 0.52x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 29.32x | 0.35x | 0.69x | 2.15x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 42.93x | 3.06x | — | 10.39x |
Profitability & Efficiency
Evenly matched — VOLT and RHI each lead in 3 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
RHI delivers a 10.3% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $10 in annual profit, vs $-25 for KELYA. KELYA carries lower financial leverage with a 0.16x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to VOLT's 3.20x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), VOLT scores 7/9 vs MAN's 1/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | -1.5% | -24.6% | -0.6% | +10.3% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | -0.2% | -11.3% | -0.1% | +4.7% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +4.5% | -4.0% | +5.6% | +4.6% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +3.0% | -4.3% | +6.2% | +5.0% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 4 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 3.20x | 0.16x | 1.16x | 0.33x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $28M | $126M | $1.5B | -$43M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $71M | $33M | $871M | $464M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $100M | $159M | $2.4B | $421M |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 2.37x | -12.07x | 1.98x | — |
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
VOLT leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in VOLT five years ago would be worth $103,993 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $3,514 for MAN. Over the past 12 months, VOLT leads with a +78.4% total return vs RHI's -31.4%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors VOLT at 17.4% vs RHI's -20.4% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +35.6% | +13.1% | +1.2% | +2.4% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +78.4% | -12.2% | -17.0% | -31.4% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +61.8% | -34.2% | -46.4% | -49.5% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +939.9% | -58.3% | -64.9% | -58.8% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +1164.2% | -33.0% | -30.8% | +10.2% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +17.4% | -13.0% | -18.8% | -20.4% |
Risk & Volatility
VOLT leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
VOLT is the less volatile stock with a 0.98 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than MAN's 1.03 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. VOLT currently trades 96.6% from its 52-week high vs RHI's 56.4% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.98x | 1.01x | 1.03x | 0.99x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $41.72 | $14.94 | $47.34 | $48.54 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $22.54 | $7.98 | $25.15 | $21.84 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +96.6% | +64.9% | +64.3% | +56.4% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 76.5 | 63.7 | 47.1 | 49.4 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 290K | 361K | 1.1M | 2.9M |
Analyst Outlook
RHI leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Analyst consensus: KELYA as "Buy", MAN as "Hold", RHI as "Hold". Consensus price targets imply 54.6% upside for KELYA (target: $15) vs 24.5% for MAN (target: $38). For income investors, RHI offers the higher dividend yield at 8.67% vs KELYA's 3.23%.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | — | Buy | Hold | Hold |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | — | $15.00 | $37.86 | $40.67 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | — | 5 | 29 | 25 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | — | +3.2% | +4.7% | +8.7% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | — | 5 | 0 | 22 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | — | $0.31 | $1.43 | $2.37 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | +3.5% | +2.7% | +3.3% |
RHI leads in 2 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Analyst Outlook). VOLT leads in 2 (Total Returns, Risk & Volatility). 1 tied.
VOLT vs KELYA vs MAN vs RHI: Key Questions Answered
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is VOLT or KELYA or MAN or RHI a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Volt Information Sciences, Inc.
(VOLT) is the stronger pick with 7. 7% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -7. 2% for Robert Half International Inc. (RHI). Robert Half International Inc. (RHI) offers the better valuation at 20. 6x trailing P/E (20. 8x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Kelly Services, Inc. (KELYA) a "Buy" — based on 5 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — VOLT or KELYA or MAN or RHI?
On trailing P/E, Robert Half International Inc.
(RHI) is the cheapest at 20. 6x versus Volt Information Sciences, Inc. at 663. 2x. On forward P/E, ManpowerGroup Inc. is actually cheaper at 8. 3x — notably different from the trailing picture, reflecting expected earnings growth.
03Which is the better long-term investment — VOLT or KELYA or MAN or RHI?
Over the past 5 years, Volt Information Sciences, Inc.
(VOLT) delivered a total return of +939. 9%, compared to -64. 9% for ManpowerGroup Inc. (MAN). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: VOLT returned +1164% versus KELYA's -33. 0%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — VOLT or KELYA or MAN or RHI?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Volt Information Sciences, Inc.
(VOLT) is the lower-risk stock at 0. 98β versus ManpowerGroup Inc. 's 1. 03β — meaning MAN is approximately 5% more volatile than VOLT relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Kelly Services, Inc. (KELYA) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 16% versus 3% for Volt Information Sciences, Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — VOLT or KELYA or MAN or RHI?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Volt Information Sciences, Inc.
(VOLT) is pulling ahead at 7. 7% versus -7. 2% for Robert Half International Inc. (RHI). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Volt Information Sciences, Inc. grew EPS 103. 9% year-over-year, compared to -427. 4% for Kelly Services, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, MAN leads at -3. 2% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — VOLT or KELYA or MAN or RHI?
Robert Half International Inc.
(RHI) is the more profitable company, earning 2. 5% net margin versus -6. 0% for Kelly Services, Inc. — meaning it keeps 2. 5% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: RHI leads at 1. 4% versus -1. 6% for KELYA. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — RHI leads at 37. 2%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is VOLT or KELYA or MAN or RHI more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, ManpowerGroup Inc.
(MAN) trades at 8. 3x forward P/E versus 20. 8x for Robert Half International Inc. — 12. 5x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for KELYA: 54. 6% to $15. 00.
08Which pays a better dividend — VOLT or KELYA or MAN or RHI?
In this comparison, RHI (8.
7% yield), MAN (4. 7% yield), KELYA (3. 2% yield) pay a dividend. VOLT does not pay a meaningful dividend and should not be held primarily for income.
09Is VOLT or KELYA or MAN or RHI better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Volt Information Sciences, Inc.
(VOLT) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0. 98), +1164% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (VOLT: +1164%, MAN: -30. 8%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between VOLT and KELYA and MAN and RHI?
Both stocks operate in the Industrials sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: VOLT is a small-cap quality compounder stock; KELYA is a small-cap income-oriented stock; MAN is a small-cap income-oriented stock; RHI is a small-cap income-oriented stock. KELYA, MAN, RHI pay a dividend while VOLT does not, making them suitable for different income and tax situations. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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