Robert Half stock rises as analysts lift targets after Q3 results

Robert Half Inc (NYSE:RHI) shares rallied over 10% in premarket trade Friday as Wall Street analysts adjusted price targets higher, pointing to an accelerating operational recovery following the professional staffing firm’s third-quarter financial results.

Brokers underscored a turning point in top-line demand as Robert Half's core Talent Solutions division returned to year-over-year expansion for the first time since 2022. Analysts noted that improving client activity across contract staffing and permanent placement lays the foundation for significant operating leverage across the company's cost structure as the broader industry cycle turns.

BMO Capital Markets analyst Jeffrey Silber lifted his price target on the stock to $50 while reiterating an Outperform rating. Silber highlighted that the momentum is broadening beyond core staffing, noting that consulting unit "Protiviti [is] showing renewed momentum in risk and compliance alongside continued strength in technology consulting," which supports a sustained multi-quarter earnings recovery.

Echoing the constructive sentiment, Truist Securities analyst Tobey Sommer maintained a Buy rating alongside a $50 price target, emphasizing the trajectory established early in the fourth quarter. Sommer observed that "October to-date trends and 4Q guidance [are] evidence of a modest revenue inflection," adding that regulatory tailwinds and anti-money laundering compliance work should provide Protiviti a "sustained return to growth."

Baird analyst Mark Marcon also responded to the print by boosting his target price on Robert Half to $53 from $50 while keeping an Outperform rating.

However, cautious commentary persisted regarding the depth and speed of the broader white-collar hiring rebound. Goldman Sachs analyst George Tong raised his price target to $33 from $29 but reiterated a Sell rating, cautioning that "contract staffing growth remains pricing-driven, with underlying volumes still down year-over-year," while persistent macroeconomic uncertainty and artificial intelligence disintermediation risks continue to limit discretionary hiring activity.