Star Equity (NASDAQ:STRR – Get Free Report) and Robert Half (NYSE:RHI – Get Free Report) are both industrials companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, analyst recommendations, risk, profitability, earnings, institutional ownership and dividends.
Earnings & Valuation
This table compares Star Equity and Robert Half”s gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.
| Gross Revenue | Price/Sales Ratio | Net Income | Earnings Per Share | Price/Earnings Ratio | |
| Star Equity | $172.16 million | 0.21 | -$5.92 million | ($3.06) | -3.20 |
| Robert Half | $5.38 billion | 0.83 | $132.99 million | $1.21 | 36.13 |
Robert Half has higher revenue and earnings than Star Equity. Star Equity is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Robert Half, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.
Volatility and Risk
Star Equity has a beta of 0.5, suggesting that its share price is 50% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Robert Half has a beta of 0.84, suggesting that its share price is 16% less volatile than the S&P 500.
Insider & Institutional Ownership
3.8% of Star Equity shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 92.4% of Robert Half shares are owned by institutional investors. 31.6% of Star Equity shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 3.5% of Robert Half shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.
Profitability
This table compares Star Equity and Robert Half’s net margins, return on equity and return on assets.
| Net Margins | Return on Equity | Return on Assets | |
| Star Equity | -4.35% | -4.21% | -2.39% |
| Robert Half | 2.30% | 9.83% | 4.34% |
Analyst Recommendations
This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Star Equity and Robert Half, as provided by MarketBeat.
| Sell Ratings | Hold Ratings | Buy Ratings | Strong Buy Ratings | Rating Score | |
| Star Equity | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2.25 |
| Robert Half | 3 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 2.00 |
Star Equity currently has a consensus price target of $28.00, indicating a potential upside of 185.71%. Robert Half has a consensus price target of $40.75, indicating a potential downside of 6.79%. Given Star Equity’s stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, research analysts clearly believe Star Equity is more favorable than Robert Half.
Summary
Robert Half beats Star Equity on 10 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.
About Star Equity
Star Equity Holdings, Inc. engages in the construction business in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments: Construction, and Investments. It manufactures modular housing units, structural wall panels, permanent wood foundation systems, and other engineered wood products; supplies general contractors with building materials; holds real estate assets; and manages investments. The company was formerly known as Digirad Corporation and changed its name to Star Equity Holdings, Inc. in December 2020. Star Equity Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Old Greenwich, Connecticut.
About Robert Half
Robert Half Inc. provides talent solutions and business consulting services in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company operates through Contract Talent Solutions, Permanent Placement Talent Solutions, and Protiviti segments. The Contract Talent Solutions segment provides contract engagement professionals in the fields of finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal and administrative, and customer support. This segment markets its services to clients and employment candidates through both national and local advertising activities, including radio, digital advertising, job boards, alliance partners, and events. The Permanent Placement Talent Solutions segment engages in the placement of full-time accounting, finance, and tax and accounting operations personnel. The Protiviti segment offers consulting services in the areas of internal audit, technology consulting, risk, and compliance consulting. It offers it services under the Robert Half brand name. The company was formerly known as Robert Half International Inc. and changed its name to Robert Half Inc. in July 2023. Robert Half Inc. was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Menlo Park, California.
Receive News & Ratings for Star Equity Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Star Equity and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
