Jobless Update

Here's a great look at what the offical numbers tell in terms of job losses in the United States.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703946504575470001733933356.html?mod=e2tw

June 2010 Unemployment 125,000 Shed

The US continues to face challenges in its labor markets.

125,000 jobs were cut. While the private sector added a less than robust 83,000 jobs. Consensus estimate were for the creation of 110,000 jobs in the private sector.

Over 652,000 people left the labor force.

Average work week hours also declined, from 34.2 to 34.1 hours worked.

The economy continues to experience significant headwinds with cuts from the delayed decision of extended unemployment benefits, to the possible future austerity measures that the US may follow the rest of the world. Time will tell if there will be another jobs bill to stimulus the sluggish recovery.

Italy Facing Persistent Unemployment If Recovery

Bank of Italy governor Mario Draghi warned in a key speech Monday that unemployment in the country is likely to stay persistently high as economic recovery remains slow.

He said the financial crisis had weighed disproportionately on young people. Unemployment in Italy, for people between the ages of 20 and 34, reached an average of 13% in 2009, he said.

The national rate is 8.6% in March.

Starting-level salaries haven't changed much in 15 years, he added.

"A slow recovery increases the probability of persistent unemployment", Draghi said. "This condition, especially at the beginning of a professional career, tends to be associated with permanently lower salaries in the future".

Source: Dow Jones Newswire

May 15 2010 Unemployment Survey Week

With today's release of the unemployment claims for survey week May 15, 2010, claims were above consensus.

471,000 vs. expectations of 440,000.
Continuing claims were also above expectations 4,625,000 vs. expectations of 4,610,000.

Unfortunately, unemployment claims will continue to rise. With the Census staffing most probable ending June 30, 2010 expect a dramatic uptick in weekly claims, and continuing claims.

Besides that business confidence, and continued worries in the Euro Zone, and the lack of collective reasoning in Europe may possibly spread and cause significant slowdowns across major regions of the world.

I have touched on this mainly on Robert Half International's largest segment is the United States , however other staffing groups have also seen very minimal uptick in hiring compared to historical rebounds in the economy. I remain very cautious, and a decline in the economy is more than probable at this point.

Source: DOL

http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/eta/ui/eta20100682.htm

Unemployment Rises in 27 States, Drops in 7 States February 2010

Twenty-seven states recorded over-the-month unemployment rate increases, 7 states and the District of Columbia registered rate decreases, and 16 states had no rate change, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today.

Over the year, jobless rates increased in 46 states and the District of Columbia
and declined in 4 states. The national unemployment rate in February, 9.7
percent,remained unchanged from January, but was up from 8.2 percent a year
earlier.

Mish had an interesting piece on the unemployment picture in the US. Although, the employment picture has mildly risen from the bottom, unemployment continues to remain at elavated levels.

Source: Mish Economic

Manpower (MAN) Staffing Updated Valuations March 2010

After pouring over some of the recent competitors and Manpower's latest earnings. Some of the metrics has changed, and some metrics still remain fairly cautious sign of the state of affairs with Manpower.

As Manpower has increased their earnings, valuations have come down. However risks are abound.

I'll provide some near term pros and cons of the stock, please do your own research, as this is not a recommend for the purchase or sale of the securities. I'm only providing my own research.

+ Near term improve in debt. Debt levels has narrowed to 757 Mil.
+ The pending acquisition of IT provider Comsys.

While there are some positive catalyst in places, risk still remains.

-While I am positive on the acquisition of Comsys, Manpower's ability to generate return on invested capital has been very limited. Manpower's return on invested capital is 0.92.
- Weak staffing levels in Europe, with risks associated with the Euro and the debt crisis which risks growth in the European Union. This remains a wild card as analysts from what I've read have not priced the risk of a currency implosion by the Euro. With the IMF, and non bipartisan support through the EU, Manpower's largest industrial partners France and Germany will be somehow affected longer term by the turmoil within the PIIGS. Risks either due to spending cuts, reduced spending by consumers, and increased debt obligations by specific countries.
- Continued pressure on valuations near term with MAN trading at 82.6x earnings, while the S&P500 trades at 11.7, historically MAN trades at a historical p/e of 29.0.
- PEG continues to trade well over one, and has risen back to 5.51.

Two worrisome metrics that continue to place MAN at risk, as business continue to face hurdles:
Historic trends of MAN receiving payment are at elevated levels:

- Days Sales Outstanding

Year

2000 67.2
2001 69.9
2002 71.1
2003 72.3
2004 71.4
2005 73.0
2006 73.2
2007 74.0
2008 68.7
TTM 83.8

- Days Inventory Payable Period

Year 2000 17.4
2001 17.9
2002 17.4
2003 18.2
2004 18.7
2005 19.1
2006 19.9
2007 20.9
2008 20.1
TTM 28.8

As stated there continues to be risk as MAN is having difficulty collecting payment compared to historic levels. I continue to be cautious as Manpower continues to face hurdles within its largest market (France), and pressure with labour regulations and unions in Europe.

The increasingly likely bailout of Greece, and possibly Portugal will have ramifications throughout the EU. The EU has historically been one of the slower growth areas in the global arena. With these spending and debt restructuring Manpower faces increased challenges, even as the global economy bounces from the bottom.

Jobless Claims Rise to 496,000 February 2010

This has been the second consecutive week where jobless claims has risen. This week the jobless claims has risen to 496,000 from 474,000 week ending in February 20. Jobless claims continues to face challenges compared to the consensus. There has been no reason to believe that job creation will happen in an instant. That's part of the reason for this blog to outline that the economy will take years for it to change its ways for a number of reasons.

Chart Source: BetaInvestment.com

Unemployment rate remains at 10% Dec 2009

With the release of today's numbers the recovery in the jobs market continues to be muted.

• Nonfarm payrolls fell by a seasonally adjusted 85,000 in December.
• Number of discouraged workers rose by 287,000 over the year to 929,000.
• Total hours worked in the economy were unchanged in December. The average workweek was unchanged at 33.2 hours, near the record low.
• An alternative gauge of unemployment, which includes discouraged workers and those forced to work part-time, rose to 17.3% from 17.2%.

Unemployment trending down

Entering 2010 the U.S. unemployment rate is at 10%. Although I still find very limited prospects for hiring from most large corporations, and small businesses in the US I still expect the unemployment rate to trend down.

This is partly due to the Census entering the hiring juggernaut. The US government is expected to hire around 800,000 individuals that will bring the unemployment rate down. This will look positive on a short term viewpoint, however longer term unemployment will still be at historical levels.

There will also be increased churn among employees as they look for the economy to improve to switch companies. Rates of disgruntle have increased as hourly wages, and hours worked have been cut dramatically. Until capacity utilization reaches a peak or robust levels there will continue to be a weak demand for labour.

Economy still too weak to create jobs

"The recent economic data have been consistent with our view that the economy is recovering, but at a distinctly subpar pace," wrote Jan Hatzius, chief economist for Goldman Sachs, in a note to clients. "Growth looks too sluggish to lower the 10%+ unemployment rate to a meaningful degree anytime soon."

Ultimately, however, it's the economy's fundamental strength that matters, not any particular number. Most economists -- in the private sector and at the Federal Reserve - continue to believe in a disappointingly sluggish recovery that will only slowly bring the unemployment rate down.

Source : Marketwatch

Unemployment compensation tax skyrocketing

Unemployment compensation tax has not been a widely discussed issued among the rising unemployment rate. States in the US are having difficulties paying unemployment claims due to the significant rise in unemployment. States have to resort to bumping up compensation tax such as an example with Florida, which has to increase unemployment tax by 12x from $8.40 for every employee to $100.30.

There are 33 states which will increase their compensation taxes next year. This will make small businesses which continue to be cautious with regards to credit, and expansion will now find hiring or retaining employees more expensive. Although contract and temporary workers may see a slight uptick, these positions will likely be mute to the unemployment rate, and claims will continue to be at elevated levels. Without sustained job creation and longer work hours for current employees, these temporary positions will likely see very minimal increases. Hence, why I've been very cautious with regards to investing in these employment services stocks.

Unemployment rate hits 10.2% vs. 9.9% expectation OCT 09

Nonfarm payrolls dropped by a seasonally adjusted 190,000 in October, bringing to total number of jobs lost in the recession to 7.3 million in the United States.
5.6 million had been out of work longer than six months, representing a record 35.6% of the unemployed.

The employment-population ratio fell from 58.8% to 58.5%.

Discouraged workers and those forced to work part-time, rose to 17.5%

Initial Claims Ending Week Oct 3 2009 US

Current the official unemployment rate in the US is 9.8%. Economist feel that it will take till 2013 to have our unemployment hit 5%.

""Never before has business shed so many workers so fast, so many people failed to find work who are looking for work, and so many dropped out of the labor force as in the current circumstance," said Allen Sinai at Decision Economics."

The Labor Department reported that initial claims fell 33,000 to 521,000 in the week ended Oct. 3.

However, the decrease in continuing claims likely reflects people exhausting their unemployment benefits after several months of looking for work. This does not reflect that jobs are abundant, nor does it mean that economic conditions have improved dramatically.

U.S. Initial Jobless Claims Rose 17,000 to 551,000

The number of Americans filing first-time claims for jobless benefits rose more than forecast last week, a sign companies are still cutting workers as the economy pulls out of the recession.

Applications rose by 17,000 to 551,000 in the week ended Sept. 26, from a revised 534,000 the week before, Labor Department data showed today in Washington.

The economy is on track for a jobless recovery and unemployment will likely remain high well into next year,” said Sal Guatieri, a senior economist at BMO Capital Markets in Toronto. “We’re just not seeing a pickup in hiring. It means a long road to full recovery.”

Forty-one states and territories reported an increase in claims, while 12 reported a decrease. These data are reported with a one-week lag.

Source: Bloomberg

52% of Unemployment Benefits Expired

With the recent US government data from the source below over half of those that qualify for unemployment has there benefits expired. There continues to be significant weakness in the labour markets. Although, there has been a slight rebound in jobs lost jobs are not created at the level that leads to growth. Presently there are two million college educated graduates unable to attain jobs, let alone the countless numbers with experience and skills who continue to face grave job market conditions. Once this stimulus works itself through the system and does not create the types of sustainable job growth look for this economy to continue to trend down. 

Source: http://ows.doleta.gov/unemploy/claimssum.asp

Initial Claims & Continuing Claims

On the 24th, US data will be released concerning initial claims and continuing claims. The market expects 550,000 for initial claims, and continuing claims at 6.1 Million.

UPDATE: 

The week ending Sept. 19, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 530,000, a decrease of 21,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 551,000. 

4-week moving average was 553,500, a decrease of 11,000 from the previous week's revised average of 564,500. 

Number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Sept. 12 was 6,138,000, a decrease of 123,000 from the previous week's revised level of 6,261,000.

The interesting news this past week is that the US may provide additional extension of benefits for 27 high unemployment rate states. This means that the government pretty much has acknowledge that unemployment will persist to be a on going problem. Some estimates have come in that unemployment may continue to be at elevated levels till 2011.

So initial claims dropped a bit while more then what the market expected, however continuing claims was more then what the market had expected. Short term wise employment is slowly improving, while longer term structural employment continues to be weak.

Jobless recovery till December?

A key index shows that an economic recovery is having trouble gathering steam. It also hints that employment won’t edge up until the end of the year.

The nonprofit Conference Board’s Employment Trends Index fell slightly in August, down 0.1 percentage point from a revised July number. The index now stands at 88.1 and is down 18.5% from a year ago.

“The flatness of the (index) in recent months suggests that we won’t see job growth until the end of the year,” said Gad Levanon, the group’s senior economist. “The fact that the index cannot get off the ground is another sign of a weak recovery, perhaps a jobless one.”

Source: Conference Board

First-Time Jobless Claims Expected to Rise

"The number of newly laid-off workers seeking unemployment benefits likely rose last week, evidence that jobs remain scarce.

Wall Street economists forecast that first-time claims for unemployment insurance rose to a seasonally-adjusted 555,000 last week from 550,000 the previous week, according to a survey by Thomson Reuters. The number of people remaining on the jobless benefit rolls also is expected to increase slightly, to 6.1 million from 6.09 million.

Still, the economy isn't improving fast enough to spur greater hiring. Jobless benefit claims have trended down since topping 670,000 in early April, but remain far above the 325,000 per week associated with a healthy economy.

Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke on Tuesday said the recession is likely over, though he noted that the economy isn't likely to grow fast enough to lower unemployment anytime soon. Most economists expect the jobless rate to top 10 percent next year, up from its current 9.7 percent."

Source: AP

MAN Manpower Stock Valuations

So looking at the human resource/business services sector I'll put my opinion on the current valuations of Manpower. I picked Manpower because its valuation were the most out of line with its peer group.

With the recent business outlook survey, not all markets are created equally. I still believe that their larger markets will continue to face downside risk as employment remains choppy. A large portion of their revenue comes from the European market. The US market which is about 10% of Manpower's revenue's will be the first movers in the up tick in hiring. Still conditions in the US remain flat at best for hiring, with no robust outlook for the 4th quarter. Hiring continues to be muted till firms and small businesses find that there is a solid ground for this recovery. This recovery has been mostly stimulus funded. Private businesses which make the brunt of the jobs in the United States continue to face credit limitations and conditions that are less to their liking as the yesteryear. On a macro scale jobs continue to be scare. With an average of six applicants for every free opening, this also challenges the notion that temporary jobs are coming back with a vengeance. Temporary positions also continue to be scare and at a reduced hourly workload. With the average work week of permanent employees at 33.1 hours per week, what would the average temp worker get? These are some serious structural issues that everyone needs to ponder. Many of these jobs that were lost in this recession will not come back. And many workers will need to retrain and possess additional skills to find work.

The stock trades at a lofty valuation. At seventy-one times earnings, while the industry is a negative forty-six, and the S&P trading at eighteen times earnings, Manpower is very expensive compared to its industrial peers and to the S&P. While having very poor earnings and net income growth for the past two years. Unless you feel that valuations at this point merits the lofty valuations then you may look at taking a stake, however at its current valuations there are many other companies that offer significantly more upside and more consistent growth.

Some have said that they have changed the way they value MAN to Price to Book which places MAN at 1.6, while the industry at 2.62, and the S&P at 2.1. This looks historically cheaper then its average, however you also have to take into account how depressed Manpower's business is compared to historical levels. Unemployment around the world still continues to remain at elevated levels. Either way MAN is nearing the top if not the top of their valuations.

Book value is about thirty-two plus dollars a share. While intrinsic value is about forty-two dollars. Either way you are paying a significant premium compared to its peers. Earnings and growth usually lead to price appreciation in shares. Earnings and net income has continued to decline for this past year at alarming levels. At its current valuation you can make the case that MAN is overvalued.

Debt is another issue to be on the side of caution. Manpower has over 873+ million in debt. Manpower also has over 1.1 billion in cash. This all seems well and good, however if there is a protracted decline in their revenue, and net income this cash will continue to face pressure. In this environment there are plenty of companies that are operating at zero to minimal debt trading at much less of a premium compared to the market and its peer group. This includes many technology names with faster growth then say the highly competitive human resources sector. Technology will be the driver of innovation and expansion going forward, either through increases in demand, or through cost cutting. Hiring will remain flat or a tepid bounce from its bottom.

Please do your due diligence regarding your own research on MAN. The information that I provide is just a starter to your own research. The information is out there, and I am just providing a stepping stone for this research. It never hurts to research the holdings that you hold to make sound and educated decisions for long term appreciation.

Manpower Employment Outlook Survey Indicates World's Labor Markets Will Still Be Challenged in Fourth Quarter 2009, but Many Headed in the Right Direc

"According to the global Manpower Employment Outlook Survey results released today by Manpower Inc., the fourth quarter of 2009 will continue to challenge job seekers in labor markets around the world, but employer hiring expectations have improved somewhat from three months ago in nearly two thirds of the countries and territories surveyed, suggesting an easing in the pattern of job cuts prevalent for several quarters. Hiring plans are strongest in the emerging markets of India and Brazil, while job prospects remain weak in the United States. However, a greater percentage of U.S. employers expect to keep staff levels unchanged in the quarter ahead, suggesting some stability. Across Europe, hiring sentiments remain generally negative but forecasts have improved in nearly half of the countries compared to the third-quarter forecast."

"Job seekers will still have limited opportunities as our data shows the world's labor markets will not experience recovery in the fourth quarter. The good news is that many markets appear to be heading in the right direction with results from 20 countries and territories showing positive movement from three months ago," said Jeffrey A. Joerres, Chairman and CEO of Manpower Inc. "Interestingly, employers in emerging markets are more optimistic about hiring compared to their counterparts in more developed economies. While a quarter-over-quarter comparison shows modest improvements in six of the G7 countries, with the exception of Canada, all are reporting negative hiring expectations. As demand for their products and services continues to be weak, employers remain very selective in their hiring process, resulting in a sluggish job market."

Employers in 17 of 35 countries and territories surveyed expect some positive hiring activity in the quarter ahead, while those in 15 report negative hiring expectations with 10 reporting their weakest hiring plans since the survey was established. Employers in 31 countries and territories are reporting weaker year-over-year forecasts. Fourth-quarter hiring plans are strongest in India, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, China, Australia, Singapore, Costa Rica, Canada, Taiwan and Poland and weakest in Romania, Spain, Ireland, Japan and Mexico.

Many employers in the 18 countries surveyed in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region continue to report negative hiring expectations for the quarter ahead, with employers in Poland, Norway, Sweden and South Africa reporting the only positive, but slow, hiring activity. However, compared to three months ago, outlooks improved in eight EMEA countries. In contrast, where year-over-year comparisons can be made, hiring intentions are weaker in 15 countries. Job prospects in the region are strongest in Poland and weakest in Romania.

"Eighty percent of employers in Europe are telling us they will make no changes to their staffs, which will most likely lead to some labor market stability in the fourth quarter," said Joerres. "European job seekers in the Manufacturing sector will continue to encounter a difficult market, particularly in Germany, where employers lower their hiring expectations for the sixth consecutive quarter."

Employment prospects have improved in comparison to the third quarter across six of the eight countries and territories surveyed in the Asia Pacific region. However, hiring activity is expected to be slower than historical patterns across the region. Employment prospects are strongest in India, China and Australia with the weakest and only negative outlooks reported in Japan and New Zealand. Compared to 12 months ago, employer hiring expectations are weaker in all countries and territories, most notably in Japan, India and Hong Kong.

"Indian employers have absorbed the layoffs conducted in the third quarter and are telling us they will begin hiring again at a conservative pace, but most intend to keep their workforces intact through the end of the year. Government stimulus efforts around infrastructure projects are contributing to accelerated hiring plans in India's Mining and Construction sector," said Joerres. "Meanwhile, hiring expectations in China are among the most optimistic of the year, with outlooks improving from three months ago across all industry sectors, particularly in the Finance/Insurance/Real Estate and the Services sectors."

Across the nine countries surveyed in the Americas region, hiring expectations have improved from three months ago in all countries with the exception of the U.S. and Mexico, where hiring plans of employers in both countries are at their weakest since Manpower established the survey. On the other hand, year-over-year comparisons reveal weaker hiring activity throughout the region. Manpower surveyed Brazilian employers for the first time this quarter.

"The solid job prospects in Brazil are being bolstered by the Services sector where 37 percent of employers expect to add employees in the quarter ahead. Employer optimism in Canada bounces back into positive territory with the Construction and Finance/Insurance/Real Estate sectors holding the most promise for job seekers," said Joerres. "To the south, the U.S. and Mexican labor markets continue to struggle in tandem, with the majority of employers continuing hiring freezes, opting instead to get work done with the staff they have until conditions improve."

Source: Manpower

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With this report, it shows that Manpower's largest market including France, and the United States have not shown robust growth. Hence, with valuations in question be cautious going forward with this choppy return some stability.

Disclosure: No affiliation with Manpower.