Kelly Ranks No. 2 on Forbes' 2026 Best Temporary Staffing Firms List
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 19 2026
0mins
Source: Newsfilter
- Industry Recognition: Kelly has been ranked No. 2 on Forbes' 2026 lists of America's Best Temporary Staffing and Best Professional Recruiting Firms, reflecting its exceptional ability to solve complex workforce challenges and solidifying its leadership position in the industry.
- Strategic Investment: As Kelly approaches its 80th anniversary, the company is increasing investments in people, technology, and capabilities, strengthening its senior leadership team to accelerate organic growth, demonstrating a strong commitment to future development.
- Market Scale: Kelly connects over 375,000 people with work annually, and as the largest provider of education workforce solutions and the second-largest engineering staffing firm in the U.S., its industry-leading scale provides significant competitive advantages in the market.
- Technology-Driven: Kelly's AI-powered solutions enhance the experience for clients and candidates while delivering deeper workforce data and insights, ensuring the rapid and precise matching of the right talent to the right opportunities, further strengthening its market position.
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Analyst Views on KELYA
Wall Street analysts forecast KELYA stock price to rise
2 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 11.660
Low
16.00
Averages
16.50
High
17.00
Current: 11.660
Low
16.00
Averages
16.50
High
17.00
About KELYA
Kelly Services, Inc. is a specialty talent solutions company. The Company’s segments include Enterprise Talent Management, Science, Engineering & Technology, and Education. The Enterprise Talent Management segment delivers temporary staffing, outcome-based and permanent placement services focused on light industrial, contact center and office and clerical specialties in North America across industries and includes products such as Business Process Outsourcing, KellyConnect and Skilled Professional Solutions offerings. The Science, Engineering & Technology segment provides specialized skills to a variety of industries through temporary staffing, outcome-based and permanent placement services. The Education segment delivers education and therapy services talent through temporary staffing, permanent placement and executive search services to Pre-K-12 school districts and education organizations across the United States.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Kelly Services to Participate in Upcoming Investor Conferences
- Investor Conference Schedule: Kelly Services will participate in the Baird 2026 Global Consumer, Technology & Services Conference on June 4, 2026, with management scheduled to present at 9:05 a.m. ET and engage in one-on-one meetings with investors, aiming to enhance investor relations and trust.
- East Coast Conference Participation: At the East Coast IDEAS Conference on June 10, 2026, management will present at 8:35 a.m. ET and participate in one-on-one meetings, further showcasing the company's market strategy and growth potential.
- Small-Cap Virtual Conference: Kelly Services will also attend the Sidoti Small-Cap Virtual Conference on June 18, 2026, where management will engage in one-on-one discussions with investors, aiming to boost the company's visibility and appeal in the small-cap market.
- Company Background Overview: Since its inception in 1946, Kelly Services has been a pioneer in the staffing industry, achieving $4.3 billion in revenue in 2025 and connecting approximately 375,000 people with work annually through its global network, demonstrating strong market influence and industry leadership.
See More
Investigation Launched into Kelly Services Board's Fiduciary Duties
- Investigation Initiated: Shareholder rights law firm Johnson Fistel, PLLP has launched an investigation into whether the board of Kelly Services breached fiduciary duties in potential transactions with Hunt Equity Opportunities, LLC, which may affect shareholder investment value.
- Controlling Shareholder Holdings: As of May 19, 2026, Hunt and affiliated persons disclosed holding approximately 3,039,940 shares of Kelly's Class B common stock, representing about 92.2% of the Class B voting power, indicating significant influence over company decisions.
- Board Committee Proposal: The reporting persons have requested the company's board to consider establishing a committee of independent directors authorized to retain independent legal and financial advisors to evaluate potential strategic alternatives involving Hunt and its affiliates, which could entail significant corporate actions.
- Shareholder Rights Protection: Johnson Fistel is reviewing these developments to assess whether the company's directors and controlling stockholder are fulfilling their fiduciary obligations to public shareholders, ensuring that any potential transaction adequately protects minority shareholder interests and maintains appropriate procedural safeguards.
See More
KellyOCG Tops HRO Today's Customer Satisfaction Ratings for MSP
- Customer Satisfaction Leader: KellyOCG has secured the top position in HRO Today's 2026 Baker's Dozen Customer Satisfaction Ratings for MSP, reflecting its exceptional performance in client service and innovation, thereby reinforcing its leadership in the global workforce services market.
- Quality of Service Excellence: Ranking first in quality of service, second in breadth of service, and third in deal size, KellyOCG demonstrates its capability to provide comprehensive support across multiple industries and geographies, enhancing client trust and reliance.
- Technology-Driven Innovation: By leveraging the integrated technology ecosystem of Helix and Sevayo platforms, KellyOCG delivers predictive analytics and AI decision support that elevate client experiences and help organizations effectively navigate costs and market changes, driving agility and efficiency in business operations.
- Ongoing Industry Recognition: In addition to its 2026 ranking, KellyOCG was also recognized as the number one in HRO Today's 2025 Total Workforce Solutions and designated as a Leader by Everest Group, showcasing its sustained leadership in workforce innovation and market adaptability.
See More
Kelly Ranks No. 2 on Forbes' 2026 Best Temporary Staffing Firms List
- Industry Recognition: Kelly has been ranked No. 2 on Forbes' 2026 lists of America's Best Temporary Staffing and Best Professional Recruiting Firms, reflecting its exceptional ability to solve complex workforce challenges and solidifying its leadership position in the industry.
- Strategic Investment: As Kelly approaches its 80th anniversary, the company is increasing investments in people, technology, and capabilities, strengthening its senior leadership team to accelerate organic growth, demonstrating a strong commitment to future development.
- Market Scale: Kelly connects over 375,000 people with work annually, and as the largest provider of education workforce solutions and the second-largest engineering staffing firm in the U.S., its industry-leading scale provides significant competitive advantages in the market.
- Technology-Driven: Kelly's AI-powered solutions enhance the experience for clients and candidates while delivering deeper workforce data and insights, ensuring the rapid and precise matching of the right talent to the right opportunities, further strengthening its market position.
See More
Kelly Services Q1 2026 Earnings Call Insights
- Stable Revenue Performance: Kelly Services reported Q1 revenue of $1 billion, down 10.7% year-over-year but exceeding expectations, indicating stability in a cautious hiring environment, with expectations of similar macroeconomic dynamics in the coming quarters.
- EBITDA Margin Improvement: The adjusted EBITDA margin stood at 1.5%, with guidance for at least 2.5% in Q2, reflecting progress in cost control and efficiency improvements, potentially leading to further margin expansion in the second half of the year.
- Technology Modernization Progress: The company is advancing its “1 Kelly” commercial model by migrating all commercial teams to a unified CRM system, expected to be completed by mid-year, which will enhance customer management efficiency and strengthen market competitiveness.
- Leadership Changes: Kelly Services appointed Joel Leege as President of SET and is reevaluating the leadership structure within the ETM business, indicating proactive adjustments at the management level to respond to market changes and drive business growth.
See More
Kelly Services Reports Q1 Earnings Miss
- Earnings Miss: Kelly Services reported a Q1 non-GAAP EPS of $0.03, missing expectations by $0.03, indicating pressure on profitability that could undermine investor confidence.
- Revenue Decline: The company generated $1 billion in revenue for Q1, a 13.8% year-over-year decrease, falling short of expectations by $20 million, reflecting weak market demand that may limit future business growth.
- Future Outlook: Kelly Services anticipates a mid-single-digit revenue decline for 2026, primarily due to accelerated technology modernization and AI integration, suggesting challenges in adapting to market changes.
- Profitability Fluctuations: Although the non-GAAP EPS for Q4 2025 was $0.16, exceeding expectations by $0.27, the overall volatility in financial performance may affect the company's long-term investment appeal.
See More
Kelly Services to Participate in Upcoming Investor Conferences
- Investor Conference Schedule: Kelly Services will participate in the Baird 2026 Global Consumer, Technology & Services Conference on June 4, 2026, with management scheduled to present at 9:05 a.m. ET and engage in one-on-one meetings with investors, aiming to enhance investor relations and trust.
- East Coast Conference Participation: At the East Coast IDEAS Conference on June 10, 2026, management will present at 8:35 a.m. ET and participate in one-on-one meetings, further showcasing the company's market strategy and growth potential.
- Small-Cap Virtual Conference: Kelly Services will also attend the Sidoti Small-Cap Virtual Conference on June 18, 2026, where management will engage in one-on-one discussions with investors, aiming to boost the company's visibility and appeal in the small-cap market.
- Company Background Overview: Since its inception in 1946, Kelly Services has been a pioneer in the staffing industry, achieving $4.3 billion in revenue in 2025 and connecting approximately 375,000 people with work annually through its global network, demonstrating strong market influence and industry leadership.
See More
Investigation Launched into Kelly Services Board's Fiduciary Duties
- Investigation Initiated: Shareholder rights law firm Johnson Fistel, PLLP has launched an investigation into whether the board of Kelly Services breached fiduciary duties in potential transactions with Hunt Equity Opportunities, LLC, which may affect shareholder investment value.
- Controlling Shareholder Holdings: As of May 19, 2026, Hunt and affiliated persons disclosed holding approximately 3,039,940 shares of Kelly's Class B common stock, representing about 92.2% of the Class B voting power, indicating significant influence over company decisions.
- Board Committee Proposal: The reporting persons have requested the company's board to consider establishing a committee of independent directors authorized to retain independent legal and financial advisors to evaluate potential strategic alternatives involving Hunt and its affiliates, which could entail significant corporate actions.
- Shareholder Rights Protection: Johnson Fistel is reviewing these developments to assess whether the company's directors and controlling stockholder are fulfilling their fiduciary obligations to public shareholders, ensuring that any potential transaction adequately protects minority shareholder interests and maintains appropriate procedural safeguards.
See More
KellyOCG Tops HRO Today's Customer Satisfaction Ratings for MSP
- Customer Satisfaction Leader: KellyOCG has secured the top position in HRO Today's 2026 Baker's Dozen Customer Satisfaction Ratings for MSP, reflecting its exceptional performance in client service and innovation, thereby reinforcing its leadership in the global workforce services market.
- Quality of Service Excellence: Ranking first in quality of service, second in breadth of service, and third in deal size, KellyOCG demonstrates its capability to provide comprehensive support across multiple industries and geographies, enhancing client trust and reliance.
- Technology-Driven Innovation: By leveraging the integrated technology ecosystem of Helix and Sevayo platforms, KellyOCG delivers predictive analytics and AI decision support that elevate client experiences and help organizations effectively navigate costs and market changes, driving agility and efficiency in business operations.
- Ongoing Industry Recognition: In addition to its 2026 ranking, KellyOCG was also recognized as the number one in HRO Today's 2025 Total Workforce Solutions and designated as a Leader by Everest Group, showcasing its sustained leadership in workforce innovation and market adaptability.
See More
Kelly Ranks No. 2 on Forbes' 2026 Best Temporary Staffing Firms List
- Industry Recognition: Kelly has been ranked No. 2 on Forbes' 2026 lists of America's Best Temporary Staffing and Best Professional Recruiting Firms, reflecting its exceptional ability to solve complex workforce challenges and solidifying its leadership position in the industry.
- Strategic Investment: As Kelly approaches its 80th anniversary, the company is increasing investments in people, technology, and capabilities, strengthening its senior leadership team to accelerate organic growth, demonstrating a strong commitment to future development.
- Market Scale: Kelly connects over 375,000 people with work annually, and as the largest provider of education workforce solutions and the second-largest engineering staffing firm in the U.S., its industry-leading scale provides significant competitive advantages in the market.
- Technology-Driven: Kelly's AI-powered solutions enhance the experience for clients and candidates while delivering deeper workforce data and insights, ensuring the rapid and precise matching of the right talent to the right opportunities, further strengthening its market position.
See More
Kelly Services Q1 2026 Earnings Call Insights
- Stable Revenue Performance: Kelly Services reported Q1 revenue of $1 billion, down 10.7% year-over-year but exceeding expectations, indicating stability in a cautious hiring environment, with expectations of similar macroeconomic dynamics in the coming quarters.
- EBITDA Margin Improvement: The adjusted EBITDA margin stood at 1.5%, with guidance for at least 2.5% in Q2, reflecting progress in cost control and efficiency improvements, potentially leading to further margin expansion in the second half of the year.
- Technology Modernization Progress: The company is advancing its “1 Kelly” commercial model by migrating all commercial teams to a unified CRM system, expected to be completed by mid-year, which will enhance customer management efficiency and strengthen market competitiveness.
- Leadership Changes: Kelly Services appointed Joel Leege as President of SET and is reevaluating the leadership structure within the ETM business, indicating proactive adjustments at the management level to respond to market changes and drive business growth.
See More
Kelly Services Reports Q1 Earnings Miss
- Earnings Miss: Kelly Services reported a Q1 non-GAAP EPS of $0.03, missing expectations by $0.03, indicating pressure on profitability that could undermine investor confidence.
- Revenue Decline: The company generated $1 billion in revenue for Q1, a 13.8% year-over-year decrease, falling short of expectations by $20 million, reflecting weak market demand that may limit future business growth.
- Future Outlook: Kelly Services anticipates a mid-single-digit revenue decline for 2026, primarily due to accelerated technology modernization and AI integration, suggesting challenges in adapting to market changes.
- Profitability Fluctuations: Although the non-GAAP EPS for Q4 2025 was $0.16, exceeding expectations by $0.27, the overall volatility in financial performance may affect the company's long-term investment appeal.
See More
