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The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Heidrick & Struggles, Columbia Sportswear, Hilton Worldwide, Lululemon and Royal Caribbean

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For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL –April 15, 2019 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (HSII - Free Report) , Columbia Sportswear Company (COLM - Free Report) , Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (HLT - Free Report) , Lululemon Athletica Inc. (LULU - Free Report) and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL - Free Report) .

Here are highlights from Monday’s Analyst Blog:

America's Job Market on Solid Footing: 5 Winners

Declining layoffs on the heels of a rebound in job additions last month is strengthening consumers. Americans also continue to get a raise despite global growth slowdown jitters. Thus, staffing companies stand to gain as the labor market strengthens and stocks of consumer discretionary companies are poised to move north on signs of renewed strength in consumer spending.

Jobless Claims Fall to 50-Year Low

The number of people who applied for unemployment benefits slipped below 200,000 for the first time since 1969. Initial claims, a standard measure of layoffs, fell by 8,000 to 196,000 in the week ending Apr 6. In fact, the four-week moving average that evens out sharp fluctuations in weekly reports declined by 7,000 to 207,000, also the lowest since 1969.

This is a clear sign that the labor market has strengthened in recent times despite a decelerating U.S. economy. After all, the lesser the number of people filing for unemployment benefits, the more Americans have jobs. Needless to say, hiring in the United States picked up last month, with the unemployment rate remaining at record low levels.

Hiring Spree

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the economy added 196,000 new jobs in March, exceeding analysts’ estimates of around 179,000. The job additions in February were also revised up to 33,000 from 20,000. January’s job gains, in the meanwhile, were slightly changed to 312,000.

Nonetheless, hiring sped up by an average of 180,000 in the first three months of this year, marking a solid start. After all, such a feat was achieved despite questions about employers’ ability to find skilled labor.

In the meantime, the jobless rate was at 3.8% last month, slightly above a 49-year low. The real unemployment rate, including those who are underemployed and discouraged, also known as the U6 rate, is down from 7.9% a year ago.

Hiring, in fact, has been broad-based. Both ISM services and manufacturing surveys showed that hiring picked up over the last month. The Non-Manufacturing Employment Index registered 55.9%, an increase of 0.7 percentage point from February’s 55.2%. Similarly, the Manufacturing Employment Index registered 57.5% compared to February’s reading of 52.3%. Both the sub-indices of both gauges continue to remain above the coveted 50 mark for over two years.

Plans for Hiring Outpaces Job Cuts

Based on the JOLTS report, intention to hire has outpaced plans for job cuts in recent times. Currently, the number of open jobs in America is at its highest level at 7.58 million. This assures that demand for employees will stay in the long run.

Moreover, the demand is evident given the rise in wages and benefits, as well as sign-up bonuses intended to lure potential talent. As recently as last month, average workers’ pay check rose 4 cents to $27.70 an hour. The increase in pay may have slowed down to 3.2% from 3.4% in the past 12 months but wages continue to increase at the fastest pace in almost a decade.

5 Stocks to Make the Most of a Healthy Jobs Market

With more number of companies willing to hire, staffing stocks are poised to shine. Additionally, the Conference Board’s Employment Trends Index increased to 111.15 in February, up from downwardly revised 109.34 in January. Compared to the year-ago level, the index shows a jump of 4.3%.

At the same time, rebound in hiring and courtesy of steady wage growth, consumer discretionary companies stand to gain. This is because with jobs in hand and rise in wages, consumers generally have more discretionary income to spend.

We have, thus, selected five stocks from such winning areas that should make meaningful additions to your portfolio. These stocks flaunt a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy).

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.provides executive search and consulting services to businesses and business leaders. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #1. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has increased 6.6% over the past 60 days. The company’s expected earnings growth rate for the next quarter is 11.9%, in contrast to the Staffing Firms industry’s projected decline of 15.2%.

Columbia Sportswear Companydesigns, sources, markets, and distributes outdoor and active lifestyle apparel, footwear, accessories, and equipment. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #1. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has risen 2.3% over the past 60 days. The company’s expected earnings growth rate for the current quarter is 9.1%, in contrast to the Textile - Apparel industry’s projected decline of 11.4%.

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. owns, leases, manages, develops, and franchises hotels and resorts. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #1. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has increased 22.9% over the past 60 days. The company’s expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 36.6%, way more than the Hotels and Motels industry’s projected gain of 10.1%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Lululemon Athletica Inc.designs, distributes, and retails athletic apparel and accessories. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #1. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has increased 5% over the past 60 days. The company’s expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 20.3%, higher than the Textile - Apparel industry’s projected rise of 13.2%.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. operates as a cruise company. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has moved up 0.2% over the past 60 days. The company’s expected earnings growth rate for the next quarter is 11%, as against the Leisure and Recreation Services industry’s estimated decline of 40.1%.

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