We all know we have been in a tougheconomy during the past
several years. A look acrossWall Street or maybe within your own
family shows difficult times: Downsizing, reduced hours, layoffs
and reduced income. Many Americans are still struggling to get back
on their feet and get a fresh start.
And while more than 20 million people look for jobs, there is an
employment boom happening in unexpected sectors -- health care,
biotech and life sciences.
AsObamacare gets set to be implemented in 2013, these industries
are getting ready. Signed into law this year, the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act -- known as Obamacare -- intends
to provide affordable health care to all U.S. citizens and cut
spending in the sector.
But the sad fact is hospitals are often understaffed and
overworked. Today's problems could become a major crisis as demand
for health care services starts to overwhelm hospitals across the
United States when Obamacare is fully implemented in
2014.
As a result, many firms are turning to staffing agencies to find
short- and long-term placement contracts, contract-to-hire and
direct-hire professionals.
And that's why investors of specialized staffing companies like
On Assignment Inc. (Nasdaq: ASGN)
could make huge profits.
On Assignment is a leading global provider of staffing solutions
for highly skilled professionals in the health care, information
technology (
IT
) and life science industries. One of its divisions includes
Healthcare Staffing, which focuses on traveling nurses. This is a
key benefit to hospitals that utilize traveling nurses such as the
Medical University of South Carolina.
In the technology segment, On Assignment provides solutions to
hospitals as they increase their dependence on computers and
electronic medical records. Its IT staffing solutions connect
engineers and professionals with clients through the company's 11
recruiting centers across North America and Europe.
Shares of On Assignment have already gone through a surge this
year. Take a look at the chart below…
And I think thisbullish growth has a lot more room to
continue.
The company's accelerating growth rate can be seen in
itsearnings . Just a little more than a year ago, earnings
were 65 cents a share and are estimated to jump 40% to 94 cents a
share this quarter.
In addition, On Assignment has the highest year-over-year
revenue growth within the staffing industry. Revenue in 2012 is
shaping up to be a stellar year. Third-quarter revenue was $388.3
million, an 139% increase over last year.Net earnings increased
significantly from $7.8 million in the third quarter of 2011 to
$17.4 million for the third quarter of 2012.
The stock's current price-to-earnings (P/E ) ratio of 22 is
lower than the industry average of 24, showing it is slightly
undervalued. Additionally, with the labormarket steadily improving,
now seems like a great time for a company like On Assignment to
keep trending upward.
The Mayacquisition of Apex Systems (previously sixth-largest IT
staffing firm in the country) has been a huge boost to the On
Assignment's revenue, as the deal has provided operational
advantages and a larger customer base for On Assignment.
Risks to Consider:
The economy could take a turn for the worse iftaxes rise due to
the fiscal cliff, lowering the demand for skilled workers.
Additionally, the effect of Obamacare on certain industries could
negatively affect On Assignment'sbottom line . For example if
it becomes more costly to hire employees, then there may be fewer
companies and hospitals contracting On Assignment's services.
However, even faced with these risks, there is still plenty of
upside for On Assignment ahead.
Action to Take -->
Buy On Assignment up to $21 a share. I see this stock up
30-50% in 2013 while hospitals and companies in the sector go on a
hiring spree to keep up with demand as Obamacare takes effect.