Hays plc (HAS) AI Stock Analysis

• Market Cap: £742.00M
• Dividend Yield: 1.76%
• Average Volume (3M): 4.60M
• Price to Earnings (P/E): ―
• Beta (1Y): 1.30
• Revenue Growth: -4.92%
• EPS Growth: -58.06%
• Country: UK
• Employees: 10,300
• Sector: Industrials
• Sector Strength: 72
• Industry: Staffing & Employment Services
• EPS (TTM): >-0.01
• Shares Outstanding: 1,599,141,700
• 10 Day Avg. Volume: 5,140,711
• 30 Day Avg. Volume: 4,602,489
• PEG Ratio: -2.51
• Price to Book (P/B): 2.43
• Price to Sales (P/S): 0.17
• P/FCF Ratio: 11.87
• Enterprise Value/Market Cap: N/A
• Enterprise Value/Revenue: N/A
• Enterprise Value/Gross Profit: N/A
• Enterprise Value/Ebitda: N/A
• 1Y Price Target: £61.67
• Price Target Upside: 32.90% Upside
• Rating Consensus: Hold
• Number of Analyst Covering: 6
• EPS Forecast (FY): N/A
• Revenue Forecast (FY): N/A

• Rating: 46 Neutral
• Price Target: 45.00p ▼(-3.02% Downside)

The overall stock score for Hays plc is primarily impacted by weak financial performance and technical indicators. The company's negative revenue growth and profitability issues weigh heavily on the score. Technical analysis shows a bearish trend, further contributing to a lower score. Valuation concerns, highlighted by a negative P/E ratio, also negatively impact the score. While corporate events show management confidence, they do not significantly alter the overall assessment.

Positive Factors

Free cash flow generation

Sustained free cash flow growth and a near-1 free cash flow to net income ratio indicate the business converts underlying operations to cash reliably. This durable cash generation supports investments, debt service, buybacks, and cushions profit volatility, improving long-term financial flexibility.

Diversified global staffing model

A broad sector and geographic footprint reduces dependence on any single industry or market cycle, enhancing revenue stability over time. Diversification, repeat client relationships and sector expertise support upselling and resilience through uneven labor-market cycles, strengthening long-term business durability.

Management shareholder-aligned actions

Active buybacks and insider purchases signal management confidence and align incentives with shareholders. These permanent capital-allocation choices can sustainably improve per-share economics, discipline capital deployment, and signal focus on long-term value rather than short-term trading dynamics.

Negative Factors

Declining revenue trend

Persistent negative revenue growth undermines scale advantages and pricing leverage, making it harder to cover fixed costs and invest in growth initiatives. For a staffing firm, shrinking placements erode market share and lengthen recovery time when demand returns, challenging sustainable margin expansion.

Weak operating and net margins

Near-zero or negative profitability leaves little buffer for cyclical downturns and limits reinvestment capacity. Low operating margins suggest structural cost or pricing pressure; without durable margin improvement, the firm may struggle to fund growth, service capital, or rebuild equity during prolonged weakness.

Negative ROE and moderate leverage

A negative ROE indicates the company is not generating returns on shareholder capital; paired with moderate leverage, this reduces solvency headroom and constrains strategic flexibility. Continued losses could erode equity and increase funding costs, limiting long-term growth and resilience.

Hays plc Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company Description

Hays plc operates as a recruitment company in Australia, New Zealand, Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and internationally. The company offers permanent, temporary, and contractor recruitment services, such as qualified, professional, and skilled recruitment to public and private sectors. It also specializes in offering recruitment services in the areas of accountancy and finance, construction and property, technology, life sciences, sales and marketing, banking and capital markets, contact centers, education, engineering and manufacturing, executive, financial services, health and social care, human resources, legal, office support, energy, oil and gas, procurement, retail, resources and mining, and telecoms. Hays plc was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

How the Company Makes Money

Hays generates revenue primarily through its recruitment services, which includes fees charged to clients for successfully placing candidates in open positions. The company earns money from both permanent and temporary staffing solutions, with permanent placements typically yielding higher fees. Additionally, Hays benefits from ongoing relationships with clients, allowing for repeat business and potential upselling of services such as talent acquisition consulting and workforce management solutions. The company also capitalizes on its extensive global network and expertise in various sectors to attract high-quality candidates and meet the demands of its clients effectively. Key partnerships with organizations in different industries bolster its reputation and expand its market reach, contributing significantly to its overall earnings.

Hays plc Financial Statement Overview

Summary

Hays plc faces challenges in revenue growth and profitability, with negative revenue growth and net profit margins. The balance sheet shows moderate leverage but highlights concerns about profitability with a negative return on equity. Cash flow performance is a positive aspect, with strong free cash flow growth and effective cash management.

Income Statement

Hays plc has experienced a decline in revenue over the past year, with a negative revenue growth rate of -2.50%. The company also shows a negative net profit margin of -0.12%, indicating a loss. However, the gross profit margin is slightly positive at 0.37%, suggesting some ability to cover direct costs. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are low at 0.24% and 1.18%, respectively, reflecting challenges in operational efficiency and profitability.

Balance Sheet

The debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67 indicates moderate leverage, which is manageable but higher than previous years. The return on equity is negative at -1.67%, reflecting recent losses. However, the equity ratio is relatively stable, suggesting a reasonable proportion of equity financing. The balance sheet shows some stability but highlights concerns about profitability and leverage.

Cash Flow

Hays plc has shown a positive free cash flow growth rate of 18.91%, indicating improved cash generation. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 0.10, suggesting that cash flow generation is not strongly aligned with net income. The free cash flow to net income ratio is high at 0.93, indicating effective cash management despite net losses. Overall, cash flow performance is a relative strength for the company.

Breakdown	TTM	Dec 2025	Dec 2024	Dec 2022	Dec 2021	Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue	6.61B	6.61B	6.95B	7.58B	5.65B	6.59B
Gross Profit	943.10M	24.70M	292.60M	426.80M	292.30M	421.40M
EBITDA	63.90M	78.20M	87.10M	218.90M	116.70M	232.90M
Net Income	-7.80M	-7.80M	-4.90M	138.30M	61.50M	154.20M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets	1.77B	1.77B	1.78B	1.90B	1.87B	2.08B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments	168.50M	168.50M	121.80M	145.60M	410.60M	296.20M
Total Debt	312.20M	312.20M	244.30M	199.80M	201.10M	185.10M
Total Liabilities	1.30B	1.30B	1.22B	1.23B	1.00B	1.28B
Stockholders Equity	466.70M	466.70M	557.60M	670.30M	871.80M	796.20M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow	99.00M	95.60M	72.40M	134.90M	-13.70M	146.80M
Operating Cash Flow	106.00M	102.60M	95.80M	164.00M	5.10M	171.20M
Investing Cash Flow	-22.70M	-22.70M	-20.20M	-30.10M	-18.80M	-24.40M
Financing Cash Flow	-65.30M	-65.30M	-98.80M	-280.70M	-56.40M	-269.40M

Hays plc Technical Analysis

• Technical Analysis Sentiment: Negative
• Last Price: 46.40
• 50DMA: Negative
• 100DMA: Negative
• 200DMA: Negative
• MACD: Positive
• RSI: Positive
• STOCH: Positive

Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:HAS, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 46.4 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 53.05, below the 50-day MA of 54.90, and below the 200-day MA of 62.24, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -1.84 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 22.35 is Positive, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 2.18 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for GB:HAS.

Hays plc Peers Comparison

Name	Overall Rating	Market Cap	P/E Ratio	ROE	Dividend Yield	Revenue Growth	EPS Growth
STEM	75 Outperform	£232.24M	8.38	12.99%	6.35%	-13.93%	-48.74%
STAF	71 Outperform	£51.33M	13.50	44.68%	―	1.44%	―
PAGE	64 Neutral	£660.07M	55.15	4.81%	7.58%	-12.54%	-76.55%
Sector *	63 Neutral	$10.79B	15.43	7.44%	2.01%	2.89%	-14.66%
RWA	53 Neutral	£84.85M	-5.73	-11.22%	12.88%	-14.31%	-361.93%
HAS	46 Neutral	£742.00M	-94.69	-1.52%	1.76%	-4.92%	-58.06%
EMR	40 Underperform	£11.87M	-1.54	-29.38%	―	-1.70%	-29.90%

Hays plc Corporate Events

Hays Releases Second-Quarter Trading Update and Schedules Investor Call

Hays plc has released its trading update for the three months to 31 December 2025, providing investors with an overview of its second-quarter performance and current trading conditions. The company has made the full statement available via the London Stock Exchange and its own investor website, and will host a conference call for analysts and investors to discuss the results and outlook, signalling continued engagement with the market and transparency over its operational and financial trajectory.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Sell with a £44.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Hays CEO Dirk Hahn Returns From Medical Leave as Chair Reverts to Non-Executive Role

Hays plc announced that Chief Executive Officer Dirk Hahn has returned to work following a short period of medical leave after surgery in November, signaling a resumption of normal executive leadership. During Hahn’s absence, Group Chair Michael Findlay temporarily stepped in as Executive Chair to maintain continuity and drive the group’s strategic and commercial priorities, and he will now revert to his position as Non-Executive Chair, suggesting minimal disruption to the company’s operations and strategic trajectory.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £53.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Hays Updates Total Voting Rights and Share Capital Figures

Hays plc has reported that, as of 31 December 2025, its issued share capital comprised 1,600,433,092 ordinary shares of 1p each, of which 1,291,352 shares were held in treasury, resulting in 1,599,141,740 voting rights in the company. The updated voting rights figure provides the benchmark shareholders must use to assess and report their holdings or any changes in their interests under the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, ensuring continued regulatory compliance and clarity over Hays’ ownership structure.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £53.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Hays plc Updates on Share Capital and Voting Rights

Hays plc announced that as of November 30, 2025, its issued share capital consisted of 1,600,433,092 Ordinary shares, with 1,297,441 shares held in treasury, resulting in 1,599,135,651 total voting rights. This figure is crucial for shareholders to determine notification requirements under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, impacting how stakeholders manage their interests in the company’s share capital.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £60.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Hays plc Executive Share Transaction Announcement

Hays plc announced a transaction involving Matthew Dickason, CEO of APAC, who acquired and subsequently sold 214,264 ordinary shares of the company. This transaction, conducted on the London Stock Exchange, reflects the vesting of an award under the Performance Share Plan, highlighting the company’s ongoing executive compensation strategies.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £60.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Hays plc 2025 AGM Resolutions Passed with Shareholder Engagement to Follow

Hays plc announced that all resolutions were passed at its 2025 Annual General Meeting, with both ordinary and special resolutions receiving the requisite majority votes. Notably, resolutions 16 and 18 received less than 80% approval, prompting the Board to engage with shareholders to address their concerns. This engagement will be reported in the company’s 2026 Annual Report, reflecting Hays’ commitment to shareholder communication and governance.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £60.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Hays plc Director Acquires Shares, Signaling Confidence

Hays plc announced a transaction involving Anthony Kirby, a Non-Executive Director, who purchased 10,000 ordinary shares of the company at a price of £0.58279113 per share on the London Stock Exchange. This transaction reflects a strategic move by a key stakeholder, potentially indicating confidence in the company’s future performance and market position.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £60.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Hays CEO Takes Medical Leave; Leadership Transition in Place

Hays plc announced that its CEO, Dirk Hahn, is on medical leave following surgery, with a positive recovery expected to see him return early next year. During his absence, Group Chair Michael Findlay will assume the role of Executive Chair, working with the management team to maintain the company’s strategic and commercial objectives, ensuring continuity in leadership and operations.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £60.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Hays plc Completes Treasury Share Purchase Programme

Hays plc has completed its treasury share purchase programme, acquiring 200,000 ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange as part of its initiative announced in October 2025. This transaction is expected to enhance shareholder value by holding the purchased shares in treasury, impacting the company’s share capital structure and potentially influencing its market positioning.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £60.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Hays plc Executes Share Buyback to Enhance Capital Management

Hays plc has repurchased 200,000 of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange as part of its ongoing treasury share purchase program. This transaction, executed through UBS AG, reflects the company’s strategy to manage its capital structure effectively, potentially enhancing shareholder value by holding these shares in treasury.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £60.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Hays plc Executes Share Buyback as Part of Treasury Programme

Hays plc has repurchased 200,000 of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange as part of its treasury share purchase programme. This move is part of their strategy to manage their capital structure, holding these shares in treasury, which impacts their total shares in issue and potentially influences shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £60.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Hays plc Announces Updated Share Capital and Voting Rights

Hays plc announced that as of October 31, 2025, its issued share capital consisted of 1,600,433,092 ordinary shares, with 3,679,397 held in treasury, resulting in 1,596,753,695 total voting rights. This figure is crucial for shareholders to determine their notification obligations under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, impacting how they manage their interests in the company’s share capital.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £60.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Hays plc Expands Treasury Share Holdings with Recent Purchase

Hays plc has repurchased 200,000 of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange as part of its ongoing treasury share purchase program. This move is intended to manage the company’s capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value, reflecting a strategic approach to its financial management.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £60.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Hays plc Enhances Capital Strategy with Share Repurchase

Hays plc has repurchased 200,000 of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange as part of its treasury share purchase programme. This move is part of the company’s strategy to manage its capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value by holding these shares in treasury, which may impact the company’s market positioning and stakeholder interests.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £61.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Hays plc Executes Share Buyback to Enhance Capital Management

Hays plc has repurchased 200,000 of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange as part of its treasury share purchase program. The shares will be held in treasury, bringing the total number of treasury shares to 3,279,397, with 1,597,153,695 shares remaining in issue. This move is part of the company’s strategy to manage its capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £61.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Hays plc Executes Share Buyback to Strengthen Capital Structure

Hays plc has repurchased 200,000 of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange as part of its treasury share purchase programme. This move is part of a strategic effort to manage its capital structure, potentially enhancing shareholder value and signaling confidence in the company’s financial health.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £61.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Hays plc Executes Share Buyback Programme

Hays plc has executed a share buyback program, purchasing 200,000 of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange at an average price of 60.5377 pence per share. This move is part of its treasury share purchase programme, indicating a strategic effort to manage its capital structure and potentially enhance shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £61.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Hays plc Initiates £2 Million Share Buyback Programme

Hays plc has announced a share buyback programme to purchase up to 2,000,000 ordinary shares, with a total consideration of £2 million. This initiative aims to ensure sufficient treasury shares for employee share plans and will be conducted by UBS AG London Branch. The programme is set to begin on 23 October 2025 and conclude by 31 December 2025, pending shareholder approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Sell with a £55.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.