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Hays PLC (GB:HAS)
LSE:HAS
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Hays plc (HAS) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:HAS

Hays plc

(LSE:HAS)

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Neutral 53 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:53Neutral
Price Target:
60.00p
▲(3.90% Upside)
The overall stock score is primarily influenced by financial performance challenges, including negative revenue growth and profitability issues. Technical analysis provides a neutral outlook with slight upward momentum. Valuation is weak due to a negative P/E ratio, despite a modest dividend yield.
Positive Factors
Cash Flow Management
Hays plc's robust free cash flow growth of 18.91% indicates strong cash generation capabilities, which enhances financial stability and supports long-term operational needs.
Global Presence
Hays plc's vast network of offices worldwide strengthens its market position by accessing diverse talent pools, which is crucial for sustained growth in the recruitment industry.
Strategic Partnerships
By leveraging strategic partnerships, Hays plc can efficiently source candidates, improving service delivery and competitive advantage in the staffing sector.
Negative Factors
Revenue Decline
The decline in revenue reflects challenges in maintaining market share or client demand, which could impact long-term growth and profitability if not addressed.
Profitability Challenges
Hays plc's negative net profit margin indicates operational inefficiencies and challenges in cost management, which could hinder sustainable profitability.
Leverage Concerns
Moderate leverage, while manageable, suggests potential financial strain, limiting flexibility for strategic investments and growth initiatives.

Hays plc (HAS) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

Hays plc Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionHays plc is a leading global recruitment and workforce solutions company headquartered in the UK. Specializing in the placement of skilled professionals across various sectors, including IT, finance, construction, and healthcare, Hays operates through a vast network of offices in multiple countries. The company focuses on both temporary and permanent staffing solutions, catering to the needs of clients seeking talent and candidates looking for employment opportunities.
How the Company Makes MoneyHays plc generates revenue primarily through recruitment fees charged for placing candidates in both temporary and permanent positions. The company earns a significant portion of its income from temporary placements, where it charges clients a markup on the hourly rates paid to temporary workers. Additionally, Hays benefits from permanent placement fees, which are typically a percentage of the candidate's first-year salary. The company also offers workforce solutions and consulting services, which contribute to its revenue. Strategic partnerships with businesses across various sectors enhance Hays' ability to source candidates efficiently, while its extensive global presence allows it to tap into diverse markets for talent acquisition, thereby bolstering its 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
45
Neutral
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
55
Neutral
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
60
Neutral
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.
BreakdownTTMDec 2025Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue6.61B6.61B6.95B7.58B6.59B5.65B
Gross Profit943.10M24.70M292.60M426.80M421.40M292.30M
EBITDA63.90M78.20M87.10M218.90M232.90M116.70M
Net Income-7.80M-7.80M-4.90M138.30M154.20M61.50M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.77B1.77B1.78B1.90B2.08B1.87B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments168.50M168.50M121.80M145.60M296.20M410.60M
Total Debt312.20M312.20M244.30M199.80M185.10M201.10M
Total Liabilities1.30B1.30B1.22B1.23B1.28B1.00B
Stockholders Equity466.70M466.70M557.60M670.30M796.20M871.80M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow99.00M95.60M72.40M134.90M146.80M-13.70M
Operating Cash Flow106.00M102.60M95.80M164.00M171.20M5.10M
Investing Cash Flow-22.70M-22.70M-20.20M-30.10M-24.40M-18.80M
Financing Cash Flow-65.30M-65.30M-98.80M-280.70M-269.40M-56.40M

Hays plc Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price57.75
Price Trends
50DMA
57.79
Negative
100DMA
61.23
Negative
200DMA
67.29
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
0.11
Positive
RSI
46.03
Neutral
STOCH
31.53
Neutral
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 57.75 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 58.77, below the 50-day MA of 57.79, and below the 200-day MA of 67.29, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of 0.11 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 46.03 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 31.53 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for GB:HAS.

Hays plc Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
69
Neutral
£52.70M13.9044.68%1.44%
67
Neutral
£199.46M7.2012.99%6.68%-13.93%-48.74%
64
Neutral
£732.71M61.214.81%7.29%-12.54%-76.55%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
62
Neutral
£29.78M13.256.45%3.69%2.40%1101.69%
55
Neutral
£100.31M-6.51-11.22%12.83%-14.31%-361.93%
53
Neutral
£918.02M-117.35-1.52%2.15%-4.92%-58.06%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:HAS
Hays plc
57.75
-18.99
-24.75%
GB:GATC
Gattaca
93.00
11.32
13.86%
GB:PAGE
PageGroup
234.00
-106.44
-31.27%
GB:RWA
Robert Walters
135.00
-201.14
-59.84%
GB:STAF
Staffline
45.50
17.00
59.65%
GB:STEM
SThree plc
157.00
-179.27
-53.31%

Hays plc Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyStock Buyback
Hays plc Enhances Capital Strategy with Share Repurchase
Neutral
Oct 31, 2025

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.

Business Operations and StrategyStock Buyback
Hays plc Executes Share Buyback to Enhance Capital Management
Neutral
Oct 30, 2025

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.

Business Operations and StrategyStock Buyback
Hays plc Executes Share Buyback to Strengthen Capital Structure
Positive
Oct 28, 2025

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.

Business Operations and StrategyStock Buyback
Hays plc Executes Share Buyback Programme
Positive
Oct 24, 2025

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.

Stock BuybackShareholder Meetings
Hays plc Initiates £2 Million Share Buyback Programme
Neutral
Oct 22, 2025

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.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Hays plc Releases First Quarter Trading Statement for 2025
Neutral
Oct 10, 2025

Hays plc has released its First Quarter Trading Statement for the period ending 30 September 2025, which is now available for public access. This update is crucial for stakeholders as it provides insights into the company’s financial performance and strategic positioning in the recruitment industry, potentially impacting investor decisions and market perception.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £56.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Financial DisclosuresShareholder Meetings
Hays plc Releases 2025 Annual Report and AGM Notice
Neutral
Oct 6, 2025

Hays plc has announced the publication of its Annual Report & Accounts for the year ending June 30, 2025, along with the Notice of its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM). These documents have been distributed to shareholders and are available for inspection online. The AGM is scheduled for November 19, 2025, at a new venue in London. This announcement ensures transparency and keeps stakeholders informed about the company’s financial performance and upcoming governance events.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £56.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Hays plc Executive Invests in Company Shares
Positive
Oct 3, 2025

Hays plc announced that Mark Dearnley, the Chief Digital and Technology Officer, has made an on-market purchase of 170,000 ordinary shares at £0.565800 each on the London Stock Exchange. This transaction reflects a significant investment by a key executive, potentially indicating confidence in the company’s future performance and strategic direction.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £56.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Hays plc Updates Share Capital and Voting Rights
Neutral
Oct 1, 2025

Hays plc announced that as of September 30, 2025, its issued share capital consisted of 1,600,433,092 ordinary shares, with 2,279,397 held in treasury, resulting in 1,598,153,695 total voting rights. This figure is crucial for shareholders to determine their notification requirements 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 £56.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Hays plc Awards Shares to Executives Under Performance Plan
Positive
Sep 25, 2025

Hays plc announced the granting of awards over ordinary shares to key executives under the company’s Performance Share Plan. This move involves the allocation of shares to CEO Dirk Hahn, CFO James Hilton, and several members of the Executive Leadership Team, reflecting the company’s strategy to incentivize and retain top management. The awards, which are part of a structured plan, aim to align the interests of the executives with the company’s long-term performance goals, potentially impacting the company’s operational focus and stakeholder confidence.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £56.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Other
Hays plc Executives Sell Shares Following Performance Awards
Neutral
Sep 18, 2025

Hays plc has announced the sale of ordinary shares by several members of its executive leadership team, including CEO Dirk Hahn, following the release of awards granted under the Performance Share Plan. These transactions, conducted on the London Stock Exchange, involve the sale of a total of 151,020 shares at a price of £0.575138 each. This move may reflect personal financial decisions by the executives and could have implications for the company’s stock market perception and stakeholder confidence.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £56.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Hays plc Executives Acquire Shares Following Performance Plan Vesting
Neutral
Sep 15, 2025

Hays plc announced the acquisition of ordinary shares by its CEO and several Executive Leadership Team members following the vesting of awards under the Performance Share Plan. These transactions, conducted on the London Stock Exchange, reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to aligning management interests with shareholder value, potentially impacting its market positioning and stakeholder relations.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £56.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Hays plc Awards Shares to Key Executives Under Bonus Plan
Positive
Sep 5, 2025

Hays plc announced the grant of ordinary shares to several key executives under the company’s Deferred Annual Bonus Plan. This move involves the allocation of shares to the CEO, CFO, and other members of the Executive Leadership Team, reflecting the company’s strategy to incentivize and retain top management. The transactions, which are part of the company’s ongoing efforts to align management interests with shareholder value, may enhance the company’s operational stability and market positioning.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Buy with a £0.90 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Hays plc Executive Share Transaction Notification
Neutral
Sep 3, 2025

Hays plc announced a transaction involving Matthew Dickason, a member of its Executive Leadership Team, who acquired and subsequently sold 150,971 ordinary shares of the company. This transaction, conducted on the London Stock Exchange, reflects the vesting of an award under the Deferred Annual Bonus Plan, highlighting the company’s ongoing commitment to aligning executive incentives with shareholder interests.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Buy with a £0.90 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Hays plc Updates on Share Capital and Voting Rights
Neutral
Sep 1, 2025

Hays plc announced that as of August 31, 2025, its issued share capital consisted of 1,600,433,092 ordinary shares, with 8,507,593 held in treasury, resulting in 1,591,925,499 voting rights. This figure is crucial for shareholders to determine their reporting obligations under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, impacting how they manage their shareholdings and comply with regulatory requirements.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Buy with a £0.90 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Other
Hays CEO Dirk Hahn Purchases Significant Shares
Positive
Aug 29, 2025

Hays plc announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Dirk Hahn, has made an on-market purchase of 364,000 ordinary shares of the company at a price of £0.6154221 per share. This transaction, conducted on the London Stock Exchange, highlights a significant investment by the CEO, which may indicate confidence in the company’s future performance and could potentially influence stakeholder perceptions.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Buy with a £0.90 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Other
Hays plc Executive Acquires Significant Shareholding
Positive
Aug 27, 2025

Hays plc announced a transaction involving its Chief Digital & Technology Officer, Mark Dearnley, who purchased 387,000 ordinary shares at a price of £0.646078 per share on the London Stock Exchange. This transaction signifies a potential vote of confidence in the company’s future prospects and could impact stakeholder perceptions positively.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Buy with a £95.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Other
Hays CEO Increases Stake with Significant Share Purchase
Positive
Aug 26, 2025

Hays plc announced that its CEO, Dirk Hahn, has made an on-market purchase of ordinary shares in the company. The transactions, conducted on the London Stock Exchange on August 22, 2025, involved the acquisition of 130,000 shares at prices of £0.640841 and £0.6398497. This move indicates a potential vote of confidence in the company’s future performance and may impact stakeholder perceptions positively.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Buy with a £95.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Other
Hays plc Director Acquires Shares, Signaling Confidence
Positive
Aug 22, 2025

Hays plc announced that Joseph Hurd, a Non-Executive Director, has made an on-market purchase of 1,923 ordinary shares at a price of £0.642797 per share on the London Stock Exchange. This transaction reflects the confidence of the company’s leadership in its market position and future prospects, potentially impacting stakeholder perceptions positively.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Buy with a £95.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Hays plc Non-Executive Chair Acquires Shares, Signaling Confidence
Positive
Aug 21, 2025

Hays plc announced a transaction involving its Non-Executive Chair, Michael Findlay, who purchased 33,415 ordinary shares at a price of £0.595504 each on the London Stock Exchange. This transaction reflects a strategic move by a key executive, potentially indicating confidence in the company’s future performance and stability, which may influence stakeholder perceptions and market positioning.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £70.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Hays plc Reports Strategic Progress Amid Challenging Market Conditions
Neutral
Aug 21, 2025

Hays plc reported a challenging financial year ending June 2025, with a significant decrease in net fees and profits due to economic and political uncertainties impacting client and candidate confidence. Despite these challenges, the company made strategic progress by improving resource allocation and consultant productivity, achieving structural cost savings, and maintaining strong cash flow. Hays aims to continue focusing on cost efficiencies and is well-positioned for growth when market conditions improve, with plans for further cost savings by FY29.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £70.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Hays plc Updates on Share Capital and Voting Rights
Neutral
Aug 4, 2025

Hays plc announced that as of July 31, 2025, its issued share capital consisted of 1,600,433,092 ordinary shares, with 8,507,593 held in treasury, resulting in a total of 1,591,925,499 voting rights. This figure is crucial for shareholders to determine their reporting obligations under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, impacting how they manage their interests in the company.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HAS) stock is a Hold with a £1.04 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Hays plc stock, see the GB:HAS Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Oct 31, 2025