Hays reports 3 percent fee decline: Jefferies sets GBp 45 target for Hays stock

Published on 10/20/2026 at 13:30 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

Permanent fees fell 7 percent in the first quarter. Hays stock costs EUR 0.67 on October 20, 2026, while productivity rose 8 percent.

Hiring demand and efficiency measures

Hays reported a 3 percent net-fee decline for the first quarter on October 12, 2026.
Consultant net-fee productivity rose 8 percent for the twelfth consecutive quarter.
Hays stock trades at EUR 0.67 at 1:21 p.m. CEST at Lang & Schwarz on October 20, 2026.
Hays will hold its annual general meeting on November 18, 2026.

Makroaufnahme eines gedruckten Lebenslaufs mit Stift und Brille im Hintergrund — Hays plc GB0004161021 fokussiert makroskopische Detailaufnahme eines gedruckten Lebenslaufs mit feiner Papierstruktur, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

Hays (GB0004161021) reported a 3 percent like-for-like decline in group net fees for the three months ended September 30, 2026. The October 12 update also showed a GBp 45 price target from Jefferies, according to MarketBeat.

Three dates frame the update

On August 20, 2026, Hays reported adjusted earnings per share of minus GBp 3.64 for its latest quarterly results, as reported by MarketBeat. On October 8, 2026, Hays published its annual general meeting notice, with the meeting scheduled for November 18, 2026, according to Investegate. On October 12, 2026, the company reported the 3 percent first-quarter fee decline, with permanent fees down 7 percent, according to Hargreaves Lansdown.

What offsets the fee decline?

Consultant net-fee productivity rose 8 percent year over year, marking the twelfth consecutive quarter of improvement. Temporary and contracting net fees declined 1 percent, compared with a 7 percent fall in permanent fees, while the company continued its cost-saving program.

Which dates come next?

Hays will hold its annual general meeting on November 18, 2026, according to Investegate. The investor-relations calendar lists November 26, 2026, as the core dividend payment date, subject to board and shareholder approval, on the Hays investor page.

Stock stays below the analyst target

Jefferies maintained an Underperform rating and a GBp 45 target on October 12, 2026, while other targets cited by MarketBeat ranged from GBp 33 to GBp 95. Hays stock was trading at EUR 0.67 at Lang & Schwarz on October 20, 2026 at 1:21 p.m. CEST.

The further course of trading is shown by the continuously updated real-time quote of Hays stock.