UK recruiter Hays gains after Q3 update slightly better than feared

Hays

16/04/2026 09:49

** Shares of British recruiter Hays HAYS.L rise as much as 7.6% to 34.78p

** Stock among top percentage gainers on Britain's mid-cap index .FTMC

** Co says Q3 FY26 like‑for‑like net fee growth dips 8%, slightly better than expectations of a 9% fall in a company‑compiled consensus

** "Asia within (rest of the world) the real bright spot in the quarter and the main delta," RBC Capital Market analysts say

** HAYS also expects FY26 pre‑exceptional operating profit to be in line with market consensus of 45.2 million pounds ($61.26 million), despite challenging near‑term market conditions

** Co reiterates plans to reduce cost base to strengthen position

** Up to Wednesday's close, stock down ~40% this year

($1 = 0.7379 pounds)

 (Reporting by Neeshita Beura in Bengaluru)

 ((Neeshita.Beura@thomsonreuters.com))