Recruiter Hays sees share price slump after capital hike to cope with Covid-19
The UK-based recruitment company’s shares fell on Thursday after raising £200 million in equity to strengthen its balance sheet amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Hays shares closed 13% lower on Thursday, with the stock plummeting after the recruiter announced it had raised £200 million in equity to cope with the economic impact of Covid-19.
The recruiter raised the additional funds via a new share issue, with the company eager to shore up its balance sheet in expectation of a major reduction in fees due to the global pandemic.
‘The past few weeks have been unlike anything the world has seen in modern times and has severely impacted recruitment markets globally,’ Hays CEO Alistair Cox said in a statement.
‘Today’s equity fundraise is designed to further reinforce our business so that we are strongly placed to build on our market leading positions globally by supporting our clients and capturing additional market share,’ he added.
Hays shares hit lowest level since July 2016
Hays recent stock market decline saw the mid-cap company underperform the broader market, with the FTSE 250 closing 1% lower on Thursday.
Shares in the recruiter have fallen more than 45% since the start of the year, with the stock hitting its lowest level since July 2016.
However, the company still has a long way to go before reaching its record low of 55p a share back in October 2008.
Looking to trade Hays and other UK stocks? Open a live or demo account with IG today.
Hays’ US growth opportunities dwindle amid Covid-19
In the recruiter’s half-year results, Cox said growth had slowed over the first six months of trading due to ’macro uncertainties and reduced business confidence’.
‘Our focus is on cost management; however, we see good growth opportunities in our largest specialism of IT, and in the USA,’ he added.
But with the US in meltdown as it tries to cope with the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, growth opportunities that once were are likely no more.
You can go long or short Hays and other FTSE 250 companies with IG using derivatives like CFDs and spread bets.
This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.
React to global volatility
Market volatility continues as coronavirus dominates the global agenda. Trade with us to take advantage of:
- Tight spreads – from just 1 point on major indices, and 2.8 on US crude
- Guaranteed stops – they’re free to use, and you’ll only pay a small fee if they’re triggered
- Round-the-clock assistance – our highly-skilled team are on hand to support you
Live prices on most popular markets
- Equities
- Indices
- Forex
- Commodities
Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All share prices are delayed by at least 15 minutes.
Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All shares prices are delayed by at least 15 mins.