Barclays PLC (LON:BARC) Given Consensus Recommendation of “Moderate Buy” by Brokerages

Barclays PLC (LON:BARC) has earned a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” from the six ratings firms that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold recommendation and five have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month price objective among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is GBX 495.

A number of analysts recently issued reports on the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price target on Barclays from GBX 480 to GBX 570 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Friday, January 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on Barclays from GBX 500 to GBX 570 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. Finally, Citigroup lowered their price target on Barclays from GBX 495 to GBX 450 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, March 4th.

Key Stories Impacting Barclays

Here are the key news stories impacting Barclays this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Barclays reaffirmed plans to expand in Saudi Arabia — it is seeking a banking licence and preparing to open a regional headquarters there later this year, signalling an intent to grow fee and lending businesses in a fast?growing market. Barclays Confirms Commitment to Middle East Expansion Despite Iran War
• Positive Sentiment: Barclays is visible in the AI/data?center story — Global Head of Data Centers Nicholas Campanella discussed the state of AI data?center buildout on CNBC, reinforcing Barclays’ research and advisory positioning in a high?growth, investment?banking theme. That visibility can help win client work and support revenue outside traditional retail banking. Barclays’ Nicholas Campanella talks the state of the AI data center buildout
• Neutral Sentiment: Barclays research published analysis on automation in delivery (drones/robots) that could materially cut costs for delivery platforms — this underscores the bank’s thematic research capability and may generate advisory or ECM/IB interest over time, but is not an immediate earnings driver. Barclays Says Drones and Robots Could Cut Food Delivery to $1
• Neutral Sentiment: Barclays Research appointed a new Global Head of Data Science & Applied AI — this strengthens the bank’s research analytics and could improve research product and client engagement, a medium?term positive for its markets and advisory franchises. Barclays Research Appoints Sahana Athreya as Global Head of Data Science & Applied AI
• Negative Sentiment: Expansion into the Middle East amid the Iran war raises near?term geopolitical and operational risk (licensing, sanctions/compliance, regional instability). That can add execution uncertainty and potential extra costs that investors will weigh against the growth opportunity. Barclays Confirms Commitment to Middle East Expansion Despite Iran War

Barclays Stock Performance

Shares of LON BARC opened at GBX 435.85 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of £59.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.30, a PEG ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 0.86. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 427.64 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 432.33. Barclays has a 52-week low of GBX 275.35 and a 52-week high of GBX 507.45.

Barclays (LON:BARC) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, March 31st. The financial services provider reported GBX 24.70 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of GBX 1,489.60 billion during the quarter. Barclays had a return on equity of 9.41% and a net margin of 17.82%. Analysts forecast that Barclays will post 39.1062802 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Transactions at Barclays

In related news, insider Brian Gilvary bought 2,794 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 11th. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 481 per share, for a total transaction of £13,439.14. Also, insider Nigel Higgins bought 6,769 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 11th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 481 per share, with a total value of £32,558.89. Insiders have bought 27,452 shares of company stock valued at $13,204,412 in the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 0.27% of the company’s stock.

Barclays Company Profile

Barclays PLC provides various financial services in the United Kingdom, Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The company operates through Barclays UK and Barclays International division segments. It offers financial services, such as retail banking, credit cards, wholesale banking, investment banking, wealth management, and investment management services. In addition, the company engages in securities dealing activities. The company was formerly known as Barclays Bank Limited and changed its name to Barclays PLC in January 1985.