Jefferies Financial Group Raises Barclays (LON:BARC) Price Target to GBX 600

Barclays (LON:BARC) had its price objective boosted by analysts at Jefferies Financial Group from GBX 590 to GBX 600 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday, Digital Look reports. The firm currently has a “buy” rating on the financial services provider’s stock. Jefferies Financial Group’s price target indicates a potential upside of 24.06% from the company’s previous close.

A number of other equities research analysts also recently issued reports on BARC. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an “outperform” rating and set a GBX 550 price target on shares of Barclays in a research report on Wednesday, August 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on Barclays from GBX 600 to GBX 610 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a report on Wednesday, July 29th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a “buy” rating and set a GBX 570 price objective on shares of Barclays in a report on Wednesday, July 29th. Berenberg Bank reiterated a “buy” rating and set a GBX 620 target price on shares of Barclays in a research report on Wednesday, July 29th. Finally, Citigroup upped their target price on Barclays from GBX 505 to GBX 510 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a report on Wednesday, July 29th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Barclays has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of GBX 576.67.

Barclays Stock Down 0.5%

LON BARC opened at GBX 483.65 on Wednesday. The stock has a market capitalization of £65.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.01, a P/E/G ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 0.88. Barclays has a 52-week low of GBX 353.55 and a 52-week high of GBX 538.30. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 511.68 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 463.21.

Barclays (LON:BARC) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 28th. The financial services provider reported GBX 30.70 earnings per share for the quarter. Barclays had a return on equity of 10.11% and a net margin of 25.61%. On average, equities research analysts expect that Barclays will post 39.1062802 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In other news, insider Anna Cross sold 461,588 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Friday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 521, for a total value of £2,404,873.48. Also, insider Nigel Higgins acquired 7,604 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 28th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 497 per share, with a total value of £37,791.88. Over the last three months, insiders acquired 27,498 shares of company stock worth $13,666,506. 0.35% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Key Headlines Impacting Barclays

Here are the key news stories impacting Barclays this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Higher-rate outlook could support interest income: Barclays now expects the Federal Reserve to raise rates by 25 basis points in both September and December 2026, reversing its previous forecast for no further increases. Higher rates can benefit banks’ net interest income, although the impact depends on deposit costs, credit demand and competition. Wall Street divided on Fed policy path as Barclays joins hawkish camp
• Neutral Sentiment: Investor conference activity: Barclays is hosting its 2026 Global Consumer Conference, including a webcast with Philip Morris International’s CEO on September 8. The event may generate industry commentary but does not represent a direct change to Barclays’ earnings or strategy. Philip Morris International to Host Webcast of Fireside Chat Session at Barclays Global Consumer Conference
• Neutral Sentiment: Routine share-capital updates: Barclays reported 13.44 billion issued shares as of August 31 and admitted an additional 1.26 million ordinary shares to trading. The increase is very small relative to the existing share count and should have limited effect on valuation or earnings per share. Barclays Increases Listed Share Capital With New LSE Admission
• Negative Sentiment: Hawkish policy also raises macro risks: Barclays’ forecast signals persistent inflation concerns and could contribute to tighter financial conditions, weaker loan demand and higher credit risks. The conflicting implications may be limiting the benefit to BARC shares from potentially wider interest margins. Barclays forecasts two Fed rate hikes after Warsh Jackson Hole speech

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.