Centrica (LON:CNA) Sets New 1-Year High – Here’s Why

Centrica plc (LON:CNA) shares hit a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The company traded as high as GBX 176 ($2.36) and last traded at GBX 171.90 ($2.30), with a volume of 16901949 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 174.25 ($2.34).

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have commented on CNA. Barclays upgraded shares of Centrica to an “overweight” rating and raised their target price for the stock from GBX 180 to GBX 210 in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their target price on Centrica from GBX 175 to GBX 200 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 29th. Citigroup restated a “buy” rating and set a GBX 185 price objective on shares of Centrica in a research report on Friday, August 15th. Berenberg Bank boosted their price objective on shares of Centrica from GBX 155 to GBX 190 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, September 11th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on Centrica from GBX 177 to GBX 179 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research report on Friday, August 15th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of GBX 185.67.

Centrica Stock Performance

The stock’s 50-day moving average price is GBX 165.06 and its 200 day moving average price is GBX 159.92. The company has a quick ratio of 0.40, a current ratio of 1.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 66.48. The company has a market cap of £8.04 billion, a P/E ratio of -37.59, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.45 and a beta of 1.08.

Centrica (LON:CNA) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 24th. The integrated energy company reported GBX 7 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Centrica had a net margin of 5.39% and a return on equity of 25.16%.

Insider Transactions at Centrica

In other Centrica news, insider Sue Whalley acquired 586 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 25th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of GBX 166 per share, for a total transaction of £972.76. Also, insider Philippe Boisseau bought 1,035 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 25th. The shares were acquired at an average price of GBX 163 per share, with a total value of £1,687.05. Insiders bought 4,210 shares of company stock worth $692,324 over the last quarter. 0.22% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Centrica Company Profile

Centrica is energising a greener, fairer future for our colleagues, customers and communities. Our integrated business operates across the energy value chain, with over ten million Retail customers, leading brands such as British Gas and Bord Gáis Energy, and the UK’s largest energy services workforce.