Centrica (LON:CNA) Hits New 12-Month High - Here's Why

Key Points

• Centrica plc's stock recently reached a 52-week high at GBX 171.15, reflecting increased investor interest with nearly 9 million shares traded.
• Analysts have issued positive ratings for the stock, with target prices ranging from GBX 175 to GBX 200, indicating strong potential for growth.
• Insider buying activity has been noted, with key executives purchasing shares, demonstrating confidence in the company's future performance.

Centrica plc (LON:CNA - Get Free Report)'s share price hit a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The company traded as high as GBX 171.15 ($2.31) and last traded at GBX 170.16 ($2.29), with a volume of 8994259 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at GBX 169.58 ($2.29).

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms recently weighed in on CNA. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted 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. Berenberg Bank upped their target price on Centrica from GBX 155 to GBX 190 and gave the company a "buy" rating in a research note on Thursday, September 11th. Citigroup reaffirmed a "buy" rating and issued a GBX 185 target price on shares of Centrica in a research report on Friday, August 15th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of Centrica from GBX 177 to GBX 179 and gave the stock a "neutral" rating in a report on Friday, August 15th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the company's stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average target price of GBX 180.80.

Centrica Price Performance

The company has a current ratio of 1.77, a quick ratio of 0.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 66.48. The company has a market capitalization of £7.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -3,721.52, a PEG ratio of 0.45 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 163.80 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 158.39.

Centrica (LON:CNA - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 24th. The integrated energy company reported GBX 7 EPS for the quarter. Centrica had a return on equity of 25.16% and a net margin of 5.39%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Sue Whalley bought 586 shares of the company's stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 25th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of GBX 166 per share, for a total transaction of £972.76. Also, insider Philippe Boisseau purchased 1,011 shares of Centrica stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 25th. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 166 per share, with a total value of £1,678.26. Over the last three months, insiders have purchased 4,226 shares of company stock valued at $692,342. 0.22% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

About Centrica

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.

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