Centrica (LON:CNA) Reaches New 12-Month High - Time to Buy?

Key Points

• Centrica plc reached a new 52-week high of GBX 170.80 ($2.30), closing at GBX 168.94 ($2.27) with a trading volume of over 20 million shares.
• Analysts have positive outlooks for Centrica, with multiple firms setting price targets between GBX 179 to GBX 200 and a consensus target of GBX 180.80, indicating a potential for further stock appreciation.
• Insider activity includes purchases of Centrica shares by executives, suggesting confidence in the company's future performance, with a total of 4,226 shares bought in the last ninety days.

Centrica plc (LON:CNA - Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as GBX 170.80 ($2.30) and last traded at GBX 168.94 ($2.27), with a volume of 20141840 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at GBX 166.60 ($2.24).

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts have issued reports on CNA shares. Citigroup restated a "buy" rating and set a GBX 185 price target on shares of Centrica in a research report on Friday, August 15th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of Centrica from GBX 177 to GBX 179 and gave the company a "neutral" rating in a research report on Friday, August 15th. Berenberg Bank upped their price target 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, Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price target on shares of Centrica from GBX 175 to GBX 200 and gave the company an "outperform" rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 29th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus target price of GBX 180.80.

Centrica Trading Up 1.4%

The stock has a market capitalization of £7.95 billion, a P/E ratio of -3,672.52, a P/E/G ratio of 0.45 and a beta of 1.08. The firm's 50 day moving average price is GBX 163.11 and its 200 day moving average price is GBX 157.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 66.48, a current ratio of 1.77 and a quick ratio of 0.40.

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

Insider Activity

In related news, insider Philippe Boisseau purchased 1,035 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 25th. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 163 per share, with a total value of £1,687.05. Also, insider Sue Whalley purchased 586 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 25th. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 166 per share, with a total value of £972.76. Over the last ninety days, insiders have bought 4,226 shares of company stock valued at $692,342. Insiders own 0.34% of the company's stock.

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.

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