Centrica (LON:CNA) Sets New 12-Month High - Still a Buy?

Centrica plc (LON:CNA - Get Free Report)'s stock price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as GBX 153.35 ($1.96) and last traded at GBX 151.70 ($1.94), with a volume of 19389826 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 150.65 ($1.92).

Centrica Trading Up 2.6 %

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 stock has a market capitalization of £7.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.76, a PEG ratio of 0.45 and a beta of 1.08. The firm's 50-day simple moving average is GBX 144.10 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 132.19.

Centrica (LON:CNA - Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, February 20th. The integrated energy company reported GBX 19 ($0.24) EPS for the quarter. Centrica had a net margin of 5.39% and a return on equity of 25.16%.

Centrica Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 5th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, May 1st will be given a dividend of GBX 3 ($0.04) per share. This represents a dividend yield of 2.08%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, May 1st. This is an increase from Centrica's previous dividend of $1.50. Centrica's dividend payout ratio is 19.06%.

Insider Transactions at Centrica

In other news, insider Amber Rudd acquired 1,672 shares of Centrica stock in a transaction on Monday, January 27th. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 135 ($1.73) per share, with a total value of £2,257.20 ($2,884.23). Also, insider Philippe Boisseau bought 1,270 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction on Wednesday, March 26th. The stock was purchased at an average price of GBX 148 ($1.89) per share, with a total value of £1,879.60 ($2,401.74). Insiders purchased a total of 4,537 shares of company stock valued at $654,104 in the last three months. 0.20% 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.