Centrica (LON:CNA) Shares Cross Above 200 Day Moving Average - Here's Why

Key Points

• Centrica plc stock has recently crossed above its two hundred day moving average, indicating a positive trend, with shares trading at GBX 165.50 ($2.22) during the latest session.
• Analysts have given mixed ratings, with Citigroup maintaining a "buy" rating and setting a target price of GBX 185, while the consensus rating is a "Moderate Buy" with an average target price of GBX 178.50.
• The company's last quarterly earnings revealed an EPS of GBX 7 and a net margin of 5.39%, along with significant insider transactions indicating ongoing interest from management.

Centrica plc (LON:CNA - Get Free Report) passed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of GBX 153.73 ($2.08) and traded as high as GBX 165.75 ($2.24). Centrica shares last traded at GBX 165.50 ($2.23), with a volume of 11,221,443 shares.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

CNA has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on shares of Centrica from GBX 177 to GBX 179 and gave the stock a "neutral" rating in a research note on Friday, August 15th. Citigroup reaffirmed a "buy" rating and issued a GBX 185 target price on shares of Centrica in a research note on Friday, August 15th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada upped their target price on shares of Centrica from GBX 175 to GBX 200 and gave the stock an "outperform" rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 29th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Centrica presently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and a consensus price target of GBX 178.50.

Centrica Stock Down 0.6%

The firm's 50-day simple moving average is GBX 162.02 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 154.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 66.48, a quick ratio of 0.40 and a current ratio of 1.77. The stock has a market capitalization of £8.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.81, a PEG ratio of 0.45 and a beta of 1.08.

Centrica (LON:CNA - Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results 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 other Centrica news, insider Chris O’Shea sold 770,946 shares of the business's stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 168, for a total transaction of £1,295,189.28. Also, insider Philippe Boisseau purchased 1,028 shares of the business's stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 26th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of GBX 164 per share, for a total transaction of £1,685.92. Insiders have acquired a total of 5,408 shares of company stock worth $876,164 over the last three months. Insiders own 0.20% of the company's stock.

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.