Centrica plc American Depositary Receipt (CPYYY)
Why Citi just turned bullish on Centrica. And why the Middle East conflict is key
Centrica PLC (LSE:CNA), the British Gas owner, has been upgraded to buy by Citi, which raised its price target on the stock to 218 pence from 200 pence, arguing that rising geopolitical tensions and volatile gas prices make the company's strategic assets increasingly valuable. The US bank said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and recent gas price rises were likely to sharpen the UK government's focus on energy security, benefiting Centrica in particular, given its ownership of Rough, the UK's largest gas storage facility, and its involvement in the proposed Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk.
US bank downgrades Centrica, citing lack of near-term catalysts
Jefferies has cut its rating on Centrica PLC (LSE:CNA), the British Gas owner, from 'buy' to 'hold', arguing that the stock's strong run this year has left it looking fully valued against a backdrop of limited near-term growth and deteriorating earnings momentum. The investment bank said Centrica's shares, which have risen more than 10% in 2026, now trade at around 10 times its estimated 2030 earnings, a level it considers to reflect a more balanced risk-reward rather than a compelling buying opportunity.
RBC raises Centrica price target to 225p as nuclear extensions shore up medium-term earnings
The British Gas owner is betting its future on contracted infrastructure assets, but the retail and trading businesses still have something to prove Nuclear power is doing the heavy lifting in Centrica PLC's (LSE:CNA) revised growth story. RBC Capital Markets lifted its price target on the British Gas parent to 225p from 215p, after the company formally extended the operating lives of four of its five nuclear facilities, adding around £300m to projected EBITDA by 2030.
American bank says Centrica's transformation deserves a higher valuation
Centrica PLC (LSE:CNA) is in the middle of rewiring itself as an energy business, and JP Morgan thinks the market is not giving it enough credit for what that transformation will deliver. The US investment bank has reiterated its 'overweight' rating on the British Gas owner with a street-high price target of 224p, implying 19% upside from current levels.
Centrica: Leading bank flags weaker 2026 outlook and pauses buyback
UBS reiterated its 'buy' rating on Centrica PLC (LSE:CNA) with a 12-month price target of 200p following full-year results, despite flagging no incremental positives in the release. The shares closed at 196p on 18 February 2026, implying forecast price appreciation of 2.0% and a forecast total return of 4.8%, below UBS's market return assumption of 8.6%.
Centrica shares fall 8% as buyback paused to fund nuclear and LNG investments
Centrica PLC (LSE:CNA) led the Footsie list of losers in early trading, with the shares dropping 8% on the surprise news that the British Gas owner is pausing its share buyback programme to redirect capital towards major infrastructure projects, including Sizewell C. Chief executive Chris O'Shea said: “Pausing the buyback enables us to prioritise investment that creates lasting value for shareholders, while continuing to deliver the reliable, affordable energy that households and businesses need to power economic growth through the transition.
Centrica presses pause on buyback to invest in Sizewell C nuclear plant
Centrica PLC (LSE:CNA) has paused its share buyback programme as it redirects capital towards major projects, including the build-out of the Sizewell C nuclear power station and the acquisition of the Grain liquefied natural gas terminal. The British energy supplier said it had completed its £2 billion buyback in January 2026, having repurchased a quarter of its share capital at an average price of 136p since late 2022.
British Gas owner Centrica sells three 'non core' businesses
Centrica PLC has completed the sale of three non-core energy solutions businesses in Europe for more than £80 million as the British Gas owner sharpens its focus on higher growth areas. The FTSE 100 company said its energy solutions operations in Italy and the Netherlands have been sold to Joulz, a portfolio company of 3i Infrastructure PLC.
RBC sees earnings momentum and capital discipline driving upside at Centrica
Broker lifts target as services growth, smart meters and infrastructure optionality underpin medium-term value creation RBC Capital Markets has reiterated its 'outperform' rating on Centrica PLC (LSE:CNA), raising its price target to 215p, as it argues the group is entering a period of improving earnings quality, stronger visibility and attractive capital returns. The analysts highlight a combination of operational discipline, capital allocation strength and multiple medium-term catalysts that are not fully reflected in the current valuation.
Centrica's Spirit sells North Sea assets to Serica Energy
British Gas owner Centrica PLC (LSE:CNA) will get £39 million after its majority-owned Spirit Energy sold its final 15% interest in the Cygnus gas field, along with all other producing assets in the Greater Markham Area and Southern North Sea, to Serica Energy for a total transaction value of approximately £98 million. The deal includes £57 million in headline consideration and the transfer of £41 million in decommissioning liabilities.
Centrica set to benefit if UK provides funding to extend life of nuclear reactors
UBS said Centrica PLC (LSE:CNA) has upside potential from a UK government consultation that could extend the life of existing nuclear assets via the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme. The UK government yesterday published a consultation on offering CfDs for existing reactors.
Centrica hails life extensions to two nuclear plants
British Gas owner Centrica PLC (LSE:CNA) hailed the one-year life extensions of the Heysham 1 and Hartlepool nuclear power stations, where it holds a 20% stake. Both plants are now expected to operate until March 2028, with the extensions expected to add three terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity generation between 2026 and 2030.
