Centrica (LON:CNA) Stock Passes Above 200 Day Moving Average – Time to Sell?

Centrica plc (LON:CNA)’s stock price crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 131.33 ($1.71) and traded as high as GBX 152.30 ($1.98). Centrica shares last traded at GBX 150.65 ($1.96), with a volume of 11,473,104 shares changing hands.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

CNA has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a “buy” rating and issued a GBX 150 ($1.95) price target on shares of Centrica in a research report on Friday, December 6th. Citigroup reiterated a “top pick” rating on shares of Centrica in a research note on Thursday, December 5th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Centrica currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of GBX 167 ($2.17).

Centrica Price Performance

The stock has a market cap of £7.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.18, a P/E/G ratio of 0.45 and a beta of 1.08. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 143.30 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 131.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 66.48, a quick ratio of 0.40 and a current ratio of 1.77.

Centrica (LON:CNA) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 20th. The integrated energy company reported GBX 19 ($0.25) earnings per share 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 declared a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, June 5th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, May 1st will be paid a dividend of GBX 3 ($0.04) per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, May 1st. This represents a dividend yield of 2.08%. This is a positive change from Centrica’s previous dividend of $1.50. Centrica’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 19.06%.

Insider Activity at Centrica

In other news, insider Amber Rudd acquired 1,483 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 25th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of GBX 152 ($1.97) per share, for a total transaction of £2,254.16 ($2,927.10). Also, insider Philippe Boisseau acquired 1,270 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Wednesday, March 26th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of GBX 148 ($1.92) per share, for a total transaction of £1,879.60 ($2,440.72). Over the last quarter, insiders have bought 4,537 shares of company stock worth $654,104. Insiders own 0.20% 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.