Another Centrica buyback uncertain ahead of FY results, says Citi

(Sharecast News) - Citi has kept a 'neutral' stance on Centrica ahead of the energy group's annual results this week, raising questions about the company's potential long-term targets. The bank said that investors will be waiting to see whether Centrica announces another share buyback alongside its full-year figures on 19 February. There are also hopes that the company will provide EBITDA guidance for 2030 that is "sufficiently attractive and credible".

"Our view is that Centrica will prioritise growth over further share buyback, having bought back c.25% of shares and returned c.£2bn over the last three years," said analyst Jenny Ping.

"We also believe SBB at these levels are less preferable to delivering value creative investments, that will drive long term earnings growth. The key unknown is what could they buy and for what price?"

In the absence of further M&A, Citi has pencilled in a FY28 EBITDA target towards the bottom end of the £1.6bn-1.9bn guidance range.

"A FY30 EBITDA target can only impress if coupled with a credible path to delivery," Citi said.