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Category: Market News

  • Bitcoin slips beneath $67,000 as Fed minutes reinforce rate concerns

    Bitcoin slips beneath $67,000 as Fed minutes reinforce rate concerns

    Bitcoin extended its recent downturn on Thursday, dropping below the $67,000 level after minutes from the Federal Reserve’s January meeting signaled a more hawkish stance and added fresh uncertainty around the outlook for U.S. interest rates.

    Broader crypto markets were also pressured by a cautious risk environment, as rising geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran dampened appetite for speculative assets. In contrast, gold attracted safe-haven flows.

    At 01:06 ET, Bitcoin (COIN:BTCUSD) was down 1.3% at $66,963.8.

    Digital assets also failed to keep pace with gains in global technology equities, despite their usual correlation with the sector.

    Rate outlook weighs on crypto sentiment

    Bitcoin remained under strain as investors digested the Fed minutes, which offered little comfort regarding the direction of monetary policy.

    The record of the January meeting revealed growing differences among policymakers over the longer-term trajectory of rates and inflation. “Several” officials indicated that additional rate increases could be appropriate if inflation proves persistent.

    Policymakers also discussed uncertainty surrounding the economic implications of artificial intelligence, with differing views on whether the technology will ultimately boost or hinder growth.

    The renewed mention of potential rate hikes unsettled crypto traders, as higher borrowing costs typically reduce demand for speculative investments such as Bitcoin. Following the release of the minutes, flows appeared to shift toward the U.S. dollar.

    Goldman Sachs chief downplays personal Bitcoin exposure

    Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) CEO David Solomon said he personally owns very little Bitcoin, though he continues to monitor the asset and its evolving role in financial markets.

    While Goldman has taken a measured approach to digital assets, Solomon has previously expressed interest in the sector’s long-term potential.

    Speaking at the World Liberty Forum on Wednesday, he suggested the bank could consider expanding its involvement in cryptocurrencies, particularly if regulatory clarity improves under the Donald Trump administration.

    Altcoins subdued ahead of key inflation data

    Elsewhere, the broader crypto complex traded in a tight range, with limited positive catalysts to drive momentum. Like Bitcoin, most altcoins have experienced significant declines in recent months amid a broad cooling in investor enthusiasm.

    Market attention is now turning to upcoming U.S. macroeconomic data for further guidance on interest rate policy. Of particular importance is Friday’s release of the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, the Fed’s preferred measure of inflation.

    Ether, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, fell 1.1% to $1,980.99, while XRP dropped nearly 4% to $1.4228.

    Solana, Cardano and BNB posted losses ranging from 0.4% to 3%.

    Among meme tokens, Dogecoin declined 2.5%, and $TRUMP retreated 1.7%.

  • Fed minutes strike cautious note; Walmart and Deere earnings ahead – market drivers: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street Futures

    Fed minutes strike cautious note; Walmart and Deere earnings ahead – market drivers: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street Futures

    U.S. equity futures moved modestly higher on Thursday, pointing to a potential continuation of the previous session’s technology-led rally. Investors examined the Federal Reserve’s January meeting minutes for signals on interest rate direction, while oil prices climbed amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Walmart (NYSE:WMT) and Deere (NYSE:DE) are set to release quarterly earnings, offering insight into the health of key segments of the U.S. economy.

    Futures tick up

    As of 03:09 ET (08:09 GMT), Dow Jones futures were up 30 points, or 0.1%. S&P 500 futures gained 16 points, or 0.2%, and Nasdaq 100 futures advanced 86 points, or 0.3%.

    Wall Street closed higher on Wednesday, led by strength in Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA). The semiconductor giant rallied after announcing a multi-year agreement to supply advanced chips to Meta Platforms. Markets are also positioning ahead of Nvidia’s highly anticipated earnings next week, often viewed as a barometer of momentum in the artificial intelligence sector.

    Broader gains were seen across technology shares, including storage companies such as SanDisk and Seagate Technology, whose infrastructure plays a crucial role in AI expansion.

    The rally helped calm concerns about the timeline for returns on substantial investments in AI-related infrastructure like data centers. Software stocks also gained ground, rebounding after recent volatility tied to fears of competitive disruption from emerging AI models.

    Fed minutes suggest possible upside risks to rates

    Market participants also focused on the minutes from the Fed’s January meeting for clues about future policy moves.

    Analysts drew attention to language stating that “several participants” would have favored a “two-sided description” of the Federal Open Market Committee’s rate outlook — implying that rate increases remain a possibility if inflation does not move sustainably toward the 2% target.

    After pausing its rate-cut cycle last month — which had begun in mid-2025 — policymakers are widely expected to resume easing later this year. With labor markets holding firm and inflation gradually moderating but still above target, some investors anticipate a potential rate cut as early as June.

    That expectation remains largely in place, though Capital Economics noted that the Fed appears to be in “wait-and-see mode.” The firm also suggested that Kevin Warsh, President Donald Trump’s nominee to replace Jerome Powell as Fed Chair, may struggle to “convince his new colleagues of the need” for more aggressive rate reductions.

    Oil rises on supply concerns

    Crude prices extended gains as intensifying military activity in the Middle East fueled concerns over possible disruptions to energy supply.

    Brent crude rose 1% to $71.04 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate gained 1.1% to $65.74 per barrel.

    Both benchmarks had already jumped more than 4% on Wednesday, reaching their highest closing levels since January 30.

    Reports of heightened naval and military operations in the Persian Gulf increased fears about supply vulnerability. At the same time, optimism about any easing of sanctions on Russian energy exports faded following inconclusive talks between Russia and Ukraine.

    Further support came from U.S. inventory data, with the American Petroleum Institute reporting a drop of roughly 609,000 barrels in crude stocks for the week ending February 13. Official figures from the Energy Information Administration are expected later Thursday.

    Walmart earnings in focus

    Walmart headlines Thursday’s earnings calendar.

    The retail powerhouse’s stock has surged this year, lifting its market capitalization above the $1 trillion mark and cementing its status as the largest company in the consumer staples space.

    Given the central role of household spending in the U.S. economy, Walmart’s results could offer meaningful insight into consumer trends during the critical holiday season. The company has benefited from inflation-conscious shoppers seeking lower-priced essentials.

    The report may also shape expectations ahead of earnings from other major retailers such as Home Depot and Target. Together, these updates could shed light on whether the U.S. economy continues to exhibit a “K-shaped” pattern — with higher-income consumers maintaining strong spending while lower-income households face persistent cost pressures.

    Deere set to report

    Deere & Company will also release earnings before the opening bell.

    Widely seen as a gauge of industrial demand, Deere previously warned that new U.S. tariffs could significantly impact its 2026 results.

    The farm equipment manufacturer is expected to face margin pressure as a result, though CEO John May indicated that stable demand for forestry and smaller agricultural equipment, combined with cost-cutting measures, may partially offset the effects.

    Tariffs on imported raw materials are projected to reduce Deere’s fiscal 2026 pre-tax earnings by about $1.2 billion, compared with an estimated $600 million impact in the prior year.

    Meanwhile, weaker crop prices and rising production costs have prompted many farmers to delay purchases of large machinery such as tractors, instead opting for rental agreements or used equipment.

  • European equities slip as earnings season intensifies: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European equities slip as earnings season intensifies: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European markets traded modestly lower on Thursday as investors assessed a fresh wave of corporate earnings against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical uncertainty.

    At 08:02 GMT, Germany’s DAX was down 0.3%, France’s CAC 40 eased 0.2%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 declined 0.2%.

    Earnings updates dominate

    The reporting calendar remains busy, with the season broadly constructive so far — roughly 60% of European companies have exceeded profit expectations to date.

    Pernod Ricard (EU:RI) posted a 5% drop in second-quarter like-for-like sales, reflecting continued weak consumer demand and inventory reductions in the United States and China. However, the decline was less severe than the 7.6% contraction recorded in the prior quarter, supported by stronger trends in India and global travel retail.

    Rio Tinto (LSE:RIO) delivered flat underlying earnings for 2025, as higher copper and aluminium volumes and tighter cost discipline offset softer iron ore prices.

    Renault (EU:RNO) reported a net loss of €10.93 billion for 2025 after booking a €9.3 billion non-cash accounting charge tied to a revised treatment of its Nissan stake. Underlying operations remained resilient, with revenue rising 3%.

    Nestlé (BIT:1NESN) announced a 17% decline in annual net profit and a sharp margin contraction in 2025, as restructuring costs, asset impairments and a December infant formula recall weighed on results.

    Zurich Insurance (TG:ZFIN) achieved a record operating profit of $8.9 billion for 2025, up 14% year on year, driven by improved underwriting in property and casualty and growth across its business segments.

    Airbus Group (EU:AIR) reported a slightly better fourth-quarter profit but issued a softer-than-expected aircraft delivery forecast for 2026 due to engine supply constraints.

    Air France-KLM (EU:AF) posted its first-ever operating result above €2 billion, with revenue gains and lower fuel costs offsetting higher airport fees and labour expenses.

    Krones (TG:KRN) exceeded profitability expectations in the fourth quarter, though revenue slightly missed forecasts, as the German packaging equipment maker continued to expand margins despite macroeconomic headwinds.

    Geopolitical tensions remain elevated

    Beyond earnings, geopolitical risks continue to influence sentiment. Ukrainian and Russian negotiators held their third U.S.-brokered meeting of 2026 this week, but talks failed to produce progress on core disputes, including territorial issues.

    Russia is reportedly demanding that Ukraine withdraw from the remaining 20% of the eastern Donetsk region not under Moscow’s control — a condition Kyiv rejects.

    Meanwhile, nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran in Geneva yielded limited progress. U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Washington was considering whether to continue diplomatic engagement with Tehran or pursue “another option”.

    Satellite imagery suggests Iran has constructed a reinforced concrete structure at a sensitive military site, later covered with soil, potentially advancing work at a location reportedly targeted by Israel in 2024.

    Oil prices extend gains

    Oil prices continued to climb, supported by rising geopolitical risks in the Middle East that have heightened concerns about potential supply disruptions.

    Brent crude rose 1% to $71.04 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate gained 1.1% to $65.75 per barrel.

    Both benchmarks had surged more than 4% on Wednesday, marking their highest closing levels since January 30.

    Reports of increased military and naval activity in the Persian Gulf have reinforced fears of supply vulnerability. At the same time, hopes for relaxed sanctions on Russian energy exports faded after the latest Russia-Ukraine talks failed to produce a breakthrough.

    Additional support came from industry data showing tighter U.S. supply conditions. The American Petroleum Institute reported a decline of around 609,000 barrels in U.S. crude inventories for the week ending February 13. Official figures from the Energy Information Administration are due later Thursday.

  • FTSE 100 today: UK equities retreat as rally pauses, sterling steady; Rio Tinto in focus

    FTSE 100 today: UK equities retreat as rally pauses, sterling steady; Rio Tinto in focus

    UK equities edged lower on Thursday, ending their recent upward streak as the FTSE 100 opened in negative territory, tracking weaker sentiment across European markets. The pound held broadly firm.

    By 08:25 GMT, the FTSE 100 was down 0.4%, while sterling ticked up 0.07% against the dollar to 1.3513. On the continent, Germany’s DAX slipped 0.3% and France’s CAC 40 declined 0.4%.

    UK market round-up

    Rio Tinto (LSE:RIO) reported underlying earnings of $10.87 billion for 2025, flat year on year but ahead of analyst forecasts, despite softer iron ore prices. The mining giant offset pricing pressure through higher copper and aluminium volumes as well as tighter cost control. The figure topped Bloomberg expectations of $10.81 billion. However, net profit attributable to shareholders fell 14% to $9.97 billion, reflecting higher debt levels and one-off acquisition-related items.

    Centrica PLC (LSE:CNA), owner of British Gas, posted a statutory loss of £72 million for 2025, compared with a £1.33 billion profit the previous year. The company suspended its share buyback programme as adjusted earnings more than halved due to lower energy prices impacting gas and nuclear returns. Results were weighed down by £508 million in impairments across nuclear and gas assets and a £345 million net loss on derivative energy contracts.

    Mondi PLC (LSE:MNDI) recorded a 3% increase in annual revenue to €7.7 billion, supported by stronger volumes and the Schumacher acquisition. However, underlying EBITDA declined 5% to €1,001 million amid margin compression, with the EBITDA margin narrowing to 13.1% from 14.1% a year earlier.

    Ab Dynamics (LSE:ABDP) appointed Andrew Lewis as interim Chief Financial Officer with immediate effect, as the company continues its search for a permanent CFO following Sarah Matthews-DeMers’ promotion to CEO. The recruitment process is progressing, though notice periods have necessitated a temporary appointment.

    According to a Bloomberg report, Elliott Investment Management is urging London Stock Exchange Group PLC (LSE:LSEG) to review its portfolio and initiate a £5 billion ($6.8 billion) share buyback over the next year. The activist fund is reportedly calling for a reassessment of LSEG’s structure, which spans data services, exchange operations and a 51% stake in Tradeweb Markets Inc.

    Safestore Holdings Plc (LSE:SAFE) delivered 6.3% year-on-year revenue growth at constant exchange rates in the first quarter, driven by both like-for-like gains and contributions from new stores. Like-for-like revenue rose 4.2% to £31.66 per square foot, while closing occupancy reached 77.8%, up one percentage point from last year and approaching the 80% threshold often associated with stronger growth momentum.

    Debenhams Group (LSE:DEBS) raised £40 million through an oversubscribed equity placing. The online retailer completed the issue at 18 pence per share, a 5% discount to the 19 pence closing price on 17 February. The company placed 200 million new shares and secured subscriptions for a further 22.2 million, resulting in net proceeds of around £38.7 million.

    Capita plc (LSE:CPI) announced a £137 million contract renewal within its Pension Solutions division, extending an existing UK client relationship for up to 10 years from Q1 2026. The agreement will see Capita deploy new technology to enhance transaction efficiency, increase capacity and improve customer experience.

  • Mondi posts 29% drop in full-year pre-tax profit, lowers dividend

    Mondi posts 29% drop in full-year pre-tax profit, lowers dividend

    Mondi (LSE:MNDI) reported weaker full-year 2025 earnings as persistent margin pressure and an extended industry downturn weighed on results, even as revenue edged higher and cash generation strengthened.

    Group revenue increased 3% year on year to €7.7 billion, helped by improved sales volumes and the impact of the Schumacher acquisition. However, underlying EBITDA declined 5% to €1,001 million, reflecting tougher trading conditions, and the underlying EBITDA margin narrowed to 13.1% from 14.1% the previous year.

    Profit before tax fell 29% to €269 million, while basic underlying earnings per share dropped to 56.5 euro cents, compared with 82.7 euro cents in 2024.

    Cash generated from operations rose 11% to €1,072 million, supported by effective working capital management. Net debt to underlying EBITDA climbed to 2.6 times from 1.7 times, largely due to investment spending, including the Schumacher deal and major capital expenditure projects.

    The board proposed a total ordinary dividend of 28.25 euro cents per share, sharply down from 70.00 euro cents last year, in line with the group’s dividend cover framework.

    Chief Executive Andrew King said the company “delivered a resilient full year financial performance” despite a “prolonged cyclical downturn,” pointing to the benefits of its integrated asset base and continued cost control.

    Looking ahead, Mondi cautioned that the timing of any recovery in geopolitical and macroeconomic conditions remains uncertain. Paper prices at the start of 2026 are slightly below levels seen in the final quarter of 2025, but the group said it is confident in its ability to manage ongoing challenges through disciplined volume growth, margin focus and cost efficiency measures.

  • Pernod Ricard set to reach cash conversion goal ahead of plan, trims investment outlook

    Pernod Ricard set to reach cash conversion goal ahead of plan, trims investment outlook

    Pernod Ricard SA (EU:RNO) is on track to meet its medium-term cash conversion objective in 2026, a year earlier than originally anticipated, Chief Financial Officer Hélène de Tissot said.

    The French spirits group has also scaled back its planned strategic investments for fiscal 2026. Chief Executive Officer Alexandre Ricard stated that spending will now total around €750 million, compared with the €900 million previously projected.

    The revised investment plan marks a €150 million reduction versus earlier guidance, a move that could strengthen the company’s cash generation and provide greater flexibility in allocating capital as it prioritises balance sheet improvement.

  • Airbus falls sharply as subdued 2026 delivery forecast outweighs Q4 earnings beat

    Airbus falls sharply as subdued 2026 delivery forecast outweighs Q4 earnings beat

    Shares in Airbus Group (EU:AIR) dropped almost 6% on Thursday after the aircraft manufacturer issued a softer-than-anticipated delivery outlook for 2026 due to engine supply constraints, overshadowing a better-than-expected fourth-quarter profit performance.

    For the three months to December 31, Airbus reported earnings per share of €3.27, marking a 7% increase year on year and comfortably ahead of Investing.com forecasts of €2.34.

    Quarterly revenue rose 5% to €25.98 billion, although this came in below market expectations of €27.5 billion. By the end of 2025, consolidated order intake reached €123.3 billion, with the total order backlog valued at €619 billion.

    Looking ahead, Airbus projected commercial aircraft deliveries of 870 units in 2026, falling short of Bloomberg consensus estimates of around 896 aircraft.

    Chief Executive Guillaume Faury said that despite strong worldwide demand for Airbus jets, the company continues to face “significant” supply shortages of Pratt & Whitney engines, produced by a subsidiary of Rtx Corp (NYSE:RTX).

    The engine bottleneck has also led Airbus to adjust its production plans. The group now expects monthly output of its narrowbody aircraft to reach between 70 and 75 units by the end of 2027, stabilising at 75 per month thereafter. Previously, Airbus had targeted a rate of 75 aircraft per month in 2027.

    RBC Capital Markets analyst Ken Herbert commented that Airbus’ fourth-quarter performance was “overshadowed by soft 2026 guide.”

    “We believe investors will view the guide as below expectations, and could put pressure on the stock in the near term. However, we do believe the company’s guide for ~870 aircraft deliveries is appropriately conservative, as we have called out that we expected a sub-900 delivery guide,” he wrote.

    Jefferies analyst Chloe Lemarie echoed similar concerns, stating that “FY25 results should allay some fears, notably with a solid FCF performance despite inventory buildup.”

    “However, the 2026 guide is weaker than we expected,” she added.

    Airbus also proposed a dividend of €3.20 per share for 2025.

  • Euronext slips after Q4 reported earnings miss forecasts

    Euronext slips after Q4 reported earnings miss forecasts

    Shares in Euronext (EU:ENX) edged lower on Thursday after the exchange operator posted fourth-quarter 2025 figures that fell short of expectations at the reported profit level.

    Reported profit before tax (PBT) came in at €213 million, around 5% below market forecasts, according to Barclays. By contrast, adjusted PBT reached €258 million, roughly 3% above consensus, helped by stronger revenues and favourable depreciation and amortisation dynamics.

    Quarterly net income totalled €145 million, also about 5% under consensus estimates.

    Underlying revenue exceeded expectations by approximately 1%, increasing 11% year on year. However, Barclays noted that the figure included a €4 million fair value adjustment linked to AdminControl contracts following its acquisition. Stripping out this item, revenue would have been broadly aligned with consensus projections.

    Adjusted EBITDA rose 9% compared with the prior year and came in about 1% ahead of expectations, while the adjusted EBITDA margin of 60% was in line with market forecasts. Reported earnings per share were €1.42, roughly 5% below the €1.50 consensus, though still 2% higher year on year.

    For the full year 2025, Euronext delivered double-digit growth in both revenue and profit, supported by expansion in non-trading activities, resilient market volumes and continued cost control.

    Underlying full-year revenue and income advanced 12.1% to €1.82 billion. Non-volume-related businesses accounted for 59% of total revenue and covered 157% of operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortisation.

    Revenue from Securities Services increased 6.9% to €330.7 million, driven by higher custody and settlement activity and growth in assets under custody.

    Capital Markets and Data Solutions revenue climbed 12.1% to €669.3 million, while net treasury income surged 22.6% to €69.6 million, reflecting the expansion of clearing operations.

    Volume-driven income also strengthened, with fixed income, currencies and commodities markets revenue rising 16.2% to €342.8 million and equity markets revenue up 11.7% to €410 million on robust trading activity.

    Adjusted EBITDA for the year grew 13.6% to €1.14 billion, with margin improving to 62.7%. Adjusted net income increased 7.9% to €736.5 million, and adjusted EPS rose 10.3% to €7.27. Reported net income climbed 9.8% to €642.9 million.

    Underlying operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortisation, totalled €680.1 million, reflecting recent acquisitions including Admincontrol and Athex Group.

    Looking ahead, the company expects underlying costs in 2026 to reach around €770 million, incorporating integration expenses and investment in growth initiatives. Euronext intends to propose a dividend of €321.5 million, equivalent to 50% of reported net income, marking a 9.8% increase from 2024.

    Barclays analysts pointed to the shortfall in reported net income and PBT, along with the 50% payout ratio. “Focus likely on costs & whether guide is conservative – new FY26 guide of €770m is heavier than BARCe (€745m) & unclear what’s in a noisy cons,” they commented.

    Chief Executive Stéphane Boujnah said 2025 marked “an excellent start” to the group’s strategic plan, highlighting balanced growth across both trading and non-trading segments.

  • Hunting PLC Announces Breakthrough in Enhanced Oil Recovery: 100% Production Uplift at Pine Mills

    Hunting PLC Announces Breakthrough in Enhanced Oil Recovery: 100% Production Uplift at Pine Mills

    In a recent interview on The Watchlist, Ricki Lee sat down with Jim Johnson, CEO of Hunting PLC (LSE:HTG), to discuss a major milestone in the energy sector. The company’s Organic Oil Recovery (OOR) technology has delivered staggering results at the Pine Mills field, signaling a potential shift in how the industry approaches mature oil wells.

    The Results: Doubling Production and Eliminating Waste

    The pilot results from Pine Mills have provided a powerful proof of concept for Hunting PLC’s proprietary technology. The data highlights two critical achievements:

    • 100% Production Uplift: Output at the test well effectively doubled.
    • Water Cut Elimination: The technology successfully eliminated the “water cut” in one well, a common and costly issue where water is produced alongside oil.

    According to Johnson, these results validate the company’s recent acquisition of the technology’s global rights. While Hunting PLC previously focused on offshore applications, this onshore success in the USA opens a massive new door.

    Tapping Into a Massive U.S. Market

    The implications for the American energy landscape are significant. Johnson pointed out that the U.S. currently houses over 400,000 oil wells that produce 15 barrels of oil per day or less.

    For operators, these “stripper wells” represent a difficult choice: find a way to boost production or face the high costs of decommissioning.

    “Operators try to avoid decommissioning costs and obviously increase production. Having this verified in what is a new territory for us… is critically important for future growth,” Johnson noted.

    Following the success, Buccaneer Energy has already announced plans to roll out OOR across additional wells, providing the crucial field-operator endorsement needed to scale the solution.

    What Makes Organic Oil Recovery (OOR) Different?

    Traditional Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) methods, such as steam injection or polymer flooding, are often expensive, equipment-intensive, and require significant downtime. Hunting PLC’s approach takes a different path:

    1. Tailored Nutrient Solutions

    Instead of a “one size fits all” chemical treatment, Hunting’s laboratory teams analyze the specific biology of a reservoir. They then develop a bespoke “nutrient” mix designed to stimulate the organic elements already present in the well to facilitate oil flow.

    2. Operational Simplicity

    Unlike steam injection, OOR does not require massive infrastructure or work crews. This results in:

    • Lower Capex: Significantly cheaper than traditional flooding methods.
    • Reduced Downtime: The application is simpler and doesn’t require the well to be offline for extended periods.
    • Global Scalability: The ease of deployment makes it applicable for both small-scale onshore wells and complex offshore developments.

    Looking Ahead

    With the rights to the Americas now secured and a successful pilot under their belt, Hunting PLC is positioning OOR as the go-to, lower-cost method for global enhanced recovery. For an industry looking to maximize existing assets while minimizing environmental footprints and costs, the Pine Mills results may just be the beginning.

    For more information on Hunting PLC’s global operations, visit huntingplc.com.

  • Centrica Raises 2025 Dividend Alongside Preliminary Results

    Centrica Raises 2025 Dividend Alongside Preliminary Results

    Centrica (LSE:CNA) has released its preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2025, with the full report available through its website and the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s National Storage Mechanism. Management is scheduled to present the results to analysts and institutional investors via a live webcast on 19 February 2026.

    The board has proposed a final dividend of 3.67 pence per share, bringing the total distribution for 2025 to 5.5 pence per share — an increase from 4.5 pence in 2024. Subject to shareholder approval at the AGM on 7 May 2026, the final dividend is due to be paid on 14 May 2026 to investors on the register at 10 April 2026. The higher payout signals confidence in the group’s balance sheet strength and its continued focus on returning capital to shareholders.

    Centrica’s broader outlook is supported by recent corporate initiatives, including share buybacks and strategic acquisitions aimed at enhancing long-term shareholder value. However, valuation metrics remain somewhat challenged, particularly given a negative price-to-earnings ratio, while technical indicators present a mixed picture.

    More about Centrica

    Centrica plc is a UK-listed energy company traded on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker CNA. The group operates through a portfolio of energy supply, services and infrastructure businesses and maintains sufficient distributable reserves and retained earnings to underpin ongoing dividend payments to shareholders.