TLDR
- Barclays cancelled 2.7 million shares on February 16, 2026, pushing total repurchases past 10 million since the program launched February 10
- The bank’s share capital dropped to 13.8 billion ordinary shares with purchases executed between 444.95p and 466.55p per share
- Barclays plans to return over £15 billion to shareholders through 2026-2028 via dividends and buybacks after record 2025 results
- The bank is deploying AI initiatives across operations to drive cost savings and revenue growth
- Stock trades at £4.54, 17% under the £5.29 analyst consensus target with a P/E of 10.1
Barclays completed another round of share cancellations on February 16, 2026, removing 2.7 million ordinary shares from circulation. J.P. Morgan Securities executed the repurchase on the London Stock Exchange with prices ranging from 444.95p to 466.55p.
The volume-weighted average price for the transaction settled at 454.5367p per share. This latest cancellation pushes Barclays’ total buybacks to 10 million shares since launching the program just six days earlier on February 10.
The bank’s issued share capital now stands at 13.8 billion ordinary shares with voting rights. Barclays holds zero shares in treasury following the cancellation.
The reduced share count could boost earnings per share metrics. The move also updates reference denominators for regulatory disclosure thresholds under UK transparency rules.
£15 Billion Shareholder Return Initiative
The buyback forms part of a three-year capital return program worth over £15 billion. Barclays will distribute the funds through a mix of dividends and share repurchases from 2026 through 2028.
The commitment follows exceptional 2025 financial performance. Barclays met and surpassed all its stated financial targets for the year.
Management views the share reduction strategy as a way to enhance shareholder value. The program demonstrates confidence in the bank’s financial position and future earnings power.
AI Investment Drive
Barclays is implementing artificial intelligence technology across its retail, corporate, and investment banking operations. The AI rollout targets both cost reduction and revenue expansion opportunities.
Management expects the technology initiatives to reshape operational processes over the next several years. The bank believes AI can deliver efficiency gains while improving customer service and product offerings.
Analysts forecast net income between £7.9 billion and £9.4 billion as these initiatives take hold. The projections factor in expected cost savings and new revenue streams from AI implementation.
Credit metrics warrant attention with bad loans at 2.1% and a 70% allowance coverage ratio. These figures fall below typical industry benchmarks.
The stock currently trades at £4.54 per share. This price sits approximately 17% below the analyst consensus target of £5.29.
Barclays carries a P/E ratio of 10.1 versus the banking sector average of 9.3. The stock has declined 5.4% over the past 30 days.
Average daily trading volume reaches 38.2 million shares. Market capitalization stands at £62.63 billion.
Analysts maintain a buy rating on the stock with a £590.00 price target. Technical indicators flash a buy signal for traders.
The February buyback program continues as Barclays executes its multi-year capital return plan while investing in technology infrastructure.
The post Barclays (BARC) Stock: £15 Billion Return Plan Fuels Massive Buyback Push appeared first on Blockonomi.
This articles is written by : Nermeen Nabil Khear Abdelmalak
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