Barclays Shares Hit a 5-Year High: Is BCS Worth Betting on?

During yesterday’s trading session, Barclays BCS stock touched a new 5-year high of $16.27 on the NYSE. In the past six months, the stock has soared 37.7%, outperforming the industry’s growth of 8.7%. In contrast, its peers – HSBC Holdings HSBC and NatWest Group plc NWG – have fared better in the same time frame.Barclays Six Month Price Performance Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchTechnical indicators suggest strength for Barclays. The stock is trading above its 50-day moving average. It signals robust upward momentum and price stability for BCS. Further, this underscores positive market sentiments and confidence in the company's financial health and prospects as it continues to simplify operations and focus on core businesses.Barclays 50-Day Moving Average Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchBarclays has been restructuring its global footprint to reduce costs and complexity. In February, the London-based bank divested its Germany-based consumer finance business, Consumer Bank Europe, to BAWAG P.S.K. This sale is part of the company's broader strategy to exit retail banking in Europe, responding to shifts in consumer behavior post-pandemic. This will support Barclays financially by freeing up significant capital, improving its balance sheet and enabling better resource allocation to high-growth areas.Further, as part of the company’s plan to streamline its operations and improve efficiency, as outlined in the Investor Update in February 2024, Barclays is taking cost-saving actions. These structural cost actions resulted in gross savings of £1 billion in 2024 and are projected to achieve gross efficiency savings of £0.5 billion this year. Management anticipates total gross efficiency savings of £2 billion by the end of 2026.Additionally, last November, BCS acquired Tesco’s retail banking business. The move is expected to complement its existing business and strengthen its position in the market. The collaboration builds on Barclays UK’s existing strategic partnerships with other leading U.K. retail, consumer electronics and loyalty program brands.Despite the uncertain macroeconomic environment, Barclays’ capital position remains robust. Given the solid balance sheet position, the company consistently rewards shareholders. It has been paying dividends regularly and plans to keep the total dividend payout stable at the 2023 level with progressive dividend growth. Further, Barclays intends to return at least £10 billion of capital to shareholders between 2024 and 2026 through dividends and share buybacks, with a preference for buybacks.Barclays Stock Trading at a DiscountBCS stock is currently trading at a 12-month trailing price-to-tangible book (P/TB) of 0.71X. This is below the industry’s 2.25X and shows that the stock is inexpensive at present.Price-to-Tangible Book Ratio (TTM) Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchBarclays stock is also inexpensive compared with HSBC and NWG. At present, HSBC has a P/TB of 1.36X and NWG’s P/TB is 1.27X.Are Barclays Shares a Buy Now?Barclays' robust capital position, business simplifying initiatives and cost-saving plans will drive growth. Strong brand value, relatively lower rates and a global network are expected to act as tailwinds. In 2025, the company is likely to reap the benefits of its cost-saving and business-streamlining efforts. Given its favorable long-term prospects and lower valuation, investors might consider investing in BCS stock now.  Barclays currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.Only $1 to See All Zacks' Buys and SellsWe're not kidding.Several years ago, we shocked our members by offering them 30-day access to all our picks for the total sum of only $1. No obligation to spend another cent.Thousands have taken advantage of this opportunity. Thousands did not - they thought there must be a catch. Yes, we do have a reason. We want you to get acquainted with our portfolio services like Surprise Trader, Stocks Under $10, Technology Innovators,and more, that closed 256 positions with double- and triple-digit gains in 2024 alone.See Stocks Now >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Barclays PLC (BCS): Free Stock Analysis Report HSBC Holdings plc (HSBC): Free Stock Analysis Report NatWest Group plc (NWG): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks