Britain’s Centrica optimistic on EPS outlook after solid first four months

LONDON (Reuters) – British Gas owner Centrica on Tuesday said it expects to achieve full year adjusted earnings per share (EPS) at the top of the range of analyst forecasts after a strong operational performance in the first four months.

It said its nuclear and gas production assets in the UK as well as its energy trading business have secured increased volumes of gas and renewable energy to improve security of supply for the UK and Europe and help curb commodity price volatility.

However, supply disruptions and higher inflation are expected to continue to offset operational progress, it said in a statement.

“Significant uncertainties remain over the balance of the year, including the impacts of weather, commodity prices movements, asset performance and the potential for increased bad debt charges given the current inflationary pressures in the UK,” it said.

The company will announce its interim results on July 28.

(Reporting by Marwa Rashad; editing by Jason Neely)