Barclays (BARC) Stock: Bank Announces £15 Billion Shareholder Return Plan Through 2028

TLDR

• Barclays repurchased and cancelled 2.7 million shares on February 16, 2026, bringing total buybacks to 10 million shares since the program started on February 10, 2026
• The bank’s issued share capital now stands at 13.8 billion ordinary shares following the cancellation, with shares purchased between 444.95p and 466.55p
• Barclays announced plans to return over £15 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks between 2026 and 2028 after exceeding all 2025 financial targets
• The bank is implementing extensive artificial intelligence initiatives focused on cost efficiency and revenue growth across its operations
• Shares trade at £4.54, about 17% below the analyst consensus target of £5.29, with a P/E ratio of 10.1 versus the banking industry average of 9.3

Barclays executed its latest share repurchase on February 16, 2026, cancelling 2.7 million ordinary shares through the London Stock Exchange. The transaction marks another step in the bank’s ongoing buyback program that launched on February 10, 2026.

Barclays PLC, BARC.L

J.P. Morgan Securities handled the repurchase at prices ranging from 444.95p to 466.55p per share. The volume-weighted average price came in at 454.5367p.

The cancellation brings Barclays’ total buybacks to 10 million shares since the program began. The bank’s issued share capital now sits at 13.8 billion ordinary shares with voting rights.

Barclays holds no shares in treasury following the cancellation. The reduced share count may enhance earnings per share metrics for shareholders.

Capital Return Plans Through 2028

The buyback program forms part of a larger shareholder return initiative announced by Barclays. The bank committed to returning over £15 billion to shareholders between 2026 and 2028 through a combination of dividends and share repurchases.

This plan follows record 2025 financial results. Barclays reported meeting and exceeding all its stated 2025 financial targets during the year.

The bank’s 2025 performance set the stage for the aggressive capital return strategy. Management views the current share count reduction as a way to tighten the share base while meeting regulatory disclosure requirements.

AI Investment Strategy

Barclays is rolling out extensive artificial intelligence initiatives across its operations. The AI push targets both cost efficiency improvements and income growth opportunities.

The technology implementation spans retail, corporate, and investment banking divisions. Management sees AI as a tool to reshape operational processes over the coming years.

Analysts project net income between £7.9 billion and £9.4 billion as the bank executes its AI strategy. The cost savings and revenue enhancements from technology investments will play into these earnings forecasts.

Credit quality remains a monitoring point with bad loans at 2.1% and a 70% allowance for bad loans. These metrics sit below industry standards and require attention as the bank pursues growth.

Shares currently trade at £4.54, approximately 17% below the analyst consensus price target of £5.29. The stock carries a P/E ratio of 10.1 compared to the banking industry average of 9.3.

The 30-day return shows a 5.4% decline, putting recent pressure on the share price. Analysts maintain a buy rating with a £590.00 price target on the stock.

Average trading volume stands at 38.2 million shares with a market cap of £62.63 billion. Technical indicators point to a buy signal for the stock.

The February buyback program continues as Barclays works through its three-year capital return commitment to shareholders.

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