Engie

Bernstein cuts its price target for Engie from €29.40 to €27.70 but raises the rating from "Market-Perform" to "Outperform." The analyst sees an attractive risk-reward after the share price setback and believes political uncertainty in France is largely priced in. Several business units could benefit from the current economic and commodity environment. » More on finanzen.net

Exchange operator Stoxx is adding Engie and Nokia to the Euro-Stoxx-50; Volkswagen and Wolters Kluwer are being removed. In the Stoxx-50, Barclays replaces Prosus. The changes take effect at the start of trading on September 21. » More on finanzen.net

Engie raised its forecast for recurring net income in 2026 to €4.9–5.5 billion (+€300 million) after better-than-expected half-year results. Operating EBIT excluding the nuclear business was €5.3 billion on an organic basis and exceeded analysts’ estimates. CEO Catherine MacGregor cited the early takeover of UK Power Networks and positive momentum in renewables and battery storage as drivers. Favorable currency effects, cost savings and a constructive market environment reinforced the stock’s re-rating, and the share gained significantly intraday. » More on de.investing.com

Belgium has stopped the decommissioning of all nuclear reactors and agreed with Engie to negotiate a state takeover of the facilities. The takeover is to include the entire power-plant fleet of seven reactors, the staff, nuclear subsidiaries, and all assets and liabilities, including dismantling and decommissioning obligations. The government and Engie aim to set the framework conditions by 1 October. Currently two reactors are in operation and five are shut down; the lifetimes of the two active reactors have already been extended to 2035. » More on faz.net

Engie agreed to acquire UK Power Networks, the operator of about 192,000km of power lines serving 8.5 million customers across London, the south-east and east of England, for £10.5bn. The French utility said the purchase, from a Hong Kong conglomerate led by Li Ka-shing, is a major milestone in its push to become the “best energy transition utility” and will reinforce its position in electricity networks. The deal comes as UK distribution companies undertake a £22bn+ programme to upgrade networks through 2028 to support low-carbon generation and EV charging. » More on theguardian.com