** Barclays raises Iberdrola IBE.MC to "overweight" from "equal weight", citing a "once in a generation" opportunity driven by the energy transition, rising demand from AI and data centres, and the need for secure power supply
** The broker calls it a "gold standard" utility with a rare long-term growth setup, and raises its price target to €22.6 from €16.9
** Barclays expects Iberdrola to deliver about 11% annual earnings growth between 2026 and 2030, above both its own guidance and market forecasts
** Despite trading at a premium, it says the valuation is justified given its growth profile, and expects the group to deliver slightly higher returns and dividends than the wider utilities sector
** Barclays continues to favour large, integrated utilities, also naming RWE RWEG.DE, SSE SSE.L and Engie ENGIE.PA among its top picks
(Reporting by Gemma Guasch)
((Gemma.guasch@thomsonreuters.com))