Shares in retail electricity and power generation company Vistra Energy (VST) slumped over 3% in pre-market trading as it missed analyst expectations for Q1 revenues.
Can’t Power Past Estimates
Vistra Energy operates a power generation fleet of natural gas, nuclear, coal, solar, and battery energy storage facilities. The Texas-based firm also provides energy to customers, businesses, and communities from California to Maine.
It reported operating revenues of $3.9 billion for its first quarter, up from $3 billion in the same period last year. However, this missed the consensus estimate of $4.46 billion. Vistra reported a net loss from ongoing operations of $200 million, or -$0.59 per share, missing expectations of $0.54 per share.
It reported adjusted EBITDA of $1.24 billion in the first quarter, up from $810 million in the same period last year. Its retail arm reported EBITDA of $184 million up from a loss of $28 million this time last year.
In addition, the company reaffirmed its 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance ranges of $5.5 billion to $6.1 billion.
Battled the Storms
President and chief executive officer Jim Burke described it as a “strong quarter” of business performance. “We reliably produced electricity during multiple winter storms across the country, delivering the energy our customers needed,” said Burke. “Our retail business grew in both volume and customer count year-over-year.”
He also pointed to higher wholesale energy prices during the period and two additional months of Energy Harbor results.
Vistra bought Energy Harbor last March adding approximately 4,000 megawatts of 24/7 nuclear generation and approximately 1 million additional retail customers.
Is VST a Good Stock to Buy Now?
On TipRanks, VST has a Strong Buy consensus based on 6 Buy and 2 Hold ratings. Its highest price target is $202. VST stock’s consensus price target is $158.38 implying an 9.38% upside.
