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Vistra Corp (VST)
NYSE:VST

Vistra Corp (VST) AI Stock Analysis

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VST

Vistra Corp

(NYSE:VST)

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Neutral 62 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:62Neutral
Price Target:
$187.00
â–²(5.76% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/27/26
The score is driven primarily by a solid but risk-tilted financial profile (strong 2023–2024 results but high leverage and weaker/uncertain 2025 annual figures) and a very constructive earnings call with clear multi-year cash flow targets and capital allocation plans. Technicals are supportive but somewhat extended, while valuation is the main drag due to the high P/E and low yield.
Positive Factors
Robust multi-year cash generation
Management's projection of over $10B cash generation through YE‑2027 indicates durable free cash flow capacity across cycles. This multi-year cash visibility supports debt reduction, disciplined buybacks and accretive growth spending, improving financial flexibility and lowering execution risk over the medium term.
Long-term nuclear PPAs
Multi-decade PPAs with major tech customers lock in predictable revenue and cashflow from baseload nuclear output. These contracts de-risk a portion of the fleet from wholesale price volatility, provide long-term cashflow fungibility for capital planning, and materially bolster earnings visibility over years.
Fleet expansion via acquisitions
Adding ~5.5 GW of modern gas-fired capacity strengthens Vistra's market footprint across PJM, ISO‑NE and ERCOT. Growing a more efficient generation fleet increases optionality to capture regional demand growth and capacity markets, and management projects accretive FCF contribution once integrated.
Negative Factors
High leverage
Sustained high leverage magnifies downside during power price weakness or rising rates. It constrains capital flexibility, raises refinancing and covenant risk for large transactions, and makes targeted credit improvement dependent on successful cash generation and timely deal synergies over coming years.
Earnings and cash volatility
Cyclicality in merchant power and retail exposure has produced large swings in revenue and margins. A negative EBITDA margin in 2025 underscores sensitivity to commodity swings, outages and one-offs, reducing near-term predictability of free cash flow and complicating multi-year guidance execution.
Regulatory and interconnection uncertainty
Ongoing PJM regulatory and interconnection process changes can delay project timelines, constrain data‑center and uprate revenue ramp-ups, and raise execution risk for contracted deliveries. Many growth benefits are backloaded, increasing sensitivity to regulatory outcomes and extension of project schedules.

Vistra Corp (VST) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Vistra Corp Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionVistra Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated retail electricity and power generation company. The company operates through six segments: Retail, Texas, East, West, Sunset, and Asset Closure. It retails electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers across 20 states in the United States and the District of Columbia. The company is also involved in the electricity generation, wholesale energy purchases and sales, commodity risk management, fuel production, and fuel logistics management activities. It serves approximately 4.3 million customers with a generation capacity of approximately 38,700 megawatts with a portfolio of natural gas, nuclear, coal, solar, and battery energy storage facilities. The company was formerly known as Vistra Energy Corp. and changed its name to Vistra Corp. in July 2020. Vistra Corp. was founded in 1882 and is based in Irving, Texas.
How the Company Makes MoneyVistra Energy generates revenue through multiple channels, primarily from the sale of electricity and related services. Its competitive generation segment earns income by producing and selling electricity to wholesale markets and directly to retailers, leveraging its diverse portfolio of power plants. The retail segment contributes significantly to revenue by supplying electricity to end-users, often through fixed-rate and variable-rate plans. Additionally, Vistra benefits from ancillary services such as demand response and energy efficiency programs. The company has established significant partnerships and agreements, including long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) and collaborations with renewable energy developers, which enhance its revenue stability and expand its market presence. Overall, Vistra's focus on a balanced energy portfolio and strategic market positioning allows it to effectively capitalize on industry trends and customer demand.

Vistra Corp Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 26, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 13, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call conveyed a strongly positive operational and financial story: record 2025 results, meaningful fleet expansion through acquisitions, large long-term nuclear PPAs, robust cash generation and disciplined capital allocation. Management highlighted operational resilience during adverse weather and a favorable demand backdrop (U.S. demand +2.5% y/y), and provided constructive multi-year cash-per-share targets. Notable challenges include specific plant outages, battery facility issues, regulatory and interconnection uncertainty in PJM, and that several growth benefits are backloaded into later years. Overall, the favorable achievements and materially improving cash and earnings visibility substantially outweigh the identified challenges.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Financial Results for 2025
Vistra delivered approximately $5.912 billion of adjusted EBITDA and approximately $3.6 billion of adjusted free cash flow before growth for full year 2025, both meaningfully above the midpoint of original guidance ranges.
Strong Generation and Retail Contributions
Generation contributed $4.290 billion and Retail $1.622 billion to adjusted EBITDA in 2025; Retail expected to produce ~ $1.4 billion adjusted EBITDA over the medium term despite some one-time tailwinds in 2025.
Operational Resilience During Winter Storm Fern
During a 9-day extreme cold event, Vistra operated safely and reliably; thermal generation supplied ~93% of ERCOT power during the tightest hours, highlighting fleet reliability and effective commercial risk management.
Material Fleet Expansion via Acquisitions
Closed Lotus acquisition (Oct 2025) adding ~2,600 MW of efficient natural gas capacity; announced Cogentrix acquisition (~5,500 MW) which would increase Vistra's modern combined-cycle fleet to ~26 GW. Cogentrix purchase price cited at ~$730 per kW (net of expected tax benefits).
Significant Long-Term Nuclear PPAs
Contracted ~3.8 GW of nuclear capacity via long-term PPAs including a 20-year 1,200 MW Amazon agreement at Comanche Peak and Meta agreements for 2,176 MW operating plus 433 MW of uprates; upon full ramp, Vistra sees a pathway to nearly 25% adjusted free cash flow before growth accretion annually.
Favorable Demand Trend and Utilization Opportunity
U.S. electricity consumption reached ~4,200 TWh in 2025, up ~2.5% vs 2024. Vistra expects continued growth, with projected annual peak load growth of 3%–5% in ERCOT and low single-digit in PJM through 2030. The fleet currently operates at ~60% utilization, with higher demand expected to raise utilization and asset economics.
Robust Cash Generation and Capital Framework
Projected to generate >$10 billion of cash through year-end 2027. Planned allocations include ~ $3 billion to equity holders (repurchases/dividends) and ~ $4 billion to accretive growth, leaving > $3 billion additional capital available. Target net debt to adjusted EBITDA ~2.3x by year-end 2027.
Share Repurchase Value Creation
Since Nov 2021, retired ~167 million shares at an average cost below $36, delivering over $20 billion of value; ~ $1.8 billion of repurchase authorization remains.
Forward Per-Share Cash Flow Outlook
Under current assumptions, adjusted free cash flow before growth per share > $12.5 for 2026 and approximately $16 for 2027; management outlined scenarios where per-share FCF could reach $22–$25 with disciplined share repurchases and accretive actions over time.
Hedging and Downside Protections
Comprehensive hedging program and nuclear PTC provide downside protection and greater earnings visibility for the coming years, supporting the cash flow outlook and credit profile improvement.
Negative Updates
Operational Outages and Battery Issues
Generation performance was offset in part by extended outages at Martin Lake Unit 1 and issues at Moss Landing battery facilities, which reduced contributions despite overall strong generation results.
Retail Results Partly Driven by Non-Repeatable Tailwinds
2025 retail record results were aided by supply cost benefits and gains related to the Energy Harbor acquisition that are not expected to repeat; management expects medium-term retail adjusted EBITDA of ~ $1.4 billion (below 2025 level of $1.622 billion).
Regulatory and Interconnection Uncertainties in PJM
Ongoing PJM rule changes, colocation tariff proceedings, potential reliability backstop auctions and interconnection process constraints create timing and structural uncertainty that could delay or complicate data center contracting and new-build timelines.
Backloaded Contribution of Certain Growth Initiatives
Material benefits from some strategic transactions (e.g., Meta PPAs, Amazon Comanche arrangement and PJM uprates) are multi-year and partially backloaded (full ramps and uprates largely occurring 2026–2034), delaying some cash flow accretion into later years.
Market Price Volatility Risks
Extreme events like Winter Storm Fern drove high volatility in gas and power prices; while Vistra managed outcomes well, such volatility represents ongoing market and financial risk that could impact future results if not hedged effectively.
Dependence on Forward-Looking Assumptions and Non-GAAP Metrics
Several key projections (adjusted EBITDA, adjusted free cash flow before growth per share, accretion estimates) rely on forward curves, hedges, timing of deal closings (e.g., Cogentrix) and non-GAAP measures which introduce execution and modeling risk.
Company Guidance
Vistra reiterated strong near‑term and multi‑year guidance: FY‑2025 adjusted EBITDA was $5.912 billion with adjusted free cash flow before growth of about $3.6 billion (generation $4.29B, retail $1.622B), U.S. demand hit ~4,200 TWh in 2025 (+~2.5% vs. 2024), and the fleet currently runs at ~60% utilization; the company expects 2026 adjusted free cash flow before growth per share to exceed $12.50 and, including announced transactions, to rise to ~ $16 in 2027, with a pathway to $22–$25 longer‑term under aggressive share repurchase assumptions. Key balance‑sheet and capital‑allocation metrics include projecting >$10 billion of cash generation through year‑end 2027, allocating roughly $3 billion to equity holders and ~$4 billion to accretive growth investments (including Cogentrix, Permian builds and PJM uprates) while leaving >$3 billion of additional capital available and targeting net debt/adjusted EBITDA of ~2.3x by YE‑2027; buybacks have retired ~167 million shares at an average cost below $36 with ~$1.8 billion authorization remaining. Strategic transaction and fleet metrics cited in guidance: Lotus added ~2,600 MW, Cogentrix is ~5,500 MW at ~$730/kW net of tax benefits (expecting mid‑single‑digit adjusted FCF per share accretion in 2027 and high‑single‑digit on average ’27–’29), contracted nuclear capacity is ~3.8 GW (Amazon 1,200 MW at Comanche Peak; Meta 2,176 MW + 433 MW uprates), Comanche initial energization expected Q4‑2027/full ramp Q4‑2032, Meta deliveries starting Dec‑2026/Dec‑2027 with uprates through 2031–2034, and Vistra sees thermal generation supplying ~93% of ERCOT during the tightest hours (Winter Storm Fern), supporting expectations of durable load growth (ERCOT peak +3–5% annual, PJM low single‑digit through 2030).

Vistra Corp Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Financials show strong profitability and cash generation in 2023–2024, but stability is a concern given volatile revenue, a weaker/uncertain 2025 annual picture (including a negative EBITDA margin), and high leverage (debt-to-equity ~2.7x–3.1x in 2022–2024). Missing/zero-reported 2025 balance sheet and cash flow items reduce confidence in the latest trend.
Income Statement
62
Positive
Profitability improved meaningfully from 2021–2022 losses to strong 2023–2024 earnings, with 2024 showing healthy margins and solid net income. However, 2025 annual results show weaker revenue and much lower profitability versus 2024, and the negative EBITDA margin in 2025 suggests elevated costs or significant non-cash/one-time impacts. Revenue growth has been volatile (down in 2023, up sharply in 2024, down again in 2025), reducing confidence in earnings stability.
Balance Sheet
55
Neutral
Leverage is a key constraint: debt-to-equity is high in 2022–2024 (roughly 2.7x–3.1x), which can magnify returns in strong years but increases risk if power markets weaken or refinancing costs rise. Equity returns rebounded sharply in 2023–2024, but that also reflects operating leverage on a highly geared balance sheet. The 2025 balance sheet fields show zeros for debt and equity, limiting year-over-year balance-sheet assessment for the latest period.
Cash Flow
58
Neutral
Cash generation has been strong in 2023–2024, with healthy operating cash flow and positive free cash flow, supporting debt service and capital returns; cash conversion was reasonable in both years (free cash flow was a meaningful portion of net income). That said, cash flow was weak/negative in 2021–2022, highlighting cyclicality and execution risk. 2025 cash flow metrics are reported as zero with a -100% free cash flow growth figure, which appears incomplete and reduces visibility into the most recent cash trajectory.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue17.74B19.38B15.54B17.84B13.33B
Gross Profit0.007.69B5.17B3.81B60.00M
EBITDA5.25B7.19B4.62B1.29B852.00M
Net Income752.00M2.66B1.49B-1.23B-1.27B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets3.86B37.77B32.97B32.79B29.68B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments4.07B1.19B3.48B455.00M1.32B
Total Debt1.80B17.36B14.68B13.34B11.01B
Total Liabilities36.44B32.19B27.64B27.87B21.39B
Stockholders Equity5.11B5.57B5.31B4.90B8.29B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow4.07B2.48B3.78B-816.00M-1.24B
Operating Cash Flow4.07B4.56B5.45B485.00M-206.00M
Investing Cash Flow-4.40B-5.28B-2.15B-1.24B-1.15B
Financing Cash Flow-74.00M-1.60B-294.00M-80.00M2.27B

Vistra Corp Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price176.82
Price Trends
50DMA
163.48
Positive
100DMA
174.17
Negative
200DMA
181.34
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
3.58
Negative
RSI
58.00
Neutral
STOCH
86.94
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For VST, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 176.82 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 163.09, above the 50-day MA of 163.48, and below the 200-day MA of 181.34, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 3.58 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 58.00 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 86.94 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for VST.

Vistra Corp Risk Analysis

Vistra Corp disclosed 47 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Vistra Corp reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Vistra Corp Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (66)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
80
Outperform
$72.38B20.0912.33%3.25%7.66%37.42%
74
Outperform
$93.02B24.907.53%4.03%-7.06%38.21%
66
Neutral
$38.42B44.6841.55%1.11%6.40%62.12%
66
Neutral
$17.65B18.105.60%3.62%6.62%11.55%
63
Neutral
$55.49B18.2810.63%4.59%12.72%4.90%
63
Neutral
$62.89B35.017.10%2.91%9.07%-28.58%
62
Neutral
$58.92B78.3521.63%0.56%42.77%-47.64%
* Utilities Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
VST
Vistra Corp
173.89
40.96
30.81%
AEP
American Electric Power
133.82
31.19
30.40%
D
Dominion Energy
63.14
9.02
16.68%
NGG
National Grid Transco
93.77
34.22
57.47%
NRG
NRG Energy
178.96
74.55
71.40%
SRE
Sempra Energy
96.27
26.97
38.92%

Vistra Corp Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyM&A TransactionsPrivate Placements and Financing
Vistra Corp completes major secured notes financing
Positive
Jan 27, 2026

On January 22, 2026, Vistra Operations Company LLC completed a $2.25 billion private offering of senior secured notes, split between $1.0 billion of 4.700% notes due 2031 and $1.25 billion of 5.350% notes due 2036, issued under its existing secured notes indenture and guaranteed by certain subsidiaries with a first-priority security interest over a substantial portion of the group’s assets and equity. The transaction yielded approximately $2.225 billion in net proceeds, which Vistra plans to use alongside cash on hand to fund part of the consideration for its previously announced acquisition of Cogentrix Energy, to refinance existing indebtedness, and to cover related fees and expenses; the notes feature standard redemption, change-of-control and covenant protections, underscoring Vistra’s continued use of secured debt markets to support M&A-driven expansion and balance-sheet management.

The most recent analyst rating on (VST) stock is a Buy with a $227.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Vistra Corp stock, see the VST Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Vistra Signs Long-Term Nuclear Power Deal With Meta
Positive
Jan 9, 2026

In January 2026, Vistra announced 20-year power purchase agreements with Meta Platforms to supply a total of 2,609 MW of carbon-free power and capacity from its PJM-region nuclear plants, including existing output from the Perry and Davis-Besse facilities and future uprate capacity at Perry, Davis-Besse, and Beaver Valley. Deliveries of operating capacity are expected to begin in late 2026 and reach full delivery by the end of 2027, while partial delivery of uprate capacity is targeted by 2031 and full delivery by the end of 2034; to enable the uprates, Vistra plans capital expenditures from 2026 through 2034 and projects that these investments will meet or exceed its mid-teens levered return target and increase Adjusted Free Cash Flow before Growth by an estimated 8%-10% from operating output and an additional 5%-7% from uprates, reinforcing the company’s strategy to monetize its nuclear fleet and strengthen long-term cash generation.

The most recent analyst rating on (VST) stock is a Hold with a $165.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Vistra Energy stock, see the VST Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A TransactionsPrivate Placements and Financing
Vistra Energy to Acquire Cogentrix Natural Gas Portfolio
Positive
Jan 5, 2026

On January 5, 2026, Vistra announced definitive agreements for its subsidiary Vistra Operations Company LLC to acquire Cogentrix Energy’s portfolio of 10 modern natural gas-fired power plants totaling roughly 5,500 MW across PJM, ISO New England, and ERCOT, via a purchase and sale structure combined with a merger that will make the portfolio a wholly owned Vistra subsidiary. The transaction, approved by Vistra’s board and expected to close in mid-to-late 2026 subject to federal antitrust, energy, and state regulatory approvals, carries a net purchase price of about $4.0 billion, funded through approximately $2.3 billion in cash, $0.9 billion in Vistra stock, and the assumption of about $1.5 billion of Cogentrix debt, partly backstopped by a $2.0 billion committed bridge facility from Goldman Sachs Bank USA; it is expected to expand Vistra’s generation capacity to roughly 50,000 MW, enhance its presence in fast‑growing U.S. power markets, and support its stated capital allocation plans while preserving balance-sheet strength through a mix of cash and equity and customary safeguards such as termination fees and liability caps for deal failure.

The most recent analyst rating on (VST) stock is a Hold with a $179.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Vistra Energy stock, see the VST Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Vistra Energy Secures Capacity in PJM Auction
Positive
Dec 17, 2025

On December 17, 2025, Vistra Corp. announced the results of its participation in the PJM Capacity Auction for the planning year 2027/2028, securing approximately 10,566 megawatts of capacity at a weighted average clearing price of $333.44 per megawatt-day. This development underscores the company’s strong presence in the power generation market and its strategic efforts to stay competitive and ensure a reliable energy supply, with potential benefits for both operational stability and stakeholder confidence.

The most recent analyst rating on (VST) stock is a Buy with a $233.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Vistra Energy stock, see the VST Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 27, 2026