Latest news with #VistraCorp
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Vistra's Perry Nuclear Plant Gets 20-Year License Extension, Ensures Operations Through 2046
Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) is one of the best US stocks to buy according to Billionaires. On July 7, Vistra announced that the company received approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission/NRC to extend the operating license of its 1,268-megawatt Perry Nuclear Power Plant in Ohio through 2046. This extends the plant's operational lifespan by an additional 20 years beyond its original 40-year license, which commenced when it connected to the grid in 1986. Vistra had submitted its license renewal application to the NRC in 2023. Oil and gas workers operating high horsepower pumps on a hydraulic fracturing site. The approval makes Perry plant the last of its six nuclear reactors to receive a license extension. With this, all six of Vistra's reactors are now licensed to operate for a total of 60 years. The plant currently employs ~600 full-time staff and over 200 permanent contractors, supporting hundreds of families in the region. Additionally, regularly scheduled refueling outages bring in 800 to 1,200 highly skilled technicians from across the country. Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) is an integrated retail electricity and power generation company in the US. While we acknowledge the potential of VST as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the . READ NEXT: and . Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Globe and Mail
7 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
VST Stock is Trading Above 50 and 200-Day SMA: Buy, Hold or Sell?
Vistra Corp. VST is trading above its 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages (SMAs), signaling a bullish trend. Vistra's objective is to expand business through prudent investments in attractive retail, renewable, and energy storage assets while reducing its carbon footprint and creating a more sustainable company with enduring long-term value for its stakeholders. VST's 50 and 200 Day SMA The 50-day and 200-day SMAs are key indicators for traders and analysts to identify support and resistance levels. It is considered particularly important as this is the first marker of an uptrend or downtrend of the stocks. The company benefits from strong residential and business results in both the Texas and Midwest and Northeast markets. The high availability of its nuclear fleet allowed the company to benefit by catering to the increasing demand in its service territories. Vistra has outperformed its Zacks Utility - Electric Power industry, the Zacks Utilities sector and the S&P 500 in the past year. Price Performance (One Year) Should you consider adding VST to your portfolio only based on positive price movements? Let's delve deeper and find out the factors that can help investors decide whether it is a good entry point to add VST stock to their portfolio. Factors Contributing Toward VST Stock's Performance Vistra is a diversified power producer with a robust footprint in competitive electricity markets across the United States. The company owns and operates six nuclear power units, totaling 6,448 megawatts (MW) of capacity, representing 16% of its total production. These zero-carbon assets provide dependable, low-cost electricity, generate stable cash flow, and offer a natural hedge against the commodity price volatility that impacts fossil-fuel-based generation. Rising electricity demand across Vistra's core markets supports its long-term growth. Key demand drivers include the electrification of the oil and gas sector, particularly in the Permian Basin, expansion of LNG infrastructure, growth in AI-driven data centers, and the ongoing reshoring of industrial manufacturing to the United States. To meet this demand, Vistra has added 7,922 MW of zero-carbon generation since 2018 and continues to advance new clean energy projects. Vistra's comprehensive hedging strategy underpins its financial and operational resilience. As of May 2, 2025, the company had hedged nearly 100% of its forecasted 2025 generation and about 90% for 2026. This forward-looking strategy enables Vistra to secure favorable pricing and mitigate earnings volatility tied to fluctuations in wholesale electricity markets. Strategically aligned with the nation's clean energy goals, Vistra is accelerating the shift from aging fossil fuel assets to low-emission, long-duration generation. This transition not only reduces future compliance costs but also positions the company to capitalize on growth opportunities and federal incentives, including those under the Inflation Reduction Act. Courtesy of the above initiative, the company generates ample funds, which can be utilized for shareholders' value creation. Vistra's aggressive share repurchase initiative is central to its long-term value creation strategy. Since November 2021, the company has repurchased shares worth $5.2 billion of its own shares through May 2, 2025, with $1.5 billion still authorized and expected to be executed by 2026. VST Stock is Trading at a Premium Vistra is currently trading at a premium valuation compared to its industry, with its forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio at 26.31X compared to the industry average of 14.53X. Vistra is currently trading at a premium compared with another industry operator, Duke Energy Corporation DUK, which has a strong nuclear fleet. The current P/E- F12M ratio of DUK is 17.93X. VST's Earnings Estimates The Zacks Consensus Estimate for VST's 2025 earnings per share is showing a year-over-year decline, while 2026 earnings per share are showing improvement on a year-over-year basis. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Duke Energy's 2025 and 2026 earnings per share reflects a year-over-year growth of 7.12% and 6.1%, respectively. VST Stock's ROE Higher Than its Industry VST's trailing 12-month return on equity (ROE) is 87.33%, way ahead of its industry average of 10.41%. ROE, a profitability measure, reflects how effectively a company is utilizing its shareholders' funds in its operations to generate income. Another company, Constellation Energy CEG, which has a large nuclear fleet, has an ROE of 21.93X, which is better than the industry average. Nearly 60% of Constellation Energy's total production volume comes from nuclear energy. Vistra's Capital Return Program Vistra continues to increase its shareholders' value through its share repurchase program and dividend payments. VST's board of directors has also approved a quarterly dividend of 22.5 cents for the second quarter of 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 3%. VST's management is targeting a dividend payment of $300 million annually. VST's management has raised dividends 15 times in the past five years. Check VST's dividend history here. Constellation Energy also distributes dividends on a regular basis. The current annual dividend rate is $1.55 per share, and the company's management has raised its dividend four times in the past five years. Wrapping Up Vistra is well-positioned to benefit from the increasing demand for clean electricity across its service areas. Its robust hedging strategy enhances earnings visibility by protecting future generation volumes from price volatility. To meet this growing demand, the company is actively expanding its portfolio with new clean energy assets. With VST shares currently trading at a premium, existing investors may be best served by holding their positions in this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock to continue receiving dividend income, while monitoring for a more favorable entry point before making additional investments. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Only $1 to See All Zacks' Buys and Sells We're not kidding. Several years ago, we shocked our members by offering them 30-day access to all our picks for the total sum of only $1. No obligation to spend another cent. Thousands have taken advantage of this opportunity. Thousands did not - they thought there must be a catch. Yes, we do have a reason. We want you to get acquainted with our portfolio services like Surprise Trader, Stocks Under $10, Technology Innovators, and more, that closed 256 positions with double- and triple-digit gains in 2024 alone. See Stocks Now >> Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG): Free Stock Analysis Report Duke Energy Corporation (DUK): Free Stock Analysis Report Vistra Corp. (VST): Free Stock Analysis Report
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Can VST Stock Rely on Its Nuclear Assets for Long-Term Stability?
Vistra Corp. VST is a diversified power producer with a strong presence in competitive electricity markets across the United States. Its balanced portfolio of natural gas, coal, solar and battery storage assets is complemented by a growing clean energy segment, positioning the company to navigate energy transitions while maintaining profitability. Vistra completed the acquisition of Energy Harbor, which added a fleet of nuclear assets to its portfolio that are now central to the long-term growth owns and operates six nuclear generation units, having a combined generation capacity of 6,448 megawatts, which accounts for 16% of its total production capacity. High capacity factor across the nuclear fleet offers a significant competitive advantage. These zero-carbon power plants provide reliable output with low variable costs. The company's well-managed nuclear fleet generates consistent cash flow, helping to hedge against commodity price volatility that often affects fossil fuel-based excellence has made Vistra's nuclear unit a cornerstone of its performance. By maintaining high capacity factors and rigorous safety standards, the nuclear fleet enhances the company's earnings stability and supports steady capital returns. Vistra's track record in managing complex assets suggests the nuclear business will continue to deliver durable ahead, Vistra is poised to benefit from rising power demand, decarbonization tailwinds and policy incentives for clean energy. Its reliable nuclear unit will allow the company to meet the rising demand in service areas. Utilities benefit from operating nuclear power plants by securing stable, low-cost and carbon-free baseload power. These plants run at high capacity factors, generate consistent cash flow and support grid reliability, making them valuable assets in an increasingly decarbonized energy Energy D and Constellation Energy CEG have both leveraged their nuclear fleets to strengthen earnings and support clean energy goals. Dominion's North Anna and Surry plants provide steady baseload power, enhancing grid reliability. Constellation Energy, the largest U.S. nuclear operator, generates more than 85% of the output from nuclear, giving it a major cost and emissions advantage in competitive wholesale markets. Vistra's trailing 12-month return on equity ('ROE') is 87.33%, way ahead of its industry average of 10.41%. ROE, a profitability measure, reflects how effectively a company is utilizing its shareholders' funds in operations to generate income. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Vistra's 2025 and 2026 sales indicates year-over-year increases of 28.91% and 4.53%, respectively. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Shares of Vistra have surged 68.7% in the past three months against the Zacks Utility- Electric Power industry's decline of 0.6%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Vistra currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG) : Free Stock Analysis Report Dominion Energy Inc. (D) : Free Stock Analysis Report Vistra Corp. (VST) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Here's What Fueled Vistra Corp.'s (VST) Strong Performance
ClearBridge Investments, an investment management company, released its 'ClearBridge Value Strategy' second quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The investment landscape appears thriving on the surface but chaotic underneath due to geopolitical tensions, deglobalization, rising debt, and supply chain disruptions. Although nominal growth is accelerating, it also brings greater volatility and unpredictability. The ClearBridge Value Strategy outperformed its Russell 1000 Value Index benchmark in the second quarter in a subdued period for value stocks. Overall stock selection contributed to the strategy's performance in the quarter, while overall sector allocation detracted. In addition, please check the fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025. In its second quarter 2025 investor letter, ClearBridge Value Strategy highlighted stocks such as Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST). Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) is an integrated retail electricity and power generation company. The one-month return of Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) was 18.12%, and its shares gained 113.42% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On July 9, 2025, Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) stock closed at $197.01 per share, with a market capitalization of $66.852 billion. ClearBridge Dividend Strategy stated the following regarding Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) in its second quarter 2025 investor letter: "The ClearBridge Value Strategy outperformed in its Russell 1000 Value Index benchmark in a subdued period for value stocks. The resurgence of investor interest in the AI theme fueled strong performance of merchant power producers Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) and Talen Energy, driving relative outperformance in the utilities sector. Both companies stand to benefit from the strong, long-term trend toward higher power prices as AI development continues to require new data centers brought online and greater power supply." Solar panel workers installing a new farm for clean energy generation. Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) is in 28th position on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 102 hedge fund portfolios held Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) at the end of the first quarter, compared to 120 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of VST as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. In another article, we covered Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) and shared the list of stocks Jim Cramer recently discussed. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q2 2025 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Sign in to access your portfolio
Globe and Mail
09-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Can VST Gain From Surging Electricity Demand in Its Service Areas?
Vistra Corp. VST is poised to capitalize on rising electricity demand across its core service areas. This demand growth is fueled by the electrification of the oil and gas industry, especially in the Permian Basin, new LNG infrastructure, large-scale AI-powered data centers and the ongoing reshoring of industrial operations in the United States. The accelerating shift toward clean energy is a significant tailwind for Vistra's dispatchable generation capabilities, its expansive retail footprint and ability to support grid reliability. Since 2018, Vistra has added 7,922 megawatts (MW) of zero-carbon generation, with additional clean energy projects currently in development to meet growing demand. As a vertically integrated power company, Vistra can capture value across both wholesale and retail markets. Its robust operations, consistent retail performance and stable earnings across economic cycles reflect the strength of this integrated model. Currently, Vistra serves nearly 5 million residential, commercial and industrial customers and operates approximately 41,000 MW of generation capacity across natural gas, coal, nuclear, solar and battery storage. VST's diversified and flexible asset portfolio enhances its resilience in the face of evolving regulatory and environmental requirements. The regulatory extension of the Perry Nuclear Power Plant's life to 2046, along with solid liquidity and rising output, reinforces Vistra's ability to thrive amid grid transformation and expanding regional electricity demand. How Utilities are Gaining From Surging Demand Utilities are benefiting from soaring electricity demand driven by data center expansion and Permian Basin electrification. These trends are boosting load growth, enabling utilities to invest in grid infrastructure, expand generation capacity and secure long-term revenues through industrial and high-load customers. American Electric Power AEP and CenterPoint Energy CNP are well-positioned to benefit from data center growth and Permian Basin electrification. AEP is expanding transmission infrastructure to support rising industrial and data center loads, while CenterPoint is enhancing grid capacity in West Texas to meet the increasing power needs of oil and gas operations, driving long-term revenues and system modernization. VST's Sales Estimates Move Up The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Vistra's 2025 and 2026 sales indicates year-over-year increases of 28.91% and 4.53%, respectively. VST Stock's ROE is Higher Than Its Industry VST's trailing 12-month return on equity ('ROE') is 87.33%, way ahead of its industry average of 10.41%. ROE, a profitability measure, reflects how effectively a company is utilizing its shareholders' funds in operations to generate income. VST's Price Performance Shares of Vistra have surged 80.5% in the past three months compared with the Zacks Utility- Electric Power industry's growth of 1.6%. Price Performance (3 Months) VST's Zacks Rank Vistra currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. 5 Stocks Set to Double Each was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the #1 favorite stock to gain +100% or more in the coming year. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +112%, +171%, +209% and +232%. Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. Today, See These 5 Potential Home Runs >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CNP): Free Stock Analysis Report Vistra Corp. (VST): Free Stock Analysis Report
