Core Insights - Vistra Corp. reported a net income of $490 million for the fourth quarter, a significant improvement from a net loss of $184 million in the same quarter last year, exceeding analyst expectations [1][5] - The company generated $17.22 billion in revenue for 2024, which is $4.04 billion higher than the previously reported $13.19 billion for the first three quarters, although it fell short of analyst expectations of $17.79 billion for the full year [2] - CEO Jim Burke highlighted a unique acquisition that added three nuclear sites, approximately one million additional retail customers, and 2,000 new team members, positioning the company as the second-largest competitive nuclear fleet in the U.S. [3] Market Performance - Vistra was recognized as one of the biggest stock market winners in 2024, driven by optimism regarding the rising power demand for data centers supporting artificial intelligence products [4] - Following the earnings report, Vistra shares experienced volatility, recently declining over 4%, but have tripled in value over the past 12 months [4][5]

Burke concluded, "These accomplishments, executed by our integrated business working as One Team, delivered on our commitment to provide reliable, affordable electricity to our customers and strong financial performance to our shareholders. Our company is well-positioned to serve customer needs and grow with the overall electrification trends in our industry. It is an exciting time to be part of Vistra, and we look forward to executing our 2025 priorities." • GAAP full-year 2024 Net Income of $2,812 million ...

Core Viewpoint - Vistra Corp. is expected to report improved top and bottom-line figures for the fourth quarter of 2024, with significant increases in revenue and earnings per share compared to the previous year [1][4]. Revenue Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is $4.38 billion, reflecting a 42.34% increase from the year-ago figure of $3.08 billion [2][3]. - For the next quarter, the revenue estimate is $4.88 billion, with a year-over-year growth estimate of 59.78% [3]. Earnings Estimates - The consensus estimate for earnings per share is $1.59, indicating a substantial increase of 431.25% from the previous year's earnings [4]. - The earnings estimates for the current year and next year are $19.23 billion and $21.31 billion, respectively, showing a year-over-year growth of 30.12% and 10.81% [3]. Adjusted EBITDA - The consensus estimate for Adjusted EBITDA - Retail is $434.54 million, suggesting a year-over-year decline of 6.2% [8]. - Adjusted EBITDA - Texas is estimated at $302.06 million, indicating a year-over-year increase of 31.3% [8]. - Adjusted EBITDA - East is pegged at $638.38 million, reflecting a significant year-over-year increase of 251.6% [8]. Market Performance - Vistra's shares have outperformed the industry, gaining 192.8% over the past year compared to the industry's growth of 24% [11]. - The company is currently trading at a premium with a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 21.75X, compared to the industry average of 14.58X [14]. Strategic Initiatives - Vistra is enhancing its generation capabilities through both organic and inorganic initiatives, which is expected to create synergies and improve performance [17]. - The company’s integrated business model provides a competitive advantage by stabilizing earnings and cash flow against commodity price fluctuations [7][19]. Clean Energy Focus - The demand for clean electricity is rising in Vistra's operational regions, and the company is increasing its clean energy generation capacity through acquisitions and organic growth [19].

Core Viewpoint - Vistra Corp. is anticipated to show significant improvements in both revenue and earnings per share for the fourth quarter of 2024, with a report scheduled for February 27, 2024 [1][2]. Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Vistra's fourth-quarter revenues is $4.38 billion, reflecting a 42.34% increase from the previous year [2]. - The estimated earnings per share for the fourth quarter is $1.59, indicating a substantial increase of 431.25% year-over-year [2][3]. - For the current quarter, the high estimate for earnings per share is $2.40, while the low estimate is $1.17 [3]. Earnings Performance - Vistra has surpassed earnings expectations in one of the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 7.05% [4][5]. - The company has experienced significant fluctuations in earnings surprises, with the most notable being a 323.39% surprise in the quarter ending September 2024 [5]. Market Position and Valuation - Vistra currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a favorable outlook [8]. - The company's shares have appreciated by 70% over the past six months, outperforming the industry average of 2.1% [15]. Growth Drivers - The increasing demand for clean electricity, particularly from large U.S. data centers and the electrification of the Permian region, is expected to drive load growth for Vistra [11]. - The company has been expanding its residential customer base, which is anticipated to contribute to fresh demand for its services [12]. Shareholder Value - Vistra has executed $4.6 billion in share repurchases since November 2021, which has positively impacted earnings per share by reducing the number of outstanding shares [13]. - The company plans to continue its share buyback program, aiming to repurchase at least $3.25 billion worth of shares between 2024 and 2026 [13]. Operational Strategy - Vistra employs a hedging program to mitigate the impact of market fluctuations, with 100% of its 2024 generation volume hedged [14]. - Despite rising operating costs, including a 36.4% increase in operating expenses, the hedging strategy is expected to secure generation volumes for the fourth quarter [14]. Competitive Advantage - Vistra's integrated business model provides a competitive edge over non-integrated competitors, with ongoing initiatives to enhance generation capabilities [20]. - The integration of Energy Harbor into Vistra's operations is expected to create synergies and improve overall performance [20]. Industry Context - Vistra operates in a region with increasing demand for clean electricity, positioning the company to benefit from this trend through both acquisitions and organic growth [22].

Core Insights - Wall Street analysts anticipate Vistra Corp. (VST) will report quarterly earnings of $1.59 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 431.3% [1] - Expected revenues for the quarter are $4.38 billion, which is a 42.3% increase from the same quarter last year [1] - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised downward by 7.1% in the past 30 days, indicating a reassessment by covering analysts [1][2] Financial Metrics - The consensus estimate for 'Adjusted EBITDA- Retail' is $434.54 million, down from $463 million reported in the same quarter last year [4] - 'Adjusted EBITDA- Texas' is projected to be $302.06 million, compared to $230 million reported in the same quarter last year [4] - 'Adjusted EBITDA- West' is expected to reach $58.82 million, down from $67 million a year ago [5] - 'Adjusted EBITDA- Sunset' is likely to be $51.11 million, compared to $53 million reported in the same quarter last year [5] - 'Adjusted EBITDA- East' is projected at $636.38 million, significantly up from $181 million in the previous year [6] Market Performance - Vistra shares have experienced a return of -21.3% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.5% change [6] - With a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), VST is expected to outperform the overall market in the near future [6]

Investors often turn to recommendations made by Wall Street analysts before making a Buy, Sell, or Hold decision about a stock. While media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm employed (or sell-side) analysts often affect a stock's price, do they really matter?Let's take a look at what these Wall Street heavyweights have to say about Vistra Corp. (VST) before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage.Vistra currently has an average brokera ...

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Vistra Corp. (VST) ended the recent trading session at $168.39, demonstrating a +0.89% swing from the preceding day's closing price. The stock's performance was ahead of the S&P 500's daily gain of 0.67%. Elsewhere, the Dow saw an upswing of 0.38%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq appreciated by 0.98%.The company's shares have seen an increase of 0.1% over the last month, not keeping up with the Utilities sector's gain of 1.57% and the S&P 500's gain of 2.07%.Investors will be eagerly watching for the performanc ...

Momentum investing revolves around the idea of following a stock's recent trend in either direction. In the 'long' context, investors will be essentially be "buying high, but hoping to sell even higher." With this methodology, taking advantage of trends in a stock's price is key; once a stock establishes a course, it is more than likely to continue moving that way. The goal is that once a stock heads down a fixed path, it will lead to timely and profitable trades.While many investors like to look for moment ...

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