Vistra (NYSE:VST) Trading 2% Higher - Is It a Good Time to Buy?

Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) saw its stock increase by 2% during midday trading on a recent Friday. The stock reached a high of $140.88 before settling at $139.66. During this period, about 1,355,192 shares were traded, which is significantly lower than the average daily volume of 6,744,831 shares. The previous closing price was $136.98.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have recently provided their insights regarding Vistra. On October 8th, Guggenheim raised its target price from $133.00 to $177.00 and rated the stock as a "buy." On November 22nd, Morgan Stanley increased its price objective from $135.00 to $169.00 while maintaining an "overweight" rating. Meanwhile, BMO Capital Markets adjusted its price target from $146.00 to $147.00 and also rated the stock as "outperform" on October 29th. Additionally, JPMorgan Chase began covering Vistra on October 17th, issuing an "overweight" rating with a target price of $178.00. Despite some inconsistencies, UBS Group lowered its target price from $157.00 to $150.00 while still setting a "buy" rating on October 22nd. Overall, according to MarketBeat.com, ten analysts have rated the stock as a buy, reflecting a consensus rating of "Buy" with an average price target of $149.10.

Vistra Trading Up 2.1%

Vistra Corp is seen as a strategic investment in the renewable energy sector. The company has a fifty-day moving average price of $140.29 and a 200-day moving average price of $106.91. Other financial metrics show a quick ratio of 0.99 and a current ratio of 1.11, alongside a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.68. With a market capitalization of $47.60 billion, Vistra has a P/E ratio of 26.10 and a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.86, along with a beta of 1.16.

Vistra Increases Dividend

The company has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.221, scheduled to be paid out on December 31st, to investors who are on record as of December 20th. This increase from the previous quarterly dividend of $0.22 gives an annualized dividend total of $0.88, resulting in a yield of 0.63%. The ex-dividend date for this upcoming dividend is also December 20th. Vistra's dividend payout ratio stands at a modest 16.42%.

Insider Selling Activity

In related news, on November 25th, Executive Vice President Scott A. Hudson sold 115,000 shares, collecting approximately $18.88 million at an average price of $164.16. After the sale, Hudson still retains 254,932 shares valued at about $41.85 million. This move marked a 31.09% decrease in his position. Additionally, on December 10th, Director Scott B. Helm sold 20,000 shares at an average price of $139.77, totaling approximately $2.80 million, and now owns 343,350 shares valued at about $47.99 million, representing a 5.50% decline in ownership. In total, insiders have sold 342,100 shares over the past three months, valued at approximately $55.09 million, with insiders currently holding 1.42% of the total stock.

Institutional Investors and Hedge Fund Activity

Institutional interest in Vistra remains strong. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors increased its holdings by 71.8% during the second quarter, now owning 152,760 shares worth about $13.13 million. Fifth Third Bancorp boosted its stake by 29.0%, while several other firms, including EdgeRock Capital and Yeomans Consulting Group, also acquired new positions in the company during the same period. Notably, institutional investors now own about 90.88% of Vistra's stock.

Company Overview

Vistra Corp operates as an integrated retail electricity and power generation firm through its subsidiaries. The company is divided into six segments: Retail, Texas, East, West, Sunset, and Asset Closure, providing electricity and natural gas services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the United States and the District of Columbia.

Vistra, Stocks, Investment