Scotiabank Weighs in on Vistra's FY2026 Earnings (NYSE:VST)

Key Points

• Scotiabank slightly raised its FY2026 EPS estimate for Vistra to $9.09 (from $9.08), retains an Outperform rating and a $293.00 price target—well above the current share price and the Street's average target of $235.27.
• Vistra recently missed quarterly EPS and revenue ($2.18 vs. $2.45 est.; $4.58B vs. $5.75B), trades at a high P/E (~71.7) with significant leverage (debt/equity ~6.0), but modestly raised its quarterly dividend to $0.229 (annualized yield ~0.6%).
• Analyst sentiment is largely positive (three Strong Buy, twelve Buy, one Hold) and institutional ownership is high (~90.9%), though recent commentary highlights both upside catalysts and risks ahead of the next earnings report.

Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST - Free Report) - Scotiabank increased their FY2026 earnings estimates for shares of Vistra in a note issued to investors on Friday, May 1st. Scotiabank analyst A. Weisel now anticipates that the company will post earnings per share of $9.09 for the year, up from their previous estimate of $9.08. Scotiabank has a "Outperform" rating and a $293.00 price objective on the stock. The consensus estimate for Vistra's current full-year earnings is $9.05 per share.

Other equities analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an "overweight" rating and set a $208.00 price target on shares of Vistra in a research note on Tuesday, April 21st. UBS Group raised their price target on shares of Vistra from $230.00 to $233.00 and gave the stock a "buy" rating in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Raymond James Financial set a $208.00 price target on shares of Vistra in a research note on Monday, April 27th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a "hold (c)" rating on shares of Vistra in a research note on Friday, March 27th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed an "outperform" rating and set a $241.00 price target on shares of Vistra in a research note on Monday, March 2nd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the company's stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Vistra presently has an average rating of "Buy" and an average price target of $235.27.

Vistra Price Performance

Shares of VST opened at $155.62 on Monday. The stock has a market capitalization of $52.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 71.71, a P/E/G ratio of 0.91 and a beta of 1.43. Vistra has a twelve month low of $133.73 and a twelve month high of $219.82. The company has a 50 day moving average of $159.99 and a 200-day moving average of $167.62. The company has a quick ratio of 0.69, a current ratio of 0.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.01.

Vistra (NYSE:VST - Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 26th. The company reported $2.18 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.45 by ($0.27). The company had revenue of $4.58 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.75 billion. Vistra had a return on equity of 81.09% and a net margin of 5.32%.

Vistra Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, June 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, June 22nd will be issued a $0.229 dividend. This represents a $0.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, June 22nd. This is a boost from Vistra's previous quarterly dividend of $0.23. Vistra's payout ratio is currently 41.94%.

Insider Activity at Vistra

In other news, EVP Stephanie Zapata Moore sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $160.31, for a total value of $1,603,100.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 114,409 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $18,340,906.79. This represents a 8.04% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.92% of the company's stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Vistra

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in VST. Salomon & Ludwin LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Vistra in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Quent Capital LLC acquired a new stake in Vistra during the 3rd quarter valued at $25,000. Fideuram Intesa Sanpaolo Private Banking S.P.A. acquired a new stake in Vistra during the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. Archer Investment Corp lifted its holdings in Vistra by 2,700.0% during the 3rd quarter. Archer Investment Corp now owns 140 shares of the company's stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 135 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Pinpoint Asset Management Singapore Pte. Ltd. acquired a new stake in Vistra during the 3rd quarter valued at $28,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.88% of the company's stock.

More Vistra News

Here are the key news stories impacting Vistra this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Board declared a quarterly common dividend of $0.229/share (a ~0.4% increase versus prior quarter), payable June 30 to holders of record June 22; company estimates an aggregate ~$75 million common payout this quarter — supports income-oriented investors. Vistra Declares Dividend on Common Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, and Series C Preferred Stock
• Positive Sentiment: Vistra was listed among the "10 Best Electrical Infrastructure Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds," highlighting its large, diversified generation fleet (gas, nuclear, coal, solar, batteries) — positive for sentiment and potential fund interest. Vistra Corp. (VST) – Among the 10 Best Electrical Infrastructure Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds
• Neutral Sentiment: JPMorgan trimmed its price target from $240 to $231 but kept an "overweight" rating — a lower target could temper upside expectations, though the firm remains constructive. Benzinga Coverage
• Neutral Sentiment: Analyses and valuation pieces are circulating (coverage of recent share volatility and valuation metrics), drawing investor attention to Vistra's revenue mix and earnings profile — increases scrutiny but not a clear directional catalyst. Assessing Vistra (VST) Valuation After Recent Share Price Volatility
• Neutral Sentiment: Zacks compares Vistra favorably vs. Southern Co., citing its nuclear expansion and valuation edge — useful context for longer-term investors but not an immediate share driver. Vistra or Southern Co.: Which Utility Stock Looks Stronger in 2026?
• Negative Sentiment: Pre-earnings coverage warns Vistra may lack the setup for an earnings beat next week — heightened risk the upcoming report could disappoint and pressure the stock. Vistra Corp. (VST) Earnings Expected to Grow: What to Know Ahead of Next Week's Release
• Negative Sentiment: MarketWatch noted Vistra underperformed peers on a recent trading day despite some daily gains — a reminder of relative weakness that can amplify selling if sector momentum fades. Vistra Corp. stock underperforms Thursday when compared to competitors despite daily gains

About Vistra

Vistra NYSE: VST is an integrated power company that develops, owns and operates electricity generation and retail businesses in the United States. The company's operations span wholesale power production—through a diversified fleet of thermal and lower‑carbon generation assets—and retail electricity supply to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Vistra serves organized wholesale markets and competitive retail markets, with a notable presence in Texas and other regional U.S. power markets.

Vistra's core activities include the ownership and operation of generation facilities, the commercial dispatch and optimization of those assets into wholesale markets, and the sale of electricity and related services to end-use customers through its retail brands.

This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to contact@marketbeat.com.