Vista Energy (NYSE:VIST) Cut to "Sell" at Wall Street Zen

Key Points

• Vista Energy was downgraded from a "hold" to a "sell" rating by Wall Street Zen, despite a recent upgrade to a "strong buy" by UBS Group.
• Vista Energy's shares fell 4.4% and the company reported earnings of $0.55 per share, significantly missing analysts' consensus estimate of $2.15.
• Institutional investors have shown increased interest, with several firms raising their stakes in Vista Energy during the first quarter of the year.

Vista Energy (NYSE:VIST - Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Wall Street Zen from a "hold" rating to a "sell" rating in a research note issued on Saturday.

Separately, UBS Group raised shares of Vista Energy from a "hold" rating to a "strong-buy" rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 17th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Vista Energy currently has an average rating of "Buy" and an average target price of $65.68.

Vista Energy Stock Up 0.4%

Shares of VIST traded up $0.18 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $42.66. 182,690 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 974,724. Vista Energy has a 1-year low of $32.11 and a 1-year high of $61.67. The company has a quick ratio of 0.41, a current ratio of 0.41 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.89. The company has a market capitalization of $4.06 billion, a PE ratio of 7.70 and a beta of 0.97. The business has a 50 day moving average of $47.20 and a 200 day moving average of $47.60.

Vista Energy (NYSE:VIST - Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, July 10th. The company reported $0.55 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.15 by ($1.60). The company had revenue of $610.54 million for the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $572.37 million. Vista Energy had a return on equity of 12.02% and a net margin of 29.12%. Equities research analysts anticipate that Vista Energy will post 5.74 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Legal & General Group Plc raised its stake in shares of Vista Energy by 32.9% in the fourth quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 2,269 shares of the company's stock worth $123,000 after purchasing an additional 562 shares during the last quarter. O Shaughnessy Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Vista Energy during the fourth quarter worth about $209,000. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. grew its holdings in Vista Energy by 14.6% during the first quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. now owns 4,950 shares of the company's stock worth $230,000 after acquiring an additional 632 shares during the period. SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Vista Energy during the first quarter worth about $245,000. Finally, Amundi acquired a new stake in Vista Energy during the first quarter worth about $229,000. 63.81% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Vista Energy Company Profile

Vista Energy, SAB. de C.V., through its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration and production of oil and gas in Latin America. The company's principal assets located in Neuquina basin, Argentina and Vaca Muerta. It owns producing assets in Argentina and Mexico. In addition, the company involved in drilling and workover activities located in Argentina.