With its increasing interests in nuclear energy, Vistra Corp. ( VST ) had a stellar 2024, followed by solid gains until H1 2025. However, it's hard to ignore that the stock is down by over 16% since ILong Term Tips focuses on the generational opportunity in the fast growing green economy, which has seen a CAGR of ~14% over the past decade.The profile is run by Manika Premsingh, who heads the investing group Green Growth Giants and also runs another Seeking Alpha profile in her own name. She is a macroeconom ...

Core Insights - Vistra Corp. (VST) has shown strong performance in 2024 and solid gains until H1 2025, driven by increasing interests in nuclear energy [1] - Despite the positive performance, VST's stock has declined by over 16% since the beginning of the year [1] - The green economy is experiencing significant growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 14% over the past decade [1] Company Overview - Vistra Corp. is focusing on nuclear energy as part of its strategy to capitalize on the growing green economy [1] - The investment profile is managed by Manika Premsingh, a macroeconomist with over 20 years of experience in investment management, stock broking, and investment banking [1]

Core Insights - Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) is recognized as one of the best utility stocks to invest in according to hedge funds [1] - The company is the largest competitive power generator in the US with a capacity of approximately 41,000 MW, utilizing a diverse energy portfolio [2] Analyst Price Targets - Morgan Stanley analyst David Arcaro raised the price target for Vistra from $225 to $228, maintaining an 'Overweight' rating, citing growth driven by data centers and AI demand [3] - Conversely, JPMorgan analyst Jeremy Tonet reduced the price target from $249 to $233 while keeping an 'Overweight' rating, following a Q3 report where Vistra's earnings and revenue fell below estimates [5] Credit Rating Upgrade - S&P upgraded Vistra Corp. to investment grade, raising its long-term rating from BB+ to BBB-, influenced by strategic moves such as selling power from a nuclear plant and acquiring natural gas assets [4]

Vistra Corp (NYSE:VST) is one of billionaire David Tepper’s top stock picks heading into 2026. On December 12, S&P Global Ratings upgraded the stock to investment grade. Consequently, it raised its credit rating to BBB- from BBB+, impressed by its stable outlook. S&P Global Ratings Upgrades Vistra Corp. (VST) Buoyed By Acquisitions and Diverse Generation Portfolio chungking/Shutterstock.com The upgrade is in response to the company inking a power purchase agreement for its Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Pl ...

Core Insights - The latest 13F filing from Lone Pine Capital indicates significant portfolio adjustments, particularly in large-cap technology, consumer platforms, and financial services, reflecting a more risk-balanced approach as year-end approaches [1] Portfolio Adjustments - **Meta Platforms Inc. (META)**: Reduced by 342,757 shares (20.59%), maintaining a substantial holding worth over $971 million, indicating profit-taking rather than a loss of conviction [2] - **Vistra Corp (VST)**: Trimmed by 1,770,478 shares (27.37%), likely locking in gains after significant appreciation driven by power-generation strength [3] - **Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM)**: Reduced by 383,520 shares (11.16%), remaining a core holding valued at $852 million amid cyclical uncertainty [4] - **AppLovin (APP)**: Reduced by 152,196 shares (12.07%), reflecting portfolio resizing rather than a fundamental shift [5] - **Microsoft Corp (MSFT)**: Trimmed by 646,251 shares (34.84%), still representing a large stake of $625 million, indicating profit-taking [10] - **Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN)**: Reduced by 2,221,628 shares (44.14%), with a remaining position valued at $617 million, reflecting reallocation within mega-cap tech [11] - **Capital One Financial (COF)**: Reduced by 511,142 shares (16.59%) following strong performance [12] - **KKR & Co (KKR)**: Trimmed by 1,141,208 shares (21.85%), appearing valuation-driven after appreciation [13] Notable Increases - **LPL Financial Holdings (LPLA)**: Increased by 383,466 shares (20.48%), expanding the position to $750 million, reflecting confidence in its scalable advisor platform [6] - **Philip Morris (PM)**: Increased by 1,856,749 shares (67.33%), bringing the position to $748 million, aligning with a strategy of investing in stable, cash-rich companies [7] - **Brookfield Corp (BN)**: Increased by 4,559,963 shares (81.12%), indicating a belief in the stock's undervaluation relative to its diversified asset management ecosystem [8] - **Broadcom Inc. (AVGO)**: New position established with 1,549,412 shares (100.00%), indicating a strong belief in AI infrastructure growth [14] Strategic Themes - **Selective Trimming of Mega-Cap Tech Winners**: Reductions in META, MSFT, AMZN, and TSM reflect disciplined risk management after substantial rallies, moderating concentration risk while maintaining core positions [15] - **Reallocation Toward Cash-Heavy Compounders**: Additions to PM, BN, and LPLA emphasize resilient earnings profiles and attractive valuations [16] - **New Conviction Bet on AI Infrastructure via Broadcom**: The initiation of a large AVGO position signals confidence in the accelerating demand for AI hardware [17] - **Active, High-Conviction Portfolio Rotation**: Lone Pine's approach involves selectively trimming oversized winners and reallocating to durable cash-flow engines while initiating new positions in strong long-term fundamentals [18] Summary - Lone Pine Capital's Q3 2025 13F reveals a portfolio recalibration focused on reducing oversized mega-cap exposures, reinforcing durable cash generators, and launching a significant new position in Broadcom to capture AI-infrastructure tailwinds, resulting in a portfolio geared toward long-term growth while balancing risk as year-end volatility approaches [19]

When Jeff Bezos said that one breakthrough technology would shape Amazon’s destiny, even Wall Street’s biggest analysts were caught off guard. Fast forward a year and Amazon’s new CEO Andy Jassy described generative AI as a “once-in-a-lifetime” technology that is already being used across Amazon to reinvent customer experiences. At the 8th Future Investment Initiative conference, Elon Musk predicted that by 2040 there would be at least 10 billion humanoid robots, with each priced between $20,000 and $25,000 ...

Key Takeaways Vistra is positioned to benefit from falling rates through lower borrowing costs and rising power demand.VST plans to invest $2.2B in 2026 to expand nuclear, solar and battery storage capacity.VST's 64.4% ROE far exceeds the industry average of 9.9%, signaling strong capital efficiency.Vistra Corp. (VST) is well-positioned to benefit from a declining interest rate environment, particularly as a competitive power producer with a diversified generation portfolio spanning nuclear, natural gas, re ...

Company Overview - Vistra Corp. is the largest competitive power producer in the U.S., operating around 60 generating plants, with approximately half of its output serving Texas, meeting about 25% of the state's electricity needs [1][2] - The company serves 5 million homes and businesses nationwide, with a workforce of about 7,000 employees [1] Market Dynamics - Texas has the 10th-largest power market globally, accounting for about 10% of the U.S. electric grid, and has pursued a more competitive market structure than other states [3][4] - Since 2000, Texas has attracted over $100 billion in capital for power generation, with no costs passed onto customers [5][6] - The Texas electricity market allows for open access, enabling the construction of various types of power plants without needing prior approval from the Public Utility Commission [4][5] Grid Resilience and Changes - Following the February 2021 freeze, Texas implemented Senate Bill 3 to enhance winterization and emergency preparedness for utilities [6][7] - The grid has seen an increase in battery and solar energy integration, which can help during winter days, but challenges remain in ensuring reliability during extended cold spells [8][9] - The ERCOT system lacks a reserve and capacity market, which are present in other states, raising concerns about grid redundancy and reliability [9][10] Demand Trends - Texas has experienced a 5-6% growth in energy demand over the past two to three years, with data centers and industrial customers adapting their energy usage based on grid conditions [15][16] - The consumption of power by data centers could rise from 3-4% to 9-10% of total consumption, driven by increased electrification and demand from various sectors [18][19] Nuclear Power and Future Outlook - Texas operates two nuclear plants, with one recently relicensed to operate into the 2050s, providing reliable energy generation [21][22] - The cost of building new nuclear facilities remains high, but there is potential interest from large tech companies for carbon-free generation options [24][26] Price Trends and Market Challenges - Electricity prices have been rising across the U.S., with Texas not experiencing the same level of increase as other states, although the trend is concerning [26][27] - The retirement of coal plants and challenges in building new assets in other states have contributed to tighter supply and demand dynamics, leading to price pressures [28][29] - The Texas Energy Fund aims to incentivize gas plants amid rising construction costs and increased renewable penetration, highlighting the need for a balanced energy strategy [31][32]

Core Insights - Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) is recognized as one of the best long-term stock investments in the U.S. market [1] - KeyBanc initiated coverage on Vistra with an Overweight rating and a price target of $217, citing the company's scale, diversified generation mix, and strong cash flow as key strengths [2] - S&P Global upgraded Vistra's long-term credit rating to BBB- from BB+, highlighting improvements in the company's risk profile due to strategic acquisitions and strong hedging practices [4] Company Developments - Vistra is expanding its energy footprint by acquiring seven natural gas plants and planning to build two new natural gas power units, adding 860 MW of capacity in West Texas [3] - The company is expected to benefit from increasing electrification and demand from hyperscale data centers, supported by favorable policies [2] Financial Strength - KeyBanc emphasized Vistra's strong cash flow and resilience in a tightening U.S. power market, which provides growth optionality [2] - The upgrade from S&P Global reflects the company's improved risk profile, attributed to a nuclear power sales deal and the acquisition of natural gas assets [4]

Industry Overview - Electricity demand in the U.S. is projected to grow at an annual rate of 2.5%, which is five times faster than the previous decade, highlighting the increasing importance of energy infrastructure and security [2] - The surge in energy demand is driven by the rapid expansion of data centers that support artificial intelligence algorithms [1] Company Insights EQT Corporation - EQT Corporation is a leading natural gas producer in the U.S., involved in the exploration, production, transportation, and sale of natural gas [5] - The company has a market capitalization of $38 billion, with a current price of $59.56 and a gross margin of 40.73% [6][7] - Natural gas is recognized as a cleaner-burning fuel, providing reliable baseload electricity and is increasingly favored by utilities and industrial customers due to its cost-effectiveness [7][8] Vistra Energy - Vistra Energy is one of the largest power producers in the U.S., serving over 5 million customers and operating as a merchant power company [9] - The company has a market capitalization of $57 billion, with a current price of $166.63 and a gross margin of 38.78% [10][11] - Vistra's business model allows it to profit from rising wholesale electricity prices, particularly in regions experiencing high demand and supply constraints [11][12] ExxonMobil - ExxonMobil is one of the world's largest energy companies, with significant investments in oil and gas, including natural gas production in the U.S. [13] - The company has a market capitalization of $491 billion, with a current price of $116.49 and a gross margin of 22.11% [14][15] - ExxonMobil aims to become a leading seller of high-value liquefied natural gas (LNG), with plans to double its LNG sales to 40 million metric tons per annum by 2030 [16][17]