This Was a Top Stock of 2024. What Do Analysts Think of It Now?

Stock Performance - Vistra (VST) stock rose nearly 19% in the first three trading sessions of 2025 [1] - The stock more than tripled in value in 2024, setting multiple record highs [1] - Vistra shares rose 0.9% on Monday, contributing to the 19% return in the first three sessions of 2025 [5] Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - All five analysts tracked by Visible Alpha rate Vistra stock a "buy" with an average price target of $147.20 [2] - 15 out of 17 analysts tracked by FactSet Research have a "buy" or "overweight" rating, with an average price target over$170 [2] - Morgan Stanley analysts named Vistra one of their "high conviction overweight" ratings, citing potential for new data center deals [3] - Jefferies analysts raised their price target to $167 from$143, expecting a data center deal by the end of 2024 or early 2025 [5] Industry and Company Outlook - Vistra is among several utilities stocks that surged in 2024 due to massive energy demand from AI and data centers [1] - The company has potential for new data center deals with its Comanche Peak nuclear plant in Texas [3] - Regulatory uncertainty has clouded the outlook for nuclear power and data centers, but clarity is expected later this year [4] - Vistra is likely to be the first power provider to sign a data center deal in 2025, according to Morgan Stanley analysts [4] Market Context - Vistra stock was one of the S&P 500's biggest gainers in 2024 [5] - The power plant operator has rallied alongside industry peers on optimism that new data centers will drive demand for more electricity [5]