Vistra Stock Surges on Plans of $4.7 Billion Acquisition

Group 1 - Vistra Corp's stock increased by 5.6% to $171.97 following the announcement of its plan to acquire Cogentrix Energy for approximately $4.7 billion [1] - The stock is experiencing its best single-day percentage increase in about a month, having tested a support level at $160, which aligns with its 320-day moving average [2] - Over the past nine months, Vistra's equity has appreciated by 68%, although it remains below its record high of $219.82 reached on September 22 [2] Group 2 - There has been a preference for call options, with a 50-day call/put volume ratio of 1.60, which is higher than 85% of readings from the past year [3] - Today's options activity shows a total of 6,679 calls and 7,478 puts, which is double the typical volume for this time [4] - The most popular option is the January 16, 2026, 155-strike put, with new positions being opened at the weekly 1/23 185-strike put [4]