BMO and KeyBanc Stay Postivie on Vistra (VST) After Cogentrix Deal

Core Viewpoint - Vistra Corp. is recognized as one of the top 10 stocks to buy on the NYSE according to analysts, following its announcement of acquiring Cogentrix Energy for approximately $4 billion [1]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition includes 10 modern natural gas generation facilities with a total capacity of around 5,500 megawatts [2]. - The deal is expected to close in mid-to-late 2026 [2]. Group 2: Financial Projections - BMO Capital has raised its adjusted EBITDA forecasts for Vistra Corp. to $8.204 billion in 2027, $8.334 billion in 2028, and $8.510 billion in 2029 [2]. - KeyBanc anticipates the transaction will deliver mid-single-digit accretion in 2027, with average accretion reaching high-single-digit levels from 2027 to 2029 [3]. Group 3: Analyst Ratings - BMO Capital reduced its price target for Vistra Corp. from $245 to $230 but maintained an Outperform rating [1]. - KeyBanc reaffirmed its Overweight rating on Vistra Corp. with a price target of $217 following the acquisition announcement [3]. Group 4: Company Overview - Vistra Corp. operates as a retail electricity and power generation company, serving customers, businesses, and communities with a diverse portfolio that includes natural gas, nuclear, coal, solar, and battery energy storage facilities [4].