Vistra’s Price Target Cut to $215, Jefferies Buys as Shares Slump 25%
Morgan Stanley cut Vistra’s price target to $215 from $227 but kept an overweight rating, while Jefferies upgraded to Buy and raised its target to $203. Geopolitical tensions and AI data center demand support Vistra’s Meta PPA deal and long-term nuclear contracts after shares slid roughly 25%.
1. Analyst Price Target Changes
On February 20 Morgan Stanley lowered its price target to $215 from $227 while maintaining an overweight rating to reflect recent utility underperformance versus broader markets. Jefferies upgraded Vistra to a Buy rating on February 10, raising its 12-month target to $203 from $191 based on potential data center power supply agreements.
2. Share Performance and Asset Deals
Vistra’s stock has fallen about 25% since last September’s announcement to supply 1,200 megawatts from its Comanche Peak nuclear plant, creating what some analysts view as an attractive entry point. Analysts note current valuations may not fully capture upside from pending and future data center supply contracts.
3. Nuclear Supercycle Drivers
Rising geopolitical tensions over energy exports and surging AI data center baseload needs are fueling a nuclear energy supercycle that benefits integrated generators. Vistra’s power purchase agreement with a major technology firm underscores its positioning to secure long-term, carbon-free energy contracts.