10 Best Stocks to Buy for High Returns in 2026

​7. Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST)

EPS Growth Next Year: 43.06%

Upside Potential: 36.85%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 112

​Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) is one of the Best Stocks to Buy for High Returns in 2026. On January 7, Goldman Sachs reiterated a Hold rating on Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) with a $200 price target. Earlier on January 6, Ross Fowler from Bank of America Securities reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a $231 price target.

​The ratings follow the company’s decision to acquire Cogentrix on December 5. Management noted that it has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Cogentrix Energy from funds managed by Quantum Capital Group. The deal adds roughly 5,500 MW of modern natural gas-fired power plants to the company’s portfolio, thereby enhancing its capacity in key US electricity markets like PJM, ISO New England, and ERCOT. The total value of the deal is around $4 billion.

​Ross Fowler from Bank of America Securities noted that they view the deal as a strategic step for Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST). The analyst added that the deal is structured with a mix of cash, stock, debt, and some meaningful tax benefits. BofA expects the deal to generate roughly $550 million in EBITDA. The firm acknowledged risk regarding potential divestitures in ISO-NE and scrutiny in PJM, but views these challenges as manageable.

​Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) operates as an integrated retail electricity and power generation company, supplying essential power resources to customers.