Is Vistra (VST) the Best Utility Stock that Beat Earnings Estimates?

Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) is one of the 10 Best Utility Stocks that Beat Earnings Estimates.

On May 7, 2026, Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) reported Q1 revenue of $5.64B, ahead of the $5.24B consensus estimate, while ongoing operations adjusted EBITDA totaled $1.49B. President and CEO Jim Burke said the company entered 2026 with momentum driven by its workforce, generation portfolio, customer operations, and strategic growth initiatives. Burke pointed to Vistra’s planned acquisition of the 5,500-MW Cogentrix natural gas generation portfolio, which the company still expects to close during the second half of the year, as well as recently signed long-term power purchase agreements with Meta Platforms at its PJM nuclear facilities.

Burke also said Vistra’s generation fleet performed well during a period of volatile weather conditions, including Winter Storm Fern, while the retail business operated through one of the mildest first quarters in Texas history. He added that Fitch’s recent upgrade of Vistra’s corporate credit rating to investment grade reflects the company’s progress in strengthening its balance sheet and improving visibility into long-term earnings power.

Before the earnings release, TD Cowen analyst Shelby Tucker lowered the firm’s price target on Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) to $230 from $253 while maintaining a Buy rating. The firm said it expected a relatively quiet quarter, with earnings modestly higher year over year due to capacity pricing.

Is Vistra (VST) the Best Utility Stock that Beat Earnings Estimates?

Photo by mitchel-willem-jacob-anneveldt on Unsplash

Last month, Raymond James also lowered its price target on Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) to $208 from $240 while maintaining a Strong Buy rating. The firm said results across the independent power producer group were expected to be mixed, with Vistra likely facing softer near-term results due to milder ERCOT weather, lower load, and weaker power prices.

Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) operates as an integrated retail electricity and power generation company across the United States.

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