Vistra (NYSE:VST) Stock Price Down 3.6% After Insider Selling

Shares of Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) experienced a decline of 3.6% during mid-day trading on Wednesday, following reports of insider selling within the company. The stock hit a low of $155.35 before last being traded at $156.80. Throughout the trading session, a total of 1,308,796 shares changed hands, representing a significant drop of 81% from the typical average volume of 6,867,301 shares. This decrease follows a closing price of $162.66 the previous day.

Specifically, Scott A. Hudson, the Executive Vice President, sold 115,000 shares on Monday, November 25th, at an average price of $164.16, resulting in a total transaction value of $18,878,400. Post-sale, Hudson now owns 254,932 shares, worth approximately $41,849,637, reflecting a 31.09% reduction in their ownership. This sale was officially reported in a legal filing with the SEC. Additionally, fellow EVP Stephen J. Muscato sold 207,100 shares of Vistra stock on Friday, November 22nd, at an average price of $161.34, totaling $33,413,514. Following this sale, Muscato directly holds 318,287 shares valued at approximately $51,352,425, indicating a 39.42% decrease in their ownership as well. Further details of these transactions can be found in the respective SEC filings.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Vistra has received attention from several analysts recently. Guggenheim raised its price target for Vistra shares from $133.00 to $177.00, giving the company a "buy" rating in an October report. Meanwhile, BMO Capital Markets adjusted its target from $146.00 to $147.00, maintaining an "outperform" rating as of October 29th. On the other hand, UBS Group lowered its price objective from $157.00 to $150.00 while still labeling it a "buy" on October 22nd. Royal Bank of Canada also upped its target price from $105.00 to $141.00, assigning an "outperform" rating in an early October note. Lastly, BNP Paribas initiated coverage on Vistra with an "outperform" rating and set a target price of $231.00. Overall, ten research analysts have given the stock a buy rating, and data from MarketBeat reveals an average recommendation of "Buy" alongside an average target price of $149.10.

Vistra Stock Down 3.6%

Currently, Vistra has a market capitalization of $53.35 billion, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 29.25 and a price/earnings to growth (P/E/G) ratio of 1.98. The stock has a beta of 1.09, indicating moderate volatility compared to the market. Its 50-day moving average price stands at $129.97, while the 200-day moving average is at $101.03. The company's liquidity indicators show a quick ratio of 0.99 and a current ratio of 1.11, with a high debt-to-equity ratio of 4.68.

Vistra Increases Dividend

Vistra has recently announced an increase in its quarterly dividend, which will be issued on December 31st to stockholders on record by December 20th. The new dividend is $0.221 per share, slightly up from the prior $0.22. Therefore, this adjustment represents an annualized dividend of $0.88 and a yield of 0.56%, with a dividend payout ratio (DPR) currently at 16.42%. Additionally, on November 7th, Vistra's board approved a stock repurchase program allowing for up to $1.00 billion in share buybacks, which reflects management's belief that the stock is undervalued.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Vistra

Numerous large investors have been active in buying and selling shares of Vistra recently. During the third quarter, Empire Life Investments Inc. entered a new position in Vistra valued at approximately $23,028,000, while Terra Nova Asset Management LLC acquired shares worth about $842,000. Czech National Bank increased its holdings by 12.4%, owning 69,987 shares valued at roughly $8,296,000 after a recent purchase. CIBC Asset Management Inc. also raised its share count by the same percentage, now holding 50,380 shares worth $5,972,000. Lastly, Viking Fund Management LLC made a new investment in Vistra worth approximately $1,185,000. Overall, institutional investors and hedge funds collectively own about 90.88% of Vistra's stock.

About Vistra

Vistra Corp. operates as an integrated retail electricity and power generation company with several subsidiaries. The company functions through six primary segments: Retail, Texas, East, West, Sunset, and Asset Closure. Vistra supplies electricity and natural gas to a variety of customers including residential, commercial, and industrial clients across the United States and the District of Columbia.

For those considering an investment in Vistra, it's worth noting that while analysts currently rate the stock as a "Buy," many reputable analysts have identified other stocks that may offer more promising opportunities. Conducting thorough research and staying informed about market trends is advisable before making investment decisions.

Vistra, Insider, Selling