Vistra Corp (NYSE:VST) Maintains Strong Position in Utilities Sector

Font: Financial Modeling Prep  • Feb 20, 2026

• Morgan Stanley maintains an "Overweight" rating for Vistra Corp (NYSE:VST), adjusting the price target from $227 to $215.
• Vistra offers an annual dividend of $0.91 per share with a dividend yield of 0.5%, showcasing a conservative payout ratio of 32.9%.
• The company has increased its dividend for six consecutive years, indicating a strong commitment to shareholder value.

Vistra Corp (NYSE:VST) is a prominent player in the utilities sector, providing electricity and power generation services. The company operates in a competitive landscape alongside other large-cap utilities like CMS Energy. On February 20, 2026, Morgan Stanley maintained its "Overweight" rating for VST, with a "hold" action, indicating confidence in the stock's potential despite a price target adjustment from $227 to $215, as highlighted by TheFly.

In terms of dividends, Vistra offers an annual dividend of $0.91 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 0.5%. This is lower compared to CMS Energy's $2.28 per share and a 3.0% yield. Vistra allocates 32.9% of its earnings to dividends, showcasing a conservative approach compared to CMS Energy's 64.6%. Both companies maintain healthy payout ratios, ensuring the sustainability of their dividend payments.

Vistra has consistently increased its dividend for six consecutive years, demonstrating a commitment to returning value to shareholders. This track record surpasses CMS Energy's three-year streak of dividend increases. Such consistency is a positive indicator for investors seeking reliable income from their investments in the utilities sector.

Currently, VST is priced at $172.15, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.20% from the previous day. The stock has experienced fluctuations, with a low of $169.86 and a high of $173.50 today. Over the past year, VST has seen a high of $219.82 and a low of $90.51, indicating significant volatility. The company's market capitalization stands at approximately $58.3 billion, with a trading volume of 1,075,727 shares today.