Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) shares are popping Friday after reporting third-quarter sales that beat analyst estimates and raising the midpoint of its 2026 profit outlook.

• Vistra stock is surging to new heights today. What’s behind VST gains?

Vistra Stock Rises After Third-Quarter Sales Beat

Vistra shares are climbing after the power producer beat Wall Street’s third-quarter sales forecast. Revenue hit roughly $6.35 billion, topping the $6.02 billion estimate by 5.36% and growing 27.68% from around $4.97 billion in the same quarter last year. Adjusted EBITDA from ongoing operations soared more than 50% to $2.378 billion.

Vistra also nudged up its 2026 profit guidance. It lifted the middle of its range while tightening it. Adjusted EBITDA from ongoing operations should land between $7.1 billion and $7.5 billion, and adjusted free cash flow before growth between $4.3 billion and $4.7 billion.

The company gave its first 2027 outlook as well: adjusted EBITDA from $7.7 billion up to $8.5 billion, an 11% jump at the midpoint, and free cash flow from $4.3 billion up to $5.1 billion. Price protections already cover about 98% of expected 2027 volumes and about 78% of 2028, on top of nearly all of 2026.

CEO Jim Burke credited a scorching summer, noting the fleet stayed reliable while July demand set records in the ERCOT and PJM power markets. Burke said that “we continue to be well positioned for the growing demand ahead.”

Vistra Closes Cogentrix and Signs New Power Deals

Vistra completed its purchase of Cogentrix in October, adding about 5,500 megawatts of natural gas generation. Management said on the conference call that the deal should lift adjusted free cash flow by a high-single-digit percentage soon and by double digits from 2029.

Vistra also reported progress on new projects. It started running its 405-megawatt Pulaski Solar project in Illinois, which sells power to Microsoft, and its 100-megawatt Deer Creek solar and storage site in California. A two-decade deal now commits 207 megawatts from its Odessa gas plant in Texas to New Era Energy and Digital.

Executives said the midterm outcome leaves their view of Vistra’s growth opportunities unchanged. The company is negotiating with major electricity consumers across both the PJM and ERCOT markets, covering existing and new plants, and stays open to acquisitions that fit its fleet.

VST Shares Are Surging

VST Price Action: Vistra shares were up 10.36% at $124.59 at the time of publication on Friday, according to Benzinga Pro.

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