Vistra (VST) Gained from the Rise in Power Demand
π Brown Advisory Mid-Cap Growth Strategy lagged the Russell Midcap Growth Index in Q4 2025 due to stock selection.
πΌ The firm attributes its 2025 underperformance specifically to not owning Palantir Technologies Inc (PLTR).
β‘ Vistra Corp. (NYSE: VST) was highlighted as a top holding, benefiting from rising power demand in Texas.
ποΈ Investors are increasingly interested in data center customers directly sourcing generation from companies like Vistra.
β’οΈ Market appreciation for nuclear assets has driven growth, exemplified by a major power purchase agreement with a hyperscaler for the Comanche Peak nuclear facility.
π Vistra stock closed on March 23, 2026 at $151.29 per share, reflecting a -11.85% one-month return but a 14.78% gain over the past 52 weeks.
π’ Vistra operates as an integrated electricity and power generation company with a market capitalization of $51.22 billion.
π Hedge fund portfolios held Vistra at the end of Q4 2025, representing a decrease from 112 holdings in the previous quarter to 102.
π« Brown Advisory does not currently include Vistra on its list of 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026.
π§ The firm maintains conviction that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns within a shorter time frame than Vistra.
π This investor letter and strategy overview can be found in the Brown Advisory Mid-Cap Growth Strategy fourth-quarter 2025 investor letter.
π Related coverage includes Jim Cramer's nuclear energy stock picks and other reports on cheap stocks for high returns in 2026.
- Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) stock gained 14.78% over the past 52 weeks, demonstrating strong recent performance despite a short-term dip.
- The company is an integrated electricity and power generation company with a market capitalization of $51.22 billion, indicating significant scale and investor confidence.
- Vistra benefited from rising power demand in Texas, increased interest from data center customers, and growing investor appreciation for nuclear assets.
- During the year, Vistra signed a large power purchase agreement with a major hyperscaler for its Comanche Peak nuclear facility in Texas, with potential for additional large deals in the future.
- Vistra was highlighted by Brown Advisory Mid-Cap Growth Strategy as a high-quality compounder within the $2 billion to $50 billion market capitalization focus.
- Brown Advisory Mid-Cap Growth Strategy underperformed the Russell Midcap Growth Index in Q4 2025 due to stock selection issues.
- The firm admitted its strategy lagged because it did not own Palantir Technologies Inc (PLTR), missing a key high-performing asset.
- Vistra Corp. stock experienced a -11.85% return over the past month, indicating short-term weakness despite longer-term gains.
- Hedge fund holdings of Vistra Corp. declined from 112 portfolios in Q3 to just 102 at the end of Q4 2025.
- Brown Advisory explicitly states conviction lies elsewhere, believing some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns within a shorter time frame compared to Vistra Corp.