VST Stock Surges As DOE Backs Multi-Billion Nuclear Upgrade

Samsung and five affiliates are investing $1 billion in Helix Digital Infrastructure, a data center development firm founded by KKR and backed by Nvidia. Samsung's investment includes $500 million from Samsung Electronics, with other affiliates contributing the rest. Helix aims to secure power capacity and network connections for data centers, giving Samsung exposure to AI infrastructure beyond hardware.

Constellation Energy, Google, and the U.S. DOE announced a 20-year power purchase agreement for 890 MW of nuclear uprates at 11 reactors, with Constellation investing $4.3B. The DOE also committed up to $4.2B for Vistra's nuclear upgrades, adding 433 MW of capacity. Both deals aim to boost existing nuclear capacity to meet rising electricity demand, particularly in the PJM Interconnection.

Vistra's stock rose nearly 7% in a single session, increasing its market value by $3.9 billion, an unusual move for a utility stock. The gain extended throughout the day, and the stock held above $165 near the close.

The U.S. Energy Department has announced a conditional $4.2B loan to Vistra for nuclear upgrades in Pennsylvania and Ohio, aiming to increase electricity production and preserve jobs. Projects include Beaver Valley, Davis-Besse, and Perry plants, adding 433 MW capacity and extending operations by 20 years. Financing is contingent on meeting requirements.

The U.S. Department of Energy has conditionally committed up to $4.2 billion for nuclear upgrades at Vistra's plants in Pennsylvania and Ohio, preserving 4 GW and adding 433 MW of capacity. The projects aim to extend operations for 20 years and support 3,000 jobs. Financing is subject to meeting technical and regulatory requirements.

Vistra (VST) shares rose 11% after the U.S. Energy Department announced a conditional $4.2 billion loan for nuclear plant upgrades. The investment targets Vistra's plants in Pennsylvania and Ohio, aiming to preserve 4 GW of power and add 433 MW of capacity. The loan is subject to meeting technical, legal, environmental, and financial requirements. Vistra's Q2 adjusted EBITDA was $1.767 billion, up over 30% year-over-year, and the company maintained its 2026 guidance.