grepcent / static financial knowledge base

Vistra Corp. (VST)

CIK: 0001692819. SIC: 4911 Electric Services. Latest 10-K as of: 2026-02-27.

SIC breadcrumb: Transportation, Communications, Electric, Gas, And Sanitary Services > Electric, Gas, And Sanitary Services > SIC 4911 Electric Services

SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1692819. Latest filing source: 0001692819-26-000006.

Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.

Selected Fundamentals

MetricValueUnitFYFiled
Revenue17,738,000,000USD20252026-02-27
Net income944,000,000USD20252026-02-27
Assets41,550,000,000USD20252026-02-27

Financials

Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-02-27. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001692819.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.

Flow metrics use full-year FY periods from 10-K/10-K/A filings; balance-sheet metrics use FY-end instants. Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures. Missing metrics are omitted rather than fabricated.

Metric201720182019202020212022202320242025
Revenue5,430,000,0009,144,000,00011,809,000,00011,443,000,00012,077,000,00013,728,000,00014,779,000,00017,224,000,00017,738,000,000
Net income-254,000,000-54,000,000928,000,000636,000,000-1,274,000,000-1,227,000,0001,493,000,0002,659,000,000944,000,000
Operating income198,000,000491,000,0001,993,000,0001,519,000,000-1,515,000,000-1,177,000,0002,661,000,0004,081,000,0001,906,000,000
Diluted EPS-0.59-0.111.861.30-2.69-3.263.587.002.18
Operating cash flow1,386,000,0001,471,000,0002,736,000,0003,337,000,000-206,000,000485,000,0005,453,000,0004,563,000,0004,070,000,000
Capital expenditures114,000,000530,000,000713,000,0001,259,000,0001,033,000,0001,301,000,0001,676,000,0002,078,000,0002,752,000,000
Dividends paid0.000.00243,000,000266,000,000290,000,000302,000,000313,000,000305,000,000306,000,000
Share buybacks0.00763,000,000656,000,0000.00471,000,0001,949,000,0001,245,000,0001,266,000,0001,028,000,000
Assets26,024,000,00026,616,000,00025,208,000,00029,683,000,00032,787,000,00032,966,000,00037,770,000,00041,550,000,000
Liabilities18,157,000,00018,656,000,00016,847,000,00021,391,000,00027,869,000,00027,644,000,00032,187,000,00036,440,000,000
Stockholders' equity7,863,000,0007,959,000,0008,371,000,0008,291,000,0004,902,000,0005,307,000,0005,570,000,0005,097,000,000
Cash and cash equivalents636,000,000300,000,000406,000,0001,325,000,000455,000,0003,485,000,0001,188,000,000785,000,000
Free cash flow1,272,000,000941,000,0002,023,000,0002,078,000,000-1,239,000,000-816,000,0003,777,000,0002,485,000,0001,318,000,000

Ratios

ROE and ROA use period-end equity/assets. Liabilities / equity uses total liabilities divided by stockholders' equity. Current ratio uses current assets divided by current liabilities when both are reported.

Metric201720182019202020212022202320242025
Net margin-4.68%-0.59%7.86%5.56%-10.55%-8.94%10.10%15.44%5.32%
Operating margin3.65%5.37%16.88%13.27%-12.54%-8.57%18.01%23.69%10.75%
Return on equity-0.69%11.66%7.60%-15.37%-25.03%28.13%47.74%18.52%
Return on assets-0.21%3.49%2.52%-4.29%-3.74%4.53%7.04%2.27%
Liabilities / equity2.312.342.012.585.695.215.787.15
Current ratio0.950.901.131.351.081.180.960.78

Financial Charts

Quarterly

Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-05-08. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001692819.json.

Flow metrics use discrete quarter-length periods from 10-Q/10-Q/A filings. Q4 revenue and net income are derived only when annual FY and nine-month YTD facts exist for the same fiscal year; derived Q4 values are labeled. EPS Q4 is not derived.

QuarterEnd DateRevenueNet IncomeDiluted EPSMethod
2022-Q22022-06-30-3.27reported discrete quarter
2022-Q32022-09-301.51reported discrete quarter
2023-Q12023-03-311.71reported discrete quarter
2023-Q22023-06-303,189,000,000476,000,0001.17reported discrete quarter
2023-Q32023-09-304,086,000,000502,000,0001.25reported discrete quarter
2023-Q42023-12-313,078,000,000-184,000,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2024-Q12024-03-313,054,000,000-35,000,000-0.24reported discrete quarter
2024-Q22024-06-303,845,000,000365,000,0000.90reported discrete quarter
2024-Q32024-09-306,288,000,0001,888,000,0005.25reported discrete quarter
2024-Q42024-12-314,037,000,000441,000,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2025-Q12025-03-313,933,000,000-268,000,000-0.93reported discrete quarter
2025-Q22025-06-304,250,000,000327,000,0000.81reported discrete quarter
2025-Q32025-09-304,971,000,000652,000,0001.75reported discrete quarter
2025-Q42025-12-314,584,000,000233,000,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2026-Q12026-03-315,640,000,0001,029,000,0002.87reported discrete quarter

Quarterly Charts

Macro Cross-References

Latest quarter (10-Q)

Latest 10-Q source: 0001692819-26-000014.

Extracted structurally from real Item 2 body heading to real Item 3/4 boundary. Published MD&A gate trimmed front/tail over-capture. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2026-05-08. Report date: 2026-03-31.

Item 2.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION, AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements.

Business Environment and Outlook

Electricity Demand

Electricity demand drivers including the rise of large scale data centers, the electrification of oil field operations, and electric vehicle load building are contributing to a projected fast paced load growth in the regions we serve. Our integrated retail electricity and power generation operations allows us to quickly respond to electricity demand changes. To support growing demand from large‑scale electricity consumers, we continue to engage in discussions with various counterparties regarding the potential long-term sale of power from our generation facilities, and we are progressing a series of development initiatives across our generation portfolio, including nuclear uprates and other capacity expansions.

Supply Chain Constraints

Our industry continues to face ongoing supply chain constraints and labor shortages, which have reduced the availability of essential equipment and supplies for constructing new generation facilities, increased the lead times for procuring materials, and raised labor costs associated with maintaining our natural gas, nuclear, and coal fleet.

We are proactively managing these constraints by continuously re-evaluating the business cases and timing of our planned development projects. This has led to the deferral or abandonment of some planned capital expenditures for our solar and battery projects and could impact the economic feasibility of additional projects in our new generation development pipeline. We are engaging with suppliers to secure key materials needed to maintain our existing generation facilities before future planned outages.

Iran Conflict

We are monitoring the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran and related instability in the Middle East, including the potential for further escalation and disruption. Although the Company does not conduct operations in the affected region, prolonged or expanded instability could indirectly affect the Company through broader macroeconomic and commodity-market impacts, including changes in natural gas and power prices, supply-chain disruptions, construction delays, increased inflationary pressures, and capital-market volatility, which could impact our future results of operations. See Factors Affecting Our Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Commodity Prices for additional information on our commodity hedging strategy and estimated hedging levels for the balance of 2026 and 2027.

Russia/Ukraine Conflict

We are monitoring developments in the Russia and Ukraine conflict, specifically sanctions (or potential sanctions) against Russian nuclear fuel supply and enrichment activities which may further impact commodity prices in Europe and globally. The Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act (PRUI Act), which was signed into law on August 11, 2024, prohibits importation of Russian uranium; however, the Department of Energy can issue waivers (subject to decreasing annual caps) until December 31, 2027 if there is no alternate source of low-enriched uranium available to keep U.S. nuclear reactors operating or is in the national interest. Additionally, passage of the PRUI Act enabled the allocation of $2.72 billion in federal funding to ramp up production of domestic uranium fuel. On November 15, 2024, the Russian Federation temporarily suspended shipments of uranium to the U.S., stating that they would grant future export licenses on a case-by-case basis.

Our 2026 and 2027 refueling plans have not been affected by the Russia and Ukraine conflict, nor have we seen any disruption to the delivery of nuclear fuel impacting our refueling schedules. All nuclear fuel requirements for 2026 and 2027 is onshore and in our inventory. We work with a diverse set of global nuclear fuel cycle suppliers to procure our nuclear fuel years in advance. We have nuclear fuel contracted to support all our refueling needs through 2030 without any additional Russian deliveries. We continue to take affirmative action by building strategic inventory and deploying mitigating strategies in our procurement portfolio to ensure we can secure the nuclear fuel needed to continue to operate our nuclear facilities through potential Russian supply disruption.

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VISTRA CORP.

Noteworthy Developments

Collateral Release

On December 2, 2025, S&P upgraded Vistra Operations' issuer credit rating from BB+ to BBB- and revised its outlook from Positive to Stable, and on March 20, 2026, S&P upgraded the Senior Unsecured Notes rating from BB+ to BBB-. On March 16, 2026, Fitch upgraded Vistra Operations' issuer default rating and the Senior Unsecured Notes rating from BB+ to BBB- and revised its outlook from Positive to Stable. As a result of these investment-grade ratings and the satisfaction of certain other conditions specified in the Vistra Operations Senior Secured Indenture, an investment grade event was deemed to have occurred, and the liens on the collateral securing the Senior Secured Notes were automatically terminated and released in full on April 2, 2026 (Collateral Release).

The Collateral Release represents the elimination of the collateral and related lien provisions under the Vistra Operations Senior Secured Indenture only and did not modify, refinance, extinguish, or otherwise change the outstanding principal amount, maturity, interest rates, or other material terms of the Senior Secured Notes. Following the Collateral Release, the Senior Secured Notes are effectively unsecured and rank pari passu with the Senior Unsecured Notes. The Collateral Release is subject to reversion if the applicable rating agencies withdraw the investment-grade ratings or downgrade the ratings below investment grade, subject to a 60-day grace period.

Additionally, Vistra Operations repaid $2.444 billion in outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan B-3 facility in April 2026, and in coordination with the investment-grade ratings, met the collateral suspension provisions of the Vistra Operations Credit Agreement and Commodity-Linked Credit Agreement releasing all liens securing the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities and the Vistra Operations Commodity-Linked Credit Facility (Credit Facility Collateral Suspension). The Credit Facility Collateral Suspension is subject to reversion if the applicable rating agencies withdraw the investment-grade ratings or downgrade the ratings below investment grade, subject to a 60-day grace period.

PJM Nuclear Power Purchase Agreements and Uprates

In January 2026, Vistra announced it had entered into 20-year PPAs with Meta, pursuant to which the Company has agreed to supply Meta with a total of 2,609 MW of carbon-free power and capacity from the Company's PJM nuclear power plants as follows:

•1,268 MW of energy and capacity from Perry and 908 MW of energy and capacity from Davis-Besse; and

•213 MW of uprate energy and capacity from Perry, 80 MW of uprate energy and capacity from Davis-Besse, and 140 MW of uprate energy and capacity from Beaver Valley.

Under the terms of the PPAs, the Company anticipates commencing delivery on a portion of the operating energy and capacity in late 2026 and full delivery of the operating energy and capacity by year end 2027. Additionally, the Company anticipates commencing delivery on a portion of the uprate energy and capacity by 2031 and full delivery of the uprate energy and capacity by year end 2034. To achieve the uprates, the Company expects to incur capital expenditures commencing in 2026 and extending through 2034, with less than 20% of the aggregate spend projected to occur by year end 2028. The timing and amount of our planned uprate expenditures will depend on a range of factors, including regulatory approvals, engineering evaluations and capital allocation decisions.

Cogentrix Transaction

On December 31, 2025, Vistra executed definitive agreements to acquire Cogentrix Energy which consists of 10 modern natural gas generation facilities totaling approximately 5,500 MW of capacity (Cogentrix Transaction). The facilities include three combined cycle gas turbine facilities and two combustion turbine facilities located across PJM, four combined cycle gas turbine facilities in ISO-NE, and one cogeneration facility in ERCOT.

Aggregate consideration at closing will consist of approximately (i) $2.3 billion in cash, net of adjustments for the assumption of an estimated $1.5 billion of outstanding indebtedness of Cogentrix as of the closing date, and (ii) 5,000,000 shares of Vistra common stock, par value $0.01, to be issued to the seller, at a mutually agreed-upon value of $185 per share.

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VISTRA CORP.

Consummation of the Cogentrix Transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of all requisite regulatory approvals, including approvals of FERC and the expiration or termination of all applicable waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. The Cogentrix Transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026.

Lotus Acquisition

On October 22, 2025, pursuant to a purchase and sale agreement dated May 15, 2025, Vistra Operations acquired 100% of the membership interests of certain subsidiaries of Lotus (Lotus Acquisition). The Lotus Acquisition resulted in the addition of seven natural gas generation facilities totaling 2,600 MW in Delaware and Pennsylvania (PJM), Rhode Island (ISO-NE), New York (NYISO), and California (CAISO), further geographically diversifying Vistra's natural gas fleet.

The aggregate purchase price consisted of a base purchase price of $1.9 billion, subject to certain customary adjustments, including the acquired companies' working capital, cash, indebtedness, and certain other adjustments. Vistra Operations funded the Lotus Acquisition with a combination of cash and the assumption of the acquired companies' indebtedness which consisted of a senior secured credit facility, including an existing term loan with approximately $800 million principal outstanding, which reduced the cash consideration payable at closing. Cash consideration payable at closing, excluding adjustments for the acquired companies' working capital, cash, and certain other adjustments of $137 million, was $1.1 billion. See Note 2 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Comanche Peak Power Purchase Agreement

In September 2025, Vistra announced that we entered into a 20-year PPA (with options to extend for up to an additional 20 years) with AWS, pursuant to which we agreed to supply AWS 1,200 MW of carbon-free power from the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant. Vistra anticipates power delivery to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027 and ramp to full capacity by 2032.

Nuclear Plant License Renewal

In July 2025, our application for license renewal at our Perry Nuclear Plant was approved by the NRC. The license now extends through 2046.

OBBBA and CAMT

In July 2025, the legislation known as the OBBBA was signed into law and we have accounted for the effects in our consolidated financial statements. Key changes include the immediate expensing of domestic research and development costs, the reinstatement of 100% bonus depreciation, and increases in the limitation of interest deductibility. Certain provisions of the OBBBA will change the timing of cash tax payments in the current fiscal year and future year periods, however the legislation did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. We do not expect Vistra to be subject to the corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) in the 2026 tax year. We have taken the CAMT and forecasted OBBBA impacts into account when fore

[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]

Latest 10-K MD&A

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Published MD&A gate trimmed front/tail over-capture. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2026-02-27. Report date: 2025-12-31.

Item 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION, AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition, and Results of Operations in our 2024 Form 10-K for a discussion of our financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 and for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, which is incorporated here by reference.

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VISTRA CORP.

Key Financial Results

The following are financial and operating highlights we achieved in the execution of our four strategic priorities:

Long-term, attractive earnings profile through the integrated business model.

•We continued to execute our integrated business model, delivering strong operational and financial performance while responding effectively to market opportunities. Our ability to combine a diversified and dependable generation fleet with a scaled retail platform and disciplined wholesale risk management capabilities remains a core competitive advantage and supports more stable and predictable cash flows across commodity price cycles.

•Long-term contracts entered in 2025 underwrite higher base profitability in the future.

◦In September 2025, we announced that we had entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) (with options to extend for up to an additional 20 years) with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to supply 1,200 MW of carbon-free power from our Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant. We anticipate power delivery to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027 and ramp to full capacity by 2032.

◦In January 2026, we announced that we had entered into 20-year PPAs with Meta Platforms, Inc. (Meta) to supply 2,609 MW of carbon-free power and capacity from our PJM nuclear power plants, including 2,176 MW of operating energy and capacity and 433 of uprate energy and capacity to be constructed. We anticipate commencing delivery on a portion of the operating energy and capacity in late 2026 and full delivery by year end 2027. We anticipate commencing delivery on a portion of the uprate energy and capacity by 2031 and full delivery by year end 2034.

Disciplined capital allocation.

•Executed disciplined capital allocation through targeted natural gas expansion, including the development of an 860 MW facility in West Texas and the acquisition of 2,600 MW of natural gas generation capacity from Lotus.

•In December 2025, we executed definitive agreements to acquire Cogentrix Energy, consisting of 10 natural gas generation facilities totaling approximately 5,500 MW of capacity. The transaction is expected to close in mid-to-late 2026.

•During the year ended December 31, 2025, we paid dividends to common stockholders totaling $306 million.

•In October 2025, the Board authorized an incremental amount of $1.0 billion under our stock repurchase program established in October 2021. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we repurchased 6.6 million shares for approximately $1.0 billion under the program. Through February 18, 2026, total shares repurchased under the program totaled 167 million shares for $5.9 billion, and we have $1.8 billion available for additional repurchases under the program.

•In December 2025, S&P raised its issuer credit rating on Vistra to investment grade from BB+ to BBB-.

Maintaining a resilient balance sheet.

•We further diversified our sources of liquidity and improved associated borrowing costs and credit terms through a number of enhancements and amendments to our facilities throughout the year, including (i) extending the maturity of the Commodity-Linked Facility to September 2026, (ii) increasing the commitment cap under the alternative letter of credit facility from $500 million to $800 million, and (iii) expanding and extending the Receivables Facility purchase limit by $100 million and extended the term to July 2026.

•In October 2025, we issued $750 million of 4.300% senior secured notes due 2028, $500 million of 4.600% senior secured notes due 2030, and $750 million of 5.250% senior secured notes due 2035. The net proceeds from these issuances were used to refinance senior unsecured debt maturities in September 2026 and for general corporate purposes, including to fund a portion of the Lotus Acquisition.

Strategic energy transition focused on the reliability, affordability, and sustainability of electric grid.

•Planned uprates at the Company's operating Perry Nuclear Power Plant (Perry), Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Plant (Davis-Besse), and Beaver Valley Nuclear Power Plant (Beaver Valley) would add 433 MW of incremental carbon-free nuclear energy and capacity to the PJM region commencing delivery on a portion of the uprate energy and capacity by 2031 and full delivery of the uprate energy and capacity by year end 2034.

•We reached commercial operations at the Oak Hill solar facility in Texas totaling 200 MW of capacity and continued development and construction activities on additional facilities at retired or to-be-retired plant sites in Illinois.

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VISTRA CORP.

•We announced plans to repower the Coleto Creek and Miami Fort coal generation facilities as natural gas-fueled facilities upon their retirement no later than 2027 and the middle of 2028, respectively.

Business Environment and Outlook

Electricity Demand

Electricity demand drivers including the rise of large scale data centers, the electrification of oil field operations, and electric vehicle load building are contributing to a projected fast paced load growth in the regions we serve. Our integrated retail electricity and power generation operations allows us to quickly respond to electricity demand changes. To support growing demand from large‑scale electricity consumers, we continue to engage in discussions with various counterparties regarding the potential long-term sale of power from our generation facilities, and we are progressing a series of development initiatives across our generation portfolio, including nuclear uprates and other capacity expansions.

Supply Chain Constraints

Our industry continues to face ongoing supply chain constraints and labor shortages, which have reduced the availability of essential equipment and supplies for constructing new generation facilities, increased the lead times for procuring materials, and raised labor costs associated with maintaining our natural gas, nuclear, and coal fleet.

We are proactively managing these constraints by continuously re-evaluating the business cases and timing of our planned development projects. This has led to the deferral or abandonment of some planned capital expenditures for our solar and battery projects and could impact the economic feasibility of additional projects in our new generation development pipeline. We are engaging with suppliers to secure key materials needed to maintain our existing generation facilities before future planned outages.

Russia/Ukraine Conflict

We are closely monitoring developments in the Russia and Ukraine conflict, specifically sanctions (or potential sanctions) against Russian energy exports and Russian nuclear fuel supply and enrichment activities, and actions by Russia to limit energy deliveries, which may further impact commodity prices in Europe and globally. The Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act (PRUI Act), which was signed into law on August 11, 2024, prohibits importation of Russian uranium; however, the DOE can issue waivers (subject to decreasing annual caps) until December 31, 2027 if there is no alternate source of low-enriched uranium available to keep U.S. nuclear reactors operating or is in the national interest. Additionally, passage of the PRUI Act enabled the allocation of $2.72 billion in federal funding to ramp up production of domestic uranium fuel. On November 15, 2024, the Russian Federation temporarily suspended shipments of uranium to the U.S., stating that they would grant future export licenses on a case-by-case basis.

Our 2026 refueling plans have not been affected by the Russia and Ukraine conflict, nor have we seen any disruption to the delivery of nuclear fuel impacting our refueling schedules. All nuclear fuel requirements for 2026 are either in inventory or are onshore. We work with a diverse set of global nuclear fuel cycle suppliers to procure our nuclear fuel years in advance. We have nuclear fuel contracted to support all our refueling needs through 2030 without any additional Russian deliveries. We continue to take affirmative action by building strategic inventory and deploying mitigating strategies in our procurement portfolio to ensure we can secure the nuclear fuel needed to continue to operate our nuclear facilities through potential Russian supply disruption.

Noteworthy Developments

PJM Nuclear Power Purchase Agreements and Uprates

In January 2026, Vistra announced it had entered into 20-year PPAs with Meta, pursuant to which the Company has agreed to supply Meta with a total of 2,609 MW of carbon-free power and capacity from the Company's PJM nuclear power plants as follows:

•1,268 MW of energy and capacity from Perry and 908 MW of energy and capacity from Davis-Besse; and

•213 MW of uprate energy and capacity from Perry, 80 MW of uprate energy and capacity from Davis-Besse, and 140 MW of uprate energy and capacity from Beaver Valley.

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VISTRA CORP.

Under the terms of the PPAs, the Company anticipates commencing delivery on a portion of the operating energy and capacity in late 2026 and full delivery of the operating energy and capacity by year end 2027. Additionally, the Company anticipates commencing delivery on a portion of the uprate energy and capacity by 2031 and full delivery of the uprate energy and capacity by year end 2034. To achieve the uprates, the Company expects to incur capital expenditures commencing in 2026 and extending through 2034, with less than 20% of the aggregate spend projected to occur by year end 2028. The timing and amount of our planned uprate expenditures will depend on a range of factors, including regulatory approvals, engineering evaluations and capital allocation decisions.

Cogentrix Transaction

On December 31, 2025, Vistra executed definitive agreements to acquire Cogentrix Energy which consists of 10 modern natural gas generation facilities totaling approximately 5,500 MW of capacity (Cogentrix Transaction). The facilities include three combined cycle gas turbine facilities and two combustion turbine facilities located across PJM, four combined cycle gas turbine facilities in ISO-NE, and one cogeneration facility in ERCOT.

Aggregate consideration at closing will consist of approximately (i) $2.3 billion in cash, net of adjustments for the assumption of an estimated $1.5 billion of outstanding indebtedness of Cogentrix as of the closing date, and (ii) 5,000,000 shares of Vistra common stock, par value $0.01, to be issued to the seller, at a mutually agreed-upon value of $185 per share.

Consummation of the Cogentrix Transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of all requisite regulatory approvals, including approvals of FERC and the expiration or termination of all applicable waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. The Cogentrix Transaction is expected to close in mid-to-late 2026.

Lotus Acquisition

On October 22, 2025, pursuant to a purchase and sale agreement dated May 15, 2025, Vistra Operations acquired 100% of the membership interests of certain subsidiaries of Lotus (Lotus Acquisition). The Lotus Acquisition resulted in the addition of seven natural gas generation facilities totaling 2,600 MW in Delaware and Pennsylvania (PJM), Rhode Island (ISO-NE), New York (NYISO), and California (CAISO), further geographically diversifying Vistra's natural gas fleet.

The aggregate purchase price consisted of a base purchase price of $1.9 billion, subject to certain customary adjustments, including the acquired companies' working capital, cash, indebtedness, and certain other adjustments. Vistra Operations funded the Lotus Acquisition with a combination of cash and the assumption of the acquired companies' indebtedness which consisted of a senior secured credit facility, including an existing term loan with approximately $800 million principal outstanding, which reduced the cash consideration payable at closing. Cash consideration payable at closing, excluding adjustments for the acquired companies' working capital, cash, and certain other adjustments, was $1.1 billion. See Note 2 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Comanche Peak Power Purchase Agreement

In September 2025, Vistra announced that it had entered into a 20-year PPA (with options to extend for up to an additional 20 years) with AWS, pursuant to which we have agreed to supply to AWS 1,200 MW of carbon-free power from the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant. Vistra anticipates power delivery to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027 and ramp to full capacity by 2032.

Nuclear Plant License Renewal

In July 2025, our application for license renewal at our Perry Nuclear Plant was approved by the NRC. The license now extends through 2046.

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VISTRA CORP.

OBBBA and CAMT

In July 2025, the legislation known as the OBBBA was signed into law and we have accounted for the effects in our consolidated financial statements. Key changes include the immediate expensing of domestic research and development costs, the reinstatement of 100% bonus depreciation, and increases in the limitation of interest deductibility. Certain provisions of the OBBBA will change the timing of cash tax payments in the current fiscal year and future year periods, however the legislation did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. We do not expect Vistra to be subject to the corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) in the 2025 tax year as it applies only to corporations with a three-year average annual adjusted financial statement income in excess of $1 billion. We have taken the CAMT and forecasted OBBBA impacts into account when forecasting cash taxes.

Moss Landing 300 Incident

On January 16, 2025, we detected a fire at our Moss Landing 300 MW energy storage facility at the Moss Landing Power Plant site (the Moss Landing Incident) that resulted in ceasing operations at all facilities at the Moss Landing complex until the fire was contained. No injuries occurred due to the fire or the Company's response. The Moss Landing complex includes two other battery facilities and a gas plant. The gas plant returned to service in February 2025. The Moss Landing 350 MW battery facility has a net book value of approximately $320 million as of December 31, 2025. We are working towards a return to service in mid-2026, but we will continue to evaluate our restart plans following completion of our investigation into the cause of the fire. After further consideration, management determined it would not return the Moss Landing 100 MW battery to service.

As a result of the damage caused by the Moss Landing Incident, during the three months ended March 31, 2025, we wrote-off the net book value of Moss Landing 300 of approximately $400 million to depreciation expense and moved the asset to the Asset Closure segment as we have no plans to return the Moss Landing 300 facility to operations. See Notes 7 and 21 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

As a result of the decision to not return the Moss Landing 100 MW battery to service, we performed an assessment of the recoverability of the facility's carrying value and, during the three months ended December 31, 2025, we recognized an impairment loss of approximately $155 million and moved the asset to the Asset Closure segment (see Notes 7 and 21 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

In July 2025, we entered into an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent (ASAOC) with the EPA related to the Moss Landing 300 site. Under the ASAOC, we are required to perform specific battery removal and remediation activities, including battery removal and disposal, building demolition, and air and water monitoring. We estimate the total cost of these activities to be approximately $110 million. We have incurred expenses of approximately $49 million on ASAOC activities through December 31, 2025. As of December 31, 2025, our accrual for estimated future costs for the ASAOC activities is approximately $61 million, which is reflected in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. This estimate assumes the ASAOC activities will be completed by the end of 2026. Aside from battery removal and disposal, our estimate does not reflect costs associated with removal of other hazardous waste that could be identified as the demolition progresses as we are unable to estimate such costs until sampling of waste material is complete. We will account for any adjustments to the accrual as a change in estimate in the period new information becomes available.

Additional impacts from the Moss Landing Incident include loss of revenue from the facilities being offline and may include litigation costs, other negotiated settlements of contracts with counterparties, and additional non-cash impairment losses. We are currently unable to estimate the full impact the Moss Landing Incident will have on us as our estimate will evolve as demolition progresses. See Note 18 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

We have filed insurance claims against applicable insurance policies with combined business interruption and property loss limits of $500 million, net of deductibles, of which approximately $500 million has been collected through February 2026. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for additional information. While we expect future revenues in the West segment to decrease relative to 2024 revenues with the Moss Landing 300 and 100 MW battery facilities not returning to service, given the uncertainty in the timing of the restart of the Moss Landing 350 MW battery facility and additional expenses that could be incurred related to the Moss Landing Incident, we cannot predict the full impact this event will have on our 2026 financial statements.

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Martin Lake Unit 1 Incident

On November 27, 2024, we experienced a fire at Unit 1 of our Martin Lake facility in ERCOT (the Martin Lake Incident), an 815 MW unit. We wrote-off the unit's net book value of less than $1 million to depreciation expense in December 2024. The unit returned to service in February 2026. We estimate total cash capital expenditures required to restore the unit to service was approximately $384 million, of which approximately $271 million in cash capital expenditures have been incurred as of December 31, 2025.

We expect to recover a majority of the expenditures associated with the Martin Lake Incident through property damage insurance and to receive additional business interruption proceeds. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for additional information. Given uncertainty in timing of remaining insurance recoveries, we cannot predict the full impacts this event will have on our 2026 financial statements.

Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interest

On September 18, 2024 (the UPA Transaction Date), Vistra Operations and Vistra Vision Holdings I LLC, an indirect subsidiary of Vistra Operations (Vistra Vision Holdings), entered into separate Unit Purchase Agreements (as amended, the UPAs) with each of Nuveen and Avenue, pursuant to which Vistra Vision Holdings agreed to purchase each of Nuveen's and Avenue's combined 15% noncontrolling interest in Vistra Vision for approximately $3.2 billion in cash (collectively, the Transaction). The Transaction closed on December 31, 2024 (the Closing Date) and Vistra Vision Holdings now owns 100% of the equity interests in Vistra Vision. See Notes 2 and 11 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Planned Gas-Fueled Dispatchable Power in ERCOT

In May 2024, we announced our intention to add up to 2,000 MW of dispatchable, natural gas-fueled electricity capacity in west, central, and north Texas consisting of the following projects:

•Building up to 860 MW of advanced simple-cycle peaking plants to be located in west Texas to support the increasing power needs of the region, including the state's oil and gas industry.

•Repowering the coal-fueled Coleto Creek Power Plant near Goliad, Texas, set to retire in 2027 to comply with EPA rules, as a natural-gas fueled plant with up to 600 MW of capacity.

•Completing upgrades at existing natural gas-fueled plants that will add more than 500 MW of summer capacity and 100 MW of winter capacity.

In July 2024, we filed applications with the PUCT under the Texas Energy Fund loan program seeking financing for the 860 MW of new advanced simple-cycle peaking plants referenced above. Both projects were selected for due diligence as part of the Texas Energy Fund loan program. An invitation to due diligence does not mean an applicant is awarded a loan. Due diligence is progressing and we are in the final stages.

In September 2025, we announced we will move forward with construction of the 860 MW peaking plants discussed above. Early development work is underway, and we anticipate the units will be online in 2028.

Merger with Energy Harbor

On March 1, 2024 (Merger Date), pursuant to a transaction agreement dated March 6, 2023, (i) Vistra Operations transferred certain of its subsidiary entities into Vistra Vision, (ii) Black Pen Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Vistra, merged with and into Energy Harbor, (iii) Energy Harbor became a wholly owned subsidiary of Vistra Vision, and (iv) affiliates of Nuveen and Avenue exchanged a portion of the Energy Harbor shares held by Nuveen and Avenue for a 15% equity interest of Vistra Vision (collectively, Energy Harbor Merger). The Energy Harbor Merger combined Energy Harbor's and Vistra's nuclear and retail businesses and certain Vistra Zero renewables and energy storage facilities to provide diversification and scale across multiple carbon-free technologies (dispatchable and renewables/storage) and the retail business. The cash consideration for Energy Harbor Merger was funded by Vistra Operations using a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under the Commodity-Linked Facility, the Receivables Facility and the Repurchase Facility. See Note 2 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

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VISTRA CORP.

Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA)

In August 2022, the U.S. enacted the IRA, which, among other things, implements substantial new and modified energy tax credits, including recognizing the value of existing carbon-free nuclear power by providing for a nuclear PTC, a solar PTC, new technology-neutral ITCs and PTCs that apply to various different clean energy technologies, and a first-time stand-alone battery storage ITC. The IRA also implements a 15% corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) on book income of certain large corporations, and a 1% excise tax on net stock repurchases. The section 45U nuclear PTC is available to existing nuclear facilities from 2024 through 2032 and provides a federal tax credit of up to $15 per MWh, subject to phase out when annual gross receipts are between $25.00 per MWh and 43.75 per MWh and $26.00 per MWh and $44.75 per MWh for 2024 and 2025, respectively (each subject to annual inflation adjustments). The Company accounts for transferable ITCs and PTCs we expect to receive by analogy to ASC 832, Government Grants as amended by Accounting Standards Update 2025-10 (ASC 832). As discussed in Note 5, we recognized transferable nuclear PTC revenues of $220 million and $545 million in the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. U.S. Treasury regulations are expected to further define the scope of the legislation in many important respects, including interpretive guidance on the definition of gross receipts for the nuclear PTC. Any interpretive guidance on the definition of gross receipts that differs from the interpretation used in our estimates could result in a material change to PTC revenues recorded in 2024 and 2025 and would be reflected as a change in estimate in the period in which the guidance is received.

Factors Affecting Our Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Commodity Prices

The price of electricity has a significant impact on our operating revenues and purchased power costs. Electricity prices are typically set by the cost to fuel a generation facility and the amount of fuel needed to generate one unit of electricity (Heat Rate) from the generation facility. Market Heat Rate is the implied relationship between wholesale electricity prices and the commodity price of the marginal supplier (generally natural gas plants).

Wholesale electricity prices generally move with natural gas prices, except in certain circumstances, such as when ERCOT power prices increase significantly during extreme weather events due to generation scarcity. Because natural gas prices are volatile, the operating costs of our natural gas‑fueled generation facilities can also be volatile. While changes in natural gas prices do not materially affect the cost of generation at our nuclear‑, lignite‑, and coal‑fueled facilities, such changes generally influence electricity prices and, therefore, the operating margins of these facilities. Other factors that may affect electricity prices include fuel costs, regional generation supply, weather conditions, competitive dynamics, emerging technologies, and macroeconomic and regulatory developments.

The wholesale market price of electricity divided by the market price of natural gas represents the Market Heat Rate. Market Heat Rate can be affected by a number of factors, including generation availability, mix of assets and the efficiency of the marginal supplier (generally natural gas-fueled generation facilities) in generating electricity. Our Market Heat Rate exposure is impacted by changes in the availability of generation resources, such as additions and retirements of generation facilities, and mix of generation assets. For example, increasing renewable (wind and solar) generation capacity generally depresses Market Heat Rates, particularly during periods when total demand is relatively low. However, increasing penetration of renewable generation capacity may also contribute to greater volatility of wholesale market prices independent of changes in the price of natural gas, given their intermittent nature.

Due to our exposure to variability in natural gas prices and Market Heat Rates, retail sales and hedging activities are critical to our operating results and cash flow stability. Our integrated power generation and retail electricity business provides flexibility to hedge our generation position by utilizing retail markets as an effective sales channel. As we entered the 2025 and 2024 calendar years, substantially all of our expected generation volumes were hedged. This disciplined hedging strategy supports margin protection and contributes to more stable and predictable earnings.

As a result of our hedging strategy, the net income of our segments can be significantly impacted by changes in unrealized gains and losses on commodity derivative instruments which are driven by changes in forward power prices. When power prices increase or decrease compared to what our generation segments have sold forward, the generation segments recognize unrealized losses or gains, respectively. Conversely, the retail segment, which procures power from the generation segments to meet future load obligations, experiences an inverse effect on unrealized mark-to-market valuations compared to the generation segments.

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The below tables summarize the average around the clock settled prices for the periods presented and does not necessarily reflect prices we realized or costs incurred by us.

Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2025202420252024
Average Power Price ($/MWh):Average Natural gas price ($/MMBtu):
ERCOT North Hub$32.01$25.89NYMEX Henry Hub$3.53$2.25
ERCOT West Hub$32.87$27.45Houston Ship Channel$3.01$1.87
PJM AEP Dayton Hub$45.13$30.74Permian Basin$0.62$0.08
PJM Northern Illinois Hub$36.65$25.46Dominion South$2.78$1.67
PJM Western Hub$50.25$33.83Tetco ELA$3.30$2.08
MISO Indiana Hub$43.73$31.36Chicago Citygate$3.25$2.12
ISONE Massachusetts Hub$67.86$41.47TetcoM3$3.69$2.07
New York Zone A$52.88$32.66Algonquin Citygates$6.23$3.03
CAISO NP15$38.22$40.67PG&E Citygate$3.39$3.09

Estimated hedging levels for generation volumes in our Texas, East and West segments as of December 31, 2025 were as follows:

20262027
Nuclear/Renewable/Coal Generation:
Texas100%100%
East89%65%
Natural Gas Generation:
Texas92%43%
East98%72%
West100%42%

Seasonality

The demand for and market prices of electricity and natural gas are affected by weather. As a result, our operating results are impacted by extreme or sustained weather conditions and may fluctuate on a seasonal basis. Typically, demand for and the price of electricity is higher in the summer and winter seasons, when the temperatures are more extreme, and the demand for and price of natural gas is also generally higher in the winter. More severe weather conditions such as heat waves or extreme winter weather have made, and may make, such fluctuations more pronounced. The pattern of this fluctuation may change depending on, among other things, the retail load served and the terms of contracts to purchase or sell electricity.

To illustrate the impact of weather variability on our operating results, the following table presents cooling and heating degree days relative to normal levels by segment in 2025 and 2024.

Year Ended December 31,
RetailTexasEastWest
20252024202520242025202420252024
Weather - percent of normal (a):
Cooling degree days104%112%108%112%94%103%88%90%
Heating degree days94%78%99%77%104%88%113%119%

____________

(a)Reflects cooling degree or heating degree days based on Weather Services International (WSI) data. A degree day compares the average of the hourly outdoor temperatures during each day to a 65° Fahrenheit base temperature. Retail amounts represent weather data for the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

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VISTRA CORP.

Capacity Markets

PJM, NYISO, ISO-NE, MISO and CAISO ensure long-term grid reliability through monthly, semiannual, annual, and multi-year capacity auctions or bilateral transactions where power suppliers commit to making the generation resources available to the ISO as needed for a specific time period. We participate in these capacity market auctions and also enter into bilateral capacity sales, and a portion of our East, and West segment revenues are impacted by the capacity auction results or bilateral contracts. The following information summarizes the auction pricing for zones in which we operate as well as our capacity auction and bilateral capacity sales by planning period. Performance incentive rules increase capacity payments for those resources that are providing excess energy or reserves during a shortage event, while penalizing those that produce less than the required level.

PJM

Reliability Pricing Model (RPM) auction results, for the zones in which our assets are located, are as follows for each planning year:

2025-20262026-20272027-2028
(average price per MW-day)
RTO zone$269.92$329.17$333.44
ComEd zone269.92329.17333.44
MAAC zone269.92329.17333.44
EMAAC zone269.92329.17333.44
ATSI zone269.92329.17333.44
DEOK zone269.92329.17333.44
DOM zone444.26329.17333.44

Our auction and bilateral capacity sales in PJM, net of purchases, aggregated by planning year through planning year 2027-2028, are as follows:

East Segment
2025-20262026-20272027-2028
Capacity sold, net (MW)11,25911,52710,566

NYISO

The most recent seasonal auction results for NYISO's Rest-of-State zones, in which the capacity for our Independence plant clears, are as follows for each planning period:

Winter 2025 - 2026
Price per kW-month$2.71

Due to the short-term, seasonal nature of the NYISO capacity auctions, we monetize the majority of our capacity through bilateral trades. Our auction and bilateral capacity sales, aggregated by season through winter 2027-2028, are as follows:

East Segment
Winter 2025 - 2026Summer 2026Winter 2026 - 2027Summer 2027Winter 2027 - 2028
Capacity sold (MW)90929617419575

ISO-NE

The most recent Forward Capacity Auction results for ISO-NE Rest-of-Pool, in which most of our assets are located, are as follows for each planning year:

2025-20262026-20272027-2028
Price per kW-month$2.59$2.59$3.58

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VISTRA CORP.

We continue to market and pursue longer term multi-year capacity transactions that extend through planning year 2027-2028.

East Segment
2025-20262026-20272027-2028
Capacity sold (MW)3,4533,5003,750

MISO

The capacity auction results for MISO Local Resource Zone 4, in which our assets are located, are as follows for each planning year:

2025-2026
Price per kW-month$6.60

MISO auction and bilateral capacity sales through planning year 2028-2029 are as follows:

East Segment
2025-20262026-20272027-20282028-2029
Capacity sold (MW)1,7101,4182395

CAISO

Our capacity sales as part of the California Public Utilities Commission Resource Adequacy (RA) Program in California, aggregated by calendar year for 2026 through 2029 for Moss Landing, are as follows:

West Segment
2026202720282029
Bilateral capacity sold (Avg MW)1,4151,265350350

Results of Operations

The tables and discussion that follows present period‑over‑period changes in our results of operations and highlight the primary drivers of those variances for the periods presented.

In analyzing and planning for our business, we supplement our use of GAAP financial measures with non-GAAP financial measures, including EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as performance measures. These non-GAAP financial measures reflect an additional way of viewing aspects of our business that, when viewed (i) with our GAAP results and (ii) the accompanying reconciliations to corresponding GAAP financial measures may provide a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our business. Because EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are financial measures that management uses to allocate resources, determine our ability to fund capital expenditures, assess performance against our peers, and evaluate overall financial performance, we believe they provide useful information for investors.

These non-GAAP financial measures should not be relied upon to the exclusion of GAAP financial measures and are, by definition, an incomplete understanding of Vistra and must be considered in conjunction with GAAP measures. In addition, non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized; therefore, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies' non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. We strongly encourage investors to review the consolidated financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety and not rely on any single financial measure.

When EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA is discussed in reference to performance on a consolidated basis, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is Net income (loss).

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Consolidated Results of Operations

The following table presents Net income (loss), EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:

Year Ended December 31, 2025
RetailTexasEastWestAsset ClosureEliminations / Corporate and OtherVistra Consolidated
(in millions)
Operating revenues$14,340$5,353$6,174$325$74$(8,528)$17,738
Fuel, purchased power costs, and delivery fees(11,686)(1,990)(3,807)(149)8,531(9,101)
Operating costs(168)(1,050)(1,381)(59)(154)9(2,803)
Depreciation and amortization(94)(638)(1,120)(61)2(75)(1,986)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses(1,035)(180)(235)(14)(66)(184)(1,714)
Impairment of long-lived assets(68)(5)(155)(228)
Operating income (loss)1,3571,427(374)42(299)(247)1,906
Other income, net1242345247394
Interest expense and related charges(67)53507(4)(1,218)(1,179)
Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement22
Income (loss) before income taxes1,2901,604(90)54(279)(1,456)1,123
Income tax expense(1)(178)(179)
Net income (loss)$1,290$1,604$(91)$54$(279)$(1,634)$944
Income tax expense1178179
Interest expense and related charges (a)67(53)(50)(7)41,2181,179
Depreciation and amortization (b)947711,47461(2)752,473
EBITDA before Adjustments1,4512,3221,334108(277)(163)4,775
Unrealized net (gain) loss resulting from commodity hedging transactions148(479)1,013128(2)808
Purchase accounting impacts1713351
Non-cash compensation expenses113113
Transition and merger expenses6(1)36775
Impairment of long-lived assets685155228
Insurance income (c)(120)(71)(191)
Decommissioning-related activities (d)15(127)11165
ERP system implementation expenses334111
Other, net(3)251774(87)(37)
Adjusted EBITDA$1,622$1,834$2,282$244$(74)$(70)$5,838

____________

(a)Corporate and Other includes $67 million of unrealized mark-to-market net losses on interest rate swaps.

(b)Includes nuclear fuel amortization of $133 million and $354 million, respectively, in the Texas and East segments.

(c)Includes involuntary conversion gain recognized from Martin Lake Incident property damage insurance in the Texas segment and revenues from Moss Landing Incident business interruption proceeds in the Asset Closure segment.

(d)Represents net of all NDT (income) loss of the PJM nuclear facilities and all ARO and environmental remediation expenses and other expenses associated with the Moss Landing Incident.

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Year Ended December 31, 2024
RetailTexasEastWestAsset ClosureEliminations / Corporate and OtherVistra Consolidated
(in millions)
Operating revenues$12,797$5,394$5,661$839$39$(7,506)$17,224
Fuel, purchased power costs, and delivery fees(10,276)(1,596)(2,698)(218)(6)7,509(7,285)
Operating costs(159)(996)(1,103)(52)(101)(3)(2,414)
Depreciation and amortization(114)(581)(996)(58)(28)(66)(1,843)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses(977)(169)(148)(20)(48)(239)(1,601)
Operating income (loss)1,2712,052716491(144)(305)4,081
Other income, net(1)35177(6)1769291
Interest expense and related charges(54)4691(4)(898)(900)
Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement(5)(5)
Income (loss) before income taxes1,2162,133902486(131)(1,139)3,467
Income tax expense(655)(655)
Net income (loss)$1,216$2,133$902$486$(131)$(1,794)$2,812
Income tax expense655655
Interest expense and related charges (a)54(46)(9)(1)4898900
Depreciation and amortization (b)1146861,2785828662,230
EBITDA before Adjustments1,3842,7732,171543(99)(175)6,597
Unrealized net (gain) loss resulting from commodity hedging transactions52(790)(76)(332)(9)(1,155)
Purchase accounting impacts1(12)(14)(25)
Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement (c)(5)(5)
Non-cash compensation expenses100100
Transition and merger expenses2122111136
Decommissioning-related activities (d)26(91)2(63)
ERP system implementation expenses8751223
Other, net1714(2)112(111)(69)
Adjusted EBITDA$1,463$2,032$2,017$225$(104)$(94)$5,539

____________

(a)Corporate and Other includes $53 million of unrealized mark-to-market net gains on interest rate swaps.

(b)Includes nuclear fuel amortization of $105 million and $282 million, respectively, in the Texas and East segments.

(c)Includes $10 million gain recognized on the repurchase of TRA Rights.

(d)Represents net of all NDT (income) loss, ARO accretion expense for operating assets, and ARO remeasurement impacts for operating assets.

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VISTRA CORP.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024 decreased by $1.868 billion. Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024 increased by $299 million. The primary drivers for the decrease in net income and the increase in Adjusted EBITDA include:

Year Ended December 31, 2025 Compared to 2024
(in millions)
Favorable change in realized revenue net of fuel driven primarily by a full year of Energy Harbor results and higher realized energy and capacity prices partially offset by a decrease in nuclear PTC revenue and a decrease in energy revenues due to the Martin Lake Incident$468
Higher retail margins driven by strong counts and one-time gains from supply cost management169
Favorable change in retail customer consumption primarily due to weather48
Increase in plant operating costs due primarily to inclusion of a full year of Energy Harbor results(267)
Increase in SG&A and other primarily due to inclusion of a full year of Energy Harbor results and higher technology costs(119)
Change in Adjusted EBITDA$299
Change in depreciation and amortization, including nuclear fuel amortization, driven primarily by a full year of Energy Harbor assets in East(243)
Change in unrealized net gain (loss) resulting from commodity hedging transactions(1,963)
Impairment of long-lived assets(228)
Increase in insurance income191
Decommissioning-related activities(68)
Other (including interest expense and income tax expense)144
Change in Net income$(1,868)

Results of Operations by Segment

The following section presents the results of operations and net income of Vistra's reportable business segments. See Note 21 of the Financial Statements for a discussion of the Company's segments as defined under the accounting standards for segment reporting.

Retail

Year Ended December 31,
20252024
(in millions)
Net income$1,290$1,216
Adjusted EBITDA$1,622$1,463
Retail electricity sales volumes (GWh):
Sales volumes in ERCOT79,16574,295
Sales volumes in Northeast/Midwest59,97459,066
Total retail electricity sales volumes139,139133,361

Retail net income increased due to higher retail margins driven by strong counts and one-time gains from supply cost management and an increase in customer consumption primarily due to weather, partially offset by a $96 million increase in unrealized mark-to-market losses on commodity derivative positions.

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VISTRA CORP.

Texas

Year Ended December 31,
20252024
(in millions)
Net income$1,604$2,133
Adjusted EBITDA$1,834$2,032
Production volumes (GWh):
Natural gas facilities47,75544,595
Lignite and coal facilities22,67323,307
Nuclear facilities20,05919,670
Solar facilities799757
Capacity factors:
CCGT facilities59.1%58.1%
Lignite and coal facilities53.8%59.0%
Nuclear facilities95.4%93.3%

Texas net income decreased primarily due to a $311 million decrease in unrealized mark-to-market gains on commodity derivative positions, a decrease in energy revenues due to the Martin Lake Incident, a $68 million impairment of long-lived assets related to certain development projects, and a $60 million reduction in nuclear PTC revenue, partially offset by higher realized energy prices and $120 million of involuntary conversion gains on property damage insurance from the Martin Lake Incident.

East

Year Ended December 31,
20252024
(in millions)
Net income (loss)$(91)$902
Adjusted EBITDA$2,282$2,017
Production volumes (GWh):
Natural gas facilities62,87060,279
Lignite and coal facilities19,50516,938
Nuclear facilities32,20326,540
Solar facilities227
Capacity factors:
CCGT facilities63.0%62.0%
Lignite and coal facilities56.7%49.1%
Nuclear facilities90.8%89.3%

East net income decreased primarily due to a $1.1 billion increase in unrealized mark-to-market losses on commodity derivative positions and a $264 million reduction in nuclear PTC revenue, partially offset by inclusion of twelve months of Energy Harbor in 2025 compared to ten months in 2024 and higher realized energy and capacity prices.

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VISTRA CORP.

West

Year Ended December 31,
20252024
(in millions)
Net income$54$486
Adjusted EBITDA$244$225
Production volumes (GWh):
Natural gas facilities2,0924,175
Capacity factors:
CCGT facilities23.0%46.5%

West net income decreased primarily due to a $460 million increase in unrealized mark-to-market losses on commodity derivative positions.

Asset Closure Segment

Year Ended December 31,
20252024
(in millions)
Net loss$(279)$(131)

Asset Closure net loss increased primarily due to a $155 million impairment expense for the Moss Landing 100 MW battery facility and costs associated with the Moss Landing Incident, net of insurance receivables, partially offset by business interruption insurance revenue.

Disaggregated Consolidated Statement of Operations Results

Explanations of variations between periods for selected income statement categories are provided below:

Year Ended December 31,
20252024
(in millions)
Operating revenues$17,738$17,224

Operating revenues increased primarily due to an increase in retail revenue rates, an increase in retail customer consumption primarily due to weather, inclusion of a full year of Energy Harbor retail and wholesale revenues for 2025 compared to ten months in 2024, a $312 million increase in retail transmission charges (offset in fuel, purchased power costs, and delivery fees), and business interruption insurance revenue related to the Martin Lake Incident and Moss Landing Incident, partially offset by an increase of $1.8 billion of unrealized mark-to-market losses on commodity derivative positions and a decrease in nuclear PTC revenues.

Year Ended December 31,
20252024
(in millions)
Fuel, purchased power costs, and delivery fees$(9,101)$(7,285)

Fuel, purchased power costs, and delivery fees increased primarily due to an $1.219 billion increase in realized fuel costs, a $312 million increase in retail transmission charges (offset in operating revenues) and an increase of $184 million in unrealized mark-to-market losses on commodity derivative positions.

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VISTRA CORP.

Year Ended December 31,
20252024
(in millions)
Operating costs$(2,803)$(2,414)

Operating costs increased primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of Energy Harbor operating costs for 2025 compared to 10 months in 2024 of $198 million, higher maintenance and outage costs of $62 million, $77 million in operating costs due to the Moss Landing Incident, net of expected insurance recoveries and higher ARO accretion of $18 million.

Year Ended December 31,
20252024
(in millions)
Depreciation and amortization$(1,986)$(1,843)

Depreciation and amortization increased primarily due to a $50 million increase in depreciation expense due to the inclusion of a full year of Energy Harbor depreciation expense for 2025 compared to 10 months in 2024 and increased capital expenditures in the Texas and East segments.

Year Ended December 31,
20252024
(in millions)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses$(1,714)$(1,601)

Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of Energy Harbor selling, general, and administrative expenses for 2025 compared to 10 months in 2024 and an increase in technology costs.

Year Ended December 31,
20252024
(in millions)
Other income, net$394$291

Other income, net increased primarily due to higher insurance income primarily due to involuntary conversion gains from Martin Lake Incident insurance proceeds and NDT net income, partially offset by lower interest income.

Year Ended December 31,
20252024
(in millions)
Interest expense and related charges$(1,179)$(900)

Interest expense and related charges increased due to higher average borrowings and decrease in unrealized mark-to-market gains on interest rate swaps of $120 million.

Year Ended December 31,
20252024
(in millions)
Income tax expense$(179)$(655)
Effective tax rate15.9%18.9%

Income tax expense decreased due to lower pre-tax book income in 2025 and a lower effective tax rate.

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VISTRA CORP.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of liquidity and capital consist of (i) cash and cash equivalents, (ii) net cash provided by operating activities, (iii) available capacity under our credit facilities, and (iv) access to the debt and equity capital markets. Within the bounds of our risk management program and policies, we use a variety of derivative instruments to enhance the stability of future cash flows to maintain sufficient financial resources for working capital, debt service, capital expenditures, debt covenant compliance, and (or) other needs. Our hedging strategy is designed to preserve cash flow certainty while maintaining appropriate risk tolerances across our generation portfolio. We complement our hedging strategy with long‑term contracted revenues, including power purchase agreements, to lower our overall hedging requirements.

Sources and Uses of Cash

Year Ended December 31,
20252024Change
(in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities$4,070$4,563$(493)
Net cash used in investing activities$(4,396)$(5,276)$880
Net cash used in financing activities$(74)$(1,604)$1,530

Operating Cash Flows

The change in net cash provided by operating activities is primarily due to a $1.611 billion increase in net margin deposits as $769 million in net margin deposits supporting our hedging strategy were posted for the year ended December 31, 2025 as compared to $842 million in net margin deposits returned for the year ended December 31, 2024, partially offset by an increase in cash from nuclear PTC sales of $469 million, realized operating income primarily due to the addition of Energy Harbor, and higher realized energy and capacity prices.

Investing Cash Flows

The change in net cash used in investing activities is primarily due (i) to the purchase of Energy Harbor for $3.1 billion in March 2024 and (ii) $325 million of insurance proceeds received in 2025 for recovery of damaged property, plant, and equipment associated with the Moss Landing and Martin Lake Incidents, partially offset by (i) the Lotus Acquisition for $1.1 billion in October 2025, (ii) $674 million in higher capital expenditures associated with the Martin Lake Incident and development projects, and (iii) $461 million in higher net purchases of environmental allowances in 2025.

Financing Cash Flows

Our significant financing activities during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 are as follows:

•In 2025, we paid (i) $1.744 billion to redeem senior secured and unsecured notes, (ii) $1.028 billion to repurchase common stock, (iii) $803 million to repay debt assumed in the Lotus Acquisition, (iv) $703 million installment payment to Nuveen to purchase the noncontrolling interest in Vistra Vision, and (v) $498 million in dividends to common and preferred shareholders. In 2025, we (i) issued $2.0 billion in senior secured notes, (ii) borrowed $1.8 billion under the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities and the Commodity-Linked Facility, (iii) borrowed $506 million of project-level debt under the BCOP Credit Facility, and (iv) borrowed $475 million under the accounts receivable financing facilities.

•In 2024, we paid (i) $2.247 billion to redeem senior secured notes, (ii) $1.748 billion to purchase the noncontrolling interests in Vistra Vision from Avenue and Nuveen and $180 million in dividends to them, (iii) $1.266 billion to repurchase common stock, and (iv) $478 million in dividends to common and preferred shareholders. In 2024, we (i) issued $2.750 billion in senior secured notes, (ii) borrowed $1.067 billion of project-level debt under the Vistra Zero and BCOP Credit Facility, and (iii) borrowed $750 million under the accounts receivable financing facilities.

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Liquidity

The following table summarizes changes in available liquidity for the year ended December 31, 2025:

December 31, 2025December 31, 2024Change
(in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents (a)$785$1,188$(403)
Vistra Operations Credit Facilities — Revolving Credit Facility (b)1,9962,162(166)
Vistra Operations — Commodity-Linked Facility (c)2771(769)
Total available liquidity (d)(e)$2,783$4,121$(1,338)

____________

(a)See the consolidated statements of cash flows in the Financial Statements and Cash Flows above for details of the decrease in cash and cash equivalents for the year ended December 31, 2025.

(b)The decrease in availability for the year ended December 31, 2025 was driven by a $380 million increase in cash borrowings, partially offset by a $214 million decrease in letters of credit outstanding under the facility.

(c)As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the borrowing bases were less than the facility limit of $1.75 billion. As of December 31, 2025, available capacity reflects the borrowing base of $1.422 billion and $1.420 billion in cash borrowings. As of December 31, 2024, available capacity reflects the borrowing base of $771 million and no cash borrowings.

(d)Excludes amounts available to be borrowed under the Receivables Facility and the Repurchase Facility, respectively. See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

(e)Excludes any additional letters of credit that may be issued under the Secured LOC Facilities or the Alternative LOC Facilities. See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

We believe that we will have access to sufficient liquidity to fund our anticipated cash requirements through at least the next 12 months, including the consummation of the Cogentrix Transaction, the maturity of 2026 debt obligations, including the 5.050% Senior Secured Notes due December 2026, and the upcoming payments associated with the acquisition of Nuveen's noncontrolling interest in Vistra Vision discussed in Note 11 to the Financial Statements.

In January 2026, Vistra further increased its available liquidity through the issuance by Vistra Operations of $2.25 billion aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes, consisting of $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.700% senior secured notes due 2031 and $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.350% senior secured notes due 2036. Net proceeds will be used to (i) fund a portion of the consideration for the Cogentrix Transaction (see Note 2 to the Financial Statements for additional Information), (ii) for general corporate purposes, including to repay existing indebtedness, and (iii) to pay fees and expenses related to the offering.

Our operational cash flows tend to be seasonal and weighted toward the second half of the year.

Interest Payments

Interest payments on long-term debt, after taking into account interest rate swaps, are expected to total approximately $930 million in 2026, $1.560 billion in 2027-2028, $1.230 billion in 2029-2030 and $995 million thereafter. See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Commodity Purchase and Services Agreements

Our obligations under commodity purchase and services agreements, including capacity payments, nuclear fuel and natural gas take-or-pay contracts, coal contracts, business services and nuclear-related outsourcing and other purchase commitments, are expected to total approximately $3.630 billion in 2026, $2.990 billion in 2027-2028, $1.730 billion in 2029-2030 and $1.420 billion thereafter. See Notes 12 and 18 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

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Capital Expenditures

Estimated 2026 capital expenditures and nuclear fuel purchases as of December 31, 2025 total approximately $2.587 billion and include:

•$1.087 billion for investments in generation and mining facilities inclusive of LTSA prepayments;

•$300 million for solar and energy storage development;

•$475 million for nuclear fuel purchases

•$900 million for other growth expenditures, and

•$(175) million of nonrecurring items, including insurance proceeds expected to be received for property damage partially offset by capital expenditures for investment technology, corporate, insurance proceeds, and other.

Liquidity Effects of Commodity Hedging and Trading Activities

We have entered into commodity hedging and trading transactions that require us to post collateral if the forward price of the underlying commodity moves such that the hedging or trading instrument we hold has declined in value. We use cash, letters of credit, Eligible Assets (see Note 10 to the Financial Statements for additional information) and other forms of credit support to satisfy such collateral posting obligations. See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Exchange cleared transactions typically require initial margin (i.e., the upfront cash and/or letter of credit posted to take into account the size and maturity of the positions and credit quality) in addition to variation margin (i.e., the daily cash margin posted to take into account changes in the value of the underlying commodity). The amount of initial margin required is generally defined by exchange rules. Clearing agents, however, typically have the right to request additional initial margin based on various factors, including market depth, volatility and credit quality, which may be in the form of cash, letters of credit, a guaranty or other forms as negotiated with the clearing agent. Cash collateral received from counterparties is either used for working capital and other business purposes, including reducing borrowings under credit facilities, or is required to be deposited in a separate account and restricted from being used for working capital and other corporate purposes. With respect to over-the-counter transactions, counterparties generally have the right to substitute letters of credit for such cash collateral. In such event, the cash collateral previously posted would be returned to such counterparties, which would reduce liquidity in the event the cash was not restricted.

As of December 31, 2025, we received or posted cash, letters of credit and Eligible Assets for commodity hedging and trading activities as follows:

•$1.577 billion in cash and Eligible Assets has been posted with counterparties as compared to $841 million posted as of December 31, 2024;

•$7 million in cash has been received from counterparties as compared to $49 million received as of December 31, 2024;

•$2.489 billion in letters of credit has been posted with counterparties as compared to $2.560 billion posted as of December 31, 2024; and

•$162 million in letters of credit has been received from counterparties as compared to $131 million received as of December 31, 2024.

See Note 18 to the Financial Statements for information related to collateral posted in accordance with the PUCT and ISO/RTO rules.

Income Tax Payments

In the next 12 months, we expect to make approximately $21 million in federal income tax payments, $66 million in state income tax payments and no material TRA payments, offset by $3 million in federal income tax refunds and $19 million in state tax refunds.

For the year ended December 31, 2025, there were $11 million federal income tax payments, $86 million in state income tax payments, and $1 million in TRA payments.

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Financial Covenants and Cross-Default Provisions

The Vistra Operations Credit Agreement, Vistra Operations Commodity-Linked Credit Agreement, and Secured LOC Facilities each include a financial covenant. The Vistra Operations Credit Agreement, Vistra Operations Commodity-Linked Credit Agreement, Secured LOC Facilities, and certain of our other financing arrangements include cross-default provisions that could result in an event of default if there were a failure under financing arrangements to meet payment terms or to observe covenants that could result in an acceleration of payments due. See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Guarantees

See Note 18 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Commitments and Contingencies

See Note 18 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Critical Accounting Estimates

See Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements for a description of our accounting policies. The following is a discussion of our most critical accounting estimates, judgments and uncertainties that are inherent in our application of GAAP.

Business Combinations

Determining fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Energy Harbor Merger and Lotus Acquisition requires significant estimates and judgments. We determined fair value based on the estimated price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. See Note 2 to the Financial Statements for additional information. The determination of the fair value of property, plant, and equipment contributed and acquired, commodity derivative instruments, and the nuclear decommissioning asset retirement obligations assumed in the Energy Harbor Merger required the most significant level of estimation uncertainty.

The fair value of each power plant acquired in each acquisition and the fair value of the contributed nuclear business in the Energy Harbor Merger was estimated using a combination of the income approach and the market approach. The income approach was based on the discounted cash flow method, incorporating (i) our estimates of forecasted future growth and long-term prices of electricity, capacity, and nuclear fuel, and (ii) financial performance including revenues, gross margins, operating expenses, taxes, working capital, and capital asset requirements. Projected cash flows were then discounted to a present value employing a discount rate that accounts for the estimated market weighted-average cost of capital, along with any risks unique to the subject cash flows. These estimates are subjective in nature and require judgment to interpret market data. The market valuation method utilized prices paid for reasonably similar assets by other purchasers in the relevant market, with adjustments relating to physical differences in the asset as well as their locations.

See Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO) critical accounting estimate for methodology and assumptions used to estimate the nuclear decommissioning ARO acquired in the Energy Harbor Merger. See Derivative Instruments and Mark-to-Market Accounting critical accounting estimate for methodology and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of acquired commodity derivatives.

Derivative Instruments and Mark-to-Market Accounting

We enter into contracts for the purchase and sale of energy-related commodities, as well as other derivative instruments such as options, swaps, futures, and forwards, primarily to manage commodity price and interest rate risks. Under accounting standards related to derivative instruments and hedging activities, these instruments are subject to mark-to-market accounting, and the determination of market values for these instruments is based on numerous assumptions and estimation techniques.

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Mark-to-market accounting recognizes changes in the fair value of derivative instruments in the financial statements as market prices change. Such changes in fair value are accounted for as unrealized mark-to-market gains and losses in net income with an offset to derivative assets and liabilities. The availability of quoted market prices in energy markets is dependent on the type of commodity (e.g., natural gas, electricity, etc.), time period specified and delivery point. Where quoted market prices are not available, the fair value is based on unobservable inputs, which require significant judgment. Derivative instruments valued based on unobservable inputs primarily include (i) forward sales and purchases of electricity (including certain retail contracts), natural gas and coal, (ii) electricity, natural gas and coal options, and (iii) financial transmission rights. In computing fair value for derivatives, each forward pricing curve is separated into liquid and illiquid periods. The liquid period varies by delivery point and commodity. Generally, the liquid period is supported by exchange markets, broker quotes and frequent trading activity. For illiquid periods, fair value is estimated based on forward price curves developed using proprietary modeling techniques that take into account available market information and other inputs that might not be readily observable in the market. Any significant changes to these inputs could result in a material change to the value of the assets or liabilities recorded in the consolidated balance sheets and could result in a material change to the unrealized gains or losses recorded in the consolidated statements of operations.

Accounting standards related to derivative instruments and hedging activities allow for normal purchase or sale elections, which generally eliminate the requirement for mark-to-market recognition in net income. Normal purchases and sales (NPNS) are contracts that provide for physical delivery of quantities expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business and are accounted for on an accrual basis. Determining whether a contract qualifies for the normal purchase or sale election requires judgment as to whether or not the contract will physically deliver and requires that management ensure compliance with all associated qualification and documentation requirements. If it is determined that a transaction designated as a normal purchase or sale no longer meets the scope exception, the related contract would be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value with immediate recognition through earnings.

See Notes 13 and 14 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Accounting for Income Taxes

Our income tax expense and related consolidated balance sheet amounts involve significant management estimates and judgments. Amounts of deferred income tax assets and liabilities, as well as current and noncurrent accruals, involve estimates and judgments of the timing and probability of recognition of income and deductions by taxing authorities. Further, we assess the likelihood that we will be able to realize or utilize our deferred tax assets. If realization is not more likely than not, we would record a valuation allowance against such deferred tax assets for the amount we would not expect to utilize, which would reduce the carrying value of the deferred tax amounts. When evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including the following:

•the creation and timing of future income associated with the reversal of deferred tax liabilities in excess of deferred tax assets;

•the existence, or lack thereof, of statutory limitations on the period that net operating losses may be carried forward; and

•the amounts and history of income or losses, adjusted for certain non-recurring items.

Actual income taxes could vary from estimated amounts due to the future impacts of various items, including changes in income tax laws, our forecasted financial condition and results of operations in future periods, as well as final review of filed tax returns by taxing authorities.

Income tax returns are regularly subject to examination by applicable tax authorities. In management's opinion, the liability recorded pursuant to income tax accounting guidance related to uncertain tax positions reflects future taxes that may be owed as a result of any examination.

See Notes 1 and 6 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

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Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO)

An ARO liability is initially recorded at fair value when it is initially incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. In estimating the ARO liability, we are required to make significant estimates and assumptions. Our ARO liabilities primarily relate to nuclear generation plant decommissioning, land reclamation related to lignite mining, and remediation or closure of coal ash basins. On the Merger Date, we recognized ARO liabilities for the Beaver Valley, Perry and Davis-Besse nuclear plants acquired from Energy Harbor.

For the estimates and assumptions of the nuclear generation plant decommissioning, we use unit-by-unit decommissioning cost studies to provide a marketplace assessment of the expected costs and estimates of the timing of decommissioning activities, which are validated by comparison to current decommissioning projects within the industry and other estimates. We consider the following decommissioning scenarios: (i) DECON, which assumes major decommissioning activities begin shortly after the facility ceases operations, and (ii) SAFSTOR, which assumes the nuclear facility is placed and maintained in a condition during decommissioning that allows the nuclear facility to be safely stored until subsequently decontaminated within 60 years after the facility ceases operations. Decommissioning cost studies are updated for each of our nuclear units at least every five years unless circumstances warrant a more frequent update.

The estimates and assumptions required for the lignite mining land reclamation include estimates such as costs to fill in mining pits and interpretation of the mining permit closure requirements. We estimate the costs to fill in mining pits utilizing a proprietary model to determine the volume of the pit. The estimates and assumptions required for remediation or closure of coal ash basins have been developed for activities such as pond dewatering, surface stabilization, final cover, and post-closure care, including maintenance and groundwater monitoring. We estimate the costs for these activities based on studies of the volume of each pond or landfill. Additionally, changes in coal ash regulation at the state and federal level can significantly impact the amount of AROs we record. See Note 18 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Our AROs are adjusted on a regular basis to reflect the passage of time and to incorporate revisions to estimates and judgments including, planned plant retirement dates, amounts and timing of future cash expenditures, discount rates, cost escalation factors, market risk premiums, inflation rates, and if applicable, experience with government regulators regarding similar obligations.

See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets with Indefinite Useful Lives

Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, such as the intangible asset related to the our retail trade names are not amortized and are subject to impairment testing annually, or when events or changes in the business environment indicate that the carrying value of the reporting unit may exceed its fair value. Evaluating goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives involves applying significant assumptions including discount rates, forecasted results for the applicable reporting unit and retail trade name, market multiples, and growth rates. These assumptions are forward looking and could be affected by future economic and market conditions.

Accounting standards allow a company to qualitatively assess if the carrying value of a reporting unit with goodwill and retail trade name intangible asset is more likely than not less than the fair value. If the entity determines the carrying value is not more likely greater than the fair value, no further testing for impairment is required. On the most recent testing date, we performed a qualitative assessment and determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units and retail trade names exceeded their carrying value. Significant qualitative factors were evaluated included reporting unit and trade name financial performance, market multiples, general macroeconomic, industry, and market conditions, cost factors, customer attrition, and interest rates. See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

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Long-Lived Assets

We evaluate long-lived assets (including intangible assets with finite lives) for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Indicators of impairment for our generation facilities include an expectation of continuing long-term declines in natural gas prices and/or Market Heat Rates, an expectation that "more likely than not" a generation asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its estimated useful life, or additional environmental regulations significantly decrease the cash flows expected from the associated assets. The determination of the existence of these and other indications of impairment involves judgments that are subjective in nature and may require the use of estimates in forecasting future results and cash flows given the diverse fuel mix and output rates of our generation asset groups. See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

After identifying an indicator of impairment, recoverability of long-lived assets is determined by a comparison of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset group to the net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. Assumptions used in our estimate of net cash flows of the asset group include, forward natural gas and electricity prices, forward capacity prices, the effects of enacted environmental rules, generation plant performance, forecasted capital expenditures, forecasted fuel prices, and forecasted operating costs. The carrying value of such asset groups is determined to be unrecoverable if the projected undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value.

If an asset group carrying value is determined to be unrecoverable, fair value will be calculated based on a market participant view and a loss will be recorded for the amount the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Fair value is determined primarily by discounted cash flows (income approach) and supported by available market valuations, if applicable. The income approach involves estimates of future performance that reflect assumptions regarding, among other things, forward electricity prices, forward capacity prices, Market Heat Rates, the effects of enacted environmental rules, generation plant performance, forecasted capital expenditures, forecasted fuel prices, and the discount rate applied to the forecasted cash flows. Any significant change to one or more of these factors can have a material impact on the fair value measurement of our long-lived assets.

Nuclear PTC Revenues

Nuclear PTC revenues are accounted for by analogy to ASC 832, Government Grants as amended by Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2025-10. Nuclear PTC revenues are based on annual gross receipts generated from qualifying nuclear production in the calendar year. Treasury regulations are expected to further provide interpretive guidance on the definition of gross receipts over the next year. Given the lack of guidance to date, we recognized 2024 and 2025 nuclear PTC revenues based on our best estimate and interpretation of gross receipts which includes settled spot energy revenues and capacity revenues (applicable to our PJM nuclear units only) at each nuclear unit and excludes any hedges and ancillary service revenue. Any interpretive guidance on the definition of gross receipts which differs from the interpretation used in our estimate could result in a material change to PTC revenues attributable to 2024 and 2025 and would be reflected as a change in estimate in the period in which the guidance is received.

We have determined that we will meet the prevailing wage requirements at all our nuclear units and are eligible for the five times multiplier, which is reflected in the amount of nuclear PTC revenue recognized in 2024 and 2025.

Changes in Accounting Standards

See Note 1 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

MD&A history

Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.

FY 2024 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001692819-25-000013.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Published MD&A gate trimmed front/tail over-capture. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2025-02-28. Report date: 2024-12-31.

Item 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION, AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition, and Results of Operations in our 2023 Form 10-K for a discussion of our financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, which is incorporated here by reference. The Sunset segment was eliminated in the fourth quarter of 2024, resulting in the recast of results for four coal facilities to the East segment and one coal facility to the Texas segment (see Note 19 to the Financial Statements). The recast is reflected in the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. The re-segmentation did not result in a material change in the reported results for the East and Texas segments for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.

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Significant Activities and Events, and Items Influencing Future Performance

Merger with Energy Harbor

On March 1, 2024 (Merger Date), pursuant to a transaction agreement dated March 6, 2023 (Transaction Agreement), (i) Vistra Operations transferred certain of its subsidiary entities into Vistra Vision, (ii) Black Pen Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Vistra, merged with and into Energy Harbor, (iii) Energy Harbor became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vistra Vision, and (iv) affiliates of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC (Nuveen) and Avenue Capital Management II, L.P. (Avenue) exchanged a portion of the Energy Harbor shares held by Nuveen and Avenue for a 15% equity interest of Vistra Vision (collectively, Energy Harbor Merger). The Energy Harbor Merger combined Energy Harbor's and Vistra's nuclear and retail businesses and certain Vistra Zero renewables and energy storage facilities to provide diversification and scale across multiple carbon-free technologies (dispatchable and renewables/storage) and the retail business. The cash consideration for Energy Harbor Merger was funded by Vistra Operations using a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under the Commodity-Linked Facility, the Receivables Facility and the Repurchase Facility. See Note 2 to the Financial Statements.

Acquisition of Noncontrolling Interest

On September 18, 2024 (the UPA Transaction Date), Vistra Operations and Vistra Vision Holdings I LLC, an indirect subsidiary of Vistra Operations (Vistra Vision Holdings), entered into separate Unit Purchase Agreements (as amended, the UPAs) with each of Nuveen and Avenue, pursuant to which Vistra Vision Holdings agreed to purchase each of Nuveen's and Avenue's combined 15% noncontrolling interest in Vistra Vision for approximately $3.2 billion in cash (collectively, the Transaction). The Transaction closed on December 31, 2024 (the Closing Date) and Vistra Vision Holdings now owns 100% of the equity interests in Vistra Vision. See Note 9 to the Financial Statements.

Nuclear Plant License Renewals

In July 2024, our application for license renewal at our two-unit Comanche Peak Nuclear Plant was approved by the NRC. The licenses for Units 1 and 2 now extend into 2050 and 2053, respectively, an additional 20 years beyond our original licenses.

In 2023, the Perry Nuclear Plant filed a license extension application to operate through 2046, an additional 20 years beyond the existing license. A decision from the NRC is expected in late 2025.

Planned Gas-Fueled Dispatchable Power in ERCOT

In May 2024, we announced our intention to add up to 2,000 MW of dispatchable, natural gas-fueled electricity capacity in west, central, and north Texas consisting of the following projects:

•Building up to 860 MW of advanced simple-cycle peaking plants to be located in west Texas to support the increasing power needs of the region, including the state's oil and gas industry.

•Repowering the coal-fueled Coleto Creek Power Plant near Goliad, Texas, set to retire in 2027 to comply with EPA rules, as a natural-gas fueled plant with up to 600 MW of capacity.

•Completing upgrades at existing natural gas-fueled plants that will add more than 500 MW of summer capacity and 100 MW of winter capacity.

Our announced plan is based on market reforms that policymakers passed in the 2023 Texas legislative session, which ERCOT and the PUCT are currently implementing. These market reforms are focused on grid reliability and proper market signals. If successfully implemented, they could offer the regulatory framework necessary for Vistra to confidently make the long-term investments in these capacity projects. In addition, in July 2024, we filed applications with the PUCT under the Texas Energy Fund loan program seeking financing for the 860 MW of new advanced simple-cycle peaking plants referenced above. In August 2024, the PUCT notified Vistra that an application for one of its west Texas advanced simple-cycle peaking plants was selected for due diligence as part of the Texas Energy Fund loan program, which is ongoing. Vistra's other application for a second west Texas gas plant remains active. An invitation to due diligence does not mean an applicant is awarded a loan. Vistra's decision to move forward with the new west Texas gas plant project is contingent upon supportive market reforms, approval of our Texas Energy Fund loan application, and other factors, including state and federal environmental regulations and long-term wholesale trends that continue to support gas generation.

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Moss Landing 300 Battery and Martin Lake Unit 1 Updates

In January 2025, a fire occurred at our Moss Landing 300 MW battery energy storage facility in CAISO. We are still investigating the cause and impacts, but expect to write off approximately $400 million of plant value to depreciation expense in the first quarter of 2025, representing the facility's remaining net book value. Moss Landing 300 is part of the Moss Landing complex, which includes two other battery facilities and a gas plant, with an aggregate book value of approximately $1 billion including Moss Landing 300. While the gas plant is operational, the other two battery facilities remain offline as we investigate the fire. Additional costs incurred from the events include loss of revenue from the facilities being offline, and may include litigation costs and penalties under contracts. We will continue to assess if a triggering event has occurred to evaluate impairment for the other complex assets.

On November 27, 2024, we experienced a fire at Unit 1 of our Martin Lake facility in ERCOT, an 815 MW unit. The depreciation expense associated with the damaged property was less than $1 million. We currently expect the unit to return to service in June 2025.

We expect to recover a significant portion of the direct losses incurred from each event through property damage insurance and business interruption insurance. However, given uncertainty in timing of recoveries and potential indirect impacts to other facilities, we cannot predict the net impact these events will have on our results of operations for 2025.

Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA)

In August 2022, the U.S. enacted the IRA, which, among other things, implements substantial new and modified energy tax credits, including recognizing the value of existing carbon-free nuclear power by providing for a nuclear PTC, a solar PTC, and a first-time stand-alone battery storage investment tax credit. The IRA also implements a 15% corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) on book income of certain large corporations, and a 1% excise tax on net stock repurchases. The section 45U nuclear PTC is available to existing nuclear facilities from 2024 through 2032 and provides a federal tax credit of up to $15 per MWh, subject to phase out as power prices increase above $25 per MWh (each subject to annual inflation adjustments). The Company accounts for transferable ITCs and PTCs we expect to receive by analogy to the grant model within International Accounting Standards 20, Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosures of Government Assistance. As discussed in Note 4, we recognized transferable nuclear PTC revenues of $545 million in the year ended December 31, 2024. Treasury regulations are expected to further define the scope of the legislation in many important respects, including critical guidance interpreting the nuclear PTC. This guidance could have a material impact on our estimate and would be reflected as a change in estimate in the period in which the guidance is received. We do not expect Vistra to be subject to the CAMT in the 2024 tax year as it applies only to corporations with a three-year average annual adjusted financial statement income in excess of $1 billion. We have taken the CAMT and relevant extensions or expansions of existing tax credits applicable to projects in our immediate development pipeline into account when forecasting cash taxes.

Financial and Operating Performance

The following are financial and operating highlights we achieved in the execution of our four strategic priorities:

Long-term, attractive earnings profile through the integrated business model.

•We continued to execute our integrated business model through exceptional operational performance by capitalizing on market opportunities that drove strong earnings for the year ended December 31, 2024. This highlights our competitive advantage of coupling retail with our reliable and efficient generation fleet and wholesale commodity risk management capabilities, which reduces the effects of commodity price movements and contributes to the stability and predictability of our cash flows.

•Our commercial team focused on effectively and efficiently managing risk by opportunistically hedging and optimizing our assets and business positions, which led to strong plant operating performance and energy margins.

•Our retail brands served the retail electricity and natural gas needs of end-use residential, small business, and commercial and industrial electricity customers through multiple sales and marketing channels with products and solutions that differentiates Vistra from our competitors.

Disciplined capital allocation.

•During the year ended December 31, 2024, we paid dividends to common stockholders totaling $305 million.

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•In February 2024 and October 2024, the Board authorized incremental amounts of $1.5 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively, under our stock repurchase program established in October 2021. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we repurchased 16.6 million shares for $1.2 billion under the program. Through February 24, 2025, total shares repurchased under the program totaled 160 million shares for $4.9 billion, and we have $1.9 billion available for additional repurchases under the program (see Note 16 to the Financial Statements).

Maintaining a resilient balance sheet.

•We further diversified our sources of liquidity and improved associated borrowing costs and credit terms through a number of enhancements and amendments to our facilities throughout the year, including (i) the expansion and extension of both our Revolving Credit Facility (expanded by $265 million and extended to 2029) and our Commodity-Linked Facility (expanded facility limit by $175 million and extended to October 2025), (ii) amending both the Vistra Operations Term Loan B-3 Facility and the Vistra Zero Term Loan B Facility to reduce the fixed spread interest by 25 and 75 basis points, respectively, (iii) establishing a $500 million alternative letter of credit facility, and (iv) expanding and extending the Receivables Facility (expanded the purchase limit by $250 million and extended to July 2025).

•In April 2024, we issued $500 million of 6.000% senior secured notes due 2034 and $1.0 billion of 6.875% senior unsecured notes due 2032. The net proceeds from these issuances were used to refinance senior secured debt maturities in May 2024 and July 2024 and for general corporate purposes.

•In December 2024, we issued $500 million of 5.050% senior secured notes due 2026 and $750 million of 5.700% senior secured notes due 2034. The net proceeds from these issuances were or will be used for general corporate purposes, including to refinance senior secured debt maturities in May 2025 and payments associated with the Transaction for the purchase of the remaining interest in Vistra Vision.

•In December 2024, we entered into the BCOP Credit Agreement to fund the development of solar generation and battery ESS facilities in Illinois and Texas.

Strategic energy transition focused on the reliability, affordability, and sustainability of electric grid.

•In March 2024, we completed the acquisition of Energy Harbor, adding an additional 4,048 MW of nuclear generation to our fleet.

•We reached commercial operations for two solar facilities totaling 112 MW of capacity at retired plant sites in Illinois and continued development and construction activities on additional facilities in Texas and at retired or to-be-retired plant sites in Illinois.

•We announced plans to repower the Coleto Creek coal generation facility as a natural gas-fueled facility upon its retirement no later than 2027.

During the year ended December 31, 2024, our operating segments delivered strong operating performance with a disciplined focus on cost management, while generating and selling essential electricity in a safe and reliable manner. Our performance reflected strong plant operating performance, growth of our retail business and the effectiveness of our comprehensive hedging strategy.

Macroeconomic Conditions

Historically, the base case assumption for U.S. electricity demand was for modest growth driven by the interplay of growth in population, industrial activity (such as an on-shore manufacturing) and new demand sources (such as electric vehicles), partially offset by continued advancements in energy efficiency. Multiple demand drivers such as emergence of large load data centers and electrification of oil field operations (specifically in the Permian Basin of west Texas), are expected to continue to accelerate load growth in the geographic regions we serve. We are in various discussions with interested counterparties for the potential sale of power from our nuclear and gas facilities pursuant to long-term agreements to supply large load facilities. Such potential transactions are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including potential regulatory review and/or approval and adverse legislative action, which could impact the timing of, and our ability to consummate, any potential transaction.

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The industry continues to experience supply chain constraints and labor shortages that have reduced the availability of certain equipment and supply relevant to construction of new generation facilities, and increased (i) the lead time to procure certain materials necessary to maintain, and (ii) the labor costs associated with maintenance activity on our natural gas, nuclear and coal fleet. We are proactively managing the increased costs of materials and supply chain disruptions and continuing to prudently re-evaluate the business cases and timing of our planned development projects, which has resulted in a deferral of some of our planned capital spend for our renewables projects and could impact the feasibility of additional projects. In addition, we have proactively engaged our suppliers to secure key materials needed to maintain our existing generation facilities prior to future planned outages, and our Vistra Zero operational and development projects are anticipated to benefit from the impact of the IRA. The inflationary environment continues to drive elevated interest rates, resulting in increased refinancing or borrowing costs, including future non-recourse financing for our development projects and future refinancing expected in connection with future debt maturities.

We continue to closely monitor developments in the Russia and Ukraine conflict, specifically with regards to, (i) sanctions (or potential sanctions) against Russian energy exports and Russian nuclear fuel supply and enrichment activities, and (ii) actions by Russia to limit energy deliveries, which may further impact commodity prices in Europe and globally. The Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act (PRUI Act) was approved by Congress, signed into law by President Biden, and took effect on August 11, 2024. The PRUI Act prohibits importation of Russian uranium; however, the Department of Energy can issue waivers (subject to decreasing annual caps) until December 31, 2027 if there is no alternate source of low-enriched uranium available to keep U.S. nuclear reactors operating or is in the national interest. Additionally, passage of the PRUI Act enabled the allocation of $2.72 billion in federal funding to ramp up production of domestic uranium fuel. On November 15, 2024, the Russian Federation temporarily suspended shipments of uranium to the U.S., stating that they would grant future export licenses on a case-by-case basis. Our 2024 and 2025 refueling plans have not been affected by the Russia and Ukraine conflict, nor have we seen any disruption to the delivery of nuclear fuel impacting our refueling schedules. We work with a diverse set of global nuclear fuel cycle suppliers to procure our nuclear fuel years in advance. We have nuclear fuel contracted to support all our refueling needs through 2029. We continue to take affirmative action by building strategic inventory and deploying mitigating strategies in our procurement portfolio to ensure we can secure the nuclear fuel needed to continue to operate our nuclear facilities through potential Russian supply disruption.

Capacity Markets

PJM, NYISO, ISO-NE, MISO and CAISO ensure long-term grid reliability through monthly, semiannual, annual, and multi-year capacity auctions or bilateral transactions where power suppliers commit to making the generation resources available to the ISO as needed for a specific time period. We participate in these capacity market auctions and also enter into bilateral capacity sales, and a portion of our East, and West segment revenues are impacted by the capacity auction results or bilateral contracts. The following information summarizes the auction pricing for zones in which we operate as well as our capacity auction and bilateral capacity sales by planning period. Performance incentive rules increase capacity payments for those resources that are providing excess energy or reserves during a shortage event, while penalizing those that produce less than the required level.

PJM

Reliability Pricing Model (RPM) auction results, for the zones in which our assets are located, are as follows for each planning year:

2024-20252025-2026
(average price per MW-day)
RTO zone$28.92$269.92
ComEd zone28.92269.92
MAAC zone49.49269.92
EMAAC zone53.60269.92
ATSI zone28.92269.92
DEOK zone96.24269.92
DOM zone28.92444.26

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Our capacity sales in PJM, net of purchases, aggregated by planning year and capacity type through planning year 2025-2026, are as follows:

East Segment
2024-20252025-2026
CP auction capacity sold, net (MW)9,93510,255
Bilateral capacity sold, net (MW)2,127330
Total segment capacity sold, net (MW)12,06210,585
Average price per MW-day$41.38$267.12

NYISO

The most recent seasonal auction results for NYISO's Rest-of-State zones, in which the capacity for our Independence plant clears, are as follows for each planning period:

Winter 2024 - 2025
Price per kW-month$2.00

Due to the short-term, seasonal nature of the NYISO capacity auctions, we monetize the majority of our capacity through bilateral trades. Our capacity sales, aggregated by season through winter 2026-2027, are as follows:

East Segment
Winter 2024 - 2025Summer 2025Winter 2025 - 2026Summer 2026Winter 2026 - 2027
Auction capacity sold (MW)77
Bilateral capacity sold (MW)943550268
Total capacity sold (MW)1,020550268
Average price per kW-month$3.09$4.51$4.10$$

ISO-NE

The most recent Forward Capacity Auction results for ISO-NE Rest-of-Pool, in which most of our assets are located, are as follows for each planning year:

2024-20252025-20262026-20272027-2028
Price per kW-month$2.61$2.59$2.59$3.58

We continue to market and pursue longer term multi-year capacity transactions that extend through planning year 2027-2028.

East Segment
2024-20252025-20262026-20272027-2028
Auction capacity sold (MW)3,2213,0322,9603,261
Bilateral capacity sold (MW)7878588
Total capacity sold (MW)3,2993,1103,0183,269
Average price per kW-month$3.10$2.72$2.60$3.58

MISO

The capacity auction results for MISO Local Resource Zone 4, in which our assets are located, are as follows for each planning year:

2024-2025
Price per MW-day$20.08

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MISO capacity sales through planning year 2027-2028 are as follows:

East Segment
2024-20252025-20262026-20272027-2028
Auction capacity sold (MW)1,095
Bilateral capacity sold (MW)68289151524
Total MISO segment capacity sold (MW)1,77789151524
Average price per kW-month$3.02$4.52$4.44$4.96

CAISO

Our capacity sales as part of the California Public Utilities Commission Resource Adequacy (RA) Program in California, aggregated by calendar year for 2025 through 2028 for Moss Landing, are as follows:

West Segment
2025202620272028
Bilateral capacity sold (Avg MW)1,8161,5751,275750

Electricity Prices

The price of electricity has a significant impact on our operating revenues and purchased power costs. Electricity prices are typically set by the cost to fuel a generation facility and the amount of fuel needed to generate one unit of electricity (Heat Rate) from the generation facility. Market Heat Rate is the implied relationship between wholesale electricity prices and the commodity price of the marginal supplier (generally natural gas plants).

Wholesale electricity prices generally track to increases or decreases in the price of natural gas, with exceptions such as when ERCOT power prices rise significantly during weather events as a result of the scarcity of available generation resources relative to power demand. The price of natural gas is volatile; therefore, the costs to operate a natural gas-fueled generation facility can be volatile as well. In contrast to our natural gas-fueled generation facilities, changes in natural gas prices have no significant effect on the cost of generating power at our nuclear-, lignite- and coal-fueled facilities; however, all other factors being equal, changes in natural gas prices affect our operating margins on these facilities as electricity prices generally track to natural gas prices. Other variables that could impact electricity prices include, but are not limited to, the price of other fuels, generation resources in the region, weather, on-going competition, emerging technologies, and macroeconomic and regulatory factors.

The wholesale market price of electricity divided by the market price of natural gas represents the Market Heat Rate. Market Heat Rate can be affected by a number of factors, including generation availability, mix of assets and the efficiency of the marginal supplier (generally natural gas-fueled generation facilities) in generating electricity. Our Market Heat Rate exposure is impacted by changes in the availability of generation resources, such as additions and retirements of generation facilities, and mix of generation assets. For example, increasing renewable (wind and solar) generation capacity generally depresses Market Heat Rates, particularly during periods when total demand is relatively low. However, increasing penetration of renewable generation capacity may also contribute to greater volatility of wholesale market prices independent of changes in the price of natural gas, given their intermittent nature.

As a result of our exposure to the variability of natural gas prices and Market Heat Rates, retail sales and hedging activities are critical to our operating results and maintaining consistent cash flow levels. Our integrated power generation and retail electricity business provides us opportunities to hedge our generation position utilizing retail electricity markets as a sales channel. Our approach to managing electricity price risk focuses on the following:

•employing disciplined, liquidity-efficient hedging and risk management strategies through physical and financial energy-related contracts intended to partially hedge gross margins;

•continuing focus on cost management to better withstand gross margin volatility;

•following a retail pricing strategy that appropriately reflects the value of our product offering to customers, the magnitude and costs of commodity price, liquidity risk and retail demand variability; and

•improving retail customer service to attract and retain high-value customers.

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Critical Accounting Estimates

See Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements for a description of our accounting policies. The following is a discussion of our most critical accounting estimates, judgments and uncertainties that are inherent in our application of GAAP.

Business Combinations

Determining fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Energy Harbor Merger requires significant estimates and judgments. We determined fair value based on the estimated price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. See Note 2 to the Financial Statements. The determination of the fair value of property, plant, and equipment contributed and acquired, as well as nuclear decommissioning asset retirement obligations required the most significant level of estimation uncertainty.

The fair value of each power plant acquired in the Energy Harbor Merger and the fair value of the contributed nuclear business was estimated using a combination of the income approach and the market approach. The income approach was based on the discounted cash flow method, incorporating (i) our estimates of forecasted future growth and long-term prices of electricity, capacity, and nuclear fuel, and (ii) financial performance including revenues, gross margins, operating expenses, taxes, working capital, and capital asset requirements. Projected cash flows were then discounted to a present value employing a discount rate that accounts for the estimated market weighted-average cost of capital, along with any risks unique to the subject cash flows. These estimates are subjective in nature and require judgment to interpret market data. The market valuation method utilized prices paid for reasonably similar assets by other purchasers in the relevant market, with adjustments relating to physical differences in the asset as well as their locations.

See Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO) critical accounting estimate for methodology and assumptions used to estimate the nuclear decommissioning ARO acquired in the Energy Harbor Merger.

Derivative Instruments and Mark-to-Market Accounting

We enter into contracts for the purchase and sale of energy-related commodities, as well as other derivative instruments such as options, swaps, futures, and forwards, primarily to manage commodity price and interest rate risks. Under accounting standards related to derivative instruments and hedging activities, these instruments are subject to mark-to-market accounting, and the determination of market values for these instruments is based on numerous assumptions and estimation techniques.

Mark-to-market accounting recognizes changes in the fair value of derivative instruments in the financial statements as market prices change. Such changes in fair value are accounted for as unrealized mark-to-market gains and losses in net income with an offset to derivative assets and liabilities. The availability of quoted market prices in energy markets is dependent on the type of commodity (e.g., natural gas, electricity, etc.), time period specified and delivery point. Where quoted market prices are not available, the fair value is based on unobservable inputs, which require significant judgment. Derivative instruments valued based on unobservable inputs primarily include (i) forward sales and purchases of electricity (including certain retail contracts), natural gas and coal, (ii) electricity, natural gas and coal options, and (iii) financial transmission rights. In computing fair value for derivatives, each forward pricing curve is separated into liquid and illiquid periods. The liquid period varies by delivery point and commodity. Generally, the liquid period is supported by exchange markets, broker quotes and frequent trading activity. For illiquid periods, fair value is estimated based on forward price curves developed using proprietary modeling techniques that take into account available market information and other inputs that might not be readily observable in the market. Any significant changes to these inputs could result in a material change to the value of the assets or liabilities recorded in the consolidated balance sheets and could result in a material change to the unrealized gains or losses recorded in the consolidated statements of operations.

Accounting standards related to derivative instruments and hedging activities allow for normal purchase or sale elections, which generally eliminate the requirement for mark-to-market recognition in net income. Normal purchases and sales (NPNS) are contracts that provide for physical delivery of quantities expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business and are accounted for on an accrual basis. Determining whether a contract qualifies for the normal purchase or sale election requires judgment as to whether or not the contract will physically deliver and requires that management ensure compliance with all associated qualification and documentation requirements. If it is determined that a transaction designated as a normal purchase or sale no longer meets the scope exception, the related contract would be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value with immediate recognition through earnings.

See Notes 11 and 12 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

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Accounting for Income Taxes

Our income tax expense and related consolidated balance sheet amounts involve significant management estimates and judgments. Amounts of deferred income tax assets and liabilities, as well as current and noncurrent accruals, involve estimates and judgments of the timing and probability of recognition of income and deductions by taxing authorities. Further, we assess the likelihood that we will be able to realize or utilize our deferred tax assets. If realization is not more likely than not, we would record a valuation allowance against such deferred tax assets for the amount we would not expect to utilize, which would reduce the carrying value of the deferred tax amounts. When evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including the following:

•the creation and timing of future income associated with the reversal of deferred tax liabilities in excess of deferred tax assets;

•the existence, or lack thereof, of statutory limitations on the period that net operating losses may be carried forward; and

•the amounts and history of income or losses, adjusted for certain non-recurring items.

Actual income taxes could vary from estimated amounts due to the future impacts of various items, including changes in income tax laws, our forecasted financial condition and results of operations in future periods, as well as final review of filed tax returns by taxing authorities.

Income tax returns are regularly subject to examination by applicable tax authorities. In management's opinion, the liability recorded pursuant to income tax accounting guidance related to uncertain tax positions reflects future taxes that may be owed as a result of any examination.

See Notes 1 and 5 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO)

An ARO liability is initially recorded at fair value when it is initially incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. In estimating the ARO liability, we are required to make significant estimates and assumptions. Our ARO liabilities primarily relate to nuclear generation plant decommissioning, land reclamation related to lignite mining, and remediation or closure of coal ash basins. On the Merger Date, we recognized ARO liabilities for the Beaver Valley, Perry and Davis-Besse nuclear plants acquired from Energy Harbor.

For the estimates and assumptions of the nuclear generation plant decommissioning, we use unit-by-unit decommissioning cost studies to provide a marketplace assessment of the expected costs and estimates of the timing of decommissioning activities, which are validated by comparison to current decommissioning projects within the industry and other estimates. We consider the following decommissioning scenarios: (i) DECON, which assumes major decommissioning activities begin shortly after the facility ceases operations, and (ii) SAFSTOR, which assumes the nuclear facility is placed and maintained in a condition during decommissioning that allows the nuclear facility to be safely stored until subsequently decontaminated within 60 years after the facility ceases operations. Decommissioning cost studies are updated for each of our nuclear units at least every five years unless circumstances warrant a more frequent update. In estimating the liability assumed in the Energy Harbor Merger, we have included an assumption that Vistra receives a license extension of 20 years from the NRC to continue to operate the Perry Nuclear Plant through 2046.

The estimates and assumptions required for the lignite mining land reclamation include, estimates such as costs to fill in mining pits and interpretation of the mining permit closure requirements. We estimate the costs to fill in mining pits utilizing a proprietary model to determine the volume of the pit.

Our AROs are adjusted on a regular basis to reflect the passage of time and to incorporate revisions to estimates and judgments including, planned plant retirement dates, amounts and timing of future cash expenditures, discount rates, cost escalation factors, market risk premiums, inflation rates, and if applicable, experience with government regulators regarding similar obligations.

See Note 13 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

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Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets with Indefinite Useful Lives

Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, such as the intangible asset related to the our retail trade names are not amortized and are subject to impairment testing annually, or when events or changes in the business environment indicate that the carrying value of the reporting unit may exceed its fair value. Evaluating goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives involves applying significant assumptions including discount rates, forecasted results for the applicable reporting unit and retail trade name, market multiples, and growth rates. These assumptions are forward looking and could be affected by future economic and market conditions.

Accounting standards allow a company to qualitatively assess if the carrying value of a reporting unit with goodwill and retail trade name intangible asset is more likely than not less than the fair value. If the entity determines the carrying value is not more likely greater than the fair value, no further testing for impairment is required. On the most recent testing date, we performed a qualitative assessment and determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units and retail trade names exceeded their carrying value. Significant qualitative factors were evaluated included reporting unit and trade name financial performance, market multiples, general macroeconomic, industry, and market conditions, cost factors, customer attrition, and interest rates. See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Long-Lived Assets

We evaluate long-lived assets (including intangible assets with finite lives) for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Indicators of impairment for our generation facilities include an expectation of continuing long-term declines in natural gas prices and/or Market Heat Rates, an expectation that "more likely than not" a generation asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its estimated useful life, or additional environmental regulations significantly decrease the cash flows expected from the associated assets. The determination of the existence of these and other indications of impairment involves judgments that are subjective in nature and may require the use of estimates in forecasting future results and cash flows given the diverse fuel mix and output rates of our generation asset groups. See Note 20 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

After identifying an indicator of impairment, recoverability of long-lived assets is determined by a comparison of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset group to the net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. Assumptions used in our estimate of net cash flows of the asset group include, forward natural gas and electricity prices, forward capacity prices, the effects of enacted environmental rules, generation plant performance, forecasted capital expenditures, forecasted fuel prices, and forecasted operating costs. The carrying value of such asset groups is determined to be unrecoverable if the projected undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value.

If an asset group carrying value is determined to be unrecoverable, fair value will be calculated based on a market participant view and a loss will be recorded for the amount the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Fair value is determined primarily by discounted cash flows (income approach) and supported by available market valuations, if applicable. The income approach involves estimates of future performance that reflect assumptions regarding, among other things, forward electricity prices, forward capacity prices, Market Heat Rates, the effects of enacted environmental rules, generation plant performance, forecasted capital expenditures, forecasted fuel prices, and the discount rate applied to the forecasted cash flows. Any significant change to one or more of these factors can have a material impact on the fair value measurement of our long-lived assets.

Nuclear PTC Revenues

Nuclear PTC revenues are accounted for by analogy to the grant model within International Accounting Standards 20, Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosures of Government Assistance. Nuclear PTC revenues are based on annual gross receipts generated from qualifying nuclear production in the calendar year. Treasury regulations are expected to further provide interpretive guidance on the definition of gross receipts over the next year. Given the lack of guidance to date, we recognized 2024 nuclear PTC revenues based on our best estimate and interpretation of gross receipts which includes settled spot energy revenues and capacity revenues at each nuclear unit, and excludes any hedges. Any interpretive guidance on the definition of gross receipts which differs from the interpretation used in our estimate could result in a material change to PTC revenues attributable to 2024 and would be reflected as a change in estimate in the period in which the guidance is received.

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We have determined that we will meet the prevailing wage requirements at all our nuclear units and are eligible for the five times multiplier, which is reflected in the amount of nuclear PTC revenue recognized in 2024.

Results of Operations

Net income increased $1.32 billion to Net income of $2.812 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. For additional information see the following discussion of our results of operations.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

In analyzing and planning for our business, we supplement our use of GAAP financial measures with non-GAAP financial measures, including EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as performance measures. These non-GAAP financial measures reflect an additional way of viewing aspects of our business that, when viewed (i) with our GAAP results and (ii) the accompanying reconciliations to corresponding GAAP financial measures may provide a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our business. Because EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are financial measures that management uses to allocate resources, determine our ability to fund capital expenditures, assess performance against our peers, and evaluate overall financial performance, we believe they provide useful information for investors.

These non-GAAP financial measures should not be relied upon to the exclusion of GAAP financial measures and are, by definition, an incomplete understanding of Vistra and must be considered in conjunction with GAAP measures. In addition, non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized; therefore, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies' non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. We strongly encourage investors to review the consolidated financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety and not rely on any single financial measure.

When EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA is discussed in reference to performance on a consolidated basis, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is Net income (loss).

Vistra Consolidated Financial Results — Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023

The following table presents Net income (loss), EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2024:

Year Ended December 31, 2024
RetailTexasEastWestAsset ClosureEliminations / Corporate and OtherVistra Consolidated
(in millions)
Operating revenues$12,797$5,394$5,661$877$1$(7,506)$17,224
Fuel, purchased power costs, and delivery fees(10,276)(1,596)(2,698)(221)(3)7,509(7,285)
Operating costs(159)(996)(1,103)(72)(81)(3)(2,414)
Depreciation and amortization(114)(581)(996)(86)(66)(1,843)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses(977)(169)(148)(25)(43)(239)(1,601)
Operating income (loss)1,2712,052716473(126)(305)4,081
Other income13918131672312
Other deductions(2)(4)(4)(6)(2)(3)(21)
Interest expense and related charges(54)4691(4)(898)(900)
Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement(5)(5)
Income (loss) before income taxes1,2162,133902471(116)(1,139)3,467
Income tax expense(655)(655)
Net income (loss)$1,216$2,133$902$471$(116)$(1,794)$2,812
Income tax expense655655
Interest expense and related charges (a)54(46)(9)(1)4898900
Depreciation and amortization (b)1146861,27886662,230
EBITDA before Adjustments1,3842,7732,171556(112)(175)6,597

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Year Ended December 31, 2024
RetailTexasEastWestAsset ClosureEliminations / Corporate and OtherVistra Consolidated
Unrealized net (gain) loss resulting from commodity hedging transactions52(790)(76)(332)(9)(1,155)
Purchase accounting impacts1(12)(14)(25)
Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement (c)(5)(5)
Non-cash compensation expenses100100
Transition and merger expenses2122111136
Decommissioning-related activities (d)26(91)2(63)
ERP system implementation expenses8751223
Other, net1714(2)112(111)(69)
Adjusted EBITDA$1,463$2,032$2,017$238$(117)$(94)$5,539

____________

(a)Includes $53 million of unrealized mark-to-market net gains on interest rate swaps.

(b)Includes nuclear fuel amortization of $105 million and $282 million, respectively, in the Texas and East segments.

(c)Includes $10 million gain recognized on the repurchase of TRA Rights in the year ended December 31, 2024.

(d)Represents net of all NDT (income) loss of the PJM nuclear facilities, ARO accretion expense for operating assets and ARO remeasurement impacts for operating assets.

For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Texas and East segments include nuclear PTC revenue estimates of $281 million and $264 million, respectively. See Note 4 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

The following table presents Net income (loss), EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2023:

Year Ended December 31, 2023
RetailTexasEastWestAsset ClosureEliminations / Corporate and OtherVistra Consolidated
(in millions)
Operating revenues$10,572$3,979$5,890$914$$(6,576)$14,779
Fuel, purchased power costs, and delivery fees(9,046)(2,028)(2,730)(328)(3)6,578(7,557)
Operating costs(123)(917)(528)(58)(74)(2)(1,702)
Depreciation and amortization(102)(550)(703)(79)(68)(1,502)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses(858)(140)(127)(24)(34)(125)(1,308)
Impairment of long-lived assets(49)(49)
Operating income (loss)4433441,753425(111)(193)2,661
Other income13542111086257
Other deductions(2)(5)(7)(14)
Interest expense and related charges(20)21(2)8(5)(742)(740)
Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement(164)(164)
Income (loss) before income taxes4243981,750454(6)(1,020)2,000
Income tax expense(1)(507)(508)
Net income (loss)$424$398$1,749$454$(6)$(1,527)$1,492
Income tax expense1507508
Interest expense and related charges (a)20(21)2(8)5742740
Depreciation and amortization (b)10264170379681,593
EBITDA before Adjustments5461,0182,455525(1)(210)4,333
Unrealized net (gain) loss resulting from commodity hedging transactions586813(1,586)(267)(36)(490)

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Year Ended December 31, 2023
RetailTexasEastWestAsset ClosureEliminations / Corporate and OtherVistra Consolidated
Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement (c)135135
Non-cash compensation expenses7878
Transition and merger expenses124750
Impairment of long-lived assets4949
PJM capacity performance default impacts (d)99
Winter Storm Uri impacts (e)(52)4(48)
Other, net25(2)725(2)(113)(15)
Adjusted EBITDA$1,105$1,834$1,001$263$(39)$(63)$4,101

____________

(a)Includes $36 million of unrealized mark-to-market net losses on interest rate swaps.

(b)Includes nuclear fuel amortization of $91 million in the Texas segment.

(c)Includes $29 million gain recognized on the repurchase of TRA Rights in December 2023.

(d)Represents estimate of anticipated market participant defaults or settlements on initial PJM capacity performance penalties due to extreme magnitude of penalties associated with Winter Storm Elliott.

(e)Adjusted EBITDA impacts of Winter Storm Uri reflects the application of bill credits to large commercial and industrial customers that curtailed their usage during Winter Storm Uri and a reduction in the allocation of ERCOT default uplift charges which were expected to be paid over several decades under protocols existing at the time of the storm.

GAAP net income increased $1.32 billion to net income of $2.812 billion in the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The primary drivers for the increase in GAAP net income include:

Favorable impacts:

•An increase of $665 million in unrealized mark-to-market gains on derivative positions due to power and natural gas forward market curves moving down more significantly in Texas relative to our hedge positions in the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. See further information on our derivative results in Energy-Related Commodity Contracts and Mark-to-Market Activities below.

•Addition of Energy Harbor in March 2024 with results reflected in the East and Retail segments.

•An increase of $545 million in PTC revenues due to the nuclear PTC established by the IRA including $281 million and $264 million recognized in Texas and East, respectively. See Note 4 for additional information.

•An increase in retail income driven by an increase in customer counts and higher margins.

•Expiration of legacy Vistra default service contracts in the East segment which resulted in higher-than-expected migration of customers at rates below prevailing wholesale market prices in the year ended December 31, 2023.

•A decrease of approximately $160 million of accretion and remeasurement expenses associated with the TRA obligation driven by the acquisition of substantially all TRA rights between December 2023 and February 2024.

Unfavorable impacts:

•Increase in depreciation and amortization expense driven by addition of assets acquired from Energy Harbor and reflected in East.

•Increase in interest expense driven by higher average borrowings and unrealized mark to market losses on interest rate swaps.

•Increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses in Retail segment and Corp. and Other driven primarily by the addition of Energy Harbor.

•Increase in income tax expense driven by higher income.

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Year Ended December 31,
RetailTexasEastWest
20242023202420232024202320242023
Retail electricity sales volumes (GWh):
Sales volumes in ERCOT74,29570,275
Sales volumes in Northeast/Midwest59,06627,147
Total retail electricity sales volumes133,36197,422
Production volumes (GWh):
Natural gas facilities44,59541,84960,27960,5024,1755,462
Lignite and coal facilities23,30726,55916,93813,912
Nuclear facilities19,67018,89326,540
Solar facilities757781
Capacity factors:
CCGT facilities58.1%55.1%62.0%62.2%46.5%61.0%
Lignite and coal facilities59.0%67.4%49.1%40.4%
Nuclear facilities93.3%89.9%89.3%
Weather - percent of normal (a):
Cooling degree days112%115%112%112%103%96%90%79%
Heating degree days78%85%77%88%88%87%119%125%

____________

(a)Reflects cooling degree or heating degree days for the region based on Weather Services International (WSI) data. A degree day compares the average of the hourly outdoor temperatures during each day to a 65° Fahrenheit base temperature.

Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2024202320242023
Average Power Price ($MWh) (a):Average Natural gas price ($/MMBtu) (b):
ERCOT North Hub$25.89$48.30NYMEX Henry Hub$2.25$2.53
ERCOT West Hub$27.45$49.45Houston Ship Channel$1.87$2.20
PJM AEP Dayton Hub$30.74$30.81Permian Basin$0.08$1.53
PJM Northern Illinois Hub$25.46$26.64Dominion South$1.67$1.63
PJM Western Hub$33.83$33.07Tetco ELA$2.08$2.27
MISO Indiana Hub$31.36$32.98Chicago Citygate$2.12$2.30
ISONE Massachusetts Hub$41.47$36.82TetcoM3$2.07$1.90
New York Zone A$32.66$25.68Algonquin Citygates$3.03$2.94
CAISO NP15$40.67$61.37PG&E Citygate$3.09$6.09

____________

(a)Reflects the average around-the-clock settled prices for the periods presented and does not necessarily reflect prices we realized.

(b)Reflects the average around-the-clock settled prices for the periods presented and does not reflect costs incurred by us.

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Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 increased by $1.438 billion. The primary drivers for the increase include:

Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to 2023
Retail (a)TexasEast (a)West
(in millions)
Favorable change in realized revenue net of fuel driven by addition of Energy Harbor, including nuclear PTC revenues from the acquired nuclear facilities and rolloff of negative margin defaults service contracts in East. Favorable change in Texas is driven by nuclear PTC revenues.$$257$1,570$6
Higher retail margins driven by favorable power supply costs, customer count growth and addition of energy Harbor retail contracts, including acquired default service contracts425
Favorable impact of less Winter Storm Uri bill credits applied42
Increase in plant operating costs due primarily to addition of Energy Harbor in East(52)(490)(11)
Change in SG&A and other primarily due to increase in costs related to addition of Energy Harbor in Retail and East(109)(7)(64)(20)
Change in Adjusted EBITDA$358$198$1,016$(25)
Increase in depreciation and amortization driven primarily by addition of Energy Harbor assets in East(12)(45)(575)(7)
Change in unrealized net gains (losses) on hedging activities (b)5341,603(1,510)65
Impairment of long-lived assets49
Decommissioning related activities(26)91(2)
PJM capacity performance default impacts9
Winter Storm Uri impact(52)4
Other (including interest expenses)(36)173(14)
Change in Net income$792$1,735$(847)$17

___________

(a)    Includes amounts associated with operations acquired in the Energy Harbor Merger beginning March 1, 2024.

(b)    See Energy-Related Commodity Contracts and Mark-to-Market Activities below for analysis of hedging strategy.

Asset Closure Segment — Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023

Year Ended December 31,Favorable (Unfavorable) Change
20242023
(in millions)
Operating revenues$1$$1
Fuel, purchased power costs, and delivery fees(3)(3)
Operating costs(81)(74)(7)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses(43)(34)(9)
Operating loss(126)(111)(15)
Other income16110(94)
Other deductions(2)(2)
Interest expense and related charges(4)(5)1
Income (loss) before income taxes(116)(6)(110)
Net loss$(116)$(6)$(110)
Adjusted EBITDA$(117)$(39)$(78)

GAAP and Adjusted EBITDA results for the year ended December 31, 2024 are unfavorable compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to other income of $89 million from the gain on sale of property in Freestone County, Texas in 2023.

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Energy-Related Commodity Contracts and Mark-to-Market Activities

We entered the 2023 and 2024 calendar years with more than 99% of our expected generation volumes hedged. While settled power prices in 2024 are lower than historical averages, the strategic hedging allowed us to lock in margins above what we would have been able to realize if unhedged and are higher than the margins from hedging for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is driving the increase in realized revenue net of fuel in the generation segments along with the addition of Energy Harbor. The forward power sales are also the drivers of the changes in unrealized gains/losses on hedging activities. As power prices increase/decrease in comparison to what our generation segments have sold forward, the generation segments recognize unrealized losses/gains. The retail segment procures power from the generation segments to serve future load obligations and thus changes in forward power prices have an inverse effect on unrealized mark to market for the retail segment as compared to the generation segments. In 2024, we saw a decrease in forward power prices in all our generation segments compared to our hedged positions which drove material unrealized gains in those segments, partially offset by unrealized losses in our retail segment. In 2023, the non-Texas generation segments also experienced a decrease in forward power prices compared to our hedged positions, which resulted in unrealized gains in those segments partially offset by unrealized losses in our retail segment. In the Texas segment, forward power prices materially increased in the year ended December 31, 2023, which resulted in unrealized losses partially offset by unrealized gains in the Retail segment.

The table below summarizes the changes in commodity contract assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. The net change in these assets and liabilities, excluding "other activity" as described below, reflects $1.155 billion and $490 million in unrealized net gains for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, arising from mark-to-market accounting for positions in the commodity contract portfolio.

Year Ended December 31,
20242023
(in millions)
Commodity contract net liability as of January 1$(2,740)$(3,148)
Settlements/termination of positions (a)1,2131,643
Changes in fair value of positions in the portfolio (b)(58)(1,153)
Acquired commodity contracts (c)(50)
Other activity (d)175(82)
Commodity contract net liability as of December 31$(1,460)$(2,740)

____________

(a)Represents reversals of previously recognized unrealized gains and losses upon settlement/termination (offsets realized gains/(losses) recognized in the settlement period). Excludes changes in fair value in the month the position settled as well as amounts related to positions entered into, and settled, in the same month.

(b)Represents unrealized net gains/(losses) recognized, reflecting the effect of changes in fair value. Excludes changes in fair value in the month the position settled as well as amounts related to positions entered into, and settled, in the same month.

(c)Includes fair value of commodity contracts acquired in the Energy Harbor Merger (see Note 2 to the Financial Statements).

(d)Primarily represents changes in fair value of positions due to receipt or payment of cash not reflected in unrealized gains or losses. Amounts are generally related to premiums related to options purchased or sold as well as certain margin deposits classified as settlement for certain transactions executed on the CME.

The following maturity table presents the net commodity contract liability arising from recognition of fair values as of December 31, 2024, scheduled by the source of fair value and contractual settlement dates of the underlying positions.

Maturity dates of unrealized commodity contract net liability as of December 31, 2024
Source of Fair ValueLess than 1 year1-3 years4-5 yearsExcess of 5 yearsTotal
(in millions)
Prices actively quoted$(205)$11$(1)$$(195)
Prices provided by other external sources(423)(91)1(513)
Prices based on models(162)(507)(75)(8)(752)
Total$(790)$(587)$(75)$(8)$(1,460)

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We have engaged in natural gas hedging activities to mitigate the risk of higher or lower wholesale electricity prices that have corresponded to increases or declines in natural gas prices. When natural gas prices are elevated or depressed, we continue to seek opportunities to manage our wholesale power price exposure through hedging activities, including forward wholesale and retail electricity sales.

Estimated hedging levels for generation volumes in our Texas, East and West segments as of December 31, 2024 were as follows:

20252026
Nuclear/Renewable/Coal Generation:
Texas100%100%
East84%55%
Natural Gas Generation:
Texas100%57%
East100%77%
West100%37%

Financial Condition

Cash Flows

Operating Cash Flows

Cash provided by operating activities totaled $4.563 billion and $5.453 billion for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The unfavorable change of $890 million was primarily driven by $1.06 billion less of a decrease in net margin deposits (returns of cash deposits related to commodity contracts which support our hedging strategy) in the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The unfavorable change in margin deposits is partially offset by an increase in cash from realized operating income primarily due to the addition of Energy Harbor.

Depreciation and amortization — Depreciation and amortization expense, as reported as a reconciling adjustment in the consolidated statements of cash flows, exceeded the amount reported in the consolidated statements of operations by $788 million, $454 million, and $451 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. This difference represents amortization of nuclear fuel, which is reported as fuel costs in the consolidated statements of operations consistent with industry practice, as well as the amortization of intangible net assets and liabilities. These are reported under various other line items in the consolidated statements of operations, including operating revenues, fuel and purchased power costs, and delivery fees (see Note 7 to the Financial Statements).

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Investing Cash Flows

Cash used in investing activities totaled $5.276 billion and $2.145 billion for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase of $3.131 billion was driven primarily by the $3.1 billion used to fund the Energy Harbor Merger.

Year Ended December 31,Increase (Decrease)
20242023
(in millions)
Capital expenditures, including LTSA prepayments$(801)$(764)(37)
Nuclear fuel purchases(477)(214)(263)
Growth and development expenditures(800)(698)(102)
Total capital expenditures(2,078)(1,676)(402)
Energy Harbor acquisition (net of cash acquired)(3,065)(3,065)
Net sales (purchases) of environmental allowances(453)(571)118
Net sales of (investments in) nuclear decommissioning trust fund securities(23)(23)0
Proceeds from sales of property, plant, and equipment, including nuclear fuel19611581
Proceeds from sales of transferable ITCs150150
Other investing activity(3)10(13)
Cash used in investing activities$(5,276)$(2,145)$(3,131)

Financing Cash Flows

Cash used in financing activities totaled $1.604 billion and $294 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase of $1.31 billion was primarily driven by the $1.748 billion paid to Avenue and Nuveen in connection with the purchase of their noncontrolling interests in Vistra Vision and the $180 million of dividends we paid to them. These cash outflows were partially offset by an $890 million increase in net new borrowings, as detailed below.

Year Ended December 31,Increase (Decrease)
20242023
(in millions)
Share repurchases$(1,266)$(1,245)$(21)
Issuances of long-term debt3,8172,4981,319
Other net long-term borrowings (repayments)(2,287)(33)(2,254)
Net short-term borrowings (repayments)(650)650
Net borrowings (repayments) under the accounts receivable financing facilities750(425)1,175
Dividends paid to common stockholders(305)(313)8
Dividends paid to preferred stockholders(173)(150)(23)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling and redeemable noncontrolling interest holders(180)(180)
Payment for acquisition of noncontrolling interest(1,748)(1,748)
TRA Repurchase and tender offer — return of capital(122)(122)
Other financing activity(90)24(114)
Cash used in financing activities$(1,604)$(294)$(1,310)

Debt Activity

We remain committed to a strong balance sheet and have continued to state our objective to reduce consolidated net leverage. We also intend to maintain adequate liquidity and pursue opportunities to refinance our long-term debt to extend maturities.

In May 2025, $744 million of 5.125% Senior Secured Notes will reach maturity. We plan to fund this upcoming principal payment using a combination of proceeds from the senior secured notes issued in December 2024 and cash on hand. Increases in interest rates have resulted in, and will likely continue to result in, increased borrowing costs.

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See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Available Liquidity

The following table summarizes changes in available liquidity for the year ended December 31, 2024:

December 31, 2024December 31, 2023Change
(in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents (a)$1,188$3,485$(2,297)
Vistra Operations Credit Facilities — Revolving Credit Facility (b)2,1621,213949
Vistra Operations — Commodity-Linked Facility (c)7711,101(330)
Total available liquidity (d)(e)$4,121$5,799$(1,678)

____________

(a)See the consolidated statements of cash flows in the Financial Statements and Cash Flows above for details of the decrease in cash and cash equivalents for the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease includes $3.1 billion that was used to fund the Energy Harbor Merger.

(b)The increase in availability for the year ended December 31, 2024 was driven by a $684 million decrease in letters of credit outstanding under the facility and the October 2024 amendment to the Revolving Credit Facility which, among other things, increased the revolving credit commitments by $265 million (see Note 9 to the Financial Statements).

(c)As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the borrowing bases were less than the facility limits of $1.75 billion and $1.575 billion, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, available capacity reflects the borrowing base of $771 million and no cash borrowings. As of December 31, 2023, available capacity reflects the borrowing base of $1.101 billion and no cash borrowings.

(d)Excludes amounts available to be borrowed under the Receivables Facility and the Repurchase Facility, respectively. See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

(e)Excludes any additional letters of credit that may be issued under the Secured LOC Facilities or the Alternative LOC Facilities. See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

We believe that we will have access to sufficient liquidity to fund our anticipated cash requirements through at least the next 12 months, including the upcoming payments associated with the acquisition of Nuveen's noncontrolling interest in Vistra Vision discussed in Note 9 to the Financial Statements. Our operational cash flows tend to be seasonal and weighted toward the second half of the year.

Interest payments on long-term debt, after taking into account interest rate swaps, are expected to total approximately $905 million in 2025, $1.595 billion in 2026-2027, $1.180 billion in 2028-2029 and $1.305 billion thereafter. See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Our obligations under commodity purchase and services agreements, including capacity payments, nuclear fuel and natural gas take-or-pay contracts, coal contracts, business services and nuclear-related outsourcing and other purchase commitments, are expected to total approximately $3.270 billion in 2025, $2.650 billion in 2026-2027, $1.490 billion in 2028-2029 and $450 million thereafter. See Notes 10 and 15 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Capital Expenditures

Estimated 2025 capital expenditures and nuclear fuel purchases as of December 31, 2024 total approximately $2.275 billion and include:

•$925 million for investments in generation and mining facilities;

•$725 million for solar and energy storage development;

•$300 million for nuclear fuel purchases; and

•$325 million for other growth expenditures.

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Liquidity Effects of Commodity Hedging and Trading Activities

We have entered into commodity hedging and trading transactions that require us to post collateral if the forward price of the underlying commodity moves such that the hedging or trading instrument we hold has declined in value. We use cash, letters of credit, Eligible Assets (see Note 8 to the Financial Statements) and other forms of credit support to satisfy such collateral posting obligations. See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Exchange cleared transactions typically require initial margin (i.e., the upfront cash and/or letter of credit posted to take into account the size and maturity of the positions and credit quality) in addition to variation margin (i.e., the daily cash margin posted to take into account changes in the value of the underlying commodity). The amount of initial margin required is generally defined by exchange rules. Clearing agents, however, typically have the right to request additional initial margin based on various factors, including market depth, volatility and credit quality, which may be in the form of cash, letters of credit, a guaranty or other forms as negotiated with the clearing agent. Cash collateral received from counterparties is either used for working capital and other business purposes, including reducing borrowings under credit facilities, or is required to be deposited in a separate account and restricted from being used for working capital and other corporate purposes. With respect to over-the-counter transactions, counterparties generally have the right to substitute letters of credit for such cash collateral. In such event, the cash collateral previously posted would be returned to such counterparties, which would reduce liquidity in the event the cash was not restricted.

As of December 31, 2024, we received or posted cash, letters of credit and Eligible Assets for commodity hedging and trading activities as follows:

•$841 million in cash and Eligible Assets has been posted with counterparties as compared to $1.244 billion posted as of December 31, 2023;

•$49 million in cash has been received from counterparties as compared to $45 million received as of December 31, 2023;

•$2.560 billion in letters of credit have been posted with counterparties as compared to $2.408 billion posted as of December 31, 2023; and

•$131 million in letters of credit have been received from counterparties as compared to $143 million received as of December 31, 2023.

See Collateral Support Obligations below for information related to collateral posted in accordance with the PUCT and ISO/RTO rules.

Income Tax Payments

In the next 12 months, we expect to make approximately $31 million in federal income tax payments, $81 million in state income tax payments and $2 million in TRA payments, offset by $14 million in state tax refunds.

For the year ended December 31, 2024, there were $5 million federal income tax payments, $59 million in state income tax payments, $9 million in state income tax refunds and no TRA payments.

Capitalization

Our capitalization ratios consisted of 73% and 70% long-term debt (less amounts due currently) and 27% and 30% stockholders' equity at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Total long-term debt (including amounts due currently) to capitalization was 75% and 73% at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

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Financial Covenants

The Vistra Operations Credit Agreement and the Vistra Operations Commodity-Linked Credit Agreement each includes a covenant, solely with respect to the Revolving Credit Facility and the Commodity-Linked Facility and solely during a compliance period (which, in general, is applicable when the aggregate revolving borrowings and revolving letters of credit outstanding (excluding all undrawn revolving letters of credit and cash collateralized backstopped revolving letters of credit) exceed 35% of the revolving commitments), that requires the consolidated first-lien net leverage ratio not to exceed 4.25 to 1.00 (or, during a collateral suspension period, the consolidated total net leverage ratio not to exceed 5.50 to 1.00). In addition, each of the Secured LOC Facilities includes a covenant that requires the consolidated first-lien net leverage ratio not to exceed 4.25 to 1.00 (or, for certain facilities that include a collateral suspension mechanism, during a collateral suspension period, the consolidated total net leverage ratio not to exceed 5.50 to 1.00). Although the period ended December 31, 2024 was not a compliance period, we would have been in compliance with the Vistra Operations Credit Agreement, Vistra Operations Commodity-Linked Credit Agreement and Secured LOC Facilities financial covenants if they were required to be tested at such time. See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Collateral Support Obligations

The RCT has rules in place to assure that parties can meet their mining reclamation obligations. In September 2016, the RCT agreed to a collateral bond of up to $975 million to support Luminant's reclamation obligations. The collateral bond is effectively a first lien on all of Vistra Operations' assets (which ranks pari passu with the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities) that contractually enables the RCT to be paid (up to $975 million) before the other first-lien lenders in the event of a liquidation of our assets. Collateral support relates to land mined or being mined and not yet reclaimed as well as land for which permits have been obtained but mining activities have not yet begun and land already reclaimed but not released from regulatory obligations by the RCT, and includes cost contingency amounts.

The PUCT has rules in place to assure adequate creditworthiness of each REP, including the ability to return customer deposits, if necessary. Under these rules, as of December 31, 2024, Vistra has posted letters of credit in the amount of $86 million with the PUCT, which is subject to adjustments.

The ISOs/RTOs we operate in have rules in place to assure adequate creditworthiness of parties that participate in the markets operated by those ISOs/RTOs. Under these rules, Vistra has posted collateral support totaling $960 million in the form of letters of credit, $70 million in the form of a surety bond and $3 million of cash as of December 31, 2024 (which is subject to daily adjustments based on settlement activity with the ISOs/RTOs).

Material Cross Default/Acceleration Provisions

Certain of our contractual arrangements contain provisions that could result in an event of default if there were a failure under financing arrangements to meet payment terms or to observe covenants that could result in an acceleration of payments due. Such provisions are referred to as "cross default" or "cross acceleration" provisions.

A default by Vistra Operations or any of its restricted subsidiaries in respect of certain specified indebtedness in an aggregate amount in excess of the greatest of $1.0 billion, 17.5% of Consolidated EBITDA and 2.50% of Consolidated Total Assets, may result in a cross default under the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities and the Commodity-Linked Facility. Such a default would allow the lenders under each such facility to accelerate the maturity of outstanding balances under such facilities, which totaled approximately $2.475 billion and zero, respectively, as of December 31, 2024.

Each of Vistra Operations' (or its subsidiaries') commodity hedging agreements and interest rate swap agreements that are secured with a lien on its assets on a pari passu basis with the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities lenders contains a cross-default provision. An event of a default by Vistra Operations or any of its subsidiaries relating to indebtedness equal to or above a threshold defined in the applicable agreement that results in the acceleration of such debt, would give such counterparty under these hedging agreements the right to terminate its hedge or interest rate swap agreement with Vistra Operations (or its applicable subsidiary) and require all outstanding obligations under such agreement to be settled.

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Under the Vistra Operations Senior Unsecured Indentures, the Vistra Operations Senior Secured Indenture and the Indenture governing the 7.233% Senior Secured Notes, a default under any document evidencing indebtedness for borrowed money by Vistra Operations or any Guarantor Subsidiary for failure to pay principal when due at final maturity or that results in the acceleration of such indebtedness in an aggregate amount of $300 million or more may result in a cross default under the Vistra Operations Senior Unsecured Notes, the Senior Secured Notes, the 7.233% Senior Secured Notes, the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities, the Receivables Facility, the Commodity-Linked Facility and other current or future documents evidencing any indebtedness for borrowed money by the applicable borrower or issuer, as the case may be, and the applicable Guarantor Subsidiaries party thereto.

Additionally, we enter into energy-related physical and financial contracts, the master forms of which contain provisions whereby an event of default or acceleration of settlement would occur if we were to default under an obligation in respect of borrowings in excess of thresholds, which may vary by contract.

The Receivables Facility contains a cross-default provision. The cross-default provision applies, among other instances, if TXU Energy, Dynegy Energy Services, Ambit Texas, Value Based Brands, Energy Harbor LLC, TriEagle Energy, each indirect subsidiaries of Vistra and originators under the Receivables Facility (Originators), and Vistra or any of their respective subsidiaries fails to make a payment of principal or interest on any indebtedness that is outstanding in a principal amount of at least $300 million, in the case of Vistra Operations, and in a principal amount of at least $50 million, in the case of TXU Energy or any of the other Originators, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, or if other events occur or circumstances exist under such indebtedness which give rise to a right of the debtholder to accelerate such indebtedness, or if such indebtedness becomes due before its stated maturity. If this cross-default provision is triggered, a termination event under the Receivables Facility would occur and the Receivables Facility may be terminated.

The Repurchase Facility contains a cross-default provision. The cross-default provision applies, among other instances, if an event of default (or similar event) occurs under the Receivables Facility or the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities. If this cross-default provision is triggered, a termination event under the Repurchase Facility would occur and the Repurchase Facility may be terminated.

Under the Secured LOC Facilities, a default by Vistra Operations or any of its restricted subsidiaries in respect of certain specified indebtedness in an aggregate amount in excess of $300 million may result in a cross default under the Secured LOC Facilities. In addition, a default under any document evidencing indebtedness for borrowed money by Vistra Operations or any Guarantor Subsidiary for failure to pay principal when due at final maturity or that results in the acceleration of such indebtedness in an aggregate amount of $300 million or more, may result in a termination of the Secured LOC Facilities.

Under the Alternative LOC Facilities, a default by Vistra Operations or any of its restricted subsidiaries in respect of certain specified indebtedness in an aggregate amount in excess of the greater of $300 million and 17.5% of Consolidated EBITDA may result in a cross default under the Alternative LOC Facilities. In addition, a default under any document evidencing indebtedness for borrowed money by Vistra Operations or any Guarantor Subsidiary for failure to pay principal when due at final maturity or that results in the acceleration of such indebtedness in an aggregate amount exceeding the threshold above, may result in a termination of the Alternative LOC Facilities.

Under the Vistra Operations Senior Unsecured Indenture and the Vistra Operations Senior Secured Indenture governing the 7.750% Senior Unsecured Notes, the 6.875% Senior Unsecured Notes, the 6.950% Senior Secured Notes and the 6.000% Senior Secured Notes, a default under any document evidencing indebtedness for borrowed money by Vistra Operations or any Guarantor Subsidiary for failure to pay principal when due at final maturity or that results in the acceleration of such indebtedness in an aggregate amount that exceeds the greater of 1.5% of total assets and $600 million may result in a cross default under the respective notes and other current or future documents evidencing any indebtedness for borrowed money by the applicable borrower or issuer, as the case may be, and the applicable Guarantor Subsidiaries party thereto.

A default by Vistra Zero Operations or any of its restricted subsidiaries in respect of certain specified indebtedness in an aggregate amount in excess of the greatest of $100 million, 75% of Consolidated EBITDA and 6% of Consolidated Total Assets, may result in a cross default under the Vistra Zero Credit Agreement. Such a default would allow the lenders under such facility to accelerate the maturity of outstanding balances under such facility, which totaled approximately $697 million as of December 31, 2024.

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A default by BCOP or any of its subsidiary guarantors in respect of certain provisions defined in the applicable agreement may result in a cross default under the BCOP Credit Agreement. Such a default would allow the lenders under such facility to accelerate the maturity of outstanding balances under such facility. In addition, the interest rate swap agreements that are secured with a lien on BCOP and its subsidiary guarantors' assets on a pari passu basis with the BCOP Credit Agreement contain cross-default provisions, where an event of a default by BCOP or any of its subsidiary guarantors that results in the acceleration of such debt, would give such counterparty under these hedging agreements the right to terminate its hedge or interest rate swap agreement with BCOP and require all outstanding obligations under such agreement to be settled.

Under the Nuveen UPA, a default under any document evidencing indebtedness for borrowed money by Vistra Operations or any Guarantor Subsidiary that results in the acceleration of such indebtedness in an aggregate amount that exceeds the greater of 1.5% of total assets and $600 million may result in a cross default under the UPA. Such a default would result in the payment obligations under the Nuveen UPA of Vistra Vision Holdings and/or any guarantor thereunder becoming immediately due and payable.

Guarantees

See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Commitments and Contingencies

See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

Changes in Accounting Standards

See Note 1 to the Financial Statements for additional information.

FY 2023 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001692819-24-000012.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2024-02-29. Report date: 2023-12-31.

Item 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION, AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition, and Results of Operations in our 2022 Form 10-K for a discussion of our financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 and for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, which is incorporated here by reference.

All dollar amounts in the tables in the following discussion and analysis are stated in millions of U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Significant Activities and Events, and Items Influencing Future Performance

Proposed Merger with Energy Harbor

On March 6, 2023, Vistra Operations and its wholly-owned subsidiary (Merger Sub) entered into a Transaction Agreement with Energy Harbor pursuant to which, upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, Merger Sub will be merged with and into Energy Harbor, with Energy Harbor surviving as an indirect subsidiary of Vistra. The Transaction Agreement, the Merger and the other Transactions were approved by each of Vistra's Board and Energy Harbor's board of directors. On February 16, 2024, we received approval from FERC to acquire Energy Harbor. FERC's approval was the last regulatory approval needed, and we anticipate closing on March 1, 2024. See Note 2 to the Financial Statements for more information concerning the Transaction Agreement.

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Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

In August 2022, the U.S. enacted the IRA, which, among other things, implements substantial new and modified energy tax credits, including a nuclear PTC, a solar PTC, a first-time stand-alone battery storage investment tax credit, a 15% corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) on book income of certain large corporations, and a 1% excise tax on net stock repurchases. Treasury regulations are expected to further define the scope of the legislation in many important respects over the next twelve months. The excise tax on stock repurchases is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements. Vistra is not subject to the CAMT in the 2023 tax year since it only applies to corporations that have a three-year average annual adjusted financial statement income in excess of $1 billion. We have taken the CAMT and relevant extensions or expansions of existing tax credits applicable to projects in our immediate development pipeline into account when forecasting cash taxes for periods after the law takes effect. See Note 1 for our accounting policy related to refundable and transferable PTCs and ITCs.

Repurchase of TRA Rights and Preferred Stock Issuance

On December 29, 2023, Vistra repurchased (Repurchase) approximately 74% of the outstanding beneficial interests in the TRA Rights to receive payments under the TRA from a select group of registered holders of the TRA Rights (Selling Holders) in exchange for consideration of $1.50 per repurchased TRA Right, totaling an aggregate purchase price for the Repurchase of approximately $476 million. The shares of Series C Preferred Stock were issued (see Note 15 to the Financial Statements) to the Selling Holders in exchange for the TRA Rights in a transaction exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. As part of the transaction, on January 29, 2024, the Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 registering the resale of the shares by the Selling Holders of Series C Preferred Stock from time to time under Rule 415 of the Securities Act. If the Company repurchases TRA Rights at any time during the 180 days following December 29, 2023 at a price per TRA Right greater than $1.50, the Company will pay the Selling Holders an amount equal to such excess purchase price per TRA Right sold by the Selling Holders.

On January 11, 2024, Vistra repurchased an additional 43,494,944 TRA Rights from a select group of registered holders of TRA Rights in exchange for consideration of $1.50 per repurchased TRA Right. Total consideration of $65 million was paid using cash on hand.

On January 31, 2024, Vistra announced a cash tender offer to purchase any and all outstanding TRA Rights in exchange for consideration of $1.50 per tendered TRA Right accepted for purchase prior to close of business on February 13, 2024 (Early Tender Date), which included an early tender premium of $0.05 per TRA Right accepted for purchase. As of the Early Tender Date, 55,056,931 TRA Rights were accepted for purchase for total consideration of $83 million, which was paid using cash on hand. TRA Rights accepted for purchase after the Early Tender Date, but prior to the close of business on February 28, 2024, will receive consideration of $1.45 per TRA Right accepted for purchase, which will be paid in March 2024 using cash on hand.

As of the Early Tender Date, we have repurchased an aggregate 98% of the original outstanding TRA Rights, of which 10,430,083 TRA Rights remain outstanding.

See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for details of the TRA and Note 15 to the Financial Statements for details of the Series C Preferred Stock.

Financial and Operating Performance

The following are financial and operating highlights we achieved in the execution of our four strategic priorities:

Long-term, attractive earnings profile through the integrated business model.

•We continued to execute our integrated business model through exceptional operational performance and capitalization of market opportunities which drove strong earnings during the year ended December 31, 2023, highlighting our competitive advantage of coupling retail with our reliable and efficient generation fleet and wholesale commodity risk management capabilities which reduces the effects of commodity price movements and contributes to the stability and predictability of our cash flows.

•Our commercial team focused on effectively and efficiently managing risk by opportunistically hedging for 2023 and beyond and optimizing our assets and business positions which led to strong plant operating performance and energy margins.

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•Our retail brands served the retail electricity and natural gas needs of end-use residential, small business and commercial and industrial electricity customers through multiple sales and marketing channels through products and solutions that differentiate from our competitors leading to an increase in residential customer counts within markets we continue to operate.

Strategic energy transition that supports the reliability and affordability of electricity.

•In June 2023, an additional 350 MW battery ESS at our Moss Landing Power Plant site commenced commercial operations.

•As of June 30, 2023, the net proceeds of our Series B Preferred Stock were fully allocated to eligible solar and battery projects, pursuant to our Green Finance Framework.

•We continued development and construction activities on the planned development of up to 300 MW of solar photovoltaic power generation facilities and up to 150 MW of battery ESS at retired or to-be-retired plant sites in Illinois.

•We retired our Edwards coal generation plant on January 1, 2023.

Significant and consistent shareholder return of capital.

•During the year ended December 31, 2023, we paid dividends to common stockholders totaling $313 million.

•During the year ended December 31, 2023, we repurchased 45 million shares for $1.3 billion under our stock repurchase program. Total shares repurchased under the program established in October 2021 are 143 million shares for $3.5 billion. See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for more information about our dividend and Share Repurchase Program.

Maintaining a strong balance sheet.

•In December 2023, we issued $400 million of 6.950% Senior Secured Notes due 2033 and $350 million of 7.750% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2031 in which the net proceeds were used to fund the tender offer (Senior Secured Notes Tender Offer) to purchase for cash $759 million aggregate principal amount of certain notes in January 2024, including $58 million of 4.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2024, $345 million of 3.550% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 and $356 million of the 5.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2025.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, our operating segments delivered strong operating performance with a disciplined focus on cost management, while generating and selling essential electricity in a safe and reliable manner. Our performance reflected strong plant operating performance, summer scarcity pricing events in Texas and effectiveness of our comprehensive hedging strategy and the value we were able to lock in as forward power and natural gas curves increased beginning in 2022.

Macroeconomic Conditions

With forward power and natural gas curves increasing during 2022 and the continued volatility in 2023, we have increased our hedging for future periods. As of December 31, 2023, we have hedged approximately 91% of our expected generation volumes on average for the two-year period 2024 through 2025 (with approximately 98% hedged for 2024 and approximately 83% hedged for 2025).

The industry continues to experience supply chain constraints that have reduced the availability of certain equipment and supply relevant to construction of renewables projects, and increased the lead time to procure certain materials necessary to maintain our natural gas, nuclear and coal fleet. We are proactively managing the increased costs of materials and supply chain disruptions and continuing to prudently re-evaluate the business cases and timing of our planned development projects, which has resulted in a deferral of some of our planned capital spend for our renewables projects. In addition, we have proactively engaged our suppliers to secure key materials needed to maintain our existing generation facilities prior to future planned outages, and our Vistra Zero operational and development projects are anticipated to benefit from the impact of the IRA. The inflationary environment continues to drive elevated interest rates, resulting in increased expected refinancing or borrowing costs, including project financing for our development projects and refinancing expected in connection with debt due in 2024 and beyond.

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We are closely monitoring developments in the Russia and Ukraine conflict, specifically with regards to, (i) sanctions (or potential sanctions) against Russian energy exports and Russian nuclear fuel supply and enrichment activities, and (ii) actions by Russia to limit energy deliveries, which may further impact commodity prices in Europe and globally. In addition, current policies being considered by the U.S. Congress, namely H.R. 1042 the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act, would restrict imports of uranium if signed into law. The bill passed out of the House of Representatives in December 2023, and the future of the bill remains uncertain as it awaits consideration in the Senate. Our 2024 refueling has not been affected by the Russia and Ukraine conflict, nor have we seen any disruption to the delivery of nuclear fuel. We are taking affirmative action by building strategic inventory and deploying mitigating strategies in our procurement portfolio to ensure we can secure the nuclear fuel needed to continue to operate our nuclear facility through potential Russian supply disruption. We work with a diverse set of global nuclear fuel cycle suppliers to procure our nuclear fuel years in advance, and therefore, we expect to have enough nuclear fuel to support all our refueling needs, including the Energy Harbor facilities following the expected closing of the Transactions, through 2027. If imports from Russia are restricted, refueling operations of U.S. merchant nuclear power generators could be challenged in future years.

Capacity Markets

PJM, NYISO, ISO-NE, MISO and CAISO ensure long-term grid reliability through monthly, semiannual, annual and multi-year capacity auctions or bilateral transactions where power suppliers commit to making the generation resources available to the ISO as needed for a specific time period. We participate in these capacity market auctions and also enter into bilateral capacity sales, and a portion of our East, West and Sunset segment revenues are impacted by the capacity auction results or bilateral contracts. The following information summarizes the auction pricing for zones in which we operate as well as our capacity auction and bilateral capacity sales by planning period. Performance incentive rules increase capacity payments for those resources that are providing excess energy or reserves during a shortage event, while penalizing those that produce less than the required level.

PJM

Reliability Pricing Model (RPM) auction results, for the zones in which our assets are located, are as follows for each planning year:

2023-20242024-2025
(average price per MW-day)
RTO zone$34.13$28.92
ComEd zone34.1328.92
MAAC zone49.4949.49
EMAAC zone49.4954.95
ATSI zone34.1328.92
DEOK zone34.1396.24

Our capacity sales in PJM, net of purchases, aggregated by planning year and capacity type through planning year 2024-2025, are as follows:

2023-20242024-2025
East SegmentSunset SegmentEast SegmentSunset Segment
CP auction capacity sold, net (MW)5,8111,6675,5671,338
Bilateral capacity sold, net (MW)37816640038
Total segment capacity sold, net (MW)6,1891,8335,9671,376
Average price per MW-day$38.61$36.82$36.80$75.11

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NYISO

The most recent seasonal auction results for NYISO's Rest-of-State zones, in which the capacity for our Independence plant clears, are as follows for each planning period:

Winter 2023 - 2024
Price per kW-month$3.83

Due to the short-term, seasonal nature of the NYISO capacity auctions, we monetize the majority of our capacity through bilateral trades. Our capacity sales, aggregated by season through winter 2025-2026, are as follows:

East Segment
Winter 2023 - 2024Summer 2024Winter 2024 - 2025Summer 2025Winter 2025 - 2026
Auction capacity sold (MW)12
Bilateral capacity sold (MW)1,13287359117559
Total capacity sold (MW)1,14487359117559
Average price per kW-month$2.27$3.80$3.44$4.10$4.10

ISO-NE

The most recent Forward Capacity Auction results for ISO-NE Rest-of-Pool, in which most of our assets are located, are as follows for each planning year:

2023-20242024-20252025-20262026-20272027-2028
Price per kW-month$2.00$2.61$2.59$2.59$3.58

We continue to market and pursue longer term multi-year capacity transactions that extend through planning year 2027-2028.

East Segment
2023-20242024-20252025-20262026-20272027-2028
Auction capacity sold (MW)3,2133,1033,0322,8363,261
Bilateral capacity sold (MW)227878588
Total capacity sold (MW)3,2353,1813,1102,8943,269
Average price per kW-month$2.22$3.12$2.72$2.60$3.58

MISO

The capacity auction results for MISO Local Resource Zone 4, in which our assets are located, are as follows for each planning year:

2023-2024
Price per MW-day$9.25

MISO capacity sales through planning year 2026-2027 are as follows:

Sunset Segment
2023-20242024-20252025-20262026-2027
Bilateral capacity sold in MISO (MW)1,702984423101
Total MISO segment capacity sold (MW)1,702984423101
Average price per kW-month$4.36$4.34$4.94$4.59

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CAISO

Our capacity sales as part of the California Public Utilities Commission Resource Adequacy (RA) Program in California, aggregated by calendar year for 2024 through 2027 for Moss Landing, are as follows:

West Segment
2024202520262027
Bilateral capacity sold (Avg MW)1,8801,7701,250750

Electricity Prices

The price of electricity has a significant impact on our operating revenues and purchased power costs. Electricity prices are typically set by the cost to fuel a generation facility and the amount of fuel needed to generate one unit of electricity (Heat Rate) from the generation facility. Market Heat Rate is the implied relationship between wholesale electricity prices and the commodity price of the marginal supplier (generally natural gas plants).

Wholesale electricity prices generally track to increases or decreases in the price of natural gas, with exceptions such as when ERCOT power prices rise significantly during weather events as a result of the scarcity of available generation resources relative to power demand. The price of natural gas is volatile; therefore, the costs to operate a natural gas-fueled generation facility can be volatile as well. In contrast to our natural gas-fueled generation facilities, changes in natural gas prices have no significant effect on the cost of generating power at our nuclear-, lignite- and coal-fueled facilities; however, all other factors being equal, changes in natural gas prices affect our operating margins on these facilities as electricity prices generally track to natural gas prices. Other variables that could impact electricity prices include, but are not limited to, the price of other fuels, generation resources in the region, weather, on-going competition, emerging technologies, and macroeconomic and regulatory factors.

The wholesale market price of electricity divided by the market price of natural gas represents the Market Heat Rate. Market Heat Rate can be affected by a number of factors, including generation availability, mix of assets and the efficiency of the marginal supplier (generally natural gas-fueled generation facilities) in generating electricity. Our Market Heat Rate exposure is impacted by changes in the availability of generation resources, such as additions and retirements of generation facilities, and mix of generation assets. For example, increasing renewable (wind and solar) generation capacity generally depresses Market Heat Rates, particularly during periods when total demand is relatively low. However, increasing penetration of renewable generation capacity may also contribute to greater volatility of wholesale market prices independent of changes in the price of natural gas, given their intermittent nature.

As a result of our exposure to the variability of natural gas prices and Market Heat Rates, retail sales and hedging activities are critical to our operating results and maintaining consistent cash flow levels. Our integrated power generation and retail electricity business provides us opportunities to hedge our generation position utilizing retail electricity markets as a sales channel. Our approach to managing electricity price risk focuses on the following:

•employing disciplined, liquidity-efficient hedging and risk management strategies through physical and financial energy-related contracts intended to partially hedge gross margins;

•continuing focus on cost management to better withstand gross margin volatility;

•following a retail pricing strategy that appropriately reflects the value of our product offering to customers, the magnitude and costs of commodity price, liquidity risk and retail demand variability; and

•improving retail customer service to attract and retain high-value customers.

Critical Accounting Estimates

We follow accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. Application of these accounting policies in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the reporting of assets and liabilities at the balance sheet dates and revenues and expenses during the periods covered. The following is a summary of certain critical accounting estimates that are impacted by judgments and uncertainties and under which different amounts might be reported using different assumptions or estimation methodologies.

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Derivative Instruments and Mark-to-Market Accounting

We enter into contracts for the purchase and sale of energy-related commodities, and also enter into other derivative instruments such as options, swaps, futures and forwards primarily to manage commodity price and interest rate risks. Under accounting standards related to derivative instruments and hedging activities, these instruments are subject to mark-to-market accounting, and the determination of market values for these instruments is based on numerous assumptions and estimation techniques.

Mark-to-market accounting recognizes changes in the fair value of derivative instruments in the financial statements as market prices change. Such changes in fair value are accounted for as unrealized mark-to-market gains and losses in net income with an offset to derivative assets and liabilities. The availability of quoted market prices in energy markets is dependent on the type of commodity (e.g., natural gas, electricity, etc.), time period specified and delivery point. Where quoted market prices are not available, the fair value is based on unobservable inputs, which require significant judgment. Derivative instruments valued based on unobservable inputs primarily include (i) forward sales and purchases of electricity (including certain retail contracts), natural gas and coal, (ii) electricity, natural gas and coal options, and (iii) financial transmission rights. In computing fair value for derivatives, each forward pricing curve is separated into liquid and illiquid periods. The liquid period varies by delivery point and commodity. Generally, the liquid period is supported by exchange markets, broker quotes and frequent trading activity. For illiquid periods, fair value is estimated based on forward price curves developed using proprietary modeling techniques that take into account available market information and other inputs that might not be readily observable in the market. Any significant changes to these inputs could result in a material change to the value of the assets or liabilities recorded on our consolidated balance sheets and could result in a material change to the unrealized gains or losses recorded in our consolidated statements of operations. We estimate fair value as described in Note 16 to the Financial Statements.

Accounting standards related to derivative instruments and hedging activities allow for normal purchase or sale elections, which generally eliminate the requirement for mark-to-market recognition in net income. Normal purchases and sales (NPNS) are contracts that provide for physical delivery of quantities expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business and are not subject to mark-to-market accounting if the NPNS election is made and are accounted for on an accrual basis. Determining whether a contract qualifies for the normal purchase or sale election requires judgment as to whether or not the contract will physically deliver and requires that management ensure compliance with all associated qualification and documentation requirements. If it is determined that a transaction designated as a normal purchase or sale no longer meets the scope exception due to changes in estimates, the related contract would be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value with immediate recognition through earnings.

See Note 17 to the Financial Statements for further discussion regarding derivative instruments.

Accounting for Income Taxes

Our income tax expense and related consolidated balance sheet amounts involve significant management estimates and judgments. Amounts of deferred income tax assets and liabilities, as well as current and noncurrent accruals, involve estimates and judgments of the timing and probability of recognition of income and deductions by taxing authorities. Further, we assess the likelihood that we will be able to realize or utilize our deferred tax assets. If realization is not more likely than not, we would record a valuation allowance against such deferred tax assets for the amount we would not expect to utilize, which would reduce the carrying value of the deferred tax amounts. When evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including the following:

•the creation and timing of future income associated with the reversal of deferred tax liabilities in excess of deferred tax assets;

•the existence, or lack thereof, of statutory limitations on the period that net operating losses may be carried forward; and

•the amounts and history of income or losses, adjusted for certain non-recurring items.

Actual income taxes could vary from estimated amounts due to the future impacts of various items, including changes in income tax laws, our forecasted financial condition and results of operations in future periods, as well as final review of filed tax returns by taxing authorities.

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Income tax returns are regularly subject to examination by applicable tax authorities. In management's opinion, the liability recorded pursuant to income tax accounting guidance related to uncertain tax positions reflects future taxes that may be owed as a result of any examination.

See Notes 1 and 7 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of income tax matters.

Accounting for Tax Receivable Agreement (TRA)

On the Effective Date, Vistra entered into the TRA with a transfer agent. Pursuant to the TRA, we issued the TRA Rights for the benefit of the first-lien creditors of TCEH entitled to receive such TRA Rights under the Plan of Reorganization. Vistra reflected the obligation associated with TRA Rights at fair value in the amount of $574 million as of the Effective Date related to these future payment obligations. In December 2023, we repurchased approximately 74% of the TRA Rights to receive payments under the TRA from a select group of registered holders of the TRA Rights. Also, during the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded an increase to the carrying value of the TRA obligation totaling $82 million as a result of adjustments to forecasted taxable income due to increases in longer-term commodity price forecasts. As of December 31, 2023, the TRA obligation has been adjusted to $171 million, and the expected undiscounted federal and state payments under the TRA is estimated to be approximately $350 million. After giving effect to the January 2024 additional repurchases and the January and February 2024 early tender offer repurchases, we have repurchased an aggregate 98% of the original outstanding TRA Rights, of which 10,430,083 TRA Rights remain outstanding as of the Early Tender Date.

The TRA obligation value is the discounted amount of projected payments to be made each year under the TRA, based on certain assumptions, including but not limited to:

•the amount of tax basis related to (i) the Lamar and Forney acquisition and (ii) step-up resulting from the PrefCo Preferred Stock Sale (which is estimated to be approximately $5.5 billion) and the allocation of such tax basis step-up among the assets subject thereto;

•the depreciable lives of the assets subject to such tax basis step-up, which generally is expected to be 15 years for most of such assets;

•a blended federal/state corporate income tax rate in all future years of 23.2%;

•future taxable income by year for future years;

•the Company generally expects to generate sufficient taxable income to be able to utilize the deductions arising out of (i) the tax basis step up attributable to the PrefCo Preferred Stock Sale, (ii) the entire tax basis of the assets acquired as a result of the Lamar and Forney Acquisition, and (iii) tax benefits related to imputed interest deemed to be paid by us as a result of payments under the TRA in the tax year in which such deductions arise;

•a discount rate of 15%, which represented our view at the Effective Date of the rate that a market participant would use based on the risk associated with the uncertainty in the amount and timing of the cash flows, at the time of Emergence; and

•additional states that Vistra now operates in, the relevant tax rates of those states and how income will be apportioned to those states.

There may be significant changes, which may be material, to the estimate of the related liability due to various reasons including changes in federal and state tax laws and regulations, changes in estimates of the amount or timing of future consolidated taxable income, utilization of acquired net operating losses, reversals of temporary book/tax differences and other items. Changes in those estimates are recognized as adjustments to the related TRA obligation, with offsetting impacts recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements.

Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO)

As part of business combination accounting, new fair values were established for all AROs assumed in the Dynegy Merger. A liability is initially recorded at fair value for an ARO associated with the legal obligation associated with law, regulatory, contractual or constructive retirement requirements of tangible long-lived assets. These liabilities primarily relate to nuclear generation plant decommissioning, land reclamation related to lignite mining, and remediation or closure of coal ash basins. In estimating the ARO liability, we are required to make significant estimates and assumptions.

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For the estimates and assumptions of the nuclear generation plant decommissioning, we use unit-by-unit decommissioning cost studies to provide a marketplace assessment of the expected costs (in current year dollars) and timing of decommissioning activities, which are validated by comparison to current decommissioning projects within the industry and other estimates. Decommissioning cost studies are updated for each of our nuclear units at least every five years unless circumstances warrant a more frequent update. In estimating the liability for December 31, 2023, we have included an assumption that Vistra receives a license extension of 20 years from the NRC to continue to operate Comanche Peak Units 1 and 2 through 2050 and 2053, respectively. The costs to ultimately decommission the facility are recoverable through the regulatory rate making process as part of Oncor's delivery fees and therefore changes in estimates of the ARO do not impact Vistra's earnings.

The estimates and assumptions required for the mining land reclamation related to lignite mining, such as costs to fill in mining pits and interpretation of the mining permit closure requirements, are complex and require a significant amount of judgment. To develop the estimate of costs to fill in mining pits, we utilize a complex proprietary model to estimate the volume of the pit. A significant portion of the estimate is associated with the Asset Closure segment, thus related to closed facilities with changes in the estimate recorded to our consolidated statements of operations.

These obligations are adjusted on a regular basis to reflect the passage of time and to incorporate revisions to the following significant estimates and assumptions:

•estimation of dates for retirement, which can be dependent on environmental and other legislation;

•amounts and timing of future cash expenditures associated with retirement, settlement or remediation activities;

•discount rates;

•cost escalation factors;

•market risk premium;

•inflation rates; and

•if applicable, past experience with government regulators regarding similar obligations.

For the next five years, Vistra is projected to spend approximately $516 million (on a nominal basis) to achieve its mining reclamation and other coal ash remediation objectives. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we transferred zero, $61 million and zero, respectively, in ARO obligations to third parties for remediation. Any remaining unpaid third-party obligation was reclassified to other current liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits in our consolidated balance sheets.

See Note 22 to the Financial Statements for additional discussion of ARO obligations and adjustments made to the ARO obligation estimates during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets

We evaluate long-lived assets (including intangible assets with finite lives) for impairment, in accordance with accounting standards related to impairment or disposal of long-lived assets, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. For our generation assets, possible indications include an expectation of continuing long-term declines in natural gas prices and/or Market Heat Rates or an expectation that "more likely than not" a generation asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its estimated useful life. The determination of the existence of these and other indications of impairment involves judgments that are subjective in nature and may require the use of estimates in forecasting future results and cash flows related to an asset or group of assets. Further, the unique nature of our property, plant and equipment, which includes a fleet of generation assets with a diverse fuel mix and individual generation units that have varying production or output rates, requires the use of significant judgments in determining the existence of impairment indications and the grouping of assets for impairment testing. See Note 22 to the Financial Statements for discussion of impairments of long-lived assets recorded in the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020.

Recoverability of long-lived assets is determined by a comparison of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset group to the net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group, through considering specific assumptions for forward natural gas and electricity prices, forward capacity prices, the effects of enacted environmental rules, generation plant performance, forecasted capital expenditures, forecasted fuel prices and forecasted operating costs. The carrying value of such asset groups is determined to be unrecoverable if the projected undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value.

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If an asset group carrying value is determined to be unrecoverable, fair value will be calculated based on a market participant view and a loss will be recorded for the amount the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Fair value is determined primarily by discounted cash flows (income approach) and supported by available market valuations, if applicable. The income approach involves estimates of future performance that reflect assumptions regarding, among other things, forward natural gas and electricity prices, forward capacity prices, Market Heat Rates, the effects of enacted environmental rules, generation plant performance, forecasted capital expenditures and forecasted fuel prices. Another key assumption in the income approach is the discount rate applied to the forecasted cash flows. Any significant change to one or more of these factors can have a material impact on the fair value measurement of our long-lived assets. Additional material impairments related to our generation facilities may occur in the future if forward wholesale electricity prices decline in the markets in which we operate in or if additional environmental regulations increase the cost of producing electricity at our generation facilities.

Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, such as the intangible asset related to the trade names of TXU EnergyTM, Ambit Energy, 4Change EnergyTM, Homefield, Dynegy Energy Services, TriEagle Energy, Public Power and U.S. Gas & Electric, respectively, are required to be evaluated for impairment at least annually (we have selected October 1 as our annual impairment test date) or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate an impairment may exist, such as the indicators used to evaluate impairments to long-lived assets discussed above or declines in values of comparable public companies in our industry.

As of December 31, 2023, our goodwill balances totaled $2.461 billion and $122 million for our Retail reporting unit and Texas Generation reporting unit, respectively. Under this goodwill impairment analysis, if at the assessment date, a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value, the excess carrying value is written off as an impairment charge. Accounting standards allow a company to qualitatively assess if the carrying value of a reporting unit with goodwill is more likely than not less than the fair value of that reporting unit. If the entity determines the carrying value, including goodwill, is not more likely greater than the fair value, no further testing of goodwill for impairment is required. On the most recent goodwill testing date, we performed a qualitative assessment and determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of our Retail and Texas Generation reporting units exceeded their carrying value at October 1, 2023. Significant qualitative factors evaluated included reporting unit financial performance and market multiples, general macroeconomic, industry, and market conditions, cost factors, customer attrition, interest rates and changes in reporting unit book value.

As of December 31, 2023, intangible assets with indefinite useful lives related to our retail trade names totaled $1.341 billion. Under this impairment analysis, if at the assessment date, a retail trade name's carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value, the excess carrying value is written off as an impairment charge.

Accounting standards allow a company to qualitatively assess if the carrying value of our retail trade name intangible assets is more likely than not less than the fair value. On the most recent testing date, we performed a qualitative assessment and determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of our retail trade names exceeded their carrying value at October 1, 2023. Significant qualitative factors evaluated included trade name financial performance, general macroeconomic, industry, and market conditions, customer attrition and interest rates.

Results of Operations

Net income (loss) attributable to Vistra common stock increased $2.6 billion to income of $1.5 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023 from a loss of $1.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2022. For additional information see the following discussion of our results of operations.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

In analyzing and planning for our business, we supplement our use of GAAP financial measures with non-GAAP financial measures, including EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as performance measures. These non-GAAP financial measures reflect an additional way of viewing aspects of our business that, when viewed (i) with our GAAP results and (ii) the accompanying reconciliations to corresponding GAAP financial measures may provide a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our business. Because EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are financial measures that management uses to allocate resources, determine our ability to fund capital expenditures, assess performance against our peers, and evaluate overall financial performance, we believe they provide useful information for investors.

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These non-GAAP financial measures should not be relied upon to the exclusion of GAAP financial measures and are, by definition, an incomplete understanding of Vistra and must be considered in conjunction with GAAP measures. In addition, non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized; therefore, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies' non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. We strongly encourage investors to review our consolidated financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety and not rely on any single financial measure.

When EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA is discussed in reference to performance on a consolidated basis, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is Net income (loss).

Vistra Consolidated Financial Results — Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2022

The following table presents net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2023:

Year Ended December 31, 2023
RetailTexasEastWestSunsetAsset ClosureEliminations / Corporate and OtherVistra Consolidated
Operating revenues$10,572$3,823$4,215$914$1,831$$(6,576)$14,779
Fuel, purchased power costs and delivery fees(9,046)(1,951)(2,031)(328)(776)(3)6,578(7,557)
Operating costs(123)(894)(297)(58)(254)(74)(2)(1,702)
Depreciation and amortization(102)(544)(647)(79)(62)(68)(1,502)
Selling, general and administrative expenses(858)(134)(82)(24)(51)(34)(125)(1,308)
Impairment of long-lived assets(49)(49)
Operating income (loss)4433001,158425639(111)(193)2,661
Other income135321111086257
Other deductions(2)(5)(7)(14)
Interest expense and related charges(20)218(2)(5)(742)(740)
Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement(164)(164)
Income (loss) before income taxes4243541,161454633(6)(1,020)2,000
Income tax expense(1)(507)(508)
Net income (loss)$424$354$1,160$454$633$(6)$(1,527)$1,492

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Year Ended December 31, 2023
RetailTexasEastWestSunsetAsset ClosureEliminations / Corporate and OtherVistra Consolidated
Income tax expense1507508
Interest expense and related charges (a)20(21)(8)25742740
Depreciation and amortization (b)1026356477962681,593
EBITDA before Adjustments5469681,808525697(1)(210)4,333
Unrealized net (gain) loss resulting from commodity hedging transactions586799(1,117)(267)(455)(36)(490)
Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement (c)135135
Non-cash compensation expenses7878
Transition and merger expenses1114750
Impairment of long-lived assets4949
PJM capacity performance default impacts (d)369
Winter Storm Uri impacts (e)(52)4(48)
Other, net25(2)12560(2)(113)(15)
Adjusted EBITDA$1,105$1,770$707$263$358$(39)$(63)$4,101

____________

(a)Includes $36 million of unrealized mark-to-market net losses on interest rate swaps.

(b)Includes nuclear fuel amortization of $91 million in the Texas segment.

(c)Includes $29 million gain recognized on the repurchase of TRA Rights in December 2023 (see Note 8 to the Financial Statements).

(d)Represents estimate of anticipated market participant defaults or settlements on initial PJM capacity performance penalties due to extreme magnitude of penalties associated with Winter Storm Elliott.

(e)Includes the application of bill credits. The Company incentivized certain large commercial and industrial customers to curtail their usage during Winter Storm Uri by providing bill credits for use in future periods. The Company believes the inclusion of the bill credits as a reduction to Adjusted EBITDA in the years in which such bill credits are applied more accurately reflects its operating performance. We estimate remaining bill credit amounts to be applied in future periods for 2024 (approximately $11 million) and 2025 (approximately $26 million).

The following table presents net income (loss), EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2022:

Year Ended December 31, 2022
RetailTexasEastWestSunsetAsset ClosureEliminations / Corporate and OtherVistra Consolidated
Operating revenues$9,455$3,733$3,706$336$868$384$(4,754)$13,728
Fuel, purchased power costs and delivery fees(7,169)(2,968)(3,546)(481)(670)(322)4,755(10,401)
Operating costs(143)(808)(255)(42)(251)(145)(1)(1,645)
Depreciation and amortization(145)(537)(706)(42)(66)(31)(69)(1,596)
Selling, general and administrative expenses(826)(131)(66)(21)(35)(44)(66)(1,189)
Impairment of long-lived assets(74)(74)
Operating income (loss)1,172(711)(867)(250)(228)(158)(135)(1,177)

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Year Ended December 31, 2022
RetailTexasEastWestSunsetAsset ClosureEliminations / Corporate and OtherVistra Consolidated
Other income278261613117
Other deductions(2)(2)1(2)1(4)
Interest expense and related charges(14)20(3)6(3)(3)(371)(368)
Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement(128)(128)
Income (loss) before income taxes1,158(615)(868)(238)(230)(147)(620)(1,560)
Income tax benefit350350
Net income (loss)$1,158$(615)$(868)$(238)$(230)$(147)$(270)$(1,210)
Income tax benefit(350)(350)
Interest expense and related charges (a)14(20)3(6)33371368
Depreciation and amortization (b)145623706426631691,682
EBITDA before Adjustments1,317(12)(159)(202)(161)(113)(180)490
Unrealized net (gain) loss resulting from commodity hedging transactions(291)1,610759351100(19)2,510
Generation plant retirement expenses7(3)4
Fresh start/purchase accounting impacts(2)(1)96
Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement128128
Non-cash compensation expenses6565
Transition and merger expenses71513
Impairment of long-lived assets7474
Winter Storm Uri (c)(141)(178)(319)
Other, net3120831310(62)23
Adjusted EBITDA$923$1,438$608$152$42$(125)$(44)$2,994

____________

(a)Includes $250 million of unrealized mark-to-market net gains on interest rate swaps.

(b)Includes nuclear fuel amortization of $86 million in the Texas segment.

(c)Adjusted EBITDA impacts of Winter Storm Uri reflects $183 million related to a reduction in the allocation of ERCOT default uplift charges which were expected to be paid over several decades under protocols existing at the time of the storm and $144 million related to the application of bill credits to large commercial and industrial customers that curtailed their usage during Winter Storm Uri. The adjustment for ERCOT default uplift charges relates to (i) ERCOT receiving payments that reduced the market wide default balance and (ii) the fourth quarter 2022 derecognition of the remaining default balance in connection with a settlement between Brazos and ERCOT.

Operating income increased $3.838 billion to $2.661 billion in the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. Results for the year ended December 31, 2023 were favorably impacted by $490 million in pre-tax unrealized mark-to-market gains on derivative positions due to power and natural gas forward market curves moving down in the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $2.510 billion in pre-tax unrealized mark-to-market losses on commodity derivative positions due to power and natural gas forward market curves moving up materially in the year ended December 31, 2022. See further information on our derivative results in Energy-Related Commodity Contracts and Mark-to-Market Activities below.

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Operating results for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 were favorably impacted by strong plant operating performance allowing us to realize the value created by our comprehensive hedging strategy, partially offset by lower than expected retail sales volumes due to unfavorable weather. The following table presents operational performance of our retail and generation segments.

Year Ended December 31,
RetailTexasEastWestSunset
2023202220232022202320222023202220232022
Retail sales volumes (GWh):
Retail electricity sales volumes:
Sales volumes in ERCOT70,27565,207
Sales volumes in Northeast/Midwest27,14732,882
Total retail electricity sales volumes97,42298,089
Production volumes (GWh):
Natural gas facilities41,84934,78460,50254,5695,4625,134
Lignite and coal facilities23,89925,21116,57221,824
Nuclear facilities18,89319,688
Solar facilities781822
Capacity factors:
CCGT facilities55.1%48.8%62.2%57.2%61.0%57.1%
Lignite and coal facilities70.9%74.8%41.3%54.4%
Nuclear facilities89.9%93.6%
Weather - percent of normal (a):
Cooling degree days115%111%112%109%90%107%79%107%112%113%
Heating degree days85%108%88%123%87%99%125%109%86%99%

____________

(a)Reflects cooling degree or heating degree days for the region based on Weather Services International (WSI) data.

Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2023202220232022
Market pricingAverage Market On-Peak Power Prices ($MWh) (b):
Average ERCOT North power price ($/MWh)$48.30$62.17PJM West Hub$39.22$83.59
AEP Dayton Hub$36.22$79.51
Average NYMEX Henry Hub natural gas price ($/MMBtu)$2.53$6.39NYISO Zone C$30.38$65.54
Massachusetts Hub$41.02$92.17
Average natural gas price (a):Indiana Hub$38.92$82.03
TetcoM3 ($/MMBtu)$1.90$6.81Northern Illinois Hub$32.67$71.76
Algonquin Citygates ($/MMBtu)$2.94$9.16CAISO NP15$63.92$93.12

____________

(a)Reflects the average of daily quoted prices for the periods presented and does not reflect costs incurred by us.

(b)Reflects the average of day-ahead quoted prices for the periods presented and does not necessarily reflect prices we realized.

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For the year ended December 31, 2023, other income totaled $257 million driven by a gain of $89 million from the sale of property in Freestone County, Texas recorded in the Asset Closure Segment and $86 million in interest income due to holding a material cash balance anticipating the Energy Harbor transaction closing. For the year ended December 31, 2022, other income totaled $117 million driven by insurance proceeds of $70 million which primarily consists of business interruption claim proceeds recorded in the Texas segment. See Note 22 to the Financial Statements.

The increase in consolidated interest expense and related charges of $372 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, is primarily due to (a) unrealized mark-to-market losses on interest rate swaps of $36 million in 2023 compared to unrealized mark-to-market gains on interest rate swaps of $250 million in 2022 due to less volatility in interest rates in the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, (b) an increase in interest paid/accrued of $63 million driven by higher effective interest rates in 2023 and (c) $21 million of commitment fees related to the Commitment Letter in the year ended December 31, 2023. See Note 22 to the Financial Statements.

The following table presents additional changes to net income (loss) and Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.

Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared to 2022
RetailTexasEastWestSunset
Favorable change in realized revenue net of fuel driven by effectiveness of comprehensive hedging$$483$153$113$357
Higher margins driven by increase in customers and interyear timing of power supply costs290
Winter Storm Uri bill credit runoff92
Impacts of mild weather in 2023(160)
Change in operating costs due primarily to change in generation volumes(86)(40)(17)1
Change in SG&A and other(40)(65)(14)15(42)
Change in Adjusted EBITDA$182$332$99$111$316
Favorable/(unfavorable) change in depreciation and amortization43(12)59(37)4
Change in unrealized net gains (losses) on hedging activities(877)8111,876618555
Impairment of long-lived assets25
PJM capacity performance default impacts(3)(6)
Winter Storm Uri impact (ERCOT default uplift)(89)(182)
Other (including interest expenses)720(3)(31)
Change in Net income$(734)$969$2,028$692$863

To supplement the amounts and explanations noted above, primary drivers of results for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 include:

•Comprehensive hedging strategy. See Energy-Related Commodity Contracts and Mark-to-Market Activities below.

•Winter Storm Uri impacts. 2022 GAAP and Adjusted EBITDA results continued to be materially impacted by Winter Storm Uri. In 2022, a $189 million default uplift liability to ERCOT was extinguished and resulted in net income during the year, but had no impact on Adjusted EBITDA in 2022 as the initial liability incurred in 2021 was excluded from Adjusted EBITDA.

•SG&A expenses and other. 2023 is unfavorable compared to 2022 driven primarily by higher incentive compensation in 2023 and insurance recoveries recorded in Texas in 2022.

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Asset Closure Segment — Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2022

Year Ended December 31,Favorable (Unfavorable) Change
20232022
Operating revenues$$384$(384)
Fuel, purchased power costs and delivery fees(3)(322)319
Operating costs(74)(145)71
Depreciation and amortization(31)31
Selling, general and administrative expenses(34)(44)10
Operating loss(111)(158)47
Other income1101694
Other deductions(2)2
Interest expense and related charges(5)(3)(2)
Income (loss) before income taxes(6)(147)141
Net loss$(6)$(147)$141
Adjusted EBITDA$(39)$(125)$86
Production volumes (GWh)9,401(9,401)

For the year ended December 31, 2022, results and volumes for the Asset Closure segment include those from Edwards generation plant that we retired on January 1, 2023 and include unrealized hedging gains related to coal and power derivatives of $19 million. Operating costs for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 also include ongoing costs associated with the decommissioning and reclamation of retired plants and mines. GAAP and Adjusted EBITDA results for 2023 are favorable to 2022 primarily due to the $89 million gain on sale of land in Freestone County, Texas.

Energy-Related Commodity Contracts and Mark-to-Market Activities

As forward power prices materially increased in 2022, our generation segments (Texas, East, West and Sunset) aggressively sold forward power for 2023 and future years. While settled power prices in 2023 are lower than 2022, the strategic hedging allowed us to lock in margins for 2023 which resulted in realized revenue net of fuel above what we were able to recognize in 2022 (were mostly hedged going into 2022 so did not recognize the full benefit of settled prices). The forward power sales are also the drivers of the changes in unrealized gains/losses on hedging activities. As power prices increase/decrease in comparison to what our generation segments have sold forward, the generation segments recognize unrealized losses/gains. The retail segment procures power from the generation segments to serve future load obligations and thus changes in forward power prices have an inverse effect on unrealized mark to market for the retail segment as compared to the generation segments. This is evident in 2022 as material increase in forward power prices drove material unrealized losses in our generation segment, partially offset by unrealized gains in our retail segment. In 2023, forward power prices decreased slightly which resulted in unrealized gains in our generation segments which is partially offset by unrealized losses in our retail segment.

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The table below summarizes the changes in commodity contract assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. The net change in these assets and liabilities, excluding "other activity" as described below, reflects $490 million in unrealized net gains and $2.51 billion in unrealized net losses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, arising from mark-to-market accounting for positions in the commodity contract portfolio.

Year Ended December 31,
20232022
Commodity contract net liability at beginning of period$(3,148)$(866)
Settlements/termination of positions (a)1,6431,218
Changes in fair value of positions in the portfolio (b)(1,153)(3,728)
Other activity (c)(82)228
Commodity contract net liability at end of period$(2,740)$(3,148)

____________

(a)Represents reversals of previously recognized unrealized gains and losses upon settlement/termination (offsets realized gains/(losses) recognized in the settlement period). Excludes changes in fair value in the month the position settled as well as amounts related to positions entered into, and settled, in the same month.

(b)Represents unrealized net gains/(losses) recognized, reflecting the effect of changes in fair value. Excludes changes in fair value in the month the position settled as well as amounts related to positions entered into, and settled, in the same month.

(c)Represents changes in fair value of positions due to receipt or payment of cash not reflected in unrealized gains or losses. Amounts are generally related to premiums related to options purchased or sold as well as certain margin deposits classified as settlement for certain transactions executed on the CME.

The following maturity table presents the net commodity contract liability arising from recognition of fair values at December 31, 2023, scheduled by the source of fair value and contractual settlement dates of the underlying positions.

Maturity dates of unrealized commodity contract net liability at December 31, 2023
Source of Fair ValueLess than 1 year1-3 years4-5 yearsExcess of 5 yearsTotal
Prices actively quoted$(725)$(207)$3$$(929)
Prices provided by other external sources(358)(409)(767)
Prices based on models(355)(454)(138)(97)(1,044)
Total$(1,438)$(1,070)$(135)$(97)$(2,740)

We have engaged in natural gas hedging activities to mitigate the risk of higher or lower wholesale electricity prices that have corresponded to increases or declines in natural gas prices. When natural gas prices are elevated or depressed, we continue to seek opportunities to manage our wholesale power price exposure through hedging activities, including forward wholesale and retail electricity sales.

Estimated hedging levels for generation volumes in our Texas, East, West and Sunset segments as of December 31, 2023 were as follows:

20242025
Nuclear/Renewable/Coal Generation:
Texas96%93%
Sunset96%58%
Natural Gas Generation:
Texas89%80%
East99%80%
West100%81%

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Financial Condition

Cash Flows

Operating Cash Flows

Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2022 — Cash provided by operating activities totaled $5.453 billion and $485 million in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The favorable change of $4.968 billion was primarily driven by (a) a decrease in net margin deposits (return of cash) of $1.899 billion in the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to an increase in net margin deposits of $1.874 billion in the year ended December 31, 2022 related to commodity contracts which support our comprehensive hedging strategy, including the impacts of cash margin deposits returned and replaced with amounts posted under an affiliate financing agreement (see Note 11 to the Financial Statements) and (b) an increase in cash from operating income exclusive of net margin deposits, partially offset by $544 million of securitization proceeds from ERCOT in the year ended December 31, 2022 (see Note 1 to the Financial Statements).

Depreciation and amortization — Depreciation and amortization expense reported as a reconciling adjustment in the consolidated statements of cash flows exceeds the amount reported in the consolidated statements of operations by $454 million, $451 million and $297 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The difference represents amortization of nuclear fuel, which is reported as fuel costs in the consolidated statements of operations consistent with industry practice, and amortization of intangible net assets and liabilities that are reported in various other consolidated statements of operations line items including operating revenues and fuel and purchased power costs and delivery fees (see Note 6 to the Financial Statements).

Investing Cash Flows

Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2022 — Cash used in investing activities totaled $2.145 billion and $1.239 billion in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase of $906 million was driven by (a) $543 million in higher net purchases of environmental allowances and (b) a $375 million increase in capital expenditures due primarily to continued development of our solar and energy storage generation facilities (see Note 3 to the Financial Statements), partially offset by $37 million in higher proceeds from the sale of assets driven by our sale of property in Freestone County, Texas in the year ended December 31, 2023.

Year Ended December 31,Increase (Decrease)
20232022
Capital expenditures, including LTSA prepayments$(764)$(628)(136)
Nuclear fuel purchases(214)(198)(16)
Growth and development expenditures(698)(475)(223)
Total capital expenditures(1,676)(1,301)(375)
Net sales (purchases) of environmental allowances(571)(28)(543)
Net sales of (investments in) nuclear decommissioning trust fund securities(23)(23)0
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment1157837
Other investing activity1035(25)
Cash used in investing activities$(2,145)$(1,239)$(906)

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Financing Cash Flows

Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2022 — Cash used in financing activities totaled $294 million and $80 million in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The $214 million increase in cash used was driven by (a) the net repayment of $1.075 billion in the year ended December 31, 2023 of short-term debt and accounts receivable financing amounts borrowed in the year ended December 31, 2022 driven by changes in collateral posting requirements and (b) $1.5 billion principal amount of senior secured notes issued in May 2022, partially offset by (1) $2.5 billion principal amount of senior secured and senior unsecured notes issued in September 2023 and December 2023, of which $750 million will be used to fund cash tender offers in January 2024, and (2) lower share repurchases in 2023.

Year Ended December 31,Increase (Decrease)
20232022
Share repurchases$(1,245)$(1,949)$704
Issuances of senior notes2,4981,4981,000
Other net long-term borrowings (repayments), including the forward capacity agreements(33)(251)218
Net short-term borrowings (repayments)(650)650(1,300)
Net borrowings (repayments) under the accounts receivable financing facilities(425)425(850)
Dividends paid to common stockholders(313)(302)(11)
Dividends paid to preferred stockholders(150)(151)1
Other financing activity2424
Cash used in financing activities$(294)$(80)$(214)

Collateral Financing Agreement With Affiliate

On June 15, 2023, Vistra Operations entered into a facility agreement (Facility Agreement) with a Delaware trust formed by the Company that sold 450,000 pre-capitalized trust securities (P-Caps) redeemable May 17, 2028 for an initial purchase price of $450 million. The Trust is not consolidated by Vistra. The Trust invested the proceeds from the sale of the P-Caps in a portfolio of either (a) U.S. Treasury securities (Treasuries) or (b) Treasuries and/or principal and interest strips of Treasuries (Treasury Strips, and together with the Treasuries and cash denominated in U.S. dollars, the Eligible Assets). At the direction of Vistra Operations, the Eligible Assets held by the Trust will be (i) delivered to one or more designated subsidiaries of Vistra Operations in order to allow such subsidiaries to use the Eligible Assets to meet certain posting obligations with counterparties, and/or (ii) pledged as collateral support for a letter of credit program.

Under the Facility Agreement, Vistra Operations will have the right (Issuance Right), from time to time, to require the Trust to purchase from Vistra Operations up to $450 million aggregate principal amount of Vistra Operations' 7.233% senior secured notes due 2028 (7.233% Senior Secured Notes) in exchange for the delivery of all or a portion of the Treasuries and Treasury Strips corresponding to the portion of the issuance right exercised at such time.

As of December 31, 2023, all of the Eligible Assets were being utilized to meet a portion of our current and future collateral posting obligations.

The Trust will terminate at any time prior to May 17, 2028 and distribute the 7.233% Senior Secured Notes to the holders of the P-Caps if its sole assets consist of 7.233% Senior Secured Notes that Vistra Operations is no longer entitled to repurchase.

See Note 11 for additional details of the collateral financing agreement with affiliate.

Debt Activity

We remain committed to a strong balance sheet and have continued to state our objective to reduce our consolidated net leverage. We also intend to maintain adequate liquidity and pursue opportunities to refinance our long-term debt to extend maturities.

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In May 2024 and July 2024, after taking into account the Senior Secured Notes Tender Offer settled in January 2024, $342 million of 4.875% Senior Secured Notes and $1.155 billion of 3.550% Senior Secured Notes, respectively, will reach maturity. We plan to fund these upcoming principal payments using a combination of cash on hand and new debt issuances. Increases in interest rates will likely result in increased borrowing costs.

See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for details of the Receivables Facility and Repurchase Facility and Note 12 to the Financial Statements for details of the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities, the Commodity-Linked Facility and other long-term debt.

Available Liquidity

The following table summarizes changes in available liquidity for the year ended December 31, 2023:

December 31, 2023December 31, 2022Change
Cash and cash equivalents (a)$3,485$455$3,030
Vistra Operations Credit Facilities — Revolving Credit Facility (b)1,2131,236(23)
Vistra Operations — Commodity-Linked Facility (c)1,101808293
Total available liquidity (d)(e)$5,799$2,499$3,300

____________

(a)See the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in the Financial Statements and Cash Flows above for details of the increase in cash and cash equivalents for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase includes proceeds from the issuance of $1.75 billion and $750 million principal amount of Vistra Operations senior secured and senior unsecured notes in September 2023 and December 2023, respectively. Proceeds from the September 2023 issuance are expected to be used, together with cash on hand, to fund the Transactions. Proceeds from the December 2023 issuance were used to settle the Senior Secured Notes Tender Offers in January 2024.

(b)The decrease in availability for the year ended December 31, 2023 was driven by a $73 million increase in letters of credit outstanding under the facility and the maturity of $200 million of commitments under the Non-Extended Revolving Credit Facility, partially offset by $250 million in net repayments of borrowings under the facility.

(c)As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the borrowing bases are less than the facility limits of $1.575 billion and $1.35 billion, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, available capacity reflects the borrowing base of $1.101 billion and no cash borrowings. As of December 31, 2022, available capacity reflects the borrowing base of $1.208 billion less $400 million in cash borrowings.

(d)Excludes amounts available to be borrowed under the Receivables Facility and the Repurchase Facility, respectively. See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for detail on our accounts receivable financing.

(e)Excludes any additional letters of credit that may be issued under the Secured LOC Facilities. See Note 12 to the Financial Statements for detail on our Secured LOC Facilities.

We expect to use cash on hand and borrowings under the Receivables Facility and Repurchase Facility and other liquidity facilities to fund the approximately $3.1 billion cash necessary to close the Energy Harbor acquisition. In addition, we believe that we will have access to sufficient liquidity to fund our other anticipated cash requirements through at least the next 12 months. Our operational cash flows tend to be seasonal and weighted toward the second half of the year.

Interest payments on long-term debt are expected to total approximately $744 million in 2024, $1.293 billion in 2025-2026, $955 million in 2027-2028 and $1.052 billion thereafter. See Note 12 to the Financial Statements for details of our long-term debt maturities.

Our obligations under commodity purchase and services agreements, including capacity payments, nuclear fuel and natural gas take-or-pay contracts, coal contracts, business services and nuclear-related outsourcing and other purchase commitments, are expected to total approximately $2.615 billion in 2024, $2.192 billion in 2025-2026, $982 million in 2027-2028 and $437 million thereafter. See Note 13 to the Financial Statements for maturities of lease liabilities and Note 14 to the Financial Statements for commitments related to long-term service and maintenance contracts.

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Capital Expenditures

Estimated 2024 capital expenditures and nuclear fuel purchases as of December 31, 2023 total approximately $1.695 billion and include:

•$745 million for solar and energy storage development;

•$727 million for investments in generation and mining facilities;

•$149 million for nuclear fuel purchases; and

•$74 million for other growth expenditures.

Liquidity Effects of Commodity Hedging and Trading Activities

We have entered into commodity hedging and trading transactions that require us to post collateral if the forward price of the underlying commodity moves such that the hedging or trading instrument we hold has declined in value. We use cash, letters of credit, Eligible Assets (see Note 11 to the Financial Statements) and other forms of credit support to satisfy such collateral posting obligations. See Note 12 to the Financial Statements for discussion of the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities and the Commodity-Linked Facility.

Exchange cleared transactions typically require initial margin (i.e., the upfront cash and/or letter of credit posted to take into account the size and maturity of the positions and credit quality) in addition to variation margin (i.e., the daily cash margin posted to take into account changes in the value of the underlying commodity). The amount of initial margin required is generally defined by exchange rules. Clearing agents, however, typically have the right to request additional initial margin based on various factors, including market depth, volatility and credit quality, which may be in the form of cash, letters of credit, a guaranty or other forms as negotiated with the clearing agent. Cash collateral received from counterparties is either used for working capital and other business purposes, including reducing borrowings under credit facilities, or is required to be deposited in a separate account and restricted from being used for working capital and other corporate purposes. With respect to over-the-counter transactions, counterparties generally have the right to substitute letters of credit for such cash collateral. In such event, the cash collateral previously posted would be returned to such counterparties, which would reduce liquidity in the event the cash was not restricted.

As of December 31, 2023, we received or posted cash, letters of credit and Eligible Assets for commodity hedging and trading activities as follows:

•$1.244 billion in cash and Eligible Assets has been posted with counterparties as compared to $3.137 billion posted as of December 31, 2022;

•$45 million in cash has been received from counterparties as compared to $39 million received as of December 31, 2022;

•$2.408 billion in letters of credit have been posted with counterparties as compared to $2.314 billion posted as of December 31, 2022; and

•$143 million in letters of credit have been received from counterparties as compared to $74 million received as of December 31, 2022.

See Collateral Support Obligations below for information related to collateral posted in accordance with the PUCT and ISO/RTO rules.

Income Tax Payments

In the next 12 months, we do not expect to make federal income tax payments due to Vistra's NOL carryforwards. We expect to make approximately $35 million in state income tax payments offset by $10 million in state tax refunds.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, there were no federal income tax payments, $44 million in state income tax payments, $13 million in state income tax refunds and $9 million in TRA payments.

Capitalization

Our capitalization ratios consisted of 70% and 71% long-term debt (less amounts due currently) and 30% and 29% stockholders' equity at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Total long-term debt (including amounts due currently) to capitalization was 73% and 71% at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

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Financial Covenants

The Vistra Operations Credit Agreement and the Vistra Operations Commodity-Linked Credit Agreement each includes a covenant, solely with respect to the Revolving Credit Facility and the Commodity-Linked Facility and solely during a compliance period (which, in general, is applicable when the aggregate revolving borrowings and issued revolving letters of credit exceed 30% of the revolving commitments, provided that solely with respect to the Revolving Credit Facility only such amounts in excess of $300 million are taken into account for purposes of determining whether a compliance period is in effect), that requires the consolidated first-lien net leverage ratio not to exceed 4.25 to 1.00 (or, during a collateral suspension period, the consolidated total net leverage ratio not to exceed 5.50 to 1.00). In addition, each of the Secured LOC Facilities includes a covenant that requires the consolidated first-lien net leverage ratio not to exceed 4.25 to 1.00 (or, for certain facilities that include a collateral suspension mechanism, during a collateral suspension period, the consolidated total net leverage ratio not to exceed 5.50 to 1.00). As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with the Vistra Operations Credit Agreement, Vistra Operations Commodity-Linked Credit Agreement and Secured LOC Facilities financial covenants.

See Note 12 to the Financial Statements for discussion of other covenants related to the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities.

Collateral Support Obligations

The RCT has rules in place to assure that parties can meet their mining reclamation obligations. In September 2016, the RCT agreed to a collateral bond of up to $975 million to support Luminant's reclamation obligations. The collateral bond is effectively a first lien on all of Vistra Operations' assets (which ranks pari passu with the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities) that contractually enables the RCT to be paid (up to $975 million) before the other first-lien lenders in the event of a liquidation of our assets. Collateral support relates to land mined or being mined and not yet reclaimed as well as land for which permits have been obtained but mining activities have not yet begun and land already reclaimed but not released from regulatory obligations by the RCT, and includes cost contingency amounts.

The PUCT has rules in place to assure adequate creditworthiness of each REP, including the ability to return customer deposits, if necessary. Under these rules, at December 31, 2023, Vistra has posted letters of credit in the amount of $91 million with the PUCT, which is subject to adjustments.

The ISOs/RTOs we operate in have rules in place to assure adequate creditworthiness of parties that participate in the markets operated by those ISOs/RTOs. Under these rules, Vistra has posted collateral support totaling $554 million in the form of letters of credit, $30 million in the form of a surety bond and $3 million of cash at December 31, 2023 (which is subject to daily adjustments based on settlement activity with the ISOs/RTOs).

Material Cross Default/Acceleration Provisions

Certain of our contractual arrangements contain provisions that could result in an event of default if there were a failure under financing arrangements to meet payment terms or to observe covenants that could result in an acceleration of payments due. Such provisions are referred to as "cross default" or "cross acceleration" provisions.

A default by Vistra Operations or any of its restricted subsidiaries in respect of certain specified indebtedness in an aggregate amount in excess of the greater of $300 million and 17.5% of Consolidated EBITDA may result in a cross default under the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities and the Commodity-Linked Facility. Such a default would allow the lenders under each such facility to accelerate the maturity of outstanding balances under such facilities, which totaled approximately $2.5 billion and zero, respectively, as of December 31, 2023.

Each of Vistra Operations' (or its subsidiaries') commodity hedging agreements and interest rate swap agreements that are secured with a lien on its assets on a pari passu basis with the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities lenders contains a cross-default provision. An event of a default by Vistra Operations or any of its subsidiaries relating to indebtedness equal to or above a threshold defined in the applicable agreement that results in the acceleration of such debt, would give such counterparty under these hedging agreements the right to terminate its hedge or interest rate swap agreement with Vistra Operations (or its applicable subsidiary) and require all outstanding obligations under such agreement to be settled.

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Under the Vistra Operations Senior Unsecured Indentures, the Vistra Operations Senior Secured Indenture and the Indenture governing the 7.233% Senior Secured Notes, a default under any document evidencing indebtedness for borrowed money by Vistra Operations or any Guarantor Subsidiary for failure to pay principal when due at final maturity or that results in the acceleration of such indebtedness in an aggregate amount of $300 million or more may result in a cross default under the Vistra Operations Senior Unsecured Notes, the Senior Secured Notes, the 7.233% Senior Secured Notes, the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities, the Receivables Facility, the Commodity-Linked Facility and other current or future documents evidencing any indebtedness for borrowed money by the applicable borrower or issuer, as the case may be, and the applicable Guarantor Subsidiaries party thereto.

Additionally, we enter into energy-related physical and financial contracts, the master forms of which contain provisions whereby an event of default or acceleration of settlement would occur if we were to default under an obligation in respect of borrowings in excess of thresholds, which may vary by contract.

The Receivables Facility contains a cross-default provision. The cross-default provision applies, among other instances, if TXU Energy, Dynegy Energy Services, Ambit Texas, Value Based Brands, TriEagle Energy, each indirect subsidiaries of Vistra and originators under the Receivables Facility (Originators), and Vistra or any of their respective subsidiaries fails to make a payment of principal or interest on any indebtedness that is outstanding in a principal amount of at least $300 million, in the case of Vistra, and in a principal amount of at least $50 million, in the case of TXU Energy or any of the other Originators, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, or if other events occur or circumstances exist under such indebtedness which give rise to a right of the debtholder to accelerate such indebtedness, or if such indebtedness becomes due before its stated maturity. If this cross-default provision is triggered, a termination event under the Receivables Facility would occur and the Receivables Facility may be terminated.

The Repurchase Facility contains a cross-default provision. The cross-default provision applies, among other instances, if an event of default (or similar event) occurs under the Receivables Facility or the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities. If this cross-default provision is triggered, a termination event under the Repurchase Facility would occur and the Repurchase Facility may be terminated.

Under the Secured LOC Facilities, a default by Vistra Operations or any of its restricted subsidiaries in respect of certain specified indebtedness in an aggregate amount in excess of $300 million may result in a cross default under the Secured LOC Facilities. In addition, a default under any document evidencing indebtedness for borrowed money by Vistra Operations or any Guarantor Subsidiary for failure to pay principal when due at final maturity or that results in the acceleration of such indebtedness in an aggregate amount of $300 million or more, may result in a termination of the Secured LOC Facilities.

Under the Vistra Operations Senior Unsecured Indenture and the Vistra Operations Senior Secured Indenture governing the 7.750% Senior Unsecured Notes and 6.950% Senior Secured Notes, respectively, a default under any document evidencing indebtedness for borrowed money by Vistra Operations or any Guarantor Subsidiary for failure to pay principal when due at final maturity or that results in the acceleration of such indebtedness in an aggregate amount that exceeds the greater of 1.5% of total assets and $600 million may result in a cross default under the respective notes and other current or future documents evidencing any indebtedness for borrowed money by the applicable borrower or issuer, as the case may be, and the applicable Guarantor Subsidiaries party thereto.

Guarantees

See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for discussion of guarantees.

Commitments and Contingencies

See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for discussion of commitments and contingencies.

Changes in Accounting Standards

See Note 1 to the Financial Statements for discussion of changes in accounting standards.

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FY 2022 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001692819-23-000005.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Published MD&A gate trimmed front/tail over-capture. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2023-03-01. Report date: 2022-12-31.

Item 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The discussion below, as well as other portions of this annual report on Form 10-K, contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, Section 21E of the Exchange Act and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, management may make forward-looking statements orally or in other writing, including, but not limited to, in press releases, quarterly earnings calls, executive presentations, in the annual report to stockholders and in other filings with the SEC. Readers can usually identify these forward-looking statements by the use of such words as “may,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “plans,” “projects,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes” or similar words. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results could materially differ from those anticipated by such forward-looking statements. For more discussion about risk factors that could cause or contribute to such differences, see Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" and other risks discussed herein. Forward-looking statements reflect the information only as of the date on which they are made. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect future events, developments, or other information. If Vistra does update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that additional updates will be made regarding that statement or any other forward-looking statements. This discussion is intended to clarify and focus on our results of operations, certain changes in our financial position, liquidity, capital structure and business developments for the periods covered by the consolidated financial statements included under Part II, Item 8 of this annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. This discussion should be read in conjunction with those consolidated financial statements and the related notes and is qualified by reference to them.

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The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements. The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020 and for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 are included in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results in our 2021 Form 10-K and are incorporated herein by reference.

All dollar amounts in the tables in the following discussion and analysis are stated in millions of U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Business

Vistra is a holding company operating an integrated retail and electric power generation business primarily in markets throughout the U.S. Through our subsidiaries, we are engaged in competitive energy market activities including electricity generation, wholesale energy sales and purchases, commodity risk management and retail sales of electricity and natural gas to end users.

Operating Segments

Vistra has six reportable segments: (i) Retail, (ii) Texas, (iii) East, (iv) West, (v) Sunset and (vi) Asset Closure. See Note 19 to the Financial Statements for further information concerning our reportable business segments.

CEO Transition

In March 2022, Vistra announced that the Board had named Jim Burke as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective August 1, 2022. Mr. Burke, who previously served as President and Chief Financial Officer, also joined the Company's Board upon assuming his new role. Vistra's previous CEO and director, Curt Morgan, will serve as a special advisor to Mr. Burke and the Board until April 30, 2023. The transition from Mr. Morgan to Mr. Burke was a product of the Company's formal succession planning process. In July 2022, the Company announced the appointment of Kris Moldovan as the Company's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective August 1, 2022.

Significant Activities and Events and Items Influencing Future Performance

Climate Change, Investments in Clean Energy and CO2 Reductions

Environmental Regulations — We are subject to extensive environmental regulation by governmental authorities, including the EPA and the environmental regulatory bodies of states in which we operate. Environmental regulations could have a material impact on our business, such as certain corrective action measures that may be required under the CCR rule and the Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELG) rule. See Item 1. Business – Environmental Regulations and Related Considerations, and Item 1A. Risk Factors – Regulatory and Legislative Risks and Note 12 to the Financial Statements. However, such rules and the regulatory environment are continuing to evolve and change, and we cannot predict the ultimate effect that such changes may have on our business.

Emissions Reductions — Vistra is targeting to achieve a 60% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO2 equivalent emissions by 2030 as compared to a 2010 baseline with a long-term goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, assuming necessary advancements in technology and supportive market constructs and public policy. In furtherance of Vistra's efforts to meet its net-zero target, Vistra expects to deploy multiple levers to transition the Company to operating with net-zero emissions.

Green Finance Framework — In December 2021, we announced the publication of our Green Finance Framework, which allows us to issue green financial instruments to fund new or existing projects that support renewable energy and energy efficiency with alignment to our ESG strategy. See Preferred Stock Offerings below for discussion of the Series B Preferred Securities issued under our Green Finance Framework.

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Solar Generation and Energy Storage Projects —

•In September 2020, we announced the planned development, at a cost of approximately $850 million, of up to 668 MW of solar photovoltaic power generation facilities and 260 MW of battery ESS in Texas. Of this planned development in Texas, 158 MW of solar generation and the 260 MW of battery ESS came online in 2022.

•In September 2021, we announced the planned development, at a cost of approximately $550 million, of up to 300 MW of solar photovoltaic power generation facilities and up to 150 MW of battery ESS at retired or to-be-retired plant sites in Illinois, based on the passage of Illinois Senate Bill 2408, the Energy Transition Act.

•In January 2022, we announced that, subject to approval by the CPUC, we would enter into a 15-year resource adequacy and energy settlement contract with PG&E to develop an additional 350 MW battery ESS at our Moss Landing Power Plant site. The CPUC approved the resource adequacy and energy settlement contract in April 2022.

We will only invest in these growth projects if we are confident in the expected returns. See Note 2 to the Financial Statements for a summary of our solar and battery ESS projects.

CO2 Reductions — In September 2020 and December 2020, we announced our intention to retire (a) all of our remaining coal generation facilities in Illinois and Ohio, (b) one coal generation facility in Texas and (c) one natural gas facility in Illinois no later than year-end 2027 due to economic challenges, including incremental expenditures that would be required to comply with the CCR rule and ELG rule (see Note 12 to the Financial Statements), and in furtherance of our efforts to significantly reduce our carbon footprint. In June 2022, September 2022 and January 2023, we retired the Zimmer coal-fueled generation facility, the Joppa generation facilities and the Edwards coal-fueled generation facility, respectively. See Note 3 to the Financial Statements for a summary of these planned generation retirements.

Comanche Peak Nuclear Plant License Renewal

In October 2022, we announced the submission of our application to the NRC for license renewal at our two-unit Comanche Peak Nuclear Plant. The current licenses for Units 1 and 2 extend into 2030 and 2033, respectively, and we are applying to renew the licenses into 2050 and 2053, respectively.

Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

In August 2022, the U.S. enacted the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), which, among other things, implements substantial new and modified energy tax credits, including a nuclear production tax credit (PTC), a solar PTC, a first-time stand-alone battery storage investment tax credit, a 15% corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) on book income of certain large corporations, and a 1% excise tax on net stock repurchases. Treasury regulations are expected to define the scope of the legislation in many important respects over the next twelve months. Vistra is not subject to the CAMT in the next fiscal year since it applies only to corporations that have a three-year average annual adjusted financial statement income in excess of $1 billion. The excise tax is not expected to have a material impact on our financial statements. As of December 31, 2022, we have taken the CAMT and relevant extensions or expansions of existing tax credits applicable to projects in our immediate development pipeline into account when forecasting cash taxes for periods after the law takes effect and for estimating the TRA liability.

Macroeconomic Conditions

Global market demand, geopolitical events and high natural gas price volatility have resulted in increased market prices for energy and other commodities, and we expect these conditions to persist, in particular in the near term. Due in large part to the Russia and Ukraine conflict as well as other factors, we have experienced substantial shifts in commodity prices, which in turn have (i) facilitated our comprehensive hedging strategy which we believe has positioned us to lock in significant revenues and Adjusted EBITDA opportunities in 2023 through 2025, (ii) led to significant mark-to-market impacts on forward commodity derivative instruments, and (iii) combined with our comprehensive hedging strategy, resulted in significant increases in our collateral posting obligations and required substantial liquidity to support such obligations. Additionally, we continue to monitor domestic drivers of gas prices, including the pace of investment and buildout of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capabilities, which have the potential to more closely align U.S. natural gas pricing with the further elevated international gas markets over the next couple of years. See also Financial Condition for further discussion of our collateral posting obligations and liquidity management activities.

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We continue to monitor the impacts of energy volatility on the retail and associated default service markets. As electricity pricing trended higher in 2022, we experienced increased customer migration to the default service provider in territories outside of Texas, where default service rates do not yet fully reflect the higher commodity pricing environment. Generators (including Vistra) with contracts to serve a percentage of the resultingly higher than planned default service load (previously awarded through the default service auction process) are likely to incur losses on these particular default service contracts, as estimates of the potential migration were lower than the level of migration that was realized and the underlying cost to provide the incremental power rose above the contracted revenue rate. As a result of this customer migration, we incurred losses in 2022 and anticipate these losses will continue to have a negative impact on our East segment through the end of these default service contracts in mid-2023.

With forward power and natural gas curves increasing materially in 2022, we have increased our hedging for future periods. As of December 31, 2022, we have hedged approximately 73% of our expected generation volumes on average for the three-year period 2023 to 2025 (with approximately 90% hedged for 2023 and approximately 76% hedged for 2024).

Changes to the geopolitical situation and the inflationary environment, among other factors, have also created supply chain constraints that have reduced the availability and increased the costs of certain fuels, such as coal, reduced the availability of certain equipment and supply relevant to construction of renewables projects, and increased the lead time to procure certain materials necessary to maintain our natural gas, nuclear and coal fleet. We are proactively managing the increased costs of materials and supply chain disruptions and continuing to prudently re-evaluate the business cases and timing of our planned development projects, which has resulted in a deferral of some of our planned capital spend for our renewables projects from 2022 to 2023 and beyond. In addition, we have proactively engaged our suppliers to secure key materials needed to maintain our existing generation facilities prior to future planned outages, and our Vistra Zero operational and development projects are anticipated to benefit from the impact of the recently passed IRA. The inflationary environment has also led to, and is expected to cause further increases in, interest rates, resulting in increased refinancing or borrowing costs, including project financing for our development projects.

Additionally, we have been monitoring, and will continue to closely monitor, developments of the Russia and Ukraine conflict, including sanctions (or potential sanctions) against Russian energy exports and Russian nuclear fuel supply and enrichment activities, as well as actions by Russia to limit energy deliveries, which may further impact commodity prices in Europe and globally. Our 2022 refueling has not been affected by the Russia and Ukraine conflict. We work with a diverse set of global nuclear fuel cycle suppliers to procure our nuclear fuel, and therefore, we expect to have enough nuclear fuel to support all our refueling needs through 2025. We are taking affirmative action by including mitigating strategies in our procurement portfolio to ensure we can secure the nuclear fuel needed to continue to operate our nuclear facility. If imports from Russia were restricted, U.S. merchant nuclear power generators could be challenged in their refueling operations in future years.

Winter Storm Uri

In February 2021, a severe winter storm with extremely cold temperatures affected much of the U.S., including Texas. This severe weather resulted in surging demand for power, gas supply shortages, operational challenges for generators, and a significant load shed event that was ordered by ERCOT beginning on February 15, 2021 and continuing through February 18, 2021. Winter Storm Uri had a material adverse impact on our results of operations and operating cash flows.

The weather event resulted in a $2.2 billion negative impact on the Company's pre-tax earnings in the year ended December 31, 2021 after taking into account approximately $544 million in securitization proceeds Vistra received from ERCOT as further described below. The primary drivers of the loss were the need to procure power in ERCOT at market prices at or near the price cap due to lower output from our natural gas-fueled power plants driven by natural gas deliverability issues and our coal-fueled power plants driven by coal fuel handling challenges, high fuel costs, and high retail load costs.

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As part of the 2021 regular Texas legislative sessions and in response to extraordinary costs incurred by electricity market participants during Winter Storm Uri, the Texas legislature passed House Bill (HB) 4492 for ERCOT to obtain financing to distribute to load-serving entities (LSEs) that were charged and paid to ERCOT exceptionally high price adders and ancillary service costs during Winter Storm Uri. In October 2021, the PUCT issued a debt obligation order approving ERCOT's $2.1 billion financing and the methodology for allocation of proceeds to the LSEs. In December 2021, ERCOT finalized the amount of allocations to the LSEs, and we received $544 million in proceeds from ERCOT in the second quarter of 2022. We concluded that the threshold for recognizing a receivable was met in December 2021 as the amounts to be received were determinable and ERCOT was directed by its governing body, the PUCT, to take all actions required to effectuate the $2.1 billion funding approved in the debt obligation order. Accordingly, we recognized the $544 million in expected proceeds as an expense reduction in the fourth quarter of 2021 within fuel, purchased power costs and delivery fees in our consolidated statements of operation. The final financial impact of Winter Storm Uri continues to be subject to the outcome of litigation arising from the event.

Vistra has taken various actions to improve its risk profile for future weather-driven volatility events, including investing in improvements to further harden its coal fuel handling capabilities and to further weatherize its ERCOT fleet for even colder temperatures and longer durations; carrying more backup generation into the peak seasons after accounting for weatherization investments and ERCOT market improvements implemented going forward; contracting for incremental gas storage to support its gas fleet; adding additional dual fuel capabilities at its gas steam units and increasing fuel oil inventory at its existing dual fuel sites; participating in processes with the PUCT and ERCOT for registration of gas infrastructure as critical resources with the transmission and distribution utilities and for enhanced winterization of both gas and power assets in the state; and engaging in processes to evaluate potential market reforms.

Dividend Program

In November 2018, we announced that the Board had adopted a dividend program which we initiated in the first quarter of 2019. During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, we paid dividends to common stockholders totaling $302 million, $290 million and $266 million, respectively. See Note 13 to the Financial Statements for more information about our dividend program.

Share Repurchase Program

In October 2021, we announced that the Board had authorized a share repurchase program (Share Repurchase Program) under which up to $2.0 billion of our outstanding common stock may be repurchased. The Share Repurchase Program became effective on October 11, 2021. In August 2022, the Board authorized an incremental $1.25 billion for repurchases to bring the total authorized under the Share Repurchase Program to $3.25 billion. We expect to complete repurchases under the current $3.25 billion Share Repurchase Program by the end of 2023.

$3.25 Billion Board Authorization
Total Number of Shares RepurchasedAverage Price Paid Per ShareAmount Paid for Shares RepurchasedAmount Available for Additional Repurchases at the End of the Period
Year Ended December 31, 202119,330,365$21.16$409
Year Ended December 31, 202278,470,54723.401,836
Total repurchased through December 31, 202297,800,912$22.96$2,245$1,005
January 1, 2023 through February 23, 20238,824,64022.72201
Total repurchased through February 23, 2023106,625,552$22.94$2,446$804

See Note 13 to the Financial Statements for more information concerning the Share Repurchase Program.

Preferred Stock Offerings

In October 2021, we issued 1,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock in a private offering (Offering). The net proceeds of the Offering were approximately $990 million, after deducting underwriting commissions and offering expenses. We intend to use the net proceeds from the Offering to repurchase shares of our outstanding common stock under the Share Repurchase Program (discussed above).

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In December 2021, we issued 1,000,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock in a private offering (Series B Offering) under our Green Finance Framework. The net proceeds of the Series B Offering were approximately $985 million, after deducting underwriting commissions and offering expenses. We have used and will continue to use an amount equal to the net proceeds from the Series B Offering to pay for or reimburse existing and new eligible renewable and battery ESS developments in accordance with the Green Finance Framework.

See Note 13 to the Financial Statements for more information concerning the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock.

Debt Activity

We have stated our objective to reduce our consolidated net leverage. We also intend to continue to simplify and optimize our capital structure, maintain adequate liquidity and pursue opportunities to refinance our long-term debt to extend maturities and/or reduce ongoing interest expense. While the financial impacts resulting from Winter Storm Uri and higher margining requirements as a result of increasing power and natural gas prices have caused an increase in our consolidated net leverage, the Company remains committed to a strong balance sheet. See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for details of our debt activity and Note 9 to the Financial Statements for details of our accounts receivable financing.

Vistra Operations Credit Agreement Amendments — In April 2022 and July 2022, the Vistra Operations Credit Agreement was amended to, among other things, (i) establish new classes of extended revolving credit commitments maturing in April 2027 in aggregate amounts of $2.8 billion and $725 million as of April 2022 and July 2022, respectively, (ii) appoint certain additional revolving letter of credit issuers, and (iii) require Vistra Operations to terminate at least $350 million in revolving commitments maturing April 29, 2027 by December 30, 2022 or earlier if Vistra Operations or any guarantor receives proceeds from any capital markets transaction whose primary purpose is designed to enhance the liquidity of Vistra Operations and its guarantors. In accordance with this requirement, effective December 30, 2022, Vistra Operations terminated $350 million in revolving commitments. After giving effect to the reduction, Vistra Operations has $3.175 billion of revolving credit commitments maturing in April 2027. See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for details of the Vistra Operations Credit Agreement amendments.

Commodity-Linked Revolving Credit Facility — In February 2022, Vistra Operations entered into a credit agreement by and among Vistra Operations, Vistra Intermediate, the lenders, joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners party thereto, and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent. The Credit Agreement provides for a senior secured commodity-linked revolving credit facility (the Commodity-Linked Facility). Vistra Operations intends to use the liquidity provided under the Commodity-Linked Facility to make cash postings as required under various commodity contracts to which Vistra Operations and its subsidiaries are parties as power prices increase from time-to time and for other working capital and general corporate purposes. In May 2022, June 2022 and October 2022, the Credit Agreement was amended to, among other things, (i) effect certain additions and reductions (as applicable) to the revolving commitments of certain lenders, and extend the maturity date thereof, (ii) modify certain pricing provisions, financial covenants and provisions related to the collateral, and (iii) adjust certain borrowing and repayment provisions, including the calculation of the borrowing base. See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for more information concerning the Commodity-Linked Facility.

Capacity Markets

PJM — Reliability Pricing Model (RPM) auction results, for the zones in which our assets are located, are as follows for each planning year:

2022-20232023-20242024-2025
(average price per MW-day)
RTO zone$50.00$34.13$28.92
ComEd zone68.9634.1328.92
MAAC zone95.7949.4949.49
EMAAC zone97.8649.4954.95
ATSI zone50.0034.1328.92
DEOK zone71.6934.1396.24

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Our capacity sales in PJM, net of purchases, aggregated by planning year and capacity type through planning year 2024-2025, are as follows:

2022-20232023-20242024-2025
East SegmentSunset SegmentEast SegmentSunset SegmentEast SegmentSunset Segment
CP auction capacity sold, net (MW)5,9641,5195,5381,3325,5671,338
Bilateral capacity sold, net (MW)311124343400
Total segment capacity sold, net (MW)6,2751,6435,8811,3325,9671,338
Average price per MW-day$64.46$66.54$38.45$34.13$36.80$75.37

NYISO — The most recent seasonal auction results for NYISO's Rest-of-State zones, in which the capacity for our Independence plant clears, are as follows for each planning period:

Winter 2022 - 2023
Price per kW-month$1.18

Due to the short-term, seasonal nature of the NYISO capacity auctions, we monetize the majority of our capacity through bilateral trades. Our capacity sales, aggregated by season through winter 2024-2025, are as follows:

East Segment
Winter 2022 - 2023Summer 2023Winter 2023 - 2024Summer 2024Winter 2024 - 2025
Auction capacity sold (MW)90
Bilateral capacity sold (MW)1,094936670299100
Total capacity sold (MW)1,184936670299100
Average price per kW-month$1.29$2.86$1.66$2.00$2.00

ISO-NE — The most recent Forward Capacity Auction results for ISO-NE Rest-of-Pool, in which most of our assets are located, are as follows for each planning year:

2022-20232023-20242024-20252025-2026
Price per kW-month$3.80$2.00$2.61$2.59

Performance incentive rules increase capacity payments for those resources that are providing excess energy or reserves during a shortage event, while penalizing those that produce less than the required level. We continue to market and pursue longer term multi-year capacity transactions that extend through planning year 2025-2026.

East Segment
2022-20232023-20242024-20252025-2026
Auction capacity sold (MW)3,1253,0912,9673,032
Bilateral capacity sold (MW)97207878
Total capacity sold (MW)3,2223,1113,0453,110
Average price per kW-month$3.82$2.12$3.18$2.72

MISO — The capacity auction results for MISO Local Resource Zone 4, in which our assets are located, are as follows for each planning year:

2022-2023
Price per MW-day$236.66

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MISO capacity sales through planning year 2025-2026 are as follows:

Sunset Segment
2022-20232023-20242024-20252025-2026
Bilateral capacity sold in MISO (MW)1,6721,394471209
Total MISO segment capacity sold (MW)1,6721,394471209
Average price per kW-month$2.57$4.54$4.51$5.19

CAISO — Our capacity sales in CAISO, aggregated by calendar year for 2023 through 2024 for Moss Landing, are as follows:

West Segment
20232024
Bilateral capacity sold (Avg MW)1,4811,770

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Key Operational Risks and Challenges

Following is a discussion of certain key operational risks and challenges facing management and the initiatives currently underway to manage such challenges. These matters involve risks that could have a material effect on our business, results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, cash flows, reputation, prospects and the market price for our securities (including our common stock). See also Item 1A. Risk Factors in this annual report on Form 10-K for additional discussion on risks that could have a material effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, cash flows, reputation, prospects and the market price for our securities (including our common stock).

Natural Gas Price and Market Heat Rate Exposure

The price of power is typically set by natural gas-fueled generation facilities, with wholesale prices generally tracking increases or decreases in the price of natural gas, with exceptions such as those periods during which ERCOT power prices rise significantly as a result of the scarcity of available generation resources relative to power demand. Natural gas prices have historically been volatile.

In contrast to our natural gas-fueled generation facilities, changes in natural gas prices have no significant effect on the cost of generating power at our nuclear-, lignite- and coal-fueled facilities. Consequently, all other factors being equal, these nuclear-, lignite- and coal-fueled generation assets increase or decrease in value as wholesale electricity prices change either as a result of changes in natural gas prices or market heat rates, because of the effect on our operating margins. A persistent decline in the price of natural gas, if not offset by an increase in market heat rates, would likely have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition, predominantly related to the production of power generation volumes in excess of the volumes utilized to service our retail customer load requirements and wholesale hedges.

The wholesale market price of electricity divided by the market price of natural gas represents the market heat rate. Market heat rate can be affected by a number of factors, including generation availability, mix of assets and the efficiency of the marginal supplier (generally natural gas-fueled generation facilities) in generating electricity. Our market heat rate exposure is impacted by changes in the availability of generation resources, such as additions and retirements of generation facilities, and mix of generation assets. For example, increasing renewable (wind and solar) generation capacity generally depresses market heat rates, particularly during periods when total demand is relatively low. However, increasing penetration of renewable generation capacity may also contribute to greater volatility of wholesale market prices independent of changes in the price of natural gas, given their intermittent nature. Decreases in market heat rates decrease the value of our generation assets because lower market heat rates result in lower wholesale electricity prices, and vice versa.

As a result of our exposure to the variability of natural gas prices and market heat rates, retail sales and hedging activities are critical to our operating results and maintaining consistent cash flow levels.

Our integrated power generation and retail electricity business provides us opportunities to hedge our generation position utilizing retail electricity markets as a sales channel. In addition, our approach to managing electricity price risk focuses on the following:

•employing disciplined, liquidity-efficient hedging and risk management strategies through physical and financial energy-related contracts intended to partially hedge gross margins;

•continuing focus on cost management to better withstand gross margin volatility;

•following a retail pricing strategy that appropriately reflects the value of our product offering to customers, the magnitude and costs of commodity price, liquidity risk and retail demand variability; and

•improving retail customer service to attract and retain high-value customers.

We have engaged in natural gas hedging activities to mitigate the risk of higher or lower wholesale electricity prices that have corresponded to increases or declines in natural gas prices. When natural gas prices are elevated or depressed, we continue to seek opportunities to manage our wholesale power price exposure through hedging activities, including forward wholesale and retail electricity sales.

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Estimated hedging levels for generation volumes in our Texas, East, West and Sunset segments as of December 31, 2022 were as follows:

20232024
Nuclear/Renewable/Coal Generation:
Texas94%86%
Sunset88%47%
Gas Generation:
Texas83%58%
East91%72%
West91%79%

The following sensitivity table provides approximate estimates of the potential impact of movements in power prices and spark spreads (the difference between the power revenue and fuel expense of natural gas-fired generation as calculated using an assumed heat rate of 7.2 MMBtu/MWh) on realized pre-tax earnings (in millions) taking into account the hedge positions noted above for the periods presented. The residual gas position is calculated based on two steps: first, calculating the difference between actual heat rates of our natural gas generation units and the assumed 7.2 heat rate used to calculate the sensitivity to spark spreads; and second, calculating the residual natural gas exposure that is not already included in the gas generation spark spread sensitivity shown in the table below. The estimates related to price sensitivity are based on our expected generation, related hedges and forward prices as of December 31, 2022.

20232024
Texas:
Nuclear/Renewable/Coal Generation: $2.50/MWh increase in power price$8$16
Nuclear/Renewable/Coal Generation: $2.50/MWh decrease in power price$(7)$(16)
Gas Generation: $1.00/MWh increase in spark spread$9$19
Gas Generation: $1.00/MWh decrease in spark spread$(8)$(18)
Residual Natural Gas Position: $0.25/MMBtu increase in natural gas price$3$(12)
Residual Natural Gas Position: $0.25/MMBtu decrease in natural gas price$(7)$6
East:
Gas Generation: $1.00/MWh increase in spark spread$6$16
Gas Generation: $1.00/MWh decrease in spark spread$(5)$(14)
Residual Natural Gas Position: $0.25/MMBtu increase in natural gas price$(4)$(5)
Residual Natural Gas Position: $0.25/MMBtu decrease in natural gas price$4$5
West:
Gas Generation: $1.00/MWh increase in spark spread$1$1
Gas Generation: $1.00/MWh decrease in spark spread$(1)$(1)
Residual Natural Gas Position: $0.25/MMBtu increase in natural gas price$1$1
Residual Natural Gas Position: $0.25/MMBtu decrease in natural gas price$(1)$(1)
Sunset:
Coal Generation: $2.50/MWh increase in power price$8$33
Coal Generation: $2.50/MWh decrease in power price$(7)$(32)
Residual Natural Gas Position: $0.25/MMBtu increase in natural gas price$(6)$(12)
Residual Natural Gas Position: $0.25/MMBtu decrease in natural gas price$6$12

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Competitive Retail Markets and Customer Retention

Competitive retail activity in ERCOT has resulted in retail customer churn as customers switch retail electricity providers for various reasons. Based on numbers of meters, our total retail customer counts increased approximately 3%, 3% and 1% in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Based upon December 31, 2022 results discussed below in Results of Operations, a 1% decline in retail customers in ERCOT would result in a decline in annual revenues of approximately $68 million. In responding to the competitive landscape in the ERCOT market, we have attempted to reduce overall customer losses by focusing on the following key initiatives:

•Maintaining competitive pricing initiatives on residential service plans;

•Actively competing for new customers in areas open to competition within ERCOT, while continuing to strive to enhance the experience of our existing customers; we are focused on continuing to implement initiatives that deliver world-class customer service and improve the overall customer experience;

•Establishing and leveraging our TXU EnergyTM brand in the sale of electricity to residential and commercial customers, as the most innovative retailer in the ERCOT market by continuing to develop tailored product offerings to meet customer needs; and

•Focusing market initiatives largely on programs targeted at retaining the existing highest-value customers and to recapturing customers who have switched REPs, including maintaining and continuously refining a disciplined contracting and pricing approach and economic segmentation of the business market to enhance targeted sales and marketing efforts and to more effectively deploy our direct-sales force; tactical programs we have initiated include improved customer service, aided by an enhanced customer management system, new product price/service offerings and a multichannel approach for the small business market.

Exposures Related to Nuclear Asset Outages

Our nuclear assets are comprised of two generation units at the Comanche Peak facility, each with an installed nameplate generation capacity of 1,200 MW. As of December 31, 2022, these units represented approximately 6% of our total generation capacity. The nuclear generation units represent our lowest marginal cost source of electricity. Assuming both nuclear generation units experienced an outage at the same time, the unfavorable impact to pretax earnings is estimated (based upon forward electricity market prices for 2023 at December 31, 2022) to be approximately $2 million per day before consideration of any costs to repair the cause of such outages or receipt of any insurance proceeds. Also see discussion of nuclear facilities insurance in Note 12 to the Financial Statements to understand the importance and limits of our insurance protection.

The inherent complexities and related regulations associated with operating nuclear generation facilities result in environmental, regulatory and financial risks. The operation of nuclear generation facilities is subject to continuing review and regulation by the NRC, covering, among other things, operations, maintenance, emergency planning, security, and environmental and safety protection. The NRC may implement changes in regulations that result in increased capital or operating costs and may require extended outages, modify, suspend or revoke operating licenses and impose fines for failure to comply with its existing regulations and the provisions of the Atomic Energy Act. In addition, an unplanned outage at another nuclear generation facility could result in the NRC taking action to shut down our Comanche Peak units as a precautionary measure.

We participate in industry groups and with regulators to keep current on the latest developments in nuclear safety, operation and maintenance and on emerging threats and mitigating techniques. These groups include, but are not limited to, the NRC, the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) and the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI). We also apply the knowledge gained through our continuing investment in technology, processes and services to improve our operations and to detect, mitigate and protect our nuclear generation assets. Management continues to focus on the safe, reliable and efficient operations at the facility.

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Cyber/Data Security and Infrastructure Protection Risk

A breach of cyber/data security measures that impairs our information technology infrastructure, operations technology systems, supporting components, and/or associated sites utilized by the Company or one of our service providers could disrupt normal business operations and affect our ability to control our generation assets, access retail customer information and limit communication with third parties. Breaches and threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, complex, change frequently and may be difficult to detect. Any loss of confidential or proprietary data through a breach could materially affect our reputation, including our TXU Energy, Ambit Energy, Value Based Brands, Dynegy Energy Services, Homefield Energy, TriEagle Energy, Public Power and U.S. Gas & Electric brands, expose the company to legal claims, significant liabilities, reputational damage, regulatory action, and disrupt business operations, which could impair our ability to execute on business strategies.

We participate in industry groups and with regulators to remain current on emerging threats and mitigating techniques. These groups include, but are not limited to, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center, U.S. Cyber Emergency Response Team, the NRC and NERC.

While the Company has not experienced a cyber/data event causing any material operational, reputational or financial impact, we recognize the growing threat within the general marketplace and our industry, and are proactively making strategic investments in our perimeter and internal defenses, cyber/data security operations center and regulatory compliance activities. We have controls in place designed to protect our infrastructure, provide our employees awareness training of cybersecurity threats, routinely utilize information technology security experts to assist us in our evaluations of the effectiveness of our information technology systems and controls, and we regularly enhance our security measures to protect our systems and data, including encryption, tokenization and authentication technologies to mitigate cybersecurity risks and increasing our monitoring capabilities to enhance early detection and rapid response to potential cyber threats. In response to the fact that a portion of our workforce operates within a hybrid work environment, we have reduced our attack surface process and technology, which removes remote network risk from our internal systems, assets, or data.

We also apply the knowledge gained through industry and government organizations, external partner cyber risk and maturity assessments to continuously improve our technology, processes and services to detect, mitigate and protect our cyber and data assets.

Seasonality

The demand for and market prices of electricity and natural gas are affected by weather. As a result, our operating results are impacted by extreme or sustained weather conditions and may fluctuate on a seasonal basis. Typically, demand for and the price of electricity is higher in the summer and winter seasons, when the temperatures are more extreme, and the demand for and price of natural gas is also generally higher in the winter. More severe weather conditions such as heat waves or extreme winter weather have made, and may make such fluctuations more pronounced. The pattern of this fluctuation may change depending on, among other things, the retail load served and the terms of contracts to purchase or sell electricity.

Critical Accounting Estimates

We follow accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. Application of these accounting policies in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the reporting of assets and liabilities at the balance sheet dates and revenues and expenses during the periods covered. The following is a summary of certain critical accounting estimates that are impacted by judgments and uncertainties and under which different amounts might be reported using different assumptions or estimation methodologies.

Derivative Instruments and Mark-to-Market Accounting

We enter into contracts for the purchase and sale of energy-related commodities, and also enter into other derivative instruments such as options, swaps, futures and forwards primarily to manage commodity price and interest rate risks. Under accounting standards related to derivative instruments and hedging activities, these instruments are subject to mark-to-market accounting, and the determination of market values for these instruments is based on numerous assumptions and estimation techniques.

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Mark-to-market accounting recognizes changes in the fair value of derivative instruments in the financial statements as market prices change. Such changes in fair value are accounted for as unrealized mark-to-market gains and losses in net income with an offset to derivative assets and liabilities. The availability of quoted market prices in energy markets is dependent on the type of commodity (e.g., natural gas, electricity, etc.), time period specified and delivery point. Where quoted market prices are not available, the fair value is based on unobservable inputs, which require significant judgment. Derivative instruments valued based on unobservable inputs primarily include (i) forward sales and purchases of electricity, natural gas and coal, (ii) electricity, natural gas and coal options, and (iii) financial transmission rights. In computing fair value for derivatives, each forward pricing curve is separated into liquid and illiquid periods. The liquid period varies by delivery point and commodity. Generally, the liquid period is supported by exchange markets, broker quotes and frequent trading activity. For illiquid periods, fair value is estimated based on forward price curves developed using proprietary modeling techniques that take into account available market information and other inputs that might not be readily observable in the market. Any significant changes to these inputs could result in a material change to the value of the assets or liabilities recorded on our consolidated balance sheets and could result in a material change to the unrealized gains or losses recorded in our consolidated statements of operations. We estimate fair value as described in Note 14 to the Financial Statements.

Accounting standards related to derivative instruments and hedging activities allow for normal purchase or sale elections, which generally eliminate the requirement for mark-to-market recognition in net income. Normal purchases and sales (NPNS) are contracts that provide for physical delivery of quantities expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business and are not subject to mark-to-market accounting if the NPNS election is made and are accounted for on an accrual basis. Determining whether a contract qualifies for the normal purchase or sale election requires judgment as to whether or not the contract will physically deliver and requires that management ensure compliance with all associated qualification and documentation requirements. If it is determined that a transaction designated as a normal purchase or sale no longer meets the scope exception due to changes in estimates, the related contract would be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value with immediate recognition through earnings.

See Note 15 to the Financial Statements for further discussion regarding derivative instruments.

Accounting for Income Taxes

Our income tax expense and related consolidated balance sheet amounts involve significant management estimates and judgments. Amounts of deferred income tax assets and liabilities, as well as current and noncurrent accruals, involve estimates and judgments of the timing and probability of recognition of income and deductions by taxing authorities. Further, we assess the likelihood that we will be able to realize or utilize our deferred tax assets. If realization is not more likely than not, we would record a valuation allowance against such deferred tax assets for the amount we would not expect to utilize, which would reduce the carrying value of the deferred tax amounts. When evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including the following:

•the creation and timing of future income associated with the reversal of deferred tax liabilities in excess of deferred tax assets;

•the existence, or lack thereof, of statutory limitations on the period that net operating losses may be carried forward; and

•the amounts and history of income or losses, adjusted for certain non-recurring items.

Actual income taxes could vary from estimated amounts due to the future impacts of various items, including changes in income tax laws, our forecasted financial condition and results of operations in future periods, as well as final review of filed tax returns by taxing authorities.

Income tax returns are regularly subject to examination by applicable tax authorities. In management's opinion, the liability recorded pursuant to income tax accounting guidance related to uncertain tax positions reflects future taxes that may be owed as a result of any examination.

See Notes 1 and 6 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of income tax matters.

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Accounting for Tax Receivable Agreement (TRA)

On the Effective Date, Vistra entered into the TRA with a transfer agent. Pursuant to the TRA, we issued the TRA Rights for the benefit of the first-lien creditors of TCEH entitled to receive such TRA Rights under the Plan of Reorganization. Vistra reflected the obligation associated with TRA Rights at fair value in the amount of $574 million as of the Effective Date related to these future payment obligations. As of December 31, 2022, the TRA obligation has been adjusted to $522 million. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded an increase to the carrying value of the TRA obligation totaling $64 million as a result of adjustments to forecasted book and taxable income due to increases in commodity price forecasts. As of December 31, 2022, expected undiscounted federal and state payments under the TRA is estimated to be approximately $1.4 billion. The TRA obligation value is the discounted amount of projected payments to be made each year under the TRA, based on certain assumptions, including but not limited to:

•the amount of tax basis related to (i) the Lamar and Forney acquisition and (ii) step-up resulting from the PrefCo Preferred Stock Sale (which is estimated to be approximately $5.5 billion) and the allocation of such tax basis step-up among the assets subject thereto;

•the depreciable lives of the assets subject to such tax basis step-up, which generally is expected to be 15 years for most of such assets;

•a blended federal/state corporate income tax rate in all future years of 22.9%;

•future taxable income by year for future years;

•the Company generally expects to generate sufficient taxable income to be able to utilize the deductions arising out of (i) the tax basis step up attributable to the PrefCo Preferred Stock Sale, (ii) the entire tax basis of the assets acquired as a result of the Lamar and Forney Acquisition, and (iii) tax benefits related to imputed interest deemed to be paid by us as a result of payments under the TRA in the tax year in which such deductions arise;

•a discount rate of 15%, which represented our view at the Effective Date of the rate that a market participant would use based on the risk associated with the uncertainty in the amount and timing of the cash flows, at the time of Emergence; and

•additional states that Vistra now operates in, the relevant tax rates of those states and how income will be apportioned to those states.

There may be significant changes, which may be material, to the estimate of the related liability due to various reasons including changes in federal and state tax laws and regulations, changes in estimates of the amount or timing of future consolidated taxable income, utilization of acquired net operating losses, reversals of temporary book/tax differences and other items. Changes in those estimates are recognized as adjustments to the related TRA Rights liability, with offsetting impacts recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement. See Note 7 to the Financial Statements.

Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO)

As part of business combination accounting, new fair values were established for all AROs assumed in the Merger. A liability is initially recorded at fair value for an ARO associated with the legal obligation associated with law, regulatory, contractual or constructive retirement requirements of tangible long-lived assets. These liabilities primarily relate to nuclear generation plant decommissioning, land reclamation related to lignite mining, and remediation or closure of coal ash basins. In estimating the ARO liability, we are required to make significant estimates and assumptions.

For the estimates and assumptions of the nuclear generation plant decommissioning, we use unit-by-unit decommissioning cost studies to provide a marketplace assessment of the expected costs (in current year dollars) and timing of decommissioning activities, which are validated by comparison to current decommissioning projects within the industry and other estimates. Decommissioning cost studies are updated for each of our nuclear units at least every five years unless circumstances warrant a more frequent update. In estimating the liability for December 31, 2022, we have included an assumption that Vistra receives a license extension of 20 years from the NRC to continue to operate Comanche Peak Units 1 and 2 through 2050 and 2053, respectively. The costs to ultimately decommission the facility are recoverable through the regulatory rate making process as part of Oncor's delivery fees and therefore changes in estimates of the ARO do not impact Vistra's earnings.

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The estimates and assumptions required for the mining land reclamation related to lignite mining, such as costs to fill in mining pits and interpretation of the mining permit closure requirements, are complex and require a significant amount of judgment. To develop the estimate of costs to fill in mining pits, we utilize a complex proprietary model to estimate the volume of the pit. A significant portion of the estimate is associated with the Asset Closure segment, thus related to closed facilities with changes in the estimate recorded to our consolidated statements of operations.

These obligations are adjusted on a regular basis to reflect the passage of time and to incorporate revisions to the following significant estimates and assumptions:

•estimation of dates for retirement, which can be dependent on environmental and other legislation;

•amounts and timing of future cash expenditures associated with retirement, settlement or remediation activities;

•discount rates;

•cost escalation factors;

•market risk premium;

•inflation rates; and

•if applicable, past experience with government regulators regarding similar obligations.

For the next five years, Vistra is projected to spend approximately $432 million (on a nominal basis) to achieve its mining reclamation and other coal ash remediation objectives. During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, we transferred $61 million, zero and $15 million, respectively, in ARO obligations to third parties for remediation. Any remaining unpaid third-party obligation was reclassified to other current liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits in our consolidated balance sheets.

See Note 20 to the Financial Statements for additional discussion of ARO obligations and adjustments made to the ARO obligation estimates during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020.

Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets

We evaluate long-lived assets (including intangible assets with finite lives) for impairment, in accordance with accounting standards related to impairment or disposal of long-lived assets, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. For our generation assets, possible indications include an expectation of continuing long-term declines in natural gas prices and/or market heat rates or an expectation that "more likely than not" a generation asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its estimated useful life. The determination of the existence of these and other indications of impairment involves judgments that are subjective in nature and may require the use of estimates in forecasting future results and cash flows related to an asset or group of assets. Further, the unique nature of our property, plant and equipment, which includes a fleet of generation assets with a diverse fuel mix and individual generation units that have varying production or output rates, requires the use of significant judgments in determining the existence of impairment indications and the grouping of assets for impairment testing. See Note 20 to the Financial Statements for discussion of impairments of long-lived assets recorded in the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020.

Recoverability of long-lived assets is determined by a comparison of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset group to the net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group, through considering specific assumptions for forward natural gas and electricity prices, forward capacity prices, the effects of enacted environmental rules, generation plant performance, forecasted capital expenditures, forecasted fuel prices and forecasted operating costs. The carrying value of such asset groups is determined to be unrecoverable if the projected undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value.

If an asset group carrying value is determined to be unrecoverable, fair value will be calculated based on a market participant view and a loss will be recorded for the amount the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Fair value is determined primarily by discounted cash flows (income approach) and supported by available market valuations, if applicable. The income approach involves estimates of future performance that reflect assumptions regarding, among other things, forward natural gas and electricity prices, forward capacity prices, market heat rates, the effects of enacted environmental rules, generation plant performance, forecasted capital expenditures and forecasted fuel prices. Another key assumption in the income approach is the discount rate applied to the forecasted cash flows. Any significant change to one or more of these factors can have a material impact on the fair value measurement of our long-lived assets. Additional material impairments related to our generation facilities may occur in the future if forward wholesale electricity prices decline in the markets in which we operate in or if additional environmental regulations increase the cost of producing electricity at our generation facilities.

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Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, such as the intangible asset related to the trade names of TXU EnergyTM, Ambit Energy, 4Change EnergyTM, Homefield, Dynegy Energy Services, TriEagle Energy, Public Power and U.S. Gas & Electric, respectively, are required to be evaluated for impairment at least annually (we have selected October 1 as our annual impairment test date) or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate an impairment may exist, such as the indicators used to evaluate impairments to long-lived assets discussed above or declines in values of comparable public companies in our industry.

As of December 31, 2022, our goodwill balances totaled $2.461 billion and $122 million for our Retail reporting unit and Texas Generation reporting unit, respectively. Under this goodwill impairment analysis, if at the assessment date, a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value, the excess carrying value is written off as an impairment charge. Accounting standards allow a company to qualitatively assess if the carrying value of a reporting unit with goodwill is more likely than not less than the fair value of that reporting unit. If the entity determines the carrying value, including goodwill, is not more likely greater than the fair value, no further testing of goodwill for impairment is required. On the most recent goodwill testing date, we performed a qualitative assessment and determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of our Retail and Texas Generation reporting units exceeded their carrying value at October 1, 2022. Significant qualitative factors evaluated included reporting unit financial performance and market multiples, general macroeconomic, industry, and market conditions, cost factors, customer attrition, interest rates and changes in reporting unit book value.

As of December 31, 2022, intangible assets with indefinite useful lives related to our retail trade names totaled $1.341 billion. Under this impairment analysis, if at the assessment date, a retail trade name's carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value, the excess carrying value is written off as an impairment charge.

Accounting standards allow a company to qualitatively assess if the carrying value of our retail trade name intangible assets is more likely than not less than the fair value. On the most recent testing date, we performed a qualitative assessment and determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of our retail trade names exceeded their carrying value at October 1, 2022. Significant qualitative factors evaluated included trade name financial performance, general macroeconomic, industry, and market conditions, customer attrition and interest rates.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

In the year ended December 31, 2022, our operating segments delivered strong operating performance with a disciplined focus on cost management, while generating and selling essential electricity in a safe and reliable manner. Our performance reflected the stability of our integrated model, including a diversified generation fleet, retail and commercial and hedging activities in support of our integrated business. As part of our comprehensive hedging strategy, we hedged longer-dated revenues and fuel costs to reduce risk and lock in value as forward power and gas curves moved up materially, and we believe this has positioned us to significantly benefit operating results in 2023 and beyond. In addition, we executed on our share repurchase strategy.

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Vistra Consolidated Financial Results — Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021

Year Ended December 31,Favorable (Unfavorable) $ Change
20222021
Operating revenues$13,728$12,077$1,651
Fuel, purchased power costs and delivery fees(10,401)(9,169)(1,232)
Operating costs(1,645)(1,559)(86)
Depreciation and amortization(1,596)(1,753)157
Selling, general and administrative expenses(1,189)(1,040)(149)
Impairment of long-lived and other assets(74)(71)(3)
Operating loss(1,177)(1,515)338
Other income117140(23)
Other deductions(4)(16)12
Interest expense and related charges(368)(384)16
Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement(128)53(181)
Loss before income taxes(1,560)(1,722)162
Income tax benefit350458(108)
Net loss$(1,210)$(1,264)$54
Year Ended December 31, 2022
RetailTexasEastWestSunsetAsset ClosureEliminations / Corporate and OtherVistra Consolidated
Operating revenues$9,455$3,733$3,706$336$956$296$(4,754)$13,728
Fuel, purchased power costs and delivery fees(7,169)(2,968)(3,546)(481)(743)(249)4,755(10,401)
Operating costs(143)(808)(255)(42)(280)(116)(1)(1,645)
Depreciation and amortization(145)(537)(706)(42)(76)(21)(69)(1,596)
Selling, general and administrative expenses(826)(131)(66)(21)(39)(40)(66)(1,189)
Impairment of long-lived and other assets(74)(74)
Operating income (loss)1,172(711)(867)(250)(256)(130)(135)(1,177)
Other income278261613117
Other deductions(2)(2)1(2)1(4)
Interest expense and related charges(14)20(3)6(3)(3)(371)(368)
Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement(128)(128)
Income (loss) before income taxes1,158(615)(868)(238)(258)(119)(620)(1,560)
Income tax benefit350350
Net income (loss)$1,158$(615)$(868)$(238)$(258)$(119)$(270)$(1,210)

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Year Ended December 31, 2021
RetailTexasEastWestSunsetAsset ClosureEliminations / Corporate and OtherVistra Consolidated
Operating revenues$7,871$2,790$2,587$374$653$86$(2,284)$12,077
Fuel, purchased power costs and delivery fees(4,568)(3,991)(2,123)(253)(407)(111)2,284(9,169)
Operating costs(127)(704)(243)(37)(254)(193)(1)(1,559)
Depreciation and amortization(212)(608)(698)(60)(104)(35)(36)(1,753)
Selling, general and administrative expenses(718)(88)(75)(32)(31)(50)(46)(1,040)
Impairment of long-lived assets and other assets(33)(38)(71)
Operating income (loss)2,213(2,601)(552)(8)(143)(341)(83)(1,515)
Other income1846445140
Other deductions(7)(9)3(1)(2)(16)
Interest expense and related charges(9)14(15)9(3)(380)(384)
Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement5353
Income (loss) before income taxes2,198(2,512)(567)1(137)(298)(407)(1,722)
Income tax benefit (expense)(2)460458
Net income (loss)$2,196$(2,512)$(567)$1$(137)$(298)$53$(1,264)

Consolidated operating loss decreased $338 million to $1.177 billion in the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The change in results was primarily driven by the $2.2 billion negative impact on our pre-tax earnings associated with Winter Storm Uri in the year ended December 31, 2021. Partially offsetting the 2021 Winter Storm Uri impact, results for the year ended December 31, 2022 were unfavorably impacted by a $1.75 billion increase in pre-tax unrealized mark-to-market losses on derivative positions. Power and natural gas forward market curves moved up during the year ended December 31, 2022 driving the pre-tax unrealized mark-to-market losses on commodity hedging transactions. Included within these unrealized mark-to-market changes are pre-tax net unrealized losses of $544 million and $298 million recorded in the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, due to the discontinuance of NPNS accounting on retail electric contract portfolios where physical settlement is no longer considered probable throughout the contract term. We believe the overall increase in forward power and natural gas prices during 2022 has positioned us to significantly benefit operating results in 2023 and beyond.

Interest expense and related charges decreased $16 million to $368 million in the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 driven by unrealized mark-to-market gains on interest rate swaps of $250 million in 2022 compared to $134 million in 2021 due to a more significant rise in interest rates in 2022. The favorable variance is partially offset by an increase in interest paid/accrued of $111 million driven by higher average borrowings during the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, reflecting costs associated with increased collateral posting obligations supporting our comprehensive hedging strategy. See Note 20 to the Financial Statements.

For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the impacts of the TRA totaled expense of $128 million and income of $53 million, respectively. See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for discussion of the impacts of the TRA obligation.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, income tax benefit totaled $350 million and the effective tax rate was 22.4%. For the year ended December 31, 2021, income tax benefit totaled $458 million and the effective tax rate was 26.6%. See Note 6 to the Financial Statements for reconciliation of the effective rates to the U.S. federal statutory rate.

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Discussion of Adjusted EBITDA

Non-GAAP Measures — In analyzing and planning for our business, we supplement our use of GAAP financial measures with non-GAAP financial measures, including EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as performance measures. These non-GAAP financial measures reflect an additional way of viewing aspects of our business that, when viewed with our GAAP results and the accompanying reconciliations to corresponding GAAP financial measures included in the tables below, may provide a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our business. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be relied upon to the exclusion of GAAP financial measures and are, by definition, an incomplete understanding of Vistra and must be considered in conjunction with GAAP measures. In addition, non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized; therefore, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies' non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. We strongly encourage investors to review our consolidated financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety and not rely on any single financial measure.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA — We believe EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provide meaningful representations of our operating performance. We consider EBITDA as another way to measure financial performance on an ongoing basis. Adjusted EBITDA is meant to reflect the operating performance of our segments for the period presented. We define EBITDA as earnings (loss) before interest expense, income tax expense (benefit) and depreciation and amortization expense. We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA adjusted to exclude (i) gains or losses on the sale or retirement of certain assets, (ii) the impacts of mark-to-market changes on derivatives, (iii) the impact of impairment charges, (iv) certain amounts associated with fresh-start reporting, acquisitions, dispositions, transition costs or restructurings, (v) non-cash compensation expense, (vi) impacts from the Tax Receivable Agreement and (vii) other nonrecurring or unusual items.

Because EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are financial measures that management uses to allocate resources, determine our ability to fund capital expenditures, assess performance against our peers, and evaluate overall financial performance, we believe they provide useful information for investors.

When EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA is discussed in reference to performance on a consolidated basis, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is Net income (loss).

Vistra Adjusted EBITDA — Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021

Year Ended December 31,Favorable (Unfavorable) $ Change
20222021
Net loss$(1,210)$(1,264)$54
Income tax benefit(350)(458)108
Interest expense and related charges (a)368384(16)
Depreciation and amortization (b)1,6821,831(149)
EBITDA before Adjustments490493(3)
Unrealized net loss resulting from commodity hedging transactions (c)2,5107591,751
Generation plant retirement expenses418(14)
Fresh start/purchase accounting impacts6(138)144
Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement128(53)181
Non-cash compensation expenses655114
Transition and merger expenses13(8)21
Impairment of long-lived and other assets74713
Winter Storm Uri impacts (d)(319)698(1,017)
Other, net23176
Adjusted EBITDA$2,994$1,908$1,086

____________

(a)Includes unrealized mark-to-market net gains on interest rate swaps of $250 million and $134 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

(b)Includes nuclear fuel amortization in the Texas segment of $86 million and $78 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

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(c)Net pre-tax unrealized mark-to-market losses on commodity and hedging transactions were driven by an increase in power and natural gas price curves during the year ended December 31, 2022. Additionally, we recorded pre-tax net unrealized losses of $544 million and $298 million in the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, due to the discontinuance of NPNS accounting on retail electric contract portfolios where physical settlement is no longer considered probable throughout the contract term.

(d)For the year ended December 31, 2021, includes the following of the Winter Storm Uri impacts, which we believe are not reflective of our normal operating performance: the allocation of ERCOT default uplift charges which were expected to be paid over several decades under protocols existing at the time of the storm, accrual of Koch earn-out amounts that we paid in the second quarter of 2022 (see Note 12 to the Financial Statements), future bill credits related to Winter Storm Uri and Winter Storm Uri related legal fees and other costs.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, includes reductions to Adjusted EBITDA reflecting ERCOT default uplift charges of $183 million and bill credit applications of $144 million.

The adjustment for ERCOT default uplift charges relates to (i) ERCOT receiving payments that reduced the market wide default balance and (ii) the fourth quarter 2022 derecognition of the remaining default balance in connection with a settlement between Brazos and ERCOT (see Note 12 to the Financial Statements).

The adjustment for future bill credits relates to large commercial and industrial customers that curtailed their usage during Winter Storm Uri and will reverse and impact Adjusted EBITDA in future periods as the credits are applied to customer bills. The Company believes the inclusion of the bill credits as a reduction to Adjusted EBITDA in the years in which such bill credits are applied more accurately reflects its operating performance.

Year Ended December 31, 2022
RetailTexasEastWestSunsetAsset ClosureEliminations / Corporate and OtherVistra Consolidated
Net income (loss)$1,158$(615)$(868)$(238)$(258)$(119)$(270)$(1,210)
Income tax benefit(350)(350)
Interest expense and related charges (a)14(20)3(6)33371368
Depreciation and amortization (b)145623706427621691,682
EBITDA before Adjustments1,317(12)(159)(202)(179)(95)(180)490
Unrealized net (gain) loss resulting from commodity hedging transactions(291)1,610759351112(31)2,510
Generation plant retirement expenses7(3)4
Fresh start/purchase accounting impacts(2)(1)96
Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement128128
Non-cash compensation expenses6565
Transition and merger expenses71513
Impairment of long-lived and other assets7474
Winter Storm Uri impacts (c)(141)(178)(319)
Other, net312083158(62)23
Adjusted EBITDA$923$1,438$608$152$38$(121)$(44)$2,994

____________

(a)Includes $250 million of unrealized mark-to-market net gains on interest rate swaps.

(b)Includes nuclear fuel amortization of $86 million in the Texas segment.

(c)Includes the application of bill credits to large commercial and industrial customers that curtailed their usage during Winter Storm Uri and a reduction in the allocation of ERCOT default uplift charges which were expected to be paid over several decades under protocols existing at the time of the storm. We estimate remaining bill credit amounts to be applied in future periods are for 2023 (approximately $54 million), 2024 (approximately $6 million) and 2025 (approximately $28 million).

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Year Ended December 31, 2021
RetailTexasEastWestSunsetAsset ClosureEliminations / Corporate and OtherVistra Consolidated
Net income (loss)2,196(2,512)(567)1(137)(298)53$(1,264)
Income tax expense (benefit)2(460)(458)
Interest expense and related charges (a)9(14)15(9)3380384
Depreciation and amortization (b)2126866986010435361,831
EBITDA before Adjustments2,419(1,840)14652(30)(263)9493
Unrealized net (gain) loss resulting from commodity hedging transactions(1,403)1,13965538211119759
Generation plant retirement expenses(1)1918
Fresh start/purchase accounting impacts2(14)(74)(28)(24)(138)
Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement(53)(53)
Non-cash compensation expenses5151
Transition and merger expenses(2)(15)9(8)
Impairment of long-lived and other assets333871
Winter Storm Uri (c)23945711698
Other, net2422103(5)5(42)17
Adjusted EBITDA$1,312$(236)$737$93$148$(121)$(25)$1,908

____________

(a)Includes $134 million of unrealized mark-to-market net gains on interest rate swaps.

(b)Includes nuclear fuel amortization of $78 million in the Texas segment.

(c)Includes the following of the Winter Storm Uri impacts, which we believe are not reflective of our operating performance: the allocation of ERCOT default uplift charges which were expected to be paid over several decades under protocols existing at the time of the storm, accrual of Koch earn-out amounts that we paid in the second quarter of 2022, future bill credits related to Winter Storm Uri and Winter Storm Uri related legal fees and other costs. The adjustment for future bill credits relates to large commercial and industrial customers that curtailed their usage during Winter Storm Uri and reverse and impact Adjusted EBITDA in future periods as the credits are applied to customer bills. The Company believes the inclusion of the bill credits as a reduction to Adjusted EBITDA in the years in which such bill credits are applied more accurately reflects its operating performance.

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Retail Segment — Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021

Year Ended December 31,Favorable (Unfavorable) Change
20222021
Operating revenues:
Revenues in ERCOT$7,684$5,943$1,741
Revenues in Northeast/Midwest2,3032,25548
Amortization expense(2)2
Unrealized net losses on hedging activities (a)(532)(325)(207)
Total operating revenues$9,455$7,871$1,584
Fuel, purchased power costs and delivery fees:
Purchases from affiliates(5,572)(4,002)(1,570)
Unrealized net gains on hedging activities with affiliates (b)8191,719(900)
Unrealized net gains on hedging activities49(5)
Delivery fees(2,285)(1,937)(348)
Other costs (c)(135)(357)222
Total fuel, purchased power costs and delivery fees$(7,169)$(4,568)$(2,601)
Net income$1,158$2,196$(1,038)
Adjusted EBITDA$923$1,312$(389)
Retail sales volumes (GWh):
Retail electricity sales volumes:
Sales volumes in ERCOT65,20757,0338,174
Sales volumes in Northeast/Midwest32,88236,070(3,188)
Total retail electricity sales volumes98,08993,1034,986
Weather (North Texas average) - percent of normal (d):
Cooling degree days111%93%
Heating degree days108%92%

____________

(a)Includes pre-tax unrealized net losses of $544 million and $298 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, recognized due to the discontinuance of NPNS accounting on a retail electric contract portfolio where physical settlement is no longer considered probable throughout the contract term.

(b)Includes unrealized net gains/(losses) from mark-to-market valuations of commodity positions with the Texas, East and Sunset segments.

(c)For the year ended December 31, 2021, includes $153 million of future bill credits to large commercial and industrial customers.

(d)Reflects cooling degree or heating degree days for the region based on Weather Services International (WSI) data.

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The following table presents changes in net income (loss) and Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021.

Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to 2021
Timing of power costs, including self-help gains in 2021 and multi-year customer contracts in a backwardated market$(248)
Winter Storm Uri impact primarily driven by 2022 bill credits issued exceeding the net impact of the storm in 2021(63)
Higher margins reflecting favorable weather in 2022 and ERCOT performance, partially offset by pressure in Midwest and Northeast markets30
Other primarily driven by higher bad debt expense due to higher revenues in 2022(108)
Change in Adjusted EBITDA$(389)
Decrease in unrealized net gains on hedging activities(1,112)
Bill credits and other costs related to Winter Storm Uri380
Decrease in depreciation and amortization expenses67
Change in transition and merger and other expenses16
Change in Net income$(1,038)

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Generation — Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021

Year Ended December 31,
TexasEastWestSunset
20222021202220212022202120222021
Operating revenues:
Electricity sales$1,816$1,999$2,719$1,619$653$410$448$589
Capacity revenue from ISO/RTO20(22)163138
Sales to affiliates3,3892,0631,7241,55375454382
Rolloff of unrealized net gains (losses) representing positions settled in the current period536(207)(50)(159)9662422166
Unrealized net gains (losses) on hedging activities(1,191)(37)(669)51(422)(104)(459)(448)
Unrealized net gains (losses) on hedging activities with affiliates(817)(1,028)(38)(529)234(162)
Other revenues74(6)(12)
Operating revenues3,7332,7903,7062,587336374956653
Fuel, purchased power costs and delivery fees:
Fuel for generation facilities and purchased power costs(2,495)(2,829)(3,509)(2,072)(449)(251)(630)(629)
Fuel for generation facilities and purchased power costs from affiliates(8)224(3)
Unrealized (gains) losses from hedging activities(138)133(2)(18)(27)4(109)233
Ancillary and other costs(327)(1,295)(37)(35)(5)(6)(8)(8)
Fuel, purchased power costs and delivery fees(2,968)(3,991)(3,546)(2,123)(481)(253)(743)(407)
Net income (loss)$(615)$(2,512)$(868)$(567)$(238)$1$(258)$(137)
Adjusted EBITDA$1,438$(236)$608$737$152$93$38$148
Production volumes (GWh):
Natural gas facilities34,78430,92154,56955,4285,1345,365
Lignite and coal facilities25,21125,51424,55527,247
Nuclear facilities19,68819,402
Solar facilities822454
Capacity factors:
CCGT facilities48.8%43.2%57.2%57.6%57.1%60.0%
Lignite and coal facilities74.8%75.6%54.3%60.2%
Nuclear facilities93.6%96.3%
Weather - percent of normal (a):
Cooling degree days109%94%107%108%107%90%113%115%
Heating degree days123%94%99%93%109%111%99%90%

____________

(a)Reflects cooling degree days or heating degree days for the region based on Weather Services International (WSI) data.

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Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2022202120222021
Market pricingAverage Market On-Peak Power Prices ($MWh) (b):
Average ERCOT North power price ($/MWh)$62.17$149.60PJM West Hub$83.59$45.55
AEP Dayton Hub$79.51$44.81
Average NYMEX Henry Hub natural gas price ($/MMBtu)$6.39$3.82NYISO Zone C$65.54$35.57
Massachusetts Hub$92.17$51.77
Average natural gas price (a):Indiana Hub$82.03$48.55
TetcoM3 ($/MMBtu)$6.81$3.40Northern Illinois Hub$71.76$41.10
Algonquin Citygates ($/MMBtu)$9.16$4.51CAISO NP15$93.12$56.37

____________

(a)Reflects the average of daily quoted prices for the periods presented and does not reflect costs incurred by us.

(b)Reflects the average of day-ahead quoted prices for the periods presented and does not necessarily reflect prices we realized.

The following table presents changes in net income (loss) and Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021.

Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to 2021
TexasEastWestSunset
Favorable/(unfavorable) change in revenue net of fuel$309$(76)$49$(45)
Winter Storm Uri impact1,535(50)(17)
Unfavorable change in other operating costs(114)(12)(6)(38)
Favorable/(unfavorable) change in selling, general and administrative expenses(37)916(15)
Other(19)5
Change in Adjusted EBITDA$1,674$(129)$59$(110)
Favorable/(unfavorable) change in depreciation and amortization63(8)1828
Change in unrealized net gains/(losses) on hedging activities(471)(104)(313)99
Impairment of long-lived and other assets(74)
Generation plant retirement, transition and merger expenses(1)(8)
Fresh start/purchase accounting impacts(12)(73)(37)
Winter Storm Uri impact (ERCOT default uplift and legal disputes)6351
Other (including interest and COVID-19 related expenses)814(3)(20)
Change in Net income (loss)$1,897$(301)$(239)$(121)

The change in Texas segment results was primarily driven by the Winter Storm Uri impacts in 2021. The increases in revenue net of fuel and operating costs are due to strong generation fleet performance during periods of higher pricing and inflationary pressures, respectively, in the year ended December 31, 2022. Additionally, unrealized hedging losses increased in the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 due to increases in forward power prices in the year ended December 31, 2022.

The change in East segment results was primarily driven by (i) higher unrealized hedging losses in the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 due to increases in forward power prices in the year ended December 31, 2022 (ii) lower revenue net of fuel in the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 due primarily to higher-than-expected migration of customers to default service providers at rates below prevailing wholesale market prices and lower capacity revenue and (iii) termination of an unfavorable acquired contract in 2021 which resulted in derecognition of an intangible liability.

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The change in West segment results was driven by higher unrealized hedging losses in the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 as forward power prices increased more in the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. Additionally, revenue net of fuel is higher in the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021 reflecting higher realized margins from our battery ESS projects (see Note 2 to the Financial Statements).

The change in Sunset segment results was driven by an unfavorable change in revenue net of fuel due primarily to lower generation volumes from coal plants due to industry-wide fuel delivery challenges in the year ended December 31, 2022 and the impairment of assets related to our Miami Fort generation facility (see Note 20 to the Financial Statements).

Asset Closure Segment — Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021

Year Ended December 31,Favorable (Unfavorable) Change
20222021
Operating revenues$296$86$210
Fuel, purchased power costs and delivery fees(249)(111)(138)
Operating costs(116)(193)77
Depreciation and amortization(21)(35)14
Selling, general and administrative expenses(40)(50)10
Impairment of long-lived assets(38)38
Operating loss(130)(341)211
Other income1644(28)
Other deductions(2)(1)(1)
Interest expense and related charges(3)(3)
Income (loss) before income taxes(119)(298)179
Net loss$(119)$(298)$179
Adjusted EBITDA$(121)$(121)$
Production volumes (GWh)6,6709,706(3,036)

Results and volumes for the Asset Closure segment include those from the Zimmer and Joppa generation plants that we retired in May 2022 and September 2022, respectively. Operating costs for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 also include ongoing costs associated with the decommissioning and reclamation of retired plants and mines. The change in Asset Closure segment results for the year ended December 31, 2022 is primarily due to (i) unrealized hedging gains of $31 million related to coal and power derivatives in the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to unrealized losses of $119 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 and (ii) severance and impairment expense recorded in the year ended December 31, 2021, in connection with plant closure announcements (see Note 3 to the Financial Statements).

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Energy-Related Commodity Contracts and Mark-to-Market Activities

The table below summarizes the changes in commodity contract assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. The net change in these assets and liabilities, excluding "other activity" as described below, reflects $2.51 billion and $759 million in unrealized net losses for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, arising from mark-to-market accounting for positions in the commodity contract portfolio.

Year Ended December 31,
20222021
Commodity contract net liability at beginning of period$(866)$(75)
Settlements/termination of positions (a)1,218(295)
Changes in fair value of positions in the portfolio (b)(3,728)(464)
Other activity (c)228(32)
Commodity contract net liability at end of period$(3,148)$(866)

____________

(a)Represents reversals of previously recognized unrealized gains and losses upon settlement/termination (offsets realized gains and losses recognized in the settlement period). Excludes changes in fair value in the month the position settled as well as amounts related to positions entered into, and settled, in the same month.

(b)Represents unrealized net gains (losses) recognized, reflecting the effect of changes in fair value. Excludes changes in fair value in the month the position settled as well as amounts related to positions entered into, and settled, in the same month.

(c)Represents changes in fair value of positions due to receipt or payment of cash not reflected in unrealized gains or losses. Amounts are generally related to premiums related to options purchased or sold as well as certain margin deposits classified as settlement for certain transactions executed on the CME.

Maturity Table — The following table presents the net commodity contract liability arising from recognition of fair values at December 31, 2022, scheduled by the source of fair value and contractual settlement dates of the underlying positions.

Maturity dates of unrealized commodity contract net liability at December 31, 2022
Source of fair valueLess than 1 year1-3 years4-5 yearsExcess of 5 yearsTotal
Prices actively quoted$(1,136)$(651)$2$$(1,785)
Prices provided by other external sources(11)(133)(144)
Prices based on models(321)(592)(205)(101)(1,219)
Total$(1,468)$(1,376)$(203)$(101)$(3,148)

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Operating Cash Flows

Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021 — Cash provided by operating activities totaled $485 million in the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to cash used in operating activities of $206 million in the year ended December 31, 2021. The favorable change of $691 million was primarily driven by lower cash from operations in 2021 due to Winter Storm Uri impacts and $544 million of securitization proceeds from ERCOT in 2022 (see Note 1 to the Financial Statements), partially offset by margin deposits of $1.874 billion in 2022 as compared to $1.0 billion in 2021 related to commodity contracts which support our comprehensive hedging strategy.

Depreciation and amortization — Depreciation and amortization expense reported as a reconciling adjustment in the consolidated statements of cash flows exceeds the amount reported in the consolidated statements of operations by $451 million, $297 million and $311 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The difference represented amortization of nuclear fuel, which is reported as fuel costs in the consolidated statements of operations consistent with industry practice, and amortization of intangible net assets and liabilities that are reported in various other consolidated statements of operations line items including operating revenues and fuel and purchased power costs and delivery fees.

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Investing Cash Flows

Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021 — Cash used in investing activities totaled $1.239 billion and $1.153 billion in the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase of $86 million was driven by a $268 million increase in capital expenditures and $50 million in lower insurance proceeds received, partially offset by $185 million in lower net purchases of environmental allowances and $57 million in proceeds from the sale of nuclear fuel.

Year Ended December 31,Increase (Decrease)
20222021
Capital expenditures, including LTSA prepayments$(628)$(549)(79)
Nuclear fuel purchases(198)(44)(154)
Growth and development expenditures(475)(440)(35)
Total capital expenditures(1,301)(1,033)(268)
Net sales (purchases) of environmental allowances(28)(213)185
Net sales of (investments in) nuclear decommissioning trust fund securities(23)(22)(1)
Insurance proceeds related to capital activity3989(50)
Proceeds from sale of nuclear fuel5757
Other investing activity1726(9)
Cash used in investing activities$(1,239)$(1,153)$(86)

Financing Cash Flows

Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021 — Cash used in financing activities totaled $80 million in the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to cash provided by financing activities of $2.274 billion in the year ended December 31, 2021. The change of $2.354 billion was driven by the issuance of preferred stock in 2021 and higher share repurchases in 2022, partially offset by increases in net borrowings under our accounts receivable financing facilities and net short-term borrowings in 2022.

Year Ended December 31,Increase (Decrease)
20222021
Issuances of preferred stock in 2021$$2,000$(2,000)
Share repurchases(1,949)(471)(1,478)
Other net borrowings (repayments), including the forward capacity agreements(251)119(370)
Dividends paid to common stockholders(302)(290)(12)
Dividends paid to preferred stockholders(151)(151)
Issuance of senior secured (2022) and senior unsecured (2021) notes1,4981,250248
Net borrowings (repayments) under the accounts receivable financing facilities425(300)725
Net short-term borrowings (repayments)650650
Other financing activity(34)34
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities$(80)$2,274$(2,354)

Debt Activity

See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for details of the Receivables Facility and Repurchase Facility and Note 10 to the Financial Statements for details of the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities, the Commodity-Linked Facility and other long-term debt.

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Available Liquidity

The following table summarizes changes in available liquidity for the year ended December 31, 2022:

December 31, 2022December 31, 2021Change
Cash and cash equivalents$455$1,325$(870)
Vistra Operations Credit Facilities — Revolving Credit Facility1,2361,254(18)
Vistra Operations — Commodity-Linked Facility (a)808808
Total available liquidity (b)$2,499$2,579$(80)

____________

(a)As of December 31, 2022, available capacity reflects the borrowing base of $1.208 billion less $400 million in cash borrowings. The borrowing base is less than the facility limit of $1.35 billion.

(b)Excludes amounts available to be borrowed under the Receivables Facility and the Repurchase Facility, respectively. See Note 9 to the Financial Statements for detail on our accounts receivable financing.

The $80 million decrease in available liquidity for the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily driven by $1.949 billion in cash paid for share repurchases, $1.301 billion of capital expenditures (including LTSA prepayments, nuclear fuel and development and growth expenditures), a $418 million increase in letters of credit outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, $302 million in dividends paid to common stockholders and $151 million in dividends paid to preferred stockholders, partially offset by cash provided by operations, cash received from the issuance of $1.5 billion principal amount of Vistra Operations senior secured notes issued, $808 million in available capacity under the Commodity-Linked Facility under the aggregate commitments in effect as of December 31, 2022, $650 million in additional aggregate commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility resulting from the Credit Agreement Amendments and $425 million in net cash borrowings under the accounts receivable financing facilities.

We believe that we will have access to sufficient liquidity to fund our anticipated cash requirements through at least the next 12 months. Our operational cash flows tend to be seasonal and weighted toward the second half of the year.

Higher commodity market prices combined with our comprehensive hedging strategy have resulted in significantly increased collateral posting obligations during the year ended December 31, 2022. The majority of this collateral relates to hedges in place through 2023 and is expected to be returned as we satisfy our obligations under those contracts. As of February 23, 2023, Vistra had approximately $2.8 billion of cash and availability under its credit facilities to meet its liquidity needs. The Company believes it has additional alternatives to maintain access to liquidity, including drawing upon available liquidity, accessing additional sources of capital or reducing capital expenditures, planned voluntary debt repayments or operating costs.

The maturities of our long-term debt are relatively modest until 2024. Interest payments on long-term debt are expected to total approximately $596 million in 2023, $1.082 billion in 2024-2025, $552 million in 2026-2027 and $165 million thereafter. See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for details of our long-term debt maturities.

Our obligations under commodity purchase and services agreements, including capacity payments, nuclear fuel and natural gas take-or-pay contracts, coal contracts, business services and nuclear-related outsourcing and other purchase commitments, are expected to total approximately $3.174 billion in 2023, $2.098 billion in 2024-2025, $919 million in 2026-2027 and $406 million thereafter. See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for maturities of lease liabilities and Note 12 to the Financial Statements for commitments related to long-term service and maintenance contracts.

Capital Expenditures

Estimated 2023 capital expenditures and nuclear fuel purchases as of November 4, 2022 total approximately $2.023 billion and include:

•$977 billion for solar and energy storage development;

•$744 million for investments in generation and mining facilities;

•$139 million for nuclear fuel purchases;

•$12 million for plant winterization investment, information technology and other corporate investments; and

•$151 million for other growth expenditures.

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Liquidity Effects of Commodity Hedging and Trading Activities

We have entered into commodity hedging and trading transactions that require us to post collateral if the forward price of the underlying commodity moves such that the hedging or trading instrument we hold has declined in value. We use cash, letters of credit and other forms of credit support to satisfy such collateral posting obligations. See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for discussion of the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities and the Commodity-Linked Facility.

Exchange cleared transactions typically require initial margin (i.e., the upfront cash and/or letter of credit posted to take into account the size and maturity of the positions and credit quality) in addition to variation margin (i.e., the daily cash margin posted to take into account changes in the value of the underlying commodity). The amount of initial margin required is generally defined by exchange rules. Clearing agents, however, typically have the right to request additional initial margin based on various factors, including market depth, volatility and credit quality, which may be in the form of cash, letters of credit, a guaranty or other forms as negotiated with the clearing agent. Cash collateral received from counterparties is either used for working capital and other business purposes, including reducing borrowings under credit facilities, or is required to be deposited in a separate account and restricted from being used for working capital and other corporate purposes. With respect to over-the-counter transactions, counterparties generally have the right to substitute letters of credit for such cash collateral. In such event, the cash collateral previously posted would be returned to such counterparties, which would reduce liquidity in the event the cash was not restricted.

As of December 31, 2022, we received or posted cash and letters of credit for commodity hedging and trading activities as follows:

•$3.137 billion in cash has been posted with counterparties as compared to $1.263 billion posted at December 31, 2021;

•$39 million in cash has been received from counterparties as compared to $39 million received at December 31, 2021;

•$2.314 billion in letters of credit have been posted with counterparties as compared to $1.558 billion posted at December 31, 2021; and

•$74 million in letters of credit have been received from counterparties as compared to $35 million received at December 31, 2021.

See Collateral Support Obligations below for information related to collateral posted in accordance with the PUCT and ISO/RTO rules.

Income Tax Payments

In the next 12 months, we do not expect to make federal income tax payments due to Vistra's NOL carryforwards. We expect to make approximately $27 million in state income tax payments, offset by $13 million in state tax refunds, and $8 million in TRA payments in the next 12 months.

For the year ended December 31, 2022, there was $1 million in federal income tax payments, $33 million in state income tax payments, $8 million in state income tax refunds and $1 million in TRA payments.

Capitalization

Our capitalization ratios consisted of 71% and 56% long-term debt (less amounts due currently) and 29% and 44% stockholders' equity at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Total long-term debt (including amounts due currently) to capitalization was 71% and 56% at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

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Financial Covenants

The Vistra Operations Credit Agreement and the Vistra Operations Commodity-Linked Credit Agreement each includes a covenant, solely with respect to the Revolving Credit Facility and the Commodity-Linked Facility and solely during a compliance period (which, in general, is applicable when the aggregate revolving borrowings and issued revolving letters of credit exceed 30% of the revolving commitments, provided that solely with respect to the Revolving Credit Facility only such amounts in excess of $300 million are taken into account for purposes of determining whether a compliance period is in effect), that requires the consolidated first-lien net leverage ratio not to exceed 4.25 to 1.00 (or, during a collateral suspension period, not to exceed 5.50 to 1.00). In addition, each of the Secured LOC Facilities includes a covenant that requires the consolidated first-lien net leverage ratio not to exceed 4.25 to 1.00 (or, for certain facilities that include a collateral suspension mechanism, during a collateral suspension period, not to exceed 5.50 to 1.00). As of December 31, 2022, we were in compliance with the Vistra Operations Credit Agreement and Secured LOC Facilities financial covenants. Although the period ended December 31, 2022 was not a compliance period for the Vistra Operations Commodity-Linked Credit Agreement, we would have been in compliance with this financial covenant if it was required to be tested at such time.

See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for discussion of other covenants related to the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities.

Collateral Support Obligations

The RCT has rules in place to assure that parties can meet their mining reclamation obligations. In September 2016, the RCT agreed to a collateral bond of up to $975 million to support Luminant's reclamation obligations. The collateral bond is effectively a first lien on all of Vistra Operations' assets (which ranks pari passu with the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities) that contractually enables the RCT to be paid (up to $975 million) before the other first-lien lenders in the event of a liquidation of our assets. Collateral support relates to land mined or being mined and not yet reclaimed as well as land for which permits have been obtained but mining activities have not yet begun and land already reclaimed but not released from regulatory obligations by the RCT, and includes cost contingency amounts.

The PUCT has rules in place to assure adequate creditworthiness of each REP, including the ability to return customer deposits, if necessary. Under these rules, at December 31, 2022, Vistra has posted letters of credit in the amount of $74 million with the PUCT, which is subject to adjustments.

The ISOs/RTOs we operate in have rules in place to assure adequate creditworthiness of parties that participate in the markets operated by those ISOs/RTOs. Under these rules, Vistra has posted collateral support totaling $525 million in the form of letters of credit, $30 million in the form of a surety bond and $17 million of cash at December 31, 2022 (which is subject to daily adjustments based on settlement activity with the ISOs/RTOs).

Material Cross Default/Acceleration Provisions

Certain of our contractual arrangements contain provisions that could result in an event of default if there were a failure under financing arrangements to meet payment terms or to observe covenants that could result in an acceleration of payments due. Such provisions are referred to as "cross default" or "cross acceleration" provisions.

A default by Vistra Operations or any of its restricted subsidiaries in respect of certain specified indebtedness in an aggregate amount in excess of $300 million may result in a cross default under the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities. Such a default would allow the lenders to accelerate the maturity of outstanding balances under such facilities, which totaled approximately $2.764 billion at December 31, 2022.

Each of Vistra Operations' (or its subsidiaries') commodity hedging agreements and interest rate swap agreements that are secured with a lien on its assets on a pari passu basis with the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities lenders contains a cross-default provision. An event of a default by Vistra Operations or any of its subsidiaries relating to indebtedness equal to or above a threshold defined in the applicable agreement that results in the acceleration of such debt, would give such counterparty under these hedging agreements the right to terminate its hedge or interest rate swap agreement with Vistra Operations (or its applicable subsidiary) and require all outstanding obligations under such agreement to be settled.

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Under the Vistra Operations Senior Unsecured Indentures and the Vistra Operations Senior Secured Indenture, a default under any document evidencing indebtedness for borrowed money by Vistra Operations or any Guarantor Subsidiary for failure to pay principal when due at final maturity or that results in the acceleration of such indebtedness in an aggregate amount of $300 million or more may result in a cross default under the Vistra Operations Senior Unsecured Notes, the Senior Secured Notes, the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities, the Receivables Facility, the Commodity-Linked Facility and other current or future documents evidencing any indebtedness for borrowed money by the applicable borrower or issuer, as the case may be, and the applicable Guarantor Subsidiaries party thereto.

Additionally, we enter into energy-related physical and financial contracts, the master forms of which contain provisions whereby an event of default or acceleration of settlement would occur if we were to default under an obligation in respect of borrowings in excess of thresholds, which may vary by contract.

The Receivables Facility contains a cross-default provision. The cross-default provision applies, among other instances, if TXU Energy, Dynegy Energy Services, Ambit Texas, Value Based Brands and TriEagle, each indirect subsidiaries of Vistra and originators under the Receivables Facility (Originators), fails to make a payment of principal or interest on any indebtedness that is outstanding in a principal amount of at least $300 million, or, in the case of TXU Energy or any of the other Originators, in a principal amount of at least $50 million, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, or if other events occur or circumstances exist under such indebtedness which give rise to a right of the debtholder to accelerate such indebtedness, or if such indebtedness becomes due before its stated maturity. If this cross-default provision is triggered, a termination event under the Receivables Facility would occur and the Receivables Facility may be terminated.

The Repurchase Facility contains a cross-default provision. The cross-default provision applies, among other instances, if an event of default (or similar event) occurs under the Receivables Facility or the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities. If this cross-default provision is triggered, a termination event under the Repurchase Facility would occur and the Repurchase Facility may be terminated.

Under the Secured LOC Facilities, a default under any document evidencing indebtedness for borrowed money by Vistra Operations or any Guarantor Subsidiary for failure to pay principal when due at final maturity or that results in the acceleration of such indebtedness in an aggregate amount of $300 million or more, may result in a termination of the Secured LOC Facilities.

Under the Commodity-Linked Facility, a default under any document evidencing indebtedness for borrowed money by Vistra Operations or any Guarantor Subsidiary for failure to pay principal when due at final maturity or that results in the acceleration of such indebtedness in an aggregate amount of $300 million or more, may result in a termination of the Commodity-Linked Facility.

Guarantees

See Note 12 to the Financial Statements for discussion of guarantees.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

See Note 12 to the Financial Statements for discussion of commitments and contingencies.

CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

See Note 1 to the Financial Statements for discussion of changes in accounting standards.

FY 2021 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001692819-22-000005.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Published MD&A gate trimmed front/tail over-capture. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2022-02-25. Report date: 2021-12-31.

Item 7.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The discussion below, as well as other portions of this annual report on Form 10-K, contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, Section 21E of the Exchange Act and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, management may make forward-looking statements orally or in other writing, including, but not limited to, in press releases, quarterly earnings calls, executive presentations, in the annual report to stockholders and in other filings with the SEC. Readers can usually identify these forward-looking statements by the use of such words as “may,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “plans,” “projects,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes” or similar words. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results could materially differ from those anticipated by such forward-looking statements. For more discussion about risk factors that could cause or contribute to such differences, see Part I, Item 1A "Risk Factors" and other risks discussed herein. Forward-looking statements reflect the information only as of the date on which they are made. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect future events, developments, or other information. If Vistra does update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that additional updates will be made regarding that statement or any other forward-looking statements. This discussion is intended to clarify and focus on our results of operations, certain changes in our financial position, liquidity, capital structure and business developments for the periods covered by the consolidated financial statements included under Part II, Item 8 of this annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. This discussion should be read in conjunction with those consolidated financial statements and the related notes and is qualified by reference to them.

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The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements. The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 and for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 are included in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results in our 2020 Form 10-K and are incorporated herein by reference.

All dollar amounts in the tables in the following discussion and analysis are stated in millions of U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Business

Vistra is a holding company operating an integrated retail and electric power generation business primarily in markets throughout the U.S. Through our subsidiaries, we are engaged in competitive energy market activities including electricity generation, wholesale energy sales and purchases, commodity risk management and retail sales of electricity and natural gas to end users.

Operating Segments

Vistra has six reportable segments: (i) Retail, (ii) Texas, (iii) East (iv) West, (v) Sunset and (vi) Asset Closure. See Note 20 to the Financial Statements for further information concerning our reportable business segments.

Significant Activities and Events and Items Influencing Future Performance

Winter Storm Uri

In February 2021, the U.S. experienced an unprecedented Winter Storm Uri, bringing extreme cold temperatures to the central U.S., including Texas. On February 12, 2021, the Governor of Texas declared a state of disaster for all 254 counties in the State in response to the then-forecasted weather conditions. The declaration certified that severe winter weather posed an imminent threat due to prolonged freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and freezing rain statewide. On February 14, 2021, President Biden issued a federal emergency declaration for all 254 Texas counties.

As part of its annual winter season preparations, our power plant teams executed a significant winter preparedness strategy, which included installing windbreaks and large radiant heaters to supplement existing freeze protection and insulation and performing preventative maintenance on freeze protection equipment such as the insulation and automatic circuitry designed to keep pipes at the power plants from freezing. In addition, in anticipation of Winter Storm Uri we took additional steps to prepare, including procuring additional demineralized water supply trailers to ensure sufficient water availability to run for extended periods and verifying that freeze protection circuits were operational.

This severe weather resulted in surging demand for power, gas supply shortages, operational challenges for generators, and a significant load shed event (i.e., involuntary outages to customers across the system for varying periods of time) that was ordered by ERCOT beginning on February 15, 2021 and continuing through February 18, 2021. Despite these challenges, we estimate that our fleet generated approximately 25 to 30% of the power on the grid during the height of the outages, as compared to our approximately 18% market share.

The weather event resulted in a $2.2 billion negative impact on the Company's pre-tax earnings in the year ended December 31, 2021 (see Note 1 to the Financial Statements), after taking into account approximately $544 million in securitization proceeds Vistra expects to receive from ERCOT as further described below. The primary drivers of the loss were the need to procure power in ERCOT at market prices at or near the price cap due to lower output from our natural gas-fueled power plants driven by natural gas deliverability issues and our coal-fueled power plants driven by coal fuel handling challenges, high fuel costs, and high retail load costs.

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As part of the 2021 regular Texas legislative sessions and in response to extraordinary costs incurred by electricity market participants during Winter Storm Uri, the Texas legislature passed House Bill (HB) 4492 for ERCOT to obtain financing to distribute to load-serving entities (LSEs) that were charged and paid to ERCOT exceptionally high price adders and ancillary service costs during Winter Storm Uri. In October 2021, the PUCT issued a debt obligation order approving ERCOT's $2.1 billion financing and the methodology for allocation of proceeds to the LSEs. In December 2021, ERCOT finalized the amount of allocations to the LSEs, and we expect to receive $544 million in proceeds from ERCOT in the second quarter of 2022. We concluded that the threshold for recognizing a receivable was met in December 2021 as the amounts to be received are determinable and ERCOT was directed by its governing body, the PUCT, to take all actions required to effectuate the $2.1 billion funding approved in the debt obligation order. Accordingly, we recognized the $544 million in expected proceeds as an expense reduction in the fourth quarter of 2021 within fuel, purchased power costs and delivery fees in our consolidated statements of operation.

We continue to be subject to the outcome of potential litigation arising from this event (including any litigation that we may pursue or be a party to); or any corrective action taken by the State of Texas, ERCOT, the RCT, or the PUCT to resettle pricing across any portion of the supply chain that is currently being considered or may be considered by any such parties. The Texas legislature also continues to consider potential legislation, such as Senate Bill (SB) 1580, which was passed in May 2021. SB 1580 may impact the total amount of balances owed by electric cooperatives to the market. The potential impact of this legislation is uncertain as the final details will be specific to each electric cooperative.

There have been several announced efforts by the state and federal governments and regulatory agencies to investigate and determine the causes of this event and its impact on consumers. We have received a civil investigative demand from the Attorney General of Texas as well as requests for information from ERCOT, NERC and other regulatory bodies related to this event and may receive additional inquiries. We are cooperating with these entities and have responded to these requests. Those efforts may result in changes in regulations that impact our industry including but not limited to additional requirements for winterization of various facets of the electricity supply chain including generation, transmission, and fuel supply; improvements in coordination among the various participants in the electricity and natural gas supply chains during any future event; potential revisions to the method or calculation of market compensation and incentives relating to the continued operation of assets that only run periodically, including during extreme weather events or other times of scarcity; and restrictions or limitations on the types of plans permitted to be offered to customers. We are continuing to monitor this situation as it develops. The full impact of litigation or any impacts of any legislative or regulatory changes or actions (including enforcement actions that may be brought against various market participants) that may occur as a result of the event could have a material impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows, but cannot be estimated at this time. See Note 13 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of these matters.

In response to the storm, Vistra committed to donate $5 million to assist Texas communities and individuals meet their most pressing needs, including support for food banks and food pantries, critical needs, bill payment assistance, and more. Vistra also assured residential customers across its retail brands that they would not see any near-term impact on their rates due to the winter weather event, though bills could increase due to high usage during the cold weather period in February 2021.

Furthermore, Vistra has taken or intends to take various actions to improve its risk profile for future weather-driven volatility events, including investing in improvements to further harden its coal fuel handling capabilities and to further weatherize its ERCOT fleet for even colder temperatures and longer durations; carrying more backup generation into the peak seasons after accounting for weatherization investments and ERCOT market improvements implemented going forward; contracting for incremental gas storage to support its gas fleet; adding additional dual fuel capabilities at its gas steam units and increasing fuel oil inventory at its existing dual fuel sites; participating in processes with the PUCT and ERCOT for registration of gas infrastructure as critical resources with the transmission and distribution utilities and for enhanced winterization of both gas and power assets in the state; and engaging in processes to evaluate potential market reforms.

Climate Change, Investments in Clean Energy and CO2 Reductions

Environmental Regulations — We are subject to extensive environmental regulation by governmental authorities, including the EPA and the environmental regulatory bodies of states in which we operate. Environmental regulations could have a material impact on our business, such as certain corrective action measures that may be required under the CCR rule and the ELG rule. See "Item 1. Business – Environmental Regulations and Related Considerations," and "Item 1A. Risk Factors – Regulatory and Legislative Risks" and Note 13 to the Financial Statements. However, such rules and the regulatory environment are continuing to evolve and change, and we cannot predict the ultimate effect that such changes may have on our business.

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Emissions Reductions — Vistra is targeting to achieve a 60% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO2 equivalent emissions by 2030 as compared to a 2010 baseline with a long-term goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, assuming necessary advancements in technology and supportive market constructs and public policy. In furtherance of Vistra's efforts to meet its net-zero target, Vistra expects to deploy multiple levers to transition the company to operating with net-zero emissions.

Green Finance Framework — In December 2021, we announced the publication of our Green Finance Framework, which allows us to issue green financial instruments to fund new or existing projects that support renewable energy and energy efficiency with alignment to our ESG initiatives. See Preferred Stock Offerings below for discussion of the Series B Preferred Securities issued under our Green Finance Framework.

Solar Generation and Energy Storage Projects — In January 2022, we announced that, subject to approval by the CPUC, we would enter into a 15-year resource adequacy contract with PG&E to develop an additional 350 MW battery ESS at our Moss Landing Power Plant site. In September 2021, we announced the planned development, at a cost of approximately $550 million, of up to 300 MW of solar photovoltaic power generation facilities and up to 150 MW of battery ESS at retired or to-be-retired plant sites in Illinois, based on the passage of Illinois Senate Bill 2408, the Energy Transition Act. In September 2020, we announced the planned development, at a cost of approximately $850 million, of up to 668 MW of solar photovoltaic power generation facilities and 260 MW of battery ESS in Texas. We will only invest in these growth projects if we are confident in the expected returns. See Note 3 to the Financial Statements for a summary of our solar and battery energy storage projects.

CO2 Reductions — In September 2020 and December 2020, we announced our intention to retire (a) all of our remaining coal generation facilities in Illinois and Ohio, (b) one coal generation facility in Texas and (c) one natural gas facility in Illinois no later than year-end 2027 due to economic challenges, including incremental expenditures that would be required to comply with the CCR rule and ELG rule (see Note 13 to the Financial Statements), and in furtherance of our efforts to significantly reduce our carbon footprint. In April 2021, we announced we would retire the Joppa generation facilities by September 1, 2022, and in July 2021, we announced we would retire the Zimmer coal generation facility by May 31, 2022. See Note 4 to the Financial Statements for a summary of these planned generation retirements.

Moss Landing Outages

In September 2021, Moss Landing Phase I experienced an incident impacting a portion of the battery ESS. A review found that only a small, single digit-percentage of batteries at the facility were impacted and that the root cause originated in systems separate from the battery system. The facility will be offline as we perform the work necessary to return the facility to service. Moss Landing Phase II was not affected by this incident.

In February 2022, Moss Landing Phase II experienced an incident impacting a portion of the Battery ESS. An investigation is underway to determine the root cause of the incident. The facility will be offline as we perform the work necessary to return the facility to service. Moss Landing Phase I was not affected by the incident, but the facility will remain offline during the assessment stage of the Moss Landing Phase II incident.

We do not expect these incidents to have a material impact on our results of operations.

Mining Reclamation Award

In October 2021, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) announced Luminant as a recipient of its 2021 Excellence in Surface Coal Mining Reclamation Award for the work done to reclaim and restore previously mined land at its Monticello-Winfield Mine. The award recognizes companies that achieve the most exemplary coal mine reclamation in the nation. Luminant has a long history of environmental stewardship, reclaiming land long before being required under federal or state law.

COVID-19 Pandemic

With the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the declaration of a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020, the U.S. government has deemed electricity generation, transmission and distribution as "critical infrastructure" providing essential services during this global emergency. As a provider of critical infrastructure, Vistra has an obligation to provide critically needed power to homes, businesses, hospitals and other customers. Vistra remains focused on protecting the health and well-being of its employees and the communities in which it operates while assuring the continuity of its business operations.

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We have updated and implemented our company-wide pandemic plan to address specific aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic to guide our emergency response, business continuity, and the precautionary measures we are taking on behalf of employees and the public. We will continue to monitor developments affecting both our workforce and our customers, and we have taken, and will continue to take, health and safety measures that we determine are necessary in order to mitigate the impacts. To date, as a result of these business continuity measures, the Company has not experienced material disruptions in our operations due to COVID-19.

See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for a summary of certain tax-related impacts of the CARES Act to the Company.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented potential new risks to the Company's business. Although there have been logistical and other challenges to date, there has been no material adverse impact on the Company's results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. The situation surrounding COVID-19 remains fluid and the potential for a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial condition and liquidity increases the longer the virus impacts the level of economic activity in the U.S. and globally. As a result, COVID-19 may have a range of impacts on the Company's operations, the full extent and scope of which are currently unknown. See Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors — The outbreak of COVID-19, or the future outbreak of any other highly infectious or contagious diseases, could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Dividend Program

In November 2018, we announced that the Board had adopted a dividend program which we initiated in the first quarter of 2019. See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for more information about our dividend program.

Preferred Stock Offerings

On October 15, 2021, we issued 1,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock in a private offering (Offering). The net proceeds of the Offering were approximately $990 million, after deducting underwriting commissions and offering expenses. We intend to use the net proceeds from the Offering to repurchase shares of our outstanding common stock under the Share Repurchase Program (discussed below).

On December 10, 2021, we issued 1,000,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock in a private offering (Series B Offering) under our Green Finance Framework. The net proceeds of the Series B Offering were approximately $985 million, after deducting underwriting commissions and offering expenses. We intend to use the proceeds from the Series B Offering to pay for or reimburse existing and new eligible renewable and battery ESS developments.

See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for more information concerning the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock.

Share Repurchase Program

In October 2021, we announced that the Board had authorized a new share repurchase program (Share Repurchase Program) under which up to $2.0 billion of our outstanding common stock may be repurchased. The Share Repurchase Program became effective on October 11, 2021. The Share Repurchase Program supersedes the $1.5 million share repurchase program previously announced in September 2020 (2020 Share Repurchase Program). In the three months ended December 31, 2021, 19,330,365 shares of our common stock were repurchased under the Share Repurchase Program for approximately $409 million at an average price of $21.16 per share of common stock. As of December 31, 2021, approximately $1.591 billion was available for additional repurchases under the Share Repurchase Program. From January 1, 2022 through February 22, 2022, 16,059,290 shares of our common stock had been repurchased under the Share Repurchase Program for $355 million at an average price per share of common stock of $22.07, and at February 22, 2022, $1.236 billion was available for repurchase under the Share Repurchase Program. See Note 14 to the Financial Statements for more information concerning the Share Repurchase Program and the 2020 Share Repurchase Program.

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Debt Activity

We have stated our objective to reduce our consolidated net leverage. We also intend to continue to simplify and optimize our capital structure, maintain adequate liquidity and pursue opportunities to refinance our long-term debt to extend maturities and/or reduce ongoing interest expense. While the financial impacts resulting from Winter Storm Uri caused an increase in our consolidated net leverage, the Company remains committed to a strong balance sheet, and the anticipated securitization proceeds from ERCOT are expected to enable us to further execute this objective. See Note 1 to the Financial Statements for details of the securitization proceeds receivable from ERCOT, Note 11 to the Financial Statements for details of our long-term debt activity, and Note 10 to the Financial Statements for details of our accounts receivable financing.

Commodity-Linked Revolving Credit Facility

On February 4, 2022, Vistra Operations entered into a credit agreement by and among Vistra Operations, Vistra Intermediate, the lenders, joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners party thereto, and Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent. The Credit Agreement provides for a $1.0 billion senior secured commodity-linked revolving credit facility (the Commodity-Linked Facility). Vistra Operations intends to use the liquidity provided under the Commodity-Linked Facility to make cash postings as required under various commodity contracts to which Vistra Operations and its subsidiaries are parties as power prices increase from time-to time and for other working capital and general corporate purposes. See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for more information concerning the Commodity-Linked Facility.

Capacity Markets

PJM — Reliability Pricing Model (RPM) auction results, for the zones in which our assets are located, are as follows for each planning year:

2021-20222022-2023
(average price per MW-day)
RTO zone$140.00$50.00
ComEd zone195.5568.96
MAAC zone140.0095.79
EMAAC zone165.7397.86
ATSI zone171.3350.00
DEOK zone140.0071.69

Our capacity sales in PJM, net of purchases, aggregated by planning year and capacity type through planning year 2022-2023, are as follows:

2021-20222022-2023
East SegmentSunset SegmentEast SegmentSunset Segment
CP auction capacity sold, net (MW)6,3843,0285,5001,519
Bilateral capacity sold, net (MW)20050200
Total segment capacity sold, net (MW)6,5843,0785,7001,519
Average price per MW-day$159.18$148.83$68.54$70.52

NYISO — The most recent seasonal auction results for NYISO's Rest-of-State zones, in which the capacity for our Independence plant clears, are as follows for each planning period:

Winter 2021 - 2022Summer 2022
Price per kW-month$1.00$

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Due to the short-term, seasonal nature of the NYISO capacity auctions, we monetize the majority of our capacity through bilateral trades. Our capacity sales, aggregated by season through winter 2023-2024, are as follows:

East Segment
Winter 2021 - 2022Summer 2022Winter 2022 - 2023Summer 2023Winter 2023 - 2024
Auction capacity sold (MW)125
Bilateral capacity sold (MW)1,01756521210438
Total capacity sold (MW)1,14256521210438
Average price per kW-month$0.94$2.18$1.31$1.76$1.78

ISO-NE — The most recent Forward Capacity Auction results for ISO-NE Rest-of-Pool, in which most of our assets are located, are as follows for each planning year:

2021-20222022-20232023-20242024-2025
Price per kW-month$4.63$3.80$2.00$2.61

Performance incentive rules increase capacity payments for those resources that are providing excess energy or reserves during a shortage event, while penalizing those that produce less than the required level. We continue to market and pursue longer term multi-year capacity transactions that extend through planning year 2025-2026.

East Segment
2021-20222022-20232023-20242024-20252025-2026
Auction capacity sold (MW)3,0372,9963,0912,967
Bilateral capacity sold (MW)21395207878
Total capacity sold (MW)3,2503,0913,1113,04578
Average price per kW-month$4.35$3.92$2.12$3.18$3.47

MISO — The capacity auction results for MISO Local Resource Zone 4, in which our assets are located, are as follows for each planning year:

2021-2022
Price per MW-day$5.00

MISO capacity sales through planning year 2024-2025 are as follows:

Sunset Segment
2021-20222022-20232023-20242024-2025
Bilateral capacity sold in MISO (MW)3,0121,075569265
Total MISO segment capacity sold (MW)3,0121,075569265
Average price per kW-month$2.31$1.94$2.58$4.26

CAISO — Our capacity sales in CAISO, aggregated by calendar year for 2022 through 2023 for Moss Landing, are as follows:

West Segment
20222023
Bilateral capacity sold (Avg MW)1,2871,275

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Key Operational Risks and Challenges

Following is a discussion of certain key operational risks and challenges facing management and the initiatives currently underway to manage such challenges. These matters involve risks that could have a material effect on our business, results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, cash flows, reputation, prospects and the market price for our securities (including our common stock). See also Item 1A. Risk Factors in this annual report on Form 10-K for additional discussion on risks that could have a material effect on our results of operations, liquidity, financial condition, cash flows, reputation, prospects and the market price for our securities (including our common stock).

Natural Gas Price and Market Heat Rate Exposure

The price of power is typically set by natural gas-fueled generation facilities, with wholesale prices generally tracking increases or decreases in the price of natural gas, with exceptions such as those periods during which ERCOT power prices rise significantly as a result of the scarcity of available generation resources relative to power demand. In recent years, natural gas supply has outpaced demand primarily as a result of development and expansion of hydraulic fracturing in natural gas extraction; this supply/demand environment has resulted in historically low natural gas prices, and such prices have historically been volatile.

In contrast to our natural gas-fueled generation facilities, changes in natural gas prices have no significant effect on the cost of generating power at our nuclear-, lignite- and coal-fueled facilities. Consequently, all other factors being equal, these nuclear-, lignite- and coal-fueled generation assets increase or decrease in value as wholesale electricity prices change either as a result of changes in natural gas prices or market heat rates, because of the effect on our operating margins. A persistent decline in the price of natural gas, if not offset by an increase in market heat rates, would likely have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition, predominantly related to the production of power generation volumes in excess of the volumes utilized to service our retail customer load requirements and wholesale hedges.

The wholesale market price of electricity divided by the market price of natural gas represents the market heat rate. Market heat rate can be affected by a number of factors, including generation availability, mix of assets and the efficiency of the marginal supplier (generally natural gas-fueled generation facilities) in generating electricity. Our market heat rate exposure is impacted by changes in the availability of generation resources, such as additions and retirements of generation facilities, and mix of generation assets. For example, increasing renewable (wind and solar) generation capacity generally depresses market heat rates, particularly during periods when total demand is relatively low. However, increasing penetration of renewable generation capacity may also contribute to greater volatility of wholesale market prices independent of changes in the price of natural gas, given their intermittent nature. Decreases in market heat rates decrease the value of our generation assets because lower market heat rates result in lower wholesale electricity prices, and vice versa.

As a result of our exposure to the variability of natural gas prices and market heat rates, retail sales and hedging activities are critical to our operating results and maintaining consistent cash flow levels.

Our integrated power generation and retail electricity business provides us opportunities to hedge our generation position utilizing retail electricity markets as a sales channel. In addition, our approach to managing electricity price risk focuses on the following:

•employing disciplined, liquidity-efficient hedging and risk management strategies through physical and financial energy-related contracts intended to partially hedge gross margins;

•continuing focus on cost management to better withstand gross margin volatility;

•following a retail pricing strategy that appropriately reflects the value of our product offering to customers, the magnitude and costs of commodity price, liquidity risk and retail demand variability; and

•improving retail customer service to attract and retain high-value customers.

We have engaged in natural gas hedging activities to mitigate the risk of lower wholesale electricity prices that have corresponded to declines in natural gas prices. When natural gas prices are depressed, we continue to seek opportunities to manage our wholesale power price exposure through hedging activities, including forward wholesale and retail electricity sales.

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Estimated hedging levels for generation volumes in our Texas, East, West and Sunset segments as of December 31, 2021 were as follows:

20222023
Nuclear/Renewable/Coal Generation:
Texas90%55%
Sunset98%47%
Gas Generation:
Texas71%8%
East94%35%
West100%6%

The following sensitivity table provides approximate estimates of the potential impact of movements in power prices and spark spreads (the difference between the power revenue and fuel expense of natural gas-fired generation as calculated using an assumed heat rate of 7.2 MMBtu/MWh) on realized pre-tax earnings (in millions) taking into account the hedge positions noted above for the periods presented. The residual gas position is calculated based on two steps: first, calculating the difference between actual heat rates of our natural gas generation units and the assumed 7.2 heat rate used to calculate the sensitivity to spark spreads; and second, calculating the residual natural gas exposure that is not already included in the gas generation spark spread sensitivity shown in the table below. The estimates related to price sensitivity are based on our expected generation, related hedges and forward prices at December 31, 2021.

20222023
Texas:
Nuclear/Renewable/Coal Generation: $2.50/MWh increase in power price$13$53
Nuclear/Renewable/Coal Generation: $2.50/MWh decrease in power price$(11)$(50)
Gas Generation: $1.00/MWh increase in spark spread$13$39
Gas Generation: $1.00/MWh decrease in spark spread$(12)$(37)
Residual Natural Gas Position: $0.25/MMBtu increase in natural gas price$(6)$(18)
Residual Natural Gas Position: $0.25/MMBtu decrease in natural gas price$6$10
East:
Gas Generation: $1.00/MWh increase in spark spread$4$32
Gas Generation: $1.00/MWh decrease in spark spread$(2)$(30)
Residual Natural Gas Position: $0.25/MMBtu increase in natural gas price$1$(2)
Residual Natural Gas Position: $0.25/MMBtu decrease in natural gas price$(1)$2
West:
Gas Generation: $1.00/MWh increase in spark spread$$4
Gas Generation: $1.00/MWh decrease in spark spread$$(4)
Residual Natural Gas Position: $0.25/MMBtu increase in natural gas price$1$
Residual Natural Gas Position: $0.25/MMBtu decrease in natural gas price$(1)$
Sunset:
Coal Generation: $2.50/MWh increase in power price$2$32
Coal Generation: $2.50/MWh decrease in power price$(1)$(28)

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Competitive Retail Markets and Customer Retention

Competitive retail activity in ERCOT has resulted in retail customer churn as customers switch retail electricity providers for various reasons. Based on numbers of meters, our total retail customer counts increased approximately 3%, 1% and 2% in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Based upon December 31, 2021 results discussed below in Results of Operations, a 1% decline in retail customers in ERCOT would result in a decline in annual revenues of approximately $56 million. In responding to the competitive landscape in the ERCOT market, we have attempted to reduce overall customer losses by focusing on the following key initiatives:

•Maintaining competitive pricing initiatives on residential service plans;

•Actively competing for new customers in areas open to competition within ERCOT, while continuing to strive to enhance the experience of our existing customers; we are focused on continuing to implement initiatives that deliver world-class customer service and improve the overall customer experience;

•Establishing and leveraging our TXU EnergyTM brand in the sale of electricity to residential and commercial customers, as the most innovative retailer in the ERCOT market by continuing to develop tailored product offerings to meet customer needs; and

•Focusing market initiatives largely on programs targeted at retaining the existing highest-value customers and to recapturing customers who have switched REPs, including maintaining and continuously refining a disciplined contracting and pricing approach and economic segmentation of the business market to enhance targeted sales and marketing efforts and to more effectively deploy our direct-sales force; tactical programs we have initiated include improved customer service, aided by an enhanced customer management system, new product price/service offerings and a multichannel approach for the small business market.

Exposures Related to Nuclear Asset Outages

Our nuclear assets are comprised of two generation units at the Comanche Peak facility, each with an installed nameplate generation capacity of 1,150 MW. As of December 31, 2021, these units represented approximately 6% of our total generation capacity. The nuclear generation units represent our lowest marginal cost source of electricity. Assuming both nuclear generation units experienced an outage at the same time, the unfavorable impact to pretax earnings is estimated (based upon forward electricity market prices for 2022 at December 31, 2021) to be approximately $2 million per day before consideration of any costs to repair the cause of such outages or receipt of any insurance proceeds. Also see discussion of nuclear facilities insurance in Note 13 to the Financial Statements to understand the importance and limits of our insurance protection.

The inherent complexities and related regulations associated with operating nuclear generation facilities result in environmental, regulatory and financial risks. The operation of nuclear generation facilities is subject to continuing review and regulation by the NRC, covering, among other things, operations, maintenance, emergency planning, security, and environmental and safety protection. The NRC may implement changes in regulations that result in increased capital or operating costs and may require extended outages, modify, suspend or revoke operating licenses and impose fines for failure to comply with its existing regulations and the provisions of the Atomic Energy Act. In addition, an unplanned outage at another nuclear generation facility could result in the NRC taking action to shut down our Comanche Peak units as a precautionary measure.

We participate in industry groups and with regulators to keep current on the latest developments in nuclear safety, operation and maintenance and on emerging threats and mitigating techniques. These groups include, but are not limited to, the NRC, the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) and the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI). We also apply the knowledge gained through our continuing investment in technology, processes and services to improve our operations and to detect, mitigate and protect our nuclear generation assets. Management continues to focus on the safe, reliable and efficient operations at the facility.

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Cyber/Data Security and Infrastructure Protection Risk

A breach of cyber/data security measures that impairs our information technology infrastructure, operations technology systems, supporting components, and/or associated sites utilized by the Company or one of our service providers could disrupt normal business operations and affect our ability to control our generation assets, access retail customer information and limit communication with third parties. Breaches and threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, complex, change frequently and may be difficult to detect, and our increased use of remote work environments and virtual platforms in response to the COVID-19 pandemic may also increase our risk of cyber-attack or data security breaches. Any loss of confidential or proprietary data through a breach could materially affect our reputation, including our TXU Energy, Ambit Energy, Value Based Brands, Dynegy Energy Services, Homefield Energy, TriEagle Energy, Public Power and U.S. Gas & Electric brands, expose the company to legal claims, significant liabilities, reputational damage, regulatory action, and disrupt business operations, which could impair our ability to execute on business strategies.

We participate in industry groups and with regulators to remain current on emerging threats and mitigating techniques. These groups include, but are not limited to, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center, U.S. Cyber Emergency Response Team, the NRC and NERC.

While the Company has not experienced a cyber/data event causing any material operational, reputational or financial impact, we recognize the growing threat within the general marketplace and our industry, and are proactively making strategic investments in our perimeter and internal defenses, cyber/data security operations center and regulatory compliance activities. We have controls in place designed to protect our infrastructure, provide our employees awareness training of cybersecurity threats, routinely utilize information technology security experts to assist us in our evaluations of the effectiveness of our information technology systems and controls, and we regularly enhance our security measures to protect our systems and data, including encryption, tokenization and authentication technologies to mitigate cybersecurity risks and increasing our monitoring capabilities to enhance early detection and rapid response to potential cyber threats. In response to the fact that a portion of our workforce continues to work remotely and within a hybrid work environment, we have reduced our attack surface process and technology, which removes remote network risk from our internal systems, assets, or data.

We also apply the knowledge gained through industry and government organizations, external partner cyber risk and maturity assessments to continuously improve our technology, processes and services to detect, mitigate and protect our cyber and data assets.

Seasonality

The demand for and market prices of electricity and natural gas are affected by weather. As a result, our operating results are impacted by extreme or sustained weather conditions and may fluctuate on a seasonal basis. Typically, demand for and the price of electricity is higher in the summer and winter seasons, when the temperatures are more extreme, and the demand for and price of natural gas is also generally higher in the winter. More severe weather conditions such as heat waves or extreme winter weather have made, and may make such fluctuations more pronounced. The pattern of this fluctuation may change depending on, among other things, the retail load served and the terms of contracts to purchase or sell electricity.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 1 to the Financial Statements. We follow accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. Application of these accounting policies in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the reporting of assets and liabilities at the balance sheet dates and revenues and expenses during the periods covered. The following is a summary of certain critical accounting policies that are impacted by judgments and uncertainties and under which different amounts might be reported using different assumptions or estimation methodologies.

Derivative Instruments and Mark-to-Market Accounting

We enter into contracts for the purchase and sale of energy-related commodities, and also enter into other derivative instruments such as options, swaps, futures and forwards primarily to manage commodity price and interest rate risks. Under accounting standards related to derivative instruments and hedging activities, these instruments are subject to mark-to-market accounting, and the determination of market values for these instruments is based on numerous assumptions and estimation techniques.

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Mark-to-market accounting recognizes changes in the fair value of derivative instruments in the financial statements as market prices change. Such changes in fair value are accounted for as unrealized mark-to-market gains and losses in net income with an offset to derivative assets and liabilities. The availability of quoted market prices in energy markets is dependent on the type of commodity (e.g., natural gas, electricity, etc.), time period specified and delivery point. Where quoted market prices are not available, the fair value is based on unobservable inputs, which require significant judgment. Derivative instruments valued based on unobservable inputs primarily include (i) forward sales and purchases of electricity, natural gas and coal, (ii) electricity, natural gas and coal options, and (iii) financial transmission rights. In computing fair value for derivatives, each forward pricing curve is separated into liquid and illiquid periods. The liquid period varies by delivery point and commodity. Generally, the liquid period is supported by exchange markets, broker quotes and frequent trading activity. For illiquid periods, fair value is estimated based on forward price curves developed using proprietary modeling techniques that take into account available market information and other inputs that might not be readily observable in the market. We estimate fair value as described in Note 15 to the Financial Statements.

Accounting standards related to derivative instruments and hedging activities allow for normal purchase or sale elections and hedge accounting designations, which generally eliminate or defer the requirement for mark-to-market recognition in net income and thus reduce the volatility of net income that can result from fluctuations in fair values. Normal purchases and sales are contracts that provide for physical delivery of quantities expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business and are not subject to mark-to-market accounting if the normal purchase or sale election is made. Accounting standards also permit an entity to designate certain qualifying derivative contracts in a hedge accounting relationship, whereby changes in fair value are not recognized immediately in earnings. Vistra does not have derivative instruments with hedge accounting designations.

We report derivative assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets without taking into consideration netting arrangements that we have with counterparties. Margin deposits that contractually offset these assets and liabilities are reported separately in the consolidated balance sheets, with the exception of certain margin amounts related to changes in fair value on CME transactions that are legally characterized as settlement of derivative contracts rather than collateral.

See Note 16 to the Financial Statements for further discussion regarding derivative instruments.

Accounting for Income Taxes

Vistra files a U.S. federal income tax return that includes the results of its consolidated subsidiaries. Vistra is the corporate parent of the Vistra consolidated group. Pursuant to applicable U.S. Department of the Treasury regulations and published guidance of the IRS, corporations that are members of a consolidated group have joint and several liability for the taxes of such group.

Our income tax expense and related consolidated balance sheet amounts involve significant management estimates and judgments. Amounts of deferred income tax assets and liabilities, as well as current and noncurrent accruals, involve estimates and judgments of the timing and probability of recognition of income and deductions by taxing authorities. In assessing the likelihood of realization of deferred tax assets, management considers estimates of the amount and character of future taxable income. Actual income taxes could vary from estimated amounts due to the future impacts of various items, including changes in income tax laws, our forecasted financial condition and results of operations in future periods, as well as final review of filed tax returns by taxing authorities. Income tax returns are regularly subject to examination by applicable tax authorities. In management's opinion, the liability recorded pursuant to income tax accounting guidance related to uncertain tax positions reflects future taxes that may be owed as a result of any examination.

See Notes 1 and 7 to the Financial Statements for further discussion of income tax matters.

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Accounting for Tax Receivable Agreement

On the Effective Date, Vistra entered into a tax receivable agreement (the TRA) with a transfer agent. Pursuant to the TRA, we issued the TRA Rights for the benefit of the first-lien creditors of TCEH entitled to receive such TRA Rights under the Plan of Reorganization. Vistra reflected the obligation associated with TRA Rights at fair value in the amount of $574 million as of the Effective Date related to these future payment obligations. As of December 31, 2021, the TRA obligation has been adjusted to $395 million. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recorded a decrease to the carrying value of the TRA obligation totaling $115 million as a result of adjustments to forecasted taxable income, including the financial impacts of Winter Storm Uri, and anticipated tax benefits available under current tax laws for planned additional renewable development projects. As of December 31, 2021, expected undiscounted federal and state payments under the TRA is estimated to be approximately $1.4 billion. The TRA obligation value is the discounted amount of projected payments to be made each year under the TRA, based on certain assumptions, including but not limited to:

•the amount of tax basis related to (i) the Lamar and Forney acquisition and (ii) step-up resulting from the PrefCo Preferred Stock Sale (which is estimated to be approximately $5.5 billion) and the allocation of such tax basis step-up among the assets subject thereto;

•the depreciable lives of the assets subject to such tax basis step-up, which generally is expected to be 15 years for most of such assets;

•a blended federal/state corporate income tax rate in all future years of 22.9%;

•future taxable income by year for future years;

•the Company generally expects to generate sufficient taxable income to be able to utilize the deductions arising out of (i) the tax basis step up attributable to the PrefCo Preferred Stock Sale, (ii) the entire tax basis of the assets acquired as a result of the Lamar and Forney Acquisition, and (iii) tax benefits related to imputed interest deemed to be paid by us as a result of payments under the TRA in the tax year in which such deductions arise;

•a discount rate of 15%, which represented our view at the Effective Date of the rate that a market participant would use based on the risk associated with the uncertainty in the amount and timing of the cash flows, at the time of Emergence; and

•additional states that Vistra now operates in, the relevant tax rates of those states and how income will be apportioned to those states.

We recognize accretion expense over the life of the TRA Rights liability as the present value of the liability is accreted up over the life of the liability. This noncash accretion expense is reported in the consolidated statements of operations as Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement. Further, there may be significant changes, which may be material, to the estimate of the related liability due to various reasons including changes in federal and state tax laws and regulations, changes in estimates of the amount or timing of future consolidated taxable income, utilization of acquired net operating losses, reversals of temporary book/tax differences and other items. Changes in those estimates are recognized as adjustments to the related TRA Rights liability, with offsetting impacts recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements.

Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO)

As part of business combination accounting, new fair values were established for all AROs assumed in the Merger. A liability is initially recorded at fair value for an ARO associated with the legal obligation associated with law, regulatory, contractual or constructive retirement requirements of tangible long-lived assets. Changes to the estimate of the ARO requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions. Specifically, the estimates and assumptions required for the mining land reclamation related to lignite mining, such as the costs to fill in mining pits and interpreting the mining permit closure requirements, are complex and require a significant amount of judgment. To develop the estimate associated with the costs to fill in mining pits, we utilize a complex proprietary model to estimate the volume of the pit. A significant portion of the estimate is associated with the Asset Closure Segment, thus related to closed facilities with changes in the estimate recorded to our consolidated statements of operations.

For the next five years, Vistra is projected to spend approximately $265 million (on a nominal basis) to achieve its reclamation objectives. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we transferred $15 million and $135 million, respectively, in ARO obligations to third parties for remediation. Any remaining unpaid third-party obligation was reclassified to other current liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits in our consolidated balance sheets.

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As of December 31, 2021, the carrying value of our ARO related to our nuclear generation plant decommissioning totaled $1.635 billion and includes an assumption that Vistra receives a license extension of 20 years from the NRC to continue to operate the Comanche Peak facility. The costs to ultimately decommission that facility are recoverable through the regulatory rate making process as part of Oncor's delivery fees and therefore changes in estimates of the ARO do not impact Vistra's earnings.

See Note 21 to the Financial Statements for additional discussion of ARO obligations and adjustments made to the ARO obligation estimates during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets

We evaluate long-lived assets (including intangible assets with finite lives) for impairment, in accordance with accounting standards related to impairment or disposal of long-lived assets, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. For our generation assets, possible indications include an expectation of continuing long-term declines in natural gas prices and/or market heat rates or an expectation that "more likely than not" a generation asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its estimated useful life. The determination of the existence of these and other indications of impairment involves judgments that are subjective in nature and may require the use of estimates in forecasting future results and cash flows related to an asset or group of assets. Further, the unique nature of our property, plant and equipment, which includes a fleet of generation assets with a diverse fuel mix and individual generation units that have varying production or output rates, requires the use of significant judgments in determining the existence of impairment indications and the grouping of assets for impairment testing. See Note 21 to the Financial Statements for discussion of impairments of long-lived assets recorded in the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.

Recoverability of long-lived assets is determined by a comparison of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset group to the net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group, through considering specific assumptions for forward natural gas and electricity prices, forward capacity prices, the effects of enacted environmental rules, generation plant performance, forecasted capital expenditures, forecasted fuel prices and forecasted operating costs. The carrying value of such asset groups is determined to be unrecoverable if the projected undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value.

If an asset group carrying value is determined to be unrecoverable, fair value will be calculated based on a market participant view and a loss will be recorded for the amount the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Fair value is determined primarily by discounted cash flows (income approach) and supported by available market valuations, if applicable. The income approach involves estimates of future performance that reflect assumptions regarding, among other things, forward natural gas and electricity prices, forward capacity prices, market heat rates, the effects of enacted environmental rules, generation plant performance, forecasted capital expenditures and forecasted fuel prices. Another key assumption in the income approach is the discount rate applied to the forecasted cash flows. Any significant change to one or more of these factors can have a material impact on the fair value measurement of our long-lived assets. Additional material impairments related to our generation facilities may occur in the future if forward wholesale electricity prices decline in the markets in which we operate in or if additional environmental regulations increase the cost of producing electricity at our generation facilities.

Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, such as the intangible asset related to the trade names of TXU EnergyTM, Ambit Energy, 4Change EnergyTM, Homefield, Dynegy Energy Services, TriEagle Energy, Public Power and U.S. Gas & Electric, respectively, are required to be evaluated for impairment at least annually (we have selected October 1 as our annual goodwill test date) or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate an impairment may exist, such as the indicators used to evaluate impairments to long-lived assets discussed above or declines in values of comparable public companies in our industry. Accounting standards allow a company to qualitatively assess if the carrying value of a reporting unit with goodwill is more likely than not less than the fair value of that reporting unit. If the entity determines the carrying value, including goodwill, is not more likely greater than the fair value, no further testing of goodwill for impairment is required. On the most recent goodwill testing date, we applied qualitative factors and determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of our Retail and Texas Generation reporting units exceeded their carrying value at October 1, 2021. Significant qualitative factors evaluated included reporting unit financial performance and market multiples, cost factors, customer attrition, interest rates and changes in reporting unit book value.

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Accounting guidance requires goodwill to be allocated to our reporting units, and at December 31, 2021, $2.461 billion of our goodwill was allocated to our Retail reporting unit and $122 million was allocated to our Texas Generation reporting unit. Goodwill impairment testing is performed at the reporting unit level. Under this goodwill impairment analysis, if at the assessment date, a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value (enterprise value), the excess carrying value is written off as an impairment charge.

The determination of enterprise value of a reporting unit involves a number of assumptions and estimates. We use a combination of fair value measurements to estimate enterprise values of our reporting units including: internal discounted cash flow analyses (income approach), and comparable publicly traded company values (market approach). The income approach involves estimates of future performance that reflect assumptions regarding, among other things, forward natural gas and electricity prices, market heat rates, the effects of environmental rules, generation plant performance, forecasted capital expenditures and retail sales volume trends, as well as determination of a terminal value. Another key variable in the income approach is the discount rate, or weighted average cost of capital, applied to the forecasted cash flows. The determination of the discount rate takes into consideration the capital structure, credit ratings and current debt yields of comparable publicly traded companies as well as an estimate of return on equity that reflects historical market returns and current market volatility for the industry. The market approach involves using trading multiples of EBITDA of those selected publicly traded companies to derive appropriate multiples to apply to the EBITDA of our reporting units. Critical judgments include the selection of publicly traded comparable companies and the weighting of the value metrics in developing the best estimate of enterprise value.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Vistra Consolidated Financial Results — Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020

Year Ended December 31,Favorable (Unfavorable) $ Change
20212020
Operating revenues$12,077$11,443$634
Fuel, purchased power costs and delivery fees(9,169)(5,174)(3,995)
Operating costs(1,559)(1,622)63
Depreciation and amortization(1,753)(1,737)(16)
Selling, general and administrative expenses(1,040)(1,035)(5)
Impairment of long-lived and other assets(71)(356)285
Operating income (loss)(1,515)1,519(3,034)
Other income14034106
Other deductions(16)(42)26
Interest expense and related charges(384)(630)246
Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement53548
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investment4(4)
Income (loss) before income taxes(1,722)890(2,612)
Income tax (expense) benefit458(266)724
Net income (loss)$(1,264)$624$(1,888)

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Year Ended December 31, 2021
RetailTexasEastWestSunsetAsset ClosureEliminations / Corporate and OtherVistra Consolidated
Operating revenues$7,871$2,790$2,587$374$739$$(2,284)$12,077
Fuel, purchased power costs and delivery fees(4,568)(3,991)(2,123)(253)(518)2,284(9,169)
Operating costs(127)(704)(243)(37)(417)(30)(1)(1,559)
Depreciation and amortization(212)(608)(698)(60)(139)(36)(1,753)
Selling, general and administrative expenses(718)(88)(75)(32)(55)(26)(46)(1,040)
Impairment of long-lived and other assets(33)(38)(71)
Operating income (loss)2,213(2,601)(552)(8)(428)(56)(83)(1,515)
Other income18415355140
Other deductions(7)(9)2(2)(16)
Interest expense and related charges(9)14(15)9(2)(1)(380)(384)
Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement5353
Income (loss) before income taxes2,198(2,512)(567)1(413)(22)(407)(1,722)
Income tax benefit (expense)(2)460458
Net income (loss)$2,196$(2,512)$(567)$1$(413)$(22)$53$(1,264)
Year Ended December 31, 2020
RetailTexasEastWestSunsetAsset ClosureEliminations / Corporate and OtherVistra Consolidated
Operating revenues$8,270$4,116$2,415$282$1,252$3$(4,895)$11,443
Fuel, purchased power costs and delivery fees(6,857)(1,078)(1,262)(168)(704)4,895(5,174)
Operating costs(123)(727)(270)(30)(408)(63)(1)(1,622)
Depreciation and amortization(303)(475)(721)(19)(133)(22)(64)(1,737)
Selling, general and administrative expenses(675)(75)(89)(26)(71)(27)(72)(1,035)
Impairment of long-lived assets and other assets(356)(356)
Operating income (loss)3121,7617339(420)(109)(137)1,519
Other income6311610734
Other deductions1(12)(30)2(2)(1)(42)
Interest expense and related charges(10)8(7)10(2)(629)(630)
Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement55
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investment44
Income (loss) before income taxes3091,7604150(414)(101)(755)890
Income tax expense(266)(266)
Net income (loss)$309$1,760$41$50$(414)$(101)$(1,021)$624

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In February 2021, Winter Storm Uri resulted in a $2.2 billion negative impact on the Company's pre-tax earnings in the year ended December 31, 2021, after taking into account approximately $544 million in securitization proceeds Vistra expects to receive from ERCOT as further described in Note 1 to the Financial Statements. For the remainder of 2021, our operating segments delivered strong operating performance with a disciplined focus on cost management and self-help activities while generating and selling essential electricity in a safe and reliable manner.

Consolidated results decreased $3.034 billion to a net operating loss of $1.515 billion in the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020. The change in results was driven by the Winter Storm Uri impacts, including the need to procure power in ERCOT at market prices at or near the price cap due to lower output from our natural gas-fueled power plants driven by natural gas deliverability issues and our coal-fueled power plants driven by coal fuel handling challenges, high fuel costs, and high retail load costs including ancillary service costs and reliability deployment price adders. Results were adversely impacted by $759 million in pre-tax unrealized losses on commodity hedging transactions in 2021 compared to $231 million in pre-tax unrealized gains on commodity hedging transactions in 2020. Power, natural gas and coal forward market curves moved up during the year ended December 31, 2021, driving these net pre-tax unrealized losses on commodity hedging transactions.

Operating costs decreased $63 million to $1.559 billion in the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily driven by lower LTSA costs and lower property taxes.

Interest expense and related charges decreased $246 million to $384 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 driven by $134 million in unrealized mark-to-market gains on interest rate swaps in 2021 compared to $155 million in unrealized mark-to-market losses on interest rate swaps in 2020. See Note 21 to the Financial Statements.

For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the impacts of the TRA totaled income of $53 million and $5 million, respectively. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for discussion of the impacts of the TRA obligation.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, income tax benefit totaled $458 million and the effective tax rate was 26.6%. For the year ended December 31, 2020, income tax benefit totaled $266 million and the effective tax rate was 29.9%. See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for reconciliation of the effective rates to the U.S. federal statutory rate.

Consolidated cash flows used in operations totaled $206 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to consolidated cash flows provided by operations of $3.337 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020. The unfavorable change of $3.543 billion was primarily driven by lower cash from operations due to Winter Storm Uri impacts and higher cash margin deposits posted with third-parties. Cash margin deposits posted were driven by net pre-tax unrealized losses on commodity hedging transactions reflecting power, natural gas and coal forward market curves that moved up during the year ended December 31, 2021.

Discussion of Adjusted EBITDA

Non-GAAP Measures — In analyzing and planning for our business, we supplement our use of GAAP financial measures with non-GAAP financial measures, including EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as performance measures. These non-GAAP financial measures reflect an additional way of viewing aspects of our business that, when viewed with our GAAP results and the accompanying reconciliations to corresponding GAAP financial measures included in the tables below, may provide a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our business. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be relied upon to the exclusion of GAAP financial measures and are, by definition, an incomplete understanding of Vistra and must be considered in conjunction with GAAP measures. In addition, non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized; therefore, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies' non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. We strongly encourage investors to review our consolidated financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety and not rely on any single financial measure.

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EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA — We believe EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provide meaningful representations of our operating performance. We consider EBITDA as another way to measure financial performance on an ongoing basis. Adjusted EBITDA is meant to reflect the operating performance of our segments for the period presented. We define EBITDA as earnings (loss) before interest expense, income tax expense (benefit) and depreciation and amortization expense. We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA adjusted to exclude (i) gains or losses on the sale or retirement of certain assets, (ii) the impacts of mark-to-market changes on derivatives, (iii) the impact of impairment charges, (iv) certain amounts associated with fresh-start reporting, acquisitions, dispositions, transition costs or restructurings, (v) non-cash compensation expense, (vi) impacts from the Tax Receivable Agreement and (vii) other material nonrecurring or unusual items.

Because EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are financial measures that management uses to allocate resources, determine our ability to fund capital expenditures, assess performance against our peers, and evaluate overall financial performance, we believe they provide useful information for investors.

When EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA is discussed in reference to performance on a consolidated basis, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is Net income (loss).

Adjusted EBITDA — Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020

Year Ended December 31,Favorable (Unfavorable) $ Change
20212020
Net income (loss)$(1,264)$624$(1,888)
Income tax expense (benefit)(458)266(724)
Interest expense and related charges (a)384630(246)
Depreciation and amortization (b)1,8311,81219
EBITDA4933,332(2,839)
Unrealized net (gain) loss resulting from commodity hedging transactions759(231)990
Generation plant retirement expenses1843(25)
Fresh start/purchase accounting impacts(138)38(176)
Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement(53)(5)(48)
Non-cash compensation expenses5163(12)
Transition and merger expenses(8)16(24)
Other, including impairment of long-lived and other assets80375(295)
Loss on disposal of investment in NELP29(29)
COVID-19-related expenses (c)825(17)
Winter Storm Uri impacts (d)698698
Adjusted EBITDA$1,908$3,685$(1,777)

____________

(a)Includes unrealized mark-to-market net gains on interest rate swaps of $134 million and unrealized mark-to-market net losses on interest rate swaps of $155 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

(b)Includes nuclear fuel amortization in the Texas segment of $78 million and $75 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

(c)Includes material and supplies and other incremental costs related to our COVID-19 response.

(d)For the year ending December 31, 2021, includes the following of the Winter Storm Uri impacts, which we believe are not reflective of our operating performance: allocation of ERCOT default uplift charges which are expected to be paid over more than 90 years under current protocols; accrual of Koch earn-out amounts that the Company will pay by the end of the second quarter of 2022; future bill credits related to Winter Storm Uri (as further described below); and Winter Storm Uri related legal fees and other costs. The adjustment for future bill credits relates to large commercial and industrial customers that curtailed their usage during Winter Storm Uri and will reverse and impact Adjusted EBITDA in future periods as the credits are applied to customer bills. We estimate the amounts to be applied in future periods are 2022 (approximately $150 million), 2023 (approximately $67 million), 2024 (approximately $11 million) and 2025 (approximately $4 million). The Company believes the inclusion of the bill credits as a reduction to Adjusted EBITDA in the years in which such bill credits are applied more accurately reflects its operating performance.

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Year Ended December 31, 2021
RetailTexasEastWestSunsetAsset ClosureEliminations / Corporate and OtherVistra Consolidated
Net income (loss)$2,196$(2,512)$(567)$1$(413)$(22)$53$(1,264)
Income tax expense (benefit)2(460)(458)
Interest expense and related charges (a)9(14)15(9)21380384
Depreciation and amortization (b)21268669860139361,831
EBITDA2,419(1,840)14652(272)(21)9493
Unrealized net (gain) loss resulting from commodity hedging transactions(1,403)1,13965538330759
Generation plant retirement expenses1818
Fresh start/purchase accounting impacts2(14)(74)(52)(138)
Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement(53)(53)
Non-cash compensation expenses5151
Transition and merger expenses(2)(15)9(8)
Other, including impairment of long-lived and other assets571893333(43)80
COVID-19-related expenses (c)41218
Winter Storm Uri impacts (d)23945711698
Adjusted EBITDA$1,312$(236)$737$93$60$(33)$(25)$1,908

____________

(a)Includes $134 million of unrealized mark-to-market net gains on interest rate swaps.

(b)Includes nuclear fuel amortization of $78 million in the Texas segment.

(c)Includes material and supplies and other incremental costs related to our COVID-19 response.

(d)Includes the following of the Winter Storm Uri impacts, which we believe are not reflective of our operating performance: allocation of ERCOT default uplift charges which are expected to be paid over more than 90 years under current protocols; accrual of Koch earn-out amounts that the Company will pay by the end of the second quarter of 2022; future bill credits related to Winter Storm Uri (as further described below); and Winter Storm Uri related legal fees and other costs. The adjustment for future bill credits relates to large commercial and industrial customers that curtailed their usage during Winter Storm Uri and will reverse and impact Adjusted EBITDA in future periods as the credits are applied to customer bills. We estimate the amounts to be applied in future periods are 2022 (approximately $150 million), 2023 (approximately $67 million), 2024 (approximately $11 million) and 2025 (approximately $4 million). The Company believes the inclusion of the bill credits as a reduction to Adjusted EBITDA in the years in which such bill credits are applied more accurately reflects its operating performance.

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Year Ended December 31, 2020
RetailTexasEastWestSunsetAsset ClosureEliminations / Corporate and OtherVistra Consolidated
Net income (loss)$309$1,760$41$50$(414)$(101)$(1,021)$624
Income tax expense266266
Interest expense and related charges (a)10(8)7(10)2629630
Depreciation and amortization (b)3035507211913322641,812
EBITDA6222,30276959(279)(79)(62)3,332
Unrealized net (gain) loss resulting from commodity hedging transactions340(691)151095(231)
Generation plant retirement expenses4343
Fresh start/purchase accounting impacts5(8)221938
Impacts of Tax Receivable Agreement(5)(5)
Non-cash compensation expenses6363
Transition and merger expenses521(3)1116
Other, including impairment of long-lived and other assets11261043591(36)375
Loss on disposal of investment in NELP2929
COVID-19-related expenses (c)1535225
Adjusted EBITDA$983$1,646$849$73$242$(81)$(27)$3,685

____________

(a)Includes $155 million of unrealized mark-to-market net losses on interest rate swaps.

(b)Includes nuclear fuel amortization of $75 million in the Texas segment.

(c)Includes material and supplies and other incremental costs related to our COVID-19 response.

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Retail Segment — Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020

Year Ended December 31,Favorable (Unfavorable) Change
20212020
Operating revenues:
Revenues in ERCOT$5,943$5,880$63
Revenues in Northeast/Midwest2,2552,406(151)
Amortization expense(2)(5)3
Unrealized net losses on hedging activities (a)(325)(11)(314)
Total operating revenues$7,871$8,270$(399)
Fuel, purchased power costs and delivery fees:
Purchases from affiliates(4,002)(4,566)564
Unrealized net gains (losses) on hedging activities with affiliates1,719(329)2,048
Unrealized net gains on hedging activities99
Delivery fees(1,937)(1,893)(44)
Other costs (b)(357)(69)(288)
Total fuel, purchased power costs and delivery fees$(4,568)$(6,857)$2,289
Net income$2,196$309$1,887
Adjusted EBITDA$1,312$983$329
Retail sales volumes (GWh):
Retail electricity sales volumes:
Sales volumes in ERCOT57,03354,0752,958
Sales volumes in Northeast/Midwest36,07036,274(204)
Total retail electricity sales volumes93,10390,3492,754
Weather (North Texas average) - percent of normal (c):
Cooling degree days90.0%90.0%
Heating degree days92.0%91.0%

____________

(a)For the year ended December 31, 2021, a net loss of $298 million was recognized in operating revenues due to the third quarter 2021 discontinuance of normal purchase and sale accounting on a retail electric contract portfolio where physical settlement is no longer considered probable throughout the contract term.

(b)For the year ended December 31, 2021, includes $153 million of future bill credits to large commercial and industrial customers.

(c)Weather data is obtained from Weatherbank, Inc. For the year ended December 31, 2021, normal is defined as the average over the 10-year period from December 2011 to December 2020. For the year ended December 31, 2020, normal is defined as the average over the 10-year period from December 2010 to December 2019.

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The following table presents changes in net income (loss) and Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020.

Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to 2020
Winter Storm Uri, including securitization proceeds receivable from ERCOT and bill credits$(75)
Monetization of certain commercial positions207
Higher margins228
Other driven by higher SG&A expense(31)
Change in Adjusted EBITDA$329
Favorable impact of higher unrealized net gains on commodity hedging activities1,743
Future bill credits and other costs related to Winter Storm Uri(245)
Decrease in depreciation and amortization expenses91
Other, including impairment of long-lived and other assets(31)
Change in Net income$1,887

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Generation — Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020

Year Ended December 31,
TexasEastWestSunset
20212020202120202021202020212020
Operating revenues:
Electricity sales$1,999$896$1,619$833$410$289$819$883
Capacity revenue from ISO/RTO(22)(52)1184164
Sales to affiliates2,0632,5431,5531,65553382365
Rolloff of unrealized net gains (losses) representing positions settled in the current period(207)2(159)15962(22)241(205)
Unrealized net gains (losses) on hedging activities(37)21751(121)(104)12(713)133
Unrealized net gains (losses) on hedging activities with affiliates(1,028)458(529)(61)(162)(68)
Other revenues742(12)(20)
Operating revenues2,7904,1162,5872,4153742827391,252
Fuel, purchased power costs and delivery fees:
Fuel for generation facilities and purchased power costs(2,829)(960)(2,072)(1,225)(251)(166)(810)(744)
Fuel for generation facilities and purchased power costs from affiliates62(8)(4)2
Unrealized (gains) losses from hedging activities13314(18)8430445
Ancillary and other costs(1,295)(138)(35)(37)(6)(2)(8)(7)
Fuel, purchased power costs and delivery fees(3,991)(1,078)(2,123)(1,262)(253)(168)(518)(704)
Net income (loss)$(2,512)$1,760$(567)$41$1$50$(413)$(414)
Adjusted EBITDA$(236)$1,646$737$849$93$73$60$242
Production volumes (GWh):
Natural gas facilities30,92135,09355,42855,9385,3655,284
Lignite and coal facilities25,51326,01336,95329,971
Nuclear facilities19,40219,480
Solar/Battery facilities4544324
Capacity factors:
CCGT facilities43.2%49.2%57.6%57.9%60.0%59.1%
Lignite and coal facilities75.6%77.1%58.0%47.1%
Nuclear facilities96.3%96.7%
Weather - percent of normal (a):
Cooling degree days94%98%108%105%90%130%115%102%
Heating degree days94%85%93%92%111%95%90%89%

____________

(a)Reflects cooling degree days or heating degree days for the region based on Weather Services International (WSI) data.

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Year Ended December 31,Year Ended December 31,
2021202020212020
Market pricingAverage Market On-Peak Power Prices ($MWh) (b):
Average ERCOT North power price ($/MWh)$149.57$21.46PJM West Hub$45.62$24.55
AEP Dayton Hub$44.88$24.49
Average NYMEX Henry Hub natural gas price ($/MMBtu)$3.82$1.99NYISO Zone C$35.59$19.37
Massachusetts Hub$51.81$26.57
Average natural gas price (a):Indiana Hub$48.62$26.77
TetcoM3 ($/MMBtu)$3.40$1.59Northern Illinois Hub$41.15$22.47
Algonquin Citygates ($/MMBtu)$4.51$2.00

____________

(a)Reflects the average of daily quoted prices for the periods presented and does not reflect costs incurred by us.

(b)Reflects the average of day-ahead quoted prices for the periods presented and does not necessarily reflect prices we realized.

The following table presents changes in net income (loss) and Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020.

Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to 2020
TexasEastWestSunset
Favorable/(unfavorable) change in revenue net of fuel$(447)$(175)$34$(178)
Winter Storm Uri impact(1,535)5017
Favorable/(unfavorable) change in other operating costs198(7)(39)
Favorable/(unfavorable) change in selling, general and administrative expenses10(6)8
Other (including other income and other deductions) (a)81(5)(1)10
Change in Adjusted EBITDA$(1,882)$(112)$20$(182)
Favorable/(unfavorable) change in depreciation and amortization(136)23(41)(6)
Change in unrealized net losses on hedging activities(1,830)(640)(28)(235)
Other, including impairment of long-lived and other assets25(5)329
Generation plant retirement expenses25
Fresh start/purchase accounting impacts69671
Transition and merger expenses21
Winter Storm Uri impact (ERCOT default uplift and legal disputes)(457)(1)
Loss on disposal of investment in NELP29
Change in Net income (loss)$(4,272)$(608)$(49)$1

____________

(a)For the year ended December 31, 2021, includes insurance proceeds of $80 million in the Texas segment and $7 million in the Sunset segment.

The change in Texas segment results was primarily driven by the Winter Storm Uri impacts, including the need to procure power in ERCOT at market prices at or near the price cap due to lower output from our natural gas-fueled power plants driven by natural gas deliverability issues, lower margins from our natural gas-fueled power plants due to extremely high fuel costs, and, to a lesser extent, operational challenges associated with Winter Storm Uri, and unrealized hedging losses in the year ended December 31, 2021 versus unrealized hedging gains in the year ended December 31, 2020, partially offset by insurance proceeds received in 2021.

The change in East segment results was driven by lower revenue net of fuel and larger unrealized hedging losses in the year ended December 31, 2021 versus the year ended December 31, 2020, partially offset by loss on disposal of equity method investment in NELP for 100% ownership of NJEA (see Note 21 to the Financial Statements) in 2020.

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The change in West segment results was driven by larger unrealized hedging losses in year ended December 31, 2021 versus the year ended December 31, 2020, partially offset by higher realized prices through hedging activities and plant optimization efforts.

The change in Sunset segment results was driven by larger unrealized hedging losses in year ended December 31, 2021 versus the year ended December 31, 2020 and lower margins due to lower realized prices and higher operating costs, partially offset by higher impairment of long-lived assets generation plant retirement expenses related to our Joppa/EEI, Kincaid and Zimmer coal generation facilities in 2020.

Asset Closure Segment — Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020

Year Ended December 31,Favorable (Unfavorable) Change
20212020
Operating revenues$$3$(3)
Operating costs(30)(63)33
Depreciation and amortization(22)22
Selling, general and administrative expenses(26)(27)1
Operating loss(56)(109)53
Other income351025
Other deductions(2)2
Interest expense and related charges(1)(1)
Income (loss) before income taxes(22)(101)79
Net loss$(22)$(101)$79
Adjusted EBITDA$(33)$(81)$48

Operating costs for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 included ongoing costs associated with the decommissioning and reclamation of retired plants and mines. The year ended December 31, 2021 includes a gain on the settlement of rail transportation disputes (see Note 21 to the Financial Statements).

Energy-Related Commodity Contracts and Mark-to-Market Activities

The table below summarizes the changes in commodity contract assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. The net change in these assets and liabilities, excluding "other activity" as described below, reflects $759 million in unrealized net losses and $231 million in unrealized net gains for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, arising from mark-to-market accounting for positions in the commodity contract portfolio.

Year Ended December 31,
20212020
Commodity contract net liability at beginning of period$(75)$(279)
Settlements/termination of positions (a)(295)(14)
Changes in fair value of positions in the portfolio (b)(464)245
Other activity (c)(32)(27)
Commodity contract net liability at end of period$(866)$(75)

____________

(a)Represents reversals of previously recognized unrealized gains and losses upon settlement/termination (offsets realized gains and losses recognized in the settlement period). The years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 also include reversals of $3 million and $12 million, respectively, of previously recorded unrealized losses related to commodity contracts acquired in the Merger, Crius Transaction and Ambit Transaction. The year ended December 31, 2020 includes reversals of $1 million of previously recorded unrealized losses related to Vistra beginning balances. Excludes changes in fair value in the month the position settled as well as amounts related to positions entered into, and settled, in the same month.

(b)Represents unrealized net gains (losses) recognized, reflecting the effect of changes in fair value. Excludes changes in fair value in the month the position settled as well as amounts related to positions entered into, and settled, in the same month.

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(c)Represents changes in fair value of positions due to receipt or payment of cash not reflected in unrealized gains or losses. Amounts are generally related to premiums related to options purchased or sold as well as certain margin deposits classified as settlement for certain transactions executed on the CME.

Maturity Table — The following table presents the net commodity contract liability arising from recognition of fair values at December 31, 2021, scheduled by the source of fair value and contractual settlement dates of the underlying positions.

Maturity dates of unrealized commodity contract net liability at December 31, 2021
Source of fair valueLess than 1 year1-3 years4-5 yearsExcess of 5 yearsTotal
Prices actively quoted$(631)$(116)$2$$(745)
Prices provided by other external sources352(113)1(1)239
Prices based on models(72)(83)(108)(97)(360)
Total$(351)$(312)$(105)$(98)$(866)

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Operating Cash Flows

Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020 — Cash used in operating activities totaled $206 million in the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to cash provided by operating activities of $3.337 billion in the year ended December 31, 2020. The unfavorable change of $3.543 billion was primarily driven by lower cash from operations due to Winter Storm Uri impacts and higher cash margin deposits posted with third-parties. Cash margin deposits posted were driven by net pre-tax unrealized losses on commodity hedging transactions reflecting power, natural gas and coal forward market curves that moved up during the year ended December 31, 2021.

Depreciation and amortization — Depreciation and amortization expense reported as a reconciling adjustment in the consolidated statements of cash flows exceeds the amount reported in the consolidated statements of operations by $297 million, $311 million and $236 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The difference represented amortization of nuclear fuel, which is reported as fuel costs in the consolidated statements of operations consistent with industry practice, and amortization of intangible net assets and liabilities that are reported in various other consolidated statements of operations line items including operating revenues and fuel and purchased power costs and delivery fees.

Investing Cash Flows

Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020 — Cash used in investing activities totaled $1.153 billion and $1.572 billion in the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Capital expenditures totaled $1.033 billion and $1,259 million in the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and. consisted of the following:

Year Ended December 31,
20212020
Capital expenditures, including LTSA prepayments$549$770
Nuclear fuel purchases4488
Growth and development expenditures440401
Capital expenditures1,033$1,259

Cash used in investing activities in the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 also reflected net purchases of environmental allowances of $213 million and $339 million, respectively. In the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we received insurance proceeds of $89 million and $35 million, respectively.

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Financing Cash Flows

Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2020 — Cash provided by financing activities totaled $2.274 billion in the year ended December 31, 2021 and cash used in financing activities totaled $1.796 billion in the year ended December 31, 2020. The change was primarily driven by:

•proceeds of $1.975 billion from the issuance of preferred stock in 2021;

•the issuance of $1.250 billion principal amount of Vistra Operations senior unsecured notes in 2021;

•$500 million in cash received from the sale of a portion of the PJM capacity that cleared for Planning Years 2021-2022 in 2021;

•redemption of $747 million principal amount of outstanding of Vistra unsecured senior notes in 2020;

•net repayment of $350 million in short-term borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility in 2020; and

•repayment of $100 million of term loans under the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities in 2020;

partially offset by:

•$471 million in cash paid for share repurchases in 2021; and

•net repayments of $300 million under the Receivables Facility in 2021 compared to net repayments of $150 million in 2020.

Debt Activity

See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for details of the Receivables Facility and Repurchase Facility and Note 11 to the Financial Statements for details of the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities and other long-term debt.

Available Liquidity

The following table summarizes changes in available liquidity for the year ended December 31, 2021:

December 31, 2021December 31, 2020Change
Cash and cash equivalents$1,325$406$919
Vistra Operations Credit Facilities — Revolving Credit Facility1,2541,988(734)
Vistra Operations — Alternate Letter of Credit Facility5(5)
Total available liquidity (a)$2,579$2,399$180

____________

(a)Excludes amounts available to be borrowed under the Receivables Facility and the Repurchase Facility, respectively. See Note 10 to the Financial Statements for detail on our accounts receivable financing.

The $180 million increase in available liquidity for the year ended December 31, 2021 was primarily driven by proceeds of $1.975 billion from the issuance of preferred stock in 2021, cash received from the issuance of $1.250 billion principal amount of Vistra Operations senior unsecured notes in May 2021 and $500 million in cash received from the sale of a portion of the PJM capacity that cleared for Planning Years 2021-2022, partially offset by cash used in operations, including higher cash margin deposits posted with third parties, $1.033 billion of capital expenditures (including LTSA prepayments, nuclear fuel and development and growth expenditures), a $734 increase in letters of credit outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, $290 million in dividends paid to stockholders, $471 million in cash paid for share repurchases, $300 million in net cash repayments under the accounts receivable financing facilities and the maturity of a $250 million Alternate LOC Facility. Additionally, in February 2022, we entered into a $1.0 billion senior secured commodity-linked revolving credit facility (the Commodity-Linked Facility) (see Note 11 to the Financial Statements).

Based upon our current internal financial forecasts, we believe that we will have sufficient liquidity to fund our anticipated cash requirements through at least the next 12 months. Our operational cash flows tend to be seasonal and weighted toward the second half of the year.

If the Company experienced a significant reduction in revenues or increases in costs or collateral requirements, such as a result of Winter Storm Uri, the Company believes it would have additional alternatives to maintain access to liquidity, including drawing upon available liquidity, accessing additional sources of capital or reducing capital expenditures, planned voluntary debt repayments or operating costs.

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The maturities of our long-term debt are relatively modest until 2023. Interest payments on long-term debt are expected to total approximately $499 million in 2022, $946 million in 2023-2024, $753 million in 2025-2026 and $372 million thereafter. See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for details of our long-term debt maturities.

Our obligations under commodity purchase and services agreements, including capacity payments, nuclear fuel and natural gas take-or-pay contracts, coal contracts, business services and nuclear-related outsourcing and other purchase commitments, are expected to total approximately $1.850 billion in 2022, $1.250 billion in 2023-2024, $700 million in 2025-2026 and $585 million thereafter. See Note 12 to the Financial Statements for maturities of lease liabilities and Note 13 to the Financial Statements for commitments related to long-term service and maintenance contracts.

Capital Expenditures

Estimated 2022 capital expenditures and nuclear fuel purchases as of November 5, 2021 total approximately $1.814 billion and include:

•$1.002 billion for solar and energy storage development;

•$570 million for investments in generation and mining facilities;

•$117 million for nuclear fuel purchases;

•$72 million for information technology and other corporate investments; and

•$53 million for other growth expenditures.

Liquidity Effects of Commodity Hedging and Trading Activities

We have entered into commodity hedging and trading transactions that require us to post collateral if the forward price of the underlying commodity moves such that the hedging or trading instrument we hold has declined in value. We use cash, letters of credit and other forms of credit support to satisfy such collateral posting obligations. See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for discussion of the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities.

Exchange cleared transactions typically require initial margin (i.e., the upfront cash and/or letter of credit posted to take into account the size and maturity of the positions and credit quality) in addition to variation margin (i.e., the daily cash margin posted to take into account changes in the value of the underlying commodity). The amount of initial margin required is generally defined by exchange rules. Clearing agents, however, typically have the right to request additional initial margin based on various factors, including market depth, volatility and credit quality, which may be in the form of cash, letters of credit, a guaranty or other forms as negotiated with the clearing agent. Cash collateral received from counterparties is either used for working capital and other business purposes, including reducing borrowings under credit facilities, or is required to be deposited in a separate account and restricted from being used for working capital and other corporate purposes. With respect to over-the-counter transactions, counterparties generally have the right to substitute letters of credit for such cash collateral. In such event, the cash collateral previously posted would be returned to such counterparties, which would reduce liquidity in the event the cash was not restricted.

As of December 31, 2021, we received or posted cash and letters of credit for commodity hedging and trading activities as follows:

•$1.263 billion in cash has been posted with counterparties as compared to $257 million posted at December 31, 2020;

•$39 million in cash has been received from counterparties as compared to $33 million received at December 31, 2020;

•$1.558 billion in letters of credit have been posted with counterparties as compared to $878 million posted at December 31, 2020; and

•$35 million in letters of credit have been received from counterparties as compared to $18 million received at December 31, 2020.

See Collateral Support Obligations below for information related to collateral posted in accordance with the PUCT and ISO/RTO rules.

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Income Tax Payments

In the next 12 months, we do not expect to make federal income tax payments due to Vistra's loss position in 2021 and use of NOL carryforwards. We expect to make approximately $35 million in state income tax payments, offset by $11 million in state tax refunds, and less than $1 million in TRA payments in the next 12 months.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, there were no federal income tax payments, $52 million in state income tax payments, $2 million in state income tax refunds and $2 million in TRA payments.

Capitalization

Our capitalization ratios consisted of 56% and 52% long-term debt (less amounts due currently) and 44% and 48% stockholders' equity at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Total long-term debt (including amounts due currently) to capitalization was 56% and 53% at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Financial Covenants

The Credit Facilities Agreement includes a covenant, solely with respect to the Revolving Credit Facility and solely during a compliance period (which, in general, is applicable when the aggregate revolving borrowings and issued revolving letters of credit (in excess of $300 million) exceed 30% of the revolving commitments), that requires the consolidated first-lien net leverage ratio not exceed 4.25 to 1.00. As of December 31, 2021, we were in compliance with this financial covenant.

See Note 11 to the Financial Statements for discussion of other covenants related to the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities.

Collateral Support Obligations

The RCT has rules in place to assure that parties can meet their mining reclamation obligations. In September 2016, the RCT agreed to a collateral bond of up to $975 million to support Luminant's reclamation obligations. The collateral bond is effectively a first lien on all of Vistra Operations' assets (which ranks pari passu with the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities) that contractually enables the RCT to be paid (up to $975 million) before the other first-lien lenders in the event of a liquidation of our assets. Collateral support relates to land mined or being mined and not yet reclaimed as well as land for which permits have been obtained but mining activities have not yet begun and land already reclaimed but not released from regulatory obligations by the RCT, and includes cost contingency amounts.

The PUCT has rules in place to assure adequate creditworthiness of each REP, including the ability to return customer deposits, if necessary. Under these rules, at December 31, 2021, Vistra has posted letters of credit in the amount of $74 million with the PUCT, which is subject to adjustments.

The ISOs/RTOs we operate in have rules in place to assure adequate creditworthiness of parties that participate in the markets operated by those ISOs/RTOs. Under these rules, Vistra has posted collateral support totaling $420 million in the form of letters of credit, $20 million in the form of a surety bond and $1 million of cash at December 31, 2021 (which is subject to daily adjustments based on settlement activity with the ISOs/RTOs).

Material Cross-Default/Acceleration Provisions

Certain of our contractual arrangements contain provisions that could result in an event of default if there were a failure under financing arrangements to meet payment terms or to observe covenants that could result in an acceleration of payments due. Such provisions are referred to as "cross-default" or "cross-acceleration" provisions.

A default by Vistra Operations or any of its restricted subsidiaries in respect of certain specified indebtedness in an aggregate amount in excess of $300 million may result in a cross default under the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities. Such a default would allow the lenders to accelerate the maturity of outstanding balances under such facilities, which totaled approximately $2.54 billion at December 31, 2021.

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Each of Vistra Operations' (or its subsidiaries') commodity hedging agreements and interest rate swap agreements that are secured with a lien on its assets on a pari passu basis with the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities lenders contains a cross-default provision. An event of a default by Vistra Operations or any of its subsidiaries relating to indebtedness equal to or above a threshold defined in the applicable agreement that results in the acceleration of such debt, would give such counterparty under these hedging agreements the right to terminate its hedge or interest rate swap agreement with Vistra Operations (or its applicable subsidiary) and require all outstanding obligations under such agreement to be settled.

Under the Vistra Operations Senior Unsecured Indentures and the Vistra Operations Senior Secured Indenture, a default under any document evidencing indebtedness for borrowed money by Vistra Operations or any Guarantor Subsidiary for failure to pay principal when due at final maturity or that results in the acceleration of such indebtedness in an aggregate amount of $300 million or more may result in a cross default under the Vistra Operations Senior Unsecured Notes, the Senior Secured Notes, the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities, the Receivables Facility, the Alternate LOC Facilities, and other current or future documents evidencing any indebtedness for borrowed money by the applicable borrower or issuer, as the case may be, and the applicable Guarantor Subsidiaries party thereto.

Additionally, we enter into energy-related physical and financial contracts, the master forms of which contain provisions whereby an event of default or acceleration of settlement would occur if we were to default under an obligation in respect of borrowings in excess of thresholds, which may vary by contract.

The Receivables Facility contains a cross-default provision. The cross-default provision applies, among other instances, if TXU Energy, Dynegy Energy Services, Ambit Texas, Value Based Brands and TriEagle, each indirect subsidiaries of Vistra and originators under the Receivables Facility (Originators), fails to make a payment of principal or interest on any indebtedness that is outstanding in a principal amount of at least $300 million, or, in the case of TXU Energy or any of the other Originators, in a principal amount of at least $50 million, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, or if other events occur or circumstances exist under such indebtedness which give rise to a right of the debtholder to accelerate such indebtedness, or if such indebtedness becomes due before its stated maturity. If this cross-default provision is triggered, a termination event under the Receivables Facility would occur and the Receivables Facility may be terminated.

The Repurchase Facility contains a cross-default provision. The cross-default provision applies, among other instances, if an event of default (or similar event) occurs under the Receivables Facility or the Vistra Operations Credit Facilities. If this cross-default provision is triggered, a termination event under the Repurchase Facility would occur and the Repurchase Facility may be terminated.

Under the Alternate LOC Facilities, a default under any document evidencing indebtedness for borrowed money by Vistra Operations or any Guarantor Subsidiary for failure to pay principal when due at final maturity or that results in the acceleration of such indebtedness in an aggregate amount of $300 million or more, may result in a termination of the Alternate LOC Facilities.

Under the Secured LOC Facilities, a default under any document evidencing indebtedness for borrowed money by Vistra Operations or any Guarantor Subsidiary for failure to pay principal when due at final maturity or that results in the acceleration of such indebtedness in an aggregate amount of $300 million or more, may result in a termination of the Secured LOC Facilities.

Under the Commodity-Linked Facility, a default under any document evidencing indebtedness for borrowed money by Vistra Operations or any Guarantor Subsidiary for failure to pay principal when due at final maturity or that results in the acceleration of such indebtedness in an aggregate amount of $300 million or more, may result in a termination of the Commodity-Linked Facility.

Guarantees

See Note 13 to the Financial Statements for discussion of guarantees.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

See Note 13 to the Financial Statements for discussion of commitments and contingencies.

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CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

See Note 1 to the Financial Statements for discussion of changes in accounting standards.