Talen Energy Management
Management criteria checks 3/4
We currently do not have sufficient information about the CEO.
Key information
Mac McFarland
Chief executive officer
US$18.7m
Total compensation
| CEO salary percentage | 6.04% |
| CEO tenure | 3yrs |
| CEO ownership | 0.1% |
| Management average tenure | 2.6yrs |
| Board average tenure | 3yrs |
Recent management updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • May 03
TLN: Data Center Demand And Nuclear Transition Will Drive Future Upside
The updated analyst price target for Talen Energy rises by about $7 to reflect higher modeled fair value, slightly adjusted discount rate assumptions, and modestly stronger revenue growth and profit margin estimates, even as some recent Street research has moved individual targets both up and down. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Talen Energy shows a wide range of price target changes as analysts refresh their views on valuation, growth potential, and execution risks.Seeking Alpha • Apr 29
Talen Energy: Acquisitions Strengthen Prospects
Summary Talen Energy's stock price has underwhelmed in 2026, after an 86% uptick last year. Here I argue, though, that it's only because its long-term prospects aren't priced in yet. Its three recent natural gas asset acquisitions add notably to the company's production capacity as well as to its financials, like adjusted EBITDA and FCF. While its forward EV/EBITDA is elevated in the short-to-medium term compared with peers, over the next five years, along with the forward P/E, it looks attractive. The only drawback to TLN now is the move away from purely clean energy sources like nuclear, which can limit its appeal to investors focused on decarbonization. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • Apr 18
TLN: Data Center And Nuclear Projects Will Shape A Cautious Balanced Outlook
Analysts have adjusted their price targets on Talen Energy, citing updated assumptions for fair value to $388.56, a higher discount rate, stronger modeled revenue growth, slightly lower profit margins, and a modestly lower future P/E multiple based on recent research updates across the Street. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Talen Energy shows a mix of views, with both bullish and bearish analysts adjusting their assumptions around fair value, discount rates, and earnings power.
Narrative Update • Apr 04
TLN: PJM Power Prices And Nuclear Shift Will Recast Earnings Power
Analysts have trimmed their price targets on Talen Energy by $2 to $27 in recent updates, citing adjustments to their models that reflect slightly different assumptions on discount rates, revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E multiples, while still incorporating a mix of cautious and constructive views from recent research. Analyst Commentary Street research on Talen Energy has been mixed, with some investors dialing back their expectations and others still highlighting upside based on updated cash flow and earnings assumptions.Narrative Update • Mar 21
TLN: PJM Power Prices And Data Center Demand Will Recast Earnings Power
Analysts have adjusted the Talen Energy price target to $548, trimming their fair value view while citing updated assumptions for revenue growth, profit margins, discount rate, and future P/E that reflect recent shifts in sector research and company specific debates across firms such as JPMorgan, BNP Paribas, Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo, and Seaport Research. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research around Talen Energy centers on how quickly analysts are recalibrating their models, with several firms revisiting price targets in light of updated sector work, valuation frameworks, and upcoming earnings discussions.Narrative Update • Mar 07
TLN: New Gas Fleet And Data Center Demand Will Drive Upside
Analysts have nudged their Talen Energy price expectations higher, with recent target increases to $457, $473 and $474, tied to updated views on utilities, Q4 earnings discussions and revised EBITDA and free cash flow assumptions. Analyst Commentary Recent research highlights a cluster of upward price target revisions for Talen Energy, giving you a clearer view of how the Street is thinking about valuation, execution and growth prospects around upcoming catalysts like Q4 earnings.
New Narrative • Feb 21
Nuclear Resurgence: Powering the AI Grid of Tomorrow
Talen Energy (TLN) is at the epicenter of the 2026 energy rotation, with shares trading around $382 as investors scramble for reliable, "always-on" carbon-free power. The company's crown jewel, the Susquehanna nuclear plant, has become one of the most valuable assets in the PJM Interconnection grid.Narrative Update • Feb 21
TLN: New Gas Assets Will Support Future Data Center Power Demand
Analysts have nudged their price targets for Talen Energy higher, with recent moves such as Morgan Stanley's adjustment to $474 from $473, reflecting updated assumptions around fair value, revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates around Talen Energy have centered on valuation tweaks, earnings expectations and how the stock fits within the broader utilities and independent power producer group.Narrative Update • Feb 06
TLN: Caithness Closing And PJM Power Prices Will Recast Earnings Power
Analysts have lifted their price targets on Talen Energy by a wide margin, with recent increases of $5, $27, $61 and a move to $457, citing updated EBITDA and free cash flow estimates, expectations around the Caithness transaction closing by late 2025, and higher forward power prices in PJM as key drivers behind the higher fair value estimate of $557.02. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts have been revisiting their fair value frameworks for Talen Energy, with several research updates pointing to higher assumed earnings power and cash generation.Narrative Update • Jan 23
TLN: Caithness Deal And PJM Power Prices Will Reshape Earnings Power
Analysts have nudged their price targets on Talen Energy higher by around $6 per share, citing modestly stronger revenue growth and profit margins, along with slightly adjusted discount rate and P/E assumptions based on recent research updates from major firms. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Talen Energy has leaned positive, with several bullish analysts adjusting their valuation work and lifting price targets.Narrative Update • Jan 08
TLN: Data Center Demand And Caithness Deal Will Reshape Earnings Power
Analysts have lifted their blended price target on Talen Energy to about US$557 from roughly US$399, citing updated assumptions that reflect recent price target increases across the Street, the planned closing of the Caithness transaction by late 2025, higher forward power prices in PJM, and growing attention on Talen's role in supporting data center demand. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts are framing the recent set of price target moves on Talen Energy as a re-marking of the stock to reflect updated deal assumptions, power market inputs in PJM, and rising visibility into data center related demand.Narrative Update • Dec 18
TLN: Future Data Center Demand And PJM Pricing Will Drive Balanced Outlook
Analysts have lifted their price target for Talen Energy by $24 to reflect stronger forward power prices in PJM, the expected closing of the Caithness transaction, and growing conviction in the company’s margin resilience and data center driven growth. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research on Talen Energy has been broadly constructive, with multiple price target increases reflecting higher forward power prices in PJM, the anticipated completion of the Caithness transaction, and rising conviction in data center driven growth.Narrative Update • Dec 04
TLN: Rising Data Center Demand Will Drive Long-Term Cash Flow Expansion
Analysts have nudged their blended price target for Talen Energy slightly higher to about $450 per share, citing the anticipated earnings uplift from the Caithness acquisition by late 2025, stronger forward PJM power prices, and ongoing data center driven demand tailwinds. Analyst Commentary Street research remains broadly constructive on Talen, with a steady cadence of target hikes and positive rating reiterations tied to improving fundamentals in PJM, growing data center demand, and the integration of the Caithness assets.Narrative Update • Nov 20
TLN: Increasing Demand For Data Center Power Will Drive Long-Term Cash Flow Expansion
Talen Energy's analyst fair value estimate has been revised upward from $445.35 to $448.97. This change reflects analysts' increased confidence in the company's data center pipeline opportunities and robust cash flow outlook.Narrative Update • Nov 05
TLN: Cash Flow Expansion Will Drive Upside on Data Center Demand
Talen Energy's analyst price target has increased by approximately $6 to $445, as analysts cite robust fundamentals in the independent power sector, as well as expectations of continued cash flow growth and data center demand. Analyst Commentary Recent Street research indicates that analysts are broadly constructive on Talen Energy’s prospects, following a series of price target increases and positive assessments around the company’s growth potential, sector positioning, and evolving data center demand.Narrative Update • Oct 22
Analyst Commentary Highlights Talen Energy’s Modest Valuation Upside and Strategic Growth Developments
Talen Energy’s analyst price target has risen modestly, up by $5 to $439. This increase reflects improved outlooks for revenue growth, profit margin, and sector cash flows as highlighted by recent analyst discussions.Narrative Update • Oct 08
US Electricity Demand And Nuclear Expansion Will Shape Markets
Talen Energy’s analyst price target has increased from approximately $428 to $434 per share. Analysts cite stronger guidance, bullish peer trends, and a robust backdrop for power producers as drivers behind the upward revision.Narrative Update • Sep 19
US Electricity Demand And Nuclear Expansion Will Shape Markets
Analysts have raised Talen Energy's price target to $428.47, citing upside from conservative long-term guidance, incremental value from new PPAs (particularly with data center clients), strong PJM market positioning, and enhanced capital returns, while noting some need for increased disclosure on gas marketing and contracts. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts highlight conservative long-term guidance through 2028, suggesting upside potential as the company executes beyond stated targets.Narrative Update • Sep 04
US Electricity Demand And Nuclear Expansion Will Shape Markets
Analysts maintain a positive outlook on Talen Energy, citing transformative AI-related demand growth, lucrative PPAs, and robust M&A prospects as key drivers for future value creation, with the consensus price target unchanged at $398.66. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts highlight the transformative impact of AI adoption on the energy sector, forecasting a “Power revolution” that positions Talen among potential new industry leaders.Analysis Article • Jul 24
Here's Why We Think Talen Energy (NASDAQ:TLN) Might Deserve Your Attention Today
For beginners, it can seem like a good idea (and an exciting prospect) to buy a company that tells a good story to...Analysis Article • Jul 03
Should You Investigate Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN) At US$276?
Let's talk about the popular Talen Energy Corporation ( NASDAQ:TLN ). The company's shares saw a significant share...Seeking Alpha • Apr 25
Talen Energy Benefits From Growing Power Demand
Summary Talen Energy, valued at nearly $10 billion, is aggressively growing peak power demand and boasts a strong dispatchable fleet, driving impressive FCF and shareholder returns. The company reported nearly $1 billion in FY GAAP net income and executed $1 billion in share repurchases, buying back 22% of its shares. Talen Energy's dynamic hedging program and robust growth in FCF and EBITDA position it well for future profitability, despite potential regulatory hurdles with AWS. With significant renewable power assets and a focus on datacenter power demand, Talen Energy is poised for substantial long-term shareholder returns. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Mar 14
Talen Energy: Exaggerated Fears Provides Upside
Summary Talen's aggressive commercial strategy and hedging position it to benefit from rising energy prices, with significant exposure to the PJM grid (largest in the US). Amazon's co-location deal boosts EBITDA, especially in 2026, and regulatory issues are expected to be resolved by 2028. Consensus estimates project cash earnings to grow over 30% on average through 2027. I rate TLN a Buy due to its strong assets, commercial strategy, and potential for significant upside, with a YE26 price target of $387. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Mar 04
Downgrading Talen Energy To Hold Due To High Valuations
Summary Hedge funds are betting on utilities like Talen Energy and Vistra Corp., but Talen Energy's valuation is too high at a 23.4x P/E. Talen's involvement in Bitcoin mining and regulatory issues with FERC over its AWS power deal raise concerns about its growth and profitability. Despite higher power prices, increased natural gas costs mean TLN's future profitability remains similar to previous years, not higher. I prefer investing in grid infrastructure companies like GE Vernova or cheaper utilities like National Grid plc, which offer growth without regulatory uncertainty. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Feb 14
Talen Energy: Supply And Demand Have Never Been So Far Apart
Summary PJM has updated future load projections. The revisions over 2024 projections are astronomical. Future demands are so large, supply can't possibly keep up. The power savings potential introduced by Deep Seek is a necessary step to keep the power production problem both realistic and solvable. Power generators with existing assets are still sitting in the driver's seat. I maintain my $300/share price target, but am optimistic about the potential for future capacity prices in the 2026/2027 auction. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Jan 12
Talen Energy: Powering Sustainable Growth
Summary Talen Energy Corp. is a mission-driven company focused on sustainable solutions, showing remarkable financial turnaround and strong growth, making it a 'Strong Buy.' TLN's Q3 2024 highlights include a shift from a $77M net loss in Q3 2023 to a $168M net income. TLN's strategic initiatives, including asset sales and refinancing, enhance liquidity and shareholder returns, with a $1B share repurchase program signaling strong confidence. Despite potential risks, TLN's undervalued P/E ratio and alignment with rising energy demand position it as a valuable long-term investment. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Dec 24
Vistra Corp. Vs. Talen Energy: Where To Follow The Smart Money?
Summary Vistra Corp. is up over 260% YTD, driven by strong fundamentals and a bullish outlook on electricity demand growth, especially from AI-driven data centers. Vistra's inclusion in the S&P 500 and its ownership of battery energy storage systems make it a more attractive investment than Talen Energy. Vistra's strategic focus on zero-carbon electricity and significant capex plans position it well for future growth, despite potential risks from commodity price fluctuations. VST trades at a more attractive forward EV/EBITDA multiple compared to peers, making it a compelling choice for investors seeking exposure to the power demand boom. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Nov 25
Talen Energy: Staying At Full Throttle Despite Regulatory Setbacks
Summary The Sierra Clubs assert that the PJM auction is faulty displays its lack of understanding of energy markets. Over 60% of near-term generation that is under construction in the PJM market is solar, which has a capacity factor of only 12%. I have increased my price target to $300/share from $260/share. This implies 40% upside at current market prices. TLN may join the Russell 1000 and the S&P 500 indices in 2025, creating more exposure for the stock. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Oct 22
Talen Energy: High Voltage Growth
Summary Talen's aggressive commercial strategy and significant exposure to market electricity prices position it to benefit from high demand drivers like hot weather and AI data centers. The Amazon PPA, scaling up to 960MW by 2034, offers long-term incremental cash flow and enhances Talen's valuation and growth potential. Increased EBITDA guidance for 2025/2026 and a higher price target of US$220, driven by AI data center demand and a US$1.2bn buyback. Despite some regulatory risks, Talen's generation assets are well-positioned for higher electricity demand and prices, making it a buy recommendation. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Oct 13
Talen Energy: Own 2 Nuclear Plants With A Behind-The-Meter Data Center Contract For Massive Growth
Summary Talen Energy will massively benefit from improved PJM capacity auction prices, premium data center contracts with Amazon, and rising whole sale electricity prices. The company's Susquehanna Nuclear Station has downside protection through the Inflation Reduction Act, cementing a lucrative margin. Large increases in FCF are due to changing market conditions and requires little to no capital spending on TLN's part. TLN will be a beneficiary of an underinvested market. I rate TLN as a BUY with 60% upside in 2026. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
New Narrative • Aug 27
Mounting Risks Shadow Revenue Prospects Amid Regulatory And Market Uncertainties
Reliance on PJM capacity markets and regulatory challenges with AWS deals may lead to revenue volatility and unpredictable earnings.Seeking Alpha • Aug 02
Talen Energy Brings 'Shockingly' Good News
Summary Talen Energy is an independent power producer and infrastructure business focusing on nuclear, fossil fuels, and green energy. Recent transactions, including selling assets and securing deals with Amazon, have positioned Talen Energy for growth and increased revenue. A surge in electricity prices in the PJM Interconnection market is expected to benefit TLN, making it a favorable investment opportunity. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Jul 25
Talen Energy: The More I Learned About Nuclear Power, The More Bullish I Became
Summary The investment story for Talen begins with the Company's 2022 bankruptcy. The bankruptcy process allowed Talen to clean up its balance sheet by converting debt liabilities to equity capital. Talen's new management team resolved a pragmatic strategy for Talen 2.0. The stock has appreciated substantially; however, I believe there is significant upside remaining. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaCEO Compensation Analysis
| Date | Total Compensation | Salary | Company Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 31 2026 | n/a | n/a | -US$21m |
| Dec 31 2025 | US$19m | US$1m | -US$219m |
| Sep 30 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$226m |
| Jun 30 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$187m |
| Mar 31 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$569m |
| Dec 31 2024 | US$6m | US$1m | US$998m |
| Sep 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$1b |
| Jun 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$853m |
| Mar 31 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$428m |
| Dec 31 2023 | US$30m | US$684k | US$134m |
Compensation vs Market: Mac's total compensation ($USD18.74M) is about average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD14.74M).
Compensation vs Earnings: Mac's compensation has increased whilst the company is unprofitable.
CEO
Mac McFarland (56 yo)
3yrs
Tenure
US$18,739,647
Compensation
Mr. Mark Allen McFarland, also known as Mac, is Chief Executive Officer and Director of Talen Energy Corporation since May 2023 and was its President since May 2023 until December 15, 2025. Mr. McFarland s...
Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEO & Director | 3yrs | US$18.74m | 0.10% $ 18.5m | |
| President | less than a year | US$6.81m | 0.028% $ 5.2m | |
| Chief Operating Officer | less than a year | US$5.41m | 0.026% $ 4.8m | |
| Chief Administrative Officer | 2.9yrs | US$5.39m | 0.027% $ 5.0m | |
| General Counsel & Corporate Secretary | 2.9yrs | US$5.36m | 0.028% $ 5.2m | |
| Chief Financial Officer | less than a year | US$2.91m | 0.016% $ 3.1m | |
| Senior VP & Chief Accounting Officer | no data | no data | 0.0076% $ 1.4m | |
| Director of Corporate Communications | no data | no data | no data | |
| Chief Asset Development Officer | 6.8yrs | no data | 0.024% $ 4.5m | |
| Chief Commercial Officer | 2.9yrs | no data | 0.019% $ 3.5m | |
| Senior Vice President of Regulatory & External Affairs | 2.3yrs | no data | no data | |
| Chief Development Officer | 1.6yrs | no data | 0.00026% $ 48.4k |
2.6yrs
Average Tenure
54yo
Average Age
Experienced Management: TLN's management team is considered experienced (2.6 years average tenure).
Board Members
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEO & Director | 3yrs | US$18.74m | 0.10% $ 18.5m | |
| Independent Chairman of the Board | 3yrs | US$672.02k | 0.018% $ 3.4m | |
| Independent Director | 3yrs | US$359.10k | 0.020% $ 3.8m | |
| Independent Director | 3yrs | US$346.60k | 0.015% $ 2.8m | |
| Independent Director | 3yrs | US$359.10k | 0.015% $ 2.8m | |
| Independent Director | 3yrs | US$354.10k | 0.015% $ 2.8m | |
| Independent Director | 3yrs | US$341.60k | 0.015% $ 2.8m |
3.0yrs
Average Tenure
60yo
Average Age
Experienced Board: TLN's board of directors are considered experienced (3 years average tenure).
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/07 15:29 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/07 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
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Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Talen Energy Corporation is covered by 26 analysts. 8 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Nicholas Campanella | Barclays |
| Moses Sutton | BNP Paribas |
| Ross Fowler | BofA Global Research |