Quanta's Record High Amid Volume Plunge as Analysts Clash Over Grid and AI-Driven Momentum

On August 14, 2025, Quanta Services (PWR) traded with a volume of $0.35 billion, representing a 46.65% decline from the previous day’s activity. The stock closed at $388.01, maintaining its record high established earlier in the week amid strong demand driven by power grid investments and AI infrastructure growth.

Analyst activity dominated the week, with conflicting signals shaping market sentiment. Bank of America upgraded its price target to $440 from $370, citing favorable trends in energy transition projects. Conversely, BMO Capital downgraded the stock twice due to valuation concerns, reflecting divergent views on its long-term prospects. Seaport Global Securities initiated coverage with a neutral rating, adding to the mixed outlook.

Market dynamics were further influenced by industry-specific factors. Investor’s Business Daily highlighted Quanta’s inclusion in its IBD 50 list, recognizing its performance in capitalizing on data center expansion and AI-driven power needs. The stock’s trajectory also benefited from renewed interest in electric grid modernization projects, with analysts raising price targets to $413 in June on infrastructure investment cycles.

The strategy of buying top-volume stocks and holding for one day showed mixed results from 2022 to 2025. With a 0.98% average daily return and a 31.52% total return over 365 days, the approach captured short-term momentum but faced volatility. Strongest performance occurred in June 2023 (7.02% return), while September 2022 marked the lowest point (-4.20%). The pattern suggests Quanta’s stock remains a volatile yet potentially rewarding asset for short-term traders.