Vital Energy (VTLE) AI Stock Analysis

• Market Cap: $607.54M
• Dividend Yield: N/A
• Average Volume (3M): 825.86K
• Price to Earnings (P/E): ―
• Beta (1Y): 1.26
• Revenue Growth: 5.26%
• EPS Growth: -309.56%
• Country: US
• Employees: 405
• Sector: Energy
• Sector Strength: 52
• Industry: Oil & Gas Exploration & Production
• EPS (TTM): 2.02
• Shares Outstanding: 38,696,598
• 10 Day Avg. Volume: 536,362
• 30 Day Avg. Volume: 825,855
• PEG Ratio: N/A
• Price to Book (P/B): N/A
• Price to Sales (P/S): N/A
• P/FCF Ratio: N/A
• Enterprise Value/Market Cap: 4.89
• Enterprise Value/Revenue: 1.54
• Enterprise Value/Gross Profit: 2.57
• Enterprise Value/Ebitda: 7.18
• 1Y Price Target: $18.63
• Price Target Upside: 18.66% Upside
• Rating Consensus: Hold
• Number of Analyst Covering: 9

• Rating: 55 Neutral
• Price Target: $17.00 ▲(8.28% Upside)

Vital Energy's overall stock score reflects a mixed financial performance with strong cash flow but profitability challenges. Technical analysis shows a neutral trend, while valuation metrics suggest potential overvaluation. The positive sentiment from the earnings call, with strong operational achievements and cost optimizations, provides a supportive outlook despite some challenges.

Positive Factors

Strong Cash Flow Generation

Vital Energy's strong cash flow generation relative to net income indicates robust operational efficiency and financial health, supporting long-term sustainability.

Operational Achievements

Record-setting drilling achievements demonstrate Vital Energy's technological capabilities and potential for increased production efficiency, strengthening its competitive position.

Debt Reduction Plan

A proactive debt reduction strategy enhances financial stability and reduces risk, positioning Vital Energy for future growth and resilience against market volatility.

Negative Factors

Profitability Challenges

Sustained profitability issues, as indicated by a negative net profit margin, highlight operational inefficiencies that could hinder long-term financial performance.

Capital Expenditure Overruns

Exceeding capital expenditure guidance suggests potential cost management issues, which could impact future profitability and cash flow if not addressed.

Increasing Debt Levels

Rising debt levels can strain financial resources and limit strategic flexibility, posing a risk to Vital Energy's long-term financial health if not managed effectively.

Vital Energy Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company Description

Vital Energy, Inc., an independent energy company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and natural gas properties in the Permian Basin of West Texas, the United States. The company was formerly known as Laredo Petroleum, Inc. and changed its name to Vital Energy, Inc. in January 2023. Vital Energy, Inc. was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

How the Company Makes Money

Vital Energy generates revenue primarily through the sale of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids produced from its exploration and production activities. The company's revenue model is heavily reliant on the pricing of these commodities, which can fluctuate based on market conditions. Key revenue streams include direct sales to refiners, marketers, and other energy companies, as well as potential long-term contracts that provide a stable income. Additionally, VTLE may engage in joint ventures or partnerships with other energy firms, enhancing its operational capabilities and providing additional financial resources. Factors contributing to its earnings include efficient production techniques, cost management strategies, and advantageous positioning in resource-rich areas.

Vital Energy Financial Statement Overview

Summary

Vital Energy's financial performance is mixed. Strong cash flow generation is offset by challenges in profitability and revenue growth. The balance sheet shows moderate leverage, but negative return on equity and net losses highlight operational difficulties.

Income Statement

Vital Energy's income statement shows mixed results. The TTM data reveals a decline in revenue growth rate by 2.36%, and the company is currently operating at a net loss with a negative net profit margin of -38.52%. The gross profit margin remains relatively healthy at 59.69%, but the negative EBIT margin of -18.81% indicates operational challenges. Historical data shows fluctuating revenue growth and profitability, with a significant drop in net income from 2023 to 2024.

Balance Sheet

The balance sheet indicates a moderate level of financial leverage with a TTM debt-to-equity ratio of 1.14. The equity ratio stands at 41.28%, suggesting a reasonable level of equity financing. However, the return on equity is negative at -28.28%, reflecting recent losses. Historical data shows a trend of increasing debt levels, which could pose a risk if not managed properly.

Cash Flow

Cash flow analysis shows a positive trend in operating cash flow, with a TTM operating cash flow to net income ratio of 2.12, indicating strong cash generation relative to net income. Free cash flow has improved significantly with a growth rate of 18.57% in the TTM period. However, the free cash flow to net income ratio is 0.78, suggesting that while cash flow is improving, profitability remains a concern.

Breakdown	TTM	Dec 2024	Dec 2023	Dec 2022	Dec 2021	Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue	1.94B	1.95B	1.55B	1.92B	1.39B	677.19M
Gross Profit	1.16B	613.25M	1.13B	1.20B	756.92M	146.40M
EBITDA	413.86M	702.71M	1.13B	1.08B	495.24M	-538.51M
Net Income	-745.50M	-173.52M	695.08M	631.51M	145.01M	-874.17M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets	5.10B	5.88B	5.15B	2.73B	2.55B	1.44B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments	30.19M	40.18M	14.06M	44.44M	56.80M	48.76M
Total Debt	2.40B	2.55B	1.75B	1.14B	1.44B	1.20B
Total Liabilities	2.99B	3.18B	2.36B	1.62B	2.04B	1.46B
Stockholders Equity	2.11B	2.70B	2.79B	1.11B	513.78M	-21.44M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow	898.16M	-738.36M	-667.97M	242.90M	-693.88M	-7.18M
Operating Cash Flow	1.16B	1.00B	812.96M	829.62M	496.67M	383.39M
Investing Cash Flow	-1.78B	-1.74B	-1.48B	-475.95M	-796.81M	-389.24M
Financing Cash Flow	643.64M	763.38M	632.80M	-366.03M	308.18M	13.75M

Vital Energy Technical Analysis

• Technical Analysis Sentiment: Negative
• Last Price: 15.70
• 50DMA: Negative
• 100DMA: Negative
• 200DMA: Negative
• MACD: Positive
• RSI: Neutral
• STOCH: Neutral

Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For VTLE, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 15.7 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 16.23, below the 50-day MA of 16.45, and below the 200-day MA of 19.97, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.35 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 46.30 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 49.80 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for VTLE.

Vital Energy Peers Comparison

Name	Overall Rating	Market Cap	P/E Ratio	ROE	Dividend Yield	Revenue Growth	EPS Growth
REPX	73 Outperform	$588.09M	5.90	18.30%	5.77%	-4.93%	-7.56%
VTS	69 Neutral	$846.80M	21.07	6.49%	10.09%	3.96%	29.26%
GRNT	66 Neutral	$692.99M	21.52	4.90%	8.33%	9.54%	-42.85%
Sector *	65 Neutral	$15.17B	7.61	4.09%	5.20%	3.87%	-62.32%
VTLE	55 Neutral	$607.54M	―	-30.17%	―	5.26%	-309.56%
ANNA	45 Neutral	$288.40M	-10.03	-65.43%	―	―	-935.70%

Vital Energy Corporate Events

Vital Energy Announces Merger with Crescent Energy

On August 24, 2025, Vital Energy, Inc. entered into a merger agreement with Crescent Energy Company, involving a complex all-equity transaction. The merger will result in Vital’s shareholders owning approximately 23% of Crescent’s outstanding shares, with Crescent’s shareholders holding the remaining 77%. The merger is structured to include two sequential mergers, with Crescent ultimately becoming the sole member of the surviving entity. The merger is subject to customary conditions, including stockholder approvals and regulatory clearances. The board of directors of Vital has unanimously recommended the merger, citing it as beneficial for the company’s shareholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (VTLE) stock is a Hold with a $16.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Vital Energy stock, see the VTLE Stock Forecast page.

Vital Energy Announces Merger with Crescent Energy

On August 25, 2025, Vital Energy, Inc. announced a merger agreement with Crescent Energy Company, where Crescent will acquire Vital in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $3.1 billion. This merger aims to establish a top 10 independent energy company with a strategy focused on free cash flow and returns, enhancing shareholder value through significant synergies and operational efficiencies. The transaction, which is expected to close by the end of 2025, will result in Crescent shareholders owning 77% and Vital shareholders owning 23% of the combined company, subject to customary closing conditions and approvals.

The most recent analyst rating on (VTLE) stock is a Hold with a $16.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Vital Energy stock, see the VTLE Stock Forecast page.

Vital Energy’s Earnings Call: Strong Performance Amid Challenges

Vital Energy, Inc. recently held its earnings call, where the sentiment was largely positive, highlighting strong operational and financial performance. The company reported significant improvements in efficiency, cost reductions, and strategic debt reduction initiatives. However, these positives were tempered by challenges such as capital expenditure overruns and a noncash pretax impairment.

Vital Energy Reports Q2 2025 Financial Results

Vital Energy, Inc. is an independent energy company based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, specializing in the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and natural gas properties, primarily in the Permian Basin of West Texas.

Vital Energy Reports Q2 2025 Financial Results

On August 6, 2025, Vital Energy reported its second-quarter 2025 financial and operating results, revealing a net loss of $582.6 million due to a significant non-cash pre-tax impairment loss on oil and gas properties. Despite this, the company achieved an adjusted net income of $76.1 million and generated $252.3 million in cash flow from operating activities. Vital Energy also reported capital investments of $257 million, exceeding guidance, and successfully reduced operating expenses. The company divested non-core assets in Texas for $6.5 million, allocating proceeds to debt reduction, and continued to streamline operations to enhance returns and strengthen its balance sheet.

The most recent analyst rating on (VTLE) stock is a Hold with a $29.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Vital Energy stock, see the VTLE Stock Forecast page.