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Vital Energy, Inc. (VTLE)
:VTLE
US Market

Vital Energy (VTLE) AI Stock Analysis

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VTLE

Vital Energy

(VTLE)

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Neutral 56 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:56Neutral
Price Target:
$18.50
▲(3.24% Upside)
Vital Energy's overall stock score is driven by its financial challenges and valuation concerns, which are partially offset by positive technical indicators and the potential benefits of the merger with Crescent Energy. The legal challenges related to the merger introduce additional risk, impacting the overall score.
Positive Factors
Merger Approval
The merger with Crescent Energy, approved by stockholders, is expected to enhance financial stability and growth prospects, creating a larger, financially robust operator with enhanced scale and capacity to generate substantial free cash flow.
Debt Management
A low debt-to-equity ratio reflects effective debt management, providing Vital Energy with financial flexibility and reducing risk, which is crucial for long-term stability and growth.
Operational Efficiency
Strong cash generation relative to net income suggests operational efficiency, which supports the company's ability to reinvest in growth opportunities and manage financial obligations.
Negative Factors
Revenue Decline
A sharp decline in revenue indicates challenges in maintaining market position and sales, which could impact long-term financial health and growth potential.
Profitability Challenges
Negative profit and EBIT margins highlight operational inefficiencies and profitability challenges, which could hinder the company's ability to generate sustainable returns over time.
Legal Challenges
Legal challenges related to the merger introduce uncertainty and potential financial liabilities, which could impact the company's strategic plans and investor confidence.

Vital Energy (VTLE) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Vital Energy Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionVital Energy (VTLE) is an independent energy company focused on the development and production of oil and natural gas resources. The company primarily operates in the Permian Basin and other key regions in the United States, leveraging advanced technologies and efficient operational practices to maximize resource extraction. Vital Energy is committed to sustainable practices and aims to deliver energy solutions that meet the growing demand while minimizing environmental impact.
How the Company Makes MoneyVital Energy generates revenue primarily through the exploration, production, and sale of oil and natural gas. The company earns money by extracting hydrocarbons from its operational sites and selling these products in wholesale markets. Key revenue streams include the sale of crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas. The company may also benefit from price fluctuations in these commodities, with revenues impacted by global demand and supply dynamics. Additionally, Vital Energy may engage in strategic partnerships and joint ventures to enhance operational efficiencies and expand its resource base, further contributing to its earnings.

Vital Energy Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 06, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 24, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
Vital Energy's second quarter 2025 earnings call reflects a generally positive sentiment, highlighted by strong financial results, significant operational achievements, and successful cost optimization efforts. While challenges such as exceeding capital expenditure guidance and non-cash impairments were noted, the company's strategic initiatives and robust debt reduction plan underscore a strong performance outlook.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Financial Performance
Vital Energy reported consolidated EBITDAX of $338 million and adjusted free cash flow of $36 million for the second quarter of 2025.
Operational Achievements in Drilling
The company drilled the nine longest wells in its history, including a record lateral length of 16,515 feet, and set new company records for feet drilled in a day and completed in a week.
Successful Cost Reduction and Optimization
Through various strategies, including renegotiation of service contracts, Vital Energy reduced their lease operating expenses to less than $111 million per quarter and achieved a 20% reduction in total G&A expenses.
Innovative J-Hook Well Design
The company successfully completed its first two J-Hook wells, optimizing resources and reducing drilling capital by converting 130 locations into 90 J-Hook locations.
Debt Reduction and Strong Hedge Position
Vital Energy expects to reduce net debt by $25 million in Q3 and around $185 million by the end of 2025, supported by a solid hedge position covering 95% of expected oil production.
Negative Updates
Capital Expenditure Exceeds Guidance
Capital for the second quarter was $257 million, above the guidance, due to accelerated activities and $13 million in drilling cost overruns.
Non-Cash Impairments and Valuation Allowance
The company recorded a noncash pretax impairment on oil and gas properties and a valuation allowance against federal net deferred tax assets.
Company Guidance
During Vital Energy's Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call, the company provided guidance highlighting several key metrics. The firm reported consolidated EBITDAX of $338 million and adjusted free cash flow of $36 million for the quarter. Capital expenditures reached $257 million, which exceeded guidance due to accelerated activities and drilling cost overruns. Production faced a temporary reduction of 780 barrels of oil equivalent per day, primarily due to weather impacts, yet remained within the guidance range. Vital Energy is on track to turn in line 38 wells by October, aiming for a net debt reduction of approximately $25 million in the third quarter and $185 million for the remainder of the year. The company has hedged about 95% of its expected second-half oil production at $69 per barrel. Additionally, efforts to optimize operational efficiency have led to a reduction in lease operating expenses, with an average of less than $111 million per quarter over the past three quarters, delivering an incremental $25 million in annual cash flow.

Vital Energy Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Vital Energy is facing financial difficulties with declining revenues and profitability, impacting its financial stability. The income statement shows negative margins, and the cash flow is under pressure from declining profitability. The balance sheet shows reduced leverage but negative return on equity, highlighting operational inefficiencies.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
Vital Energy's income statement shows significant volatility. The TTM data reveals a sharp decline in revenue and negative margins, with a net profit margin of -69.28% and an EBIT margin of -35.83%. This is a stark contrast to previous years where the company had positive margins, indicating recent operational challenges. The revenue growth rate is negative, highlighting a downturn in sales. Despite past profitability, the current trajectory suggests financial instability.
Balance Sheet
55
Neutral
The balance sheet reflects a mixed picture. The TTM debt-to-equity ratio is low at 0.03, indicating manageable leverage, but this is due to a significant reduction in total debt. However, the return on equity is negative, suggesting inefficiencies in generating returns for shareholders. The equity ratio is relatively stable, but the overall financial health is compromised by recent losses.
Cash Flow
50
Neutral
Cash flow analysis shows a decline in free cash flow growth, with a TTM free cash flow growth rate of -96.4%. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is strong at 2.12, indicating good cash generation relative to net income. However, the free cash flow to net income ratio is 0.78, reflecting challenges in converting income into free cash flow. The cash flow situation is stable but under pressure from declining profitability.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.90B1.95B1.55B1.92B1.39B677.19M
Gross Profit839.10M613.25M1.13B1.20B756.92M146.40M
EBITDA-213.73M690.34M1.13B1.07B472.94M-546.65M
Net Income-1.31B-173.52M695.08M631.51M145.01M-874.17M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets4.72B5.88B5.15B2.73B2.55B1.44B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments14.70M40.18M14.06M44.44M56.80M48.76M
Total Debt2.34B2.55B1.75B1.14B1.44B1.20B
Total Liabilities2.96B3.18B2.36B1.62B2.04B1.46B
Stockholders Equity1.76B2.70B2.79B1.11B513.78M-21.44M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow656.42M-738.36M-667.97M242.90M-693.88M-7.18M
Operating Cash Flow1.15B1.00B812.96M829.62M496.67M383.39M
Investing Cash Flow-989.30M-1.74B-1.48B-475.95M-796.81M-389.24M
Financing Cash Flow-165.24M763.38M632.80M-366.03M308.18M13.75M

Vital Energy Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price17.92
Price Trends
50DMA
16.82
Positive
100DMA
16.73
Positive
200DMA
17.16
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.35
Positive
RSI
53.18
Neutral
STOCH
7.83
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For VTLE, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 17.92 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 17.92, above the 50-day MA of 16.82, and above the 200-day MA of 17.16, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.35 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 53.18 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 7.83 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for VTLE.

Vital Energy Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (65)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$569.65M6.3616.09%5.96%-2.43%-28.19%
67
Neutral
$610.32M16.215.74%9.36%18.56%-21.43%
65
Neutral
$15.17B7.614.09%5.20%3.87%-62.32%
59
Neutral
$744.08M40.233.50%11.72%6.23%-64.88%
56
Neutral
-54.63%1.85%-333.76%
45
Neutral
$185.30M-11.09-45.51%-985.28%
* Energy Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
VTLE
Vital Energy
17.92
-11.50
-39.09%
REPX
Riley Exploration Permian
25.93
-3.60
-12.19%
GRNT
Granite Ridge Resources
4.65
-0.86
-15.61%
ANNA
AleAnna
2.78
-4.14
-59.83%
VTS
Vitesse Energy, Inc.
19.24
-3.12
-13.95%
TXO
TXO Energy Partners LP
10.66
-4.00
-27.29%

Vital Energy Corporate Events

M&A TransactionsShareholder Meetings
Vital Energy Stockholders Approve Merger with Crescent
Positive
Dec 12, 2025

On December 12, 2025, Vital Energy stockholders approved a merger with Crescent Energy Company at a special meeting. The merger, anticipated to close on December 15, 2025, aims to create a larger, financially robust operator with enhanced scale and capacity to generate substantial free cash flow, positioning the combined companies to deliver sustainable cash returns and long-term value.

Delistings and Listing ChangesM&A TransactionsLegal Proceedings
Vital Energy Faces Legal Challenges Over Merger
Negative
Dec 5, 2025

Vital Energy, Inc. entered into a merger agreement with Crescent Energy Company on August 24, 2025, which will result in Vital ceasing to be a publicly traded company. Following the filing of a proxy statement, two stockholders filed complaints alleging nondisclosure of material information, seeking to enjoin the mergers and claiming damages. Vital plans to supplement the proxy statement to address these concerns, although it denies any wrongdoing.

M&A TransactionsShareholder MeetingsFinancial Disclosures
Vital Energy Reports Q3 Loss Amid Impairment Challenges
Neutral
Nov 3, 2025

On November 3, 2025, Vital Energy reported a net loss of $353.5 million for the third quarter of 2025, impacted by a non-cash pre-tax impairment loss on oil and gas properties. Despite this, the company achieved an adjusted net income of $57.6 million and cash flow from operating activities of $286.6 million. The company also reduced its total and net debt and exceeded its production guidance. Vital Energy is in the process of merging with Crescent Energy Company, with a special stockholder meeting scheduled for December 12, 2025, to vote on the transaction. This merger aims to create a premier mid-cap operator, potentially enhancing value for shareholders.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Dec 13, 2025