Empire Petroleum Corporation (EMPR) Stock Analysis
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
Empire Petroleum Corporation (EMPR) trades at $3.40. Empire Petroleum Corporation is an oil and gas exploration and development company focused on assets in Louisiana, North Dakota, and Montana. Sector: Energy.
Price as of Aug 21, 2026 · Last analyzed: Mar 18, 2026Analyst Coverage for EMPR: EMPR does not currently have published analyst price targets in our coverage universe. This is common for smaller-cap names with limited Wall Street coverage. In the absence of analyst consensus, our AI model evaluates EMPR against Energy peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns an underweight signal based on the underlying data.
EMPR: 3/3 scored disciplines lean bearish. Dominant signal: Seth Klarman bearish.
How is this calculated? →Empire Petroleum Corporation (EMPR) Energy Operations & Outlook
Empire Petroleum Corporation, established in 1983, focuses on the exploration and development of oil and gas properties, primarily in Louisiana, North Dakota, and Montana. With a high gross margin but negative profit margin, the company navigates a competitive energy landscape while managing operational costs and expansion strategies.
What Is the Investment Thesis for EMPR?
Empire Petroleum Corporation presents a high-risk, high-reward investment profile within the oil and gas sector. The company's high gross margin of 91.7% indicates efficient extraction and sales processes, but its negative profit margin of -210.7% raises concerns about operational costs and overall financial management. A beta of 2.16 suggests a high degree of volatility relative to the market, making it suitable only for investors with a high risk tolerance. Potential catalysts include successful exploration and development of new oil and gas reserves, which could significantly boost production and revenue. However, the company's lack of dividend payments reflects its current financial constraints. Investors should closely monitor Empire Petroleum's ability to control costs, improve profitability, and navigate the cyclical nature of the energy market. The company's OTC listing adds another layer of complexity and risk that must be carefully considered.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
EMPR Key Highlights
High Gross Margin: Empire Petroleum boasts a gross margin of 91.7%, indicating efficient extraction and sales of its oil and gas resources.
- Negative Profit Margin: The company's profit margin stands at -210.7%, signaling significant challenges in managing operational costs and achieving overall profitability.
- Beta of 2.16: A beta of 2.16 indicates that the stock is more volatile than the market average, suggesting higher risk and potential reward.
- No Dividend: Empire Petroleum does not currently offer a dividend, reflecting its focus on reinvesting capital into exploration and development activities.
- OTC Listing: Trading on the OTC market introduces unique risks and considerations compared to major exchanges.
Who Are EMPR's Competitors?
EMPR is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAWLF CWC Energy Services Corp. | $0.13 | -1.94% | $65.3M | 59 |
| CJAX CoJax Oil and Gas Corporation | $3.55 | +0.00% | $50.3M | 43 |
| DECPF Diversified Energy Company PLC | $0.85 | +1.31% | $41.1M | 41 |
| DO Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. | $13.99 | -2.44% | $1.44B | 56 |
| FISOF Fission 3.0 Corp. | $0.23 | +0.00% | $76.0M | 44 |
| COP ConocoPhillips | $130.58 | +0.66% | $159B | 84 |
| EOG EOG Resources, Inc. | $152.19 | +1.81% | $81.1B | 94 |
| OXY Occidental Petroleum Corporation | $60.09 | +0.48% | $59.8B | 78 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are EMPR's Key Strengths?
High gross margin indicates efficient extraction processes.
- Strategic focus on established oil and gas regions.
- Experienced management team with industry expertise.
- Existing infrastructure in core operating areas.
What Are EMPR's Weaknesses?
Negative profit margin raises concerns about financial sustainability.
- Small size and limited resources compared to larger competitors.
- High beta indicates significant stock price volatility.
- Reliance on fluctuating commodity prices.
What Could Drive EMPR Stock Higher?
EMPR catalyst: Successful exploration and development of new oil and gas reserves could significantly increase production and revenue.
- Implementation of cost-cutting measures and operational efficiencies to improve profitability.
- Strategic acquisitions of undervalued oil and gas properties to expand the company's asset base.
What Are the Key Risks for EMPR?
Fluctuations in oil and gas prices can negatively impact revenue and profitability.
- Increasing environmental regulations and scrutiny could increase compliance costs.
- Competition from larger, more established oil and gas companies.
- Geopolitical risks and instability in key operating regions.
- Limited financial disclosure due to OTC listing increases investment risk.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for EMPR?
- Expansion of Existing Assets: Empire Petroleum can focus on increasing production from its existing oil and gas assets in Louisiana, North Dakota, and Montana. By implementing enhanced oil recovery techniques and optimizing drilling strategies, the company can potentially boost output and revenue. This strategy allows for leveraging existing infrastructure and knowledge, reducing the risks associated with new exploration ventures. The timeline for increased production can be relatively short, with potential gains visible within the next 1-2 years.
- Strategic Acquisitions: Empire Petroleum can pursue strategic acquisitions of smaller oil and gas properties in its core operating areas. By acquiring undervalued assets with proven reserves, the company can expand its production base and increase its market share. This strategy requires careful due diligence and financial planning to ensure that acquisitions are accretive to earnings and do not overextend the company's resources. The timeline for realizing benefits from acquisitions can range from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the complexity of the integration process.
- Technological Innovation: Investing in advanced drilling and production technologies can improve efficiency and reduce costs. For example, implementing data analytics and automation can optimize well performance and minimize downtime. Embracing new technologies can also enhance safety and reduce environmental impact, improving the company's reputation and attracting investors. The timeline for implementing new technologies can vary depending on the complexity of the solutions, but initial benefits can often be seen within 1 year.
- Partnerships and Joint Ventures: Collaborating with other oil and gas companies through partnerships and joint ventures can provide access to capital, expertise, and new markets. By sharing the risks and rewards of exploration and development projects, Empire Petroleum can expand its reach and diversify its portfolio. This strategy can be particularly beneficial for accessing resources in new geographic areas or for developing complex projects that require specialized expertise. The timeline for realizing benefits from partnerships and joint ventures can vary depending on the nature of the collaboration, but initial progress can often be seen within 6-18 months.
- Focus on Operational Efficiency: Streamlining operations and reducing costs can significantly improve profitability. By implementing lean management principles and optimizing supply chain logistics, Empire Petroleum can reduce waste and improve efficiency. This strategy requires a commitment to continuous improvement and a focus on data-driven decision-making. The timeline for realizing benefits from operational efficiency improvements can be relatively short, with potential gains visible within the next 6-12 months.
What Are EMPR's Competitive Advantages?
- Strategic Asset Locations: Focused operations in proven oil and gas regions like Louisiana, North Dakota, and Montana.
- Technical Expertise: Experienced team in oil and gas exploration and development.
- Established Infrastructure: Existing infrastructure in core operating areas reduces development costs.
- Industry Relationships: Strong relationships with partners and suppliers in the oil and gas sector.
What Does EMPR Do?
Empire Petroleum Corporation, originally founded as Americomm Resources Corporation in 1983, transitioned to its current name in August 2001, marking a strategic shift towards oil and gas exploration. Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the company focuses on acquiring, exploring, and developing oil and gas interests across the United States, specifically targeting Louisiana, North Dakota, and Montana. These regions are known for their established oil and gas infrastructure and geological formations conducive to hydrocarbon production. Empire Petroleum's operations encompass the entire lifecycle of oil and gas assets, from initial geological surveys and land acquisition to drilling, production, and sales. The company leverages its technical expertise and industry relationships to identify and capitalize on promising exploration opportunities. While Empire Petroleum maintains a relatively small workforce of 33 employees, it strategically utilizes partnerships and outsourcing to optimize operational efficiency and manage costs. The company's financial performance reflects the inherent volatility of the oil and gas market, with a high gross margin offset by significant operating expenses, resulting in a negative profit margin.
What Products and Services Does EMPR Offer?
- Explores and develops oil and gas interests.
- Acquires land and mineral rights for potential drilling sites.
- Conducts geological surveys to identify promising hydrocarbon formations.
- Drills and completes oil and gas wells.
- Produces and sells oil and natural gas.
- Manages existing oil and gas properties to optimize production.
- Maintains and upgrades infrastructure related to oil and gas extraction.
How Does EMPR Make Money?
- Acquires or leases land with potential oil and gas reserves.
- Explores and drills wells to extract oil and gas.
- Sells the extracted oil and gas to refineries and other customers.
- Generates revenue based on the volume and price of oil and gas sold.
What Industry Does EMPR Operate In?
Empire Petroleum Corporation operates within the highly competitive and cyclical oil and gas exploration and production industry. The industry is characterized by fluctuating commodity prices, technological advancements, and evolving regulatory landscapes. Companies like Empire Petroleum face constant pressure to optimize production costs, increase reserves, and adapt to changing market dynamics. The industry is also subject to geopolitical risks and environmental concerns, which can significantly impact operations and profitability. Larger, integrated oil companies often have advantages in terms of scale and diversification, while smaller players like Empire Petroleum must focus on niche markets and operational efficiency to compete effectively.
Who Are EMPR's Key Customers?
- Refineries that process crude oil into gasoline and other products.
- Natural gas distributors that supply gas to homes and businesses.
- Industrial consumers who use oil and gas for energy and raw materials.
- Wholesale energy traders.
Company Profile
Empire Petroleum Corporation operates in the Oil & Gas Exploration & Production industry within the Energy sector. It is headquartered in Tulsa, US. The company is led by CEO Thomas W. Pritchard. EMPR has traded publicly since 1994.
Key Financial Metrics
Return on assets is -95.5%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. Its free cash flow yield is -3.7%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 0.59 means current liabilities exceed short-term assets, a liquidity point worth watching. Its earnings yield is -77.2%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
Insider Activity
The most recent 11 insider filings for Empire Petroleum Corporation break down as 5 sales and 6 purchases. On net that is roughly 2.3M shares disposed (about $531K), a signal worth weighing alongside the fundamentals.
EMPR Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2025
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Recent insider buying suggests confidence in the company's future performance, indicating that those closest to the business believe in its potential.
- Community sentiment has shifted positively, with discussions highlighting the company's strategic initiatives in expanding its operations.
- Market perception is bolstered by favorable news regarding energy demand, which could benefit Empire Petroleum's business model.
- The company's recent announcements about new partnerships have generated excitement among investors, reflecting optimism about growth opportunities.
Bear Case
- Concerns about regulatory changes in the energy sector have created uncertainty, leading to cautious sentiment among traders.
- Some community members express skepticism about the company's ability to scale operations effectively amid rising competition.
- Recent earnings reports have not met market expectations, leading to a bearish outlook from analysts and investors alike.
- Social sentiment reflects apprehension regarding potential volatility in oil prices, which could negatively impact Empire Petroleum's profitability.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · March 2026
EMPR Latest News
No recent news available for EMPR.
EMPR Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for EMPR.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for EMPR.
EMPR MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates EMPR 0-100 on quantitative fundamentals — growth, financial health, valuation, momentum, and risk.
Leadership: Thomas W. Pritchard
CEO
Thomas W. Pritchard serves as the CEO of Empire Petroleum Corporation, leading a team of 33 employees. Information regarding his detailed career history and educational background is not available. As CEO, he is responsible for the overall strategic direction and operational performance of the company, guiding its exploration and development activities in the oil and gas sector.
Track Record: Due to limited information, it is difficult to assess Thomas W. Pritchard's specific achievements and strategic decisions at Empire Petroleum. His leadership is focused on navigating the challenges of the oil and gas industry and driving growth through strategic acquisitions and operational improvements.
EMPR OTC Market Information
The OTC Other tier represents the lowest tier of the OTC market, indicating that Empire Petroleum may not meet the minimum financial standards or reporting requirements of higher tiers like OTCQX or OTCQB. Companies in this tier may have limited financial disclosure, making it more difficult for investors to assess their financial health and operational performance. Investing in OTC Other stocks carries a higher degree of risk due to the lack of regulatory oversight and potential for fraud or manipulation.
- OTC Tier: OTC Other
- Limited Financial Disclosure: The lack of comprehensive financial reporting increases the risk of investing in Empire Petroleum.
- Low Liquidity: Low trading volume and wide bid-ask spreads can make it difficult to buy or sell shares.
- Price Volatility: OTC stocks are often subject to significant price swings due to limited trading activity and market manipulation.
- Regulatory Scrutiny: OTC companies are subject to less regulatory oversight than those listed on major exchanges, increasing the risk of fraud or mismanagement.
- Going Concern Risk: Companies trading on the OTC Other tier may face financial difficulties and have a higher risk of going out of business.
- Verify the company's financial statements and SEC filings (if available).
- Research the company's management team and their track record.
- Assess the company's business model and competitive landscape.
- Evaluate the company's liquidity and trading volume.
- Understand the risks associated with investing in OTC stocks.
- Consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
- Established Operations: Empire Petroleum has been in operation since 1983, suggesting a degree of stability.
- Focus on Core Business: The company focuses on oil and gas exploration and development, a well-defined industry.
- Physical Assets: Empire Petroleum owns or leases oil and gas properties, providing tangible assets.
- Industry Partnerships: Collaboration with other industry players can indicate legitimacy.
Common Questions About EMPR (Energy)
What does Empire Petroleum Corporation do?
Empire Petroleum Corporation is an independent oil and gas company engaged in the exploration, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas. The company focuses on acquiring and developing oil and gas properties primarily in Louisiana, North Dakota, and Montana.
What do analysts say about EMPR stock?
As of 2026-03-18, there is no available analyst coverage or consensus rating for Empire Petroleum Corporation (EMPR). This lack of coverage is common for OTC-listed companies, which often have limited institutional interest and research. Investors should conduct their own thorough due diligence and consider the risks associated with investing in a thinly traded, unrated stock.
What are the main risks for EMPR?
Empire Petroleum Corporation faces several key risks inherent to the oil and gas industry and its OTC market listing. Fluctuations in oil and gas prices directly impact revenue and profitability, making the company vulnerable to market volatility. Increasing environmental regulations could increase compliance costs and limit operational flexibility.
What are the key factors to evaluate for EMPR?
Evaluate EMPR on fundamentals, analyst consensus, and risk factors. Empire Petroleum Corporation presents a high-risk, high-reward investment profile within the oil and gas sector. Not financial advice.
How frequently does EMPR data refresh on this page?
EMPR's price was last updated on Aug 21, 2026 and refreshes on page view during U.S. market hours — it is not a real-time exchange feed. Fundamentals update after quarterly filings; the MoonshotScore recalculates nightly; news aggregates continuously.
What has driven EMPR's recent stock price performance?
Empire Petroleum Corporation (EMPR) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: High gross margin indicates efficient extraction processes. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider EMPR overvalued or undervalued right now?
Empire Petroleum Corporation (EMPR) has no trailing P/E available here, so lean on price-to-sales and cash flow in the Financials tab. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
How do I research EMPR before investing?
Before investing in Empire Petroleum Corporation (EMPR), research these four areas: (1) the company's revenue model and competitive position (see Company Overview), (2) financial health through revenue growth, margins, and cash flow (see MoonshotScore), (3) analyst consensus ratings and price targets (see Analyst tab), and (4) specific risk factors that could impact the stock (see Risk Factors section).
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Limited information available on CEO's background and track record.
- Lack of analyst coverage for EMPR stock.
- OTC market carries inherent risks due to limited regulation and disclosure.