Vital Energy, Inc. (VTLE) 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.
Vital Energy, Inc. (VTLE) trades at $17.92 with AI Score 53/100 (Grade B). Vital Energy, Inc. is an independent energy company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and natural gas properties. Market cap: $693M, Sector: Energy.
Price as of Jul 20, 2026 · Last analyzed: May 10, 2026Analyst Coverage for VTLE: VTLE 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 VTLE against Energy peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns a mixed fundamental profile based on the underlying data.
VTLE: 1/3 scored disciplines lean bullish. Dominant signal: Seth Klarman bullish.
How is this calculated? →Why this analysis is different
- A 9-signal quantitative MoonshotScore built from filings, insider activity, and market data — computed from the numbers, not from opinion.
- An AI Council read across up to eight perspectives — value, macro, quantitative, and momentum lenses — that shows where they disagree instead of averaging the tension away.
- Figures come straight from FMP and Yahoo Finance filings data. The AI writes the narrative around the numbers — it never edits the numbers.
Vital Energy, Inc. (VTLE) Energy Operations & Outlook
Vital Energy, Inc. (VTLE) is an independent energy company focused on acquiring, exploring, and developing oil and natural gas properties within the Permian Basin. Formerly Laredo Petroleum, the company operates in the competitive energy sector, balancing production with environmental considerations.
What Is the Investment Thesis for VTLE?
Vital Energy presents a compelling investment thesis based on its strategic focus on the Permian Basin, a region characterized by high-quality oil and gas resources. The company's experienced management team and operational expertise position it to capitalize on the region's growth potential. However, investors should be aware of the company's negative profit margin of -69.3%, indicating potential challenges in achieving profitability in the near term. Key catalysts include successful exploration and development of new wells, strategic acquisitions of additional acreage, and favorable commodity price movements. Potential risks include fluctuations in oil and gas prices, regulatory changes, and operational challenges in the Permian Basin. The company's beta of 1.13 suggests a higher volatility compared to the overall market. While Vital Energy does not currently offer a dividend, future profitability could potentially lead to shareholder returns.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
VTLE Key Highlights
- Vital Energy operates in the Permian Basin, a highly productive oil and gas region.
- The company rebranded from Laredo Petroleum to Vital Energy in January 2023.
- Vital Energy's market capitalization is approximately $0.69 billion.
- The company's gross margin stands at 44.2%.
- Vital Energy employs 405 individuals.
Who Are VTLE's Competitors?
VTLE is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APA APA Corporation | $34.84 | -1.08% | $12.3B | 89 |
| PXD Pioneer Natural Resources Company | $269.62 | +0.73% | $63.0B | 44 |
| OXY Occidental Petroleum Corporation | $55.49 | +1.16% | $55.2B | 61 |
| ROCC Ranger Oil Corporation | $37.47 | -1.96% | $712M | 59 |
| REPX Riley Exploration Permian, Inc. | $35.00 | +0.00% | $759M | 73 |
| SD SandRidge Energy, Inc. | $13.66 | +0.22% | $504M | 92 |
| FLMN Falcon Minerals Corporation | $7.77 | +0.52% | $1.21B | 59 |
| ATUUF Tenaz Energy Corp. | $37.81 | -0.33% | $1.24B | 68 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are VTLE's Key Strengths?
- Focus on the prolific Permian Basin.
- Experienced management team.
- Established operational infrastructure.
- Proven track record of drilling and production.
What Are VTLE's Weaknesses?
- Negative profit margin.
- Reliance on volatile commodity prices.
- Geographic concentration in the Permian Basin.
- Limited diversification.
What Could Drive VTLE Stock Higher?
- Results from new drilling programs in the Permian Basin could drive stock price appreciation.
- Favorable commodity price movements could improve profitability.
- Successful integration of acquired assets could lead to synergies and cost savings.
- Potential for increased production volumes from enhanced oil recovery techniques.
What Are the Key Risks for VTLE?
- Financial-distress signal — its Altman Z-Score of -0.79 sits in the distress zone (elevated bankruptcy risk).
- Negative return on equity (-43.8%) — the business is not currently generating profit on shareholder capital.
- Fluctuations in oil and gas prices could negatively impact revenue and profitability.
- Regulatory changes and environmental concerns could increase operating costs.
- Competition from other E&P companies could limit market share.
- Operational challenges in the Permian Basin, such as water scarcity, could disrupt production.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for VTLE?
- Increased Drilling Activity: Vital Energy can increase its oil and gas production by expanding its drilling program in the Permian Basin. The Permian Basin offers significant potential for horizontal drilling and enhanced oil recovery techniques. By deploying additional drilling rigs and optimizing well spacing, Vital Energy can tap into new reserves and boost its overall production volumes. This strategy requires careful capital allocation and efficient project management to ensure profitability and maximize returns. The market size for Permian Basin oil and gas production is estimated to be in the billions of dollars, with ongoing technological advancements further enhancing its potential. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Strategic Acquisitions: Vital Energy can pursue strategic acquisitions of adjacent acreage or smaller E&P companies in the Permian Basin to expand its footprint and consolidate its position in the region. Acquisitions can provide access to new reserves, infrastructure, and expertise, creating synergies and economies of scale. A disciplined approach to acquisitions is crucial to avoid overpaying for assets and ensure seamless integration. The market for oil and gas asset acquisitions in the Permian Basin is active, with numerous opportunities for consolidation. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Techniques: Vital Energy can implement enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques, such as waterflooding or CO2 injection, to increase production from existing wells. EOR techniques can unlock previously unrecoverable oil and gas reserves, extending the lifespan of mature fields and boosting overall production. The successful implementation of EOR requires careful reservoir characterization and engineering expertise. The market for EOR technologies and services is growing, driven by the need to maximize production from existing oilfields. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Infrastructure Development: Vital Energy can invest in infrastructure development, such as pipelines and processing facilities, to improve its operational efficiency and reduce transportation costs. Adequate infrastructure is essential for transporting oil and gas from the wellhead to market. By developing its own infrastructure, Vital Energy can gain greater control over its operations and reduce its reliance on third-party providers. The market for oil and gas infrastructure development is substantial, with ongoing investments in new and upgraded facilities. Timeline: Upcoming.
- Technological Innovation: Vital Energy can embrace technological innovation, such as advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence, to optimize its drilling and production operations. These technologies can improve reservoir characterization, optimize well placement, and enhance production forecasting. By leveraging data-driven insights, Vital Energy can make more informed decisions and improve its overall performance. The market for oil and gas technology solutions is rapidly evolving, with new innovations emerging on a regular basis. Timeline: Ongoing.
What Opportunities Does VTLE Have?
- Strategic acquisitions of additional acreage.
- Increased drilling activity to boost production.
- Implementation of enhanced oil recovery techniques.
- Technological innovation to improve efficiency.
What Threats Does VTLE Face?
- Fluctuations in oil and gas prices.
- Regulatory changes and environmental concerns.
- Competition from other E&P companies.
- Operational challenges in the Permian Basin.
What Are VTLE's Competitive Advantages?
- Strategic focus on the Permian Basin.
- Experienced management team.
- Operational expertise in drilling and production.
- Established infrastructure in the Permian Basin.
What Does VTLE Do?
Vital Energy, Inc., formerly Laredo Petroleum, Inc., is an independent energy company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and natural gas properties in the Permian Basin of West Texas, United States. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the company rebranded as Vital Energy in January 2023, marking a strategic shift in its corporate identity and operational focus. The company's core business revolves around identifying and securing promising acreage within the Permian Basin, a prolific oil and gas region known for its stacked pay zones and favorable geology. Vital Energy employs advanced drilling and completion techniques to maximize production from its wells, focusing on both conventional and unconventional resource plays. The company's operations encompass the entire lifecycle of oil and gas development, from initial land acquisition and seismic surveys to drilling, completion, production, and transportation. Vital Energy is committed to responsible resource development and adheres to stringent environmental and safety standards. The company's success is driven by its experienced team of geoscientists, engineers, and operations professionals, who possess a deep understanding of the Permian Basin's complex geology and reservoir characteristics. Vital Energy aims to create long-term value for its shareholders through disciplined capital allocation, efficient operations, and strategic acquisitions.
What Products and Services Does VTLE Offer?
- Acquires oil and natural gas properties.
- Explores for oil and natural gas reserves.
- Develops oil and natural gas properties.
- Drills and completes oil and gas wells.
- Produces and sells oil and natural gas.
- Manages its assets in the Permian Basin.
How Does VTLE Make Money?
- Acquires land and mineral rights in the Permian Basin.
- Explores and drills for oil and natural gas.
- Sells produced oil and natural gas to customers.
- Generates revenue from the sale of hydrocarbons.
What Industry Does VTLE Operate In?
Vital Energy operates within the oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) industry, a sector characterized by intense competition and cyclical commodity prices. The Permian Basin, where Vital Energy focuses its operations, is one of the most active and prolific oil and gas regions in the United States, attracting significant investment and driving technological innovation. The industry is subject to various factors, including global supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical events, and regulatory changes. Companies in this sector face increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt sustainable practices. The competitive landscape includes major integrated oil companies, independent E&P firms, and private equity-backed operators.
Who Are VTLE's Key Customers?
- Refineries that process crude oil.
- Natural gas distributors.
- Industrial consumers of natural gas.
- Other energy companies.
How Vital Energy, Inc. Is Valued
Vital Energy, Inc. carries a market capitalization of $693M, placing it in the small-cap category. Relative to its peer group, VTLE's quantitative score of 53/100 is below the peer average of 65/100.
Company Profile
Vital Energy, Inc. operates in the Oil & Gas Exploration & Production industry within the Energy sector. It is headquartered in Tulsa, US. The company is led by CEO Mikell Jason Pigott. VTLE has traded publicly since 2011.
ROE -44%Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for Vital Energy, Inc. stands at -43.8%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is -20.2%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. Its free cash flow yield is 17.9%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 0.78 means current liabilities exceed short-term assets, a liquidity point worth watching. Its earnings yield is -141.0%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
F-Score 6/9Financial Health
Vital Energy, Inc.'s Piotroski F-Score is 6/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — a middling fundamental profile. Its Altman Z-Score of -0.79 places it in the distress zone, a signal of elevated financial risk.
FY2026 estForward Outlook
Wall Street analysts project Vital Energy, Inc. revenue of about $1.82B for fiscal 2026, with EPS near $4.50.
Net sellingInsider Activity
The most recent 12 insider filings for Vital Energy, Inc. break down as 6 sales and 6 purchases. On net that is roughly 408K shares disposed (about $2K), a signal worth weighing alongside the fundamentals.
VTLE Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2024
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Insiders seem to be positioning themselves favorably, which could signal confidence in the company's future prospects.
- The community vibe is generally optimistic, suggesting positive expectations for VTLE's performance.
- Recent market developments appear to be aligning with VTLE's business strategy, potentially creating tailwinds.
- There's a perception that VTLE is undervalued compared to its peers, which could attract more investors.
Bear Case
- Insider activity, while generally positive, shows some selling, raising questions about long-term commitment.
- Despite overall optimism, a segment of the community expresses concerns about increasing competition in VTLE's sector.
- Recent market volatility could disproportionately impact smaller players like VTLE, creating uncertainty.
- The perception of undervaluation might stem from underlying challenges the market hasn't fully priced in yet.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · January 2026
VTLE Latest News
No recent news available for VTLE.
VTLE Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for VTLE.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for VTLE.
VTLE MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates VTLE 0-100 on quantitative fundamentals — growth, financial health, valuation, momentum, and risk.
Leadership: Mikell Jason Pigott
CEO
Mikell Jason Pigott serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Vital Energy, Inc. His career spans various leadership roles within the energy sector, demonstrating a deep understanding of oil and gas operations. Prior to Vital Energy, Pigott held executive positions at leading E&P companies, where he oversaw drilling, completion, and production activities. His experience includes managing large-scale projects, implementing operational efficiencies, and driving strategic growth initiatives. Pigott's expertise encompasses reservoir engineering, production optimization, and financial management. He brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success to Vital Energy.
Track Record: Under Mikell Jason Pigott's leadership, Vital Energy has focused on optimizing its operations in the Permian Basin and enhancing its financial performance. He has overseen strategic acquisitions to expand the company's footprint and increase its production capacity. Pigott has also emphasized the importance of responsible resource development and environmental stewardship. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding Vital Energy through a period of transformation and growth.
What Investors Ask About Vital Energy, Inc. (VTLE) — Energy
What does the AI Score mean for VTLE?
VTLE holds an AI Score of 53/100 (Grade: B). This is an educational research signal, not a buy or sell recommendation. Vital Energy, Inc. is an independent energy company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and natural gas properties. The company operates primarily in the Permian Basin …
What does Vital Energy, Inc. do?
Vital Energy, Inc. is an independent energy company that focuses on the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and natural gas properties, primarily in the Permian Basin of West Texas. The company's operations encompass the entire lifecycle of oil and gas development, from initial land acquisition and seismic surveys to drilling, completion, production, and transportation.
What do analysts say about VTLE stock?
Analyst coverage of Vital Energy, Inc. (VTLE) reflects a mixed outlook, with opinions varying based on the company's operational performance, commodity price environment, and strategic initiatives. Key valuation metrics, such as price-to-earnings ratio and enterprise value-to-EBITDA, are closely monitored to assess the company's relative value.
What are the main risks for VTLE?
Vital Energy, Inc. faces several key risks inherent to the oil and gas industry. Fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices can significantly impact the company's revenue and profitability. Regulatory changes, particularly those related to environmental regulations, can increase operating costs and limit drilling activity.
What are the key factors to evaluate for VTLE?
Vital Energy, Inc. (VTLE) holds an AI score of 53/100 (moderate). Not financial advice.
How frequently does VTLE data refresh on this page?
VTLE's price was last updated on Jul 20, 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 VTLE's recent stock price performance?
Vital Energy, Inc. (VTLE) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Focus on the prolific Permian Basin. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider VTLE overvalued or undervalued right now?
Vital Energy, Inc. (VTLE) 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 VTLE before investing?
Before investing in Vital Energy, Inc. (VTLE), 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.
- Information is based on available data and may be subject to change.
- Financial metrics are based on the most recent reporting period.