Vertex Energy, Inc. (VTNR)
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.
Vertex Energy, Inc. (VTNR) trades at $0.05 with AI Score 43/100 (Grade C). Vertex Energy, Inc. Market cap: $4.87M, Sector: Energy.
Price live · AI analysis from Jun 15, 2026Analyst Coverage for VTNR: VTNR 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 VTNR against Energy peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns an underweight signal based on the underlying data.
VTNR: the 1 perspectives are evenly split.
How is this calculated? →Vertex Energy, Inc. (VTNR) Energy Operations & Outlook
Vertex Energy, Inc. operates as an environmental solutions company, specializing in collecting, processing, and recycling industrial and commercial waste streams across the Gulf Coast and Central Midwest. The company leverages its Mobile, Alabama refinery to convert various hydrocarbon feedstocks into specialty products, including gasoline blendstock and base oils, while also focusing on renewable diesel feedstock demand.
What Is the Investment Thesis for VTNR?
Vertex Energy, Inc. operates within the dynamic energy sector, focusing on environmental solutions through waste stream processing and specialty product refining, with its Mobile, Alabama refinery as a key asset. The company's strategic positioning to capitalize on increasing demand for renewable diesel feedstocks presents a significant growth catalyst. However, investors must consider the company's current financial profile, characterized by a negative profit margin of -2.2% and a modest gross margin of 4.4%. The high beta of 1.37 indicates significant price volatility relative to the broader market. Key value drivers include the potential for improved refining margins through operational efficiencies and strategic feedstock procurement, particularly as the company navigates commodity price fluctuations. The ability to effectively manage debt levels and execute its operational strategy will be critical for long-term value creation. While the company does not currently offer a dividend, its focus on converting waste streams into valuable products aligns with evolving market demands for sustainable solutions, offering a distinct market niche. Monitoring the company's progress in expanding its renewable diesel feedstock capabilities and optimizing its refining output will be essential for assessing its investment potential.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
VTNR Key Highlights
- Profit margin of -2.2% indicates current unprofitability, highlighting operational challenges or investment phases.
- Gross margin of 4.4% reflects a tight margin on sales, common in commodity-sensitive refining operations.
- Beta of 1.37 suggests the stock is more volatile than the overall market, implying higher risk and reward potential.
- The company operates a significant asset, its Mobile, Alabama refinery, central to its refining and marketing segment.
- Strategic focus on increasing demand for renewable diesel feedstocks positions the company for potential growth in the evolving energy landscape.
Who Are VTNR's Competitors?
VTNR is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REGI Renewable Energy Group, Inc. | $61.50 | +0.00% | $3.11B | 55 |
| FGPR Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. | $23.81 | -0.57% | $115.67M | 54 |
| SUN Sunoco LP | $67.88 | -0.59% | $9.28B | 53 |
| UGP Ultrapar Participações S.A. | $5.39 | +6.41% | $5.77B | 52 |
| PARR Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. | $61.20 | +4.63% | $3.07B | 43 |
| CLNE Clean Energy Fuels Corp. | $2.10 | +2.62% | $463.31M | 43 |
| BDCO Blue Dolphin Energy Company | $3.68 | -4.37% | $54.94M | 44 |
| TMDE TMD Energy Limited (TMDE) | $0.78 | +0.15% | $18.37M | 44 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are VTNR's Key Strengths?
- Specialized focus on environmental solutions through waste stream processing and recycling.
- Ownership of the Mobile, Alabama refinery, a primary asset for refining specialty products.
- Established network for collecting used motor oil across key U.S. regions.
- Potential to capitalize on increasing demand for renewable diesel feedstocks.
What Are VTNR's Weaknesses?
- Negative profit margin of -2.2% indicates current unprofitability.
- Low gross margin of 4.4% suggests limited pricing power or high operational costs.
- High beta of 1.37 indicates significant stock price volatility.
- Exposure to the volatile nature of commodity prices impacting refining margins.
What Could Drive VTNR Stock Higher?
- Increasing demand for renewable diesel feedstocks, which Vertex Energy aims to capitalize on through its refining capabilities.
- Execution of operational strategy at the Mobile, Alabama refinery to optimize output and improve refining margins.
- Potential for strategic partnerships or acquisitions to expand waste stream collection networks or diversify product offerings.
- Development of new technologies or process improvements to enhance efficiency in converting hydrocarbon by-products.
What Are the Key Risks for VTNR?
- Negative return on equity (-39.7%) — the business is not currently generating profit on shareholder capital.
- Volatility of commodity prices, including crude oil, refined products, and feedstocks, which directly impacts refining margins and profitability.
- High debt levels and the company's ability to manage and service this debt, which could affect financial flexibility and growth initiatives.
- Regulatory changes in environmental standards or waste management policies, potentially increasing operational costs or limiting certain activities.
- Operational risks associated with refinery maintenance, unexpected shutdowns, or environmental incidents.
- Intense competition from larger, more established players in both the refining and waste management sectors.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for VTNR?
- Growth opportunity 1: Capitalizing on the increasing demand for renewable diesel feedstocks represents a significant driver for Vertex Energy. As global energy policies and consumer preferences shift towards lower-carbon alternatives, the market for renewable fuels is expanding rapidly. Vertex Energy's Mobile, Alabama refinery, with its capabilities to process various hydrocarbon streams, is strategically positioned to convert suitable feedstocks into renewable diesel components. This market segment offers higher margins and aligns with environmental sustainability goals, potentially attracting new partnerships and securing long-term supply agreements. The timeline for this opportunity is ongoing, driven by continuous policy support and technological advancements in biofuel production.
- Growth opportunity 2: Expanding the Black Oil segment's collection network and processing capacity offers substantial growth. The Black Oil segment specializes in acquiring used motor oil, a consistent waste stream generated across industrial and commercial sectors. By broadening its network of direct generators and regional collectors, Vertex Energy can increase its raw material feedstock supply. Enhancing processing capabilities would allow for greater output of valuable products like vacuum gas oil and base oils, meeting demand from refineries and lubricant manufacturers. This expansion could lead to increased market share in the used oil recycling sector and improved economies of scale, with an ongoing timeline for incremental network development.
- Growth opportunity 3: Diversification of hydrocarbon feedstocks for the Refining and Marketing segment presents an opportunity to enhance operational flexibility and profitability. By sourcing a wider array of petroleum distillates, transmix, and other chemical products from various pipeline operators, refineries, and chemical processing facilities, Vertex Energy can mitigate risks associated with single-source reliance and optimize input costs. This diversification allows the company to adapt to changing market conditions for different feedstocks and produce a broader range of end products, such as specialized gasoline blendstocks or fuel oil cutter stocks, catering to evolving market demands. This is an ongoing strategic initiative to optimize refinery utilization.
- Growth opportunity 4: Growth in the market for specialty petroleum products, particularly Group III base oils and high-quality gasoline blendstocks, offers a premium market opportunity. Vertex Energy's refining capabilities allow it to produce these higher-value products, which command better pricing compared to generic fuel components. As industries demand more advanced lubricants and cleaner-burning fuels, the market for these specialty products is expected to grow. By focusing on quality and expanding distribution channels for these specific products, Vertex Energy can improve its revenue per barrel and enhance overall profitability. This opportunity is ongoing, driven by technological advancements and regulatory changes.
- Growth opportunity 5: Expanding environmental solutions beyond current waste streams, such as exploring new industrial and commercial waste streams for recycling and recovery, could unlock new markets. The Recovery segment currently focuses on recyclable metals and petroleum-based products. By investing in research and development or strategic acquisitions, Vertex Energy could identify and process additional types of waste, transforming them into valuable resources. This expansion would leverage the company's expertise in waste stream management and align with the broader circular economy trend, creating new revenue streams and strengthening its position as a comprehensive environmental solutions provider. This represents a mid-to-long-term growth avenue.
What Opportunities Does VTNR Have?
- Expansion into new types of industrial and commercial waste streams for recycling.
- Increased market penetration for renewable diesel feedstocks and related products.
- Optimization of refining processes to improve margins and product yields.
- Strategic partnerships to enhance feedstock supply or product distribution.
What Threats Does VTNR Face?
- Volatility in crude oil and refined product prices impacting profitability.
- Increased regulatory scrutiny or environmental compliance costs.
- Competition from larger, more diversified energy companies.
- Potential for increased debt levels and challenges in debt management.
What Are VTNR's Competitive Advantages?
- Established infrastructure for collecting and processing diverse waste streams across the Gulf Coast and Central Midwest.
- Ownership and operation of the Mobile, Alabama refinery, a key asset for specialized refining capabilities.
- Expertise in converting complex hydrocarbon by-products into marketable fuels and specialty products.
- Integrated approach combining waste management, refining, and marketing, creating a unique value chain.
- Strategic positioning to capitalize on the growing demand for renewable diesel feedstocks.
What Does VTNR Do?
Vertex Energy, Inc., established in 2001 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, functions as an environmental solutions company primarily focused on the collection, processing, and recycling of industrial and commercial waste streams. Its operations span the Gulf Coast and Central Midwest regions of the United States, addressing critical needs in waste management and resource recovery. The company's business model is structured around three distinct segments: Black Oil, Refining and Marketing, and Recovery. The Black Oil segment is dedicated to acquiring used motor oil, sourced either directly from generators or through an extensive network of regional collectors. This collected oil is then strategically utilized, either sold as industrial burner fuel or processed as a raw material feedstock. Additionally, this segment is responsible for the production and supply of vacuum gas oil to refineries and the marine fuels market, alongside base oil products that cater to lubricant manufacturers and distributors. The Refining and Marketing segment plays a crucial role in Vertex Energy's operations by sourcing diverse hydrocarbon streams. These inputs, which include petroleum distillates, transmix, and various chemical products, are procured from pipeline operators, refineries, chemical processing facilities, and other third-party suppliers. Through sophisticated refining processes, these streams are converted into valuable end products such as gasoline blendstock, pygas, and fuel oil cutter stock, which are subsequently sold to major oil companies or petroleum trading and blending firms. Finally, the Recovery segment focuses on the sale of recyclable metals, encompassing both ferrous and non-ferrous materials. This segment also actively markets Group III base oils and other petroleum-based products, further diversifying the company's revenue streams. Complementing these activities, the Recovery segment provides specialized transportation and marine salvage services, underscoring Vertex Energy's comprehensive approach to environmental solutions and resource management.
What Products and Services Does VTNR Offer?
- Collects and processes used motor oil from generators and collectors.
- Refines various hydrocarbon streams into end products like gasoline blendstock, pygas, and fuel oil cutter stock.
- Produces and supplies vacuum gas oil to refineries and the marine fuels market.
- Manufactures and distributes base oil products for lubricant manufacturers.
- Sells recyclable ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
- Markets Group III base oils and other petroleum-based products.
- Provides transportation and marine salvage services.
How Does VTNR Make Money?
- Acquires used motor oil and other hydrocarbon waste streams as raw materials.
- Processes and refines these materials into higher-value products such as fuels, blendstocks, and base oils.
- Sells refined products to oil companies, petroleum trading firms, lubricant manufacturers, and industrial users.
- Generates revenue from the sale of recyclable metals and provision of specialized services like transportation and marine salvage.
- Leverages its Mobile, Alabama refinery as a central asset for its refining and marketing operations.
What Industry Does VTNR Operate In?
Vertex Energy, Inc. operates within the Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing industry, a sector characterized by its cyclical nature and sensitivity to global commodity prices. The company distinguishes itself by focusing on environmental solutions, specifically the aggregation, processing, and refining of used motor oil and other petroleum by-products, alongside traditional refining activities. This dual focus positions Vertex Energy at the intersection of conventional energy and the circular economy, addressing both fuel production and waste management. The broader industry is currently experiencing trends towards energy transition, with increasing emphasis on renewable fuels and sustainable practices. Vertex Energy's stated strength in the increasing demand for renewable diesel feedstocks aligns with this macro trend, offering a potential avenue for differentiation and growth. The competitive landscape includes larger integrated oil companies, independent refiners, and specialized waste management firms. Vertex Energy's relatively modest market capitalization of $4.87M suggests it operates as a niche player, requiring agile strategies to compete effectively against larger, more diversified entities while navigating the inherent volatility of commodity markets.
Who Are VTNR's Key Customers?
- Industrial and commercial waste generators (for used motor oil collection).
- Refineries and marine fuel markets (for vacuum gas oil).
- Lubricant manufacturers and distributors (for base oils).
- Oil companies and petroleum trading/blending firms (for gasoline blendstock, pygas, fuel oil cutter stock).
- Buyers of recyclable metals.
Company Profile
Vertex Energy, Inc. operates in the Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing industry within the Energy sector. It is headquartered in Houston, US. The company is led by CEO Benjamin P. Cowart. VTNR has traded publicly since 1992.
How Vertex Energy, Inc. Is Valued
Vertex Energy, Inc. carries a market capitalization of $4.87M, placing it in the micro-cap category. Relative to its peer group, VTNR's quantitative score of 43/100 is roughly in line with the peer average of 51/100.
ROE -40%Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for Vertex Energy, Inc. stands at -39.7%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is -8.4%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. A current ratio of 1.07 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations.
F-Score 4/9Financial Health
Vertex Energy, Inc.'s Piotroski F-Score is 4/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — a middling fundamental profile. Its Altman Z-Score of 3.17 places it in the safe zone, indicating low near-term bankruptcy risk.
FY2026 estForward Outlook
Wall Street analysts project Vertex Energy, Inc. revenue of about $2.17B for fiscal 2026, with EPS near $-1.04.
Net sellingInsider Activity
The most recent 12 insider filings for Vertex Energy, Inc. break down as 9 sales and 3 purchases. On net that is roughly 163K shares disposed (about $395K), a signal worth weighing alongside the fundamentals.
VTNR Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Recent insider buying suggests confidence in Vertex Energy's future, indicating that those closest to the company believe in its potential growth.
- Community sentiment has shifted positively, with discussions highlighting Vertex's strategic moves in the renewable energy sector, aligning with market trends.
- Analysts are optimistic about the company's ability to expand its operations, particularly in the processing of renewable diesel, which is gaining traction.
- The overall energy sector has been buoyed by increasing demand for cleaner fuels, positioning Vertex Energy favorably within this evolving market.
Bear Case
- Concerns about regulatory hurdles in the renewable energy space could impact Vertex's operational plans and timelines.
- Recent bearish sentiment in online forums suggests skepticism about the company's ability to scale effectively amidst competitive pressures.
- Some market analysts are worried about Vertex's financial stability, given the volatility in energy prices, which could affect profitability.
- The stock has faced headwinds from broader market trends, with investors wary of potential economic slowdowns impacting energy demand.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · April 2026
VTNR Latest News
No recent news available for VTNR.
VTNR Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for VTNR.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for VTNR.
VTNR MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates VTNR's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Leadership: Benjamin P. Cowart
Chief Executive Officer
Benjamin P. Cowart leads Vertex Energy, Inc. as its Chief Executive Officer, overseeing a workforce of 481 employees. His tenure involves guiding the company's strategic direction in environmental solutions and petroleum refining. While specific details regarding his prior career history and educational background are not provided in the source data, his role encompasses the overall management and operational oversight of Vertex Energy's diverse segments, including Black Oil, Refining and Marketing, and Recovery operations.
Track Record: Under Mr. Cowart's leadership, Vertex Energy has continued to focus on its core environmental solutions business and the strategic development of its refining capabilities, notably the Mobile, Alabama refinery. His strategic decisions are aimed at navigating the volatile energy markets and optimizing the company's operational efficiency across its various waste stream processing and refining activities, while addressing the company's debt levels and operational strategy.
VTNR Energy Stock FAQ
What does Vertex Energy, Inc. do?
Vertex Energy, Inc. is an environmental solutions company that collects, processes, and recycles industrial and commercial waste streams, primarily in the Gulf Coast and Central Midwest. The company operates through three segments: Black Oil, which acquires and processes used motor oil; Refining and Marketing, which converts various hydrocarbon streams into products like gasoline blendstock and fuel oil cutter stock at its Mobile, Alabama refinery; and Recovery, which sells recyclable metals and markets Group III base oils, alongside providing transportation and marine salvage services. Essentially, it transforms waste by-products into valuable commodities.
How exposed is VTNR to commodity price fluctuations?
Vertex Energy, Inc. is significantly exposed to commodity price fluctuations due to its core business in oil and gas refining and marketing. The company's profitability, particularly its refining margins, is directly impacted by the volatile nature of prices for crude oil, petroleum distillates, and other hydrocarbon feedstocks, as well as the prices of its refined end products like gasoline blendstock and base oils. A negative profit margin of -2.2% and a low gross margin of 4.4% underscore this sensitivity. While the company aims to optimize its operational strategy, sustained adverse movements in commodity prices could pressure its financial performance and its ability to manage debt levels.
What is Vertex Energy's strategy regarding environmental solutions and sustainability?
Vertex Energy, Inc. positions itself as an environmental solutions company, with its strategy centered on the circular economy by collecting, processing, and recycling industrial and commercial waste streams. This approach minimizes waste and converts by-products like used motor oil into valuable resources such as industrial burner fuel, raw material feedstocks, vacuum gas oil, and base oils. A key aspect of its sustainability strategy involves capitalizing on the increasing demand for renewable diesel feedstocks, aligning its refining capabilities with the transition towards cleaner energy. This focus allows Vertex Energy to contribute to resource recovery while addressing market needs for both traditional and evolving energy products.
What are the main risks for VTNR?
The primary risks for Vertex Energy, Inc. stem from the inherent volatility of the energy sector. Ongoing risks include significant exposure to fluctuating commodity prices, which directly impact refining margins and overall profitability, as evidenced by its negative profit margin and low gross margin. The company also faces ongoing challenges related to its debt levels and the ability to effectively manage and service this debt. Potential risks encompass increased regulatory scrutiny or changes in environmental policies, which could raise operational costs. Furthermore, operational risks such as unexpected refinery shutdowns or environmental incidents, alongside intense competition from larger, more diversified energy and waste management companies, pose significant threats to its financial stability and growth prospects.
What are the key factors to evaluate for VTNR?
Vertex Energy, Inc. (VTNR) holds an AI score of 43/100 (low). Not financial advice.
How frequently does VTNR data refresh on this page?
VTNR prices update in real time during U.S. market hours. Fundamentals refresh after quarterly filings; analyst ratings and AI insights update daily; news is aggregated continuously.
What has driven VTNR's recent stock price performance?
Vertex Energy, Inc. (VTNR) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Specialized focus on environmental solutions through waste stream processing and recycling. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider VTNR overvalued or undervalued right now?
Valuing Vertex Energy, Inc. (VTNR) requires multiple metrics. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
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
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