Bullish indicating open at $55-$60, IPO prices at $37
Kathryn Anne Hill, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Vital Energy, Inc. (NYSE:VTLE), sold 5,673 shares of the company’s common stock on March 11, according to a recent SEC filing. The transaction comes as the stock has declined over 57% in the past year, with InvestingPro data showing the shares trading at just 0.27 times book value. The shares were sold at a price of $20.73 each, totaling approximately $117,601. Following this transaction, Hill retains direct ownership of 46,413 shares in the company. The sale was conducted under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan established on December 11, 2024. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company currently faces significant debt obligations while operating with negative free cash flow, though analysts expect profitability improvements this year. For deeper insights into insider trading patterns and 13 additional ProTips, subscribers can access the comprehensive Pro Research Report available on InvestingPro.
In other recent news, Vital Energy reported a net loss of $359.4 million for the fourth quarter, impacted by a non-cash impairment loss, despite achieving record production levels. The company’s earnings per share (EPS) of $2.30 exceeded analyst expectations by $0.17, although revenue of $534.37 million fell short of the consensus estimate of $546.9 million. Analysts at Raymond (NSE:RYMD) James and Citi have adjusted their price targets for Vital Energy shares, with Raymond James lowering it to $30 while maintaining an Outperform rating, and Citi reducing it to $36 but retaining a Buy rating. Meanwhile, JPMorgan raised its price target to $34, citing strong operational results and higher-than-expected natural gas pricing, though it maintained an Underweight rating. Mizuho (NYSE:MFG) Securities also increased its price target to $38, while keeping a Neutral stance, reflecting expectations of a modest earnings beat and a strategic focus on cost reduction and organic inventory expansion. Vital Energy’s updated guidance indicates a decrease in both capital expenditure and oil production for 2025, which has contributed to mixed investor sentiment. The company aims to generate approximately $330 million of Adjusted Free Cash Flow at $70 per barrel WTI and has emphasized reducing costs and enhancing inventory. These developments come amid a backdrop of fluctuating oil prices and strategic shifts within the company.
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