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Vital Energy Provides Select Preliminary Fourth-Quarter 2023 Results

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Vital Energy, Inc. (NYSE: VTLE) provided preliminary results for fourth-quarter 2023, exceeding total and oil production outlook with in-line capital investments. The company reported average daily total production of 113.4 MBOE/d and oil production of 52.8 MBO/d. Total incurred capital expenditures were approximately $190 million. The fourth-quarter 2023 earnings release and conference call details were also provided.
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Insights

The reported outperformance in production by Vital Energy, Inc. is a significant indicator of operational efficiency and resource management. The company's ability to exceed its production guidance, particularly in Howard and Upton counties, suggests a robust extraction and production strategy. This efficiency can be attributed to technological advancements, favorable geology, or superior management practices. Investors often look at production figures as a proxy for a company's health and future profitability, especially in the energy sector where production directly correlates with revenue potential.

A critical aspect to consider is the impact of these production numbers on supply and demand dynamics within the oil market. Increased production can sometimes lead to oversupply, potentially depressing oil prices. However, if such increases are aligned with growing demand or are offset by production cuts elsewhere, the price impact might be neutral or even positive. This balance must be continually assessed to understand the broader market implications of Vital Energy's production increase.

From a financial perspective, the capital expenditures being in-line with guidance provides a level of predictability and fiscal discipline that is reassuring to investors. The adherence to forecasted capital investment ranges indicates that Vital Energy is managing its financial resources as expected, which is crucial for maintaining investor trust. The exclusion of non-budgeted acquisitions and leasehold expenditures in these figures is also noteworthy, as it suggests that the company is separating its regular operational expenses from strategic investments, allowing for clearer financial analysis and valuation.

Regarding the share structure, the inclusion of Series A Preferred Stock in the diluted weighted-average shares outstanding is a detail that equity investors must consider, as it affects the earnings per share calculation. The conversion of preferred stock into common stock can lead to dilution of existing shareholders' equity, which is a critical consideration for both current and potential shareholders when evaluating the company's financial health and stock value.

The performance of Vital Energy within the context of the energy sector can be seen as a reflection of the company's competitive positioning. The acquisition of additional working interests and the earlier-than-expected closing of transactions indicate strategic moves to strengthen the company's asset base. These actions could potentially enhance Vital Energy's market share and influence within the sector. It is important to monitor how these acquisitions integrate into the company's overall portfolio and whether they contribute to sustained production growth and operational synergies.

Moreover, the energy sector is highly sensitive to regulatory and environmental considerations. While the current report does not mention these aspects, they remain underlying factors that could impact future operations and financial performance. Investors should be aware of any forthcoming regulations or shifts in environmental policy that may affect Vital Energy's operational regions, as these can have significant implications for the company's long-term strategy and profitability.

Total and oil production exceed outlook with capital investments in-line

Company provides fourth-quarter and full-year 2023 earnings and conference call details

TULSA, OK, Jan. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vital Energy, Inc. (NYSE: VTLE) ("Vital Energy" or the "Company") today provided select preliminary results for fourth-quarter 2023, including average daily total and oil production and incurred capital investments. Details for the Company’s fourth-quarter and full-year 2023 earnings release and conference call are provided within this release.

Fourth-Quarter 2023 Preliminary Production and Capital Expenditures

Production. The Company’s fourth-quarter 2023 total production averaged approximately 113.4 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day ("MBOE/d"), above guidance of 101.8 - 105.8 MBOE/d. Oil production for the quarter averaged approximately 52.8 thousand barrels of oil per day ("MBO/d"), above guidance of 47.9 - 50.9 MBO/d. Production results were primarily driven by outperformance of recently turned-in-line wells in Howard and Upton counties. Earlier-than-expected closing dates for previously announced transactions and the acquisition of additional working interests during the quarter contributed approximately 1,250 BOE/d (60% oil) to quarterly production.

Capital Investments. Total incurred capital expenditures during fourth-quarter 2023 were approximately $190 million, excluding non-budgeted acquisitions and leasehold expenditures, in-line with guidance of $175 - $190 million.

Fourth-Quarter 2023 Average Shares Outstanding

For the three months ended December 31, 2023, diluted weighted-average shares outstanding was approximately 29.8 million. The outstanding 2.0% Cumulative Mandatorily Convertible Series A Preferred Stock (the "Series A Preferred Stock") is included in diluted weighted-average shares outstanding.

As of December 31, 2023, total shares of common stock outstanding was approximately 35.4 million and total shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding was 595,104. Share count includes common shares held in escrow related to the Maple and Tall City acquisitions.

Fourth-Quarter 2023 Earnings Release and Conference Call Details

Vital Energy plans to report complete fourth-quarter and full-year 2023 financial and operating results after market close on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, and host a conference call and webcast at 7:30 a.m. CT on Thursday, February 22, 2024.

To participate in the call, dial 800.715.9871, using conference code 6099172 or listen to the call via the Company's website at www.vitalenergy.com, "Investor Relations | News & Presentations | Upcoming Events." A replay will be available following the call via the Company’s website.

About Vital Energy

Vital Energy, Inc. is an independent energy company with headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Vital's business strategy is focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties in the Permian Basin of West Texas.

Additional information about Vital may be found on its website at www.vitalenergy.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release and any oral statements made regarding the subject of this release contain forward-looking statements as defined under Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities that Vital Energy assumes, plans, expects, believes, intends, projects, indicates, enables, transforms, estimates or anticipates (and other similar expressions) will, should or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on management’s current belief, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, among others, that our business plans may change as circumstances warrant. General risks relating to Vital Energy include, but are not limited to, moderating but continuing inflationary pressures and associated changes in monetary policy that may cause costs to rise; changes in domestic and global production, supply and demand for commodities, actions by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and other producing countries and the Russian-Ukrainian military conflict, Israeli-Hamas military conflict, or other military conflicts, the decline in prices of oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas and the related impact to financial statements as a result of asset impairments and revisions to reserve estimates, the volatility of oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas prices, including our area of operation in the Permian Basin, reduced demand due to shifting market perception towards the oil and gas industry; competition in the oil and gas industry; the ability of the Company to execute its strategies, including its ability to successfully identify and consummate strategic acquisitions at purchase prices that are accretive to its financial results and to successfully integrate acquired businesses, assets and properties, pipeline transportation and storage constraints in the Permian Basin, the effects and duration of the outbreak of disease, and any related government policies and actions, long-term performance of wells, drilling and operating risks, the possibility of production curtailment, the impact of new laws and regulations, including those regarding the use of hydraulic fracturing, including under the Inflation Reduction Act (the “IRA”) including those related to climate change, the impact of legislation or regulatory initiatives intended to address induced seismicity on the Company’s ability to conduct its operations; hedging activities, tariffs on steel, the impacts of severe weather, including the freezing of wells and pipelines in the Permian Basin due to cold weather, possible impacts of litigation and regulations, the impact of the Company’s transactions, if any, with its securities from time to time, the impact of new environmental, health and safety requirements applicable to the Company’s business activities, the possibility of the elimination of federal income tax deductions for oil and gas exploration and development, imposition of any additional taxes under the IRA or otherwise, and other factors, including those and other risks described in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and those set forth from time to time in other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). These documents are available through Vital Energy’s website at www.vitalenergy.com under the tab “Investor Relations” or through the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering and Analysis Retrieval System at www.sec.gov. Any of these factors could cause Vital Energy’s actual results and plans to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, Vital Energy can give no assurance that its future results will be as estimated. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. Vital Energy does not intend to, and disclaims any obligation to, correct, update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

All amounts, dollars and percentages presented in this press release are rounded and therefore approximate.

Investor Contact:
Ron Hagood
918.858.5504
ir@vitalenergy.com


FAQ

What are Vital Energy, Inc.'s (NYSE: VTLE) fourth-quarter 2023 production results?

The company's fourth-quarter 2023 total production averaged approximately 113.4 MBOE/d, above guidance, with oil production averaging approximately 52.8 MBO/d, also above guidance.

What were Vital Energy, Inc.'s (NYSE: VTLE) capital investments in fourth-quarter 2023?

Total incurred capital expenditures during fourth-quarter 2023 were approximately $190 million, in-line with guidance.

When will Vital Energy, Inc. (NYSE: VTLE) report complete fourth-quarter and full-year 2023 financial and operating results?

Vital Energy plans to report complete fourth-quarter and full-year 2023 financial and operating results after market close on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, and host a conference call and webcast at 7:30 a.m. CT on Thursday, February 22, 2024.

Vital Energy, Inc.

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