Vital Energy (VTLE) Nosedives Amid Rating Downgrade

The share price of Vital Energy, Inc. (NYSE:VTLE) fell by 20.75% between June 18 and June 25, 2025, putting it among the Energy Stocks that Lost the Most This Week.

Vital Energy (VTLE) Nosedives Amid Rating Downgrade

Aerial view of an oil well and the rig in the Permian Basin, West Texas.

Vital Energy, Inc. (NYSE:VTLE), an independent energy company that engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and natural gas properties in the Permian Basin of West Texas.

Vital Energy, Inc. (NYSE:VTLE) had surged by over 40% this month, but fell heavily recently after Raymond James analyst John Freeman double downgraded the stock from ‘Outperform’ to ‘Underperform’, citing the expectations that oil prices could slide to around $60 per barrel for an extended period as geopolitical risk premiums unwind. The analyst also highlighted Vital Energy’s lower inventory life in the Permian Basin as a factor in the downgrade decision.

Vital Energy, Inc. (NYSE:VTLE) was also impacted by the slump in global crude oil prices, with the WTI crude price falling by almost 12% since June 20, 2025.

That said, Vital Energy, Inc. (NYSE:VTLE) released an investor presentation this week, reaffirming the company’s outlook for FY 2025. VTLE is targeting a total production of 135.3 – 139.8 mboe/d, with a projected adjusted free cash flow of around $265 million for the year.

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