Wall Street analyst price targets, ratings consensus & upside potential · Updated Feb 28, 2026
Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path
As of February 28, 2026, Vital Energy, Inc. (VTLE) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $26.50, based on estimates from 36 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $17.92, this represents a potential upside of +47.9%. The company has a market capitalization of $693M.
Analyst price targets range from a low of $23.00 to a high of $30.00, representing a 26% spread in expectations. The median target of $26.50 aligns closely with the consensus average.
The current analyst consensus rating is Hold, with 10 analysts rating the stock as a Buy or Strong Buy,22 rating it Hold, and 4 rating it Sell or Strong Sell. The bearish sentiment suggests caution about the stock at current levels.
From a valuation perspective, VTLE trades at a trailing P/E of -3.8x and forward P/E of 4.0x. Analysts expect EPS to grow +112.9% over the next year.
Price is only half the story. See total return with reinvested dividends.
Launch CalculatorSee our Bear / Base / Bull DCF models and intrinsic value estimates.
View ValuationSee how VTLE stacks up against sector leader California Resources Corporation.
Start ComparisonThe consensus Wall Street price target for VTLE is $26.5, representing 47.9% upside from the current price of $17.92. With 36 analysts covering the stock, this strong upside suggests significant value not yet reflected in today's share price.
VTLE has a consensus rating of "Hold" based on 36 Wall Street analysts. The rating breakdown is mixed, with 22 Hold ratings making up the largest segment. The consensus 12-month price target of $26.5 implies 47.9% upside from current levels.
With a forward P/E of 3.9805x, VTLE trades at a relatively low valuation. The consensus target of $26.5 implies 47.9% appreciation, suggesting meaningful undervaluation.
The most bullish Wall Street analyst has a price target of $30 for VTLE, while the most conservative target is $23. The consensus of $26.5 represents the median expectation. These targets typically reflect 12-month expectations.
VTLE is heavily covered by Wall Street, with 36 analysts providing price targets and ratings. Of these, 0 have Strong Buy ratings, 10 have Buy ratings, 22 recommend Hold, and 4 have Sell or Strong Sell ratings. Higher analyst coverage generally indicates greater institutional interest and more reliable consensus estimates.
The 12-month VTLE stock forecast based on 36 Wall Street analysts shows a consensus price target of $26.5, with estimates ranging from $23 (bear case) to $30 (bull case). The median consensus rating is "Hold".
VTLE trades at a forward P/E ratio of 4.0x based on next-twelve-months earnings estimates. The higher forward P/E suggests near-term earnings pressure. A forward P/E is useful for comparing valuations when earnings are expected to change significantly.
Wall Street analysts are very optimistic on VTLE, with a "Hold" consensus rating and $26.5 price target (47.9% upside). 10 of 36 analysts rate it Buy or Strong Buy. This information is for educational purposes only. Always conduct your own research, consider your financial situation, and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
VTLE analyst price targets range from $23 to $30, a 26% moderate spread showing some variance in outlooks. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $26.5 consensus represents the middle ground.