UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

 ☒      QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2023

 or

☐     TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 For the transition period from                             to                            

Commission File Number: 001-35380

 Vital Energy, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware						45-3007926
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)						(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

521 E. Second Street			Suite 1000
Tulsa			Oklahoma			74120
(Address of principal executive offices)						(Zip code)

(918) 513-4570

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

Title of each class			Trading symbol			Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share			VTLE			New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 

Large accelerated filer

☒

Accelerated filer

☐

Non-accelerated filer

☐

Smaller reporting company

☐

Emerging growth company

☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐  No ☒ 

Number of shares of registrant's common stock outstanding as of August 3, 2023: 18,596,884

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VITAL ENERGY, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

			Page
Glossary of Oil and Natural Gas Terms and Certain Other Terms			iii
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements			v
Part I			1
Item 1.    Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)			1
Consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022			1
Consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022			2
Consolidated statements of stockholders' equity for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022			3
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022			5
Condensed notes to the consolidated financial statements:			6
Note 1—Organization and basis of presentation			6
Note 2—New accounting standards			6
Note 3—Acquisitions and divestiture			7
Note 4—Debt			9
Note 5—Stockholders' equity			10
Note 6—Equity Incentive Plan			10
Note 7—Net income per common share			12
Note 8—Derivatives			12
Note 9—Fair value measurements			14
Note 10—Commitments and contingencies			15
Note 11—Supplemental cash flow and non-cash information			16
Note 12—Income taxes			16
Note 13—Related parties			17
Note 14—Subsequent events			18
Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations			19
Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk			34
Item 4.    Controls and Procedures			35
Part II			36
Item 1.    Legal Proceedings			36
Item 1A.    Risk Factors			36
Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds			36
Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities			36
Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures			36
Item 5.    Other Information			37
Item 6.    Exhibits			38
Signatures			39

ii

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Glossary of Oil and Natural Gas Terms and Certain Other Terms

The following terms are used throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this "Quarterly Report"):

"Argus WTI Midland"—An index price reflecting the weighted average price of WTI at the pipeline and storage hub at Midland.

"Argus WTI Formula Basis"—The outright price at Cushing that is used as the basis for pricing all other Argus US Gulf coast physical crudes.

"Basin"—A large natural depression on the earth's surface in which sediments, generally brought by water, accumulate.

"Bbl" or "barrel"—One stock tank barrel, of 42 U.S. gallons liquid volume, used herein in reference to crude oil, condensate, natural gas liquids or water.

"Bbl/d"—Bbl per day.

"Benchmark Prices"—The unweighted arithmetic average first-day-of-the-month price for each month within the 12-month period prior to the end of the reporting period before differentials, as required by SEC guidelines.

"BOE"—One barrel of oil equivalent, calculated by converting natural gas to oil equivalent barrels at a ratio of six Mcf of natural gas to one Bbl of oil.

"BOE/d"—BOE per day.

"Btu"—British thermal unit, the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of a one pound mass of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

"Completion"—The process of treating a drilled well followed by the installation of permanent equipment for the production of oil or natural gas, or in the case of a dry hole, the reporting of abandonment to the appropriate agency.

"Dry hole"—A well found to be incapable of producing hydrocarbons in sufficient quantities such that proceeds from the sale of such production exceed production expenses and taxes.

"Exchange Act" —The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

"Formation"—A layer of rock which has distinct characteristics that differ from nearby rock.

"Fracturing" or "Frac"—The propagation of fractures in a rock layer by a pressurized fluid. This technique is used to release petroleum and natural gas for extraction.

"GAAP"—Generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

"Gross acres"—The total acres or wells, as the case may be, in which a working interest is owned.

"Henry Hub"—A natural gas pipeline delivery point in south Louisiana that serves as the benchmark natural gas price underlying NYMEX natural gas futures contracts.

"Horizon" —A term used to denote a surface in or of rock, or a distinctive layer of rock that might be represented by a reflection in seismic data.

"Initial Production"—The measurement of production from an oil or gas well when first brought on stream. Often stated in terms of production during the first thirty days.

"Liquids"—Describes oil, condensate and natural gas liquids.

"MBbl"—One thousand barrels of crude oil, condensate or natural gas liquids.

"MBOE"—One thousand BOE.

"Mcf"—One thousand cubic feet of natural gas.

"MMBtu"—One million Btu.

"MMcf"—One million cubic feet of natural gas.

"Natural gas liquids" or "NGL"—Components of natural gas that are separated from the gas state in the form of liquids, which include propane, butanes and ethane, among others.

iii

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"Net acres"—The percentage of gross acres an owner has out of a particular number of acres, or a specified tract. An owner who has 50% interest in 100 acres owns 50 net acres.

"NYMEX"—The New York Mercantile Exchange.

"OPEC"—The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

"Proved reserves"—The estimated quantities of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids that geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be commercially recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions.

"Realized Prices"—Prices which reflect adjustments to the Benchmark Prices for quality, transportation fees, geographical differentials, marketing bonuses or deductions and other factors affecting the price received at the delivery point without giving effect to our commodity derivative transactions.

"Reservoir"—A porous and permeable underground formation containing a natural accumulation of producible oil and/or natural gas that is confined by impermeable rock or water barriers and is separate from other reservoirs.

"SEC" — The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

"Securities Act" — The Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

"Senior Secured Credit Facility" — The Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among Vital Energy, Inc., as borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, Vital Midstream Services, LLC, as guarantor, and the banks signatory thereto.

"Spacing"—The distance between wells producing from the same reservoir.

"Standardized measure"—Discounted future net cash flows estimated by applying Realized Prices to the estimated future production of year-end proved reserves. Future cash inflows are reduced by estimated future production and development costs based on period end costs to determine pre-tax cash inflows. Future income taxes, if applicable, are computed by applying the statutory tax rate to the excess of pre-tax cash inflows over our tax basis in the oil and natural gas properties. Future net cash inflows after income taxes are discounted using a 10% annual discount rate.

"WAHA"—Waha West Texas Natural Gas Index price as quoted in Platt's Inside FERC.

"Working interest" or "WI"—The right granted to the lessee of a property to explore for and to produce and own crude oil, natural gas liquids, natural gas or other minerals. The working interest owners bear the exploration, development and operating costs on either a cash, penalty or carried basis.

"WTI"—West Texas Intermediate grade crude oil. A light (low density) and sweet (low sulfur) crude oil, used as a pricing benchmark for NYMEX oil futures contracts.

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Various statements contained in or incorporated by reference into this Quarterly Report are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements include statements, projections and estimates concerning our operations, performance, business strategy, oil, NGLs and natural gas reserves, drilling program capital expenditures, liquidity and capital resources, the timing and success of specific projects, outcomes and effects of litigation, claims and disputes, derivative activities and potential financing. Forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by words such as "estimate," "project," "predict," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "potential," "could," "may," "will," "foresee," "plan," "goal," "should," "intend," "pursue," "target," "continue," "suggest" or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments as well as other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. Among the factors that significantly impact our business and could impact our business in the future are:

•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 oil, NGL and natural gas and actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries members and other oil exporting nations ("OPEC+");

•the volatility of oil, NGL 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;

•our ability to optimize spacing, drilling and completions techniques in order to maximize our rate of return, cash flows from operations and shareholder value;

•the ongoing instability and uncertainty in the U.S. and international energy, financial and consumer markets that could adversely affect the liquidity available to us and our customers and the demand for commodities, including oil, NGL and natural gas;

•competition in the oil and gas industry;

•our ability to execute our strategies, including our ability to successfully identify and consummate strategic acquisitions at purchase prices that are accretive to our financial results and to successfully integrate acquired businesses, assets and properties; our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions, including effectively managing our expanded acreage;

•our ability to discover, estimate, develop and replace oil, NGL and natural gas reserves and inventory;

•insufficient transportation capacity in the Permian Basin and challenges associated with such constraint, and the availability and costs of sufficient gathering, processing, storage and export capacity;

•a decrease in production levels which may impair our ability to meet our contractual obligations and ability to retain our leases;

•risks associated with the uncertainty of potential drilling locations and plans to drill in the future;

•the inability of significant customers to meet their obligations;

•revisions to our reserve estimates as a result of changes in commodity prices, decline curves and other uncertainties;

•the availability and costs of drilling and production equipment, supplies, labor and oil and natural gas processing and other services;

•the effects, duration and other implications of, including government response to widespread epidemic or pandemic diseases;

•ongoing war and political instability in Ukraine and Russian efforts to destabilize the government of Ukraine and the global hydrocarbon market;

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•loss of senior management or other key personnel;

•risks related to the geographic concentration of our assets;

•capital requirements for our operations and projects;

•our ability to hedge commercial risk, including commodity price volatility, and regulations that affect our ability to hedge such risks;

•our ability to continue to maintain the borrowing capacity under our Senior Secured Credit Facility (as defined herein) or access other means of obtaining capital and liquidity, especially during periods of sustained low commodity prices;

•our ability to comply with covenants and other terms and conditions contained in our debt agreements, including our Senior Secured Credit Facility and the indentures governing our senior unsecured notes, as well as debt that could be incurred in the future;

•our ability to generate sufficient cash to service our indebtedness, fund our capital requirements and generate future profits;

•drilling and operating risks, including risks related to hydraulic fracturing activities and those related to inclement or extreme weather, impacting our ability to produce existing wells and/or drill and complete new wells over an extended period of time;

•physical and transition risks relating to climate change;

•the impact of legislation or regulatory initiatives intended to address induced seismicity, including restrictions on the use of water, produced water and produced water wells, on our ability to conduct our operations;

•United States ("U.S.") and international economic conditions and legal, tax, political and administrative developments, including the effects of energy, trade and environmental policies and existing and future laws and government regulations;

•our ability to comply with federal, state and local regulatory requirements;

•the impact of repurchases, if any, of securities from time to time;

•our ability to maintain the health and safety of, as well as recruit and retain, qualified personnel necessary to operate our business;

•our ability to secure or generate sufficient electricity to produce our wells without limitations; and

•our belief that the outcome of any legal proceedings will not materially affect our financial results and operations.

These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various factors, including those set forth under "Part I, Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report, and under "Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors" and "Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 (the "2022 Annual Report") and those set forth from time to time in our other filings with the SEC. These documents are available through our website or through the SEC's Electronic Data Gathering and Analysis Retrieval system at https://www.sec.gov. In light of such risks and uncertainties, we caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report, or if earlier, as of the date they were made. We do not intend to, and disclaim any obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements unless required by securities law.

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Part I

Item 1.    Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Vital Energy, Inc.

Consolidated balance sheets

(in thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

						June 30, 2023						December 31, 2022
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents						$	71,696					$	44,435
Accounts receivable, net						143,672						163,369
Derivatives						11,942						24,670
Other current assets						15,619						13,317
Total current assets						242,929						245,791
Property and equipment:
Oil and natural gas properties, full cost method:
Evaluated properties						10,349,348						9,554,706
Unevaluated properties not being depleted						198,805						46,430
Less: accumulated depletion and impairment						(7,500,936)						(7,318,399)
Oil and natural gas properties, net						3,047,217						2,282,737
Midstream and other fixed assets, net						128,792						127,803
Property and equipment, net						3,176,009						2,410,540
Derivatives						24,314						24,363
Operating lease right-of-use assets						127,958						23,047
Deferred income taxes						222,217						—
Other noncurrent assets, net						22,002						22,373
Total assets						$	3,815,429					$	2,726,114
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities						$	84,803					$	102,516
Accrued capital expenditures						66,488						48,378
Undistributed revenue and royalties						166,663						160,023
Derivatives						2,338						5,960
Operating lease liabilities						48,961						15,449
Other current liabilities						64,492						82,950
Total current liabilities						433,745						415,276
Long-term debt, net						1,619,599						1,113,023
Derivatives						3,025						—
Asset retirement obligations						74,428						70,366
Operating lease liabilities						75,844						9,435
Other noncurrent liabilities						5,215						7,268
Total liabilities						2,211,856						1,615,368
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized and zero issued as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022						—						—
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized, and 18,593,867 and 16,762,127 issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively						186						168
Additional paid-in capital						2,838,143						2,754,085
Accumulated deficit						(1,234,756)						(1,643,507)
Total stockholders' equity						1,603,573						1,110,746
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity						$	3,815,429					$	2,726,114

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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Vital Energy, Inc.

Consolidated statements of operations

(in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

						Three months ended June 30,												Six months ended June 30,
						2023						2022						2023						2022
Revenues:
Oil sales						$	299,085					$	410,359					$	565,816					$	757,802
NGL sales						25,887						72,505						58,893						137,660
Natural gas sales						8,952						66,606						27,026						105,195
Sales of purchased oil						338						8,795						14,189						87,659
Other operating revenues						800						1,891						1,645						4,235
Total revenues						335,062						560,156						667,569						1,092,551
Costs and expenses:
Lease operating expenses						57,718						42,014						107,899						82,890
Production and ad valorem taxes						21,607						33,001						42,138						60,488
Transportation and marketing expenses						10,681						10,994						21,596						25,737
Costs of purchased oil						588						6,780						14,755						89,744
General and administrative						18,482						16,999						44,412						38,943
Depletion, depreciation and amortization						103,340						78,135						190,119						151,627
Other operating expenses, net						1,351						3,999						2,835						4,137
Total costs and expenses						213,767						191,922						423,754						453,566
Gain on disposal of assets, net						154						930						391						670
Operating income						121,449						369,164						244,206						639,655
Non-operating income (expense):
Gain (loss) on derivatives, net						(18,044)						(65,927)						2,446						(391,743)
Interest expense						(31,529)						(32,807)						(60,083)						(65,284)
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net						—						(798)						—						(798)
Other income, net						1,104						6						1,958						150
Total non-operating expense, net						(48,469)						(99,526)						(55,679)						(457,675)
Income before income taxes						72,980						269,638						188,527						181,980
Income tax benefit (expense):
Current						(503)						(4,513)						(1,834)						(5,731)
Deferred						222,334						(2,579)						222,058						(484)
Total income tax benefit (expense)						221,831						(7,092)						220,224						(6,215)
Net income						$	294,811					$	262,546					$	408,751					$	175,765
Net income per common share:
Basic						$	16.35					$	15.60					$	23.71					$	10.46
Diluted						$	16.30					$	15.41					$	23.60					$	10.31
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic						18,031						16,834						17,236						16,800
Diluted						18,085						17,039						17,319						17,040

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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Vital Energy, Inc.

Consolidated statements of stockholders' equity

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)

						Common stock												Additional paid-in capital						Treasury stock (at cost)												Accumulated deficit
						Shares						Amount												Shares						Amount												Total
Balance, December 31, 2022						16,762						$	168					$	2,754,085					—						$	—					$	(1,643,507)					$	1,110,746
Restricted stock awards						315						3						(3)						—						—						—						—
Restricted stock forfeitures						(3)						—						—						—						—						—						—
Stock exchanged for tax withholding						—						—						—						49						(2,459)						—						(2,459)
Retirement of treasury stock						(49)						(1)						(2,458)						(49)						2,459						—						—
Share-settled equity-based compensation						—						—						3,141						—						—						—						3,141
Net income						—						—						—						—						—						113,940						113,940
Balance, March 31, 2023						17,025						170						2,754,765						—						—						(1,529,567)						1,225,368
Restricted stock awards						6						—						—						—						—						—						—
Restricted stock forfeitures						(9)						—						—						—						—						—						—
Stock exchanged for tax withholding						—						—						—						7						(385)						—						(385)
Retirement of treasury stock						(7)						—						(385)						(7)						385						—						—
Share-settled equity-based compensation						—						—						3,711						—						—						—						3,711
Equity issued for acquisition of oil and natural gas properties						1,579						16						80,052						—						—						—						80,068
Net income						—						—						—						—						—						294,811						294,811
Balance, June 30, 2023						18,594						$	186					$	2,838,143					—						$	—					$	(1,234,756)					$	1,603,573

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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Vital Energy, Inc.

Consolidated statements of stockholders' equity

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)

						Common stock												Additional paid-in capital						Treasury stock (at cost)												Accumulated deficit
						Shares						Amount												Shares						Amount												Total
Balance, December 31, 2021						17,075						$	171					$	2,788,628					—						$	—					$	(2,275,019)					$	513,780
Restricted stock awards						232						2						(2)						—						—						—						—
Restricted stock forfeitures						(4)						—						—						—						—						—						—
Stock exchanged for tax withholding						—						—						—						76						(5,847)						—						(5,847)
Retirement of treasury stock						(76)						(1)						(5,846)						(76)						5,847						—						—
Share-settled equity-based compensation						—						—						2,636						—						—						—						2,636
Performance share conversion						75						1						(1)						—						—						—						—
Net loss						—						—						—						—						—						(86,781)						(86,781)
Balance, March 31, 2022						17,302						173						2,785,415						—						—						(2,361,800)						423,788
Restricted stock awards						5						—						—						—						—						—						—
Restricted stock forfeitures						(3)						—						—						—						—						—						—
Share repurchases						—						—						—						85						(9,071)						—						(9,071)
Stock exchanged for tax withholding						—						—						—						7						(742)						—						(742)
Retirement of treasury stock						(92)						(1)						(9,812)						(92)						9,813						—						—
Share-settled equity-based compensation						—						—						2,935						—						—						—						2,935
Net income						—						—						—						—						—						262,546						262,546
Balance, June 30, 2022						17,212						$	172					$	2,778,538					—						$	—					$	(2,099,254)					$	679,456

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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Vital Energy, Inc.

Consolidated statements of cash flows

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)

						Six months ended June 30,
						2023						2022
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income						$	408,751					$	175,765
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Share-settled equity-based compensation, net						5,465						4,657
Depletion, depreciation and amortization						190,119						151,627
Gain on disposal of assets, net						(391)						(670)
Mark-to-market on derivatives:
(Gain) loss on derivatives, net						(2,446)						391,743
Settlements received (paid) for matured derivatives, net						8,440						(297,824)
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net						—						798
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense						(222,058)						484
Other, net						5,147						15,964
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net						17,360						(53,960)
Other current assets						(8,230)						6,844
Other noncurrent assets, net						1,590						(34,057)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities						(17,435)						(8,634)
Undistributed revenue and royalties						1,847						139,460
Other current liabilities						(18,647)						32,819
Other noncurrent liabilities						(4,499)						13,991
Net cash provided by operating activities						365,013						539,007
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of oil and natural gas properties, net						(526,985)						(7,887)
Capital expenditures:
Oil and natural gas properties						(309,223)						(282,750)
Midstream and other fixed assets						(6,899)						(4,952)
Proceeds from dispositions of capital assets, net of selling costs						2,252						2,049
Settlements received for contingent consideration						2,035						—
Net cash used in investing activities						(838,820)						(293,540)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on Senior Secured Credit Facility						595,000						135,000
Payments on Senior Secured Credit Facility						(90,000)						(240,000)
Extinguishment of debt						—						(32,334)
Share repurchases						—						(9,071)
Stock exchanged for tax withholding						(2,844)						(6,589)
Payments for debt issuance costs						—						(1,725)
Other, net						(1,088)						—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities						501,068						(154,719)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents						27,261						90,748
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period						44,435						56,798
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period						$	71,696					$	147,546

 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents			Vital Energy, Inc.

Condensed notes to the consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

Note 1—Organization and basis of presentation

Organization

Vital Energy, Inc. ("Vital" or the "Company"), together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is an independent energy company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties in the Permian Basin of West Texas. The Company has identified one operating segment: exploration and production. In these notes, the "Company" refers to Vital and its subsidiaries collectively, unless the context indicates otherwise. All amounts, dollars and percentages presented in these unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes are rounded and, therefore, approximate.

Basis of presentation

The unaudited consolidated financial statements were derived from the historical accounting records of the Company and reflect the historical financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods described herein. The unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. All material intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated in the consolidation of accounts.

The unaudited consolidated financial statements have not been audited by the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, except that the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022 is derived from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, the unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all necessary adjustments to present fairly the Company's financial position as of June 30, 2023, results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022. All adjustments are of a recurring nature unless otherwise disclosed herein.

Certain disclosures have been condensed or omitted from the unaudited consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, the unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the 2022 Annual Report.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period financial statement presentation. There was no impact on previously reported total assets, total liabilities, net income or stockholders' equity for the periods presented.

Significant accounting policies

There have been no material changes in the Company's significant accounting policies during the six months ended June 30, 2023. See Note 2 in the 2022 Annual Report for discussion of significant accounting policies.

Use of estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Although management believes these estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ.

See Note 2 in the 2022 Annual Report for further information regarding the use of estimates and assumptions.

Note 2—New accounting standards

The Company considered the applicability and impact of all accounting standard updates ("ASU") issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to the Accounting Standards Codification and has determined there are no ASUs that are not yet adopted and meaningful to disclose as of June 30, 2023. Additionally, the Company did not adopt any new ASUs during the six months ended June 30, 2023.

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Table of Contents			Vital Energy, Inc.

Condensed notes to the consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

Note 3—Acquisitions and divestitures

2023 Acquisitions

Forge Acquisition

On May 11, 2023, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement with Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. ("NOG") and Forge Energy II Delaware, LLC ("Forge"), pursuant to which the Company and NOG agreed to purchase Forge's oil and natural gas properties located in the Delaware Basin, including approximately 34,000 net acres in Pecos, Reeves and Ward Counties, and related assets and contracts, for an aggregate purchase price of $540.0 million of cash, subject to customary closing price adjustments. The Company agreed to purchase an undivided interest in 70% of the acquired assets and operate the assets and NOG agreed to purchase the remaining 30% of the assets (the "Forge Acquisition").

On June 30, 2023 ("Forge Closing Date"), the Company closed the Forge Acquisition for an aggregate purchase price of $397.2 million, comprised of (i) $391.6 million in cash, inclusive of customary closing price adjustments, subject to post-closing adjustments, and (ii) $5.7 million in transaction related expenses.

The Company determined that the Forge Acquisition was an asset acquisition, as substantially all of the gross assets acquired are concentrated in a group of similar identifiable assets. Accordingly, the consideration paid was allocated to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their relative fair values and all transaction costs associated were capitalized.

The following table presents components of the purchase price, inclusive of customary closing adjustments:

(in thousands)						As of June 30, 2023
Cash consideration						$	391,586
Transaction costs						5,656
Total purchase price						$	397,242

The following table presents the allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their relative fair values, on the Forge Closing Date:

(in thousands)						As of June 30, 2023
Evaluated properties						$	249,831
Unevaluated properties						153,110
Revenue suspense liabilities assumed						(4,323)
Asset retirement obligation liabilities assumed						(1,376)
Allocated purchase price						$	397,242

The Company funded the cash purchase price and related transaction costs with respect to the Forge Acquisition with borrowings under its Senior Secured Credit Facility.

Driftwood Acquisition

On February 14, 2023, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement with Driftwood Energy Operating, LLC ("Driftwood"), pursuant to which the Company agreed to purchase (the "Driftwood Acquisition") Driftwood's oil and natural gas properties in the Midland Basin, including approximately 11,200 net acres located in Upton and Reagan Counties and related assets and contracts, inclusive of derivatives (the "Driftwood Assets").

On April 3, 2023 ("Driftwood Closing Date"), the Company closed the Driftwood Acquisition for an aggregate purchase price of $201.3 million, comprised of (i) $117.3 million of cash, inclusive of customary closing price adjustments, subject to post-closing adjustments, (ii) 1,578,948 shares of the Company's common stock, par value $0.01 per share, based upon the share price as of the Driftwood Closing Date and (iii) $3.9 million in transaction related expenses.

The Company determined that the Driftwood Acquisition was an asset acquisition, as substantially all of the gross assets acquired are concentrated in a group of similar identifiable assets. Accordingly, the consideration paid was allocated to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their relative fair values and all transaction costs associated were capitalized.

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Table of Contents			Vital Energy, Inc.

Condensed notes to the consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

The following table presents components of the purchase price, inclusive of customary closing adjustments:

(in thousands, except for share price data)						As of April 3, 2023
Shares of Company common stock						1,578,948
Company common stock price at the Driftwood Closing Date						$	50.71
Value of the Company common stock consideration						$	80,068
Cash consideration						$	117,332
Transaction costs						3,857
Total purchase price						$	201,257

The following table presents the allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, based on their relative fair values, on the Driftwood Closing Date:

(in thousands)						As of April 3, 2023
Evaluated properties						$	147,622
Unevaluated properties						59,088
Revenue suspense liabilities assumed						(470)
Derivative liabilities assumed						(4,151)
Asset retirement obligation liabilities assumed						(832)
Allocated purchase price						$	201,257

The Company funded the cash portion of the purchase price and related transaction costs with respect to the Driftwood Acquisition from cash on hand and borrowings under its Senior Secured Credit Facility.

During the three months ended June 30, 2022, in connection with the Driftwood Acquisition, the Company acquired additional interests in the Driftwood Assets through additional sellers that exercised their "tag-along" sales rights, for total cash consideration of $8.6 million, excluding customary purchase price adjustments. These acquisitions were accounted for as asset acquisitions.

2022 Divestiture

On August 16, 2022, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement with NOG, pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell to NOG the Company's working interests in certain specified non-operated oil and gas properties (the "NOG Working Interest Sale").

On October 3, 2022, the Company closed the NOG Working Interest Sale for an aggregate sales price of $106.1 million, inclusive of post-closing adjustments.

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Table of Contents			Vital Energy, Inc.

Condensed notes to the consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

Note 4—Debt

Long-term debt, net

The following table presents the Company's long-term debt and debt issuance costs, net included in "Long-term debt, net" on the consolidated balance sheets as of the dates presented:

						June 30, 2023																		December 31, 2022
(in thousands)						Long-term debt						Debt issuance costs, net						Long-term debt, net						Long-term debt						Debt issuance costs, net						Long-term debt, net
January 2025 Notes						$	455,628					$	(2,407)					$	453,221					$	455,628					$	(3,297)					$	452,331
January 2028 Notes						300,309						(3,123)						297,186						300,309						(3,478)						296,831
July 2029 Notes						298,214						(4,022)						294,192						298,214						(4,353)						293,861
Senior Secured Credit Facility(1)						575,000						—						575,000						70,000						—						70,000
Total						$	1,629,151					$	(9,552)					$	1,619,599					$	1,124,151					$	(11,128)					$	1,113,023

______________________________________________________________________________

(1)Debt issuance costs, net related to the Senior Secured Credit Facility of $5.8 million and $7.3 million as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, are included in "Other noncurrent assets, net" on the consolidated balance sheets.

Senior unsecured notes repurchases

The following table presents the Company's repurchases of its senior unsecured notes and the related gain or loss on extinguishment of debt during the periods presented:

						Three months ended June 30,												Six months ended June 30,
(in thousands)						2023						2022						2023						2022
January 2025 Notes						$	—					$	—					$	—					$	—
January 2028 Notes						—						6,250						—						6,250
January 2029 Notes						—						25,776						—						25,776
Total principal amount repurchased						$	—					$	32,026					$	—					$	32,026
Less:
Consideration paid						$	—					$	32,334					$	—					$	32,334
Write off of debt issuance costs						—						490						—						490
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net(1)						$	—					$	(798)					$	—					$	(798)

______________________________________________________________________________

(1)Amounts are included in "Loss on extinguishment of debt, net" on the consolidated statements of operations.

Senior Secured Credit Facility

As of June 30, 2023, the Senior Secured Credit Facility, which matures on July 16, 2025 (subject to a springing maturity date of July 29, 2024 if any of the January 2025 Notes are outstanding on such date), had a maximum credit amount of $2.0 billion, a borrowing base and an aggregate elected commitment of $1.3 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively, with a $575.0 million balance outstanding, and was subject to an interest rate of 7.978%. The Senior Secured Credit Facility contains both financial and non-financial covenants, all of which the Company was in compliance with for all periods presented. Additionally, the Senior Secured Credit Facility provides for the issuance of letters of credit, limited to the lesser of total capacity or $80.0 million. As of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had no letters of credit outstanding under the Senior Secured Credit Facility. For additional information see Note 7 in the 2022 Annual Report. See Note 14 for discussion of additional borrowings and repayments on the Senior Secured Credit Facility subsequent to June 30, 2023.

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Table of Contents			Vital Energy, Inc.

Condensed notes to the consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

Note 5—Stockholders' equity

Shares issued for acquisition of oil and natural gas properties

On April 3, 2023, in connection with the Driftwood Acquisition, the Company issued 1,578,948 shares of its common stock as part of the purchase price. See Note 3 for additional information on the Driftwood Acquisition.

Authorized shares increase

On May 26, 2022, upon recommendation of the Company's board of directors, stockholders approved an amendment to the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of its common stock from 22,500,000 shares to 40,000,000 shares.

Share repurchase program

On May 31, 2022, the Company's board of directors authorized a $200.0 million share repurchase program. The repurchase program commenced in May 2022 and expires in May 2024. Share repurchases under the program may be made through a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases, including under plans complying with Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act, and privately negotiated transactions. The timing and actual number of share repurchases will depend upon several factors, including market conditions, business conditions, the trading price of the Company's common stock and the nature of other investment opportunities available to the Company. The Company's board of directors may modify, increase, suspend or terminate the share repurchase program at any time at its discretion. During the six months ended June 30, 2022, the Company repurchased 85,161 shares of its common stock on the open market at a weighted-average price of $106.50 per common share for a total of $9.1 million under this program and, upon repurchase, the shares were retired. No shares were repurchased during the six months ended June 30, 2023. As of June 30, 2023, approximately $162.7 million remained available for future repurchases under the share repurchase program.

Note 6—Equity Incentive Plan

The Vital Energy, Inc. Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the "Equity Incentive Plan") provides for the granting of incentive awards in the form of restricted stock awards, stock option awards, performance share awards, performance unit awards, phantom unit awards and other awards. The Equity Incentive Plan allows for the issuance of up to 2,432,500 shares.

See Note 9 in the 2022 Annual Report for additional discussion of the Company's equity-based compensation awards.

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Table of Contents			Vital Energy, Inc.

Condensed notes to the consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

The following table presents activity for equity-based compensation awards for the six months ended June 30, 2023:

						Equity Awards																		Liability Awards
(in thousands)						Restricted Stock Awards						Stock Option Awards						Performance Share Awards						Performance Unit Awards(1)(2)						Phantom Unit Awards(3)
Outstanding as of December 31, 2022						362						3						48						150						18
Granted						321						—						—						75						—
Forfeited						(12)						—						—						—						—
Vested						(158)						—						—						(67)						(16)
Expired or canceled						—						(1)						—						—						—
Outstanding as of June 30, 2023						513						2						48						158						2

_____________________________________________________________________________

(1)The performance unit awards granted on March 5, 2020 had a performance period of January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022 and, as their market and performance criteria were satisfied, resulted in a 151% payout, or 101,368 units. As such, the granted awards vested and were paid out in cash on March 3, 2023 at $57.06 based on the Company's closing stock price on the vesting date.

(2)On February 15, 2023, the Company granted performance unit awards with a performance period of January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2025. The market criteria consists of: (i) annual relative total shareholder return comparing the Company's shareholder return to the shareholder return of the exploration and production companies listed in the Russel 2000 Index and (ii) annual absolute shareholder return. The performance criteria for these awards consists of: (i) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and exploration expense and three-year total debt reduction, (ii) growth in inventory and (iii) emissions reductions. Any units earned are expected to be paid in cash during the first quarter following the completion of the requisite service period, based on the achievement of market and performance criteria, and the payout can range from 0% to 225%.

(3)On March 1, 2023 and March 3, 2023, granted phantom unit awards vested and were paid out in cash at $52.56 and $57.06, respectively, based on the Company's closing stock price on the vesting date.

As of June 30, 2023, total unrecognized cost related to equity-based compensation awards was $30.2 million, of which $4.8 million was attributable to liability awards which will be settled in cash rather than shares. Such cost will be recognized on a straight-line basis over an expected weighted-average period of 2.14 years.

Equity-based compensation

The following table reflects equity-based compensation expense for the periods presented:

						Three months ended June 30,												Six months ended June 30,
(in thousands)						2023						2022						2023						2022
Equity awards:
Restricted stock awards						$	3,322					$	2,435					$	6,039					$	4,610
Performance share awards						389						500						813						961
Total share-settled equity-based compensation, gross						3,711						2,935						6,852						5,571
Less amounts capitalized						(818)						(331)						(1,387)						(914)
Total share-settled equity-based compensation, net						2,893						2,604						5,465						4,657
Liability awards:
Performance unit awards						1,093						340						1,590						5,906
Phantom unit awards						18						270						235						879
Total cash-settled equity-based compensation, gross						1,111						610						1,825						6,785
Less amounts capitalized						—						(155)						(50)						(202)
Total cash-settled equity-based compensation, net						1,111						455						1,775						6,583
Total equity-based compensation, net						$	4,004					$	3,059					$	7,240					$	11,240

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Table of Contents			Vital Energy, Inc.

Condensed notes to the consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

Note 7—Net income per common share

Basic and diluted net income per common share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per common share reflects the potential dilution of non-vested equity-based compensation awards. See Note 9 in the 2022 Annual Report for additional discussion of these awards.

The following table reflects the calculations of basic and diluted (i) weighted-average common shares outstanding and (ii) net income per common share for the periods presented:

						Three months ended June 30,												Six months ended June 30,
(in thousands, except for per share data)						2023						2022						2023						2022
Net income						$	294,811					$	262,546					$	408,751					$	175,765
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic						18,031						16,834						17,236						16,800
Dilutive non-vested restricted stock awards						54						205						83						216
Dilutive non-vested performance share awards(1)						—						—						—						24
Diluted						18,085						17,039						17,319						17,040
Net income per common share:
Basic						$	16.35					$	15.60					$	23.71					$	10.46
Diluted						$	16.30					$	15.41					$	23.60					$	10.31

_____________________________________________________________________________

(1)The dilutive effect of the non-vested performance shares for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 was calculated assuming each respective performance period ended on June 30, 2022.

Note 8—Derivatives

The Company has two types of derivative instruments as of June 30, 2023: (i) commodity derivatives and (ii) a contingent consideration derivative. In previous periods, the Company also engaged in an interest rate swap derivative, which concluded during the second quarter of 2022. See Note 9 for discussion of fair value measurement of derivatives on a recurring basis and Note 14 for discussion of derivatives subsequent events. The Company's derivatives were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes, and the Company does not enter into such instruments for speculative trading purposes. Accordingly, the changes in derivative fair values are recognized in "Gain (loss) on derivatives, net" under "Non-operating income (expense)" on the consolidated statements of operations.

The following table summarizes components of the Company's gain (loss) on derivatives, net by type of derivative instrument for the periods presented:

						Three months ended June 30,												Six months ended June 30,
(in thousands)						2023						2022						2023						2022
Commodity						$	(16,190)					$	(66,347)					$	1,392					$	(396,071)
Contingent consideration						(1,854)						419						1,054						4,314
Interest rate						—						1						—						14
Gain (loss) on derivatives, net						$	(18,044)					$	(65,927)					$	2,446					$	(391,743)

Commodity

Due to the inherent volatility in oil, NGL and natural gas prices and the sometimes wide pricing differentials between where the Company produces and where the Company sells such commodities, the Company engages in commodity derivative transactions, such as puts, swaps, collars and basis swaps, to hedge price risk associated with a portion of the Company's anticipated sales volumes. By removing a portion of the price volatility associated with future sales volumes, the Company expects to mitigate, but not eliminate, the potential effects of variability in cash flows from operations. See Note 11 in the 2022 Annual Report for discussion of transaction types and settlement indexes. During the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company’s derivatives were settled based on reported prices on commodity exchanges, with oil derivatives settled based on WTI NYMEX, Argus WTI Midland and Argus WTI Formula Basis pricing and natural gas derivatives settled based on Henry Hub NYMEX and Waha Inside FERC pricing.

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Table of Contents			Vital Energy, Inc.

Condensed notes to the consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

The following table summarizes open commodity derivative positions as of June 30, 2023, for commodity derivatives that were entered into through June 30, 2023, for the settlement periods presented:

						Remaining Year 2023						Year 2024
Oil:
WTI NYMEX - Swaps:
Volume (Bbl)						2,024,000						3,260,950
Weighted-average price ($/Bbl)						$	72.83					$	69.56
WTI NYMEX - Collars:
Volume (Bbl)						1,793,400						—
Weighted-average floor price ($/Bbl)						$	69.58					$	—
Weighted-average ceiling price ($/Bbl)						$	87.01					$	—
WTI NYMEX - Three-way Collars:
Volume (Bbl)						191,500						217,350
Weighted-average sold put price ($/Bbl)						$	45.54					$	50.00
Weighted-average floor price ($/Bbl)						$	57.68					$	66.51
Weighted-average ceiling price ($/Bbl)						$	74.37					$	87.09
Argus WTI Midland to Argus WTI Formula Basis - Basis Swaps:
Volume (Bbl)						328,900						293,300
Weighted-average differential ($/Bbl)						$	0.18					$	0.11
Natural gas:
Henry Hub NYMEX - Swaps:
Volume (MMBtu)						78,100						22,415,700
Weighted-average price ($/MMBtu)						$	2.46					$	3.47
Henry Hub NYMEX - Collars:
Volume (MMBtu)						13,685,407						776,292
Weighted-average floor price ($/MMBtu)						$	4.11					$	3.40
Weighted-average ceiling price ($/MMBtu)						$	8.33					$	6.11
Henry Hub NYMEX - Three-way Collars:
Volume (MMBtu)						69,000						—
Weighted-average sold put price ($/MMBtu)						$	2.00					$	—
Weighted-average floor price ($/MMBtu)						$	2.50					$	—
Weighted-average ceiling price ($/MMBtu)						$	3.01					$	—
Waha Inside FERC to Henry Hub NYMEX - Basis Swaps:
Volume (MMBtu)						21,192,507						23,191,992
Weighted-average differential ($/MMBtu)						$	(1.53)					$	(0.75)

Contingent consideration

On May 7, 2021, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement (the "Sixth Street PSA"), to sell 37.5% of the Company's working interest in certain producing wellbores and the related properties primarily located within Glasscock and Reagan Counties, Texas. The Sixth Street PSA provides for potential contingent payments to be paid to the Company if certain cash flow targets are met related to divested oil and natural gas property operations (the "Sixth Street Contingent Consideration"). The Sixth Street Contingent Consideration provides the Company with the right to receive up to a maximum of $93.7 million in additional cash consideration, comprised of potential quarterly payments through June 2027 totaling up to $38.7 million and a potential balloon payment of $55.0 million in June 2027. As of June 30, 2023, the maximum remaining additional cash consideration of the contingent consideration was $85.4 million. The fair value of the Sixth Street Contingent Consideration was $26.2 million as of June 30, 2023 and $26.6 million as of December 31, 2022.

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Table of Contents			Vital Energy, Inc.

Condensed notes to the consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

Note 9—Fair value measurements

See the beginning of Note 12 in the 2022 Annual Report for information about the fair value hierarchy levels.

Fair value measurement on a recurring basis

See Note 8 for further discussion of the Company's derivatives.

Balance sheet presentation

The following tables present the Company's derivatives by (i) balance sheet classification, (ii) derivative type and (iii) fair value hierarchy level, and provide a total, on a gross basis and a net basis reflected in "Derivatives" on the consolidated balance sheets as of the dates presented:

						June 30, 2023
(in thousands)						Level 1						Level 2						Level 3						Total gross fair value						Amounts offset						Net fair value presented on the consolidated balance sheets
Assets:
Current:
Commodity						$	—					$	32,558					$	—					$	32,558					$	(22,541)					$	10,017
Contingent consideration						—						—						1,925						1,925						—						1,925
Noncurrent:
Commodity						—						416						—						416						(416)						—
Contingent consideration						—						—						24,314						24,314						—						24,314
Liabilities:
Current:
Commodity						—						(24,879)						—						(24,879)						22,541						(2,338)
Noncurrent:
Commodity						—						(3,441)						—						(3,441)						416						(3,025)
Net derivative asset positions						$	—					$	4,654					$	26,239					$	30,893					$	—					$	30,893

						December 31, 2022
(in thousands)						Level 1						Level 2						Level 3						Total gross fair value						Amounts offset						Net fair value presented on the consolidated balance sheets
Assets:
Current:
Commodity						$	—					$	35,586					$	—					$	35,586					$	(13,193)					$	22,393
Contingent consideration						—						—						2,277						2,277						—						2,277
Noncurrent:
Contingent consideration						—						—						24,363						24,363						—						24,363
Liabilities:
Current:
Commodity						—						(19,153)						—						(19,153)						13,193						(5,960)
Net derivative asset positions						$	—					$	16,433					$	26,640					$	43,073					$	—					$	43,073

See Note 12 in the 2022 Annual Report for discussion of the significant Level 2 inputs used in the fair value mark-to-market analysis of commodity, interest rate and contingent consideration derivatives. The Company reviewed the third-party specialist's valuations of commodity, interest rate and contingent consideration derivatives, including the related inputs, and analyzed changes in fair values between reporting dates.

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Table of Contents			Vital Energy, Inc.

Condensed notes to the consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

The Sixth Street Contingent Consideration associated with the Working Interest Sale was categorized as Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, as the Company utilized its own cash flow projections along with a risk-adjusted discount rate generated by a third-party valuation specialist to determine the valuation. The Company reviewed the third-party specialist's valuation, including the related inputs, and analyzed changes in fair values between the divestiture closing date and the reporting dates. The fair value of the Sixth Street Contingent Consideration was recorded as part of the basis in the oil and natural gas properties divested and as a contingent consideration asset. At each quarterly reporting period, the Company remeasures contingent consideration with the change in fair values recognized in "Gain (loss) on derivatives, net" under "Non-operating income (expense)" on the consolidated statement of operations.

The following table summarizes the changes in contingent consideration derivatives classified as Level 3 measurements for the periods presented:

						Three months ended June 30,												Six months ended June 30,
(in thousands)						2023						2022						2023						2022
Balance of Level 3 at beginning of period						$	28,093					$	39,756					$	26,640					$	35,861
Change in Sixth Street Contingent Consideration fair value						(1,854)						419						1,054						4,314
Settlements realized(1)						—						(1,555)						(1,455)						(1,555)
Balance of Level 3 at end of period						$	26,239					$	38,620					$	26,239					$	38,620

_____________________________________________________________________________

(1)For the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, the settlements are included in "Settlements received for contingent consideration" in cash flows from investing activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Items not accounted for at fair value

The carrying amounts reported on the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued capital expenditures, undistributed revenue and royalties and other accrued assets and liabilities approximate their fair values.

The Company has not elected to account for its debt instruments at fair value. The following table presents the carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's debt as of the dates presented:

						June 30, 2023												December 31, 2022
(in thousands)						Carrying amount						Fair value(1)						Carrying amount						Fair value(1)
January 2025 Notes						$	455,628					$	452,211					$	455,628					$	449,122
January 2028 Notes						300,309						294,378						300,309						292,846
July 2029 Notes						298,214						246,027						298,214						268,416
Senior Secured Credit Facility						575,000						575,348						70,000						69,945
Total						$	1,629,151					$	1,567,964					$	1,124,151					$	1,080,329

______________________________________________________________________________

(1)The fair values of the outstanding notes were determined using the Level 2 fair value hierarchy quoted market prices for each respective instrument as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The fair values of the outstanding debt under the Senior Secured Credit Facility was estimated utilizing the Level 2 fair value hierarchy pricing model for similar instruments as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

Note 10—Commitments and contingencies

From time to time, the Company is subject to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, including those that arise from interpretation of federal, state and local laws and regulations affecting the oil and natural gas industry, personal injury claims, title disputes, royalty disputes, contract claims, contamination claims relating to oil and natural gas exploration and development and environmental claims, including claims involving assets previously sold to third parties and no longer part of the Company's current operations. The Company may not have insurance coverage for some of these proceedings and failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations can result in substantial penalties. While many of these matters involve inherent uncertainty, as of the date hereof, the Company believes that any such legal proceedings, if

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Condensed notes to the consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

ultimately decided adversely, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

The Company has committed to deliver, for sale or transportation, fixed volumes of product under certain contractual arrangements that specify the delivery of a fixed and determinable quantity. If not fulfilled, the Company is subject to firm transportation payments on excess pipeline capacity and other contractual penalties. These commitments are normal and customary for the Company's business. In certain instances, the Company has used spot market purchases to meet its commitments in certain locations or due to favorable pricing. A portion of the Company's commitments are related to transportation commitments with a certain pipeline pertaining to the gathering of the Company's production from established acreage that extends into 2024. The Company was unable to satisfy a portion of this particular commitment with produced or purchased oil, therefore, the Company expensed firm transportation payments on excess capacity of $2.4 million and $3.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which are recorded in "Transportation and marketing expenses" on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company had an estimated aggregate liability of firm transportation payments on excess capacity of $11.7 million and $11.5 million as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, and is included in "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets. As of June 30, 2023, future firm sale and transportation commitments of $138.5 million are expected to be satisfied and, as such, are not recorded as a liability on the consolidated balance sheet.

Note 11—Supplemental cash flow and non-cash information

The following table presents supplemental cash flow and non-cash information for the periods presented:

						Six months ended June 30,
(in thousands)						2023						2022
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest, net of $1,116 and $2,606 of capitalized interest, respectively						$	55,987					$	67,995
Supplemental non-cash operating information:
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities(1)						$	124,868					$	33,985
Supplemental non-cash investing information:
Change in accrued capital expenditures						$	18,110					$	14,173
Equity issued for acquisition of oil and natural gas properties(2)						$	80,068					$	—
Liabilities assumed in acquisitions of oil and natural gas properties(2)						$	11,152					$	—

_____________________________________________________________________________

(1)See Notes 5 and 18 in the 2022 Annual Report for additional discussion of the Company's leases.

(2)See Note 3 for additional discussion regarding acquisitions.

Note 12—Income taxes

As of June 30, 2023, the Company’s deferred tax assets were primarily the result of U.S. net operating loss carryforwards. A valuation allowance of $298.2 million was recorded against the gross deferred tax asset balance as of December 31, 2022, on the basis of management’s assessment that its deferred tax assets did not meet the standard for recognition. As of each reporting date, the Company considers new evidence, both positive and negative, that could affect its view of the future realization of deferred tax assets. As of June 30, 2023, the Company determined that there is sufficient positive evidence to conclude that it is more likely than not its federal deferred tax assets are realizable. Therefore, the Company reduced its valuation allowance accordingly and recorded a discrete quarterly benefit of $222.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2023. The balance of the valuation allowance reversal is reflected as part of the Company's estimated annualized effective tax rate with respect to current year projected earnings. The Company believes that it is more-likely-than-not that its Oklahoma deferred tax assets are not realizable and continues to maintain a full valuation allowance recorded against these deferred tax assets.

As of June 30, 2023, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards totaling $1.2 billion, $727.4 million of which will begin to expire in 2034 and $425.9 million of which will not expire but may be limited in future periods, and state of Oklahoma net operating loss carryforwards totaling $34.4 million that will begin to expire in 2032. If the Company were to experience an "ownership change" as determined under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Company's ability to

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Condensed notes to the consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

offset taxable income arising after the ownership change with net operating losses arising prior to the ownership change could be significantly limited.

Note 13—Related parties

Halliburton

The Chairman of the Company's board of directors is on the board of directors of Halliburton Company ("Halliburton"). Halliburton provides drilling and completions services to the Company. The Company has entered into a lease agreement with Halliburton, which became effective during the first quarter of 2023 and extends through 2025, to provide an electric fracture stimulation crew and the related services. Under the agreement, the Company had a lease liability of $73.2 million as of June 30, 2023 which is included in both current and noncurrent "Operating lease liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets. Services provided under the lease agreement do not differ substantially from historical services provided by Halliburton, which were previously not subject to a long-term agreement. Payments to Halliburton are included in capital expenditures for oil and natural gas properties in cash flows from investing activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows.

The following table presents the capital expenditures for oil and natural gas properties paid to Halliburton included in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the periods presented:

						Six months ended June 30,
(in thousands)						2023						2022
Capital expenditures for oil and natural gas properties						$	69,911					$	56,620

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Condensed notes to the consolidated financial statements

(Unaudited)

Note 14—Subsequent events

Senior Secured Credit Facility

On July 12, 2023, the Company borrowed an additional $35.0 million, and on July 24, 2023, the Company repaid $15.0 million on the Senior Secured Credit Facility. As a result, the outstanding balance under the Senior Secured Credit Facility was $595.0 million as of August 4, 2023. See Note 4 for additional discussion of the Senior Secured Credit Facility.

Commodity derivatives

The following table summarizes the Company's open oil and natural gas derivative positions as of June 30, 2023, updated for the derivative transactions entered into from June 30, 2023 through August 4, 2023, for the settlement periods presented:

						Remaining Year 2023						Year 2024
Oil:
WTI NYMEX - Swaps:
Volume (Bbl)						3,860,000						5,638,950
Weighted-average price ($/Bbl)						$	73.51					$	71.49
WTI NYMEX - Collars:
Volume (Bbl)						1,793,400						—
Weighted-average floor price ($/Bbl)						$	69.58					$	—
Weighted-average ceiling price ($/Bbl)						$	87.01					$	—
WTI NYMEX - Three-way Collars:
Volume (Bbl)						191,500						217,350
Weighted-average sold put price ($/Bbl)						$	45.54					$	50.00
Weighted-average floor price ($/Bbl)						$	57.68					$	66.51
Weighted-average ceiling price ($/Bbl)						$	74.37					$	87.09
Argus WTI Midland to Argus WTI Formula Basis - Basis Swaps:
Volume (Bbl)						328,900						293,300
Weighted-average differential ($/Bbl)						$	0.18					$	0.11
Natural gas:
Henry Hub NYMEX - Swaps:
Volume (MMBtu)						78,100						26,075,700
Weighted-average price ($/MMBtu)						$	2.46					$	3.47
Henry Hub NYMEX - Collars:
Volume (MMBtu)						13,685,407						776,292
Weighted-average floor price ($/MMBtu)						$	4.11					$	3.40
Weighted-average ceiling price ($/MMBtu)						$	8.33					$	6.11
Henry Hub NYMEX - Three-way Collars:
Volume (MMBtu)						69,000						—
Weighted-average sold put price ($/MMBtu)						$	2.00					$	—
Weighted-average floor price ($/MMBtu)						$	2.50					$	—
Weighted-average ceiling price ($/MMBtu)						$	3.01					$	—
Waha Inside FERC to Henry Hub NYMEX - Basis Swaps:
Volume (MMBtu)						21,192,507						26,851,992
Weighted-average differential ($/MMBtu)						$	(1.53)					$	(0.74)

See Note 8 for additional discussion regarding the Company's derivatives. There has been no other derivative activity subsequent to June 30, 2023.

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Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, and should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and condensed notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report as well as our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2022 Annual Report. The following discussion contains "forward-looking statements" that reflect our future plans, estimates, beliefs and expected performance. We caution that assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions or beliefs about future events may, and often do, vary from actual results and the differences can be material. Please see "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors." Except for purposes of the unaudited consolidated financial statements and condensed notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report, references in this Quarterly Report to "Vital," "we," "us," "our" or similar terms refer to Vital and its subsidiaries, collectively, unless the context otherwise indicates or requires. Unless otherwise specified, references to "average sales price" refer to average sales price excluding the effects of our derivative transactions. All amounts, dollars and percentages presented in this Quarterly Report are rounded and therefore approximate.

Executive overview

We are an independent energy company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties in the Permian Basin of West Texas. The oil and liquids-rich Permian Basin is characterized by multiple target horizons, extensive production histories, long-lived reserves, high drilling success rates and high initial production rates. We have grown primarily through our drilling program, coupled with select strategic acquisitions. As of June 30, 2023, we had assembled 197,985 net acres in the Permian Basin.

We produced a Company-record 44,360 Bbl/d of oil during the second quarter of 2023. We also closed on two previously announced accretive acquisitions in the Midland and Delaware basins, adding approximately 35,000 net acres and 130 gross high-value, oil-weighted locations to our asset base.

As of June 30, 2023, we were operating three drilling rigs and one completions crew. We utilized a second completions crew during a portion of third-quarter 2023, and again expect to utilize a second completions crew in late fourth-quarter 2023 to optimize completion activities in the Midland and Delaware basins. Our planned capital expenditures for full-year 2023 are expected to be between $665.0 million and $695.0 million. However, we will continue to monitor commodity prices and service costs and adjust activity levels in order to proactively manage our cash flows and preserve liquidity. Below is a summary and comparative analysis of our financial and operating performance for the periods presented:

						Three months ended June 30,																		2023 compared to 2022
(in thousands)						2023						2022																		Change (#)						Change (%)
Oil sales volumes (MBbl)						4,037						3,690																		347						9		%
Oil equivalent sales volumes (MBOE)						8,193						7,920																		273						3		%
Oil, NGL and natural gas sales(1)						$	333,924					$	549,470																	$	(215,546)					(39)		%
Net income(2)						$	294,811					$	262,546																	$	32,265					12		%
Net cash provided by operating activities						$	248,888					$	368,125																	$	(119,237)					(32)		%

_____________________________________________________________________________

(1)Our oil, NGL and natural gas sales decreased primarily as a result of a 41% decrease in average sales price per BOE.

(2)Our net income for the three months ended June 30, 2023 includes a non-cash deferred income tax benefit of $222.2 million in connection with the release of our valuation allowance.

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						Six months ended June 30,																		2023 compared to 2022
(in thousands)						2023						2022																		Change (#)						Change (%)
Oil sales volumes (MBbl)						7,504						7,317																		187						3		%
Oil equivalent sales volumes (MBOE)						15,430						15,581																		(151)						(1)		%
Oil, NGL and natural gas sales(1)						$	651,735					$	1,000,657																	$	(348,922)					(35)		%
Net income(2)						$	408,751					$	175,765																	$	232,986					133		%
Net cash provided by operating activities						$	365,013					$	539,007																	$	(173,994)					(32)		%

_____________________________________________________________________________

(1)Our oil, NGL and natural gas sales decreased primarily as a result of a 34% decrease in average sales price per BOE.

(2)Our net income for the six months ended June 30, 2023 includes a non-cash deferred income tax benefit of $222.2 million in connection with the release of our valuation allowance.

Recent developments

Inflation and interest rates considerations

Drilling and completions costs and costs of oilfield services, equipment and materials are moderating but continue to persist at elevated levels in the second quarter of 2023 in conjunction with labor tightening, lingering supply chain disruptions and the resulting limited availability of certain materials and products manufactured using such materials and heightened levels of inflation. In addition to the effect of such inflationary pressures on our operating and capital costs, higher interest rates have increased our borrowing costs on debt under our Senior Secured Credit Facility and may limit our ability to access debt capital markets. Additional increases in interest rates have the potential to increase our costs of borrowing even more. We remain committed to our ongoing efforts to increase the efficiency of our operations and improve costs, which may, in part, offset cost increases from inflation and reduce our borrowing needs.

See Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report for discussion of recent developments that have occurred subsequent to June 30, 2023.

Pricing and reserves

Commodity prices have historically been volatile. While general economic concerns continue to place some downward pressure on commodity prices, worldwide commodity demand continues to rise. Although supply has increased, it has been constrained and pricing has been affected, in part, by the impact of the world political and economic environment. Any of the above factors could change or reverse, and global commodity and financial markets remain subject to heightened levels of uncertainty and volatility.

Our results of operations are heavily influenced by oil, NGL and natural gas prices. We maintain an active commodity derivatives strategy to minimize commodity price volatility and support cash flows for operations. We have entered into a number of commodity derivative contracts that have enabled us to offset a portion of the changes in our cash flow caused by fluctuations in price and basis differentials for our sales of oil, NGL and natural gas, as discussed in "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk." See Notes 8, 9 and 14 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report for additional discussion of our commodity derivatives. Notwithstanding our derivatives strategy, another collapse in commodity prices may affect the economic viability of, and our ability to fund, our drilling projects, as well as the economic recovery of oil, NGL and natural gas reserves. See "Critical accounting estimates" in "Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of the 2022 Annual Report for further discussion of our oil, NGL and natural gas reserve quantities and standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows.

Our reserves are reported in three streams: oil, NGL and natural gas. The Realized Prices, which are utilized to value our proved reserves and calculated using the average first-day-of-the-month prices for each month within the 12-month period prior to the end of the reporting period, adjusted for factors affecting price received at the delivery point, as of June 30, 2023 were $84.88 for oil, $19.88 for NGL and $2.49 for natural gas. The unamortized cost of evaluated oil and natural gas properties being depleted did not exceed the full cost ceiling as of June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022. As such, no full cost ceiling impairments were recorded during the six months ending June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022. Oil prices have declined from mid-2022 levels; however, even with this decline if oil prices remain at current levels, we do not anticipate recording full

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cost ceiling impairments for the foreseeable future. See Notes 2 and 6 in our 2022 Annual Report for discussion of the full cost method of accounting and our Realized Prices.

Results of operations

Revenues

Sources of our revenue

Our revenues are primarily derived from the sale of produced oil, NGL and natural gas and the sale of purchased oil, all within the continental U.S. and do not include the effects of derivatives. See Note 2 in our 2022 Annual Report for additional information regarding our revenue recognition policies.

The following tables present our sources of revenue as a percentage of total revenues for the periods presented and the corresponding changes for such periods:

						Three months ended June 30,												2023 compared to 2022
						2023						2022						Change (#)						Change (%)
Oil sales						89		%				73		%				16		%				22		%
NGL sales						8		%				13		%				(5)		%				(38)		%
Natural gas sales						3		%				12		%				(9)		%				(75)		%
Sales of purchased oil						—		%				2		%				(2)		%				(100)		%
Other operating revenues						—		%				—		%				—		%				—		%
Total						100		%				100		%

						Six months ended June 30,												2023 compared to 2022
						2023						2022						Change (#)						Change (%)
Oil sales						85		%				69		%				16		%				23		%
NGL sales						9		%				13		%				(4)		%				(31)		%
Natural gas sales						4		%				10		%				(6)		%				(60)		%
Sales of purchased oil						2		%				8		%				(6)		%				(75)		%
Other operating revenues						—		%				—		%				—		%				—		%
Total						100		%				100		%

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Oil, NGL and natural gas sales volumes, revenues and prices

The following tables present information regarding our oil, NGL and natural gas sales volumes, sales revenues and average sales prices for the periods presented and the corresponding changes for such periods:

												Three months ended June 30,												2023 compared to 2022
																		2023						2022						Change (#)						Change (%)
Sales volumes:
Oil (MBbl)																		4,037						3,690						347						9		%
NGL (MBbl)																		2,050						2,100						(50)						(2)		%
Natural gas (MMcf)																		12,638						12,774						(136)						(1)		%
Oil equivalent (MBOE)(1)(2)																		8,193						7,920						273						3		%
Average daily oil equivalent sales volumes (BOE/d)(2)																		90,030						87,032						2,998						3		%
Average daily oil sales volumes (Bbl/d)(2)																		44,360						40,553						3,807						9		%
Sales revenues (in thousands):
Oil																		$	299,085					$	410,359					$	(111,274)					(27)		%
NGL																		25,887						72,505						(46,618)						(64)		%
Natural gas																		8,952						66,606						(57,654)						(87)		%
Total oil, NGL and natural gas sales revenues																		$	333,924					$	549,470					$	(215,546)					(39)		%
Average sales prices(2):
Oil ($/Bbl)(3)																		$	74.09					$	111.20					$	(37.11)					(33)		%
NGL ($/Bbl)(3)																		$	12.63					$	34.52					$	(21.89)					(63)		%
Natural gas ($/Mcf)(3)																		$	0.71					$	5.21					$	(4.50)					(86)		%
Average sales price ($/BOE)(3)																		$	40.76					$	69.38					$	(28.62)					(41)		%
Oil, with commodity derivatives ($/Bbl)(4)																		$	74.43					$	74.72					$	(0.29)					—		%
NGL, with commodity derivatives ($/Bbl)(4)																		$	12.63					$	27.24					$	(14.61)					(54)		%
Natural gas, with commodity derivatives ($/Mcf)(4)																		$	1.45					$	3.33					$	(1.88)					(56)		%
Average sales price, with commodity derivatives ($/BOE)(4)																		$	42.07					$	47.41					$	(5.34)					(11)		%

__________________________________________________________________________

(1)BOE is calculated using a conversion rate of six Mcf per one Bbl.

(2)The numbers presented in the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 columns are based on actual amounts and may not recalculate using the rounded numbers presented in the table above or the table below.

(3)Price reflects the average of actual sales prices received when control passes to the purchaser/customer adjusted for quality, certain transportation fees, geographical differentials, marketing bonuses or deductions and other factors affecting the price received at the delivery point.

(4)Price reflects the after-effects of our commodity derivative transactions on our average sales prices. Our calculation of such after-effects includes settlements of matured commodity derivatives during the respective periods.

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												Six months ended June 30,												2023 compared to 2022
																		2023						2022						Change (#)						Change (%)
Sales volumes:
Oil (MBbl)																		7,504						7,317						187						3		%
NGL (MBbl)																		3,899						4,094						(195)						(5)		%
Natural gas (MMcf)																		24,167						25,017						(850)						(3)		%
Oil equivalent (MBOE)(1)(2)																		15,430						15,581						(151)						(1)		%
Average daily oil equivalent sales volumes (BOE/d)(2)																		85,250						86,080						(830)						(1)		%
Average daily oil sales volumes (Bbl/d)(2)																		41,457						40,424						1,033						3		%
Sales revenues (in thousands):
Oil																		$	565,816					$	757,802					$	(191,986)					(25)		%
NGL																		58,893						137,660						(78,767)						(57)		%
Natural gas																		27,026						105,195						(78,169)						(74)		%
Total oil, NGL and natural gas sales revenues																		$	651,735					$	1,000,657					$	(348,922)					(35)		%
Average sales prices(2):
Oil ($/Bbl)(3)																		$	75.41					$	103.57					$	(28.16)					(27)		%
NGL ($/Bbl)(3)																		$	15.11					$	33.62					$	(18.51)					(55)		%
Natural gas ($/Mcf)(3)																		$	1.12					$	4.20					$	(3.08)					(73)		%
Average sales price ($/BOE)(3)																		$	42.24					$	64.22					$	(21.98)					(34)		%
Oil, with commodity derivatives ($/Bbl)(4)																		$	75.53					$	71.01					$	4.52					6		%
NGL, with commodity derivatives ($/Bbl)(4)																		$	15.11					$	26.65					$	(11.54)					(43)		%
Natural gas, with commodity derivatives ($/Mcf)(4)																		$	1.45					$	2.90					$	(1.45)					(50)		%
Average sales price, with commodity derivatives ($/BOE)(4)																		$	42.82					$	45.01					$	(2.19)					(5)		%

__________________________________________________________________________

(1)BOE is calculated using a conversion rate of six Mcf per one Bbl.

(2)The numbers presented in the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 columns are based on actual amounts and may not recalculate using the rounded numbers presented in the table above or the table below.

(3)Price reflects the average of actual sales prices received when control passes to the purchaser/customer adjusted for quality, certain transportation fees, geographical differentials, marketing bonuses or deductions and other factors affecting the price received at the delivery point.

(4)Price reflects the after-effects of our commodity derivative transactions on our average sales prices. Our calculation of such after-effects includes settlements of matured commodity derivatives during the respective periods.

The following tables present net settlements paid for matured commodity derivatives utilized in our calculation of the average sales prices, with commodity derivatives, for the periods presented and the corresponding changes for such periods:     

						Three months ended June 30,												2023 compared to 2022
(in thousands)						2023						2022						Change ($)						Change (%)
Oil						$	(1,355)					$	(134,631)					$	133,276					99		%
NGL						—						(15,294)						15,294						100		%
Natural gas						(9,428)						(24,090)						14,662						61		%
Total						$	(10,783)					$	(174,015)					$	163,232					94		%

						Six months ended June 30,												2023 compared to 2022
(in thousands)						2023						2022						Change ($)						Change (%)
Oil						$	(941)					$	(238,244)					$	237,303					100		%
NGL						—						(28,533)						28,533						100		%
Natural gas						(8,079)						(32,564)						24,485						75		%
Total						$	(9,020)					$	(299,341)					$	290,321					97		%

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Changes in average sales prices and sales volumes caused the following changes to our oil, NGL and natural gas revenues between the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022:

(in thousands)						Oil						NGL						Natural gas						Total
Second-quarter 2022 Revenues						$	410,359					$	72,505					$	66,606					$	549,470
Effect of changes in average sales prices						(149,795)						(44,860)						(56,945)						(251,600)
Effect of changes in sales volumes						38,521						(1,758)						(709)						36,054
Second-quarter 2023 Revenues						$	299,085					$	25,887					$	8,952					$	333,924
Change ($)						$	(111,274)					$	(46,618)					$	(57,654)					$	(215,546)
Change (%)						(27)		%				(64)		%				(87)		%				(39)		%

(in thousands)						Oil						NGL						Natural gas						Total
First-half 2022 Revenues						$	757,802					$	137,660					$	105,195					$	1,000,657
Effect of changes in average sales prices						(211,339)						(72,195)						(74,593)						(358,127)
Effect of changes in sales volumes						19,353						(6,572)						(3,576)						9,205
First-half 2023 Revenues						$	565,816					$	58,893					$	27,026					$	651,735
Change ($)						$	(191,986)					$	(78,767)					$	(78,169)					$	(348,922)
Change (%)						(25)		%				(57)		%				(74)		%				(35)		%

The following tables present sales of purchased oil for the periods presented and the corresponding changes for such periods:

						Three months ended June 30,																		2023 compared to 2022
(in thousands)						2023						2022																		Change ($)						Change (%)
Sales of purchased oil						$	338					$	8,795																	$	(8,457)					(96)		%

						Six months ended June 30,																		2023 compared to 2022
(in thousands)						2023						2022																		Change ($)						Change (%)
Sales of purchased oil						$	14,189					$	87,659																	$	(73,470)					(84)		%

Sales of purchased oil are a function of the volumes and prices of purchased oil sold to customers and are offset by the volumes and costs of purchased oil. We are a firm shipper on the Gray Oak pipeline and we utilize purchased oil to fulfill portions of our commitments. In previous periods, we also utilized purchased oil to fulfill portions of our Bridgetex pipeline commitment, which ended during the first quarter of 2022. The continuance of this practice in the future is based upon, among other factors, our pipeline capacity as a firm shipper and the quantity of our lease production which may contribute to our pipeline commitments. Sales of purchased oil decreased during the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 compared to the same periods in 2022 primarily due to (i) a larger portion of our pipeline commitments being fulfilled by our lease production and (ii) a decrease in sales price.

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Costs and expenses

The following tables present information regarding costs and expenses and selected average costs and expenses per BOE sold for the periods presented and the corresponding changes for such periods:

						Three months ended June 30,												2023 compared to 2022
(in thousands except for per BOE sold data)						2023						2022						Change ($)						Change (%)
Costs and expenses:
Lease operating expenses						$	57,718					$	42,014					$	15,704					37		%
Production and ad valorem taxes						21,607						33,001						(11,394)						(35)		%
Transportation and marketing expenses						10,681						10,994						(313)						(3)		%
Costs of purchased oil						588						6,780						(6,192)						(91)		%
General and administrative (excluding LTIP and transaction expenses)						15,427						13,505						1,922						14		%
General and administrative (LTIP):
LTIP cash						1,323						889						434						49		%
LTIP non-cash						2,593						2,605						(12)						—		%
General and administrative (transaction expenses)						(861)						—						(861)						(100)		%
Depletion, depreciation and amortization						103,340						78,135						25,205						32		%
Other operating expenses, net						1,351						3,999						(2,648)						(66)		%
Total costs and expenses						$	213,767					$	191,922					$	21,845					11		%
Gain on disposal of assets, net						$	154					$	930					$	(776)					(83)		%
Selected average costs and expenses per BOE sold(1):
Lease operating expenses						$	7.05					$	5.30					$	1.75					33		%
Production and ad valorem taxes						2.64						4.17						(1.53)						(37)		%
Transportation and marketing expenses						1.30						1.39						(0.09)						(6)		%
General and administrative (excluding LTIP and transaction expenses)						1.88						1.71						0.17						10		%
Total selected operating expenses						$	12.87					$	12.57					$	0.30					2		%
General and administrative (LTIP):
LTIP cash						$	0.16					$	0.11					$	0.05					45		%
LTIP non-cash						$	0.32					$	0.33					$	(0.01)					(3)		%
General and administrative (transaction expenses)						$	(0.11)					$	—					$	(0.11)					(100)		%
Depletion, depreciation and amortization						$	12.61					$	9.87					$	2.74					28		%

_____________________________________________________________________________

(1)Selected average costs and expenses per BOE sold are based on actual amounts and may not recalculate using the rounded numbers presented in the table above.

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						Six months ended June 30,												2023 compared to 2022
(in thousands except for per BOE sold data)						2023						2022						Change ($)						Change (%)
Costs and expenses:
Lease operating expenses						$	107,899					$	82,890					$	25,009					30		%
Production and ad valorem taxes						42,138						60,488						(18,350)						(30)		%
Transportation and marketing expenses						21,596						25,737						(4,141)						(16)		%
Costs of purchased oil						14,755						89,744						(74,989)						(84)		%
General and administrative (excluding LTIP and transaction expenses)						37,301						26,898						10,403						39		%
General and administrative (LTIP):
LTIP cash						2,246						7,388						(5,142)						(70)		%
LTIP non-cash						4,865						4,657						208						4		%
General and administrative (transaction expenses)						—						—						—						—		%
Depletion, depreciation and amortization						190,119						151,627						38,492						25		%
Other operating expenses, net						2,835						4,137						(1,302)						(31)		%
Total costs and expenses						$	423,754					$	453,566					$	(29,812)					(7)		%
Gain on disposal of assets, net						$	391					$	670					$	(279)					(42)		%
Selected average costs and expenses per BOE sold(1):
Lease operating expenses						$	6.99					$	5.32					$	1.67					31		%
Production and ad valorem taxes						2.73						3.88						(1.15)						(30)		%
Transportation and marketing expenses						1.40						1.65						(0.25)						(15)		%
General and administrative (excluding LTIP and transaction expenses)						2.42						1.73						0.69						40		%
Total selected operating expenses						$	13.54					$	12.58					$	0.96					8		%
General and administrative (LTIP):
LTIP cash						$	0.15					$	0.47					$	(0.32)					(68)		%
LTIP non-cash						$	0.32					$	0.30					$	0.02					7		%
General and administrative (transaction expenses)						$	—					$	—					$	—					—		%
Depletion, depreciation and amortization						$	12.32					$	9.73					$	2.59					27		%

_____________________________________________________________________________

(1)Selected average costs and expenses per BOE sold are based on actual amounts and may not recalculate using the rounded numbers presented in the table above.

Lease operating expenses ("LOE"). LOE, which includes workover expenses, increased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to the same periods in 2022. LOE are daily expenses incurred to bring oil, NGL and natural gas out of the ground and to market, together with the daily expenses incurred to maintain our producing properties. Such costs also include maintenance, repairs and non-routine workover expenses related to our oil and natural gas properties. LOE increased during the first half of 2023 due to (i) a higher percentage of our production shifting to high-value Howard County wells and other recently acquired wells, where, among other things, we have higher water production, resulting in increased water handling and lifting costs and (ii) inflationary pressures. We continue to focus on economic efficiencies associated with the usage and procurement of products and services related to LOE. LOE is expected to increase slightly for the remainder of 2023.

Production and ad valorem taxes. Production and ad valorem taxes decreased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to the same periods in 2022, due to decreased oil, NGL and natural gas sales revenues. Production taxes are based on and fluctuate in proportion to our oil, NGL and natural gas sales revenues, and are established by federal, state or local taxing authorities. We take advantage of all credits and exemptions in our various taxing jurisdictions. Ad valorem taxes are based on and fluctuate in proportion to the taxable value assessed by the various counties where our oil and natural gas properties are located.

Transportation and marketing expenses. Transportation and marketing expenses decreased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to the same periods in 2022. These are expenses incurred for the delivery of produced oil to

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customers in the U.S. Gulf Coast market via the Gray Oak pipeline and, in previous periods, the Bridgetex pipeline. We ship the majority of our produced oil to the U.S. Gulf Coast, which we believe provides a long-term pricing advantage versus the Midland market. Additionally, firm transportation payments on excess pipeline capacity associated with transportation agreements are included in transportation and marketing expenses. See Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report for additional discussion of our transportation commitments.

Costs of purchased oil. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, we were a firm shipper on the Gray Oak pipeline and we utilized purchased oil to fulfill portions of our commitments. In previous periods, we also utilized purchased oil to fulfill portions of our Bridgetex pipeline commitment, which ended during the first quarter of 2022. In the event our long-haul transportation capacity on the Gray Oak pipeline is expected to exceed our net production, consistent with our historic practice, we expect to continue to purchase third-party oil at the trading hubs to satisfy the deficit in our associated long-haul transportation commitments. Costs of purchased oil decreased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to the same periods in 2022 primarily due to (i) a larger portion of our pipeline commitments being fulfilled by our lease production and (iii) a decrease in purchased price.

General and administrative ("G&A"). G&A, excluding employee compensation expenses from our long-term incentive plan ("LTIP") and transaction expenses associated with the Driftwood Acquisition, increased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to the same periods in 2022. Such increases are primarily due to (i) bonuses paid to our workforce in first-quarter 2023 for full-year 2022 performance, which were higher than expected, (ii) bonuses accrued for our workforce related to first-half 2023 performance, (iii) expenses in connection with retention bonuses paid to our workforce and (iv) inflationary pressures on workforce compensation.

LTIP cash expense increased for the three months ended June 30, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022 due to (i) new cash-settled performance unit awards granted in 2023 and (ii) fluctuations in the fair value of our cash-settled LTIP awards during the first half of 2022, as a result of the performance of our stock. LTIP cash expense decreased for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022 due to fluctuations in the fair values of our cash-settled LTIP awards during the first half of 2023, as a result of the performance of our stock, and partially offset by new cash-settled performance unit awards granted in 2023.

LTIP non-cash expense increased slightly for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, and was consistent for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 as there have not been significant changes in our equity award compensation program. See Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report for information regarding our equity-based compensation.

Transaction expenses represent incurred costs during the first quarter of 2023 associated with the Driftwood Acquisition, which closed on April 3, 2023. As the transaction was determined to be an asset acquisition, these costs were capitalized as part of the acquisition purchase price during the second quarter of 2023.

Depletion, depreciation and amortization. The following tables present depletion expense per BOE sold for the periods presented and the corresponding changes for such periods:

						Three months ended June 30,												2023 compared to 2022
(in thousands)						2023						2022						Change ($)						Change (%)
Depletion expense per BOE sold						$	12.13					$	9.47					$	2.66					28		%

						Six months ended June 30,												2023 compared to 2022
(in thousands)						2023						2022						Change ($)						Change (%)
Depletion expense per BOE sold						$	11.83					$	9.30					$	2.53					27		%

Depletion expense per BOE increased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to the same periods in 2022, primarily due to an increase in future development costs of our oil and natural gas properties, which includes the effects of inflationary pressures. See Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements included in our 2022 Annual Report and "—Pricing and reserves" for additional information regarding the full cost method of accounting.

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Non-operating income (expense)

The following table presents the components of non-operating income (expense), net for the periods presented and the corresponding changes for such periods:

						Three months ended June 30,												2023 compared to 2022
(in thousands)						2023						2022						Change ($)						Change (%)
Loss on derivatives, net						$	(18,044)					$	(65,927)					$	47,883					73		%
Interest expense						(31,529)						(32,807)						1,278						4		%
Loss extinguishment of debt, net						—						(798)						798						100		%
Other income, net						1,104						6						1,098						18,300		%
Total non-operating expense, net						$	(48,469)					$	(99,526)					$	51,057					51		%

						Six months ended June 30,												2023 compared to 2022
(in thousands)						2023						2022						Change ($)						Change (%)
Gain (loss) on derivatives, net						$	2,446					$	(391,743)					$	394,189					101		%
Interest expense						(60,083)						(65,284)						5,201						8		%
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net						—						(798)						798						100		%
Other income, net						1,958						150						1,808						1,205		%
Total non-operating expense, net						$	(55,679)					$	(457,675)					$	401,996					88		%

Gain (loss) on derivatives, net. The following table presents the changes in the components of gain (loss) on derivatives, net for the periods presented and the corresponding changes for such periods:

						Three months ended June 30,												2023 compared to 2022
(in thousands)						2023						2022						Change ($)						Change (%)
Non-cash gain (loss) on derivatives, net						$	(28,827)					$	106,527					$	(135,354)					(127)		%
Settlements received (paid) for matured derivatives, net						10,783						(174,009)						184,792						106		%
Settlements received for contingent consideration						—						1,555						(1,555)						(100)		%
Loss on derivatives, net						$	(18,044)					$	(65,927)					$	47,883					73		%

						Six months ended June 30,												2023 compared to 2022
(in thousands)						2023						2022						Change ($)						Change (%)
Non-cash loss on derivatives, net						$	(8,029)					$	(93,919)					$	85,890					91		%
Settlements received (paid) for matured derivatives, net						9,020						(299,379)						308,399						103		%
Settlements received for contingent consideration						1,455						1,555						(100)						(6)		%
Gain (loss) on derivatives, net						$	2,446					$	(391,743)					$	394,189					101		%

Non-cash gain (loss) on derivatives, net is the result of (i) new and matured contracts, including contingent consideration derivatives for the period subsequent to the initial valuation date and through the end of the contingency period, and the changing relationship between our outstanding contract prices and the future market prices in the forward curves, which we use to calculate the fair value of our derivatives and (ii) matured interest rate swaps and the changing relationship between the contract interest rate and the LIBOR interest rate forward curve. In general, if outstanding commodity contracts are held constant, we experience gains during periods of decreasing market prices and losses during periods of increasing market prices. Settlements paid or received for matured derivatives are for our (i) commodity derivative contracts, which are based on the settlement prices compared to the prices specified in the derivative contracts, (ii) interest rate derivative and (iii) contingent consideration derivatives.

See Notes 8, 9 and 14 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report and "Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" for additional information regarding our derivatives.

Interest expense. Interest expense decreased during the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. This decrease is due to a reduction in the principal amounts of our senior unsecured notes as a result of repurchases made during 2022, which was partially offset by increased borrowings under our Senior Secured Credit Facility related to acquisitions. See Note 4 to our

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consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report for additional information regarding our long-term debt.

Income tax benefit (expense)

The following tables present income tax benefit (expense) for the periods presented and the corresponding changes for such periods:

						Three months ended June 30,												2023 compared to 2022
(in thousands)						2023						2022						Change ($)						Change (%)
Current						$	(503)					$	(4,513)					$	4,010					89		%
Deferred						$	222,334					$	(2,579)					$	224,913					8,721		%

						Six months ended June 30,												2023 compared to 2022
(in thousands)						2023						2022						Change ($)						Change (%)
Current						$	(1,834)					$	(5,731)					$	3,897					68		%
Deferred						$	222,058					$	(484)					$	222,542					45,980		%

We are subject to federal and state income taxes and the Texas franchise tax. Included in the income tax benefit for the six months ended June 30, 2023, is $222.2 million attributable to the release of the federal valuation allowance.

As of June 30, 2023, management considered evidence, both positive and negative, and determined it is more likely than not that a portion of our federal deferred tax assets are realizable which resulted in the release of the federal valuation allowance and preservation of the Oklahoma valuation allowance. We will continue to monitor and consider new evidence, both positive and negative, in determining whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is needed.

We have significant federal and state net operating loss carry-forwards. If we were to experience an “ownership change” as determined under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, our ability to offset taxable income arising after the ownership change with net operating losses arising prior to the ownership change may be limited. Based on information available as of June 30, 2023, no such ownership change has occurred.

Liquidity and capital resources

Historically, our primary sources of liquidity have been cash flows from operations, proceeds from equity offerings, proceeds from senior unsecured note offerings, borrowings under our Senior Secured Credit Facility and proceeds from asset dispositions. Our primary operational uses of capital have been for the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties and infrastructure development.

We continually seek to maintain a financial profile that provides operational flexibility and monitor the markets to consider which financing alternatives, including debt and equity capital resources, joint ventures and asset sales, are available to meet our future planned capital expenditures, a significant portion of which we are able to adjust and manage. We also continually evaluate opportunities with respect to our capital structure, including issuances of new securities, as well as transactions involving our outstanding senior notes, which could take the form of open market or private repurchases, exchange or tender offers, or other similar transactions, and our common stock, which could take the form of open market or private repurchases. We may make changes to our capital structure from time to time, with the goal of maintaining financial flexibility, preserving or improving liquidity and/or achieving cost efficiency. Such financing alternatives, or combination of alternatives, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material. We continuously look for other opportunities to maximize shareholder value. For further discussion of our financing activities related to debt instruments, see Notes 4 and 14 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.

Due to the inherent volatility in the prices of oil, NGL and natural gas and the sometimes wide pricing differentials between where we produce and where we sell such commodities, we engage in commodity derivative transactions to hedge price risk associated with a portion of our anticipated sales volumes. Due to the inherent volatility in interest rates, from time to time, we have in the past entered into and we may in the future enter into interest rate derivative swaps to hedge interest rate risk associated with our debt under the Senior Secured Credit Facility. By removing a portion of the price volatility associated with future sales volumes, we expect to mitigate, but not eliminate, the potential effects of variability in cash flows from operations. As of June 30, 2023, the Company has not entered into any interest rate derivative swaps, and therefore our

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outstanding debt balance under our Senior Secured Credit Facility is subject to interest rate fluctuations. See "Part I. Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" below. See Notes 9 and 14 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report for discussion of our open commodity positions.

As of June 30, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $71.7 million and available capacity under the Senior Secured Credit Facility of $425.0 million, resulting in total liquidity of $496.7 million. As of August 4, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $73.0 million and available capacity under the Senior Secured Credit Facility of $405.0 million, resulting in total liquidity of $478.0 million. We believe that our operating cash flows and the aforementioned liquidity sources provide us with sufficient liquidity and financial resources to manage our cash needs and contractual obligations, to implement our currently planned capital expenditure budget and, at our discretion, to fund any share repurchases, pay down, repurchase or refinance debt or adjust our planned capital expenditure budget.

Cash requirements for known contractual and other obligations

The following table presents significant cash requirements for known contractual and other obligations as of June 30, 2023:

(in thousands)						Short-term						Long-term						Total
Senior unsecured notes(1)						$	96,803					$	1,346,174					$	1,442,977
Senior Secured Credit Facility						—						575,000						575,000
Asset retirement obligations						2,666						74,428						77,094
Firm transportation commitments						17,604						48,289						65,893
Operating lease commitments(2)						57,246						87,191						144,437
Total						$	174,319					$	2,131,082					$	2,305,401

______________________________________________________________________________

(1)Amounts presented include both principal and interest obligations.

(2)Amounts presented include both minimum lease payments and imputed interest.

We expect to satisfy our short-term contractual and other obligations with cash flows from operations. See Notes 4, 10 and 14 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report and Notes 2, 5 and 18 in our 2022 Annual Report for further discussion of our known contractual and other obligations.

Cash flows

The following table presents our cash flows for the periods presented and the corresponding changes for such periods:

						Six months ended June 30,												2023 compared to 2022
(in thousands)						2023						2022						Change ($)						Change (%)
Net cash provided by operating activities						$	365,013					$	539,007					$	(173,994)					(32)		%
Net cash used in investing activities						(838,820)						(293,540)						(545,280)						(186)		%
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities						501,068						(154,719)						655,787						424		%
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents						$	27,261					$	90,748					$	(63,487)					(70)		%

Cash flows from operating activities

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased during the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. Notable cash changes include (i) a decrease in total oil, NGL and natural gas sales revenues of $348.9 million, (ii) an increase of $306.3 million due to changes in net settlements for matured derivatives, mainly due to decreases in commodity prices and (iii) a decrease of $124.5 million due to net changes in operating assets and liabilities. The decrease in total oil, NGL and natural gas sales revenues was due to a 34% decrease in average sales price per BOE. For additional information, see "—Results of operations."

Our operating cash flows are sensitive to a number of variables, the most significant of which are the volatility of oil, NGL and natural gas prices, mitigated to the extent of our commodity derivatives' exposure, and sales volume levels. Regional and worldwide economic activity, weather, infrastructure, transportation capacity to reach markets, costs of operations, legislation and regulations, including potential government production curtailments, and other variable factors significantly impact the prices of these commodities. For additional information on risks related to our business, see "Part I. Item 3.

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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" and "Part II. Item 1A. Risk Factors" included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report and "Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our 2022 Annual Report.

Cash flows from investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities increased for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, mainly due to (i) an increase in acquisitions of oil and natural gas properties for the Driftwood Acquisition and Forge Acquisition and (ii) an increase in capital expenditures, which includes the effects of inflationary pressures. For further discussion of our acquisitions and divestiture of oil and natural gas properties, see Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.

The following table presents incurred capital expenditures, on an accrual basis, in the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties, with asset retirement obligations included in evaluated property acquisition costs and development costs, for the periods presented:

						Three months ended June 30,												Six months ended June 30,
(in thousands)						2023						2022						2023						2022
Property acquisition costs:
Evaluated						$	405,986					$	—					$	405,986					$	4,780
Unevaluated						212,220						17						212,220						3,291
Exploration costs						10,960						7,604						15,780						14,357
Development costs						133,390						127,892						312,684						289,507
Total oil and natural gas properties incurred capital expenditures(1)						$	762,556					$	135,513					$	946,670					$	311,935

______________________________________________________________________________

(1)Total oil and natural gas properties incurred capital expenditures includes certain employee-related costs.

The following tables present the components of our incurred capital expenditures, excluding non-budgeted acquisition costs, for the periods presented and the corresponding changes for such periods:

						Three months ended June 30,												2023 compared to 2022
(in thousands)						2023						2022						Change ($)						Change (%)
Oil and natural gas properties(1)						$	144,350					$	135,496					$	8,854					7		%
Midstream and other fixed assets(1)						4,239						2,467						1,772						72		%
Total incurred capital expenditures, excluding non-budgeted acquisition costs						$	148,589					$	137,963					$	10,626					8		%

_____________________________________________________________________________

(1)Includes capitalized share-settled equity-based compensation and asset retirement costs.

						Six months ended June 30,												2023 compared to 2022
(in thousands)						2023						2022						Change ($)						Change (%)
Oil and natural gas properties(1)						$	328,464					$	303,864					$	24,600					8		%
Midstream and other fixed assets(1)						7,769						4,998						2,771						55		%
Total incurred capital expenditures, excluding non-budgeted acquisition costs						$	336,233					$	308,862					$	27,371					9		%

_____________________________________________________________________________

(1)Includes capitalized share-settled equity-based compensation and asset retirement costs.

The amount, timing and allocation of capital expenditures are largely discretionary and within management's control. If oil, NGL and natural gas prices are below our acceptable levels, or costs are above our acceptable levels, we may choose to defer a portion of our capital expenditures until later periods to achieve the desired balance between sources and uses of liquidity and prioritize capital projects that we believe have the highest expected returns and potential to generate near-term cash flow. Subject to financing alternatives, we may also increase our capital expenditures significantly to take advantage of opportunities we consider to be attractive. We continually monitor and may adjust our projected capital expenditures in response to world developments, as well as success or lack of success in drilling activities, changes in prices, availability of financing and joint venture opportunities, drilling and acquisition costs, industry conditions, the timing of regulatory

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approvals, the availability of rigs and supplies, changes in service costs, contractual obligations, internally generated cash flow and other factors both within and outside our control.

Cash flows from financing activities

For the six months ended June 30, 2023, $501.1 million of net cash was provided by financing activities compared to $154.7 million of net cash that was used in financing activities for the same period in 2022. Notable 2023 activity includes (i) borrowings on our Senior Secured Credit Facility of $595.0 million primarily to fund to our recent acquisitions, (ii) payments on our Senior Secured Credit Facility of $90.0 million and (iii) stock exchanged for tax withholding of $2.8 million. For further discussion of our financing activities related to debt instruments, see Notes 4 and 14 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.

Sources of Liquidity

Senior Secured Credit Facility

As of June 30, 2023, the Senior Secured Credit Facility, which matures on July 16, 2025, had a maximum credit amount of $2.0 billion, a borrowing base of $1.3 billion and an aggregate elected commitment of $1.0 billion, with $575.0 million outstanding, and was subject to an interest rate of 7.978%. The Senior Secured Credit Facility provides for the issuance of letters of credit, limited to the lesser of total capacity or $80.0 million. As of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we had no letters of credit outstanding under the Senior Secured Credit Facility.

See Notes 4 and 14 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report for further discussion of our Senior Secured Credit Facility.

January 2025 Notes, January 2028 Notes and July 2029 Notes

The following table presents principal amounts and applicable interest rates for our outstanding January 2025 Notes, January 2028 Notes and July 2029 Notes as of June 30, 2023:

(in millions, except for interest rates)						Principal						Interest rate
January 2025 Notes						$	455.6					9.500		%
January 2028 Notes						300.3						10.125		%
July 2029 Notes						298.2						7.750		%
Total senior unsecured notes						$	1,054.1

Supplemental Guarantor information

As of June 30, 2023, approximately $1.1 billion of our senior unsecured notes remained outstanding. Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Vital Midstream Services, LLC (the "Guarantor"), jointly and severally, and fully and unconditionally, guarantees the January 2025 Notes, January 2028 Notes and July 2029 Notes.

The guarantees are senior unsecured obligations of the Guarantor and rank equally in right of payment with other existing and future senior indebtedness of such Guarantor, and senior in right of payment to all existing and future subordinated indebtedness of such Guarantor. The guarantees of the senior unsecured notes by the Guarantor are subject to certain Releases. The obligations of the Guarantor under its note guarantee are limited as necessary to prevent such note guarantee from constituting a fraudulent conveyance under applicable law. Further, the rights of holders of the senior unsecured notes against the Guarantor may be limited under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or state fraudulent transfer or conveyance law. Vital is not restricted from making investments in the Guarantor and the Guarantor is not restricted from making intercompany distributions to Vital.

The assets, liabilities and results of operations of the combined issuer and the Guarantor are not materially different than the corresponding amounts presented in our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report. Accordingly, we have omitted the summarized financial information of the issuer and the Guarantor that would otherwise be required.

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Critical accounting estimates

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of our financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Certain accounting policies involve judgments and uncertainties to such an extent that there is reasonable likelihood that materially different amounts could have been reported under different conditions or if different assumptions had been used. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on a regular basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Other than the critical accounting estimates set forth below, there have been no material changes in our critical accounting estimates during the six months ended June 30, 2023. See our critical accounting estimates in "Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of our 2022 Annual Report.

Income taxes

As part of the process of preparing the consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate the federal and state income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating the actual current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items such as derivative instruments, depletion, depreciation and amortization, and certain accrued assets and liabilities for tax and financial accounting purposes. These differences and our net operating loss carry-forwards result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in our consolidated balance sheets. We must then assess, using all available negative and positive evidence, the likelihood that the deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income. If we believe that recovery is not likely, we must establish a valuation allowance. Generally, to the extent we establish a valuation allowance or increase or decrease this allowance in a period, we must include an expense or reduction of expense within the tax provision in the consolidated statement of operations.

Under accounting guidance for income taxes, an enterprise must use judgment in considering the relative impact of negative and positive evidence. The weight given to the potential effect of negative and positive evidence should be commensurate with the extent to which it can be objectively verified. The more negative evidence that exists (i) the more positive evidence is necessary and (ii) the more difficult it is to support a conclusion that a valuation allowance is not needed for all or a portion of the deferred tax asset. Among the more significant types of evidence that we consider are:

•our earnings history exclusive of the loss that created the future deductible amount coupled with evidence indicating that the loss is an aberration rather than a continuing condition;

•the ability to recover our net operating loss carry-forward deferred tax assets in future years;

•the existence of significant proved oil, NGL and natural gas reserves;

•our ability to use tax planning strategies, such as electing to capitalize intangible drilling costs as opposed to expensing such costs;

•current price protection utilizing commodity hedges;

•future revenue and operating cost projections that indicate we will produce more than enough taxable income to realize the deferred tax asset based on existing sales prices and cost structures; and

•current market prices for oil, NGL and natural gas.

During the second quarter of 2023, in evaluating whether it was more-likely-than-not that our deferred tax asset was recoverable from future net income, we considered all positive and negative evidence available and determined it was more likely than not that the federal net deferred tax assets were realizable and a valuation allowance was no longer warranted. We believe that is more-likely-than-not that our Oklahoma deferred tax assets are not realizable and continue to maintain a full valuation allowance recorded against these deferred tax assets. We will continue to assess the need for a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets considering all available evidence obtained in future reporting periods. See Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report for additional discussion of our income taxes.

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Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The primary objective of the following information is to provide forward-looking quantitative and qualitative information about our potential exposure to market risk. The term "market risk," in our case, refers to the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in oil, NGL and natural gas prices and in interest rates. The disclosures are not meant to be precise indicators of expected future losses, but rather indicators of how we view and manage our ongoing market risk exposures. All of our market risk-sensitive derivative instruments were entered into for hedging purposes, rather than for speculative trading.

Commodity price exposure

Due to the inherent volatility in oil, NGL and natural gas prices and the sometimes wide pricing differentials between where we produce and where we sell such commodities, we engage in commodity derivative transactions, such as puts, swaps, collars and basis swaps, to hedge price risk associated with a portion of our anticipated sales volumes. By removing a portion of the price volatility associated with future sales volumes, we expect to mitigate, but not eliminate, the potential effects of variability in cash flows from operations.

The fair values of our open commodity positions are largely determined by the relevant forward commodity price curves of the indexes associated with our open derivative positions. The following table provides a sensitivity analysis of the projected incremental effect on income or loss before income taxes of a hypothetical 10% change in the relevant forward commodity price curves of the indexes associated with our open commodity positions as of June 30, 2023:

(in thousands)						As of June 30, 2023
Commodity derivative asset position						$	4,654
Impact of a 10% increase in forward commodity prices						$	(54,735)
Impact of a 10% decrease in forward commodity prices						$	49,165

See Notes 8, 9 and 14 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report for further discussion of our commodity derivatives. For additional discussion of our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk, see "Part II, Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" in our 2022 Annual Report.

Interest rate risk

Our Senior Secured Credit Facility bears interest at a floating rate and our senior unsecured notes bear interest at fixed rates. The interest rate on our Senior Secured Credit Facility as of June 30, 2023 was 7.978%. See Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report for further discussion of our debt. The interest rate on borrowings may be based on an alternate base rate or term secured overnight financing rate ("Term SOFR"), at our option. Interest on alternate base rate loans is equal to the sum of (a) the highest of (i) the "prime rate" (as publicly announced by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.) in effect on such day, (ii) the federal funds effective rate in effect on such day plus 0.5% and (iii) the Adjusted Term SOFR (as defined in our Senior Secured Credit Facility) for a one-month tenor in effect on such day plus 1% and (b) the applicable margin. Interest on Term SOFR loans is equal to the sum of (a)(i) the Term SOFR (as defined in our Senior Secured Credit Facility) rate for such period plus (ii) the Term SOFR Adjustment (as defined in our Senior Secured Credit Facility) of 0.1% (in the case of clause (a), subject to a floor of 0%) plus (b) the applicable margin. The applicable margin varies from 1.5% to 2.5% on alternate base rate borrowings and from 2.5% to 3.5% on Term SOFR borrowings, in each case, depending on our utilization ratio. At June 30, 2023, the applicable margin on our borrowings was 1.75% for alternate base rate borrowings and 2.75% for Term SOFR borrowings.

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Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Vital's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act), was performed under the supervision and with the participation of Vital's management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer. Based on that evaluation, these officers concluded that Vital's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2023. Our disclosure controls and other procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to Vital's management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Evaluation of changes in internal control over financial reporting

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13(a)-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended June 30, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

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Part II

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are subject to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, including proceedings for which we may not have insurance coverage. While many of these matters involve inherent uncertainty as of the date hereof, we do not currently believe that any such legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report, you should carefully consider the risks discussed in our 2022 Annual Report and those set forth from time to time in our other filings with the SEC. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those described in our 2022 Annual Report. The risks described in such report are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or future results.

Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

None.

Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities

The following table summarizes purchases of common stock by Vital for the periods presented:

Period						Total number of shares purchased(1)						Weighted-average price paid per share						Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans						Maximum value that may yet be purchased under the program as of the respective period-end date(2)
April 1, 2023 - April 30, 2023						—						$	—					—						$	162,710,185
May 1, 2023 - May 31, 2023						37						$	46.16					—						$	162,710,185
June 1, 2023 - June 30, 2023						8,514						$	45.15					—						$	162,710,185
Total						8,551												—

______________________________________________________________________________

(1)Represents shares that were withheld by us to satisfy tax withholding obligations that arose upon the lapse of restrictions on equity-based compensation awards.

(2)On May 31, 2022, our board of directors authorized a $200 million share repurchase program commencing on the date of such announcement and continuing through and including May 27, 2024. Share repurchases under the program may be made through a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases, including under arrangements complying with Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act, and privately negotiated transactions. During the three months ended June 30, 2023, no shares were repurchased.

Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures

The operation of our Howard County, Texas sand mine is subject to regulation by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (the "MSHA") under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (the "Mine Act"). MSHA may inspect our Howard County mine and may issue citations and orders when it believes a violation has occurred under the Mine Act. While we contract the mining operations of the Howard County mine to an independent contractor, we may be considered an "operator" for purpose of the Mine Act and may be issued notices or citations if MSHA believes that we are responsible for violations.

The information concerning mine safety violations and other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in Exhibit 95.1 to this Quarterly Report.

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Item 5.    Other Information

Rule 10b5-1 Trading Arrangement Changes

Certain of our officers and directors have trading arrangements for the sale or purchase of Vital Energy, Inc. common stock intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) of the Exchange Act. The following table summarizes changes to such arrangements during the three months ended June 30, 2023:

Name and title of director or officer

Type of change

Date of adoption

Date of termination

Duration of trading arrangement

Potential aggregate number of securities to be purchased (sold) pursuant to the trading arrangement

Mark Denny Senior Vice President-General Counsel & Secretary

Adoption

May 22, 2023

N/A

October 6, 2023

(5,496)

Mark Denny Senior Vice President-General Counsel & Secretary

Termination

February 24, 2023

May 22, 2023

December 29, 2023

(10,037)

Jason Pigott President and Chief Executive Officer

Termination

February 24, 2023

May 23, 2023

July 31, 2023

(10,000)

Other than as described above, none of the Company's directors or officers adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement during the quarterly period ended June 30, 2023.

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Item 6.    Exhibits

Incorporated by reference (File No. 001-35380, unless otherwise indicated)

Exhibit

Description

Form

Exhibit

Filing Date

2.1

Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated May 11, 2023, by and among Vital Energy, Inc., Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. and Forge Energy II Delaware, LLC.

8-K

2.1

5/17/2023

3.1

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vital Energy, Inc., dated as of December 19, 2011.

8-K

3.1

12/22/2011

3.2

Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vital Energy, Inc., dated as of June 1, 2020.

8-K

3.1

6/1/2020

3.3

Second Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vital Energy, Inc., dated May 26, 2022.

8-K

3.1

5/26/2022

3.4

Third Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vital Energy, Inc., dated January 9, 2023.

8-K

3.1

1/9/2023

3.5

Certificate of Ownership and Merger, dated as of December 30, 2013.

8-K

3.1

1/6/2014

3.6

Fourth Amended and Restated Bylaws of Vital Energy, Inc., adopted January 9, 2023.

8-K

3.2

1/9/2023

4.1

Form of Common Stock Certificate.

8-A12B/A

4.1

1/7/2014

22.1

List of Issuers and Guarantor Subsidiaries.

10-K

22.1

2/22/2023

31.1*

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

31.2*

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

32.1**

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18. U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

95.1*

Mine Safety Disclosures.

101

The following financial information from Vital’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) Condensed Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

______________________________________________________________________________

*    Filed herewith.

**    Furnished herewith.

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. 

			VITAL ENERGY, INC.
Date: August 8, 2023			By:			/s/ Jason Pigott
						Jason Pigott
						President and Chief Executive Officer
						(principal executive officer)
Date: August 8, 2023			By:			/s/ Bryan J. Lemmerman
						Bryan J. Lemmerman
						Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
						(principal financial officer)
Date: August 8, 2023			By:			/s/ Jessica R. Wren
						Jessica R. Wren
						Senior Director of Financial Accounting and SEC Reporting
						(principal accounting officer)

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