Vital Energy, formerly known as Laredo Petroleum, is an independent oil and natural gas company focused on the exploration, development and production of hydrocarbons in the Permian Basin of West Texas. The company employs advanced drilling and completion techniques, including horizontal drilling and enhanced oil recovery, to increase production from unconventional reservoirs. Vital Energy maintains a strategy of disciplined capital allocation, operational efficiency and hedging to manage commodity price volatility. In addition to drilling, the company invests in water recycling and emissions reduction initiatives to improve sustainability. Headquarters are in Tulsa, Oklahoma.