VIVK.NASDAQVivakor, INC

10-K: Vivakor Reports Mixed Financials Amid Operational Shifts

Sentiment:

Annual Report


Vivakor, Inc. filed its annual report detailing a significant revenue increase but also substantial operating losses and a going concern warning.

Capital raiseManagement is actively pursuing multiple initiatives to enhance liquidity, including raising capital through private and public equity offerings, and a structured financing arrangement.The company expects to obtain additional capital during 2025 through financing structures for its sites.The company may need to raise additional capital to fund operations while implementing its business plan.
Worse than expectedThe company reported a significant increase in net loss and operating expenses, largely driven by impairment charges and increased administrative costs.A substantial goodwill impairment charge of $40.6 million was recorded, leading to a full impairment of goodwill.The company has a working capital deficit and a going concern warning from its auditors.Loss on conversion of debt was $17.4 million, indicating unfavorable debt financing terms.

Summary

  • Vivakor, Inc. reported total revenues of $104.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, an increase of 16% from $89.8 million in 2024.
  • The company experienced a net loss of $110.2 million for 2025, a significant increase from a net loss of $26.4 million in 2024.
  • Operating expenses rose by 215% to $101.6 million in 2025, largely due to a $40.6 million impairment charge and increased general and administrative costs.
  • The company has a working capital deficit of $53.2 million as of December 31, 2025, and a cash balance of $2.1 million, with $1.8 million restricted.
  • Vivakor has identified material weaknesses in its internal controls over financial reporting related to segregation of duties and accounting personnel.
  • The company's independent auditors included an explanatory paragraph in their report expressing substantial doubt about Vivakor's ability to continue as a going concern.
  • The company completed the divestiture of Meridian Equipment Leasing, LLC and Equipment Transport, LLC on July 30, 2025, for $11.1 million in Series A Preferred Stock.

Sentiment

Score: 3

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this filing as negative due to the significant increase in net loss, operating expenses, and the going concern warning, despite revenue growth.

Positives

  • Revenue increased by 16% to $104.4 million in 2025, driven by full-year operations of the Endeavor Entities and expanded supply and trading activities.
  • Gross profit increased by 258% to $37.7 million in 2025, primarily due to improved margins in the transportation and logistics segment.
  • The transportation and logistics segment saw a 23.62% revenue increase to $35.1 million in 2025, benefiting from a full year of operations and segment realignment.
  • The company's website is www.vivakor.com.
  • The company has a diversified portfolio of midstream infrastructure assets and is developing environmental solutions.

Negatives

  • The company reported a net loss of $110.2 million for 2025, compared to $26.4 million in 2024.
  • Operating expenses increased by 215% to $101.6 million in 2025, largely due to a $40.6 million impairment charge and increased G&A.
  • The company has a working capital deficit of $53.2 million as of December 31, 2025.
  • Cash and cash equivalents were $2.1 million as of December 31, 2025, with $1.8 million restricted.
  • The company has identified material weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting.
  • The auditors' report includes substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern.
  • Loss on conversion of debt was $17.4 million in 2025.
  • The terminaling and storage segment saw an 83% revenue decrease to $11.7 million in 2025, primarily due to divestitures.
  • Goodwill was fully impaired in 2025, with a charge of $40.6 million.
  • The company has significant debt obligations maturing within one year.
  • The company is subject to numerous legal proceedings, with claims totaling tens of millions of dollars.

Risks

  • The business is substantially dependent on oil and natural gas exploration, development, and production activity.
  • Revenues are sensitive to fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices.
  • The company is subject to the hazards inherent in the oil and gas industry, including equipment failures, accidents, fires, and spills.
  • A substantial portion of operating assets are located in the Permian and Eagle Ford Basins, creating vulnerability to regional risks.
  • The company may have difficulty raising additional capital when needed, and any such financing could result in dilution.
  • The company has historically suffered net losses and may not be able to sustain profitability.
  • The company's financial condition raises doubts about its ability to continue as a going concern.
  • Material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting could prevent accurate financial reporting or fraud prevention.
  • Failure to obtain or maintain necessary permits could materially adversely affect operations.
  • The company depends on a limited number of key employees.
  • The conflict in Iran has caused uncertainty in energy markets and could impact the business.
  • The company's common stock is subject to potential delisting if it does not meet Nasdaq requirements.

Future Outlook

The company requires additional capital to fund operations and meet debt obligations over the next twelve months. Management is pursuing equity and debt financings, a structured financing arrangement, and potential sale of certain assets. The company is also focused on improving operating cash flows through business plan execution, strategic acquisitions, asset monetization, and cost management.

Management Comments

  • Management is actively pursuing multiple initiatives to enhance liquidity, including raising capital through equity and debt financings, executing a structured financing arrangement, and advancing the potential sale of certain midstream and transportation assets.
  • Management is focused on improving operating cash flows through the execution of our business plan, including strategic acquisitions, asset monetization, and cost management initiatives.
  • While management believes these actions, if successfully executed, will improve our liquidity position, there can be no assurance as to the timing or availability of such financing or the completion of planned transactions.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that Vivakor operates in the midstream oil and gas sector, which is subject to commodity price volatility and regulatory changes. The company's strategy to integrate transportation, terminaling, marketing, and remediation services aims to capture value across the energy supply chain and align with increasing sustainability priorities.

Management Changes

RolePrevious PersonNew PersonEffective DateReason
Chief Financial OfficerKimberly Hawley2025-07-24Appointment
Chief Operating OfficerLes Patterson2025-08-12Promotion
Chief Financial OfficerTyler Nelson2025-07-19Resignation
Chief Operating OfficerRuss Shelton2025-08-03Resignation
Executive Vice President, General Counsel & SecretaryPat Knapp2025-11-10Resignation
SecretaryPat KnappKimberly Hawley2025-11-10Appointment

Corporate Governance

Change TypeDescriptionEffective DateImpact Assessment
Audit CommitteeMichael Thompson serves as the chairman of the Audit Committee.Ensures oversight of financial reporting and internal controls.
Compensation CommitteeJohn Harris serves as the chairman of the Compensation Committee.Oversees executive and director compensation.
Nominating and Corporate Governance CommitteeAlbert Johnson serves as the chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.Recommends director nominees and oversees corporate governance principles.
Board Leadership StructureJames Ballengee is the principal executive officer and chairman of the board.Combines leadership roles, potentially impacting independent oversight.
Risk OversightThe Board oversees a company-wide approach to risk management, with committees overseeing specific areas.Establishes a framework for identifying and managing risks.
Code of Business Conduct and EthicsA code of conduct is in place for officers and employees.Promotes ethical behavior and compliance.

Legal Proceedings

  • Vivakor, Inc. v. Al-Dali International General Trading and Contracting Company, et al.: Plaintiff seeks over $15,000,000 for breach of contract and unjust enrichment related to Kuwait operations.
  • Vivakor, Inc., et al., v. Unique Funding Solutions, LLC et al.: Plaintiffs allege fraud and seek damages exceeding $5 million related to a receivables factoring contract.
  • AE Systems, LLC v. VivaVentures Remediation Corporation: Debtor claims breach of contract and damages of $156,356.00.
  • Espri LHeureux v. Vivakor, Inc., et al.: Plaintiff asserts claims for discrimination, wrongful termination, and unfair business practices, seeking over $1,000,000.
  • Great Lakes Petroleum Co. v. Vivakor, Inc.: Plaintiff obtained a default judgment for $183,808.77 for fuel and tank services.
  • James Samuelson v. Vivakor, Inc., James Ballengee, et al.: Plaintiff alleged failure to pay wages, misclassification, and breach of contract, seeking $1,277,499.95; settled for $100,000 cash and shares.
  • Julie Ridenhour Tonroy, as Personal Representative of the Estate of John Ridenhour, Deceased, v. Endeavor Crude, LLC, et al.: Lawsuit related to a motor vehicle accident settled in August 2025.
  • Kellie Yates v. Endeavor Crude, LLC et al.: Plaintiff seeks damages of $50,000 to $1,000,000 for negligence and lost wages.
  • Kush Properties, LLC d/b/a Motel 6 Floresville d/b/a Eagle Ford Inn, et al., v. Endeavor Crude, LLC, et al: Plaintiff alleges breach of contract and fraud, seeking $256,070.00 for lodging charges.
  • Mikasa McKnight v. Endeavor Crude, LLC, et al.: Plaintiff alleged negligence and sought damages in excess of $1,000,000; lawsuit dismissed with prejudice.
  • Misty Kitson, Blaine County Assessor v. Meridian Equipment Leasing, LLC: Plaintiff seeks a property tax valuation of $27,463,542.00.
  • MV Purchasing, LLC et al., v. Endeavor Crude, LLC, et al., v. Unique Funding Solutions, LLC, et al.: Claims for fraud and breach of contract, seeking over $3,000,000.
  • Novella Strmiska v. Endeavor Crude, LLC, et al.: Plaintiff obtained a default judgment for $256,717.00 for breach of contract and other claims.
  • Rocket Capital NY LLC v. Silver Fuels Processing, LLC, et al.: Plaintiff obtained a default judgment for $1,514,619.08 for breach of contract.
  • Texas Premier Resources, LLC et al., v. Vivakor, Inc., et al.: Plaintiffs assert claims for breach of contract and fraud, seeking over $5,000,000.
  • Vincent Smith, et al., v. Meridian Transport, LLC, et al.: Plaintiffs allege gross negligence and seek damages up to $1,000,000.
  • Viva Wealth Fund I, LLC v. Vivakor, Inc., et al.: Plaintiff alleges fraud and seeks damages in excess of $50 million related to equipment leases.
  • VivaVentures Remediation Corp. v. Viva Wealth Fund I, LLC: Plaintiff alleges breach of contract and seeks damages exceeding $5.3 million for equipment leases.
  • Tyler Nelson v. Vivakor, Inc., et al.: Plaintiff, former CFO, alleged breach of contract and failure to pay wages, seeking $2,154,158.47; settled for $250,000 cash and shares, but company defaulted on final payment.
  • SRAX, Inc. v. Vivakor, Inc., et al.: Plaintiff obtained a default judgment for breach of contract; motion to set aside is pending.
  • SRAX, Inc. v. Vivakor, Inc.: Plaintiff filed an application for transfer of shares.
  • In the ordinary course of business, the Company is from time to time involved in various pending or threatened legal actions.

Related Party Transactions

  • On November 5, 2025, the Company entered into a Settlement Agreement with Tyler Nelson, former CFO, for alleged unpaid wages and damages.
  • On November 10, 2025, the Company entered into a Transition Agreement with Patrick Knapp, former EVP, General Counsel and Secretary.
  • On November 25, 2025, the Company entered into a Debt Satisfaction and Preferred Stock Amendment Agreement where James Ballengee extinguished $569,589.04 owed under a convertible promissory note.
  • On May 20, 2025, 6,922 shares of restricted common stock were issued to Jorgan Development, LLC, controlled by James Ballengee, for Series A Preferred Stock dividends.
  • On October 1, 2024, the Company acquired Endeavor Entities, with sellers beneficially owned by James Ballengee, issuing common stock and Series A Preferred Stock.
  • A Repair and Maintenance Subscription Plan was entered into with Horizon Truck and Trailer, LLC, an entity affiliated with James Ballengee, with a $100,000 monthly retainer.
  • The Company acquired a Trucking Transportation Agreement with White Claw Crude, LLC, sharing a beneficiary with James Ballengee, requiring a minimum volume of 75,000 bbls per day.
  • The Company acquired a Station Throughput Agreement with Posse Wasson, LLC, sharing a beneficiary with James Ballengee, guaranteeing $759,000 of annual throughput revenue.
  • The Company acquired a Station Throughput Agreement with WC Crude, sharing a beneficiary with James Ballengee, guaranteeing $2,400,000 of annual throughput revenue.
  • On July 30, 2025, the Company sold certain subsidiaries to Jorgan Development, LLC, an entity controlled by James Ballengee, for Series A Preferred Stock.
  • The Company is directly obligated for a related-party note payable to Meridian Equipment Leasing, LLC, affiliated with James Ballengee, totaling $5,040,545.
  • The Company assumed $2,302,696 of related-party debt owed to Meridian Equipment Leasing, LLC.
  • A yard lease in Pearsall, Texas was entered into with a related party affiliated with James Ballengee.
  • The Company has secured promissory notes with Jorgan Development, LLC and JBAH Holdings, LLC, entities beneficially owned by James Ballengee.
  • The Company has an Oil Storage Agreement with White Claw Crude, LLC, an entity sharing a common beneficiary with James Ballengee.
  • The Company has a Crude Petroleum Supply Agreement with WC Crude.
  • The Company has an agreement to sell natural gas liquids and crude petroleum products to WC Crude.
  • On October 17, 2024, newly acquired subsidiaries received funding of $530,000 under a promissory note between Vivakor, Inc. and Ballengee Holdings, LLC, beneficially owned by James Ballengee.
  • On May 14, 2024, a promissory note was issued to James Ballengee, later replaced by a note to Ballengee Holdings, LLC.
  • The Company received a loan from Ballengee Holdings, LLC, with an agreement to issue restricted shares.
  • The Company has an existing note payable issued to Triple T, owned by Dr. Khalid Bin Jabor Al Thani, majority-owner of Vivakor Middle East LLC.

Stakeholder Impact

  • Shareholders may experience dilution due to potential future equity financings and the conversion of convertible notes.
  • The company's going concern status and material weaknesses in internal controls could negatively impact investor confidence.
  • Creditors face increased risk due to the company's liquidity challenges and debt obligations.
  • Employees may be impacted by the company's financial instability and potential restructuring.
  • Customers may be affected by potential disruptions in services due to the company's financial condition.
  • Suppliers may face payment delays or increased credit risk.

Next Steps

  • The company is pursuing additional capital through equity and debt financings.
  • Management is focused on improving operating cash flows through strategic acquisitions, asset monetization, and cost management.
  • The company is working with lenders to address outstanding obligations and revise payment terms.
  • The company plans to commission its first Remediation Processing Center (RPC) in the first quarter of 2026.

Key Dates

DateDescription
2022-08-01Acquisition of Silver Fuels Delhi, LLC and White Claw Colorado City, LLC (Terminals Acquisition).
2023-11-102023 Equity and Incentive Plan went effective.
2024-01-01Start of fiscal year 2024.
2024-02-15Completion of the sale of VivaSphere, Inc.
2024-02-26Agreement and Plan of Merger with Empire Diversified Energy, Inc.
2024-05-14Issuance of promissory note to James Ballengee.
2024-05-23Issuance of promissory note to Ballengee Holdings, LLC, replacing the note with James Ballengee.
2024-06-13Entered into a new Employment Agreement with Tyler Nelson.
2024-06-26Entered into Executive Employment Agreement with Patrick Knapp.
2024-07-24Entered into Executive Employment Agreement with Kimberly Hawley.
2024-07-30Sale of Meridian Equipment Leasing, LLC and Equipment Transport, LLC (MEL/ET Sale).
2024-10-01Acquisition of Endeavor Crude, LLC, Equipment Transport, LLC, Meridian Equipment Leasing, LLC, and Silver Fuels Processing, LLC (Endeavor Entities Acquisition).
2024-10-31Issued a secured promissory note to Cedarview Opportunities Master Fund LP.
2024-11-05Entered into a Settlement Agreement with Tyler Nelson.
2024-11-10Entered into a Transition Agreement with Patrick Knapp.
2024-12-31End of fiscal year 2024.
2025-01-01Start of fiscal year 2025.
2025-02-06Filed Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation withdrawing prior series of preferred stock.
2025-02-10Entered into Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement with Les Patterson.
2025-02-10Entered into Employment Agreement with Andre Johnson.
2025-02-11Entered into Consulting Agreement with WSGS, LLC.
2025-02-26Entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Empire Diversified Energy, Inc.
2025-03-17Issued a junior secured convertible promissory note to J.J. Astor & Co.
2025-03-21Filed lawsuit against Al-Dali International General Trading and Contracting Company, et al.
2025-03-21Filed lawsuit against Vivakor, Inc., et al., by Unique Funding Solutions, LLC et al.
2025-04-09Entered into a side letter agreement with Cedarview.
2025-04-11Issued restricted common stock to Cedarview Capital Management LLC.
2025-04-11Issued restricted common stock to Justin Ellis.
2025-04-11Issued shares of Series A Preferred Stock to sellers in Endeavor Entities transaction.
2025-04-15Date of report for outstanding shares of common stock.
2025-05-01Entered into Loan Agreement with J.J. Astor & Co.
2025-05-08Filed lawsuit by Kush Properties, LLC d/b/a Motel 6 Floresville d/b/a Eagle Ford Inn, et al. against Endeavor Crude, LLC, et al.
2025-05-14Issued promissory note to James Ballengee.
2025-05-20Issued restricted common stock for Series A Preferred Stock dividends.
2025-05-23Issued promissory note to Ballengee Holdings, LLC.
2025-06-01Entered into Loan Agreement with J.J. Astor & Co.
2025-06-06Issued convertible promissory notes to seven non-affiliated accredited investors.
2025-06-09Issued convertible promissory notes to seven non-affiliated accredited investors.
2025-06-13Entered into a new Employment Agreement with Tyler Nelson.
2025-06-16Filed lawsuit by Texas Premier Resources, LLC et al. against Vivakor, Inc., et al.
2025-06-23Filed lawsuit by Rocket Capital NY LLC against Silver Fuels Processing, LLC, et al.
2025-07-01Entered into Loan Agreement with J.J. Astor & Co.
2025-07-05Received loan from Ballengee Holdings, LLC.
2025-07-09Entered into Forbearance and Additional Loan Agreement with J.J. Astor & Co.
2025-07-14Filed lawsuit by James Samuelson v. Vivakor, Inc., James Ballengee, et al.
2025-07-19Tyler Nelson resigned as Chief Financial Officer.
2025-07-30Completed the sale of Meridian Equipment Leasing, LLC and Equipment Transport, LLC.
2025-08-01Entered into Executive Employment Agreement with Kimberly Hawley.
2025-08-02Filed lawsuit by Misty Kitson, Blaine County Assessor v. Meridian Equipment Leasing, LLC.
2025-08-06Filed lawsuit by Mikasa McKnight v. Endeavor Crude, LLC, et al.
2025-08-11Filed lawsuit by Tyler Nelson v. Vivakor, Inc., et al.
2025-08-12Entered into Second Amended Employment Agreement with Les Patterson.
2025-08-18Filed lawsuit by SRAX, Inc. v. Vivakor, Inc., et al.
2025-08-27Filed lawsuit by VivaVentures Remediation Corp. v. Viva Wealth Fund I, LLC.
2025-09-11Held 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
2025-09-29Filed lawsuit by Espri LHeureux v. Vivakor, Inc., et al.
2025-10-01Acquisition of Endeavor Entities completed.
2025-10-08Entered into Second Forbearance Agreement with J.J. Astor & Co.
2025-10-09Issued Third Junior Secured Convertible Promissory Note.
2025-10-17Entered into Form of Securities Purchase Agreement.
2025-10-23Entered into Settlement Agreement with James Samuelson.
2025-11-05Entered into Settlement Agreement with Tyler Nelson.
2025-11-10Entered into Transition Agreement with Patrick Knapp.
2025-11-12Filed Settlement Agreement with Tyler Nelson.
2025-11-12Filed Transition Agreement with Patrick Knapp.
2025-11-26Entered into Debt Satisfaction and Preferred Stock Amendment Agreement.
2025-12-31End of fiscal year 2025.
2026-01-07Company entered into Interim Forbearance Agreement with Cedarview.
2026-01-16Company received Notices of Conversion from Lenders.
2026-01-30Company entered into Forbearance and Note Amendment Agreements with Lenders.
2026-02-05Company entered into Forbearance and Note Payment Amendment Agreement with J.J. Astor & Co.
2026-02-27Company entered into Loan Agreement Amendment No. 3 and Fourth Junior Secured Convertible Promissory Note.
2026-03-24Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation went effective, implementing a 1-for-200 reverse stock split.
2026-04-15Date of report for outstanding shares of common stock.

Recommendation

sell

The company's significant operating losses, going concern warning, material weaknesses in internal controls, and substantial debt obligations, despite revenue growth, indicate a high level of financial risk. The ongoing legal proceedings and reliance on related-party transactions further add to the uncertainty. While there are strategic initiatives underway, the immediate financial health and operational stability are concerning.

Keywords

Vivakor, SEC Filing, 10-K, Annual Report, Oil and Gas, Midstream, Transportation, Terminaling, Storage, Supply and Trading, Remediation, Financial Results, Going Concern, Internal Controls

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