Core Viewpoint - Analysts project that Viper Energy Partners (VNOM) will report quarterly earnings of $0.27 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 35.7%, while revenues are expected to reach $426.49 million, an increase of 86.5% from the same quarter last year [1]. Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised downward by 5.9% in the past 30 days, indicating a reassessment by covering analysts [2]. - Changes in earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor reactions, with empirical studies showing a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock performance [3]. Key Metrics Projections - Analysts estimate 'Natural Gas Income' to be $23.50 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 288.5% [4]. - 'Natural Gas Liquids Income' is projected at $47.99 million, indicating a change of 79.3% from the previous year [5]. - 'Oil Income' is expected to reach $359.92 million, reflecting an 87.4% year-over-year increase [5]. - 'Lease Bonus Income' is forecasted to be $10.06 million, showing a year-over-year change of 175.2% [5]. Production and Sales Estimates - The consensus for 'Average Daily Combined Volumes' is 126,597 barrels of oil equivalent per day, compared to 56,109 barrels per day a year ago [6]. - 'Total Production' is estimated at 11,671 thousand barrels of oil equivalent, up from 5,162 thousand barrels a year prior [7]. - 'Production - NGL' is projected at 2,763 thousand barrels of oil, compared to 1,209 thousand barrels in the same quarter last year [7]. - 'Production - Natural Gas' is expected to be 17,048.17 million cubic feet, up from 7,236.00 million cubic feet year-over-year [8]. - 'Average Sales Prices - Oil, Hedged' is estimated at $58.59, down from $69.00 in the same quarter last year [9]. - 'Average Sales Prices - Crude Oil' is projected to be $58.46, compared to $69.91 a year ago [9]. Market Performance - Over the past month, Viper Energy shares have gained 18%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has decreased by 1.3% [9]. - Based on its Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), VNOM is expected to underperform the overall market in the upcoming period [10].

Viper Energy - Viper acquired Sitio Royalties in an all-equity transaction in August, integrating the new assets into its operations during 3Q25 [1] - The company focuses on providing attractive shareholder returns by acquiring mineral and royalty assets in the Permian basin [2] - Viper is a subsidiary of Diamondback Energy, which operates its assets, creating a mutually beneficial relationship [3] - Viper's business model is designed to sustain free cash flow with low capital demands [4] - In 3Q25, Viper reported an adjusted net income of $0.40 per share, with $53 million in cash and liquid assets [9] - Viper pays a regular dividend of $0.33 per share, with a variable dividend increasing the yield to 5.2% [8] - Analysts have a Strong Buy consensus rating for Viper, with a price target of $54 indicating a potential upside of 22% [10] Cheniere Energy - Cheniere Energy operates in the midstream sector, converting natural gas into LNG for export [11] - The company has significant liquefaction facilities, including Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi, capable of processing billions of cubic feet of natural gas daily [12] - 95% of Cheniere's LNG production capacity is contracted through long-term agreements, providing stable revenue [14] - In 3Q25, Cheniere reported revenue of $4.4 billion, an 18% year-over-year increase, with a GAAP EPS of $4.75 beating forecasts [15] - Analysts view Cheniere's contracted asset base as undervalued, with a Buy rating and a price target of $275 suggesting a 24.5% upside [16] Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) - PG&E is an investor-owned utility providing natural gas and electricity to northern California [17] - The company faced regulatory changes that lowered its return on equity to 9.98%, impacting its profitability [18] - PG&E settled a $100 million shareholder action related to past wildfire incidents, which is seen as a step towards resolving claims [19] - In 4Q25, PG&E reported revenues of $6.8 billion, a 2.6% year-over-year increase, but missed forecasts [20] - Analysts believe PG&E has substantial valuation upside, with a Buy rating and a price target of $22 indicating a potential 21% upside [21]

Core Viewpoint - Goldman Sachs is optimistic about the energy sector, highlighting ten top stocks that offer dividends and significant growth potential, as energy stocks have outperformed the S&P 500 in 2026 due to favorable market conditions [1]. Energy Sector Performance - Energy stocks have surged in 2026, with the XLE index up 23% compared to the S&P 500's 1% increase, driven by high oil prices around $70 per barrel, recovering demand from Asia, and geopolitical tensions [1]. - Goldman Sachs anticipates continued strong performance in the energy sector, with an average total return of approximately 19% for their top picks [1]. Key Stock Recommendations - **Cheniere Energy (LNG)**: Leading U.S. LNG exporter with a 0.94% dividend, positioned for growth in domestic and international markets. Goldman Sachs targets a price of $275, indicating a 25% potential gain [1]. - **EQT Corp (EQT)**: One of the largest U.S. natural gas producers with a 1.14% dividend, focused on low-cost production in the Appalachian Basin. Goldman Sachs sets a price target of $66, suggesting a 16% upside [2]. - **Golar LNG (GLNG)**: Newly added to the Conviction List, offering a 2.26% dividend. Goldman Sachs has a target price of $56, representing a 27% potential gain [2]. - **Viper Energy (VNOM)**: Focused on mineral and royalty interests in the Permian Basin, with a 5.39% dividend yield. Goldman Sachs targets a price of $54, indicating a 23% upside [2]. - **Vistra Corp (VST)**: An integrated electricity and power generation company with a 0.56% dividend, expected to support data centers and cloud computing. Goldman Sachs sets a price target of $205, representing a 28% potential gain [2].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **Energy sector**, highlighting a significant repricing of energy equities in 2026, with the XLE index up **23%** compared to the S&P 500's **1%** increase. This strength is attributed to positive GDP revisions, a tech rotation, and favorable oil momentum amid geopolitical uncertainties and smaller-than-expected surpluses [1][2]. Core Investment Ideas - The report identifies **10 stocks** with attractive total return potential, averaging **19%** total return, based on a mid-cycle view of **$70** Brent and **$3.75** Henry Hub prices [1][5]. Key Stocks and Their Investment Thesis 1. **HF Sinclair Corporation (DINO)** - Current Price: **$58.76**, Price Target: **$64** (9% upside) - Expected total return of **12%** with a **3%** dividend yield. - Strong balance sheet, non-refining earnings contributions, and exposure to a tighter West Coast market are key drivers [6]. 2. **ConocoPhillips (COP)** - Current Price: **$111.21**, Price Target: **$120** (8% upside) - Expected total return of **11%** with a **3%** dividend yield. - Major growth projects and cost reductions expected to generate **$7 billion** in incremental free cash flow by 2029 at **$70/b** WTI [7][9]. 3. **EQT Corporation (EQT)** - Current Price: **$56.93**, Price Target: **$66** (16% upside) - Expected total return of **17%** with a **1%** dividend yield. - Strong inventory position in the low-cost Appalachian Basin and improved cost structure post-acquisition are highlighted [10]. 4. **Viper Energy, Inc. (VNOM)** - Current Price: **$43.85**, Price Target: **$54** (23% upside) - Expected total return of **29%** with a **5%** dividend yield. - No-capex business model and commitment to return **75%** of cash available for distribution to shareholders are key factors [11]. 5. **Diamondback Energy, Inc. (FANG)** - Current Price: **$169.01**, Price Target: **$187** (11% upside) - Expected total return of **13%** with a **2%** dividend yield. - Strong operational execution and commitment to return capital to shareholders are emphasized [13]. 6. **Kinder Morgan, Inc. (KMI)** - Current Price: **$31.45**, Price Target: **$32** (2% upside) - Expected total return of **6%** with a **4%** dividend yield. - Significant natural gas-focused backlog and recent earnings beat are noted [14]. 7. **Cheniere Energy, Inc. (LNG)** - Current Price: **$219.41**, Price Target: **$275** (25% upside) - Expected total return of **26%** with a **1%** dividend yield. - Highly contracted asset footprint provides insulation from commodity price downside [15]. 8. **Golar LNG Limited (GLNG)** - Current Price: **$44.20**, Price Target: **$56** (27% upside) - Expected total return of **29%** with a **2%** dividend yield. - Shift towards floating liquefaction business and potential for significant EBITDA growth are highlighted [18]. 9. **Halliburton Company (HAL)** - Current Price: **$35.03**, Price Target: **$40** (14% upside) - Expected total return of **16%** with a **2%** dividend yield. - Strong performance in international markets and potential for margin expansion are noted [19]. 10. **Vistra Corp. (VST)** - Current Price: **$160.15**, Price Target: **$205** (28% upside) - Expected total return of **29%** with a **1%** dividend yield. - Upside potential from contracting remaining nuclear generation and favorable valuation metrics are discussed [21]. Additional Insights - The report emphasizes the importance of monitoring macroeconomic factors, commodity prices, and operational execution as key risks for the companies mentioned [26][27][29][30][31][34]. - The overall sentiment in the energy sector remains constructive, with expectations of continued strength in energy services and integrated oil stocks, despite some relative weakness in gas exploration and production [23]. This comprehensive overview captures the essential insights and investment opportunities within the energy sector as discussed in the conference call.

Core Viewpoint - Warwick Capital Partners has successfully acquired $670 million in assets from Viper Energy, a subsidiary of Diamondback Energy, marking a significant transaction in the U.S. oil and gas sector with an effective date of September 1, 2025 [1] Group 1: Transaction Details - The acquisition involves assets valued at $670 million [1] - The deal is between Warwick Capital Partners and GRP Energy Capital, acquiring from Viper Energy [1] - The effective date of the transaction is set for September 1, 2025 [1] Group 2: Market Context - This transaction is noted as one of the largest recent deals in the U.S. oil and gas industry [1]

Core Viewpoint - Corporate earnings and geopolitical concerns have influenced investor sentiment, but dividend-paying stocks remain an attractive option for consistent income in a volatile market [1] Group 1: Viper Energy (VNOM) - Viper Energy, a subsidiary of Diamondback Energy, focuses on mineral and royalty interests in oil-weighted basins, primarily the Permian in West Texas, offering a dividend yield of 5.53% [3] - Analyst Leo Mariani from Roth Capital maintains a buy rating on VNOM with a price target of $48, citing its high organic growth rate, solid and growing dividend, and strong free cash flow even at lower oil prices [4] - Viper is expected to produce 66,552 barrels of oil per day in Q4 2025, slightly above estimates, with total production of 129,424 barrels of oil equivalent per day, also above consensus [4] - A cash distribution of $0.57 per share is anticipated for Q4 2025, reflecting a 2% decline, alongside an increase in share buybacks to $95 million [5] - Viper is considered more insulated from drilling cuts due to weak oil prices, as Diamondback operates 60% of its production, allowing for scaled-back activity outside VNOM's mineral acreage [6] Group 2: SLB (SLB) - SLB, an oilfield services provider, reported better-than-expected Q4 2025 results and announced a 3.5% increase in its quarterly cash dividend to $0.295 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.41% [8] - Analyst Arun Jayaram from JPMorgan reiterated a buy rating on SLB, raising the price target to $54, noting that the company's 2026 guidance aligns with consensus expectations [9] - SLB is expected to benefit from growth in international markets, particularly in Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia, while facing a modest revenue decline in Europe and Africa [10] - The company anticipates generating approximately $4.2 billion in free cash flow in 2026 and returning nearly $4.3 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks [12] Group 3: EOG Resources (EOG) - EOG Resources offers a quarterly dividend of $1.02 per share, resulting in an annualized dividend yield of 3.68% [14] - Analyst Gabriele Sorbara from Siebert Williams Shank reaffirmed a buy rating on EOG with a price target of $150, expecting strong Q4 results in line with estimates [15] - EOG is projected to return at least 70% of free cash flow to shareholders annually, supported by strong free cash flow generation and a robust balance sheet [16] - The company plans opportunistic buybacks, with $4 billion available under an existing authorization, estimating $457.4 million in Q4 2025 share buybacks [17]

Core Thesis - Viper Energy, Inc. (VNOM) is positioned as a unique energy royalty business focused on the Permian Basin, generating high cash flow with limited operational risk [2][3] Financial Performance - VNOM's trailing and forward P/E ratios are 15.49 and 55.25 respectively, indicating a valuation that may not fully reflect its potential [1] - The company achieves EBITDA margins above 90% and free cash flow margins exceeding 70%, even in lower commodity price environments [3] - At a commodity price of approximately $60 per barrel, VNOM offers over 10% cash-on-cash free cash flow yield, with an estimated payback period of 10 to 11 years [3] Operational Structure - VNOM owns subsurface mineral rights across about 86,000 net royalty acres, functioning more like an upstream capital provider rather than a traditional producer [2] - The company maintains low leverage with a net debt to EBITDA ratio of roughly 1x, allowing for flexibility in value compounding through mineral acquisitions and share buybacks [4] Shareholder Returns - VNOM is committed to returning at least 75% of cash available for distribution to shareholders through dividends and repurchases, resulting in an approximate 8% current cash yield [5] - The relationship with Diamondback Energy provides a steady pipeline of potential mineral dropdowns, enhancing VNOM's role as a consolidator in the Permian [5] Market Position - Despite strong performance and scale achieved through the Sitio merger, VNOM trades at a valuation discount compared to similar royalty businesses, presenting a long-term compounding opportunity [7] - The combination of strong free cash flow generation and a declining share count over time offers attractive downside protection and significant upside potential [7]

Company Overview - Viper Energy, Inc. is a subsidiary of Diamondback Energy, Inc. focused on owning, acquiring, and exploiting oil and natural gas properties in North America, particularly in the Permian Basin [3] - Diamondback Energy, Inc. is an independent oil and natural gas company headquartered in Midland, Texas, specializing in the acquisition, development, exploration, and exploitation of unconventional, onshore oil and natural gas reserves in the Permian Basin [4] Upcoming Financial Results - Viper Energy plans to release its fourth quarter 2025 financial results on February 23, 2026, after the market closes [1] - A conference call and webcast will be held on February 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CT to discuss the fourth quarter results with investors and analysts [2]

Core Insights - Viper Energy (VNOM) reported solid Q3 2025 results, with oil production meeting expectations and total production exceeding guidance by a couple of percent [1] Group 1: Company Performance - Viper Energy's total production was a couple percent higher than its guidance midpoint [1] - The company announced a sale, although specific details about the sale were not provided in the text [1] Group 2: Analyst Background - Aaron Chow, also known as Elephant Analytics, has over 15 years of analytical experience and is a top-rated analyst on TipRanks [1] - Chow co-founded a mobile gaming company that was acquired by PENN Entertainment and has designed in-game economic models for mobile apps with over 30 million combined installs [1] - He is the author of the investing group Distressed Value Investing, focusing on value opportunities and distressed plays, particularly in the energy sector [1]

Core Viewpoint - Viper Energy's stock has experienced a decline, with significant selling activity from major investors indicating potential concerns about the company's performance and investor sentiment in the energy sector [1][2][6]. Company Overview - Viper Energy focuses on acquiring and managing mineral rights in key U.S. oil and gas basins, allowing participation in upstream production economics while minimizing capital expenditures and operational risks [5][8]. - The company operates as a subsidiary of Diamondback Energy and generates revenue primarily from royalties on hydrocarbon production [8]. Financial Performance - For the trailing twelve months (TTM), Viper Energy reported revenue of $1.19 billion and a net income of $243.66 million [4]. - The company has a dividend yield of 5.5%, with shares priced at $38.48 as of the latest report [4]. - In the third quarter, Viper produced over 108,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day and generated $165 million in pro forma cash available for distribution, returning 85% of that cash to shareholders through dividends and buybacks [6][9]. Market Performance - Viper Energy's shares have decreased by 20% over the past year, significantly underperforming the S&P 500, which has increased by approximately 15.5% during the same period [3]. - The Nemes Rush Group sold its entire position of 319,503 shares, valued at approximately $12.18 million, indicating a strategic move after a sharp drawdown [2][10].