Description

Viper Energy: The $337 Million Riverbend Deal Tests Expansion Discipline!

Viper Energy Partners demonstrated a stronger-than-expected operational performance in the first quarter of 2026, marked by production exceeding internal forecasts and an increased growth outlook for the remainder of the year. The company highlighted accelerated development primarily driven by Diamondback Energy’s activity in the Midland Basin, with operators contributing over 650 gross horizontal wells coming online, including 114 gross wells from Diamondback alone. This resulted in an upward revision of the midpoint of Viper’s 2026 oil production guidance by approximately 2.5%, reflecting more than 5% organic growth relative to the 2025 exit run rate. In addition to organic production growth, Viper announced the acquisition of Riverbend Royalty Company, adding over 3,000 net royalty acres and approximately 2,000 barrels of oil per day for $337 million in cash and 3.7 million Class A shares.