Viper Energy Partners (VNOM) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) rating due to rising earnings estimates. Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company has increased 11%, reflecting improved business fundamentals. The upgrade positions VNOM in the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting potential for near-term stock price appreciation.

The article compares Bloom Energy, a clean energy innovator in solid oxide fuel cells for AI data centers, with Diamondback Energy, a traditional oil and gas producer in the Permian Basin. While Bloom Energy shows impressive 37.3% revenue growth, it remains unprofitable with a P/E ratio of 350.25. Diamondback Energy demonstrates superior profitability with $1.7B net income, a P/E of 39.86, and robust free cash flow of $5.5B. The author recommends Diamondback Energy for 2026 due to its profitable operations, growing dividend, and emerging AI energy partnerships, though acknowledges Bloom Energy's high-growth potential for risk-tolerant investors.

Venture Global (VG) reported Q2 2026 earnings of 51 cents per share, beating estimates by 4.08%, with revenues rising 47.6% year-over-year to $4.58 billion. The company raised its full-year 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance to $8.70-$9.10 billion from $8.20-$8.50 billion, driven by higher LNG sales volumes from Plaquemines commissioning and stronger pricing. The board also increased the quarterly dividend by 122% to 4 cents per share.

Viper Energy Partners (VNOM) reported Q2 2026 earnings of 76 cents per share, beating consensus estimates by 4.1%, driven by 69.5% production growth and 35.3% higher realized oil prices. The company raised its 2026 production guidance and increased its annualized base dividend by 32% to $2 per share. Shares have gained 7.2% in the past month, outperforming the S&P 500.

Viper Energy, Inc., a subsidiary of Diamondback Energy, Inc., has completed its acquisition of Riverbend Oil & Gas IX, L.L.C.'s mineral and royalty interests for $337 million in cash and approximately 3.7 million shares of Viper Class A common stock. The acquisition was funded through cash on hand and borrowings under the company's credit facility.

The article compares ConocoPhillips and Viper Energy as investment options for 2026. ConocoPhillips, a global independent E&P company, is recommended as the better choice due to its diversified operations, stronger financial performance ($61.6B revenue, $8.0B net income in FY2025), lower valuation (10.6x Forward P/E), and dividend payments of $3.30 per share. Viper Energy, a mineral and royalty company focused on the Permian Basin, offers a capital-light model but faces challenges including a $68M net loss in 2025, heavy dependence on operator Diamondback Energy, and no dividend, though analysts project a recovery with $500M+ net income expected in 2026.

While the S&P 500 has fallen nearly 5% since the start of the U.S.-Iran conflict, three dividend-paying stocks are bucking the trend: Crescent Energy, Viper Energy Partners, and Unum Group. Crescent Energy benefits from its Permian Basin operations and recent analyst upgrades. Viper Energy's royalty model shields it from operational risks while offering a 3.3% dividend yield. Unum Group, a life and disability insurer, stands out as a non-energy play with expected 8%-12% EPS growth and 30% upside potential.

Goldman Sachs upgraded its oil price forecasts following the Strait of Hormuz closure, expecting Brent crude to average $80-$100/barrel in 2026 and $75/barrel in 2027. The bank identified seven energy stocks as winners, with Permian-focused E&Ps and major oil companies positioned to benefit from higher oil prices and strong cash flow generation through major projects.

Webs Creek Capital Management sold 1.27 million shares of Viper Energy (worth ~$48.2 million) in Q4 2025, reducing its stake to 1.87% of AUM. Despite the fund's reduction, Viper Energy returned $131 million to shareholders last quarter through dividends and buybacks, with a 5% dividend yield and recent 15% base dividend increase. The stock has underperformed the S&P 500 over the past year despite strong operational metrics.

Viper Energy announced an underwritten public offering of 17.4 million shares of Class A common stock by Diamondback Energy and affiliates of EnCap Investments and Oaktree Capital Management. Viper will not receive proceeds from the sale but has agreed to purchase 1 million units in its operating company from Oaktree affiliates at the offering price. J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs are joint book-running managers.

Guardian Wealth Management invested $5.1 million in Viper Energy during Q3 2025, acquiring 133,874 shares, representing 3.02% of their assets under management. Viper Energy is a royalty-based oil and gas company with strong historical performance.

Oaktree Capital Management acquired a new $240.2 million stake in Viper Energy, representing 6.3 million shares and 3.7% of its reportable assets, following the merger with Sitio Royalties Corp.