Guardian Wealth bought over 133,000 shares of Viper Energy during the third quarter of 2025.Guardian Wealth Management, Inc. disclosed a new position in Viper Energy (VNOM 0.23%) worth an estimated $5.12 million, according to a November 14, 2025, SEC filing.What HappenedAccording to a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing dated November 14, 2025, Guardian Wealth Management, Inc. opened a new position in Viper Energy during the third quarter. The fund reported ownership of 133,874 shares, with a ma ...

I’ve had several folks ask me about the latest pitch from Porter & Co., which was mostly about hedging for the likely collapse of the “circular economy” of artificial intelligence capital investments that revolves around OpenAI.It’s a compelling argument that you’ve probably heard across the financial media (and social media) over the past year — that OpenAI is building a house of cards by raising tons of money to pay for hardware and services from partners who own data centers and provide chips, but is far ...

Core Insights - Oaktree Capital Management's latest 13F filing reveals a focus on deep-value cyclicals, energy companies with strong free cash flow, and special-situation equities with asymmetric payoff potential [1][2] Group 1: Top Holdings - TORM PLC (TRMD) is Oaktree's largest holding with 40,581,120 shares valued at $834.6 million, indicating strong conviction in the tanker cycle and a favorable supply/demand imbalance in the product tanker market [3] - Expand Energy Corp (CHK) holds 5,062,363 shares worth $537.8 million, reflecting Oaktree's long-term confidence in energy, particularly natural gas, despite minimal activity this quarter [4] - Garrett Motion (GTX) has 31,894,816 shares valued at $434.4 million, representing a classic special situation investment as the company continues to reduce leverage and grow cash flow post-restructuring [5] - AngloGold Ashanti (AU) consists of 4,185,261 shares worth $294.3 million, fitting Oaktree's strategy with improving margins and optionality in an inflationary environment [6] - Viper Energy (VNOM) has 6,285,062 shares valued at $240.2 million, showcasing a strong thematic bet on energy with predictable royalty cash flows [7] Group 2: Investment Strategy - Oaktree's portfolio heavily emphasizes deep-value cyclicals, particularly in tankers, energy producers, and commodity-linked businesses, all characterized by significant cash flow yield and depressed valuations [8] - The firm maintains a consistent philosophy of embracing dislocation, favoring investments in situations where pessimism is already priced in, such as restructuring plays and underfollowed foreign cyclicals [9] - Energy remains the highest-conviction theme for Oaktree, with multiple top holdings indicating an underestimation of cash generation durability across the sector [10] - Position changes reflect a blend of patience and opportunism, with Oaktree trimming stocks that rallied while increasing positions in VNOM and selected common stocks, aligning with a strategy of controlled aggression [11]

Core Viewpoint - Viper Energy Partners reported better-than-expected Q3 2025 earnings, but the overall performance shows signs of potential challenges ahead due to declining realized prices and rising expenses [2][4][14]. Financial Performance - Adjusted EPS for Q3 2025 was 40 cents, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 38 cents but down from 49 cents a year ago [2]. - Operating income reached $418 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $403 million and significantly up from $211 million in the prior year [3]. - Total expenses surged to $594 million, compared to $75 million in the same quarter last year, and above the estimate of $245.8 million [9]. Production Metrics - Total production was 10,015 thousand oil-equivalent barrels (MBoe), up from 4,542 MBoe a year ago, surpassing the estimate of 9,709 MBoe [5]. - Oil production increased to 5,160 thousand barrels (MBbls) from 2,482 MBbls year-over-year, exceeding the estimate of 5,054 MBbls [5]. - Natural gas production rose to 14,655 million cubic feet (MMcf) from 6,150 MMcf in the same period last year [6]. Realized Prices - Average realized price per barrel of oil equivalent was $39.24, down from $45.83 in Q3 2024, and slightly below the estimate of $39.76 [7]. - Average realized oil price was $64.34 per barrel, down from $75.24 a year ago but above the estimate of $60.50 [7]. - Natural gas price was $1.02 per thousand cubic feet, significantly up from $0.13 a year ago, but below the estimate of $1.90 [8]. Cash Flow and Balance Sheet - Net cash provided by operating activities was $281 million, an increase from $203 million in Q3 2024 [11]. - As of September 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents stood at $53 million, with net long-term debt reported at $2,241 million [12]. Guidance - Production for Q4 2025 is projected to be between 124-128 Mboe/d, with full-year 2025 net production expected in the range of 92.75-93.50 Mboe/d [13]. Market Sentiment - There has been a downward trend in estimates, with the consensus estimate shifting down by 8.12% [14]. - Viper Energy currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expectations for an in-line return in the coming months [16].

Group 1 - The article discusses the analysis of oil and gas companies, focusing on identifying undervalued names in the sector [1] - The author emphasizes the cyclical nature of the oil and gas industry, highlighting the need for patience and experience in investing [2] - The investing group, Oil & Gas Value Research, seeks out under-followed oil companies and midstream companies that present compelling investment opportunities [2] Group 2 - The article mentions that the author has a beneficial long position in the shares of VNOM and FANG, indicating a personal investment interest [3] - It is noted that the article expresses the author's own opinions and is not influenced by compensation from any company mentioned [3] - The article does not provide investment advice and encourages investors to conduct their own research [4]

Core Insights - Viper Energy Inc. (VNOM) reported Q3 2025 adjusted EPS of 40 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 38 cents, but down from 49 cents a year ago [1][9] - The company generated operating income of $418 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $403 million and significantly up from $211 million in the same quarter last year [1][2] Production and Revenue - VNOM's oil-equivalent production reached 10,015 thousand barrels (MBoe), a substantial increase from 4,542 MBoe a year ago, and exceeded the estimate of 9,709 MBoe [3][9] - Oil accounted for approximately 51.5% of total production, with oil production rising to 5,160 MBbls from 2,482 MBbls year-over-year, surpassing the estimate of 5,054 MBbls [3][5] - Natural gas production increased to 14,655 million cubic feet (MMcf) from 6,150 MMcf in the same quarter of 2024 [4] Pricing - The average realized price per barrel of oil equivalent was $39.24, down from $45.83 in Q3 2024, while the average realized oil price was $64.34 per barrel, down from $75.24 year-over-year but above the estimate of $60.50 [5][6] - The price of natural gas was $1.02 per thousand cubic feet, significantly up from $0.13 in the year-ago quarter, while natural gas liquids were priced at $19.07 per barrel, slightly lower than $19.89 a year ago [6] Costs and Expenses - Total expenses for the quarter were $594 million, a sharp increase from $75 million in the prior-year quarter and above the estimate of $245.8 million [7][9] - On a per barrel of oil-equivalent (Boe) basis, total operating expenses were $3.50, down from $4.16 in the year-ago quarter, and below the estimate of $4.05 [7] Cash Flow and Balance Sheet - Net cash provided by operating activities was $281 million, up from $203 million in Q3 2024 [10] - As of September 30, 2025, VNOM had cash and cash equivalents of $53 million and net long-term debt of $2,241 million [11] Guidance - The company projects Q4 2025 production to be in the range of 124-128 Mboe/d, with full-year 2025 net production expected to be between 92.75-93.50 Mboe/d [12]

Group 1 - The analyst has over 10 years of experience researching more than 1000 companies across various sectors including commodities and technology [1] - The focus has shifted from writing a blog to creating a value investing-focused YouTube channel, covering hundreds of companies [1] - The analyst expresses a preference for metals and mining stocks but is also knowledgeable in consumer discretionary, staples, REITs, and utilities [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Viper Energy's fourth quarter 2025 oil production guidance indicates a roughly 20% increase in oil production per share compared to the same quarter last year [4] - The combined base plus variable dividend represents a greater than 6% annualized yield, with an increase of almost 10% relative to the previous quarter's dividend [5] - The return of capital per Class A share in the third quarter represents a 48% increase versus the second quarter [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates mid-single-digit organic oil production growth from fourth quarter 2025 estimated production, implying double-digit year-over-year growth in oil production per share relative to 2025 [4] - Viper's asset base has captured almost half of all third-party activity in the Permian Basin, indicating strong operational performance [7][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen strong activity levels across its asset base, expecting mid-single-digit organic growth in 2026 despite commodity price volatility [7] - The non-Permian asset sale is expected to enhance the company's balance sheet and return of capital strategy [6][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Viper Energy is focused on returning nearly 100% of cash available for distribution to stockholders, with a commitment to buy back shares in the current market environment [6][11] - The company aims to leverage its differentiated return of capital profile and maintain a strong balance sheet while pursuing growth opportunities [5][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver sustained per share growth with zero capital and limited operating costs, even during market volatility [8] - The relationship with Diamondback is expected to drive growth for at least the next couple of years, with a projected interest of 5% to 7% in all of Diamondback's wells [34] Other Important Information - The company is integrating AI and automation to enhance operational efficiency and data management, which is expected to provide a competitive advantage [22][40] - The net proceeds from the recent asset sale are projected to be about $610 million, which will be used to pay down debt and enhance financial flexibility [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Near-term and 2026 capital allocation following the asset sale - Management indicated that they plan to return nearly 100% of free cash to shareholders and will be aggressive with buybacks due to market dislocation [11][12] Question: Activity trends outside of Diamondback - Management confirmed strong activity levels across the asset base, with Viper capturing almost half of all activity in the Permian Basin [15][16] Question: Contribution of CTO to third-party activity - Management stated that the increase in third-party activity is evenly mixed between the CTO contribution and legacy assets outperforming expectations [21] Question: Impact of AI on operations and M&A - Management highlighted the potential for AI to improve operational efficiency and data utilization, with a focus on automation [22][40] Question: Considerations regarding cash inflows from asset sales - Management noted a slight tax hit on proceeds, but overall, the cash will be used to strengthen the balance sheet and return capital to shareholders [26] Question: A&D market outlook - Management indicated that while larger strategic acquisitions may be challenging in the current environment, smaller acquisitions are still possible [28] Question: Guidance for 2026 and price sensitivity - Management clarified that the guidance reflects a maintenance level of activity and is insulated from gross reductions in Diamondback's activity [39] Question: Clarification on growth guidance and asset sale impact - Management explained that the growth guidance for 2026 is based on retained assets post-asset sale, with a couple thousand barrels of growth expected [45] Question: Future of variable dividend growth - Management stated that the growth of the variable dividend will depend on market conditions, but they aim to balance buybacks and cash distributions [48]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Viper Energy reported a 20% increase in oil production per share for Q4 2025 compared to the same quarter last year [3] - The combined base plus variable dividend represents a greater than 6% annualized yield, with a nearly 10% increase relative to the previous quarter [4] - Return of capital per Class A share increased by 48% compared to Q2 [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates mid-single-digit organic oil production growth in 2026, implying double-digit year-over-year growth in oil production per share relative to 2025 [3] - Viper's asset base captured almost half of all third-party activity in the Permian Basin over the past three years [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen strong activity levels across its asset base despite commodity price volatility [6] - The non-Permian asset sale is expected to provide approximately $610 million in net proceeds, which will be used to pay down debt and enhance the balance sheet [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Viper Energy is focused on returning nearly 100% of cash available for distribution to stockholders, with a commitment to buy back shares in the current market environment [5][11] - The company aims to leverage its strong balance sheet and high operating margins to enhance shareholder returns through dividends and share repurchases [4][5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver sustained per share growth with limited operating costs, even during market volatility [8] - The relationship with Diamondback is expected to drive growth for at least the next few years, with a projected interest of 5% to 7% in all of Diamondback's wells [30] Other Important Information - The integration of AI and automation is expected to enhance operational efficiency and data utilization within the company [18][36] - The company is positioned to capitalize on potential acquisition opportunities in the future, despite current market conditions [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Near-term and 2026 capital allocation following the asset sale - Management indicated that they plan to return nearly 100% of free cash to shareholders and will be aggressive with buybacks due to market dislocation [11] Question: Activity outside of Diamondback - Management confirmed strong activity levels outside of Diamondback, with Viper capturing almost half of all activity in the Permian Basin [13] Question: Contribution of CTO to backlog increase - Management stated that the increase in backlog is evenly mixed between CTO contributions and legacy Viper's performance [17] Question: Tax considerations on asset sale proceeds - Management highlighted a tax hit, estimating net proceeds from the asset sale to be about $610 million, which will be used to pay down debt [21] Question: A&D market outlook - Management noted that while larger strategic acquisitions may be challenging, smaller ground game acquisitions are still viable [24] Question: Growth sustainability in the Permian - Management believes the relationship with Diamondback will support growth for the next few years, despite overall market conditions [30] Question: Valuation of Viper and potential share purchases - Management is open to using free cash to purchase more interest in Viper shares, emphasizing the importance of reducing share count [31] Question: Guidance for 2026 and price sensitivity - Management indicated that guidance for 2026 is based on maintaining current activity levels, with flexibility to adjust based on market conditions [35] Question: Synergies from CTO team and AI integration - Management discussed the benefits of cost savings and automation from the CTO integration, which will enhance operational efficiency [36] Question: Future of variable dividend growth - Management stated that the growth of the variable dividend will depend on market conditions, but they aim to balance buybacks and cash distributions [44]

Investor Presentation November 2025 In light of these factors, the events anticipated by Viper's forward-looking statements may not occur at the time anticipated or at all. Moreover, new risks emerge from time to time. Viper cannot predict all risks, nor can it assess the impact of all factors on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by any forward-looking statements it may make. Accordingly, you should ...