Viper Energy (NASDAQ: VNOM) reported Q2 EPS of ($0.04), $0.06 better than the analyst estimate of ($0.10).

SECOND QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

• Q2 2020 consolidated net loss (including non-controlling interest) of $(33.1) million; adjusted net loss (as defined and reconciled below) of $(4.2) million
• Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (as defined and reconciled below) of $26.6 million and cash available for distribution to Viper’s common limited partner units (as reconciled below) of $8.1 million
• Q2 2020 average production of 14,453 bo/d (24,508 boe/d), an increase of 9% from Q2 2019 average daily oil production
• Q2 2020 cash distribution of $0.03 per common unit
• Due to the current uncertainty in the commodity markets, Viper has temporarily reduced its distribution to approximately 25% of cash available for distribution with the retained cash flow expected to be used to strengthen the balance sheet; the Board of Directors of Viper’s General Partner reviews the distribution policy quarterly
• 134 total gross (2.4 net 100% royalty interest) horizontal wells turned to production on Viper’s acreage during Q2 2020 with an average lateral length of 8,648 feet
• Initiating average production guidance for Q3 2020 and Q4 2020 of 14,750 to 16,000 bo/d (24,500 to 26,500 boe/d), the midpoint of which is up 6% from Q2 2020 average daily oil production
• Narrowing full year 2020 average production guidance to 15,250 to 16,000 bo/d (25,250 to 26,250 boe/d)
• As of July 14, 2020, there were approximately 485 gross horizontal wells currently in the process of active development on Viper’s acreage, in which Viper expects to own an average 1.7% net royalty interest (8.1 net 100% royalty interest wells)
• Approximately 440 gross (8.8 net 100% royalty interest) line-of-sight wells that are not currently in the process of active development, but for which we have visibility to the potential of future development in coming quarters, based on Diamondback’s current completion schedule and third party operators’ permits
• Q1 2020 and Q2 2020 distributions reasonably estimated to not constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes; instead should generally constitute non-taxable reductions to the tax basis

“Viper’s production in the second quarter was supported by 14 of Diamondback’s 15 completions in the quarter having more than an 8% average royalty interest net to Viper, as third party activity was minimal and some operators curtailed existing production. Looking ahead to the second half of 2020, we expect Viper’s production to grow sequentially through the end of the year supported by Diamondback’s completion schedule which is focused on areas where Viper has significant mineral ownership, primarily in the Midland Basin. This activity should lead to strong fourth quarter 2020 exit rate production and demonstrates the differentiated relationship between Diamondback and Viper versus other mineral and royalty peers,” stated Travis Stice, Chief Executive Officer of Viper’s general partner.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Viper Energy (VNOM) click here.