Viper Energy (NASDAQ: VNOM) reported Q1 EPS of ($0.08), $0.15 worse than the analyst estimate of $0.07.

“Viper produced a strong first quarter with both production and realized pricing exceeding expectations and, as a result, generated almost $55 million in net cash from operating activities. This strong cash flow generation, enhanced by our best-in-class cost structure, enabled us to reduce debt by $27 million during the quarter. We have now reduced total debt by over $136 million, or roughly 20%, over the past twelve months. As a direct result of this, and further supported by our confidence in our forward outlook, we are increasing our distribution to common unitholders to 60% of cash available for distribution for the first quarter of 2021, which continues to be supplemented by additional return of capital through our common unit repurchase program,” stated Travis Stice, Chief Executive Officer of Viper’s General Partner.

Mr. Stice continued, “In addition to increasing our distribution for the first quarter, Viper is also increasing its production outlook for the full year 2021. Our visibility into Diamondback’s expected forward development plan, which includes several large pads where Viper will own a significant royalty interest, underscores our confidence in this increased outlook as well as our ability to continue to generate meaningful free cash flow.”

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