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Viper Energy, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2022 June (Form 10-Q)



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2022
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 001-36505
 
Viper Energy Partners LP
(Exact Name of Registrant As Specified in Its Charter)
DE
46-5001985
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
500 West Texas Ave.
Suite 100
Midland, TX
79701
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip code)
(432) 221-7400
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common UnitsVNOMThe Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
(NASDAQ Global Select Market)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes      No  
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes      No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):
Large Accelerated FilerAccelerated Filer
Non-Accelerated FilerSmaller Reporting Company
Emerging Growth Company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.    

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes       No   

As of July 29, 2022, the registrant had outstanding 75,208,255 common units representing limited partner interests and 90,709,946 Class B units representing limited partner interests.




VIPER ENERGY PARTNERS LP
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2022
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GLOSSARY OF OIL AND NATURAL GAS TERMS
The following is a glossary of certain oil and natural gas terms that are used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “report”):
BasinA large depression on the earth’s surface in which sediments accumulate.
Bbl or barrelOne stock tank barrel, or 42 U.S. gallons liquid volume, used in this report in reference to crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.
BOOne barrel of oil.
BO/dBO per day.
BOEOne barrel of oil equivalent, with six thousand cubic feet of natural gas being equivalent to one barrel of oil.
BOE/dBOE per day.
British Thermal Unit or BtuThe quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
CondensateLiquid hydrocarbons associated with the production of a primarily natural gas reserve.
Horizontal wellsWells drilled directionally horizontal to allow for development of structures not reachable through traditional vertical drilling mechanisms.
MBblsThousand barrels of crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.
MBOEOne thousand barrels of crude oil equivalent, determined using a ratio of six Mcf of natural gas to one Bbl of crude oil, condensate or natural gas liquids.
McfOne thousand cubic feet of natural gas.
Mineral interestsThe interests in ownership of the resource and mineral rights, giving an owner the right to profit from the extracted resources.
MMBtuOne million British Thermal Units.
Net royalty acresNet mineral acres multiplied by the average lease royalty interest and other burdens.
Oil and natural gas propertiesTracts of land consisting of properties to be developed for oil and natural gas resource extraction.
OperatorThe individual or company responsible for the exploration and/or production of an oil or natural gas well or lease.
ProspectA specific geographic area which, based on supporting geological, geophysical or other data and also preliminary economic analysis using reasonably anticipated prices and costs, is deemed to have potential for the discovery of commercial hydrocarbons.
Proved reservesThe estimated quantities of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids which geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be commercially recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions.
ReservesThe estimated remaining quantities of oil and natural gas and related substances anticipated to be economically producible, as of a given date, by application of development projects to known accumulations. In addition, there must exist, or there must be a reasonable expectation that there will exist, the legal right to produce or a revenue interest in the production, installed means of delivering oil and natural gas or related substances to the market and all permits and financing required to implement the project. Reserves are not assigned to adjacent reservoirs isolated by major, potentially sealing, faults until those reservoirs are penetrated and evaluated as economically producible. Reserves should not be assigned to areas that are clearly separated from a known accumulation by a non-productive reservoir (i.e., absence of reservoir, structurally low reservoir or negative test results). Such areas may contain prospective resources (i.e., potentially recoverable resources from undiscovered accumulations).
ReservoirA porous and permeable underground formation containing a natural accumulation of producible natural gas and/or crude oil that is confined by impermeable rock or water barriers and is separate from other reservoirs.
Royalty interestAn interest that gives an owner the right to receive a portion of the resources or revenues without having to carry any costs of development, which may be subject to expiration.
SpudCommencement of actual drilling operations.
WTIWest Texas Intermediate.
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GLOSSARY OF CERTAIN OTHER TERMS
The following is a glossary of certain other terms that are used in this report:
ASUAccounting Standards Update.
Adjusted EBITDA
Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, generally equals its net income (loss) plus net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest before interest expense, net, non-cash unit-based compensation expense, depletion expense and non-cash (gain) loss on derivative instruments, (gain) loss on extinguishment of debt and provision for (benefit from) income taxes, which measure is used by management to more effectively evaluate the operating performance and determine distributable amounts for purposes of the distribution policy.
DiamondbackDiamondback Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
Exchange ActThe Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
GAAPAccounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
General PartnerViper Energy Partners GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and the General Partner of the Partnership.
LIBORThe London interbank offered rate.
LTIPViper Energy Partners LP Long Term Incentive Plan.
NYMEXNew York Mercantile Exchange.
OPECOrganization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
Operating CompanyViper Energy Partners LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a consolidated subsidiary of Viper Energy Partners LP.
PartnershipViper Energy Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership.
SECUnited States Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Notes
The 5.375% Senior Notes due 2027 issued on October 16, 2019.

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Various statements contained in this report are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, which involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our: future performance; business strategy; future operations; estimates and projections of operating income, losses, costs and expenses, returns, cash flow, and financial position; production levels on properties in which we have mineral and royalty interests, developmental activity by other operators; reserve estimates and our ability to replace or increase reserves; anticipated benefits of strategic transactions (including acquisitions and divestitures); and plans and objectives of management (including Diamondback’s plans for developing our acreage and our cash distribution policy and repurchases of our common units and/or senior notes) are forward-looking statements. When used in this report, the words “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “model,” “outlook,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions (including the negative of such terms) as they relate to us are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. In particular, the factors discussed in this report and detailed under Part II. Item 1A. Risk Factors, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2022 could affect our actual results and cause our actual results to differ materially from expectations, estimates or assumptions expressed, forecasted or implied in such forward-looking statements. Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “we,” “us,” “our” or “the Partnership” are intended to mean the business and operations of the Partnership and the Operating Company.

Factors that could cause the outcomes to differ materially include (but are not limited to) the following:

Changes in supply and demand levels for oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids, and the resulting impact on the price for those commodities;
the impact of public health crises, including epidemic or pandemic diseases such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and any related company or government policies or actions;
actions taken by the members of OPEC and Russia affecting the production and pricing of oil, as well as other domestic and global political, economic, or diplomatic developments;
changes in general economic, business or industry conditions, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, inflation rates and concerns over a potential recession;
regional supply and demand factors, including delays, curtailment delays or interruptions of production on our mineral and royalty acreage, or governmental orders, rules or regulations that impose production limits on such acreage;
federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to hydraulic fracturing, including the effect of existing and future laws and governmental regulations;
transition risks relating to climate change;
restrictions on the use of water, including limits on the use of produced water by our operators and a moratorium on new produced water well permits recently imposed by the Texas Railroad Commission in an effort to control induced seismicity in the Permian Basin;
significant declines in prices for oil, natural gas, or natural gas liquids, which could require recognition of significant impairment charges;
changes in U.S. energy, environmental, monetary and trade policies;
conditions in the capital, financial and credit markets, including the availability and pricing of capital for drilling and development by our operators and environmental and social responsibility projects undertaken by Diamondback and our other operators;
changes in availability or cost of rigs, equipment, raw materials, supplies and oilfield services impacting our operators;
changes in safety, health, environmental, tax, and other regulations or requirements impacting us or our operators (including those addressing air emissions, water management, or the impact of global climate change);
security threats, including cybersecurity threats and disruptions to our business from breaches of our information technology systems, or from breaches of information technology systems of third parties with whom we transact business;
lack of, or disruption in, access to adequate and reliable transportation, processing, storage, and other facilities impacting our operators;
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severe weather conditions;
acts of war or terrorist acts and the governmental or military response thereto;
changes in the financial strength of counterparties to the credit agreement and hedging contracts of our operating subsidiary;
changes in our credit rating; and
other risks and factors disclosed in this report.

In light of these factors, the events anticipated by our forward-looking statements may not occur at the time anticipated or at all. Moreover, new risks emerge from time to time. We cannot predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our 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 we may make. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements made in this report. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report or, if earlier, as of the date they were made. We do not intend to, and disclaim any obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements unless required by applicable law.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION


ITEM 1.     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Viper Energy Partners LP
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
June 30,December 31,
20222021
(In thousands, except unit amounts)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$4,312 $39,448 
Royalty income receivable (net of allowance for credit losses)122,444 68,568 
Royalty income receivable—related party10,589 2,144 
Derivative instruments1,010 — 
Other current assets1,502 989 
Total current assets139,857 111,149 
Property:
Oil and natural gas interests, full cost method of accounting ($1,409,092 and $1,640,172 excluded from depletion at June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively)
3,482,392 3,513,590 
Land5,688 5,688 
Accumulated depletion and impairment(658,536)(599,163)
Property, net2,829,544 2,920,115 
Derivative instruments1,439 — 
Other assets1,145 2,757 
Total assets$2,971,985 $3,034,021 
Liabilities and Unitholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable$$69 
Accrued liabilities14,989 20,509 
Derivative instruments9,085 3,417 
Income taxes payable2,759 471 
Total current liabilities26,842 24,466 
Long-term debt, net674,383 776,727 
Total liabilities701,225 801,193 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Unitholders’ equity:
General Partner689 729 
Common units (75,946,203 units issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2022 and 78,546,403 units issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2021)
733,998 813,161 
Class B units (90,709,946 units issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021)
881 931 
Total Viper Energy Partners LP unitholders’ equity735,568 814,821 
Non-controlling interest1,535,192 1,418,007 
Total equity2,270,760 2,232,828 
Total liabilities and unitholders’ equity$2,971,985 $3,034,021 



See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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Viper Energy Partners LP
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,
2022202120222021
(In thousands, except per unit amounts)
Operating income:
Royalty income$238,830 $113,458 $431,919 $209,970 
Lease bonus income329 484 9,011 809 
Other operating income163 208 295 347 
Total operating income239,322 114,150 441,225 211,126 
Costs and expenses:
Production and ad valorem taxes16,039 8,152 29,909 14,801 
Depletion31,962 23,978 59,373 48,864 
General and administrative expenses1,880 2,162 3,833 4,383 
Total costs and expenses49,881 34,292 93,115 68,048 
Income (loss) from operations189,441 79,858 348,110 143,078 
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net(9,782)(7,973)(19,427)(15,833)
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net(1,889)(29,546)(20,248)(61,050)
Other income, net32 39 38 77 
Total other expense, net(11,639)(37,480)(39,637)(76,806)
Income (loss) before income taxes177,802 42,378 308,473 66,272 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes6,182 — 8,812 35 
Net income (loss)171,620 42,378 299,661 66,237 
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest137,598 37,716 249,034 64,595 
Net income (loss) attributable to Viper Energy Partners LP$34,022 $4,662 $50,627 $1,642 
Net income (loss) attributable to common limited partner units:
Basic$0.44 $0.07 $0.66 $0.03 
Diluted$0.44 $0.07 $0.66 $0.03 
Weighted average number of common limited partner units outstanding:
Basic76,620 64,672 76,861 65,014 
Diluted76,729 64,795 76,978 65,151 
















See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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Viper Energy Partners LP
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes to Unitholders' Equity
(Unaudited)

Limited PartnersGeneral PartnerNon-Controlling Interest
CommonClass B AmountAmount
UnitsAmountUnitsAmountTotal
(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 202178,546 $813,161 90,710 $931 $729 $1,418,007 $2,232,828 
Unit-based compensation— 284 — — — — 284 
Distribution equivalent rights payments— (64)— — — — (64)
Distributions to public— (35,830)— — — — (35,830)
Distributions to Diamondback— (344)— (25)— (42,634)(43,003)
Distributions to General Partner— — — — (20)— (20)
Change in ownership of consolidated subsidiaries, net— 14,195 — — (14,195)— 
Repurchased units as part of unit buyback(1,580)(39,260)— — — — (39,260)
Net income (loss)— 16,605 — — — 111,436 128,041 
Balance at March 31, 202276,966 768,747 90,710 906 709 1,472,614 2,242,976 
Unit-based compensation— 335 — — — — 335 
Distribution equivalent rights payments— (113)— — — — (113)
Distributions to public— (51,077)— — — — (51,077)
Distributions to Diamondback— (490)— (25)— (63,497)(64,012)
Distributions to General Partner— — — — (20)— (20)
Change in ownership of consolidated subsidiaries, net— 11,523 — — (11,523)— 
Repurchased units as part of unit buyback(1,020)(28,949)— — — — (28,949)
Net income (loss)— 34,022 — — — 137,598 171,620 
Balance at June 30, 202275,946 $733,998 90,710 $881 $689 $1,535,192 $2,270,760 




















See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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Viper Energy Partners LP
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes to Unitholders' Equity - (Continued)
(Unaudited)

Limited PartnersGeneral PartnerNon-Controlling Interest
CommonClass B AmountAmount
UnitsAmountUnitsAmountTotal
(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 202065,817 $633,415 90,710 $1,031 $809 $1,225,578 $1,860,833 
Unit-based compensation— 315 — — — — 315 
Issuance of common units, net— — — — — — 
Distribution equivalent rights payments— (24)— — — — (24)
Distributions to public— (9,036)— — — — (9,036)
Distributions to Diamondback— (102)— (25)— (12,699)(12,826)
Distributions to General Partner— — — — (20)— (20)
Change in ownership of consolidated subsidiaries, net— 2,687 — — — (2,687)— 
Cash paid for tax withholding on vested common units— (20)— — — — (20)
Repurchased units as part of unit buyback(870)(13,043)— — — — (13,043)
Net income (loss)— (3,020)— — — 26,879 23,859 
Balance at March 31, 202164,950 611,172 90,710 1,006 789 1,237,071 1,850,038 
Unit-based compensation— 338 — — — — 338 
Distribution equivalent rights payments— (55)— — — — (55)
Distributions to public— (15,992)— — — — (15,992)
Distributions to Diamondback— (183)— (25)— (22,678)(22,886)
Distributions to General Partner— — — — (20)— (20)
Change in ownership of consolidated subsidiaries, net1,614 — — (1,614)— 
Repurchased units as part of unit buyback(404)(6,779)— — — (6,779)
Net income (loss)— 4,662 — — — 37,716 42,378 
Balance at June 30, 202164,546 $594,777 90,710 $981 $769 $1,250,495 $1,847,022 
















See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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Viper Energy Partners LP
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)

Six Months Ended June 30,
20222021
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)$299,661 $66,237 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depletion59,373 48,864 
(Gain) loss on derivative instruments, net20,248 61,050 
Net cash receipts (payments) on derivatives(17,029)(35,882)
Other2,893 1,992 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Royalty income receivable(53,876)(9,801)
Royalty income receivable—related party(8,445)(1,681)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(5,580)(1,107)
Other1,775 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities299,020 129,680 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions of oil and natural gas interests1,862 (819)
Proceeds from sale of assets29,336 — 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities31,198 (819)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings under credit facility144,000 25,000 
Repayment on credit facility(198,000)(47,000)
Repayment of senior notes(48,963)— 
Repurchased units as part of unit buyback(68,209)(19,822)
Distributions to public (87,084)(25,107)
Distributions to Diamondback (107,015)(35,712)
Other(83)(2,919)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(365,354)(105,560)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(35,136)23,301 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period39,448 19,121 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period$4,312 $42,422 
















See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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Viper Energy Partners LP
Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)


1.    ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Organization

Viper Energy Partners LP (the “Partnership”) is a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership focused on owning and acquiring mineral interests and royalty interests in oil and natural gas properties primarily in the Permian Basin.

As of June 30, 2022, Viper Energy Partners GP LLC (the “General Partner”) held a 100% general partner interest in the Partnership and Diamondback Energy, Inc. (“Diamondback”) beneficially owned approximately 55% of the Partnership’s total limited partner units outstanding. Diamondback owns and controls the General Partner.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto were prepared in accordance with GAAP. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. We report our operations in one reportable segment.

These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Partnership without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. They reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for interim periods, on a basis consistent with the annual audited financial statements. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Certain information, accounting policies and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted pursuant to SEC rules and regulations, although the Partnership believes the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. This report should be read in conjunction with the Partnership’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10–K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, which contains a summary of the Partnership’s significant accounting policies and other disclosures.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period financial statement presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the previously reported total assets, total liabilities, unitholders’ equity, results of operations or cash flows.

2.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Use of Estimates

Certain amounts included in or affecting the Partnership’s financial statements and related disclosures must be estimated by management, requiring certain assumptions to be made with respect to values or conditions that cannot be known with certainty at the time the financial statements are prepared. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts the Partnership reports for assets and liabilities and the Partnership’s disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements.

Making accurate estimates and assumptions is particularly difficult in the oil and natural gas industry given the challenges resulting from volatility in oil and natural gas prices. For instance, the effects of COVID-19, the war in Ukraine and actions by OPEC members and other exporting nations on the supply and demand in global oil and natural gas markets continued to contribute to economic and pricing volatility. The financial results of companies in the oil and natural gas industry have been impacted materially as a result of changing market conditions. Such circumstances generally increase uncertainty in the Partnership’s accounting estimates, particularly those involving financial forecasts.

The Partnership evaluates these estimates on an ongoing basis, using historical experience, consultation with experts and other methods the Partnership considers reasonable in each particular circumstance. Nevertheless, actual results may differ significantly from the Partnership’s estimates. Any effects on the Partnership’s business, financial position or results of operations resulting from revisions to these estimates are recorded in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include estimates of proved oil and natural gas reserves and related present value estimates of future net cash flows therefrom, the carrying value of oil and natural gas
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Viper Energy Partners LP
Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
interests, the recoverability of costs of unevaluated properties, the fair value determination of assets and liabilities, including those acquired by the Partnership, fair value estimates of commodity derivatives and estimates of income taxes.

Related Party Transactions

During the six months ended June 30, 2022, Diamondback, either directly or through its consolidated subsidiaries, paid the Partnership $6.3 million of lease bonus income related to certain leases acquired in the Swallowtail Acquisition.

There were no other significant related party transactions for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and the three and six months ended June 30, 2021.

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of the following:

June 30,December 31,
20222021
(In thousands)
Interest payable$3,875 $4,430 
Ad valorem taxes payable7,946 6,201 
Derivatives instruments payable1,644 8,879 
Other1,524 999 
Total accrued liabilities$14,989 $20,509 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

The Partnership considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs. There are no recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted that are expected to have a material effect on the Partnership upon adoption, as applicable.

3.    REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

Royalty income represents the right to receive revenues from oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids sales obtained by the operator of the wells in which the Partnership owns a royalty interest. Royalty income is recognized at the point control of the product is transferred to the purchaser at the wellhead or at the gas processing facility based on the Partnership’s percentage ownership share of the revenue, net of any deductions for gathering and transportation. Virtually all of the pricing provisions in the Partnership’s contracts are tied to a market index.

The following table disaggregates the Partnership’s total royalty income by product type:

Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,
2022202120222021
(In thousands)
Oil income$191,195 $93,952 $346,246 $172,296 
Natural gas income23,793 9,533 38,983 18,577 
Natural gas liquids income23,842 9,973 46,690 19,097 
Total royalty income$238,830 $113,458 $431,919 $209,970 

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Viper Energy Partners LP
Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
4.    ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES

2022 Activity

Divestiture

In the first quarter of 2022, the Partnership divested 325 net royalty acres of third party operated acreage located entirely in Upton and Reagan counties in the Midland Basin for an aggregate sales price of $29.3 million, subject to post-closing adjustments.

The Partnership had no other significant acquisition or divestiture activity during the six months ended June 30, 2022.

2021 Activity

Swallowtail Acquisition

On October 1, 2021, the Partnership and the Operating Company acquired certain mineral and royalty interests from Swallowtail Royalties LLC and Swallowtail Royalties II LLC (the “Swallowtail entities”) pursuant to a definitive purchase and sale agreement for approximately 15.25 million common units and approximately $225.3 million in cash (the “Swallowtail Acquisition”). The mineral and royalty interests acquired in the Swallowtail Acquisition represent 2,313 net royalty acres primarily in the Northern Midland Basin, of which 62% are operated by Diamondback as of December 31, 2021. The Swallowtail Acquisition has an effective date of August 1, 2021. In accordance with the terms of the purchase agreement, the Partnership deposited $30.0 million into an escrow account in August 2021, which was released upon the closing of the transaction in October 2021. The cash portion of this transaction was funded through a combination of cash on hand and approximately $190.0 million of borrowings under the Operating Company’s revolving credit facility.

Other 2021 Acquisitions

Additionally during the year ended December 31, 2021, the Partnership acquired, from unrelated third party sellers, mineral and royalty interests representing 1,277 gross (392 net royalty) acres in the Permian Basin for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $55.1 million, after post-closing adjustments. The Partnership funded these acquisitions with cash on hand and borrowings under the Operating Company’s revolving credit facility.

5.    OIL AND NATURAL GAS INTERESTS

Oil and natural gas interests include the following:
June 30,December 31,
20222021
(In thousands)
Oil and natural gas interests:
Subject to depletion$2,073,300 $1,873,418 
Not subject to depletion1,409,092 1,640,172 
Gross oil and natural gas interests3,482,392 3,513,590 
Accumulated depletion and impairment(658,536)(599,163)
Oil and natural gas interests, net2,823,856 2,914,427 
Land5,688 5,688 
Property, net of accumulated depletion and impairment$2,829,544 $2,920,115 

As of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Partnership had mineral and royalty interests representing 26,718 and 27,027 net royalty acres, respectively.

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Viper Energy Partners LP
Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
No impairment expense was recorded on the Partnership’s oil and natural gas interests for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 based on the results of the respective quarterly ceiling tests. In addition to commodity prices, the Partnership’s production rates, levels of proved reserves, transfers of unevaluated properties and other factors will determine its actual ceiling test limitations and impairment analysis in future periods. If the trailing 12-month commodity prices decline as compared to the commodity prices used in prior quarters, the Partnership may have material write-downs in subsequent quarters.

6.    DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following as of the dates indicated:

June 30,December 31,
20222021
(In thousands)
5.375% senior unsecured notes due 2027
$430,350 $479,938 
Revolving credit facility250,000 304,000 
Unamortized debt issuance costs(1,441)(1,757)
Unamortized discount(4,526)(5,454)
Total long-term debt$674,383 $776,727 

Repurchases of Notes

During the second quarter of 2022, the Partnership repurchased an aggregate $49.6 million principal amount of the outstanding Notes for total cash consideration of $49.0 million, which resulted in an immaterial loss on extinguishment of debt during the second quarter of 2022. The Partnership funded the debt repurchases through a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under the Operating Company’s revolving credit facility.

The Operating Company’s Revolving Credit Facility

The Operating Company’s credit agreement, as amended to date, provides for a revolving credit facility in the maximum credit amount of $2.0 billion and a borrowing base of $580.0 million based on the Operating Company’s oil and natural gas reserves and other factors. The borrowing base is scheduled to be redetermined semi-annually in May and November. As of June 30, 2022, the Operating Company had elected a commitment amount of $500.0 million, with $250.0 million of outstanding borrowings and $250.0 million available for future borrowings under the Operating Company’s revolving credit facility. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, the weighted average interest rates on the Operating Company’s revolving credit facility were 3.20%, 2.88%, 1.93% and 1.90%, respectively. The revolving credit facility will mature on June 2, 2025.

As of June 30, 2022, the Operating Company was in compliance with the financial maintenance covenants under its credit agreement.

7.    UNITHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS

The Partnership has General Partner and limited partner units. At June 30, 2022, the Partnership had a total of 75,946,203 common units issued and outstanding and 90,709,946 Class B units issued and outstanding, of which 731,500 common units and 90,709,946 Class B units were beneficially owned by Diamondback, representing approximately 55% of the Partnership’s total units outstanding. At June 30, 2022, Diamondback also beneficially owns 90,709,946 Operating Company units, representing a 54% non-controlling ownership interest in the Operating Company. The Operating Company units and the Partnership’s Class B units beneficially owned by Diamondback are exchangeable from time to time for the Partnership’s common units (that is, one Operating Company unit and one Partnership Class B unit, together, will be exchangeable for one Partnership common unit).

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Viper Energy Partners LP
Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Common Unit Repurchase Program

The board of directors of the Partnership’s General Partner has approved a common unit repurchase program to acquire up to $250.0 million of the Partnership’s outstanding common units over an indefinite period of time. The Partnership intends to purchase common units under the repurchase program opportunistically with funds from cash on hand, free cash flow from operations and potential liquidity events such as the sale of assets. This repurchase program may be suspended from time to time, modified, extended or discontinued by the board of directors of the Partnership’s General Partner at any time. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, the Partnership repurchased approximately $28.9 million, $68.2 million, $6.8 million and $19.8 million of common units under the repurchase program, respectively. Repurchases for the six months ended June 30, 2022 include approximately $37.3 million for the repurchase of 1.5 million common units from a significant unitholder in a privately negotiated transaction in the first quarter of 2022. As of June 30, 2022, $111.8 million remains available for use to repurchase common units under the repurchase program. See also Note 13—Subsequent Events discussing the increase in the repurchase program authorization approved on July 26, 2022.

Cash Distributions on Common Units

The board of directors of the General Partner has established a distribution policy whereby the Operating Company distributes all or a portion of its available cash on a quarterly basis to its unitholders (including Diamondback and the Partnership). The Partnership in turn distributes all or a portion of the available cash it receives from the Operating Company to its common unitholders. The Partnership’s available cash and the available cash of the Operating Company for each quarter is determined by the board of directors of the General Partner following the end of such quarter. The cash available for distribution by the Operating Company, a non-GAAP measure, generally equals the Partnership’s consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for the applicable quarter, less cash needed for debt service and other contractual obligations, fixed charges and reserves for future operating or capital needs that the board of directors of the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate, if any. The Partnership’s cash available for distribution for each quarter generally equals the Partnership’s proportional share of the cash distributed by the Operating Company for the quarter, less cash needed by the Partnership for the payment of income taxes, if any, and the preferred distribution. The percentage of cash available for distribution pursuant to the distribution policy discussed above may change quarterly to enable the Operating Company to retain cash flow to help strengthen the Partnership’s balance sheet while also expanding the return of capital program through the Partnership’s common unit repurchase program. The Partnership is not required to pay distributions to its common unitholders on a quarterly or other basis.

The following table presents information regarding cash distributions approved by the board of directors of the General Partner for the periods presented:
Distributions
(In thousands)
PeriodAmount per Unit
Operating Company Distributions to Diamondback
Common Unitholders(1)
Declaration DateUnitholder Record DatePayment Date
Q4 2021$0.47 $42,634 $36,238 February 16, 2022March 4, 2022March 11, 2022
Q1 2022$0.67 $63,497 $51,680 April 27, 2022May 12, 2022May 19, 2022
(1)Includes amounts paid to Diamondback for the 731,500 common units beneficially owned by Diamondback and distribution equivalent rights payments.

Cash distributions will be made to the common unitholders of record on the applicable record date, generally within 60 days after the end of each quarter.

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Viper Energy Partners LP
Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Change in Ownership of Consolidated Subsidiaries

Non-controlling interest in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements represents Diamondback’s ownership in the net assets of the Operating Company. Diamondback’s relative ownership interest in the Operating Company can change due to the Partnership’s public offerings, issuance of units for acquisitions, issuance of unit-based compensation, repurchases of common units and distribution equivalent rights paid on the Partnership’s units. These changes in ownership percentage and the disproportionate allocation of net income (loss) to Diamondback discussed below result in adjustments to non-controlling interest and common unitholder equity, tax effected, but do not impact earnings. The following table summarizes the changes in common unitholder equity due to changes in ownership interest during the period:

Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,
2022202120222021
(In thousands)
Net income (loss) attributable to the Partnership$34,022 $4,662 $50,627 $1,642 
Change in ownership of consolidated subsidiaries 11,523 1,614 25,718 4,301 
Change from net income (loss) attributable to the Partnership's unitholders and transfers to non-controlling interest$45,545 $6,276 $76,345 $5,943 

Allocation of Net Income

The Partnership, as managing member of the Operating Company, has entered into an agreement, as amended on December 28, 2021, whereby special allocations of the Operating Company’s income and gains over losses and deductions (but before depletion) are to be made to Diamondback through 2022. These special income allocations will reduce the taxable income allocated to the Partnership’s common unitholders.

8.    EARNINGS PER COMMON UNIT

The net income (loss) per common unit on the condensed consolidated statements of operations is based on the net income (loss) of the Partnership for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021, which is the amount of net income (loss) attributable to the Partnership’s common units.

The Partnership’s net income (loss) is allocated wholly to the common units, as the General Partner does not have an economic interest. Payments made to the Partnership’s unitholders are determined in relation to the cash distribution policy described in Note 7—Unitholders' Equity and Distributions.


Basic and diluted earnings per common unit is calculated using the two-class method. The two class method is an earnings allocation proportional to the respective ownership among holders of common units and participating securities. Basic net income (loss) per common unit is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common units outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per common unit gives effect, when applicable, to unvested common units granted under the LTIP.

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Viper Energy Partners LP
Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
A reconciliation of the components of basic and diluted earnings per common unit is presented in the table below:

Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,
2022202120222021
(In thousands, except per unit amounts)
Net income (loss) attributable to the period$34,022 $4,662 $50,627 $1,642 
Less: net income (loss) allocated to participating securities(1)
(113)(55)(177)(79)
Net income (loss) attributable to common unitholders$33,909 $4,607 $50,450 $1,563 
Weighted average common units outstanding:
Basic weighted average common units outstanding76,620 64,672 76,861 65,014 
Effect of dilutive securities:
Potential common units issuable(2)
109 123 117 137 
Diluted weighted average common units outstanding76,729 64,795 76,978 65,151 
Net income (loss) per common unit, basic$0.44 $0.07 $0.66 $0.03 
Net income (loss) per common unit, diluted$0.44 $0.07 $0.66 $0.03 
(1)    Distribution equivalent rights granted to employees are considered participating securities.
(2) For the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, there were no potential common units excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per common unit because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, 39 and 4,974, respectively, potential common units were excluded in the computation of diluted earnings per common unit because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive as a result of recording a net loss attributable to the common unitholders for the period.

9.    INCOME TAXES

The following table provides the Partnership’s provision for (benefit from) income taxes and the effective income tax rate for the dates indicated:

Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,
2022202120222021
(In thousands, except for tax rate)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes$6,182 $— $8,812 $35 
Effective tax rate3.5 %— %2.9 %0.1 %

The Partnership’s effective income tax rates for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 differed from amounts computed by applying the United States federal statutory tax rate to pre-tax income for the period primarily due to net income attributable to the non-controlling interest and the impact of maintaining a valuation allowance on the Partnership’s deferred tax assets.

As of June 30, 2022 and 2021, the Partnership maintained a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets, based on its assessment of all available evidence, both positive and negative, supporting realizability of the Partnership’s deferred tax assets.

10.    DERIVATIVES

All derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value. The Partnership has not designated its derivative instruments as hedges for accounting purposes and, as a result, marks its derivative instruments to fair value and recognizes the cash and non-cash changes in fair value in the condensed consolidated statements of operations under the caption “Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net.”

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Viper Energy Partners LP
Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Commodity Contracts

The Partnership historically has used fixed price swap contracts, fixed price basis swap contracts and costless collars with corresponding put and call options to reduce price volatility associated with certain of its royalty income. At June 30, 2022, the Partnership has costless collars, put options and basis swaps outstanding.

Under the Partnership’s costless collar contracts, each collar has an established floor price and ceiling price. When the settlement price is below the floor price, the counterparty is required to make a payment to the Partnership and when the settlement price is above the ceiling price, the Partnership is required to make a payment to the counterparty. When the settlement price is between the floor and the ceiling, there is no payment required.

Put options have a defined strike price, or floor price. The Partnership pays its counterparty a premium to enter into these derivative contracts, which are deferred until settlement. When the settlement price is below the floor price, the counterparty pays the Partnership an amount equal to the difference between the settlement price and the strike price multiplied by the derivative contract volume. When the settlement price is above the floor price, the put option expires worthless.

The Partnership’s derivative contracts are based upon reported settlement prices on commodity exchanges, with crude oil derivative settlements based on New York Mercantile Exchange West Texas Intermediate pricing (Cushing) and with natural gas derivative settlements based on the New York Mercantile Exchange Henry Hub pricing.

By using derivative instruments to economically hedge exposure to changes in commodity prices, the Partnership exposes itself to credit risk and market risk. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes the Partnership, which creates credit risk. The Partnership’s counterparties are all participants in the amended and restated credit agreement, which is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Operating Company; therefore, the Partnership is not required to post any collateral. The Partnership’s counterparties have been determined to have an acceptable credit risk; therefore, the Partnership does not require collateral from its counterparties.

As of June 30, 2022, the Partnership had the following outstanding derivative contracts. When aggregating multiple contracts, the weighted average contract price is disclosed.

SwapsCollarsPuts
Settlement MonthSettlement YearType of ContractBbls/Mcf Per DayIndexWeighted Average DifferentialWeighted Average Floor PriceWeighted Average Ceiling PriceStrike Price
OIL
Jul. - Sep.2022Collars4,000WTI Cushing$—$45.00$92.65$—
Oct. - Dec.2022Collars4,000WTI Cushing$—$50.00$128.01$—
Jul. - Sep.2022
Puts(1)
8,000WTI Cushing$—$—$—$47.50
Oct. - Dec.2022
Puts(2)
8,000WTI Cushing$—$—$—$55.00
Jan. - Mar.2023
Puts(3)
6,000WTI Cushing$—$—$—$55.00 
NATURAL GAS
Jul. - Dec.2022Collars20,000Henry Hub$—$2.50$4.62$—
Jan. - Dec.2023
Basis Swap(4)
20,000Waha Hub$(1.36)$—$—$—
(1) Includes a deferred premium at a weighted average price of $1.52/Bbl.
(2) Includes a deferred premium at a weighted average price of $1.54/Bbl.
(3) Includes a deferred premium at a weighted average price of $1.87/Bbl.
(4) The Partnership has fixed price basis swaps for the spread between the Henry Hub natural gas price and the Waha Hub natural gas price. The weighted average differential represents the amount of reduction to the Waha Hub natural gas price for the notional volumes covered by the basis swap contracts.

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Viper Energy Partners LP
Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
Balance Sheet Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities

The fair value of derivative instruments is generally determined using established index prices and other sources which are based upon, among other things, futures prices and time to maturity. These fair values are recorded by netting asset and liability positions, including any deferred premiums, that are with the same counterparty and are subject to contractual terms which provide for net settlement. See Note 11—Fair Value Measurements for further details.

Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments

The following table summarizes the gains and losses on derivative instruments included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and the net cash receipts (payments) on derivatives for the periods presented:

Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,
2022202120222021
(In thousands)
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments$(1,889)$(29,546)$(20,248)$(61,050)
Net cash receipts (payments) on derivatives(1)
$(6,765)$(20,940)$(17,029)$(35,882)
(1)The six months ended June 30, 2022 includes cash paid on commodity contracts terminated prior to their contractual maturity of $4.2 million.

11.    FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

The fair value hierarchy is based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value. The Partnership’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurements requires judgment and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their placement within the fair value hierarchy. The Partnership uses appropriate valuation techniques based on available inputs to measure the fair values of its assets and liabilities.

Level 1 - Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets as of the reporting date.

Level 2 - Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. These are inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date.

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data and may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value.

Financial assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Certain assets and liabilities are reported at fair value on a recurring basis, including the Partnership’s derivative instruments. The fair values of the Partnership’s derivative contracts are measured internally using established commodity futures price strips for the underlying commodity provided by a reputable third party, the contracted notional volumes, and time to maturity. These valuations are Level 2 inputs.

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Viper Energy Partners LP
Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
The following table provides (i) fair value measurement information for financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, (ii) the gross amounts of recognized derivative assets and liabilities, (iii) the amounts offset under master netting arrangements with counterparties and (iv) the resulting net amounts presented in the Partnership’s condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021. The net amounts are classified as current or noncurrent based on their anticipated settlement dates.

As of June 30, 2022
Level 1Level 2Level 3Total Gross Fair ValueGross Amounts Offset in Balance SheetNet Fair Value Presented in Balance Sheet
(In thousands)
Assets:
Current:
Derivative instruments$— $4,796 $— $4,796 $(3,786)$1,010 
Non-current:
Derivative instruments$— $1,674 $— $1,674 $(235)$1,439 
Liabilities:
Current:
Derivative instruments$— $12,871 $— $12,871 $(3,786)$9,085 
Non-current:
Derivative instruments$— $235 $— $235 $(235)$— 

As of December 31, 2021
Level 1Level 2Level 3Total Gross Fair ValueGross Amounts Offset in Balance SheetNet Fair Value Presented in Balance Sheet
(In thousands)
Assets:
Current:
Derivative instruments$— $1,921 $— $1,921 $(1,921)$— 
Liabilities:
Current:
Derivative instruments$— $5,338 $— $5,338 $(1,921)$3,417 

Assets and Liabilities Not Recorded at Fair Value

The following table provides the fair value of financial instruments that are not recorded at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets:

June 30, 2022December 31, 2021
Carrying ValueFair ValueCarrying ValueFair Value
(In thousands)
Debt:
Revolving credit facility $250,000 $250,000 $304,000 $304,000 
5.375% senior notes due 2027(1)
$424,383 $411,802 $472,727 $498,992 
(1) The carrying value includes associated deferred loan costs and any discount.

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Viper Energy Partners LP
Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Continued)
(Unaudited)
The fair value of the Operating Company’s revolving credit facility approximates the carrying value based on borrowing rates available to the Partnership for bank loans with similar terms and maturities and is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the Notes was determined using the June 30, 2022 quoted market price, a Level 1 classification in the fair value hierarchy.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in certain circumstances. These assets and liabilities can include mineral and royalty interests acquired in asset acquisitions and subsequent write-downs of our proved oil and natural gas interests to fair value when they are impaired or held for sale.

Fair Value of Financial Assets

The Partnership has other financial instruments consisting of cash and cash equivalents, royalty income receivable, other current assets, accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The carrying value of these instruments approximate their fair value because of the short-term nature of the instruments.

12.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Partnership is a party to various routine legal proceedings, disputes and claims from time to time arising in the ordinary course of its business. While the ultimate outcome of the pending proceedings, disputes or claims, and any resulting impact on the Partnership, cannot be predicted with certainty, the Partnership’s management believes that none of these matters, if ultimately decided adversely, will have a material adverse effect on the Partnership’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The Partnership’s assessment is based on information known about the pending matters and its experience in contesting, litigating and settling similar matters. Actual outcomes could differ materially from the Partnership’s assessment. The Partnership records reserves for contingencies related to outstanding legal proceedings, disputes or claims when information available indicates that a loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.

13.    SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Cash Distribution

On July 26, 2022, the board of directors of the General Partner approved a cash distribution for the second quarter of 2022 of $0.81 per common unit, payable on August 23, 2022, to eligible unitholders of record at the close of business on August 16, 2022.

Common Unit Repurchase Program

On July 26, 2022, the board of directors of the General Partner increased the authorization of its common unit repurchase program from $250.0 million to $750.0 million.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto presented in this report as well as our audited financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. The following discussion contains “forward-looking statements” that reflect our future plans, estimates, beliefs, and expected performance. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors. See “Part II. Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Overview

We are a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership formed by Diamondback to own and acquire mineral and royalty interests in oil and natural gas properties primarily in the Permian Basin. We operate in one reportable segment. Since May 10, 2018, we have been treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

As of June 30, 2022, our General Partner held a 100% General Partner interest in us, and Diamondback owned 731,500 of our common units and beneficially owned all of our 90,709,946 outstanding Class B units, representing approximately 55% of our total units outstanding. Diamondback also owns and controls our General Partner.

Recent Developments

Commodity Prices

Prices for oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids are determined primarily by prevailing market conditions. Regional and worldwide economic activity, extreme weather conditions and other substantially variable factors influence market conditions for these products. These factors are beyond our control and are difficult to predict. During 2021 and the first half of 2022, NYMEX WTI, has ranged from $47.62 to $123.70 per Bbl, and the NYMEX Henry Hub price of natural gas has ranged from $2.45 to $9.32 per MMBtu, with seven-year highs reached in 2022. The war in Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent measures to combat inflation have continued to contribute to economic and pricing volatility during 2022. Additionally, OPEC and its non-OPEC allies, known collectively as OPEC+, continues to meet regularly to evaluate the state of global oil supply, demand and inventory levels, and has planned production increases throughout 2022, however such increases cannot be guaranteed. As such, pricing may remain volatile during the second half of 2022.

Although demand for oil and natural gas and commodity prices have increased in the current year, Diamondback and certain of our other operators have kept production on our acreage relatively flat during 2022, using excess cash flow for debt repayment and/or return to their stockholders rather than expanding their drilling programs. Diamondback also indicated that it intends to continue exercising capital discipline and will maintain its fourth quarter 2021 oil production levels flat in 2022. We cannot reasonably predict whether production levels will remain at current levels or the impact the full extent of the events above and subsequent recovery may have on our industry and our business.

Due to the improved commodity prices and industry conditions, we were not required to record an impairment on our proved oil and natural gas interests for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, based on the results of the quarterly ceiling test. If commodity prices fall below current levels, we may be required to record impairments in future periods and such impairments could be material. Further, if commodity prices decrease, our production, proved reserves and cash flows may be adversely impacted. Our business may also be adversely impacted by any pipeline capacity and storage constraints.

Acquisitions Update

We have had no significant acquisitions during of 2022. Our footprint of mineral and royalty interests totaled 26,718 net royalty acres at June 30, 2022.

Cash Distributions on Common Units

On July 26, 2022, the board of directors of our General Partner declared a cash distribution for the three months ended June 30, 2022 of $0.81 per common unit. The distribution is payable in the third quarter of 2022.

In July 2022, the board of directors of our General Partner approved a distribution policy, consisting of a base and variable distribution, that takes into account capital returned to unitholders via our unit buyback program. This policy will be effective beginning with our distribution payable following the third quarter of 2022 and contemplates that we will return to our
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unitholders at least 75% of our cash available for distribution through a combination of base distribution, variable distribution and repurchases of limited partner units. The base distribution is intended initially to be $0.25 per unit quarterly ($1.00 per unit annually).

Repurchases of Notes

During the second quarter of 2022, the Partnership repurchased an aggregate $49.6 million principal amount of its outstanding 5.375% 2027 Senior Notes with a combination of cash on hand and borrowing under the Operating Company’s revolving credit facility. For additional discussion of our debt transactions during the second quarter of 2022, see Note 6—Debt of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.

Production and Operational Update

Third party operated net wells turned to production on our acreage during the second quarter of 2022 are at their highest level since the second quarter of 2019, and third party operated gross wells turned to production during the quarter were the highest in the Partnership’s history. There are currently 47 rigs operating on our mineral and royalty acreage, seven of which are operated by Diamondback. Our production and free cash flow outlooks are expected to be driven by Diamondback’s continued focus on developing our acreage, as well as our exposure to other well-capitalized operators in the Permian Basin. As a result of Diamondback’s consistent focus on developing our high concentration royalty acreage, primarily in the Northern Midland Basin, we increased our full year 2022 guidance for oil production by approximately 4% at the midpoint from the previous guidance.

The following table summarizes our gross well information as of the dates indicated:

Diamondback OperatedThird Party OperatedTotal
Horizontal wells turned to production (second quarter 2022)(1):
Gross wells54126180
Net 100% royalty interest wells4.80.95.7
Average percent net royalty interest8.9 %0.7 %3.2 %
Horizontal producing well count (as of July 13, 2022):
Gross wells1,4514,5215,972
Net 100% royalty interest wells109.761.9171.6
Average percent net royalty interest7.6 %1.4 %2.9 %
Horizontal active development well count (as of July 13, 2022)(2):
Gross wells75475550
Net 100% royalty interest wells4.24.89.0
Average percent net royalty interest5.6 %1.0 %1.6 %
Line of sight wells (as of July 13, 2022)(3):
Gross wells145413558
Net 100% royalty interest wells8.34.212.5
Average percent net royalty interest5.7 %1.0 %2.2 %
(1) Average lateral length of 9,785.
(2) The total 550 gross wells currently in the process of active development are those wells that have been spud and are expected to be turned to production within approximately the next six to eight months.
(3) The total 558 gross line-of-sight wells are those that are not currently in the process of active development, but for which we have reason to believe that they will be turned to production within approximately the next 15 to 18 months. The expected timing of these line-of-sight wells is based primarily on permitting by third party operators or Diamondback’s current expected completion schedule. Existing permits or active development of our royalty acreage does not ensure that those wells will be turned to production given the volatility in oil prices.

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Comparison of the Three Months Ended June 30, 2022 and March 31, 2022

As noted in “Recent Developments,” the markets for oil and natural gas are highly volatile and are influenced by a number of factors which can lead to significant changes in our results of operations and management’s operational strategy on a quarterly basis. Accordingly, our results of operations discussion focuses on a comparison of the current quarter’s results of operations with those of the immediately preceding quarter. We believe our discussion provides investors with a more meaningful analysis of material operational and financial changes which occurred during the quarter based on current market and operational trends.

Results of Operations

The following table summarizes our income and expenses for the periods indicated:

Three Months Ended
June 30, 2022March 31, 2022
 (In thousands)
Operating income:
Oil income$191,195 $155,051 
Natural gas income23,793 15,190 
Natural gas liquids income23,842 22,848 
Royalty income238,830 193,089 
Lease bonus income329 8,682 
Other operating income163 132 
Total operating income239,322 201,903 
Costs and expenses:
Production and ad valorem taxes16,039 13,870 
Depletion31,962 27,411 
General and administrative expenses1,880 1,953 
Total costs and expenses49,881 43,234 
Income (loss) from operations189,441 158,669 
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net(9,782)(9,645)
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net(1,889)(18,359)
Other income, net32 
Total other expense, net(11,639)(27,998)
Income (loss) before income taxes177,802 130,671 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes6,182 2,630 
Net income (loss)171,620 128,041 
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest137,598 111,436 
Net income (loss) attributable to Viper Energy Partners LP$34,022 $16,605 

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The following table summarizes our production data, average sales prices and average costs for the periods indicated:

Three Months Ended
June 30, 2022March 31, 2022
Production data:
Oil (MBbls)1,798 1,633 
Natural gas (MMcf)3,898 3,729 
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)607 586 
Combined volumes (MBOE)(1)
3,054 2,841 
Average daily oil volumes (BO/d)19,758 18,144 
Average daily combined volumes (BOE/d)33,560 31,567 
Average sales prices:
Oil ($/Bbl)$106.34 $94.95 
Natural gas ($/Mcf)$6.10 $4.07 
Natural gas liquids ($/Bbl)$39.28 $38.99 
Combined ($/BOE)(2)
$78.20 $67.97 
Oil, hedged ($/Bbl)(3)
$105.59 $92.05 
Natural gas, hedged ($/Mcf)(3)
$4.72 $3.71 
Natural gas liquids ($/Bbl)(3)
$39.28 $38.99 
Combined price, hedged ($/BOE)(3)
$75.99 $65.82 
Average costs ($/BOE):
Production and ad valorem taxes$5.25 $4.88 
General and administrative - cash component(4)
0.51 0.59 
Total operating expense - cash$5.76 $5.47 
General and administrative - non-cash unit compensation expense$0.11 $0.10 
Interest expense, net$3.20 $3.39 
Depletion$10.47 $9.65 
(1)Bbl equivalents are calculated using a conversion rate of six Mcf per one Bbl.
(2)Realized price net of all deducts for gathering, transportation and processing.
(3)Hedged prices reflect the impact of cash settlements of our matured commodity derivative transactions on our average sales prices.
(4)Excludes non-cash unit-based compensation expense for the respective periods presented.

Royalty Income

Our royalty income is a function of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids production volumes sold and average prices received for those volumes.

Royalty income increased $45.7 million during the second quarter of 2022, compared to the first quarter of 2022. As discussed in “—Recent Developments,” higher oil prices and to a lesser extent, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices, contributed approximately $28.5 million of the total increase.

The remaining increase of $17.2 million stemmed from production growth of 8% primarily attributable to production from new wells and having one additional day of production in the second quarter of 2022 compared to the first quarter of 2022.

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Lease Bonus Income

Lease bonus income decreased during the second quarter of 2022 as a result of recording non-recurring income from leasing certain assets we acquired in the Swallowtail Acquisition to Diamondback in the first quarter of 2022.

Production and Ad Valorem Taxes

The following table presents production and ad valorem taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and March 31, 2022:

Three Months Ended
June 30, 2022March 31, 2022
Amount
(In thousands)
Per BOEPercentage of Royalty IncomeAmount
(In thousands)
Per BOEPercentage of Royalty Income
Production taxes$12,023 $3.94 5.0 %$9,870 $3.47 5.1 %
Ad valorem taxes4,016 1.31 1.7 4,000 1.41 2.1 
Total production and ad valorem taxes$16,039 $5.25 6.7 %$13,870 $4.88 7.2 %

In general, production taxes are directly related to production revenues and are based upon current year commodity prices. Production taxes as a percentage of royalty income for the second quarter of 2022 remained consistent with the first quarter of 2022. Ad valorem taxes are based, among other factors, on property values driven by prior year commodity prices. Ad valorem taxes were consistent between periods and decreased as a percentage of royalty income for the second quarter of 2022 compared to the first quarter of 2022, primarily due to the increase in royalty income from higher oil and natural gas prices.

Depletion

The $4.6 million, or 17%, increase in depletion expense for the second quarter of 2022 compared to the first quarter of 2022 was due primarily to higher production, coupled with an increase in the average depletion rate to $10.47 from $9.65, respectively. The rate increase resulted from higher value leasehold being transferred into the amortization base during the second quarter of 2022.

Derivative Instruments

The following table shows the net gain (loss) on derivative instruments and the net cash receipts (payments) on derivatives for the periods presented:

Three Months Ended
June 30, 2022March 31, 2022
(In thousands)
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments$(1,889)$(18,359)
Net cash receipts (payments) on derivatives(1)
$(6,765)$(10,264)
(1)The three months ended March 31, 2022 includes cash paid on commodity contracts terminated prior to their contractual maturity of $4.2 million.

We recorded losses on our derivative instruments for the first and second quarters of 2022 primarily due to market prices being higher than the strike prices on our derivative contracts. However, due to the early termination of certain commodity contracts in the first quarter of 2022 and the continued settlement of contracts with more unfavorable pricing in the second quarter of 2022, market prices were closer to the strike prices on our open contracts at June 30, 2022 compared to March 31, 2022, which reduced our overall loss. We are required to recognize all derivative instruments on our balance sheet as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value. We have not designated our derivative instruments as hedges for accounting purposes. As a result, we mark our derivative instruments to fair value and recognize the cash and non-cash changes in fair value on derivative instruments in our condensed consolidated statements of operations under the line item captioned “Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net.” See Note 10—Derivatives of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for additional discussion of our open contracts at June 30, 2022.
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Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes

The $3.6 million increase in income tax expense for the second quarter of 2022 compared to the first quarter of 2022. primarily resulted from higher pre-tax net income driven primarily by an increase in royalty income and a decrease in losses on our derivative contracts as discussed above. See Note 9—Income Taxes of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for further details.

Comparison of the Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 and 2021

Results of Operations

The following table summarizes our income and expenses for the periods indicated:

Six Months Ended June 30,
20222021
 (In thousands)
Operating income:
Oil income$346,246 $172,296 
Natural gas income38,983 18,577 
Natural gas liquids income46,690 19,097 
Royalty income431,919 209,970 
Lease bonus income9,011 809 
Other operating income295 347 
Total operating income441,225 211,126 
Costs and expenses:
Production and ad valorem taxes29,909 14,801 
Depletion59,373 48,864 
General and administrative expenses3,833 4,383 
Total costs and expenses93,115 68,048 
Income (loss) from operations348,110 143,078 
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net(19,427)(15,833)
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net(20,248)(61,050)
Other income, net38 77 
Total other expense, net(39,637)(76,806)
Income (loss) before income taxes308,473 66,272 
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes8,812 35 
Net income (loss)299,661 66,237 
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest249,034 64,595 
Net income (loss) attributable to Viper Energy Partners LP$50,627 $1,642 

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The following table summarizes our production data, average sales prices and average costs for the periods indicated:

Six Months Ended June 30,
20222021
Production data:
Oil (MBbls)3,431 2,898 
Natural gas (MMcf)7,627 6,481 
Natural gas liquids (MBbls)1,193 856 
Combined volumes (MBOE)(1)
5,895 4,834 
Average daily oil volumes (BO/d)18,956 16,011 
Average daily combined volumes (BOE/d)32,569 26,707 
Average sales prices:
Oil ($/Bbl)$100.92 $59.45 
Natural gas ($/Mcf)$5.11 $2.87 
Natural gas liquids ($/Bbl)$39.14 $22.31 
Combined ($/BOE)(2)
$73.27 $43.44 
Oil, hedged ($/Bbl)(3)
$99.14 $47.07 
Natural gas, hedged ($/Mcf)(3)
$4.22 $2.87 
Natural gas liquids ($/Bbl)(3)
$39.14 $22.31 
Combined price, hedged ($/BOE)(3)
$71.09 $36.01 
Average costs ($/BOE):
Production and ad valorem taxes$5.07 $3.06 
General and administrative - cash component(4)
0.55 0.77 
Total operating expense - cash$5.62 $3.83 
General and administrative - non-cash unit compensation expense$0.11 $0.14 
Interest expense, net$3.30 $3.28 
Depletion$10.07 $10.11 
(1)Bbl equivalents are calculated using a conversion rate of six Mcf per one Bbl.
(2)Realized price net of all deducts for gathering, transportation and processing.
(3)Hedged prices reflect the impact of cash settlements of our matured commodity derivative transactions on our average sales prices.
(4)Excludes non-cash unit-based compensation expense for the respective periods presented.

Royalty Income

Our royalty income is a function of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids production volumes sold and average prices received for those volumes.

Royalty income increased $221.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. As discussed in “—Recent Developments,” the record high oil prices and to a lesser extent, the continuing recovery in natural gas and natural gas liquids prices, contributed approximately $179.4 million of the total increase.

The 22% increase in production volumes during the six months ended June 30, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021 contributed to the remaining $42.5 million of the total increase in royalty income. This production growth is primarily attributable to new well additions between periods, largely resulting from the Swallowtail Acquisition.

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Lease Bonus Income

Lease bonus income increased during the six months ended June 30, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021 due primarily to leasing certain assets we acquired in the Swallowtail Acquisition to Diamondback in the first quarter of 2022.

Production and Ad Valorem Taxes

The following table presents production and ad valorem taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021:

Six Months Ended June 30,
20222021
Amount
(In thousands)
Per BOEPercentage of Royalty IncomeAmount
(In thousands)
Per BOEPercentage of Royalty Income
Production taxes$21,894 $3.71 5.1 %$10,514 $2.17 5.0 %
Ad valorem taxes8,015 1.361.9 4,287 0.89 2.0 
Total production and ad valorem taxes$29,909 $5.07 7.0 %$14,801 $3.06 7.0 %

In general, production taxes are directly related to production revenues and are based upon current year commodity prices. Production taxes as a percentage of royalty income for the six months ended June 30, 2022 remained consistent with the same period in 2021. Ad valorem taxes are based, among other factors, on property values driven by prior year commodity prices. The increase in ad valorem taxes is primarily due to accruing taxes for the properties acquired in the Swallowtail Acquisition, as well as higher valuations assigned to our other oil and natural gas interests period over period driven by higher commodity prices. Ad valorem taxes remained consistent as a percentage of royalty income for the six months ended June 30, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021.

Depletion

The $10.5 million, or 22%, increase in depletion expense for the six months ended June 30, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021 was due primarily to production growth between the periods. The average depletion rate of $10.07 for the six months ended June 30, 2022 remained consistent with the rate of $10.11 for the same period in 2021.

Derivative Instruments

The following table shows the net gain (loss) on derivative instruments and the net cash receipts (payments) on derivatives for the periods presented:

Six Months Ended June 30,
20222021
(In thousands)
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments$(20,248)$(61,050)
Net cash receipts (payments) on derivatives(1)
$(17,029)$(35,882)
(1)The six months ended June 30, 2022 includes cash paid on commodity contracts terminated prior to their contractual maturity of $4.2 million.

We recorded losses on our derivative instruments for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 primarily due to market prices being higher than the strike prices on our derivative contracts. We are required to recognize all derivative instruments on our balance sheet as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value. We have not designated our derivative instruments as hedges for accounting purposes. As a result, we mark our derivative instruments to fair value and recognize the cash and non-cash changes in fair value on derivative instruments in our condensed consolidated statements of operations under the line item captioned “Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net.”

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Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes

Income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2022 of $8.8 million resulted from the increase in pre-tax income, which was driven largely by increases in royalty income and lease bonus income as well as a decrease in losses from our derivative contracts as discussed above. See Note 9—Income Taxes of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for further details.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview of Sources and Uses of Cash

As we pursue our business and financial strategy, we regularly consider which capital resources, including cash flow and equity and debt financings, are available to meet our future financial obligations and liquidity requirements. Our future ability to grow proved reserves will be highly dependent on the capital resources available to us. Our primary sources of liquidity have been cash flows from operations, proceeds from sales of non-core assets and investments, equity and debt offerings and borrowings under the Operating Company’s credit agreement. Our primary uses of cash have been distributions to our unitholders, repayment of debt, capital expenditures for the acquisition of our mineral interests and royalty interests in oil and natural gas properties and repurchases of our common units and senior notes. At June 30, 2022, we had approximately $254.3 million of liquidity consisting of $4.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and $250.0 million available under the Operating Company’s credit agreement.

Our working capital requirements are supported by our cash and cash equivalents and the Operating Company’s credit agreement. We may draw on the Operating Company’s credit agreement to meet short-term cash requirements, or issue debt or equity securities as part of our longer-term liquidity and capital management program. Because of the alternatives available to us as discussed above, we believe that our short-term and long-term liquidity are adequate to fund not only our current operations, but also our near-term and long-term funding requirements including our acquisitions of mineral and royalty interests, distributions, debt service obligations and repayment of debt maturities, common unit and senior note repurchases and any amounts that may ultimately be paid in connection with contingencies.

In order to mitigate volatility in oil and natural gas prices, we have entered into commodity derivative contracts as discussed further in Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Commodity Price Risk.

Continued prolonged volatility in the capital, financial and/or credit markets due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the depressed commodity markets and, or adverse macroeconomic conditions, including persistent inflation, rising interests rates and increasing concerns over a potential recession, may limit our access to, or increase our cost of, capital or make capital unavailable on terms acceptable to us or at all. Although we expect that our sources of funding will be adequate to fund our short-term and long-term liquidity requirements, we cannot assure you that the needed capital will be available on acceptable terms or at all.

Cash Flows

The following table presents our cash flows for the periods indicated:

Six Months Ended June 30,
20222021
(In thousands)
Cash Flow Data:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities$299,020 $129,680 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities31,198 (819)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(365,354)(105,560)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents$(35,136)$23,301 

Operating Activities

Our operating cash flow is sensitive to many variables, the most significant of which are the volatility of prices for oil and natural gas and the volumes of oil and natural gas sold by our producers as discussed in “—Results of Operations” above. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2022 compared to the same
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period in 2021 was primarily driven by (i) higher royalty income, (ii) an increase in lease bonus income and (iii) a decrease in cash paid for derivative settlements. These increases in cash flow were partially offset by (i) changes in our working capital accounts, most notably through an increase in our accounts receivable in 2022 compared to 2021 due primarily to higher market prices for our oil sales and the timing of our receipt of royalty income payments from our operators (ii) an increase in production and ad valorem expenses due to the corresponding increase in royalty income and (iii) an increase in cash paid for taxes, as our tax provision reflects an increase in current cash income taxes.

Investing Activities

Net cash provided by investing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2022, was primarily related to proceeds from the divestitures of oil and natural gas interests. There were no significant acquisitions or divestitures of oil and natural gas interests during the six months ended June 30, 2021.

Financing Activities

Consistent with our previously announced strategy to return cash flow to unitholders, net cash used in financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2022 was primarily related to distributions of $194.1 million to our unitholders and $68.2 million of common unit repurchases which included approximately $37.3 million for the repurchase of 1.5 million common units from a significant unitholder in a privately negotiated transaction. Additionally, we paid $49.0 million for the repurchase of principal outstanding on the Notes as discussed in “—2022 Debt Transactions below and made net repayments of $54.0 million on the Operating Company’s revolving credit facility.

Net cash used in financing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2021, was primarily related to the net repayment of $22.0 million of borrowings under the Operating Company’s revolving credit facility, distributions of $60.8 million to our unitholders and $19.8 million of repurchases of our common units during the second quarter of 2021.

Capital Resources

The Operating Company’s Revolving Credit Facility

The Operating Company’s credit agreement, as amended to date, provides for a revolving credit facility in the maximum credit amount of $2.0 billion, with a borrowing base of $580.0 million as of June 30, 2022, based on the Operating Company’s oil and natural gas reserves and other factors. At June 30, 2022, the Operating Company had elected a commitment amount of $500.0 million on its credit agreement with $250.0 million of outstanding borrowings. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, the weighted average interest rate on borrowings under the Operating Company’s revolving credit facility was 3.20% and 2.88%, respectively.

2022 Debt Transactions

During the second quarter of 2022, the Operating Company used a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under the Operating Company’s credit agreement to repurchase a portion of the 5.375% 2027 Senior Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $49.6 million.

The Operating Company is currently in compliance, and expects to be in compliance, with all financial maintenance covenants under its credit agreement.

See Note 6—Debt of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for additional discussion of our outstanding debt at June 30, 2022.

Capital Requirements

Repurchases of Securities

On April 27, 2022, the board of directors of our General Partner approved an increase of the authorization of its common unit repurchase program to $250.0 million of our outstanding common units and extended the authorization indefinitely. On July 26, 2022, the board of directors of our General Partner increased the authorization of our common unit repurchase program from $250.0 million to $750.0 million. As of June 30, 2022, $111.8 million remains available for use to repurchase units under the repurchase program. See Note 7—Unitholders' Equity and Distributions of the notes to our
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condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for further discussion of the unit repurchase program.

We may also from time to time opportunistically repurchase some of the outstanding Notes in open market purchases or in privately negotiated transactions.

Cash Distributions

The distribution for the second quarter of 2022 was $0.81 per common unit payable on August 23, 2022 to common unitholders of record at the close of business on August 16, 2022. See “Recent Developments—Cash Distributions on Common Units” and Note 7—Unitholders' Equity and Distributions of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for further discussion of our distributions.

Critical Accounting Estimates

There have been no changes to our critical accounting estimates from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form  10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the notes of our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for a listing of our significant accounting policies.

ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk, including the effects of adverse changes in commodity prices and interest rates as described below. The primary objective of the following information is to provide quantitative and qualitative information about our potential exposure to market risks. The term “market risk” refers to the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in oil and natural gas prices and interest rates. The disclosures are not meant to be precise indicators of expected future losses, but rather indicators of reasonably possible losses.

Commodity Price Risk

Our major market risk exposure is in the pricing applicable to the oil and natural gas production of our operators. Realized prices are driven primarily by the prevailing worldwide price for crude oil and prices for natural gas in the United States. Both crude oil and natural gas realized prices are also impacted by the quality of the product, supply and demand balances in local physical markets and the availability of transportation to demand centers. Pricing for oil and natural gas production has been historically volatile and unpredictable and the prices that our operators receive for production depend on many factors outside of our or their control, such as the war in Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic and actions taken by OPEC members and other exporting nations. We cannot predict events that may lead to future price volatility and the near term energy outlook remains subject to heightened levels of uncertainty.

We historically have used fixed price swap contracts, fixed price basis swap contracts and costless collars with corresponding put and call options to reduce price volatility associated with certain of our royalty income. Under our costless collar contracts, each collar has an established floor price and ceiling price. When the settlement price is below the floor price, the counterparty is required to make a payment to us and when the settlement price is above the ceiling price, we are required to make a payment to the counterparty. When the settlement price is between the floor and the ceiling, there is no payment required.

At June 30, 2022, we had a net liability derivative position related to our commodity price derivatives of $6.6 million. Utilizing actual derivative contractual volumes under our contracts as of June 30, 2022, a 10% increase in forward curves associated with the underlying commodity would have increased the net liability position by $4.7 million to $11.3 million, while a 10% decrease in forward curves associated with the underlying commodity would have decreased the net liability derivative position by $3.7 million to $2.9 million. However, any cash derivative gain or loss would be substantially offset by a decrease or increase, respectively, in the actual sales value of production covered by the derivative instrument.

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Credit Risk

We are subject to risk resulting from the concentration of royalty income in producing oil and natural gas interests and receivables with a limited number of significant purchasers and producers. We do not require collateral and the failure or inability of our significant purchasers to meet their obligations to us due to their liquidity issues, bankruptcy, insolvency or liquidation may adversely affect our financial results. Volatility in commodity pricing environment and macroeconomic conditions may enhance our purchaser credit risk.

Interest Rate Risk

We are subject to market risk exposure related to changes in interest rates on our indebtedness under the Operating Company’s credit agreement. The terms of the credit agreement provide for interest on borrowings at a floating rate equal to an alternative base rate (which is equal to the greatest of the prime rate, the Federal Funds effective rate plus 0.50% and 3-month LIBOR plus 1.0%) or LIBOR, in each case plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin ranges from 1.00% to 2.00% in the case of the alternative base rate and from 2.00% to 3.00% in the case of LIBOR, in each case depending on the amount of the loan outstanding in relation to the borrowing base. We are obligated to pay a quarterly commitment fee ranging from 0.375% to 0.500% per year on the unused portion of the borrowing base, which is the least of the maximum credit amount, the aggregate elected commitment amount and the borrowing base. As of June 30, 2022, we had $250.0 million in outstanding borrowings. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, the weighted average interest rate on the Operating Company’s revolving credit facility was 3.20% and 2.88%, respectively.

ITEM 4.          CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Control and Procedures. Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of our General Partner, we have established disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. The disclosure controls and procedures are also intended to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of our General Partner, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

As of June 30, 2022, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of our General Partner, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act. Based upon the evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of our General Partner have concluded that as of June 30, 2022, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2022 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal controls over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.     LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Due to the nature of our business, we are, from time to time, involved in routine litigation or subject to disputes or claims related to our business activities. In the opinion of our management, none of the pending litigation, disputes or claims against us, if decided adversely, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, cash flows or results of operations. See Note 12—Commitments and Contingencies.

ITEM 1A.     RISK FACTORS

Our business faces many risks. Any of the risks discussed in this report and our other SEC filings could have a material impact on our business, financial position or results of operations. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also materially impair our business operations, financial condition or future results.

As of the date of this filing, we continue to be subject to the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on February 24, 2022, Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on May 5, 2022, and in subsequent filings we make with the SEC. Except as provided below, there have been no material changes in our risk factors from those described in such reports.

Transition risks relating to climate change may have a material and adverse effect on us.

Governmental and regulatory bodies, investors, consumers, industry and other stakeholders have been increasingly focused on climate change matters in recent years. This focus, together with changes in consumer and industrial/commercial behavior, preferences and attitudes with respect to the generation and consumption of energy, the use of hydrocarbons, and the use of products manufactured with, or powered by, hydrocarbons, may result in:

the enactment of climate change-related regulations, policies and initiatives by governments, investors, and other companies, including alternative energy or “zero carbon” requirements and fuel or energy conservation measures;
technological advances with respect to the generation, transmission, storage and consumption of energy (including advances in wind, solar and hydrogen power, as well as battery technology);
increased availability of, and increased demand from consumers and industry for, energy sources other than oil and natural gas (including wind, solar, nuclear, and geothermal sources as well as electric vehicles); and
development of, and increased demand from consumers and industry for, lower-emission products and services (including electric vehicles and renewable residential and commercial power supplies) as well as more efficient products and services.

Any of these developments, which relate to the transition from hydrocarbon energy sources to alternative energy sources and therefore to a lower-carbon economy, may reduce the demand for products manufactured with (or powered by) hydrocarbons and the demand for, and in turn the prices of, the oil and natural gas that our operators produce and sell, which would likely have a material and adverse impact on us. Please see the risk factor in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 titled “Our business has been and could continue to be adversely affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and volatility in the oil and natural gas markets” and “We depend on a small number of operators for a substantial portion of the development and production on the properties underlying our mineral interests. A reduction in the expected number of wells to be drilled on our acreage by these operators or the failure of an operator to adequately and efficiently develop and operate our acreage could have an adverse effect on our expected growth and our results of operations” for more information regarding the potential impact on us of reduced demand for oil and natural gas.

If any of these developments reduce the desirability of participating in the oilfield services, midstream or downstream portions of the oil and gas industry, then these developments may also reduce the availability to our operators of necessary third-party services and facilities that they rely on, which could increase their operational costs and adversely affect their ability to explore for, produce, transport and process oil and natural gas and successfully carry out their business and financial strategy, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and cash flow. These developments could also reduce the number of customers willing to purchase the oil and natural gas that our operators produce.

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In addition to potentially reducing demand for oil and natural gas and potentially reducing the availability of oilfield services and midstream and downstream customers to our operators, any of these developments may also create reputational risks associated with the oil and gas sector, which may adversely affect the availability and cost of capital to us. For example, a number of prominent investors have publicly announced their intention to no longer invest in the oil and gas sector in response to concerns related to climate change, and other financial institutions and investors may decide to do likewise in the future. If financial institutions and other investors refuse to invest in or provide capital to the oil and gas sector in the future because of these reputational risks, that could result in capital being unavailable to us, or only at significantly increased cost. Please see the risk factor in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 titled “Increased costs of capital could adversely affect our business” for more information regarding our need for capital and the potential impact on us of an increased cost of, or unavailability of, capital.

In addition, the enactment of climate change-related regulations, policies and initiatives may also result in increases in our operators’ compliance and other operating costs and have other adverse effects, such as a greater potential for governmental investigations or litigation, which may impair their ability to explore and develop our mineral and royalty acreage, all of which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and cash flows. For further discussion regarding the risks to us and our operators of climate change-related regulations, policies and initiatives, please see the discussion in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 in the section entitled “Business—Regulation—Climate Change.” Please also see the risk factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 titled “Changes in environmental laws could increase our operators’ costs and adversely impact our business, financial condition and cash flows” for more information regarding the potential impact on us and our operators of increased environmental regulations.

Continuing political and social concerns relating to climate change may result in significant litigation and related expenses.

Increasing attention to global climate change has resulted in increased investor attention and an increased risk of public and private litigation, which could increase our costs or otherwise adversely affect us. For example, shareholder activism has recently been increasing in our industry. Because of our structure as a limited partnership, we do not hold annual meetings or file proxy statements and our unitholders have limited voting rights. They may, however, attempt to effect changes to our business or governance to deal with climate change-related issues by public campaigns, investor communications, regulatory lobbying efforts or otherwise, which may result in significant management distraction and potentially significant expense.

Additionally, cities, counties, and other governmental entities in several states in the U.S. have filed lawsuits against energy companies seeking damages allegedly associated with climate change. Similar lawsuits may be filed in other jurisdictions. If any such lawsuits were to be filed against us, we could incur substantial legal defense costs and, if any such litigation were adversely determined, we could incur substantial damages.

Any of these climate change-related litigation risks could result in unexpected costs, negative sentiments about our company, disruptions to our business, and increases to our operating expenses, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and cash flow.

The producing properties in which we have mineral and royalty interests are concentrated in the Permian Basin of West Texas, making us vulnerable to risks (including weather-related risks) associated with a single geographic area. In addition, a large amount of our proved reserves is attributable to a small number of producing horizons within this area.

The producing properties in which we have mineral and royalty interests are currently geographically concentrated in the Permian Basin of West Texas. As a result of this concentration, we may be disproportionately exposed to the impact of regional supply and demand factors, delays or interruptions of production from wells in this area caused by governmental regulation, processing or transportation capacity constraints faced by our operators or their customers, availability of equipment, facilities, personnel or services market limitations or interruption of the processing or transportation of crude oil, natural gas or natural gas liquids on our mineral and royalty acreage, and extreme weather conditions, such as the severe winter storms in the Permian Basin in February 2021, and their adverse impact on production volumes, availability of electrical power, road accessibility and transportation facilities on our mineral and royalty acreage.

Extreme regional weather events may occur that can affect our operators’ suppliers or customers, which could adversely affect us. For example, a significant hurricane or similar weather event could damage refining and other oil and natural gas-related facilities on the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana, which (if significant enough) could limit the availability of gathering and transportation facilities across Texas and could then cause production in the Permian Basin (including potentially production on our mineral and royalty acreage) to be curtailed or shut in or (in the case of natural gas) flared. Further, any increase in flaring of natural gas production on our mineral and royalty acreage due to weather-related events or otherwise could expose us to reputational risks and adversely impact our or our operators’ contractual and other business
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relationships. Any of the above-referenced events could have a material adverse effect on us. Likewise, a weather event like the severe winter storms in the Permian Basin in February 2021 could reduce the availability of electrical power, road accessibility, and transportation facilities, which could have an adverse impact on production volumes on our mineral and royalty acreage (and therefore on our financial condition and results of operations).

In addition, the effect of fluctuations on supply and demand may become more pronounced within specific geographic oil and natural gas producing areas such as the Permian Basin, which may cause these conditions to occur with greater frequency or magnify the effects of these conditions. Due to the concentrated nature of our mineral and royalty acreage, we could experience any of these conditions at the same time, resulting in a relatively greater impact on us than they might have on other companies that have a more diversified portfolio of assets. Such delays or interruptions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and cash flow.

In addition to the geographic concentration of our mineral and royalty acreage, as of December 31, 2021, most of our proved reserves are concentrated in the Wolfberry play in the Midland Basin. This concentration of assets within a small number of producing horizons exposes us to additional risks, such as changes in field-wide rules and regulations that could cause our operators to permanently or temporarily shut-in all of wells on our mineral and royalty acreage.
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ITEM 2.     UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

None.

Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities

Our common unit repurchase activity for the three months ended June 30, 2022 was as follows:

Period
Total Number of Units Purchased(1)
Average Price Paid Per Unit(2)
Total Number of Units Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan
Approximate Dollar Value of Units that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan(3)
(In thousands, except unit amounts)
April 1, 2022 - April 30, 2022$— $140,715 
May 1, 2022 - May 31, 2022600,000$28.98 600,000$123,330 
June 1, 2022 - June 30, 2022420,000$27.53 420,000$111,766 
Total1,020,000$28.38 1,020,000
(1)Includes common units repurchased from employees in order to satisfy tax withholding requirements, if any. Such units are cancelled and retired immediately upon repurchase.
(2)The average price paid per common unit includes any commissions paid to repurchase a common unit.
(3)The board of directors of our General Partner initially approved a $100.0 million common unit repurchase program in November of 2020 and, effective November 15, 2021, increased our authorization under this program to acquire up to $150.0 million of our outstanding common units and extended the term of the repurchase program indefinitely. In April 2022, the repurchase program authorization was further increased to $250.0 million. On July 26, 2022 the board of directors of our General Partner increased the authorization of our common unit repurchase program to $750.0 million. This repurchase program remains subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements, contractual obligations and other factors and may be suspended from time to time, modified, extended or discontinued by the board of directors of our General Partner at any time.

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ITEM 6.     EXHIBITS
Exhibit Number
Description
2.1
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
4.1
4.2
31.1*
31.2*
32.1**
101
The following financial information from the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Unitholders’ Equity, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
*Filed herewith.
**The certifications attached as Exhibit 32.1 accompany this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and shall not be deemed “filed” by the Registrant for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

VIPER ENERGY PARTNERS LP
By:VIPER ENERGY PARTNERS GP LLC
its General Partner
Date:August 3, 2022By:/s/ Travis D. Stice
Travis D. Stice
Chief Executive Officer
Date:August 3, 2022By:/s/ Teresa L. Dick
Teresa L. Dick
Chief Financial Officer

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