Viper Energy (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:VNOM) saw its price target increased to $46.00 from $45.00 by a Roth/MKM analyst, who maintained a Buy rating on the stock.
The adjustment comes as the analyst projects an increase in the company's 2025 cash flow per share (CFPS) estimates by 3%, despite a slight reduction of 0.5% in the 2024 CFPS estimate. This revision is attributed to recent transactions the company has undertaken.
The analyst highlighted that Viper Energy anticipates a 4-5% boost to its expected 2025 return of capital program as a result of the deal, which will likely manifest primarily through dividend hikes.
Furthermore, the transaction is projected to decrease the company's leverage, with the net debt to EBITDA ratio for 2025 anticipated to drop from 0.9x to 0.75x, assuming a West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil price of $80 per barrel.
The company's valuation currently stands at a premium compared to its peers, trading at a 10.0x multiple based on the 2025 debt-adjusted cash flow (DACF) estimate at $80 per barrel WTI.
The analyst also pointed out that Viper Energy boasts a 10% free cash flow yield based on the 2025 projections, reinforcing the Buy rating and the elevated price target.
In other recent news, Viper Energy, a subsidiary of Diamondback (NASDAQ:FANG) Energy, announced positive developments in its second quarter of 2024. The company reported a 4% increase in oil production and a 9% rise in cash available for distribution.
Looking forward, Viper Energy has increased its full-year production guidance, expecting a 1.5% growth in the third quarter. The Board of Directors approved an 11% increase in the annual base dividend, indicating their confidence in the company's ability to maintain and grow dividends.
In addition to these financial highlights, Viper Energy has been included in the Russell 1000 index, a move expected to expand its investor base and enhance trading liquidity. On the acquisition front, Diamondback Energy's representative Kaes Van't Hof emphasized the company's strategy to be the preferred consolidator in the Permian region, focusing on large-scale acquisitions. Despite a delay in the Endeavor deal due to an FTC second request, the company's management conveyed an optimistic outlook about their M&A strategy during a Q&A session.
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