SEC Form 424B5 filed by Viper Energy Inc.

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-282039

 

This prospectus supplement relates to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 but is not complete and may be changed. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus are not an offer to sell these securities and are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED SEPTEMBER 11, 2024

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT TO PROSPECTUS DATED SEPTEMBER 11, 2024

8,500,000 Shares

VIPER ENERGY, INC.

 

 

Class A Common Stock

 

 

We are offering 8,500,000 shares of our Class A common stock.

We have granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,275,000 shares of our Class A common stock on the same terms and conditions as set forth below.

Our Class A common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “VNOM.” We converted into a Delaware corporation on November 13, 2023. Before that date, we were Viper Energy Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership with common units representing limited partner interests listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “VNOM.” On November 13, 2023, each outstanding common unit converted into one share of Class A common stock. On September 10, 2024, the last reported sales price of our Class A common stock was $44.79 per share.

 

 

Investing in our Class A common stock involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-6 of this prospectus supplement and beginning on page S-6 of the accompanying base prospectus.

 

 

 

		Per share				Total
Public offering price		$				$
Underwriting discount(1)		$				$
Proceeds, before expenses, to us		$				$

 

(1)	We refer you to “Underwriting” beginning on page S-16 of this prospectus supplement for additional information regarding underwriting compensation.

Delivery of the shares of Class A common stock will be made on or about September    , 2024 through the book-entry facilities of the Depository Trust Company.

 

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus are truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

Joint Active Bookrunners

 

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC		BofA Securities		Truist Securities

 

 

The date of this prospectus supplement is September  , 2024.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prospectus Supplement

 

About this prospectus supplement			S-ii
Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements			S-iii
Prospectus supplement summary			S-1
The offering			S-5
Risk factors			S-6
Use of proceeds			S-9
Dividend policy			S-9
Stock repurchase program			S-9
Capitalization			S-10
Material U.S. federal income tax consequences for non-U.S. holders			S-11
Underwriting			S-16
Legal matters			S-24
Experts			S-24
Where you can find more information			S-26

Prospectus

 

About this prospectus			ii
Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements			iii
Our company			1
Risk factors			2
Use of proceeds			3
Desccription of capital stock			4
Plan of distribution			7
Where you can find more information			10
Information incorporated by reference			11
Legal matters			12
Experts			12

 

 

In making your investment decision, you should rely only on the information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or to which this prospectus supplement refers. Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different from that contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus or in any free writing prospectus we may authorize to be delivered or made available to you. Neither we nor the underwriters take any responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. Neither we nor the underwriters are making an offer of shares of our Class A common stock in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information provided by this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein is accurate as of any date other than the respective dates of such documents. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

This prospectus supplement is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the “SEC,” utilizing a “shelf” registration process. This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of this offering of Class A common stock. The second part, the accompanying base prospectus, gives more general information, some of which may not apply to this offering. Generally, when we refer only to the “prospectus,” we are referring to both parts combined. In the event that the description of this offering varies between this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus, you should rely on the information contained in this prospectus supplement.

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us relating to this offering of Class A common stock, or to which we have referred you. We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized any other person to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us relating to this offering of Class A common stock. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. You should read this entire prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us relating to this offering of Class A common stock, as well as the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein that are described under “Where You Can Find More Information” in the accompanying base prospectus and “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus supplement. We and the underwriters are only offering to sell, and only seeking offers to buy, our Class A common stock in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted.

The information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us relating to this offering of Class A common stock, or in any document incorporated herein or therein, is accurate and complete only as of the date hereof or thereof, respectively, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us relating to this offering of Class A common stock, or of any sale of our Class A common stock by us or the underwriters. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. Neither we nor the underwriters, nor any affiliate of either of us, is making any representation to you regarding the legality of an investment in our Class A common stock by you under applicable laws. You should consult your own legal, tax and business advisors regarding an investment in our Class A common stock. Information in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus is not legal, tax or business advice to any prospective investor.

Industry and Market Data

This prospectus supplement includes or incorporates by reference industry and market data and forecasts that we obtained from internal company surveys, publicly available information and industry publications and surveys. Our internal research and forecasts are based on management’s understanding of industry conditions, and such information has not been verified by independent sources. Industry publications and surveys generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable.

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus supplement, including documents incorporated by reference, contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, or the “Securities Act,” and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or 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 Energy, Inc.’s plans for developing our acreage and our cash dividend policy and repurchases of our common shares and/or senior notes) are forward-looking statements. When used in this prospectus supplement, including documents incorporated by reference, 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 prospectus supplement under the heading “Risk Factors” and detailed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as may be supplemented in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in our other periodic and current reports filed with the SEC, 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.

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

 

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changes in supply and demand levels for oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids and the resulting impact on the price for those commodities;

 

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the impact of public health crises, including epidemic or pandemic diseases and any related company or government policies or actions;

 

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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;

 

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changes in general economic, business or industry conditions, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, inflation rates, instability in the financial sector;

 

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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;

 

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federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to hydraulic fracturing, including the effect of existing and future laws and governmental regulations;

 

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physical and transition risks relating to climate change;

 

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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;

 

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significant declines in prices for oil, natural gas, or natural gas liquids, which could require recognition of significant impairment charges;

 

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changes in U.S. energy, environmental, monetary and trade policies;

 

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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 Energy, Inc. and our other operators;

 

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changes in availability or cost of rigs, equipment, raw materials, supplies and oilfield services impacting our operators;

 

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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);

 

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security threats, including cybersecurity threats and disruptions to our business from breaches of Diamondback Energy, Inc.’s information technology systems, or from breaches of information technology systems of our operators or third parties with whom we transact business;

 

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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;

 

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acts of war or terrorist acts and the governmental or military response thereto;

 

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changes in the financial strength of counterparties to the credit facility and hedging contracts of our operating subsidiary;

 

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changes in our credit rating; and

 

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other risks and factors disclosed in this prospectus supplement or incorporated by reference herein.

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 prospectus supplement or incorporated by reference. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this prospectus supplement 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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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

 

This summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents we incorporate by reference. It does not contain all of the information you should consider before making an investment decision. You should read the entire prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, the documents incorporated by reference and the other documents to which we refer for a more complete understanding of our business and this offering. Please read the section entitled “Risk Factors” commencing on page S-6 of this prospectus supplement and additional information contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings we make with the SEC, which information is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, for financial and other important information you should consider before investing in our Class A common stock. Unless otherwise indicated, the information in this prospectus supplement assumes that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of our Class A common stock.   References in this prospectus supplement to (i) the “Partnership” refers to Viper Energy Partners LP, the predecessor of Viper Energy, Inc., prior to its conversion from a Delaware limited partnership into a Delaware corporation, which conversion became effective on November 13, 2023 (the “Conversion”), (ii) the “Operating Company” or “OpCo” refers to Viper Energy Partners LLC, the Company’s operating subsidiary, (iii) “Viper Energy,” “Viper,” “the Company,” “we,” “our,” “us” or like terms refer to (A) following the Conversion, Viper Energy, Inc. individually and collectively with the Operating Company, as the context requires, and (B) before the Conversion, the Partnership individually and collectively with the Operating Company, as the context requires, and (iv) “Diamondback” refers collectively to Diamondback Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries other than the Company and the Operating Company. References to “OpCo Units” are to the units representing limited liability company interests in the Operating Company.

Viper Energy, Inc.

We are a publicly traded Delaware corporation focused on owning and acquiring mineral and royalty interests in oil and natural gas properties primarily in the Permian Basin. We operate in one reportable segment. Effective November 13, 2023, we converted our legal status from a Delaware limited partnership into a Delaware corporation.

Our primary business objective is to provide an attractive return to our stockholders by focusing on business results, generating robust free cash flow, reducing debt and protecting our balance sheet, while maintaining a best-in-class cost structure. Our assets consist of mineral and royalty interests in oil and natural gas properties in the Permian Basin in West Texas, substantially all of which are leased to working interest owners who bear the costs of operation and development.

We are currently focused primarily on oil and natural gas properties in the Permian Basin, which is one of the oldest and most prolific producing basins in North America. The Permian Basin, which consists of approximately 75,000 square miles centered around Midland, Texas, has been a significant source of oil production since the 1920s. The Permian Basin is known to have a number of zones of oil and natural gas bearing rock throughout.

As of June 30, 2024, our assets consisted of mineral interests and royalty interests representing 31,762 net royalty acres primarily in the Permian Basin, approximately 58% of which are operated by Diamondback. As of June 30, 2024, there were 9,452 gross horizontal wells (231.5 net 100% royalty

 

S-1

interest wells) producing on our mineral and royalty acreage, of which Diamondback was the operator of 1,964 wells. In August and September of 2024, we closed, or entered into the purchase and sale agreement for, as applicable, the Acquisitions, which Acquisitions are described in more detail under “Recent Developments — The Acquisitions” below. As of June 30, 2024, after giving effect to the Acquisitions, our footprint of mineral and royalty interests would have totaled approximately 35,489 net royalty acres, with Diamondback operating approximately 54% of these net royalty acres after giving effect to the closing of Diamondback’s merger with Endeavor Energy Resources, L.P. on September 10, 2024 (the “Endeavor Merger”). As of June 30, 2024, after giving effect to the Acquisitions, we would have had 10,305 gross horizontal wells (245.2 net 100% royalty interest wells) producing on our mineral and royalty acreage, with Diamondback operating 2,645 gross horizontal wells (146.5 net 100% royalty interest wells) after giving effect to the closing of the Endeavor Merger.

Average net production during the second quarter of 2024 was approximately 47,473 BOE/d and net production for the year ended December 31, 2023 averaged 39,244 BOE/d. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, consolidated net income (including net income attributable to non-controlling interest) generated from these mineral and royalty interests was approximately $221.8 million and net income attributable to Viper Energy, Inc. was approximately $100.3 million. As of June 30, 2024, there were 49 rigs operating on our mineral and royalty acreage, nine of which are operated by Diamondback.

As of December 31, 2023, the estimated proved oil and natural gas reserves of our assets were 179,249 MBOE, based on reserve estimates prepared by our internal reservoir engineers and audited by Ryder Scott Company, L.P., an independent petroleum engineering firm. Of these reserves, approximately 80% were classified as proved developed producing reserves. Proved undeveloped, or PUD, reserves included in this estimate were from 529 gross horizontal well locations. As of December 31, 2023, our proved reserves were approximately 50% oil, 25% natural gas liquids and 25% natural gas.

Recent Developments

The Acquisitions

On September 3, 2024, we, through our operating subsidiary OpCo, acquired all of the issued and outstanding equity interests in (i) Tumbleweed-Q Royalties, LLC for a purchase price of $113.4 million in cash and contingent cash consideration of up to $5.4 million payable in January of 2026, based on the average price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) sweet crude oil prompt month futures contracts for the calendar year 2025 (the “WTI 2025 Average”), and (ii) MC TWR Royalties, LP and MC TWR Intermediate, LLC for a purchase price of $75.6 million in cash and contingent cash consideration of up to $3.6 million payable in January of 2026, based on the WTI 2025 Average (together, the “Q and M Acquisitions”). The assets subject to the Q and M Acquisitions consisted of mineral and royalty interests in approximately 672 net royalty acres located primarily in the Permian Basin, with net production during the second quarter of 2024 of approximately 787 BOE/d. We funded the cash consideration, and intend to fund the contingent cash consideration, for the Q and M Acquisitions with cash on hand and borrowings under OpCo’s revolving credit facility.

On September 11, 2024, we and our operating subsidiary OpCo, as buyer parties, entered into the Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “Purchase and Sale Agreement”) with Tumbleweed Royalty IV, LLC (“TWR IV”) and TWR IV SellCo Parent, LLC, as sellers, pursuant to which OpCo agreed to acquire all of the issued and outstanding interests in TWR IV, LLC and TWR IV SellCo, LLC (the “TWR Acquisition” and, collectively with the Q and M Acquisitions, the “Acquisitions”) for a purchase price

 

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consisting of $461.0 million in cash, the issuance of an aggregate of 10,093,670 OpCo units to TWR IV and an option to acquire the same number of shares of our Class B common stock (the “Option”), subject to the adjustments contemplated in the Purchase and Sale Agreement. The Purchase and Sale Agreement also contemplates the payment of contingent cash consideration of up to $41.0 million payable in January of 2026, based on the WTI 2025 Average.

The pending TWR Acquisition is expected to close on October 1, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions and adjustments. We intend to fund the cash consideration for the pending TWR Acquisition with a combination of cash on hand, proceeds from the sale of our Class A common stock contemplated by this offering and borrowings under OpCo’s revolving credit facility.

At closing of the pending TWR Acquisition, we will be obligated to amend and restate (i) the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Agreement of OpCo dated as of May 9, 2018, as amended, to admit TWR IV as a member and (ii) that certain Amended and Restated Exchange Agreement dated as of November 10, 2023 to include TWR IV as a holder and a party thereto entitled to the exchange rights with respect to the OpCo units to be acquired by TWR IV at the closing of the pending TWR Acquisition and, where applicable, shares of our Class B common stock that may be acquired by TWR IV upon exercise of the Option.

Further, at closing of the pending TWR Acquisition, we will be obligated to enter into a registration rights agreement with TWR IV, pursuant to which TWR IV will receive certain demand and piggyback registration rights with respect to the shares of our Class A common stock that may be acquired by TWR IV in exchange for the OpCo units and an equal number of shares of our Class B common stock in the event TWR IV exercises the Option and its Exchange Rights to be granted to TWR IV at closing of the pending TWR Acquisition. Under the terms of the Purchase and Sale Agreement TWR IV will be subject to a six-month lockup following the closing of the TWR Acquisition with respect to any shares of Class A common stock owned by it.

The assets subject to the pending TWR Acquisition consist of mineral and royalty interests in approximately 3,727 net royalty acres located primarily in the Permian Basin, with net production during the second quarter of 2024 of approximately 3,523 BOE/d.

Estimated Pro Forma Cash Flows and Production

After giving pro forma effect to the Acquisitions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2024, we would have had approximately 684 MBOE of aggregate incremental production during the six months ended June 30, 2024. Assuming (i) an average realized price, (ii) production and ad valorem taxes and (iii) cash general and administrative expenses for this additional production equal to ours for the same period ($49.38 per BOE, $3.48 per BOE and $0.96 per BOE, respectively), we would have realized additional cash flows from operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2024 of approximately $30.7 million attributable to the Acquisitions.

Estimated Pro Forma Acreage and Reserves

After giving pro forma effect to the Acquisitions, as of June 30, 2024, our mineral and royalty interests would have totaled approximately 35,489 net royalty acres in the Permian Basin, with Diamondback operating approximately 54% of such net royalty acres after giving effect to the closing of the Endeavor Merger. After giving pro forma effect to the Acquisitions, our estimated proved developed reserves as of December 31, 2023 would have totaled 72,636 MBbls of oil, 239,132 MMcf of natural gas and 37,417 MBbls of natural gas liquids, for a total of 149,909 MBOE. Our estimated

 

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proved undeveloped reserves as of December 31, 2023 would have totaled 22,896 MBbls of oil, 51,421 MMcf of natural gas and 7,999 MBbls of natural gas liquids, for a total of 39,465 MBOE. Our estimated net proved reserves as of December 31, 2023 would have totaled 95,532 MBbls of oil, 290,553 MMcf of natural gas and 45,416 MBbls of natural gas liquids, for a total of 189,374 MBOE. These estimates are based on (i) the reserve report prepared by our internal reservoir engineers as of December 31, 2023 and audited by Ryder Scott Company, L.P. with respect to our 2023 year-end reserves and (ii) the summary evaluation reports prepared by Cawley, Gillespie and Associates, Inc., independent petroleum consultants, as of December 31, 2023 with respect to the reserves attributable to the mineral and royalty interests subject to the Acquisitions.

The pro forma information presented above is based solely on our internal evaluation and interpretation of reserves, production and other information provided to us by our counterparties in the course of our due diligence with respect to the Acquisitions and has not been independently verified or estimated. These forecasted amounts are based on various assumptions, including, among others, the level of Diamondback’s (and our other operators’) capital spending, commodity prices, rig availability, services availability, proppant availability, takeaway capacity as well as other factors. To the extent any of these factors change adversely, these estimates may not be achieved. Our actual operating results and financial condition may differ materially from these estimates.

Principal Executive Offices and Internet Address

Our principal executive offices are located at 500 West Texas, Suite 100, Midland, Texas 79701, and our phone number is (432) 221-7400. Our website address is www.viperenergy.com. Information on our website or any other website is not incorporated by reference into, and does not constitute a part of, this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus.

 

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RISK FACTORS

An investment in our Class A common stock involves risks. You should carefully consider the factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024, and other factors discussed in any subsequent filings made with the SEC prior to the filing of this prospectus supplement, together with all of the other information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus, before investing in our Class A common stock. You should also consider similar information contained in any annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and other documents filed by us with the SEC after the date of this prospectus supplement before deciding to invest in our Class A common stock. This prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein also contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Please read “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks described in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus. If any of these risks occur, our business, financial condition or results of operation could be materially and adversely affected. The risks described in this prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference herein and in the accompanying base prospectus are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not known to us or that we view as immaterial may also impair our business. Any of these risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and could result in a loss of all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to the Acquisitions

We may be unable to realize anticipated cash flows or other benefits from the Acquisitions.

Our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits from the Acquisitions will depend in part upon an assessment of several factors, including:

 

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recoverable reserves;

 

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future natural gas and oil prices and their appropriate differentials;

 

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existing and future production on the mineral and royalty acreage subject to the Acquisitions and the operators’ plans with respect to such acreage;

 

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any title defects; and

 

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environmental and other regulatory, permitting and similar matters.

The accuracy of these assessments is inherently uncertain. In connection with these assessments, we have performed a review of the subject properties that we believe to be generally consistent with industry practices. Our review may not reveal all existing or potential problems or permit us to become sufficiently familiar with the assets to fully assess their deficiencies and potential recoverable reserves. Inspections will not always be performed on every well, and structural and environmental problems are not necessarily observable even when an inspection is undertaken. The integration process may be subject to delays or changed circumstances, and we can give no assurance that the acquired mineral and royalty interests will generate cash flow in accordance with our expectations. Significant acquisitions, including the Acquisitions, and other strategic

transactions may involve other risks that may cause our business to be adversely impacted, including:

 

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diversion of our management’s attention to evaluating and negotiating significant acquisitions and strategic transactions; and

 

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the failure to realize the full benefit that we expect in estimated proved reserves, production volume or other benefits anticipated from an acquisition, or to realize these benefits within the expected time frame.

Fraudulent conveyance laws may allow courts, under specific circumstances, to void any of the Acquisitions and require sellers to return the consideration received for any such Acquisition.

Any of the Acquisitions may be subject to claims that such Acquisition should be limited, subordinated or voided under applicable law in favor of sellers. These laws include those that relate to fraudulent conveyance or transfer, voidable preference, financial assistance, corporate purpose or benefit, preservation of share capital, thin capitalization and defenses affecting the rights of creditors generally. In general, under fraudulent conveyance and similar laws, a court might void or otherwise decline to enforce any Acquisition if it found that when we entered into such Acquisition, the sellers received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration for such Acquisition and one of the following is true:

 

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the sellers were insolvent or rendered insolvent by reason of the consummation of such Acquisition;

 

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the sellers were engaged in a business or transaction for which its remaining assets constituted unreasonably small capital;

 

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the sellers intended to, or believed or reasonably should have believed that it would, incur debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature; or

 

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the sellers were defendants in an action for money damages, or had a judgment for money damages docketed against them if, in either case, after final judgment, the judgment is unsatisfied (as all of the foregoing terms may be defined in or interpreted under the relevant fraudulent transfer or conveyance statutes).

A court might also void such Acquisition without regard to the above factors if such court found that the sellers consummated such Acquisition with actual intent to hinder, delay or defraud their creditors.

The measures of insolvency applied by courts will vary depending upon the particular fraudulent transfer law applied in any proceeding to determine whether a fraudulent transfer has occurred. In the event of a finding that a fraudulent conveyance or transfer has occurred, a court may void, or hold unenforceable, such Acquisition, which could adversely impact the price of our Class A common stock.

Misrepresentations made to us by the sellers in the Acquisitions could cause us to incur substantial financial obligations and harm our business.

If we were to discover that there were misrepresentations made to us by the sellers in the Acquisitions or their representatives regarding the sellers, we would explore all possible legal remedies to compensate us for any loss, including our rights to indemnification under the purchase agreement for such Acquisition. However, there is no assurance that legal remedies would be available or collectible. If such unknown liabilities exist and we are not fully indemnified for any loss that we incur as a result thereof, we could incur substantial financial obligations, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition and harm our business.

 

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The reserve, production and other data and estimates with respect to the assets acquired in the Acquisitions are based primarily on information provided by the sellers. We have not yet verified these data and estimates and cannot assure you that actual results will not differ materially.

The sellers in the Acquisitions have represented that the assets subject to the Acquisitions contain a specified number of net royalty acres, gross and net wells as well as net horizontal well locations.

We currently have production of approximately 2,750 BO/d (4,400 BOE/d) and expect production to increase to approximately 4,500 BO/d for full year 2025 based on only current proved developed reserves, drilled uncompleted wells (DUCs), permits, and Diamondback’s expected development plan.

However, none of the above information has been verified by us or our independent reserve engineers and could prove to be inaccurate, and in some instances materially so. We have limited recourse against the sellers should any of these estimates or other data prove to be inaccurate. Likewise, we may not be able to achieve our 2024 production estimates. We cannot assure you that we will achieve the results estimated by us with respect to the assets acquired in the Acquisitions.

 

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Use of Proceeds

Based on an assumed offering price of $44.79 per share, we expect to receive net proceeds from this offering of approximately $370.6 million, or $426.2 million if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in full, in each case after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering, including any net proceeds from the underwriters’ exercise of their option to purchase shares of Class A common stock, to fund a portion of the cash consideration for the pending TWR Acquisition.

Dividend Policy

The Company intends to pay a base dividend, as well as a variable dividend that takes into account capital returned to stockholders via our stock repurchase program. We currently intend to pay quarterly variable dividends of at least 75 percent of our available cash less the base dividend declared and the amount paid in stock repurchases as part of our buyback program for the applicable quarter.

Our available cash and the available cash of the Operating Company for each quarter is determined by our board of directors following the end of such quarter. We expect that our available cash will generally equal the Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Viper Energy, Inc. for the applicable quarter, less cash needed for income taxes payable, debt service, contractual obligations, fixed charges and reserves for future operating or capital needs that our board of directors deems necessary or appropriate, lease bonus income (net of applicable taxes), distribution equivalent rights payments and preferred distributions.

The percentage of cash available for distribution by the Operating Company pursuant to the distribution policy may change quarterly to enable the Operating Company to retain cash flow to help strengthen our balance sheet while also expanding the return of capital program through our stock repurchase program.

We are required to pay a quarterly preferred dividend in respect of our Class B common stock in the aggregate amount of $20,000 per quarter, which is consistent with the Partnership’s pre-Conversion preferred distribution requirement. Other than that preferred dividend requirement, we are not required to pay dividends to our common stockholders on a quarterly or other basis, and declaration of any other dividends in the future will be solely in the discretion of our board of directors.

Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure that is used by management and external users of our financial statements, such as industry analysts, investors, lenders and rating agencies. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) attributable to Viper Energy, Inc. plus net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest (“net income (loss)”) before interest expense, net, non-cash unit-based compensation expense, depletion, non-cash (gain) loss on derivative instruments, (gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, if any, other non-cash operating expenses, other non-recurring expenses and provision for (benefit from) income taxes.

Stock Repurchase Program

The board of directors of the general partner of the Partnership previously authorized a $750.0 million common unit repurchase program, of which $315.8 million of common units were repurchased through June 30, 2024. This program has been ratified and continued by our board of directors with respect to our Class A common stock. As of June 30, 2024, $434.2 million would have remained available for future repurchases under our stock repurchase program. The stock repurchase program has no time limit and may be suspended, modified, or discontinued by our board of directors at any time.

 

S-9

CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth, as of June 30, 2024, our cash and cash equivalents and capitalization (i) on a historical basis and (ii) on an as adjusted basis after giving effect to this offering, the use of proceeds from this offering and the Acquisitions.

You should read the following table in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 2024, which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, for additional information.

 

		As of June 30, 2024
		Actual				As adjusted
Cash and cash equivalents(1)		$	35,211			$	27,278
Long-term debt:
Revolving credit facility(2)			177,000				446,285
Unamortized debt issuance costs			(6,373	)			(6,373	)
Unamortized discount			(2,956	)			(2,956	)
2027 Notes			430,350				430,350
2031 Notes			400,000				400,000
Total long-term debt			998,021				1,267,306
Stockholders’ equity:
Class A common stock, $0.000001 par value, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 91,423,830 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024 and 99,923,830 shares issued and outstanding as adjusted							(3	)
Class B common stock, $0.000001 par value, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 85,431,453 shares issued and outstanding							(3	)
Additional paid-in capital			1,108,739				1,479,316
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)			(18,939	)			(18,939	)
Total Viper Energy, Inc. stockholders’ equity			1,089,800				1,460,377
Non-controlling interest			1,783,510				2,235,605
Total equity			2,873,310				3,965,983
Total Capitalization		$	3,871,331			$	4,963,289

 

(1)	As of September 4, 2024, we had $28.6 million in cash and cash equivalents.

(2)

As of September 4, 2024, we had $337 million of borrowings outstanding under OpCo’s revolving credit facility. As of that date, the borrowing base under OpCo’s revolving credit facility was $1.3 billion, the aggregate elected commitment amount was $850.0 million and we had $513.0 million available for future borrowings under OpCo’s revolving credit facility.

(3)

Does not give effect to any exercise of the exchange rights with respect to (i) the OpCo units to be acquired by TWR IV at closing of the pending TWR Acquisition and (y) where applicable, shares of our Class B common stock that may be acquired by TWR IV upon exercise of the Option. See “Prospectus Supplement Summary—Recent Developments—The Acquisitions.”

This table does not reflect the sale of up to an additional 1,275,000 shares of Class A common stock that may be sold to the underwriters upon exercise of their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock.

 

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES FOR NON-U.S. HOLDERS

The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences related to the purchase, ownership and disposition of our Class A common stock by a non-U.S. holder (as defined below) that holds our Class A common stock as a “capital asset” (generally property held for investment). This summary is based on the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), U.S. Treasury regulations and administrative rulings and judicial decisions, all as in effect on the date hereof, and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. We have not sought any ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”), with respect to the statements made and the conclusions reached in the following summary, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will agree with such statements and conclusions.

This summary does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation or the tax considerations arising under the laws of any non-U.S., state, or local jurisdiction, or under U.S. federal estate or gift tax laws that may be relevant to non-U.S. holders. In addition, this summary does not address tax considerations applicable to investors that may be subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, such as (without limitation):

 

•

banks, insurance companies or other financial institutions;

 

•

tax-exempt or governmental organizations;

 

•

certain former citizens or long-term residents of the United States;

 

•

qualified foreign pension funds (or any entities all of the interests of which are held by a qualified foreign pension fund);

 

•

dealers or brokers in stock or securities or foreign currencies;

 

•

persons whose functional currency is not the United States dollar;

 

•

traders in securities that use the mark-to-market method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

 

•

“controlled foreign corporations,” “passive foreign investment companies” and corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax;

 

•

persons subject to the alternative minimum tax;

 

•

partnerships or other pass-through entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes or holders of interests therein;

 

•

persons that hold or are deemed to sell our Class A common stock under the constructive sale provisions of the Code;

 

•

persons that acquired our Class A common stock through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation or through a tax-qualified retirement plan; and

 

•

persons that hold our Class A common stock as part of a straddle, appreciated financial position, synthetic security, hedge, conversion transaction or other integrated investment or risk reduction transaction.

YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO YOUR PARTICULAR SITUATION, AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR CLASS A COMMON STOCK ARISING UNDER THE U.S. FEDERAL ESTATE AND GIFT TAX LAWS OR UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. OR OTHER TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE INCOME TAX TREATY.

 

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Non-U.S. Holder Defined

A non-U.S. holder for purposes of this discussion is a beneficial owner of our Class A common stock and who is not, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a partnership or any of the following:

 

•

an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;

 

•

a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

•

an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or

 

•

a trust (i) whose administration is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and that has one or more United States persons (as defined under the Code) who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (ii) that has made a valid election to be treated as a United States person.

If a partnership (including an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds our Class A common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. Accordingly, we urge partners of a partnership (including an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) investing in our Class A common stock to consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax considerations of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our Class A common stock by such partnership.

Distributions

Distributions with respect to our Class A common stock will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Subject to the withholding requirements under FATCA (as defined below) and with respect to effectively connected dividends, each of which is discussed below, any distribution treated as a dividend paid to a non-U.S. holder on our Class A common stock generally will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% of the gross amount of the distribution or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. To the extent a distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits, such distribution will reduce the non-U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in its Class A common stock (but not below zero). The amount of any such distribution in excess of the non-U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in its Class A common stock will be treated as gain from the sale of such Class A common stock and will have the tax consequences described below under “Gain on Disposition of Class A Common Stock.” The rules applicable to distributions by a United States real property holding corporation (a “USRPHC”) to non-U.S. persons that exceed current and accumulated earnings and profits are not clear. As a result, it is possible that U.S. federal income tax at a rate not less than 15% (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty for distributions from a USRPHC) may be withheld from distributions received by non-U.S. holders that exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits. To receive the benefit of a reduced treaty rate on distributions, a non-U.S. holder must provide the withholding agent with an IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or other appropriate version of IRS Form W-8 certifying qualification for the reduced rate.

Non-U.S. holders are encouraged to consult their tax advisors regarding the withholding rules applicable to distributions on our Class A common stock, the requirement for claiming treaty benefits, and any procedures required to obtain a refund of any overwithheld amounts.

 

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Distributions treated as dividends that are paid to a non-U.S. holder and are effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by the non-U.S. holder in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States) generally will be taxed on a net income basis at the rates and in the manner generally applicable to United States persons. Such effectively connected dividends will not be subject to U.S. withholding tax if the non-U.S. holder satisfies certain certification requirements by providing to the applicable withholding agent a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI (or successor form) certifying eligibility for exemption. If a non-U.S. holder is a corporation, it may also be subject to a “branch profits tax” (at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on its effectively connected earnings and profits (as adjusted for certain items), which will include effectively connected dividends.

Gain on Disposition of Class A Common Stock

Subject to the withholding requirements under FATCA (as defined below), a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized upon the sale or other disposition of our Class A common stock unless:

 

•

the non-U.S. holder is an individual who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the calendar year in which the sale or disposition occurs and certain other conditions are met;

 

•

the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by the non-U.S. holder in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States); or

 

•

our Class A common stock constitutes a United States real property interest by reason of our status as a USRPHC for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

A non-U.S. holder described in the first bullet point above will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on the amount of such gain, which generally may be offset by U.S. source capital losses.

A non-U.S. holder whose gain is described in the second bullet point above or, subject to the exceptions described in the next paragraph, the third bullet point above, generally will be taxed on a net income basis at the rates and in the manner generally applicable to United States persons unless an applicable income tax treaty provides otherwise. If the non-U.S. holder is a corporation, it may also be subject to a branch profits tax (at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on its effectively connected earnings and profits (as adjusted for certain items), which will include such gain.

Generally, a corporation is a USRPHC if the fair market value of its United States real property interests equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market value of its worldwide real property interests and its other assets used or held for use in a trade or business. We believe that we currently are, and expect to remain for the foreseeable future, a USRPHC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, as long as our Class A common stock continues to be “regularly traded on an established securities market” (within the meaning of U.S. Treasury regulations), only a non-U.S. holder that actually or constructively owns, or owned at any time during the shorter of the five-year period ending on the date of the disposition or the non-U.S. holder’s holding period for the Class A common stock, more than 5% of our Class A common stock will be taxable on gain realized on the disposition of our Class A common stock as a result of our status as a USRPHC. If our Class A common stock were not considered to be “regularly traded on an established securities market” during the calendar year in which the relevant disposition by a non-U.S. holder occurs, such non-U.S. holder (regardless of

 

S-13

the percentage of our Class A common stock owned) would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a taxable disposition of our Class A common stock (as described in the preceding paragraph), and a 15% withholding tax would apply to the gross proceeds from such disposition. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors with respect to the application of the foregoing rules to their ownership and disposition of our Class A common stock.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

Generally, we must report annually to the IRS and to each non-U.S. holder the amount of distributions paid to such holder, the name and address of the recipient, and the amount, if any, of tax withheld with respect to those distributions. These information reporting requirements apply even if withholding was not required. Pursuant to tax treaties or other agreements, the IRS may make such reports available to tax authorities in the recipient’s country of residence.

Payments of distributions to a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to backup withholding if the non-U.S. holder establishes an exemption by properly certifying its non-U.S. status on an IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or other appropriate version of IRS Form W-8, provided that the withholding agent does not have actual knowledge, or reason to know, that the beneficial owner is a United States person that is not an exempt recipient.

Payments of the proceeds from a sale or other disposition by a non-U.S. holder of our Class A common stock effected by or through a U.S. office of a broker generally will be subject to information reporting and backup withholding (at the rate of 24%) unless the non-U.S. holder establishes an exemption by properly certifying its non-U.S. status on an IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or other appropriate version of IRS Form W-8 and certain other conditions are met. Information reporting and backup withholding generally will not apply to any payment of the proceeds from a sale or other disposition of our Class A common stock effected outside the United States by a non-U.S. office of a broker. However, unless such broker has documentary evidence in its records that the holder is not a United States person and certain other conditions are met, or the non-U.S. holder otherwise establishes an exemption, information reporting will apply to a payment of the proceeds of the disposition of our Class A common stock effected outside the United States by such a broker if it has certain relationships within the United States.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the U.S. income tax liability (if any) of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

Additional Withholding Requirements Under FATCA

Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code and the Treasury regulations and administrative guidance issued thereunder (“FATCA”) impose a 30% withholding tax on any distributions paid on our Class A common stock, and subject to the discussion of certain proposed Treasury regulations below, on the gross proceeds from a disposition of our Class A common stock if paid to a “foreign financial institution” or a “non-financial foreign entity” (each as defined in the Code) (including, in some cases, when such foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity is acting as an intermediary), unless (i) in the case of a foreign financial institution, such institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. government to withhold on certain payments, and to collect and provide to the U.S. tax authorities substantial information regarding U.S. account holders of such institution (which includes certain equity and debt holders of such institution, as well as certain account holders that are non-U.S. entities with U.S. owners); (ii) in the case of a non-financial foreign entity, such entity certifies that it does not have

 

S-14

any “substantial United States owners” (as defined in the Code) or provides the applicable withholding agent with a certification (generally on an IRS Form W-8BEN-E) identifying each direct and indirect substantial United States owner of the entity; or (iii) the foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity otherwise qualifies for an exemption from these rules and provides appropriate documentation (such as an IRS Form W-8BEN-E). Foreign financial institutions located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States governing these rules may be subject to different rules. Under certain circumstances, a holder might be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes.

The U.S. Treasury released proposed Treasury regulations which, if finalized in their present form, would eliminate the federal withholding tax of 30% applicable to the gross proceeds of a sale or other disposition of our Class A common stock. In its preamble to such proposed Treasury regulations, the U.S. Treasury stated that taxpayers may generally rely on the proposed regulations until final regulations are issued. Holders are encouraged to consult with, and rely solely upon, their own tax advisors regarding the effects of FATCA with respect to them.

INVESTORS CONSIDERING THE PURCHASE OF OUR CLASS A COMMON STOCK ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AND THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF U.S. FEDERAL ESTATE AND GIFT TAX LAWS AND ANY STATE, LOCAL OR NON-U.S. TAX LAWS AND TAX TREATIES.

 

S-15

UNDERWRITING

Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the underwriting agreement to be entered into in connection with this offering, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters named below, for whom Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is acting as representative, the following respective numbers of shares of our Class A common stock at a price of $    per share.

 

Underwriter		Number of shares
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
BofA Securities, Inc.
Truist Securities, Inc.
Total			8,500,000

The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriters are obligated to purchase all the shares of Class A common stock in the offering if any are purchased, other than those shares covered by the option described below.

We have granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,275,000 shares of Class A common stock at the offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus supplement.

The underwriters have advised us that they initially propose to offer the shares of common stock to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and to selected dealers at such offering price less a selling concession not in excess of $    per share. The offering of the shares by the underwriters is subject to receipt and acceptance and subject to the underwriters’ right to reject any order in whole or in part. Sales of any shares made outside of the United States may be made by affiliates of the underwriters. After the initial offering, the public offering price, concession or any other term of the offering may be changed. The following table summarizes the compensation and estimated expenses that we will pay:

 

Per share

Without exercise

With exercise

Public offering price

$

$

$

Underwriting discount and commission payable by us

$

$

$

Proceeds, before expenses, to us

$

$

$

We estimate that our out-of-pocket expenses for this offering will be approximately $10.6 million. We have also agreed to reimburse the underwriters for certain of their expenses in an amount up to $20,000.

In connection with this offering, we agreed that, subject to certain exceptions, including with respect to the issuance of the OpCo units and grant of the Option to TWR IV at closing of the pending TWR IV Acquisition, we will not offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to, any shares of our Class A common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any shares of our Class A common stock, or publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge, disposition or filing without the prior written consent of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC for a period of 45 days after the date of this prospectus supplement (other than the filing of a registration statement on Form S-8 or any amendments or supplements thereto and/or the registration statement on Form S-3 contemplated by the registration rights agreement to be entered by us with TWR IV at closing of the pending TWR Acquisition (the “TWR Registration Statement”), provided that no sales will by made under the TWR Registration Statement during such 45-day period). Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC may, in its sole discretion, release all or some portion of the shares subject to lock-up agreements at any time and for any reason.

 

S-16

In addition, our directors and executive officers have agreed that, for a period of 45 days after the date of this prospectus supplement, they will not directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, (i) offer for sale, sell, pledge, lend or otherwise dispose of (or enter into any transaction or device that is designed to, or could be expected to, result in the disposition by any person at any time in the future of) any Class A common stock (including, without limitation, Class A common stock that may be deemed to be beneficially owned by them in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC and Class A common stock that may be issued upon exercise of any options or warrants) or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A common stock (other than the Class A common stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans, qualified option plans or other employee compensation plans existing on the date of this prospectus supplement), (ii) enter into any swap or other derivatives transaction that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic benefits or risks of ownership of such Class A common stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of Class A common stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise, (iii) make any demand for or exercise any right to file or cause to be filed a registration statement, including any amendments thereto, with respect to the registration of any of their shares of Class A common stock or securities convertible, exercisable or exchangeable into Class A common stock or (iv) publicly disclose the intention to do any of the foregoing.

These lock-up restrictions are subject to certain specific exceptions, including, in the case of the executive officers and directors, transfers of Class A common stock as bona fide gifts or other transfers or dispositions of any class of our stock made exclusively between or among members of such holder’s immediate family members or affiliates, including partners or limited liability company members, provided that the recipient of the stock agrees to be bound by the same restrictions on transfers or other dispositions, no public filing shall be required or voluntarily made during the term of the lock-up in connection therewith and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is notified of such proposed transfer or disposition at least two business days in advance thereof.

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against liabilities under the Securities Act, or contribute to payments that the underwriters may be required to make in that respect.

Our Class A common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “VNOM.” We converted into a Delaware corporation on November 13, 2023. Before that date, we were a Delaware limited partnership with common units representing limited partner interests listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “VNOM.” On November 13, each outstanding common unit converted into one share of Class A common stock. On September 10, 2024, the last reported sales price of our Class A common stock was $44.79 per share.

Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates have provided in the past to us and our affiliates and may provide from time to time in the future certain commercial banking, financial advisory, investment banking and other services for us and such affiliates in the ordinary course of their business, for which they have received and may continue to receive customary fees and commissions. In addition, from time to time, certain of the underwriters and their affiliates may effect transactions for their own account or the account of customers, and hold on behalf of themselves or their customers, long or short positions in our debt or equity securities or loans, and may do so in the future. The underwriters and certain of its affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell shares of common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater

 

S-17

number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering, and a short position represents the amount of such sales that have not been covered by subsequent purchases. A “covered short position” is a short position that is not greater than the amount of additional shares for which the underwriters’ option described above may be exercised. The underwriters may cover any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to cover the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase additional shares pursuant to the option described above. “Naked” short sales are any short sales that create a short position greater than the amount of additional shares for which the option described above may be exercised. The underwriters must cover any such naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of common stock made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the offering.

The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased shares sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

Purchases to cover a short position and stabilizing transactions, as well as other purchases by the underwriters for their own accounts, may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the company’s stock, and together with the imposition of the penalty bid, may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the common stock. As a result, the price of the common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time. These transactions may be effected on The NASDAQ Global Select Market, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

 

S-18

European Economic Area

In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area (each, a “Relevant Member State”), an offer to the public of any shares of Class A common stock may not be made in that Relevant Member State, except that an offer to the public in that Relevant Member State of any shares of Class A common stock may be made at any time under the following exemptions under the EU Prospectus Regulation:

 

(a)

to any legal entity which is a “qualified investor” as defined under the EU Prospectus Regulation;

 

(b)

to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than “qualified investors” as defined under the EU Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the Joint Global Coordinators/Bookrunners for any such offer; or

 

(c)

in any other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the EU Prospectus Regulation,

provided that no such offer of shares of Class A common stock shall result in a requirement for the Company or any of the underwriters to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation or a supplemental prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the Prospectus Regulation and each person who initially acquires any shares of Class A common stock or to whom any offer is made will be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed to and with each of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. and Truist Securities, Inc. (collectively, the “Representatives”) and the Company that it is a qualified investor within the meaning of Article 2 of the EU Prospectus Regulation.

In the case of any shares of Class A common stock being offered to a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 1(4) of the EU Prospectus Regulation, each financial intermediary will also be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed that the shares of Class A common stock acquired by it in the offer have not been acquired on a non-discretionary basis on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in circumstances which may give rise to an offer of any shares of Class A common stock to the public, other than their offer or resale in a Relevant Member State to qualified investors as so defined or in circumstances in which the prior consent of the Representatives has been obtained to each such proposed offer or resale.

The Company, the underwriters and their affiliates will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations, warranties and agreements. Notwithstanding the above, a person who is not a “qualified investor” and who has notified the Representatives of such fact in writing may, with the prior consent of the Notwithstanding the above, a person who is not a “qualified investor” and who has notified the Representatives of such fact in writing may, with the prior consent of the Representatives, be permitted to acquire shares of Class A common stock in the offer.

For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in relation to any shares of Class A common stock in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any shares of Class A common stock to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for any shares of Class A common stock, and the expression “EU Prospectus Regulation” means Regulation (EU) 2017/1129.

United Kingdom

An offer to the public of any shares of Class A common stock may not be made in the United Kingdom, except that an offer to the public in the United Kingdom of any shares of Class A common stock may be made at any time under the following exemptions under the UK Prospectus Regulation:

 

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(a)

to any legal entity which is a “qualified investor” as defined under the UK Prospectus Regulation;

 

(b)

to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than “qualified investors” as defined under the UK Prospectus Regulation), subject to obtaining the prior consent of the Joint Global Coordinators/Bookrunners for any such offer; or

 

(c)

in any other circumstances falling within section 86 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended, “FSMA”);

provided that no such offer of shares of Class A common stock shall result in a requirement for the Company or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to section 85 of the FSMA or a supplemental prospectus pursuant to Article 23 of the UK Prospectus Regulation and each person who initially acquires any shares of Class A common stock or to whom any offer is made will be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed to and with each of the Representatives and the Company that it is a qualified investor within the meaning of Article 2 of the UK Prospectus Regulation.

In the case of any shares of Class A common stock being offered to a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 1(4) of the UK Prospectus Regulation, each financial intermediary will also be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed that the shares of Class A common stock acquired by it in the offer have not been acquired on a non-discretionary basis on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in circumstances which may give rise to an offer of any shares of Class A common stock to the public, other than their offer or resale in the United Kingdom to qualified investors as so defined or in circumstances in which the prior consent of the Representatives has been obtained to each such proposed offer or resale.

The Company, the underwriters and their affiliates will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations, warranties and agreements. Notwithstanding the above, a person who is not a “qualified investor” and who has notified the Representatives of such fact in writing may, with the prior consent of the Representatives, be permitted to acquire shares of Class A common stock in the offer.

For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer to the public” in relation to any shares of Class A common stock in the United Kingdom means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and any shares of Class A common stock to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for any shares of Class A common stock.

This Prospectus is only being distributed to and is only directed at: (A) persons who are outside the United Kingdom; or (B) qualified investors who are also (i) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”), or (ii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons falling within (1)-(3) together being referred to as “relevant persons”). The shares of Class A common stock are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire the shares of Class A common stock will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this Prospectus or any of its contents.

Hong Kong

The shares may not be offered or sold in Hong Kong by means of any document other than (i) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32 of the Laws of Hong Kong)

 

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(“Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance”) or which do not constitute an invitation to the public within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong) (“Securities and Futures Ordinance”), or (ii) to “professional investors” as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made thereunder, or (iii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” as defined in the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance, and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the shares may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to shares which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” in Hong Kong as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance and any rules made thereunder.

Singapore

This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the shares may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor (as defined under Section 4A of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (the “SFA”)) under Section 274 of the SFA, (ii) to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA) pursuant to Section 275(1) of the SFA, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A) of the SFA, and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA, in each case subject to conditions set forth in the SFA.

Where the shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is a corporation (which is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor, the securities (as defined in Section 239(1) of the SFA) of that corporation shall not be transferable for 6 months after that corporation has acquired the shares under Section 275 of the SFA except: (1) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA), (2) where such transfer arises from an offer in that corporation’s securities pursuant to Section 275(1A) of the SFA, (3) where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer, (4) where the transfer is by operation of law, (5) as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA, or (6) as specified in Regulation 32 of the Securities and Futures (Offers of Investments) (Shares and Debentures) Regulations 2005 of Singapore (“Regulation 32”)

Where the shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor (as defined in Section 4A of the SFA)) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary of the trust is an accredited investor, the beneficiaries’ rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferable for 6 months after that trust has acquired the shares under Section 275 of the SFA except: (1) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a relevant person (as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA), (2) where such transfer arises from an offer that is made on terms that such rights or interest are acquired at a consideration of not less than S$200,000 (or its equivalent in a foreign currency) for each transaction (whether such amount is to be paid for in cash or by exchange of securities or other assets), (3) where no consideration is or will be given for the transfer, (4) where the transfer is by operation of law, (5) as specified in Section 276(7) of the SFA, or (6) as specified in Regulation 32.

 

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Japan

The securities have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act of Japan (Act No. 25 of 1948, as amended), or the FIEA. The securities may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to or for the benefit of any resident of Japan (including any person resident in Japan or any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan) or to others for reoffering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to or for the benefit of any resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the FIEA and otherwise in compliance with any relevant laws and regulations of Japan.

Switzerland

Our Class A common stock may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (“SIX”) or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document does not constitute a prospectus within the meaning of, and has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to our Class A common stock or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.

Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, our company or our Class A common stock has been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of our Class A common stock will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority and the offer of our Class A common stock has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes (“CISA”). The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of our Class A common stock.

Canada

The securities may be sold in Canada only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions, and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the securities must be made in accordance with an exemption form, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.

Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus supplement or accompanying base prospectus (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.

Pursuant to section 3A.3 of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.

 

S-22

Australia

No placement document, prospectus, product disclosure statement, or other disclosure document has been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (the “ASIC”) in relation to this offering. This prospectus does not constitute a prospectus, product disclosure statement, or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act 2001 (“the Corporations Act”), and does not purport to include the information required for a prospectus, product disclosure statement, or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act. Any offer in Australia of our Class A common stock may only be made to persons (“Exempt Investors”) who are “sophisticated investors” (within the meaning of section 708(8) of the Corporations Act), “professional investors” (within the meaning of section 708(11) of the Corporations Act), or otherwise pursuant to one or more exemptions contained in section 708 of the Corporations Act so that it is lawful to offer our Class A common stock without disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.

The Class A common stock applied for by Exempt Investors in Australia must not be offered for sale in Australia in the period of twelve months after the date of allotment under the offering, except in circumstances where disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act would not be required pursuant to an exemption under section 708 of the Corporations Act or otherwise or where the offer is pursuant to a disclosure document which complies with Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act. Any person acquiring securities must observe such Australian on-sale restrictions.

This prospectus contains general information only and does not take account of the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any particular person. It does not contain any securities recommendations or financial product advice. Before making an investment decision, investors need to consider whether the information in this prospectus is appropriate to their needs, objectives and circumstances, and, if necessary, seek expert advice on those matters.

Brazil

The offer and sale of the securities have not been and will not be registered with the Brazilian securities commission (Comissão de Valores Mobiliários, or “CVM”) and, therefore, will not be carried out by any means that would constitute a public offering in Brazil under CVM Resolution No 160, dated 13 July 2022, as amended (“CVM Resolution 160”) or unauthorized distribution under Brazilian laws and regulations. The securities may only be offered to Brazilian professional investors (as defined by applicable CVM regulation), who may only acquire the securities through a non-Brazilian account, with settlement outside Brazil in non-Brazilian currency. The trading of these securities on regulated securities markets in Brazil is prohibited.

The People’s Republic of China

This prospectus does not constitute a public offer of shares, whether by sale or subscription, in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”). The shares are not being offered or sold directly or indirectly in the PRC to or for the benefit of, legal or natural persons of the PRC.

Further, no legal or natural persons of the PRC may directly or indirectly purchase any of the shares of Class A common stock offered by this prospectus or any beneficial interest therein without obtaining all prior PRC governmental approvals that are required, whether statutorily or otherwise. Persons who come into possession of this document are required by the issuer and its representatives to observe these restrictions.

 

S-23

Notice to Prospective Investors in the Dubai International Financial Centre

This prospectus supplement relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Offered Securities Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”). This prospectus supplement is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Offered Securities Rules of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus supplement nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for the prospectus supplement. The shares to which this prospectus supplement relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the shares offered should conduct their own due diligence on the shares. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus supplement you should consult an authorized financial advisor.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the shares of our common stock being offered has been passed upon for us by Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP. Latham & Watkins LLP will act as counsel to the underwriters with respect to this offering.

EXPERTS

The audited financial statements of Viper Energy, Inc. and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been so incorporated by reference in reliance upon the reports of Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The audited combined financial statements of Royalty Asset Holdings, LP, Royalty Asset Holdings II, LP and Saxum Asset Holdings, LP incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been so incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of Grant Thornton LLP, independent certified public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The audited consolidated financial statements of Tumbleweed-Q Royalty Partners, LLC, MC Tumbleweed Royalty, LLC and Tumbleweed Royalty IV, LLC incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been so incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of Grant Thornton LLP, independent certified public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

Information incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement regarding estimated quantities of proved reserves, future production and income attributable to certain royalty interests of the Company is based upon estimates of such reserves, future production and income audited by Ryder Scott Company, L.P., an independent petroleum engineering firm, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and prepared by Ryder Scott Company, L.P. as of December 31, 2021. This information is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement in reliance upon the authority of such firm as experts in these matters.

Information incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement regarding estimated quantities of proved reserves, future production and income attributable to certain royalty interests acquired by the Company from Royalty Asset Holdings, LP, Royalty Asset Holdings II, LP and Saxum Asset Holdings, LP on November 1, 2023 is based upon estimates of such reserves, future production

 

S-24

and income prepared by DeGolyer and MacNaughton, an independent petroleum engineering firm, as indicated in their summary reports, as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. This information is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement in reliance upon the authority of such firm as experts in these matters.

Information incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement regarding estimates of total proved reserves and forecasts of economics attributable certain royalty interests of Tumbleweed-Q Royalty Partners, LLC, MC Tumbleweed Royalty, LLC and Tumbleweed Royalty IV, LLC, acquired or subject to the pending acquisition, as applicable, by the Company, is based upon estimates of such reserves and forecasts of economics prepared by Cawley, Gillespie and Associates, Inc., independent petroleum consultants, as indicated in their summary evaluation reports, in each case, as of December 31, 2023. This information is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement in reliance upon the authority of such firm as experts in these matters.

 

S-25

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information from other documents that we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus supplement. Information in this prospectus supplement supersedes information incorporated by reference that we filed with the SEC prior to the date of this prospectus supplement, while information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information in this prospectus supplement. We incorporate by reference into this prospectus supplement the documents listed below that we have filed with the SEC.

 

•

Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December  31, 2023 filed on February 22, 2024;

 

•

Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2024 and June 30, 2024 filed with the SEC on May 2, 2024 and August 5, 2024, respectively;

 

•

Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on March 5, 2024 and our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on June 10, 2024 and September 11, 2024, respectively; and

 

•

the description of our securities (incorporated by reference to  Exhibit 99.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (File 001-36505) filed on November, 13, 2023).

In addition, we incorporate by reference into this prospectus supplement (i) the audited combined financial statements of the mineral and royalty interests owned by Royalty Asset Holdings, LP, Royalty Asset Holdings II, LP and Saxum Asset Holdings, LP for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, included as Exhibit 99.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K/A, filed with the SEC on November 13, 2023, and (ii) the unaudited combined financial statements of the mineral and royalty interests owned by Royalty Asset Holdings, LP, Royalty Asset Holdings II, LP and Saxum Asset Holdings, LP for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 included as Exhibit 99.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K/A, filed with the SEC on November 13, 2023.

Further, we incorporate by reference into this prospectus supplement certain information from the reports, each dated October 25, 2023, on estimates of proved reserves, future production and income attributable to certain royalty interests acquired by us from Royalty Asset Holdings, LP, Royalty Asset Holdings II, LP and Saxum Asset Holdings, LP, prepared by DeGolyer and MacNaughton Corp, an independent petroleum engineering firm, as of December  31, 2022 and 2021, included as Exhibits 99.4 and 99.5, respectively, to our Current Report on Form 8-K/A, filed with the SEC on November 13, 2023.

In addition, all documents filed by us with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than those furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K, unless otherwise stated therein) after the date of this prospectus supplement and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment that indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or that deregisters all securities remaining unsold, will be considered to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and to be a part of this prospectus supplement from the dates of the filing of such documents. Pursuant to General Instruction B of Form 8-K, any information submitted under Item 2.02, Results of Operations and Financial Condition, or Item 7.01, Regulation FD Disclosure, of Form 8-K is not deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and we are not subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act with respect to information submitted under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K. We are not incorporating by reference any information submitted under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or into this prospectus supplement, unless otherwise indicated on such Form 8-K.

 

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We will furnish without charge to you, on written or oral request, a copy of any documents incorporated by reference, including any exhibits to such documents. You should direct any requests for documents to Teresa L. Dick, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary of Viper Energy, Inc., 900 NW 63rd St., Suite 200, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73116; telephone: (432) 221-7400.

 

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Prospectus

Viper Energy, Inc.

Class A Common Stock

By this prospectus, we may offer and sell, from time to time in one or more offerings, our Class A common stock.

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the Class A common stock and the general manner in which we will offer the Class A common stock. Each time we sell Class A common stock, to the extent required, we will provide a supplement to this prospectus that contains specific information about the offering. The supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should carefully read this prospectus, all prospectus supplements and all other documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus before you invest in our Class A common stock.

Our Class A common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “VNOM.” We converted into a Delaware corporation on November 13, 2023. Before that date, we were Viper Energy Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership with common units representing limited partner interests listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “VNOM.” On November 13, 2023, each outstanding common unit was converted into one share of Class A common stock. On September 10, 2024, the last reported sales price of our Class A common stock was $44.79 per share. Our principal executive offices are located at 500 West Texas, Suite 100, Midland, Texas 79701, and our telephone number is (432) 221-7400.

Investing in our Class A common stock involves risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 2.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is September 11, 2024.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS			ii
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			iii
OUR COMPANY			1
RISK FACTORS			2
USE OF PROCEEDS			3
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK			4
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION			7
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION			10
INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE			11
LEGAL MATTERS			12
EXPERTS			12

 

i

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a “shelf” registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, as a “well-known seasoned issuer” (as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act), using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may, from time to time, offer and sell our Class A common stock described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. This prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement as permitted by the rules of the SEC. Each time we offer our Class A common stock covered by this prospectus, to the extent required, we will provide a supplement to this prospectus that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. That prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. Before purchasing any of our Class A common stock, you should carefully read both this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, together with the additional information described in this prospectus under the headings “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Information Incorporated by Reference.”

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus and in any applicable prospectus supplement, including any information incorporated by reference. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. You should not assume that the information appearing in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any document incorporated by reference is accurate at any date other than as of the date of each such document. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since the date indicated on the cover page of such documents.

The distribution of this prospectus may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. You should inform yourself about and observe any of these restrictions. This prospectus does not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation by anyone in any jurisdiction in which the offer or solicitation is not authorized, or in which the person making the offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so, or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make the offer or solicitation.

References in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement to (i) the “Partnership” refers to Viper Energy Partners LP, the predecessor of Viper Energy, Inc., prior to its conversion from a Delaware limited partnership into a Delaware corporation, which conversion became effective on November 13, 2023, (ii) the “Operating Company” or “OpCo” refers to Viper Energy Partners LLC, the Company’s operating subsidiary, (iii) “Viper Energy,” “Viper,” “the Company,” “we,” “our,” “us” or like terms refer to (A) following the conversion, Viper Energy, Inc. individually and collectively with the Operating Company, as the context requires, and (B) before the conversion, the Partnership individually and collectively with the Operating Company, as the context requires, (iv) “Diamondback” refers individually to Diamondback Energy, Inc. and collectively to Diamondback Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries other than the Company and the Operating Company and (v) “Diamondback E&P” refers to Diamondback E&P LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Diamondback. References to “OpCo Units” are to the units representing limited liability company interests in the Operating Company.

 

ii

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus, including documents incorporated by reference, contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, or the “Securities Act,” and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or 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 dividend policy and repurchases of our common stock and/or senior notes) are forward-looking statements. When used in this prospectus, including documents incorporated by reference, 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. Although we believe that the expectations and assumptions reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, they involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and, in many cases, beyond our control. Accordingly, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of our future performance. In particular, the factors discussed in this prospectus under the heading “Risk Factors” and detailed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as may be supplemented in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in our other periodic and current reports filed with the SEC, 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.

Factors that could cause our 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 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, instability in the financial sector;

 

•

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;

 

•

physical and 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;

 

iii

•

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 Energy, Inc. 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 Diamondback’s information technology systems, or from breaches of information technology systems of our operators or 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;

 

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acts of war or terrorist acts and the governmental or military response thereto;

 

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changes in the financial strength of counterparties to the credit facility and hedging contracts of our operating subsidiary;

 

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changes in our credit rating;

 

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the risk factors discussed in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K incorporated by reference into this prospectus; and

 

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other risks and factors disclosed in this prospectus or incorporated by reference therein.

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 or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this prospectus 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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RISK FACTORS

Investment in our Class A common stock involves certain risks. You should carefully consider the factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024, and other factors discussed in any subsequent filings made by us with the SEC prior to the filing of this prospectus, including those incorporated by reference into this prospectus, before investing in our Class A common stock. You should also consider similar information contained in any annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and other documents filed by us with the SEC after the date of this prospectus before deciding to invest in our Class A common stock. We will also include in any prospectus supplement a description of any other risk factors applicable to an offering contemplated by such prospectus supplement. Additional risks and uncertainties not known to us or that we view as immaterial may also impair our business. Any of these risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and could result in a loss of all or part of your investment. Please read “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless the applicable prospectus supplement indicates otherwise, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of any Class A common stock by us for general corporate purposes, including without limitation repaying or refinancing all or a portion of our existing short-term and long-term debt, making acquisitions of assets, businesses or securities, capital expenditures and for working capital. The precise amount and timing of the application of such proceeds will depend upon our funding requirements and the availability and cost of other capital. Pending any specific application of the net proceeds, we may invest our net proceeds in short-term, investment-grade securities, interest-bearing securities or guaranteed obligations of the United States or its agencies.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

The following description of our Class A common stock, certificate of incorporation and our bylaws are summaries thereof and are qualified by reference to our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws, copies of which have been filed with the SEC.

Authorized Capital Stock

As of the date of this prospectus, our authorized capital stock consists of (i) 1,000,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, with par value of $0.000001 per share, (ii) 1,000,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, with par value of $0.000001 per share (together with the Class A common stock, the “common stock”), and (iii) 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.000001 per share. Each share of Class B common stock is exchangeable, at the discretion of the holder of such share of Class B common stock, together with one OpCo Unit, into one share of Class A common stock.

Common Stock

Holders of shares of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock vote together as a single class. Shares of common stock do not have cumulative voting rights, which means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of the board of directors can elect all the directors to be elected at that time, and, in such event, the holders of the remaining shares will be unable to elect any directors to be elected at that time. Our certificate of incorporation denies stockholders any preemptive rights to acquire or subscribe for any stock, obligation, warrant or other securities of ours. Holders of shares of our common stock have no redemption or conversion rights nor are they entitled to the benefits of any sinking fund provisions.

In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the remaining assets of the Company available for distribution shall (i) first be distributed, pari passu, to the holders of Class B common stock, ratably in proportion to the number of shares of Class B common stock, until the holders of all outstanding Class B common stock have received $0.014 (which amount is adjusted accordingly in the case of any stock split, subdivision or combination with respect to Class B common stock) in respect of each share of Class B common stock then outstanding and (ii) then be distributed, pari passu, to the holders of all outstanding shares of Class A common stock, ratably in proportion to the number of shares of Class A common stock.

Holders of record of shares of Class A common stock are entitled to receive dividends when and if declared by the board of directors out of any assets legally available for such dividends, subject to (i) the rights of all outstanding shares of capital stock ranking senior to the common stock in respect of dividends and (ii) to any dividend restrictions contained in debt agreements. Holders of Class B common stock are entitled to receive a mandatory cash dividend, paid quarterly, in an amount per share of Class B common stock equal to (A) $20,000 divided by (B) the number of shares of Class B common stock then outstanding. All outstanding shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are fully paid and nonassessable. As of September 10, 2024, there were 91,447,008 shares of Class A common stock and 85,431,453 shares of Class B common stock outstanding.

Preferred Stock

Our board of directors is authorized to issue up to 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series. The board of directors may fix for each series:

 

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the distinctive serial designation and number of shares of the series;

 

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the voting powers and the right, if any, to elect a director or directors;

 

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the terms of office of any directors the holders of preferred shares are entitled to elect;

 

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the dividend rights, if any;

 

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the terms of redemption, and the amount of and provisions regarding any sinking fund for the purchase or redemption thereof;

 

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•

the liquidation preferences and the amounts payable on dissolution or liquidation;

 

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the terms and conditions under which shares of the series may or shall be converted into any other series or class of stock or debt of the corporation; and

 

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any other terms or provisions which the board of directors is legally authorized to fix or alter.

We do not need stockholder approval to issue or fix the terms of the preferred stock. The actual effect of the authorization of the preferred stock upon your rights as holders of common stock is unknown until our board of directors determines the specific rights of owners of any series of preferred stock. Depending upon the rights granted to any series of preferred stock, your voting power, liquidation preference or other rights could be adversely affected. Preferred stock may be issued in acquisitions or for other corporate purposes. Issuance in connection with a stockholder rights plan or other takeover defense could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from acquiring, control of our company. We currently have no outstanding preferred stock and have no present plans to issue any shares of preferred stock.

Related Party Transactions and Corporate Opportunities

Subject to the limitations of applicable law, our certificate of incorporation, among other things:

 

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permits us to enter into transactions with entities in which one or more of our officers or directors are financially or otherwise interested so long as it has been approved by our board of directors;

 

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permits certain of our stockholders, officers and directors, including our non-employee directors, to conduct business that competes with us and to make investments in any kind of property in which we may make investments; and

 

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provides that if certain of our officers or directors, including our non-employee directors, becomes aware of a potential business opportunity, transaction or other matter (other than one expressly offered to that director or officer solely in his or her capacity as our director or officer), that director or officer will have no duty to communicate or offer that opportunity to us, and will be permitted to communicate or offer that opportunity to any other entity or individual and that director or officer will not be deemed to have (i) acted in a manner inconsistent with his or her fiduciary duty to us or our stockholders regarding the opportunity or (ii) acted in bad faith or in a manner inconsistent with our best interests.

Anti-takeover Effects of Provisions of Our Certificate of Incorporation and Our Bylaws

Some provisions of our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws contain provisions that could make it more difficult to acquire us by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise, or to remove our incumbent officers and directors. These provisions, summarized below, are expected to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board of directors. We believe that the benefits of increased protection of our potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure us outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging such proposals because negotiation of such proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.

Undesignated preferred stock. The ability to authorize and issue undesignated preferred stock may enable our board of directors to render more difficult or discourage an attempt to change control of us by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise. For example, if in the due exercise of its fiduciary obligations, the board of directors were to determine that a takeover proposal is not in our best interest, the board of directors could cause shares of preferred stock to be issued without stockholder approval in one or more private offerings or other transactions that might dilute the voting or other rights of the proposed acquirer or insurgent stockholder or stockholder group.

Stockholder meetings. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that a special meeting of stockholders may be called only by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, by a resolution

 

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adopted by a majority of our board of directors, assuming there are no vacancies or by the Chairman of the Board following receipt of a written request of one or more stockholders holding at least 20% of the issued and outstanding common stock, subject to the procedures set forth in our bylaws.

Requirements for advance notification of stockholder nominations and proposals. Our bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and the nomination of candidates for election as directors, other than nominations made by or at the direction of the board of directors.

Board Designees. Pursuant to our bylaws, Diamondback has the right to designate up to three persons to serve as directors for so long as Diamondback along with its affiliates collectively own at least 25% of the outstanding common stock.

Stockholder action by written consent. Our certificate of incorporation provides that, except as may otherwise be provided with respect to the rights of the holders of preferred stock, no action that is required or permitted to be taken by our stockholders at any annual or special meeting may be effected by written consent of stockholders in lieu of a meeting of stockholders, unless the action to be effected by written consent of stockholders and the taking of such action by such written consent have expressly been approved in advance by our board. This provision, which may not be amended except by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, makes it difficult for stockholders to initiate or effect an action by written consent that is opposed by our board.

Additionally, an increase in the number of authorized shares of our common stock could be used to make it more difficult to, or discourage an attempt to, obtain control of our company by means of a takeover bid that our board of directors determines is not in our best interests or the best interests of our stockholders.

The provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could have the effect of discouraging others from attempting hostile takeovers and, as a consequence, they may also inhibit temporary fluctuations in the market price of our common stock that often result from actual or rumored hostile takeover attempts. These provisions may also have the effect of preventing changes in our management. It is possible that these provisions could make it more difficult to accomplish transactions which stockholders may otherwise deem to be in their best interests.

Choice of Forum

Our certificate of incorporation provides that unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for: (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers or other employees to us or our stockholders; (iii) any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or our certificate of incorporation or bylaws; or (iv) any action asserting a claim against us pertaining to internal affairs of our corporation. Our certificate of incorporation also provides that any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock will be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to this choice of forum provision. It is possible that a court of law could rule that the choice of forum provision contained in our certificate of incorporation is inapplicable or unenforceable if it is challenged in a proceeding or otherwise.

Listing

Our Class A common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “VNOM.”

Transfer Agent and Registrar

Computershare Trust Company, National Association is the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may, from time to time, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any or all of the Class A common stock offered by this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement on any stock exchange, market or trading facility on which such Class A common stock is traded or in private transactions. These dispositions may be at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at prices related to the prevailing market price, at varying prices determined at the time of sale or at negotiated prices.

We may use any one or more of the following methods when disposing of the offered Class A common stock:

 

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sales on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC or any national securities exchange or quotation service on which our Class A common stock may be listed or quoted at the time of sale;

 

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an over-the-counter sale or distribution;

 

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underwritten offerings;

 

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ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers;

 

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block trades (which may involve crosses) in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the Class A common stock as agent, but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;

 

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purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account;

 

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an exchange distribution and/or secondary distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange;

 

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privately negotiated transactions;

 

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short sales effected after the date of this prospectus;

 

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through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise;

 

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broker-dealers may agree to sell a specified number of such Class A common stock at a stipulated price per share;

 

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in option transactions;

 

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a combination of any such methods of sale; and

 

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any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law.

If underwriters are used to sell the Class A common stock, we will enter into an underwriting agreement or similar agreement with them at the time of the sale to them. In that event, underwriters may receive compensation from us in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions and may also receive commissions from purchasers of the Class A common stock for whom they may act as agent.

To the extent required by applicable law, a prospectus supplement relating to the Class A common stock will set forth:

•  the offering terms, including the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents;

•  the number or amount of the Class A common stock involved, the purchase price of such Class A common stock and the proceeds to us from such sale;

•  any underwriting discounts, concessions, commissions and other items constituting compensation to underwriters, dealers or agents;

•  any initial public offering price;

 

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•  any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid by underwriters or dealers to other dealers; and

•  any securities exchanges on which the Class A common stock may be listed.

The Class A common stock may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more of such firms. Unless otherwise set forth in an applicable prospectus supplement, the obligations of underwriters or dealers to purchase the Class A common stock will be subject to certain conditions precedent and the underwriters or dealers will be obligated to purchase all the securities if any are purchased. Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid by underwriters or dealers to other dealers may be changed from time to time.

Any underwriters, dealers or agents that are involved in selling the Class A common stock may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act in connection with such sales. In such event, any commissions received by them and any profit on the resale of the Class A common stock purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act.

In order to comply with the securities laws of some states, the shares sold in those jurisdictions may only be sold through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in some states, the shares may not be sold unless the shares have been registered or qualified for sale in that state or an exemption from registration or qualification is available and is complied with.

The Class A common stock may be sold directly by us or through agents designated by us from time to time. Any agent involved in the offer or sale of the Class A common stock in respect of which this prospectus and a prospectus supplement is delivered will be named, and any commissions payable by us to such agent will be set forth, in any required prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, any such agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.

If so indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will authorize underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers from certain specified institutions to purchase Class A common stock from us at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. Such contracts will be subject to any conditions set forth in the prospectus supplement and the prospectus supplement will set forth the commissions payable for solicitation of such contracts. The underwriters and other persons soliciting such contracts will have no responsibility for the validity or performance of any such contracts.

Underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled under agreements entered into with us to be indemnified by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribution by us to payments which they may be required to make. The terms and conditions of such indemnification will be described in an applicable prospectus supplement. Underwriters, dealers and agents may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.

Any underwriters to whom Class A common stock is sold by us for public offering and sale may make a market in such Class A common stock, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for any Class A common stock.

Certain persons participating in any offering of Class A common stock may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the Class A common stock offered. In connection with any such offering, the underwriters, dealers or agents, as the case may be, may purchase and sell Class A common stock in the open market.

These transactions may include overallotment and stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover syndicate short positions created in connection with the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids or purchases

 

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for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the Class A common stock and syndicate short positions involve the sale by the underwriters, dealers or agents, as the case may be, of a greater number of Class A common stock than they are required to purchase from us in the offering. The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid, whereby selling concessions allowed to syndicate members or other broker-dealers for the Class A common stock sold for their account may be reclaimed by the syndicate if such Class A common stock is repurchased by the syndicate in stabilizing or covering transactions. These activities may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the Class A common stock, which may be higher than the price that might otherwise prevail in the open market, and if commenced, may be discontinued at any time. These transactions may be effected on The Nasdaq Global Select Market, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise. These activities will be described in more detail in the sections entitled “Plan of Distribution” or “Underwriting” in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act covering the Class A common stock offered by this prospectus. This prospectus does not contain all of the information that you can find in that registration statement and its exhibits. Certain items are omitted from this prospectus in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information with respect to us and the Class A common stock offered by this prospectus, reference is made to the registration statement and the exhibits filed with the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete and in each instance such statement is qualified by reference to each such contract or document filed with or incorporated by reference as part of the registration statement. We file reports, proxy and information statements and other information with the SEC. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the site is http://www.sec.gov. The registration statement, including all exhibits thereto and amendments thereof, has been filed electronically with the SEC.

You can also find our SEC filings on our website at www.viperenergy.com. The information contained on our website or any other website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus and does not constitute a part of this prospectus.

 

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INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” into this prospectus the information we provide in other documents filed by us with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. Any statement contained in a document that is incorporated by reference in this prospectus is automatically updated and superseded if information contained in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, or information that we later file with the SEC, modifies and replaces this information. We incorporate by reference the following documents that we have filed with the SEC (except as indicated below with respect to Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K):

 

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our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024;

 

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our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2024 and June 30, 2024, filed with the SEC on May 2, 2024 and August 5, 2024, respectively;

 

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our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on March 5, 2024 and our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on June 10, 2024 and September 11, 2024, respectively; and

 

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the description of our capital stock contained in Exhibit 99.1 to our Form 8-K (File No. 001-36505), filed with the SEC on November 13, 2023.

In addition, we incorporate by reference into this prospectus (i) the audited combined financial statements of the mineral and royalty interests owned by Royalty Asset Holdings, LP, Royalty Asset Holdings II, LP and Saxum Asset Holdings, LP for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, included as Exhibit 99.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K/A, filed with the SEC on November 13, 2023, and (ii) the unaudited combined financial statements of the mineral and royalty interests owned by Royalty Asset Holdings, LP, Royalty Asset Holdings II, LP and Saxum Asset Holdings, LP for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 included as Exhibit 99.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K/A, filed with the SEC on November 13, 2023.

Further, we incorporate by reference into this prospectus certain information from the reports, each dated October 25, 2023, on estimates of proved reserves, future production and income attributable to certain royalty interests acquired by us from Royalty Asset Holdings, LP, Royalty Asset Holdings II, LP and Saxum Asset Holdings, LP, prepared by DeGolyer and MacNaughton Corp, an independent petroleum engineering firm, as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, included as Exhibits 99.4 and 99.5, respectively, to our Current Report on Form 8-K/A, filed with the SEC on November 13, 2023.

In addition, all documents filed by us with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than those furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K, unless otherwise stated therein) after the date of this prospectus and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment that indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or that deregisters all securities remaining unsold, will be considered to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus and to be a part of this prospectus from the dates of the filing of such documents. Pursuant to General Instruction B of Form 8-K, any information submitted under Item 2.02, Results of Operations and Financial Condition, or Item 7.01, Regulation FD Disclosure, of Form 8-K is not deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and we are not subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act with respect to information submitted under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K. We are not incorporating by reference any information submitted under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or into this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, unless otherwise indicated on such Form 8-K.

We will furnish without charge to you, on written or oral request, a copy of any documents incorporated by reference, including any exhibits to such documents. You should direct any requests for documents to Teresa L. Dick, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary, Viper Energy, Inc., 900 NW 63rd St., Suite 200 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73116; telephone: (432) 221-7400.

Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus will be deemed modified, superseded or replaced for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus modifies, supersedes or replaces such statement.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of the Class A common stock to be offered hereby by us will be passed upon by Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP. If legal matters in connection with offerings made by this prospectus are passed on by counsel for the underwriters, dealers or agents, if any, that counsel will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement.

EXPERTS

The audited financial statements of Viper Energy, Inc. and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been so incorporated by reference in reliance upon the reports of Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The audited combined financial statements of Royalty Asset Holdings, LP, Royalty Asset Holdings II, LP and Saxum Asset Holdings, LP incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been so incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of Grant Thornton LLP, independent certified public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The audited consolidated financial statements of Tumbleweed-Q Royalty Partners, LLC, MC Tumbleweed Royalty, LLC and Tumbleweed Royalty IV, LLC, incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been so incorporated by reference in reliance upon the reports of Grant Thornton LLP, independent certified public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

Information incorporated by reference in this prospectus regarding estimated quantities of proved reserves, future production and income attributable to certain royalty interests of the Company is based upon estimates of such reserves, future production and income audited by Ryder Scott Company, L.P., an independent petroleum engineering firm, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and prepared by Ryder Scott Company, L.P. as of December 31, 2021. This information is incorporated by reference in this prospectus in reliance upon the authority of such firm as experts in these matters.

Information incorporated by reference in this prospectus regarding estimated quantities of proved reserves, future production and income attributable to certain royalty interests acquired by the Company from Royalty Asset Holdings, LP, Royalty Asset Holdings II, LP and Saxum Asset Holdings, LP on November 1, 2023 is based upon estimates of such reserves, future production and income prepared by DeGolyer and MacNaughton, an independent petroleum engineering firm, as indicated in their summary reports, as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. This information is incorporated by reference in this prospectus in reliance upon the authority of such firm as experts in these matters.

Information incorporated by reference in this prospectus regarding estimates of total proved reserves and forecasts of economics attributable certain royalty interests of Tumbleweed-Q Royalty Partners, LLC, MC Tumbleweed Royalty, LLC and Tumbleweed Royalty IV, LLC, acquired or subject to the pending acquisition, as applicable, by the Company, is based upon estimates of such reserves and forecasts of economics prepared by Cawley, Gillespie and Associates, Inc., independent petroleum consultants, as indicated in their summary evaluation reports, in each case, as of December 31, 2023. This information is incorporated by reference in this prospectus in reliance upon the authority of such firm as experts in these matters.

 

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VIPER ENERGY, INC.