UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 
 
FORM 10-Q

 
ýQUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED March 31, 20162017
OR
oTRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 001-35700
 
 
Diamondback Energy, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant As Specified in Its Charter)
 
 

Delaware 45-4502447
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification Number)
  
500 West Texas, Suite 1200
Midland, Texas
 79701
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(432) 221-7400
(Registrant Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ý    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ý    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “smaller reporting“emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):
Large Accelerated Filer ý Accelerated Filer o
    
Non-Accelerated Filer o Smaller Reporting Company o
Emerging Growth Companyo

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.   o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  ý
As of April 29, 2016, 71,702,58328, 2017, 98,128,043 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding.



DIAMONDBACK ENERGY, INCINC.
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 20162017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 Page
  
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
  
  
  
  
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
  
  
  
  






GLOSSARY OF OIL AND NATURAL GAS TERMS
The following is a glossary of certain oil and gas terms that are used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “report”):
BasinA large depression on the earth’s surface in which sediments accumulate.
BblStock tank barrel, or 42 U.S. gallons liquid volume, used in this report in reference to crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.
Bbls/dBbls per day.
BOEBarrels of oil equivalent, with six thousand cubic feet of natural gas being equivalent to one barrel of oil.
BOE/dBOE per day.
British Thermal Unit or BtuThe quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
CompletionThe process of treating a drilled well followed by the installation of permanent equipment for the production of natural gas or oil, or in the case of a dry hole, the reporting of abandonment to the appropriate agency.
Condensate Liquid hydrocarbons associated with the production of a primarily natural gas reserve.
Crude oilLiquid hydrocarbons retrieved from geological structures underground to be refined into fuel sources.
Finding and development costsCapital costs incurred in the acquisition, exploitation and exploration of proved oil and natural gas reserves divided by proved reserve additions and revisions to proved reserves.
Gross acres or gross wellsThe total acres or wells, as the case may be, in which a working interest is owned.
Horizontal drillingA drilling technique used in certain formations where a well is drilled vertically to a certain depth and then drilled at a right angle with a specified interval.
Horizontal wellsWells drilled directionally horizontal to allow for development of structures not reachable through traditional vertical drilling mechanisms.
McfThousand cubic feet of natural gas.
Mcf/dMcf per day.
Mineral interestsThe interests in ownership of the resource and mineral rights, giving an owner the right to profit from the extracted resources.
MMBtuMillion British Thermal Units.
Net acres or net wellsThe sum of the fractional working interest owned in gross acres.
Oil and natural gas propertiesTracts of land consisting of properties to be developed for oil and natural gas resource extraction.
PlayA set of discovered or prospective oil and/or natural gas accumulations sharing similar geologic, geographic and temporal properties, such as source rock, reservoir structure, timing, trapping mechanism and hydrocarbon type.
Plugging and abandonmentRefers to the sealing off of fluids in the strata penetrated by a well so that the fluids from one stratum will not escape into another or to the surface. Regulations of all states require plugging of abandoned wells.
ProspectA specific geographic area which, based on supporting geological, geophysical or other data and also preliminary economic analysis using reasonably anticipated prices and costs, is deemed to have potential for the discovery of commercial hydrocarbons.
Proved reservesThe estimated quantities of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids which geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be commercially recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions.
Reserves Reserves areThe estimated remaining quantities of oil and natural gas and related substances anticipated to be economically producible, as of a given date, by application of development projects to known accumulations. In addition, there must exist, or there must be a reasonable expectation that there will exist, the legal right to produce or a revenue interest in the production, installed means of delivering oil and natural gas or related substances to the market and all permits and financing required to implement the project. Reserves shouldare not be assigned to adjacent reservoirs isolated by major, potentially sealing, faults until those reservoirs are penetrated and evaluated as economically producible. Reserves should not be assigned to areas that are clearly separated from a known accumulation by a non-productive reservoir (i.e., absence of reservoir, structurally low reservoir or negative test results). Such areas may contain prospective resources (i.e., potentially recoverable resources from undiscovered accumulations).

ii



ReservoirA porous and permeable underground formation containing a natural accumulation of producible natural gas and/or oil that is confined by impermeable rock or water barriers and is separate from other reservoirs.

ii



Royalty interestAn interest that gives an owner the right to receive a portion of the resources or revenues without having to carry any costs of development.
SpacingThe distance between wells producing from the same reservoir. Spacing is often expressed in terms of acres (e.g., 40-acre spacing) and is often established by regulatory agencies.
Working interestAn operating interest that gives the owner the right to drill, produce and conduct operating activities on the property and receive a share of production and requires the owner to pay a share of the costs of drilling and production operations.

iii



GLOSSARY OF CERTAIN OTHER TERMS
The following is a glossary of certain other terms that are used in this report.
2012 PlanThe Company’s 2012 Equity Incentive Plan.
CompanyDiamondback Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
Exchange ActThe Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
GAAPAccounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
General PartnerViper Energy Partners GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the General Partner of the Partnership.
IndentureThe indenture relating to the Senior Notes, dated as of September 18, 2013, among the Company, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo, as the trustee, as supplemented.
NYMEXNew York Mercantile Exchange.
PartnershipViper Energy Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership.
Partnership agreementThe first amended and restated agreement of limited partnership, dated June 23, 2014, entered into by the General Partner and Diamondback in connection with the closing of the Viper Offering.
SECUnited States Securities and Exchange Commission.
Securities ActThe Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
2024 Senior NotesThe Company’s 7.625%4.750% senior unsecured notes due 20212024 in the aggregate principal amount of $450$500 million.
2025 Senior NotesThe Company’s 5.375% senior unsecured notes due 2025 in the aggregate principal amount of $500 million.
Senior NotesThe 2024 Senior Notes and the 2025 Senior Notes.
Viper LTIPViper Energy Partners LP Long Term Incentive Plan.
Viper OfferingThe Partnerships’ initial public offering.
Wells FargoWells Fargo Bank, National Association.


iv



CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Various statements contained in this report that express a belief, expectation, or intention, or that are not statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used in this report, the words “could,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “may,” “continue,” “predict,” “potential,” “project” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. In particular, the factors discussed in this report and detailed under Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors in this report and our Annual Report on Form 10–K for the year ended December 31, 20152016 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.

Forward-looking statements may include statements about our:

business strategy;

exploration and development drilling prospects, inventories, projects and programs;

oil and natural gas reserves;

acquisitions;acquisitions, including our acquisition in the Southern Delaware Basin;

identified drilling locations;

ability to obtain permits and governmental approvals;

technology;

financial strategy;

realized oil and natural gas prices;

production;

lease operating expenses, general and administrative costs and finding and development costs;

future operating results; and

plans, objectives, expectations and intentions.

All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report or, if earlier, as of the date they were made. We do not intend to, and disclaim any obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements unless required by securities laws. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to 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 contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements we make in this report are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved or occur, and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements.


v

Table of Contents
Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)



March 31,December 31,
20162015March 31,December 31,
 20172016
(In thousands, except par values and share data)(In thousands, except par values and share data)
Assets  
Current assets:  
Cash and cash equivalents$235,810
$20,115
$37,440
$1,666,574
Restricted cash500
500

500
Accounts receivable:  
Joint interest and other15,211
41,309
55,953
49,476
Oil and natural gas sales32,289
36,004
83,425
70,349
Related party1,564
1,591
98
297
Inventories1,591
1,728
3,027
1,983
Derivative instruments821
4,623
14,374

Prepaid expenses and other3,278
2,875
4,457
2,987
Total current assets291,064
108,745
198,774
1,792,166
Property and equipment:  
Oil and natural gas properties, based on the full cost method of accounting ($1,090,246 and $1,106,816 excluded from amortization at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively)4,036,440
3,955,373
Pipeline and gas gathering assets7,174
7,174
Oil and natural gas properties, full cost method of accounting ($3,892,109 and $1,730,519 excluded from amortization at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively)7,870,991
5,160,261
Midstream assets56,833
8,362
Other property and equipment49,763
48,621
70,170
58,290
Accumulated depletion, depreciation, amortization and impairment(1,485,931)(1,413,543)(1,894,897)(1,836,056)
Net property and equipment2,607,446
2,597,625
6,103,097
3,390,857
Funds held in escrow2,051
121,391
Derivative instruments111

3,102
709
Deferred income taxes123

Other assets44,338
44,349
62,553
44,557
Total assets$2,942,959
$2,750,719
$6,369,700
$5,349,680
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity  
Current liabilities:  
Accounts payable-trade$7,131
$20,008
$19,689
$47,648
Accounts payable-related party206
217

1
Accrued capital expenditures36,291
59,937
94,810
60,350
Other accrued liabilities50,074
44,293
80,763
55,330
Revenues and royalties payable12,998
16,966
48,807
23,405
Derivative instruments
22,608
Total current liabilities106,700
141,421
244,069
209,342
Long-term debt485,641
487,807
985,786
1,105,912
Asset retirement obligations13,562
12,518
18,939
16,134
Deferred income taxes1,548

Total liabilities605,903
641,746
1,250,342
1,331,388
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14) 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15) 
Stockholders’ equity:  
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 71,697,750 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2016; 66,797,041 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015717
668
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 98,127,709 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2017; 90,143,934 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016981
901
Additional paid-in capital2,494,467
2,229,664
5,034,007
4,215,955
Accumulated deficit(387,272)(354,360)(383,121)(519,394)
Total Diamondback Energy, Inc. stockholders’ equity2,107,912
1,875,972
4,651,867
3,697,462
Noncontrolling interest229,144
233,001
Non-controlling interest467,491
320,830
Total equity2,337,056
2,108,973
5,119,358
4,018,292
Total liabilities and equity$2,942,959
$2,750,719
$6,369,700
$5,349,680
See accompanying notes to combined consolidated financial statements.

1

Table of Contents
Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)



Three Months Ended March 31,
20162015Three Months Ended March 31,
 20172016
(In thousands, except per share amounts)(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues:  
Oil sales$79,020
$92,916
$207,074
$79,020
Natural gas sales4,022
4,348
9,922
4,022
Natural gas liquid sales4,439
4,137
15,502
4,439
Lease bonus1,602

Midstream services1,130

Total revenues87,481
101,401
235,230
87,481
Costs and expenses:  
Lease operating expenses18,223
22,456
26,626
18,223
Production and ad valorem taxes7,962
8,395
15,725
7,962
Gathering and transportation2,789
1,030
2,619
2,789
Midstream services854

Depreciation, depletion and amortization42,069
59,677
58,929
42,069
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties30,816


30,816
General and administrative expenses (including non-cash equity-based compensation, net of capitalized amounts, of $8,350 and $4,924 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively)12,979
8,236
Asset retirement obligation accretion expense246
170
General and administrative expenses (including non-cash equity-based compensation, net of capitalized amounts, of $7,063 and $8,350 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively)13,744
12,979
Asset retirement obligation accretion323
246
Total costs and expenses115,084
99,964
118,820
115,084
Income (loss) from operations(27,603)1,437
116,410
(27,603)
Other income (expense):  
Interest income (expense)(10,013)(10,497)
Interest income (expense), net(12,225)(10,013)
Other income563
515
1,145
563
Gain on derivative instruments, net1,426
18,354
37,701
1,426
Total other income (expense), net(8,024)8,372
26,621
(8,024)
Income (loss) before income taxes(35,627)9,809
143,031
(35,627)
Provision for income taxes
3,370
1,957

Net income (loss)(35,627)6,439
141,074
(35,627)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest(2,715)590
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest4,801
(2,715)
Net income (loss) attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc.$(32,912)$5,849
$136,273
$(32,912)
 
Earnings per common share:

Basic$(0.46)$0.10
$1.46
$(0.46)
Diluted$(0.46)$0.10
$1.46
$(0.46)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:  
Basic71,026
58,386
93,161
71,026
Diluted71,026
58,626
93,364
71,026

See accompanying notes to combined consolidated financial statements.

2

Table of Contents
Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
(Unaudited)




Common StockAdditional Paid-in CapitalRetained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)Non-Controlling InterestTotalCommon StockAdditional Paid-in CapitalRetained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)Non-Controlling InterestTotal
SharesAmountSharesAmount
  (In thousands)
(In thousands)
  
Balance December 31, 201456,888
$569
$1,554,174
$196,268
$234,202
$1,985,213
Balance December 31, 201566,797$668
$2,229,664
$(354,360)$233,001
$2,108,973
Unit-based compensation



939
939




973
973
Stock-based compensation

6,125


6,125


10,141


10,141
Distribution to non-controlling interest



(2,315)(2,315)



(2,115)(2,115)
Common shares issued in public offering, net of offering costs2,012
20
119,208


119,228
4,60046
254,293


254,339
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units108
1
887


888
3013
369


372
Net income


5,849
590
6,439
Balance March 31, 201559,008
$590
$1,680,394
$202,117
$233,416
$2,116,517
Net loss


(32,912)(2,715)(35,627)
Balance March 31, 201671,698$717
$2,494,467
$(387,272)$229,144
$2,337,056
    
Balance December 31, 201566,797
$668
$2,229,664
$(354,360)$233,001
$2,108,973
Balance December 31, 201690,144$901
$4,215,955
$(519,394)$320,830
$4,018,292
Net proceeds from issuance of common units - Viper Energy Partners LP 


147,523
147,523
Unit-based compensation



973
973




819
819
Stock-based compensation

8,587


8,587
Distribution to non-controlling interest



(2,115)(2,115)



(6,482)(6,482)
Common shares issued in public offering, net of offering costs4,600
46
254,293


254,339


14


14
Common shares issued for acquisition7,68677
809,096


809,173
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units301
3
10,510


10,513
2983
355


358
Net loss


(32,912)(2,715)(35,627)
Balance March 31, 201671,698
$717
$2,494,467
$(387,272)$229,144
$2,337,056
Net income


136,273
4,801
141,074
Balance March 31, 201798,128$981
$5,034,007
$(383,121)$467,491
$5,119,358























See accompanying notes to combined consolidated financial statements.

3

Table of Contents
Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2016201520172016
  
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:  
Net income (loss)$(35,627)$6,439
$141,074
$(35,627)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:  
Provision for (benefit from) deferred income taxes
2,425
Provision for deferred income taxes1,425

Impairment of oil and natural gas properties30,816


30,816
Asset retirement obligation accretion expense246
170
Asset retirement obligation accretion323
246
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization42,069
59,677
58,929
42,069
Amortization of debt issuance costs668
630
852
668
Change in fair value of derivative instruments3,691
25,206
(39,375)3,691
Income from equity investment(3)
Equity-based compensation expense8,350
4,924
7,063
8,350
Gain on sale of assets, net(12)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:  
Accounts receivable23,439
7,005
(20,104)23,439
Accounts receivable-related party27

199
27
Restricted cash500

Inventories137
(20)(1,044)137
Prepaid expenses and other(530)(237)(19,894)(530)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(5,121)(16,226)10,281
(5,121)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities-related party(12)14,128
(2)(12)
Accrued interest8,575
8,476
10,313
8,575
Revenues and royalties payable(3,968)(13,454)25,402
(3,968)
Net cash provided by operating activities72,760
99,143
175,927
72,760
Cash flows from investing activities:  
Additions to oil and natural gas properties(86,169)(144,397)(116,174)(86,169)
Additions to oil and natural gas properties-related party(164)(7,000)
(164)
Acquisition of royalty interests(2,082)
Acquisition of mineral interests(8,579)(2,082)
Acquisition of leasehold interests(16,923)(2,000)(1,760,810)(16,923)
Additions to midstream assets(59)
Acquisition of midstream assets(48,329)
Purchase of other property and equipment(1,142)(158)(11,918)(1,142)
Proceeds from sale of assets123

1,238
123
Funds held in escrow119,340

Equity investments(800)
(188)(800)
Net cash used in investing activities(107,157)(153,555)(1,825,479)(107,157)
Cash flows from financing activities:  
Proceeds from borrowings under credit facility8,500
57,501

8,500
Repayment under credit facility(11,000)(119,422)(120,500)(11,000)
Debt issuance costs(4)(8)(418)(4)
Public offering costs(179)(194)(265)(179)
Proceeds from public offerings254,518
119,422
147,725
254,518
Exercise of stock options372
888
Distribution to non-controlling interest(2,115)(2,315)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options358
372
Distributions to non-controlling interest(6,482)(2,115)
Net cash provided by financing activities250,092
55,872
20,418
250,092
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents215,695
1,460
(1,629,134)215,695
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period20,115
30,183
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$235,810
$31,643

4

Table of Contents
Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Continued
(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2016201520172016
   
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period1,666,574
20,115
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$37,440
$235,810
(In thousands) 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:  
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest$823
$1,389
$1,118
$823
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions:  
Asset retirement obligation incurred$132
$102
Asset retirement obligation revisions in estimated liability$88
$78
Asset retirement obligation acquired$796
$47
Change in accrued capital expenditures$(23,646)$(45,854)$34,460
$(23,646)
Capitalized stock-based compensation$2,764
$2,139
$2,343
$2,764
Common stock issued for oil and natural gas properties$809,173
$
Asset retirement obligation acquired$2,129
$796

See accompanying notes to combined consolidated financial statements.

5

Table of Contents
Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)



1.    DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Organization and Description of the Business

Diamondback Energy, Inc. (“Diamondback” or the “Company”), together with its subsidiaries, is an independent oil and gas company currently focused on the acquisition, development, exploration and exploitation of unconventional, onshore oil and natural gas reserves in the Permian Basin in West Texas. Diamondback was incorporated in Delaware on December 30, 2011.

The wholly-owned subsidiaries of Diamondback, as of March 31, 2016,2017, include Diamondback E&P LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Diamondback O&G LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Viper Energy Partners GP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Rattler Midstream LLC (formerly known as White Fang Energy LLC,LLC), a Delaware limited liability company. The consolidated subsidiaries include the wholly-owned subsidiaries as well as Viper Energy Partners LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Partnership”), and the Partnership’s wholly-owned subsidiary Viper Energy Partners LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries after all significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.

The Partnership is consolidated in the financial statements of the Company. As of March 31, 2016,2017, the Company owned approximately 88%74% of the common units of the Partnership and the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Viper Energy Partners GP LLC, is the General Partner of the Partnership.

These financial statements have been prepared by the Company without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. They reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for interim periods, on a basis consistent with the annual audited financial statements. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Certain information, accounting policies and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. This Quarterly Report on Form 10–Q should be read in conjunction with the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10–K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015,2016, which contains a summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies and other disclosures.

2.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Use of Estimates

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

The Company evaluates these estimates on an ongoing basis, using historical experience, consultation with experts and other methods the Company considers reasonable in the particular circumstances. Nevertheless, actual results may differ significantly from the Company’s estimates. Any effects on the Company’s business, financial position or results of operations resulting from revisions to these estimates are recorded in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include estimates of proved oil and natural gas reserves and related present value estimates of future net cash flows therefrom, the carrying value of oil and natural gas properties, asset retirement obligations, the fair value determination of acquired assets and liabilities, equity-based compensation, fair value estimates of commodity derivatives and estimates of income taxes.


6


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


New Accounting Pronouncements

In AprilMay 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. This update supersedes most of the existing revenue recognition requirements in GAAP and requires (i) an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services and (ii) requires expanded disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and certainty of revenue and cash flows from contracts with customers. The standard will be effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early application permitted for annual reporting period beginning after December 31, 2016. The standard allows for either full retrospective adoption, meaning the standard is applied to all periods presented in the financial statements, or modified retrospective adoption, meaning the standard is applied only to the most current period presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard; however, it does not believe this standard will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-03, “Interest–Imputation of Interest”2015-11, “Inventory”. This update requiresapplies to all inventory that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability (except costs associated with revolving debt arrangements) be presented inis not measured using last-in, first-out or the balance sheet as a direct deduction from that debt liability, consistent withretail inventory method. Under this update, an entity should measure inventory at the presentationlower of a debt discount, to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs.cost and net realizable value. This update isstandard was effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early applicationThis standard should be applied prospectively with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company adopted this standard prospectively effective January 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard had no impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity because the Company currently measures its inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value.

In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-17, “Income Taxes”. This update requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The standard was permittedeffective for financial statements that have not previously been issued.issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. This standard may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company retrospectively adopted this new standard prospectively effective January 1, 2016. Adoption of this standard only affects the presentation of the Company’s consolidated balance sheets2017. The Company will present deferred tax liabilities and does not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.assets as noncurrent.

In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-01, “Financial Instruments–Overall”. This update applies to any entity that holdholds financial assets or oweowes financial liabilities. This update requires equity investments (except for those accounted for under the equity method or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. This update will be effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Entities should apply the amendments by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. While this update will not have a direct impact on the Company, the Partnership will be required to mark its cost method investment to fair value with the adoption of this update.

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, “Leases”. This update applies to any entity that enters into a lease, with some specified scope exemptions. Under this update, a lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. While there were no major changes to the lessor accounting, changes were made to align key aspects with the revenue recognition guidance. This update will be effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Entities will be required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The Company believes the primary impact of adopting this standard will be the recognition of assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for current operating leases. The Company is currentlystill evaluating the impact that the adoption of this update will have on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and liquidity.standard.

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)”. Under this update, an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This update will be effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15,

7


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


2017, with early application not permitted. This update allows for either full retrospective adoption, meaning this update is applied to all periods presented in the financial statements, or modified retrospective adoption, meaning this update is applied only to the most current period presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of this update will have on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and liquidity.

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation". This update applies to all entities that issue share-basedequity-based payment awards to their employees. Under this update, there were several areas that were simplified including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. This update will bewas effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted.years. The Company is currently evaluatingprospectively adopted this standard effective January 1, 2017. The Company revised its calculation of diluted earnings per share to exclude the impactamount of excess tax benefits that would be recognized in additional paid-in capital. The Company also adopted a policy to account for forfeitures as they occur.

In April 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing”. This update clarifies two principles of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606: identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance. This standard has the same effective date as Accounting Standards Update 2016-08, the revenue recognition standard discussed above. The adoption of this update willstandard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations and liquidity.

In May 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients”. This update applies only to the following areas from Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606: assessing the collectability criterion and accounting for contracts that do not meet the criteria for step 1, presentation of sales taxes and other similar taxes collected from customers, non-cash consideration, contract modification at transition, completed contracts at transition and technical correction. This standard has the same effective date as Accounting Standards Update 2016-08, the revenue recognition standard discussed above. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations and liquidity.

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses”. This update affects entities holding financial assets and net investment in leases that are not accounted for at fair value through net income. The amendments affect loans, debt securities, trade receivables, net investments in leases, off-balance sheet credit exposures, reinsurance receivables, and any other financial assets not excluded from the scope that have the contractual right to receive cash. This update will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. This update will be applied through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. The Company does not believe the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the Company does not have a history of credit losses.

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”. This update apples to all entities that are required to present a statement of cash flows. This update provides guidance on eight specific cash flow issues: debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life insurance policies, distributions received from equity method investees, beneficial interests in securitization transactions and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. This update will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years with early adoption permitted. This update should be applied using the retrospective transition method. Adoption of this standard will only affect the presentation of the Company’s cash flows and will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-01, “Business Combinations - Clarifying the Definition of a Business”. This update apples to all entities that must determine

8


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


whether they acquired or sold a business. This update provides a screen to determine when a set is not a business. The screen requires that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business. This update will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. This update should be applied prospectively on or after the effective date. This update is not expected to have a material impact the Company’s financial statements or results of operations. The adoption of this update will change the process that the Company uses to evaluate whether the Company has acquired a business or an asset. This update will be applied prospectively and will not have an effect on prior acquisitions.

3.    ACQUISITIONS

On February 28, 2017, the Company completed its acquisition of certain oil and natural gas properties, midstream assets and other related assets in the Delaware Basin for an aggregate purchase price consisting of $1.74 billion in cash and 7.69 million shares of the Company’s common stock, of which approximately 1.15 million shares were placed in an indemnity escrow. This transaction includes the acquisition of (i) approximately 100,306 gross (80,339 net) acres primarily in Pecos and Reeves counties for approximately $2.5 billion and (ii) midstream assets for approximately $47.6 million. The Company used the net proceeds from the December 2016 equity offering, net proceeds from the December 2016 debt offering, cash on hand and other financing sources to fund the cash portion of the purchase price for this acquisition.

The Company is in the process of identifying and determining the fair values of the assets and liabilities assumed, and as a result, the estimates for fair value at March 31, 2017 are subject to change. The following represents the preliminary estimated fair value of the assets and liabilities assumed on the acquisition date. The aggregate consideration transferred was $2.6 billion, subject to post-closing adjustments, resulting in no goodwill or bargain purchase gain.
 (in thousands)
Proved oil and natural gas properties$387,571
Unevaluated oil and natural gas properties2,122,415
Midstream assets47,554
Prepaid capital costs3,460
Oil inventory839
Revenues payable(8,723)
Asset retirement obligation(1,550)
Total fair value of net assets$2,551,566

The Company has included in its consolidated statements of operations revenues of $12.2 million and direct operating expenses of $2.7 million for the period from February 28, 2017 to March 31, 2017 due to the acquisition.


9


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


Pro Forma Financial Information

The following unaudited summary pro forma consolidated statement of operations data of Diamondback for the three months March 31, 2017 and 2016 have been prepared to give effect to the February 28, 2017 acquisition as if it had occurred on January 1, 2016. The pro forma data are not necessarily indicative of financial results that would have been attained had the acquisitions occurred on January 1, 2016. The pro forma data also necessarily exclude various operation expenses related to the properties and the financial statements should not be viewed as indicative of operations in future periods.
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20172016
   
Revenues$258,159
$102,664
Income from operations133,162
(24,003)
Net income150,615
(29,312)
Basic earnings per common share1.62
(0.41)
Diluted earnings per common share1.61
(0.41)

4.    VIPER ENERGY PARTNERS LP

The Partnership is a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership, the common units of which are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “VNOM”. The Partnership was formed by Diamondback on February 27, 2014, to, among other things, own, acquire and exploit oil and natural gas properties in North America. The Partnership is currently focused on oil and natural gas properties in the Permian Basin. Viper Energy Partners GP LLC,

7


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


a fully-consolidated subsidiary of Diamondback, serves as the general partner of, and holds a non-economic general partner interest in, the Partnership. As of March 31, 2016,2017, the Company owned approximately 88%74% of the common units of the Partnership.

Partnership Agreement

In connection with the closing of the Viper Offering, the General Partner and Diamondback entered into the first amended and restated agreement of limited partnership, dated June 23, 2014 (the “Partnership Agreement”). The Partnership Agreement requires the Partnership to reimburse the General Partner for all direct and indirect expenses incurred or paid on the Partnership’s behalf and all other expenses allocable to the Partnership or otherwise incurred by the General Partner in connection with operating the Partnership’s business. The Partnership Agreement does not set a limit on the amount of expenses for which the General Partner and its affiliates may be reimbursed. These expenses include salary, bonus, incentive compensation and other amounts paid to persons who perform services for the Partnership or on its behalf and expenses allocated to the General Partner by its affiliates. The General Partner is entitled to determine the expenses that are allocable to the Partnership.

Tax Sharing

In connection with the closing of the Viper Offering, the Partnership entered into a tax sharing agreement with Diamondback, dated June 23, 2014, pursuant to which the Partnership agreed to reimburse Diamondback for its share of state and local income and other taxes for which the Partnership’s results are included in a combined or consolidated tax return filed by Diamondback with respect to taxable periods including or beginning on June 23, 2014. The amount of any such reimbursement is limited to the tax the Partnership would have paid had it not been included in a combined group with Diamondback. Diamondback may use its tax attributes to cause its combined or consolidated group, of which the Partnership may be a member for this purpose, to owe less or no tax. In such a situation, the Partnership agreed to reimburse Diamondback for the tax the Partnership would have owed had the tax attributes not been available or used for the Partnership’s benefit, even though Diamondback had no cash tax expense for that period.


10


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


Other Agreements

See Note 10—11—Related Party Transactions for information regarding the advisory services agreement the Partnership and the General Partner entered into with Wexford Capital LP (“Wexford”).

The Partnership has entered into a secured revolving credit facility with Wells Fargo, as administrative agent sole book runner and lead arranger. See Note 7—8—Debt for a description of this credit facility.


8


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


4.5.    PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment includes the following:
March 31,December 31,March 31,December 31,
2016201520172016
  
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Oil and natural gas properties:  
Subject to depletion$2,946,194
$2,848,557
$3,978,882
$3,429,742
Not subject to depletion-acquisition costs 
Not subject to depletion3,892,109
1,730,519
Gross oil and natural gas properties7,870,991
5,160,261
Accumulated depletion(747,033)(687,685)
Accumulated impairment(1,143,498)(1,143,498)
Oil and natural gas properties, net5,980,460
3,329,078
Midstream assets56,833
8,362
Other property and equipment70,170
58,290
Accumulated depreciation(4,366)(4,873)
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment$6,103,097
$3,390,857
 
Balance of acquisition costs not subject to depletion 
Incurred in 2017$2,184,601
 
Incurred in 201616,377

$788,662
 
Incurred in 2015433,626
433,769
$374,937
 
Incurred in 2014511,279
543,399
$442,159
 
Incurred in 201367,666
68,351
$47,174
 
Incurred in 201261,298
61,297
$54,576
 
Total not subject to depletion1,090,246
1,106,816
Gross oil and natural gas properties4,036,440
3,955,373
Accumulated depletion(553,309)(512,144)
Accumulated impairment(928,778)(897,962)
Oil and natural gas properties, net2,554,353
2,545,267
Pipeline and gas gathering assets7,174
7,174
Other property and equipment49,763
48,621
Accumulated depreciation(3,844)(3,437)
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment$2,607,446
$2,597,625

The Company uses the full cost method of accounting for its oil and natural gas properties. Under this method, all acquisition, exploration and development costs, including certain internal costs, are capitalized and amortized on a composite unit of production method based on proved oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas reserves. Internal costs capitalized to the full cost pool represent management’s estimate of costs incurred directly related to exploration and development activities such as geological and other administrative costs associated with overseeing the exploration and development activities. Costs, including related employee costs, associated with production and operation of the properties are charged to expense as incurred. All other internal costs not directly associated with exploration and development activities wereare charged to expense as they wereare incurred. Capitalized internal costs were approximately $5.0$5.1 million and $4.7$5.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 20162017 and 2015,2016, respectively. Costs associated with unevaluated properties are excluded from the full cost pool until the Company has made a determination as to the existence of proved reserves. The inclusion of the Company’s unevaluated costs into the amortization base is expected to be completed within three to five years. Acquisition costs not currently being amortized are primarily related to unproved acreage that the Company plans to prove up through drilling. The Company has no plans to let any acreage expire. Sales of oil and natural gas properties, whether or not being amortized currently, are accounted for as adjustments of capitalized costs, with no gain or loss recognized, unless such adjustments would significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and proved reserves of oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas.

11


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)



Under this method of accounting, the Company is required to perform a ceiling test each quarter. The test determines a limit, or ceiling, on the book value of the proved oil and gas properties. Net capitalized costs are limited to the lower of unamortized cost net of deferred income taxes, or the cost center ceiling. The cost center ceiling is defined as the sum of (a) estimated future net revenues, discounted at 10% per annum, from proved reserves, based on the trailing 12-month unweighted average of the first-day-of-the-month price, adjusted for any contract provisions or financial derivatives, if any, that hedge the Company’s oil and natural gas revenue, and excluding the estimated abandonment costs for properties with asset retirement obligations recorded on the balance sheet, (b) the cost of properties not being amortized, if any, and (c) the lower of cost or market value of unproved properties included in the cost being amortized, including related deferred taxes for differences between the book and tax basis of the oil and natural gas properties. If the net book value, including related deferred taxes, exceeds the ceiling, an impairment or non-cash writedown is required.

As a result of the decline in prices, during the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company recorded a non-cash ceiling test impairmentsimpairment for the three months ended March 31, 2016 of $30.8 million, which is included in

9


Diamondback Energy, Inc. accumulated depletion, depreciation, amortization and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


accumulated depletion.impairment. The Company did not have anyrecord an impairment of its proved oil and gas properties duringfor the three months ended March 31, 2015.2017. The impairment charge affected the Company’s reported net income but did not reduce ourits cash flow. In addition to commodity prices, the Company’s production rates, levels of proved reserves, future development costs, transfers of unevaluated properties and other factors will determine its actual ceiling test calculation and impairment analysis in future periods.

At March 31, 2017, there was $16.8 million in exploration costs and development costs and $2.2 million in capitalized interest that are not subject to depletion. At December 31, 2016, there were no exploration costs, development costs or capitalized interest that are not subject to depletion.

5.6.    ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

The following table describes the changes to the Company’s asset retirement obligation liability for the following periods:
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2016201520172016
  
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Asset retirement obligation, beginning of period$12,711
$8,486
Additional liability incurred132
102
Asset retirement obligations, beginning of period$17,422
$12,711
Additional liabilities incurred741
132
Liabilities acquired796
47
2,129
796
Liabilities settled(344)
(102)(344)
Accretion expense246
170
323
246
Revisions in estimated liabilities88
78
(2)88
Asset retirement obligation, end of period13,629
8,883
Asset retirement obligations, end of period20,511
13,629
Less current portion67
39
1,572
67
Asset retirement obligations - long-term$13,562
$8,844
$18,939
$13,562

The Company’s asset retirement obligations primarily relate to the future plugging and abandonment of wells and related facilities. The Company estimates the future plugging and abandonment costs of wells, the ultimate productive life of the properties, a risk-adjusted discount rate and an inflation factor in order to determine the current present value of this obligation. To the extent future revisions to these assumptions impact the present value of the existing asset retirement obligation liability, a corresponding adjustment is made to the oil and natural gas property balance.

6.7.    EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS

In October 2014, the Company paid $0.6 million for a 25% interest in HMW Fluid Management LLC, which was formed to develop, own and operate an integrated water management system to gather, store, process, treat, distribute and dispose of water to exploration and production companies operating in Midland, Martin and Andrews Counties,

12


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


Texas. The board of this entity may also authorize the entity to offer these services to other counties in the Permian Basin and to pursue other business opportunities. The Company has committed to invest an aggregate amount of $5.0 million in this entity, and several other third parties have committed to invest an aggregate of $15.0 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company invested an additional$0.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively, in this entity bringing its total investment to $6.5 million and $4.1 million at March 31, 2016.2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company will retain a minority interest after all commitments are received. The entity was formed as a limited liability company and maintains a specific ownership account for each investor, similar to a partnership capital account structure. Therefore, the Company accounts for this investment under the equity method of accounting.


10


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


7.8.    DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following as of the dates indicated:
 March 31,December 31,
 20162015
   
 (in thousands)
7.625 % Senior Notes due 2021$450,000
$450,000
Unamortized debt issuance(7,359)(7,693)
Revolving credit facility
11,000
Partnership revolving credit facility43,000
34,500
Total long-term debt$485,641
$487,807
 March 31,December 31,
 20172016
   
 (in thousands)
4.750 % Senior Notes due 2024$500,000
$500,000
5.375 % Senior Notes due 2025500,000
500,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs(14,214)(14,588)
Partnership revolving credit facility
120,500
Total long-term debt$985,786
$1,105,912

2024 Senior Notes

On September 18, 2013,October 28, 2016, the Company completed an offering of $450.0issued $500.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.625% senior unsecured notes4.750% Senior Notes due 20212024 (the “Senior“2024 Senior Notes”). The 2024 Senior Notes bear interest at thea rate of 7.625%4.750% per annum, payable semi-annually, in arrears on AprilMay 1 and OctoberNovember 1 of each year, commencing on AprilMay 1, 20142017 and will mature on OctoberNovember 1, 2021. On June 23, 2014, in connection with2024. All of the Viper Offering,Company’s existing and future restricted subsidiaries that guarantee its revolving credit facility or certain other debt guarantee the Company designated2024 Senior Notes; provided, however, that the 2024 Senior Notes are not guaranteed by the Partnership, the General Partner, and Viper Energy Partners LLC as unrestricted subsidiaries and, upon such designation, Viper Energy LLC, which was a guarantor under the indenture governing of the Senior Notes, was released as a guarantor under the indenture. As of March 31, 2016, the Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Diamondback O&G LLC, Diamondback E&P LLC and White Fang Energyor Rattler Midstream LLC, and will alsonot be guaranteed by any of the Company’s future restricted subsidiaries of Diamondback. The net proceeds from the Senior Notes were used to fund the acquisition of mineral interests underlying approximately 14,804 gross (12,687 net) acres in Midland County, Texas in the Permian Basin.unrestricted subsidiaries.

The 2024 Senior Notes were issued under, and are governed by, an indenture among the Company, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo, Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”), as the trustee, as supplemented (the “Indenture”“2024 Indenture”). The 2024 Indenture contains certain covenants that, subject to certain exceptions and qualifications, among other things, limit the Company’s ability and the ability of the restricted subsidiaries to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, make certain investments, declare or pay dividends or make other distributions on or redeem or repurchase, capital stock, prepay subordinated indebtedness, sell assets including capital stock of restricted subsidiaries, agree to payment restrictions affecting the Company’s restricted subsidiaries, consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets, enter into transactions with affiliates, incur liens, engage in business other than the oil and gas business and designate certain of the Company’s subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries. If the Company experiences certain kinds of changes of control or if it sells certain of its assets, holders of the Senior Notes may have the right to require the Company to repurchase their Senior Notes.

The Company will havemay on any one or more occasions redeem some or all of the option to redeem the2024 Senior Notes in whole or in part, at any time on or after OctoberNovember 1, 20162019 at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) of 105.719%103.563% for the 12-month period beginning on OctoberNovember 1, 2016, 103.813%2019, 102.375% for the 12-month period beginning on OctoberNovember 1, 2017, 101.906%2020, 101.188% for the 12-month period beginning on OctoberNovember 1, 20182021 and 100.000% beginning on OctoberNovember 1, 20192022 and at any time thereafter with any accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of redemption. In addition, priorPrior to OctoberNovember 1, 2016,2019, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem all or a partportion of the 2024 Senior Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof,of the 2024 Senior Notes plus a “make-whole” premium and accrued and unpaid interest if any, to the redemption date, plus a “make-whole” premium at the redemption date. Furthermore, before OctoberIn addition, any time prior to November 1, 2016,2019, the Company may aton any timeone or from timemore occasions redeem the 2024 Senior Notes in an aggregate principal amount not to time, redeem up toexceed 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Senior Notes with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offeringsissued prior to such date at a redemption price of 107.625% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes being redeemed104.750%, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, of redemption, if at least 65% ofwith an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes originally issued under the Indenture remains outstanding immediately after such redemption and the redemption occurs within 120 days of the closing date of suchnet cash proceeds from certain equity offering.offerings.

In connection with the issuance of the Senior Notes, the Company and the subsidiary guarantors entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers on September 18, 2013, pursuant to which the Company and the subsidiary guarantors agreed to file a registration statement with respect to an offer to exchange the Senior Notes

1113


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


In connection with the issuance of the 2024 Senior Notes, the Company and the subsidiary guarantors entered into a registration rights agreement (the “2024 Registration Rights Agreement”) with the initial purchasers on October 28, 2016, pursuant to which the Company agreed to file a registration statement with respect to an offer to exchange the 2024 Senior Notes for a new issue of substantially identical debt securities registered under the Securities Act, whichAct. Under the 2024 Registration Rights Agreement, the Company also agreed to use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the registration statement was declared effective by the SEC on September 15, 2014or prior to the 360th day after the issue date of the 2024 Senior Notes and to keep the exchange offer completedopen for not less than 30 days (or longer if required by applicable law). The Company may be required to file a shelf registration statement to cover resales of the 2024 Senior Notes under certain circumstances. If the Company fails to satisfy these obligations under the 2024 Registration Rights Agreement, it agreed to pay additional interest to the holders of the 2024 Senior Notes as specified in the 2024 Registration Rights Agreement.

2025 Senior Notes

On December 20, 2016, the Company issued $500.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.375% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “2025 Senior Notes”). The 2025 Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.375% per annum, payable semi-annually, in arrears on October 23, 2014.May 31 and November 30 of each year, commencing on May 31, 2017 and will mature on May 31, 2025. All of the Company’s existing and future restricted subsidiaries that guarantee its revolving credit facility or certain other debt guarantee the 2025 Senior Notes, provided, however, that the 2025 Senior Notes are not guaranteed by the Partnership, the General Partner, Viper Energy Partners LLC or Rattler Midstream LLC, and will not be guaranteed by any of the Company’s future unrestricted subsidiaries.
The 2025 Senior Notes were issued under an indenture, dated as of December 20, 2016, among the Company, the guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, as the trustee (the “2025 Indenture”). The 2025 Indenture contains certain covenants that, subject to certain exceptions and qualifications, among other things, limit the Company’s ability and the ability of the restricted subsidiaries to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, make certain investments, declare or pay dividends or make other distributions on capital stock, prepay subordinated indebtedness, sell assets including capital stock of restricted subsidiaries, agree to payment restrictions affecting the Company’s restricted subsidiaries, consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets, enter into transactions with affiliates, incur liens, engage in business other than the oil and gas business and designate certain of the Company’s subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries.
The Company may on any one or more occasions redeem some or all of the 2025 Senior Notes at any time on or after May 31, 2020 at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) of 104.031% for the 12-month period beginning on May 31, 2020, 102.688% for the 12-month period beginning on May 31, 2021, 101.344% for the 12-month period beginning on May 31, 2022 and 100.000% beginning on May 31, 2023 and at any time thereafter with any accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of redemption. Prior to May 31, 2020, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem all or a portion of the 2025 Senior Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2025 Senior Notes plus a “make-whole” premium and accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. In addition, any time prior to May 31, 2020, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem the 2025 Senior Notes in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Senior Notes issued prior to such date at a redemption price of 105.375%, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, with an amount equal to the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings.

In connection with the issuance of the 2025 Senior Notes, the Company and the subsidiary guarantors entered into a registration rights agreement (the “2025 Registration Rights Agreement”) with the initial purchasers on December 20, 2016, pursuant to which the Company agreed to file a registration statement with respect to an offer to exchange the 2025 Senior Notes for a new issue of substantially identical debt securities registered under the Securities Act. Under the 2025 Registration Rights Agreement, the Company also agreed to use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the registration statement declared effective by the SEC on or prior to the 360th day after the issue date of the 2025 Senior Notes and to keep the exchange offer open for not less than 30 days (or longer if required by applicable law). The Company may be required to file a shelf registration statement to cover resales of the 2025 Senior Notes under certain circumstances. If the Company fails to satisfy these obligations under the 2025 Registration Rights Agreement, it agreed to pay additional interest to the holders of the 2025 Senior Notes as specified in the 2025 Registration Rights Agreement.


14


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


On April 26, 2017, the Company filed with the SEC its Registration Statement on Form S-4 relating to the exchange offers of the 2024 Senior Notes and the 2025 Senior Notes for substantially identical debt securities registered under the Securities Act.

The Company’s Credit Facility

On June 9, 2014, Diamondback O&G LLC, as borrower, entered into a first amendment and on November 13, 2014, Diamondback O&G LLC entered into a second amendment to the second amended and restated credit agreement, dated November 1, 2013 (the “credit agreement”). The first amendment modified certain provisions of the credit agreement to, among other things, allow one or more of the Company’s subsidiaries to be designated as “Unrestricted Subsidiaries” that are not subject to certain restrictions contained in the credit agreement. In connection with the Viper Offering, the Partnership, the General Partner and Viper Energy Partners LLC were designated as unrestricted subsidiaries under the credit agreement. As of March 31, 2016,2017, the credit agreement was guaranteed by Diamondback, Diamondback E&P LLC and White Fang EnergyRattler Midstream LLC and will also be guaranteed by any future restricted subsidiaries of Diamondback. The credit agreement is also secured by substantially all of the assets of Diamondback O&G LLC, the Company and the other guarantors.

The second amendment increased the maximum amount of the credit facility to $2.0 billion, modified the dates and deadlines of the credit agreement relating to the scheduled borrowing base redeterminations based on the Company’s oil and natural gas reserves and other factors and added new provisions that allow the Company to elect a commitment amount that is less than its borrowing base as determined by the lenders. The borrowing base is scheduled to be re-determined semi-annually with effective dates of May 1st and November 1st. In addition, the Company may request up to three additional redeterminations of the borrowing base during any 12-month period. As of March 31, 2016,2017, the borrowing base was $750.0 million,set at $1.0 billion, of which the Company had elected a commitment amount of $500.0 million, and the Company had no outstanding borrowings.

The outstanding borrowings under the credit agreement bear interest at a rate elected by the Company that is equal to an alternative base rate (which is equal to the greatest of the prime rate, the Federal Funds effective rate plus 0.5% and 3-month LIBOR plus 1.0%) or LIBOR, in each case plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin ranges from 0.50% to 1.50% in the case of the alternative base rate and from 1.50% to 2.50% in the case of LIBOR, in each case depending on the amount of the loan outstanding in relation to the borrowing base. The Company is obligated to pay a quarterly commitment fee ranging from 0.375% to 0.500% per year on the unused portion of the borrowing base, which fee is also dependent on the amount of the loan outstanding in relation to the borrowing base. Loan principal may be optionally repaid from time to time without premium or penalty (other than customary LIBOR breakage), and is required to be repaid (a) to the extent that the loan amount exceeds the borrowing base, whether due to a borrowing base redetermination or otherwise (in some cases subject to a cure period), (b) in an amount equal to the net cash proceeds from the sale of property when a borrowing base deficiency or event of default exists under the credit agreement and (c) at the maturity date of November 1, 2018.

The credit agreement contains various affirmative, negative and financial maintenance covenants. These covenants, among other things, limit additional indebtedness, additional liens, sales of assets, mergers and consolidations, dividends and distributions, transactions with affiliates and entering into certain swap agreements and require the maintenance of the financial ratios described below.
Financial Covenant Required Ratio
Ratio of total debt to EBITDAXNot greater than 4.0 to 1.0
Ratio of current assets to liabilities, as defined in the credit agreementNot less than 1.0 to 1.0

The covenant prohibiting additional indebtedness, as amended in December 2016, allows for the issuance of unsecured debt of up to $750.0 million$1.0 billion in the form of senior or senior subordinated notes and, in connection with any such issuance, the reduction of the borrowing base by 25% of the stated principal amount of each such issuance. A borrowing base reduction in connection with such issuance may require a portion of the outstanding principal of the loan to be repaid. As of March 31, 2016,2017, the Company had $450.0 million$1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes outstanding.

As of March 31, 20162017 and December 31, 2015,2016, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under its revolving credit facility, as then in effect. The lenders may accelerate all of the indebtedness under the

15


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


Company’s revolving credit facility upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any event of default. The credit agreement contains customary events of default, including non-payment, breach of covenants, materially incorrect

12


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


representations, cross-default, bankruptcy and change of control. There are no cure periods for events of default due to non-payment of principal and breaches of negative and financial covenants, but non-payment of interest and breaches of certain affirmative covenants are subject to customary cure periods.

The Partnership’s Credit Agreement

On July 8, 2014, theThe Partnership entered into a $500.0 million secured revolving credit agreement, dated as of July 8, 2014, as amended, with Wells Fargo, as the administrative agent, sole book runner and lead arranger. The credit agreement, which was amended August 15, 2014 to add additionalarranger, and certain other lenders to the lending group, provides for a revolving credit facility in the maximum amount of $500.0 million, subject to scheduled semi-annual and other elective collateral borrowing base redeterminations based on the Partnership’s oil and natural gas reserves and other factors.party thereto. The borrowing base is scheduled to be re-determined semi-annually with effective dates of April 1st and October 1st. In addition, the Partnership may request up to three additional redeterminations of the borrowing base during any 12-month period. The credit agreement was further amended on May 22, 2015 to, among other things, increase the borrowing base from $110.0 million to $175.0 million and to provide for certain restrictions on purchasing margin stock. On November 13, 2015,As of March 31, 2017, the borrowing base was increased from $175.0set at $275.0 million to $200.0 million. As of March 31, 2016,and the borrowing base remained at $200.0 million. The Partnership had $43.0 millionno outstanding borrowings under itsthe credit agreement as of March 31, 2016.agreement.

The outstanding borrowings under the credit agreement bear interest at a rate elected by the Partnership that is equal to an alternative base rate (which is equal to the greatest of the prime rate, the Federal Funds effective rate plus 0.5% and 3-month LIBOR plus 1.0%) or LIBOR, in each case plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin ranges from 0.5%1.0% to 1.50%2.00% in the case of the alternative base rate and from 1.50%2.00% to 2.50%3.00% in the case of LIBOR, in each case depending on the amount of the loan outstanding in relation to the borrowing base. The Partnership is obligated to pay a quarterly commitment fee ranging from 0.375% to 0.500% per year on the unused portion of the borrowing base, which fee is also dependent on the amount of the loan outstanding in relation to the borrowing base. Loan principal may be optionally repaid from time to time without premium or penalty (other than customary LIBOR breakage), and is required to be repaid (a) to the extent that the loan amount exceeds the borrowing base, whether due to a borrowing base redetermination or otherwise (in some cases subject to a cure period) and (b) at the maturity date of July 8, 2019. The loan is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Partnership and its subsidiaries.

The credit agreement contains various affirmative, negative and financial maintenance covenants. These covenants, among other things, limit additional indebtedness, purchases of margin stock, additional liens, sales of assets, mergers and consolidations, dividends and distributions, transactions with affiliates and entering into certain swap agreements and require the maintenance of the financial ratios described below.
Financial Covenant Required Ratio
Ratio of total debt to EBITDAXNot greater than 4.0 to 1.0
Ratio of current assets to liabilities, as defined in the credit agreementNot less than 1.0 to 1.0

The covenant prohibiting additional indebtedness allows for the issuance of unsecured debt of up to $250.0 million in the form of senior unsecured notes and, in connection with any such issuance, the reduction of the borrowing base by 25% of the stated principal amount of each such issuance. A borrowing base reduction in connection with such issuance may require a portion of the outstanding principal of the loan to be repaid.

The lenders may accelerate all of the indebtedness under the Partnership’s credit agreement upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any event of default. The Partnership’s credit agreement contains customary events of default, including non-payment, breach of covenants, materially incorrect representations, cross-default, bankruptcy and change of control. There are no cure periods for events of default due to non-payment of principal and breaches of negative and financial covenants, but non-payment of interest and breaches of certain affirmative covenants are subject to customary cure periods.

8.9.    CAPITAL STOCK AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, Diamondback completed the following equity offerings:


13


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


In January 2015, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of 2,012,500 shares of common stock, which included 262,500 shares of common stock issued pursuant to an option to purchase additional shares granted to the underwriter. The stock was sold to the underwriter at $59.34 per share and the Company received proceeds of approximately $119.4 million from the sale of these shares of common stock, net of offering expenses and underwriting discounts and commissions.

In January 2016, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of 4,600,000 shares of common stock, which included 600,000 shares of common stock issued pursuant to an option to purchase additional shares granted to the underwriter. The stock was sold to the underwriter at $55.33 per share and the Company received proceeds of approximately $254.5 million from the sale of these shares of common stock, net of offering expenses and underwriting discounts and commissions.

Diamondback completed no other equity offerings during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

16


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)



Partnership Equity Offering

In January 2017, the Partnership completed an underwritten public offering of 9,775,000 common units, which included 1,275,000 common units issued pursuant to an option to purchase additional common units granted to the underwriters. The Partnership received net proceeds from this offering of approximately $147.6 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, of which Partnership used $120.5 million to repay the outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit agreement and intends to use the remaining net proceeds for general partnership purposes, which may include additional acquisitions.
Earnings Per Share

The Company’s basic earnings per share amounts have been computed based on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share include the effect of potentially dilutive shares outstanding for the period. Additionally, for the diluted earnings per share computation, the per share earnings of the Partnership are included in the consolidated earnings per share computation based on the consolidated group’s holdings of the subsidiary.

A reconciliation of the components of basic and diluted earnings per common share is presented in the table below:

 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20162015
   Per  Per
 IncomeSharesShareIncomeSharesShare
       
 (in thousands, except per share amounts)
Basic:      
Net income (loss) attributable to common stock$(32,912)71,026
$(0.46)$5,849
58,386
$0.10
Effect of Dilutive Securities:      
Dilutive effect of potential common shares issuable$

 
240
 
Diluted:      
Net income (loss) attributable to common stock$(32,912)71,026
$(0.46)$5,849
58,626
$0.10
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20172016
Net income (loss) attributable to common stock$136,273
$(32,912)
Weighted average common shares outstanding  
Basic weighted average common units outstanding93,161
71,026
Effect of dilutive securities:  
Potential common shares issuable203

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding93,364
71,026
Basic net income (loss) attributable to common stock$1.46
$(0.46)
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to common stock$1.46
$(0.46)

For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, there were 14 shares and 194,737 shares, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented butpresented. These shares could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in future periods.

9.10.    EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION

The following table presents the effects of the equity compensation plans and related costs:
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2016201520172016
General and administrative expenses$8,350
$4,924
$7,063
$8,350
Equity-based compensation capitalized pursuant to full cost method of accounting for oil and natural gas properties2,764
2,139
2,343
2,764
Related income tax benefit
770


1417


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


Stock Options

The following table presents the Company’s stock option activity under the Company’s 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (“2012 Plan”) for the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017.
  Weighted Average 
  ExerciseRemainingIntrinsic
 OptionsPriceTermValue
   (in years)(in thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 201539,500
$21.66
  
Exercised(17,250)$21.57
  
Outstanding at March 31, 201622,250
$21.74
1.62$1,234
Vested and Expected to vest at March 31, 201622,250
$21.74
1.62$1,234
Exercisable at March 31, 20166,500
$19.35
1.05$376
  Weighted Average 
  ExerciseRemainingIntrinsic
 OptionsPriceTermValue
   (in years)(in thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 201615,750
$22.72
  
Exercised(15,750)$22.72
  
Outstanding at March 31, 2017
$
0.00$

The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options that were exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was $1.2 million and 2015 was $0.9 million, and $2.1 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2016, the unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options was less than $0.1 million. Such cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.8 years.

Restricted Stock Units

The following table presents the Company’s restricted stock units activity under the 2012 Plan during the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017.
Restricted Stock
Awards & Units
Weighted Average Grant-Date
Fair Value
Restricted Stock
Awards & Units
Weighted Average Grant-Date
Fair Value
Unvested at December 31, 2015159,759
$64.66
Unvested at December 31, 2016206,004
$70.33
Granted185,320
$63.44
82,220
$108.56
Vested(126,825)$59.95
(109,528)$75.44
Forfeited(1,561)$71.25
(69)$91.59
Unvested at March 31, 2016216,693
$66.33
Unvested at March 31, 2017178,627
$84.78

The aggregate fair value of restricted stock units that vested during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 and 2015 was $8.2$11.3 million and $4.1$8.2 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2016,2017, the Company’s unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards and units was $11.6$12.4 million. Such cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.

Performance Based Restricted Stock Units

To provide long-term incentives for the executive officers to deliver competitive returns to the Company’s stockholders, the Company has granted performance-based restricted stock units to eligible employees. The ultimate number of shares awarded from these conditional restricted stock units is based upon measurement of total stockholder return of the Company’s common stock (“TSR”) as compared to a designated peer group during a two-year or three-year performance period.

In February 2016,2017, eligible employees received performance restricted stock unit awards totaling 174,32537,440 units from which a minimum of 0% and a maximum of 200% units could be awarded. The awards have a performance period of January 1, 20162017 to December 31, 20172018 and cliff vest at December 31, 2017.2018. Eligible employees received additional performance restricted stock unit awards totaling 87,16374,880 units from which a minimum of 0% and a maximum of 200% units could be awarded. The awards have a performance period of January 1, 20162017 to December 31, 20182019 and cliff vest at December 31, 2018.


15


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)

2019.

The fair value of each performance restricted stock unit is estimated at the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation, which results in an expected percentage of units to be earned during the performance period.


18


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


The following table presents a summary of the grant-date fair values of performance restricted stock units granted and the related assumptions for the February 20162017 awards.
20162017
Two-Year Performance PeriodThree-Year Performance PeriodTwo-Year Performance PeriodThree-Year Performance Period
Grant-date fair value$103.41
$102.35
$162.13
$168.73
Risk-free rate0.86%1.10%1.27%1.59%
Company volatility41.91%42.16%39.32%41.14%

The following table presents the Company’s performance restricted stock units activity under the 2012 Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2016.2017.
Performance Restricted Stock UnitsWeighted Average Grant-Date Fair ValuePerformance Restricted Stock UnitsWeighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Unvested at December 31, 201590,249
$137.14
252,471
$103.06
Granted261,488
$103.06
118,169
$166.53
Unvested at March 31, 2016 (1)
351,737
$111.80
Unvested at March 31, 2017(1)
370,640
$123.29
(1)A maximum of 703,474741,280 units could be awarded based upon the Company’s final TSR ranking.

As of March 31, 2016,2017, the Company’s unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested performance based restricted stock awards and units was $29.4$30.6 million. Such cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.

Phantom Units

Under the Viper LTIP, the Board of Directors of the General Partner is authorized to issue phantom units to eligible employees. The Partnership estimates the fair value of phantom units as the closing price of the Partnership’s common units on the grant date of the award, which is expensed over the applicable vesting period. Upon vesting the phantom units entitle the recipient one common unit of the Partnership for each phantom unit.

The following table presents the phantom unit activity under the Viper LTIP for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
 Phantom Units Weighted Average Grant-Date
Fair Value
Unvested at December 31, 201621,048
 $16.23
Granted3,126
 $17.49
Unvested at March 31, 201724,174
 $16.39

As of March 31, 2017, the unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested phantom units was $0.2 million. Such cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years.

10.11.    RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Immediately upon the completion of the Company’s initial public offering on October 17, 2012, Wexford beneficially owned approximately 44% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. As of MarchDecember 31, 2016, Wexford beneficially owned less than 1% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. A partner at Wexford serves asThe Chairman of the Board of Directors of each ofboth the Company and the General Partner.Partner was a partner at Wexford until his retirement from Wexford effective December 31, 2016. Another partner at Wexford serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the General Partner. Beginning January 1, 2017, Wexford and entities affiliated with Wexford are no longer considered related parties of the Company and any expenses after December 31, 2016 are no longer classified as related party expenses.


1619


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


The following table summarizes amounts included in the consolidated statements of operations attributable to related party transactions forRelated Party Revenue and Expenses

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company paid $0.3 million in lease operating expenses and 2015:

 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20162015
 (in thousands)
Revenues:  
Natural gas sales$
$2,640
Natural gas liquid sales$
$2,544
Total related party revenues$
$5,184
Costs and expenses:  
Lease operating expenses$266
$
Production and ad valorem taxes$
$153
Gathering and transportation$
$969
General and administrative expenses$442
$485
Total related party costs and expenses$708
$1,607
Other Income:  
Other income$42
$23
Total other related party income$42
$23

The following table summarizes amounts paid$0.4 million in general and administrative expenses to related parties duringparties. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, and 2015:
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20162015
 (in thousands)
Wexford:  
Advisory services$125
$137
Advisory services - The Partnership$
$125
Total amounts paid to Wexford$125
$262
Wexford related entities:  
Bison Drilling and Field Services LLC$
$8
Fasken$349
$184
WT Commercial Portfolio, LLC$42
$39
Total amounts paid to Wexford related entities$391
$231
The Partnership  
Lease Bonus$108
$
Total amounts paid to related parties$624
$493



17


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


The following table summarizes amountsthe Company received less than $0.1 million in other income from related parties during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:parties.

 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20162015
 (in thousands)
Wexford related entities:  
Bison Drilling and Field Services LLC$42
$23
Coronado Midstream LLC(1)
$
$4,062
Total amounts received from Wexford related entities$42
$4,085
(1)As of March 2015, Coronado Midstream LLC is no longer a related party.

Advisory Services Agreement - The Company

The Company entered into an advisory services agreement (the “Advisory Services Agreement”) with Wexford, dated as of October 11, 2012, under which Wexford provides the Company with general financial and strategic advisory services related to the business in return for an annual fee of $0.5 million, plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. The Advisory Services Agreement had an initial term of two years commencing on October 18, 2012, and continues for additional one-year periods unless terminated in writing by either party at least ten days prior to the expiration of the then current term. The Company incurred total costs of $0.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 under the Advisory Services Agreement.

Advisory Services Agreement-Agreement - The Partnership

In connection with the closing of the Viper Offering, the Partnership and the General Partner entered into an advisory services agreement (the “Viper Advisory Services Agreement”) with Wexford, dated as of June 23, 2014, under which Wexford provides the Partnership and the General Partner with general financial and strategic advisory services related to the business in return for an annual fee of $0.5 million, plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. The Viper Advisory Services Agreement has an initial term of two years commencing on June 23, 2014, and will continue for additional one-year periods unless terminated in writing by either party at least ten days prior to the expiration of the then current term.

Drilling Services

Bison Drilling and Field Services LLC (“Bison”) has performed drilling and field services for the Company under master drilling and field service agreements. Under the Company’s most recent master drilling agreement with Bison, effective as of January 1, 2013, Bison committed to accept orders from the Company for the use of at least two of its rigs. During The Partnership did not incur any costs during the three months ended March 31, 2017 or March 31, 2016 under the Company did not utilize any Bison rigs.

Coronado Midstream

The Company is party to a gas purchase agreement, dated May 1, 2009, as amended, with Coronado Midstream LLC, formerly known as MidMar Gas LLC, an entity that owns a gas gathering system and processing plant in the Permian Basin. Under this agreement, Coronado Midstream LLC is obligated to purchase from the Company, and the Company is obligated to sell to Coronado Midstream LLC, all of the gas conforming to certain quality specifications produced from certain of the Company’s Permian Basin acreage. An entity controlled by Wexford had owned an approximately 28% equity interest in Coronado Midstream LLC until Coronado Midstream LLC was sold in March 2015. Coronado Midstream LLC is no longer a related party and any revenues, production and ad valorem taxes and gathering and transportation expense after March 2015 are not classified as those attributable to a related party.


18


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)

Viper Advisory Services Agreement.

Midland Corporate Lease

Effective May 15, 2011, the Company occupied corporate office space in Midland, Texas under a lease with an initial five-year term, which was extended for an additional ten-years in November 2014. The office space is owned by Fasken, which is controlled by an affiliate of Wexford.

The Company paid rent of $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

Field Office Lease

The Company leased field office space in Midland, Texas from an unrelated third party commencing on March 1, 2011. On March 1, 2014, the building was purchased by WT Commercial Portfolio, LLC, which is controlled by an affiliate of Wexford. The term of the lease expires on February 28, 2018. During the third quarter of 2014, the Company entered into a sublease with Bison, in which Bison leased the field office space on the same terms as the Company’s lease for the remainder of the lease term. The Company paid rent of less than $0.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016. The Company received payments of less than $0.1 million from Bison in respect of this sublease during the three months ended March 31, 2016.

The Partnership - Lease Bonus
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company paid the Partnership $1,500 in lease bonus payments to extend the term of one lease, reflecting an average bonus of $400 per acre. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company paid the Partnership $0.1 million in lease bonus payments under one lease to extend the term of theone lease, reflecting an average bonus of $2,500 per acre.
11.12.    INCOME TAXES

The Company incurred aCompany’s effective income tax net operating loss ("NOL")rates were 1.4% and 0.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Total income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 differed from amounts computed by applying the United States federal statutory tax rate to pre-tax income primarily due principally to current and deferred state income taxes and the change in valuation allowance that offsets the Company’s federal net deferred tax asset position. The Company incurs state income tax obligations in Texas, the primary state in which it operates, pursuant

20


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


to the ability to expense certain intangible drilling and development costs under current regulations. There is no tax refund available toTexas margin tax. Any positive net taxable income generated by the Company nor is there any currentfor federal income tax payable. In light ofpurposes for the impairment of oil and gas properties, managementthree months ended March 31, 2017 is expected to be offset by federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards, for which a full valuation allowance has recorded a $10.1been provided. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company reduced its valuation allowance against its federal NOL by $27.4 million, valuation against the Company's federal NOLs, bringing the total valuation allowance to $71.2$87.0 million. The valuation allowance reduces the Company’s deferred assets to a zero value, as management does not believe that it is more-likely-than-not that this portion of the Company's NOLs are realizable. Management believes that the balance of the Company's NOLs are realizable only to the extent of future taxable income primarily related to the excess of book carrying value of properties over their respective tax bases. No other sources of future taxable income are considered in this judgment.

12.13. DERIVATIVES

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

The Company has used fixed price swap contracts, fixed price basis swap contracts and costless collars with corresponding put and call options to reduce price volatility associated with certain of its oil and natural gas sales. With respect to the Company’s fixed price swap contracts and fixed price basis swap contracts, the counterparty is required to make a payment to the Company if the settlement price for any settlement period is less than the swap or basis price, and the Company is required to make a payment to the counterparty if the settlement price for any settlement period is greater than the swap or basis price. The Company has fixed price basis swaps for the spread between the WTI Midland price and the WTI Cushing price. Under the Company’s costless collar contracts, the counterparty is required to make a payment to the Company if the settlement price for any settlement period is less than the put option price, and the Company is required to make a payment to the counterparty if the settlement price for any settlement period is greater than the call option price. If the settlement price is between the put and the call price, there is no payment required. The Company’s derivative contracts are based upon reported settlement prices on commodity exchanges, with crude oil derivative settlements based on New York Mercantile Exchange West Texas Intermediate pricing and with natural gas derivative settlements based on the New York Mercantile Exchange Henry Hub pricing.

By using derivative instruments to hedge exposure to changes in commodity prices, the Company exposes itself to credit risk and market risk. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes the Company, which creates credit risk. The Company’s counterparties are participants in the secured second amended and restated credit agreement, which is secured by substantially all of the assets of the guarantor subsidiaries; therefore, the Company is not required to post any collateral. The Company does not require collateral from its counterparties. The Company has entered into derivative instruments only with counterparties that are also lenders in our credit facility and have been deemed an acceptable credit risk.

As of March 31, 2017, the Company had the following outstanding derivative contracts. When aggregating multiple contracts, the weighted average contract price is disclosed.
 2017 2018
 Volume (Bbls/MMBtu) Fixed Price Swap (per Bbl/MMBtu) Volume (Bbls/MMBtu) Fixed Price Swap (per Bbl/MMBtu)
Oil Swaps3,302,000 $53.13
 904,000 $54.96
Oil Basis Swaps6,600,000 $(0.72) 5,475,000 $(0.88)
Natural Gas Swaps5,500,000 $3.16
 1,350,000 $3.60


1921


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


As of March 31, 2016, the Company had open crude oil derivative positions with respect to future production as set forth in the table below. When aggregating multiple contracts, the weighted average contract price is disclosed.
Crude Oil—NYMEX West Texas Intermediate Fixed Price Swap
Production Period Volume (Bbls) Fixed Price Swap (per Bbl)
April 2016 - December 2016 550,000
 $42.68
January 2017 - December 2017 730,000
 $45.45
 Floor Ceiling
 Volume
(Bbls)
 Fixed Price (per Bbl) Volume
(Bbls)
 Fixed Price (per Bbl)
January 2017 - December 2017       
Costless Collars4,402,000 $46.69
 2,201,000 $56.03
January 2018 - March 2018       
Costless Collars540,000 $47.00
 270,000 $56.34

Balance sheet offsetting of derivative assets and liabilities

The fair value of swaps is generally determined using established index prices and other sources which are based upon, among other things, futures prices and time to maturity. These fair values are recorded by netting asset and liability positions that are with the same counterparty and are subject to contractual terms which provide for net settlement.

The following tables present the gross amounts of recognized derivative assets and liabilities, the amounts offset under master netting arrangements with counterparties and the resulting net amounts presented in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 20162017 and December 31, 2015.2016.
 March 31, 2016December 31, 2015
 (in thousands)
Gross amounts of recognized assets$932
$4,623
Gross amounts offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet

Net amounts of assets presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet$932
$4,623
 March 31, 2017December 31, 2016
 (in thousands)
Gross amounts of assets presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet$17,476
$709
Net amounts of assets presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet17,476
709
   
Gross amounts of liabilities presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
22,608
Net amounts of liabilities presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet$
$22,608

The net amounts are classified as current or noncurrent based on their anticipated settlement dates. The net fair value of the Company’s derivative assets and liabilities and their locations on the consolidated balance sheet are as follows:
 March 31, 2016December 31, 2015
 (in thousands)
Current Assets: Derivative instruments$821
$4,623
Noncurrent Assets: Derivative instruments111

Total Assets$932
$4,623
 March 31, 2017December 31, 2016
 (in thousands)
Current assets: derivative instruments$14,374
$
Noncurrent assets: derivative instruments3,102
709
Total assets$17,476
$709
Current liabilities: derivative instruments$
$22,608
Total liabilities$
$22,608

None of the Company’s derivatives have been designated as hedges. As such, all changes in fair value are immediately recognized in earnings. The following table summarizes the gains and losses on derivative instruments included in the combined consolidated statements of operations:
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2016201520172016
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Change in fair value of open non-hedge derivative instruments$(3,691)$(25,206)$39,375
$(3,691)
Gain on settlement of non-hedge derivative instruments5,117
43,560
Gain (loss) on settlement of non-hedge derivative instruments(1,674)5,117
Gain on derivative instruments$1,426
$18,354
$37,701
$1,426


22

13.

Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


14.    FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

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


20


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


The fair value hierarchy is based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurements requires judgment and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their placement within the fair value hierarchy. The Company uses appropriate valuation techniques based on available inputs to measure the fair values of its assets and liabilities.
 
Level 1 - Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets as of the reporting date.

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

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

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

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

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

The following table provides fair value measurement information for financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 20162017 and December 31, 2015.2016.
March 31, 2016December 31, 2015March 31, 2017December 31, 2016
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Fixed price swaps:  
Quoted prices in active markets level 1$
$
$
$
Significant other observable inputs level 2932
4,623
17,476
23,317
Significant unobservable inputs level 3



Total$932
$4,623
$17,476
$23,317


23


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

The following table provides the fair value of financial instruments that are not recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets.
March 31, 2016December 31, 2015March 31, 2017December 31, 2016
Carrying Carrying Carrying Carrying 
AmountFair ValueAmountFair ValueAmountFair ValueAmountFair Value
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Debt:  
Revolving credit facility$
$
$11,000
$11,000
$
$
$
$
7.625% Senior Notes due 2021450,000
465,750
450,000
450,000
4.750% Senior Notes due 2024500,000
504,200
500,000
491,250
5.375% Senior Notes due 2025500,000
516,250
500,000
502,850
Partnership revolving credit facility43,000
43,000
34,500
34,500


120,500
120,500

The fair value of the revolving credit facility approximates its carrying value based on borrowing rates available to the Company for bank loans with similar terms and maturities and is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the Senior Notes was determined using the March 31, 20162017 quoted market price, a Level 1 classification in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the Partnership’s revolving credit facility approximates its carrying value

21


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


based on borrowing rates available to us for bank loans with similar terms and maturities and is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

14.15.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company could be subject to various possible loss contingencies which arise primarily from interpretation of federal and state laws and regulations affecting the natural gas and crude oil industry. Such contingencies include differing interpretations as to the prices at which natural gas and crude oil sales may be made, the prices at which royalty owners may be paid for production from their leases, environmental issues and other matters. Management believes it has complied with the various laws and regulations, administrative rulings and interpretations.

15.16.    SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Commodity Contracts

Subsequent to March 31, 2016,2017, the Company entered into new commodity contracts.fixed price swaps. The Company’s derivative contracts are fixed pricebased upon reported settlement prices on commodity exchanges, with crude oil swaps that will settle against the weighted average price per barrel of NYMEXderivative settlements based on New York Mercantile Exchange West Texas Intermediate duringpricing and with natural gas derivative settlements based on the calculation period.New York Mercantile Exchange Henry Hub pricing.

The following table presentstables present the terms ofderivative contracts entered into by the contracts:Company subsequent to March 31, 2017. When aggregating multiple contracts, the weighted average contract price is disclosed.
 Volumes (Bbls) Fixed Swap Price (per Bbl) Production Periods
Crude Oil–NYMEX West Texas Intermediate Fixed Price Swap184,000
 $45.22
 July 1, 2016-December 31, 2016
Crude Oil–NYMEX West Texas Intermediate Fixed Price Swap365,000
 $46.68
 January 1, 2017-December 31, 2017
 Volume (Bbls/MMBtu) Fixed Price Swap (per Bbl/MMBtu)
May 2017 - December 2017   
Oil Swaps184,000 $53.99
Natural Gas Swaps2,450,000 $3.42
January 2018 - December 2018   
Oil Swaps1,825,000 $53.44
Natural Gas Swaps3,650,000 $3.07


24


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


The Company’s Credit Facility

In connection with the Company’s spring 20162017 redetermination, the agent lender under the credit agreement has recommended that the Company’s borrowing base be reducedincreased to $700.0 million due to a decline in pricing.$1.5 billion. This reductionincrease is subject to the approval of the required other lenders. Regardless of such adjustment, the Company has elected to continue to limitincrease the lenders’ aggregate commitment to $750.0 million from $500.0 million.million at March 31, 2017.

The Partnership’s Credit Facility

In connection with the Partnership’s spring 20162017 redetermination, the agent lender under the credit agreement has recommended that the Partnership’s borrowing base be reducedincreased to $175.0 million due to a decline in pricing.$315.0 million. This reductionincrease is subject to the approval of the required other lenders.

16.17.    GUARANTOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As of March 31, 2017, Diamondback E&P LLC and Diamondback O&G LLC and White Fang Energy LLC (the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”) are guarantors under the IndentureIndentures relating to the 2024 Senior Notes and the 2025 Senior Notes. On June 23, 2014, inIn connection with the Viper Offering,issuance of the Company designated2024 Senior Notes and the 2025 Senior Notes, the Partnership, the General Partner, and Viper Energy Partners LLC (the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”)and Rattler Midstream LLC were designated as unrestricted subsidiaries under the Indenture and, upon such designation, Viper Energy Partners LLC, which was a guarantor under the Indenture prior to such designation, was released as a guarantor under the Indenture. Viper Energy Partners LLC is a limited liability company formed on September 18, 2013 to own and acquire mineral and other oil and natural gas interests in properties in the Permian Basin in West Texas.Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries. The following presents condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (which for purposes of this Note 1617 is referred to as the “Parent”), the Guarantor Subsidiaries and the Non–Guarantor Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. Elimination entries presented are necessary to combine the entities. The information is presented in accordance with the requirements of Rule 3-10 under the SEC’s Regulation S-X. The financial information may not necessarily be indicative of results of operations, cash flows or financial position had the Guarantor Subsidiaries operated as independent entities. The Company has not presented separate financial and narrative information for each of the

22


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


Guarantor Subsidiaries because it believes such financial and narrative information would not provide any additional information that would be material in evaluating the sufficiency of the Guarantor Subsidiaries.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
March 31, 2016
(In thousands)
     Non–    
   Guarantor Guarantor    
 Parent Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Assets         
Current assets:         
Cash and cash equivalents$218,235
 $12,912
 $4,663
 $
 $235,810
Restricted cash
 
 500
 
 500
Accounts receivable
 41,046
 6,454
 
 47,500
Accounts receivable - related party
 1,564
 
 
 1,564
Intercompany receivable2,301,767
 206,900
 
 (2,508,667) 
Inventories
 1,591
 
 
 1,591
Other current assets397
 3,497
 205
 
 4,099
Total current assets2,520,399
 267,510
 11,822
 (2,508,667) 291,064
Property and equipment:         
Oil and natural gas properties, at cost, based on the full cost method of accounting
 3,479,460
 557,088
 (108) 4,036,440
Pipeline and gas gathering assets
 7,174
 
 
 7,174
Other property and equipment
 49,763
 
 
 49,763
Accumulated depletion, depreciation, amortization and impairment
 (1,386,731) (105,820) 6,620
 (1,485,931)
Net property and equipment
 2,149,666
 451,268
 6,512
 2,607,446
Investment in subsidiaries47,555
 
 
 (47,555) 
Other assets102
 8,923
 35,424
 
 44,449
Total assets$2,568,056
 $2,426,099
 $498,514
 $(2,549,710) $2,942,959
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity         
Current liabilities:         
Accounts payable-trade$19
 $7,112
 $
 $
 $7,131
Accounts payable-related party2
 204
 
 
 206
Intercompany payable
 2,508,672
 
 (2,508,672) 
Other current liabilities17,482
 80,971
 910
 
 99,363
Total current liabilities17,503
 2,596,959
 910
 (2,508,672) 106,700
Long-term debt442,641
 
 43,000
 
 485,641
Asset retirement obligations
 13,562
 
 
 13,562
Total liabilities460,144
 2,610,521
 43,910
 (2,508,672) 605,903
Commitments and contingencies
 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity2,107,912
 (184,422) 454,604
 (270,182) 2,107,912
Noncontrolling interest
 
 
 229,144
 229,144
Total equity2,107,912
 (184,422) 454,604
 (41,038) 2,337,056
Total liabilities and equity$2,568,056
 $2,426,099
 $498,514
 $(2,549,710) $2,942,959

23


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
December 31, 2015
(In thousands)
     Non–    
   Guarantor Guarantor    
 Parent Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Assets         
Current assets:         
Cash and cash equivalents$148
 $19,428
 $539
 $
 $20,115
Restricted cash
 
 500
 
 500
Accounts receivable
 67,942
 9,369
 2
 77,313
Accounts receivable - related party
 1,591
 
 
 1,591
Intercompany receivable2,246,846
 205,915
 
 (2,452,761) 
Inventories
 1,728
 
 
 1,728
Other current assets450
 6,572
 476
 
 7,498
Total current assets2,247,444
 303,176
 10,884
 (2,452,759) 108,745
Property and equipment:         
Oil and natural gas properties, at cost, based on the full cost method of accounting
 3,400,381
 554,992
 
 3,955,373
Pipeline and gas gathering assets
 7,174
 
 
 7,174
Other property and equipment
 48,621
 
 
 48,621
Accumulated depletion, depreciation, amortization and impairment
 (1,347,296) (71,659) 5,412
 (1,413,543)
Net property and equipment
 2,108,880
 483,333
 5,412
 2,597,625
Investment in subsidiaries79,417
 
 
 (79,417) 
Other assets102
 8,733
 35,514
 
 44,349
Total assets$2,326,963
 $2,420,789
 $529,731
 $(2,526,764) $2,750,719
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity         
Current liabilities:         
Accounts payable-trade$
 $20,007
 $1
 $
 $20,008
Accounts payable-related party1
 212
 4
 
 217
Intercompany payable
 2,452,759
 
 (2,452,759) 
Other current liabilities8,683
 112,431
 82
 
 121,196
Total current liabilities8,684
 2,585,409
 87
 (2,452,759) 141,421
Long-term debt442,307
 11,000
 34,500
 
 487,807
Asset retirement obligations
 12,518
 
 
 12,518
Total liabilities450,991
 2,608,927
 34,587
 (2,452,759) 641,746
Commitments and contingencies
 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity1,875,972
 (188,138) 495,144
 (307,006) 1,875,972
Noncontrolling interest
 
 
 233,001
 233,001
Total equity1,875,972
 (188,138) 495,144
 (74,005) 2,108,973
Total liabilities and equity$2,326,963
 $2,420,789
 $529,731
 $(2,526,764) $2,750,719



2425


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
(In thousands)
     Non–    
   Guarantor Guarantor    
 Parent Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Revenues:         
Oil sales$
 $66,095
 $
 $12,925
 $79,020
Natural gas sales
 3,409
 
 613
 4,022
Natural gas liquid sales
 3,891
 
 548
 4,439
Royalty income
 
 14,086
 (14,086) 
Lease bonus income
 
 108
 (108) 
Total revenues
 73,395
 14,194
 (108) 87,481
Costs and expenses:         
Lease operating expenses
 18,223
 
 
 18,223
Production and ad valorem taxes
 6,660
 1,302
 
 7,962
Gathering and transportation
 2,701
 86
 2
 2,789
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 35,128
 8,150
 (1,209) 42,069
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties
 4,805
 26,011
 
 30,816
General and administrative expenses8,307
 2,923
 1,749
 
 12,979
Asset retirement obligation accretion expense
 246
 
 
 246
Total costs and expenses8,307
 70,686
 37,298
 (1,207) 115,084
Income (loss) from operations(8,307) 2,709
 (23,104) 1,099
 (27,603)
Other income (expense)         
Interest expense(8,858) (725) (430) 
 (10,013)
Other income57
 307
 199
 
 563
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net
 1,426
 
 
 1,426
Total other income (expense), net(8,801) 1,008
 (231) 
 (8,024)
Income (loss) before income taxes(17,108) 3,717
 (23,335) 1,099
 (35,627)
Benefit from income taxes
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)(17,108) 3,717
 (23,335) 1,099
 (35,627)
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
 
 (2,715) (2,715)
Net income (loss) attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc.$(17,108) $3,717
 $(23,335) $3,814
 $(32,912)

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
March 31, 2017
(In thousands)
     Non–    
   Guarantor Guarantor    
 Parent Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Assets         
Current assets:         
Cash and cash equivalents$911
 $7,966
 $28,563
 $
 $37,440
Accounts receivable
 130,161
 9,217
 
 139,378
Accounts receivable - related party
 98
 6,951
 (6,951) 98
Intercompany receivable3,140,469
 593,099
 
 (3,733,568) 
Inventories
 3,027
 
 
 3,027
Other current assets413
 18,210
 208
 
 18,831
Total current assets3,141,793
 752,561
 44,939
 (3,740,519) 198,774
Property and equipment:         
Oil and natural gas properties, at cost, full cost method of accounting
 7,102,157
 769,393
 (559) 7,870,991
Midstream assets
 56,833
 
 
 56,833
Other property and equipment
 70,170
 
 
 70,170
Accumulated depletion, depreciation, amortization and impairment
 (1,746,886) (156,795) 8,784
 (1,894,897)
Net property and equipment
 5,482,274
 612,598
 8,225
 6,103,097
Funds held in escrow
 2,051
 
 
 2,051
Derivative instruments
 3,102
 
 
 3,102
Investment in subsidiaries2,564,063
 
 
 (2,564,063) 
Deferred income taxes123
 
 
 
 123
Other assets
 27,500
 35,053
 
 62,553
Total assets$5,705,979
 $6,267,488
 $692,590
 $(6,296,357) $6,369,700
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity         
Current liabilities:         
Accounts payable-trade$
 $19,658
 $31
 $
 $19,689
Intercompany payable48,003
 3,692,516
 
 (3,740,519) 
Other current liabilities18,775
 204,764
 841
 
 224,380
Total current liabilities66,778
 3,916,938
 872
 (3,740,519) 244,069
Long-term debt985,786
 
 
 
 985,786
Asset retirement obligations
 18,939
 
 
 18,939
Deferred income taxes1,548
 
 
 
 1,548
Total liabilities1,054,112
 3,935,877
 872
 (3,740,519) 1,250,342
Commitments and contingencies         
Stockholders’ equity4,651,867
 2,331,611
 691,718
 (3,023,329) 4,651,867
Non-controlling interest
 
 
 467,491
 467,491
Total equity4,651,867
 2,331,611
 691,718
 (2,555,838) 5,119,358
Total liabilities and equity$5,705,979
 $6,267,488
 $692,590
 $(6,296,357) $6,369,700

2526


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
(In thousands)
     Non–    
   Guarantor Guarantor    
 Parent Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Revenues:         
Oil sales$
 $77,384
 $
 $15,532
 $92,916
Natural gas sales
 3,779
 
 569
 4,348
Natural gas liquid sales
 3,693
 
 444
 4,137
Royalty income
 
 16,545
 (16,545) 
Total revenues
 84,856
 16,545
 
 101,401
Costs and expenses:         
Lease operating expenses
 22,456
 
 
 22,456
Production and ad valorem taxes
 7,067
 1,328
 
 8,395
Gathering and transportation
 1,030
 
 
 1,030
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 50,307
 8,901
 469
 59,677
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties
 
 
 
 
General and administrative expenses4,518
 2,166
 1,552
 
 8,236
Asset retirement obligation accretion expense
 170
 
 
 170
Total costs and expenses4,518
 83,196
 11,781
 469
 99,964
Income (loss) from operations(4,518) 1,660
 4,764
 (469) 1,437
Other income (expense)         
Interest expense(8,910) (1,419) (168) 
 (10,497)
Other income
 29
 486
 
 515
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net
 18,354
 
 
 18,354
Total other income (expense), net(8,910) 16,964
 318
 
 8,372
Income (loss) before income taxes(13,428) 18,624
 5,082
 (469) 9,809
Provision for income taxes3,370
 
 
 
 3,370
Net income (loss)(16,798) 18,624
 5,082
 (469) 6,439
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
 
 590
 590
Net income (loss) attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc.$(16,798) $18,624
 $5,082
 $(1,059) $5,849
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
December 31, 2016
(In thousands)
     Non–    
   Guarantor Guarantor    
 Parent Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Assets         
Current assets:         
Cash and cash equivalents$1,643,226
 $14,135
 $9,213
 $
 $1,666,574
Restricted cash
 
 500
 
 500
Accounts receivable
 109,782
 10,043
 
 119,825
Accounts receivable - related party
 297
 3,470
 (3,470) 297
Intercompany receivable3,060,566
 359,502
 
 (3,420,068) 
Inventories
 1,983
 
 
 1,983
Other current assets481
 2,319
 187
 
 2,987
Total current assets4,704,273
 488,018
 23,413
 (3,423,538) 1,792,166
Property and equipment:         
Oil and natural gas properties, at cost, full cost method of accounting
 4,400,002
 760,818
 (559) 5,160,261
Midstream assets
 8,362
 
 
 8,362
Other property and equipment
 58,290
 
 
 58,290
Accumulated depletion, depreciation, amortization and impairment
 (1,695,701) (148,948) 8,593
 (1,836,056)
Net property and equipment
 2,770,953
 611,870
 8,034
 3,390,857
Funds held in escrow
 121,391
 
 
 121,391
Derivative instruments
 709
 
 
 709
Investment in subsidiaries(15,500) 
 
 15,500
 
Other assets
 9,291
 35,266
 
 44,557
Total assets$4,688,773
 $3,390,362
 $670,549
 $(3,400,004) $5,349,680
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity         
Current liabilities:         
Accounts payable-trade$30
 $45,838
 $1,780
 $
 $47,648
Accounts payable-related party1
 
 
 
 1
Intercompany payable
 3,423,538
 
 (3,423,538) 
Other current liabilities5,868
 155,454
 371
 
 161,693
Total current liabilities5,899
 3,624,830
 2,151
 (3,423,538) 209,342
Long-term debt985,412
 
 120,500
 
 1,105,912
Asset retirement obligations
 16,134
 
 
 16,134
Total liabilities991,311
 3,640,964
 122,651
 (3,423,538) 1,331,388
Commitments and contingencies
 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity3,697,462
 (250,602) 547,898
 (297,296) 3,697,462
Non-controlling interest
 
 
 320,830
 320,830
Total equity3,697,462
 (250,602) 547,898
 23,534
 4,018,292
Total liabilities and equity$4,688,773
 $3,390,362
 $670,549
 $(3,400,004) $5,349,680



2627


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
(In thousands)
     Non–    
   Guarantor Guarantor    
 Parent Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities$(526) $57,400
 $15,886
 $
 $72,760
Cash flows from investing activities:         
Additions to oil and natural gas properties
 (86,333) 
 
 (86,333)
Acquisition of leasehold interests
 (16,923) 
 
 (16,923)
Acquisition of royalty interests
 
 (2,082) 
 (2,082)
Purchase of other property and equipment
 (1,142) 
 
 (1,142)
Proceeds from sale of assets
 123
 
 
 123
Equity investments
 (800) 
 
 (800)
Intercompany transfers(41,161) 41,161
 
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities(41,161) (63,914) (2,082) 
 (107,157)
Cash flows from financing activities:         
Proceeds from borrowing on credit facility
 
 8,500
 
 8,500
Repayment on credit facility
 (11,000) 
 
 (11,000)
Debt issuance costs
 (2) (2) 
 (4)
Public offering costs(179) 
 
 
 (179)
Proceeds from public offerings254,518
 
 
 
 254,518
Distribution from subsidiary16,063
 
 
 (16,063) 
Exercise of stock options372
 
 
 
 372
Distribution to non-controlling interest
 
 (18,178) 16,063
 (2,115)
Intercompany transfers(11,000) 11,000
 
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities259,774
 (2) (9,680) 
 250,092
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents218,087
 (6,516) 4,124
 
 215,695
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period148
 19,428
 539
 
 20,115
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$218,235
 $12,912
 $4,663
 $
 $235,810
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
(In thousands)
     Non–    
   Guarantor Guarantor    
 Parent Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Revenues:         
Oil sales$
 $178,230
 $
 $28,844
 $207,074
Natural gas sales
 8,575
 
 1,347
 9,922
Natural gas liquid sales
 13,643
 
 1,859
 15,502
Royalty income
 
 32,050
 (32,050) 
Lease bonus income
 
 1,602
 
 1,602
Midstream services
 1,130
 
 
 1,130
Total revenues
 201,578
 33,652
 
 235,230
Costs and expenses:         
Lease operating expenses
 26,626
 
 
 26,626
Production and ad valorem taxes
 13,655
 2,070
 
 15,725
Gathering and transportation
 2,476
 143
 
 2,619
Midstream services
 854
 
 
 854
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 50,891
 7,847
 191
 58,929
General and administrative expenses7,108
 5,109
 2,142
 (615) 13,744
Asset retirement obligation accretion
 323
 
 
 323
Total costs and expenses7,108
 99,934
 12,202
 (424) 118,820
Income (loss) from operations(7,108) 101,644
 21,450
 424
 116,410
Other income (expense)         
Interest expense(10,808) (805) (612) 
 (12,225)
Other income1,092
 854
 (186) (615) 1,145
Gain on derivative instruments, net
 37,701
 
 
 37,701
Total other expense, net(9,716) 37,750
 (798) (615) 26,621
Income (loss) before income taxes(16,824) 139,394
 20,652
 (191) 143,031
Provision for income taxes1,957
 
 
 
 1,957
Net income (loss)(18,781) 139,394
 20,652
 (191) 141,074
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest
 
 
 4,801
 4,801
Net income (loss) attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc.$(18,781) $139,394
 $20,652
 $(4,992) $136,273


2728


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
(In thousands)
     Non–    
   Guarantor Guarantor    
 Parent Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities$(1,970) $86,560
 $14,553
 $
 $99,143
Cash flows from investing activities:         
Additions to oil and natural gas properties
 (150,963) 85
 
 (150,878)
Acquisition of leasehold interests
 (2,519) 
 
 (2,519)
Purchase of other property and equipment
 (158) 
 
 (158)
Intercompany transfers(16,280) 16,280
 
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities(16,280) (137,360) 85
 
 (153,555)
Cash flows from financing activities:         
Proceeds from borrowing on credit facility
 57,501
 
 
 57,501
Repayment on credit facility
 (119,422) 
 
 (119,422)
Proceeds from public offerings119,422
 
 
 
 119,422
Distribution from subsidiary17,612
 
 
 (17,612) 
Distribution to non-controlling interest
 
 (19,927) 17,612
 (2,315)
Intercompany transfers(119,422) 119,422
 
 
 
Other financing activities686
 
 
 
 686
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities18,298
 57,501
 (19,927) 
 55,872
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents48
 6,701
 (5,289) 
 1,460
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period6
 15,067
 15,110
 
 30,183
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$54
 $21,768
 $9,821
 $
 $31,643
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
(In thousands)
     Non–    
   Guarantor Guarantor    
 Parent Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Revenues:         
Oil sales$
 $66,095
 $
 $12,925
 $79,020
Natural gas sales
 3,409
 
 613
 4,022
Natural gas liquid sales
 3,891
 
 548
 4,439
Royalty income
 
 14,086
 (14,086) 
Lease bonus income
 
 108
 (108) 
Total revenues
 73,395
 14,194
 (108) 87,481
Costs and expenses:         
Lease operating expenses
 18,223
 
 
 18,223
Production and ad valorem taxes
 6,660
 1,302
 
 7,962
Gathering and transportation
 2,701
 86
 2
 2,789
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 35,128
 8,150
 (1,209) 42,069
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties
 4,805
 26,011
 
 30,816
General and administrative expenses8,307
 2,923
 1,749
 
 12,979
Asset retirement obligation accretion
 246
 
 
 246
Total costs and expenses8,307
 70,686
 37,298
 (1,207) 115,084
Income (loss) from operations(8,307) 2,709
 (23,104) 1,099
 (27,603)
Other income (expense)         
Interest expense(8,858) (725) (430) 
 (10,013)
Other income57
 307
 199
 
 563
Gain on derivative instruments, net
 1,426
 
 
 1,426
Total other income (expense), net(8,801) 1,008
 (231) 
 (8,024)
Net income (loss)(17,108) 3,717
 (23,335) 1,099
 (35,627)
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest
 
 
 (2,715) (2,715)
Net income (loss) attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc.$(17,108) $3,717
 $(23,335) $3,814
 $(32,912)


29


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
(In thousands)
     Non–    
   Guarantor Guarantor    
 Parent Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Net cash provided by operating activities$40
 $149,822
 $26,065
 $
 $175,927
Cash flows from investing activities:         
Additions to oil and natural gas properties
 (116,174) 
 
 (116,174)
Acquisition of leasehold interests
 (1,760,810) 
 
 (1,760,810)
Acquisition of mineral interests
 
 (8,579) 
 (8,579)
Additions to midstream assets
 (59) 
 
 (59)
Acquisition of midstream assets
 (48,329) 
 
 (48,329)
Purchase of other property and equipment
 (11,918) 
 
 (11,918)
Proceeds from sale of assets
 1,238
 
 
 1,238
Funds held in escrow
 119,340
 
 
 119,340
Equity investments
 (188) 
 
 (188)
Intercompany transfers(1,660,917) 1,660,917
 
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities(1,660,917) (155,983) (8,579) 
 (1,825,479)
Cash flows from financing activities:         
Repayment on credit facility
 
 (120,500) 
 (120,500)
Debt issuance costs(409) (8) (1) 
 (418)
Public offering costs(79) 
 (186) 
 (265)
Proceeds from public offerings
 
 147,725
 
 147,725
Distribution from subsidiary18,692
 
 
 (18,692) 
Exercise of stock options358
 
 
 
 358
Distribution to non-controlling interest
 
 (25,174) 18,692
 (6,482)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities18,562
 (8) 1,864
 
 20,418
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(1,642,315) (6,169) 19,350
 
 (1,629,134)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period1,643,226
 14,135
 9,213
 
 1,666,574
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$911
 $7,966
 $28,563
 $
 $37,440

30


Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements-(Continued)
(Unaudited)


Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
(In thousands)
     Non–    
   Guarantor Guarantor    
 Parent Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities$(526) $57,400
 $15,886
 $
 $72,760
Cash flows from investing activities:         
Additions to oil and natural gas properties
 (86,333) 
 
 (86,333)
Acquisition of leasehold interests
 (16,923) 
 
 (16,923)
Acquisition of mineral interests
 
 (2,082) 
 (2,082)
Purchase of other property and equipment
 (1,142) 
 
 (1,142)
Proceeds from sale of assets
 123
 
 
 123
Equity investments
 (800) 
 
 (800)
Intercompany transfers(41,161) 41,161
 
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities(41,161) (63,914) (2,082) 
 (107,157)
Cash flows from financing activities:         
Proceeds from borrowing on credit facility
 
 8,500
 
 8,500
Repayment on credit facility
 (11,000) 
 
 (11,000)
Debt issuance costs
 (2) (2) 
 (4)
Public offering costs(179) 
 
 
 (179)
Proceeds from public offerings254,518
 
 
 
 254,518
Distribution from subsidiary16,063
 
 
 (16,063) 
Exercise of stock options372
 
 
 
 372
Distribution to non-controlling interest
 
 (18,178) 16,063
 (2,115)
Intercompany transfers(11,000) 11,000
 
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities259,774
 (2) (9,680) 
 250,092
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents218,087
 (6,516) 4,124
 
 215,695
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period148
 19,428
 539
 
 20,115
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$218,235
 $12,912
 $4,663
 $
 $235,810




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

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto presented in this report as well as our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.2016. The following discussion contains “forward-looking statements” that reflect our future plans, estimates, beliefs, and expected performance. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors. See “Part II. Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Overview


We are an independent oil and natural gas company focused on the acquisition, development, exploration and exploitation of unconventional, onshore oil and natural gas reserves in the Permian Basin in West Texas. Our activities are primarily directed at the Clearfork,horizontal development of the Wolfcamp and Spraberry formations in the Midland Basin and the Wolfcamp Cline, Strawn and AtokaBone Spring formations which we refer to asin the Wolfberry play.Delaware Basin. We intend to growcontinue to develop our reserves and increase production through development drilling and exploitation and exploration activities on our multi-year inventory of identified potential drilling locations and through acquisitions that meet our strategic and financial objectives, targeting oil-weighted reserves. Substantially all of our revenues are generated through the sale of oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas production. Our

The following table sets forth our production was approximately 76% oil, 13% natural gas liquids and 11% natural gasdata for the three months ended March 31, 2016, and was approximately 77% oil, 13% natural gas liquids and 10% natural gas for the three months ended March 31, 2015. periods indicated:
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20172016
Oil (Bbls)75%76%
Natural gas (Mcf)11%11%
Natural gas liquids (Bbls)14%13%
 100%100%

On March 31, 2016,2017, our net acreage position in the Permian Basin was approximately 85,816191,727 net acres.

The challenging commodity price environment that we experienced in 20152016 has continued in 2017. Commodity prices improved during the first quarter of 2016, with the posted price of WTI dropping to as low as $26.68 in January 2016. Commodity prices improved at the end of the first quarter 2016,2017, but continue to be volatile. We believe we remain well-positioned in this environment. During 2015,2016, we again demonstrated our operational focus on achieving best-in-class execution, low-cost operations and a conservative balance sheet as we continued to reduce drilling days, well costs and operating expenses while maintaining what we believe to be a peer leading leverage ratio. We intend to continuehave continued our operational focus in 2016, emphasizing financial discipline over growth.2017 and have further decreased drilling times, well costs and operating expenses. Our leading-edge Midland Basin costs to drill, complete and equip wells are currently below $6.0 million for a 10,000 foot lateral well and below $5.0 million for a 7,500 foot lateral well. We have successfully drilled three 13,000 foot lateral wells in Midland County to date.During the first quarter of 2017, we drilled one well in Ward County and one well in Reeves County. We also drilled a three-well pad (7,500 foot lateral each) in Howard County. With recent improvement in oil prices, we have retained our third horizontal rig and added a second dedicated completion crew to decrease our backlog of drilled but uncompleted wells. We will continue monitoring the ongoing commodity price environment and expect to retain the financial flexibility to adjust our drilling and completion plans in response to market conditions. We are prepared to add a fourth horizontal rig early in the third quarter of 2016 in the event oil prices continue to strengthen and we are prepared to remain at three horizontal drilling rigs or decelerate our drilling program if commodity prices deteriorate.

2016 Highlights

Common stock transactions

In January 2016, we completed an underwritten public offering of 4,600,000 shares of common stock, which included 600,000 shares of common stock issued pursuant to an option to purchase additional shares granted to the underwriter. The stock was sold to the underwriter at $55.33 per share and we received proceeds of approximately $254.5 million from the sale of these shares of common stock, net of offering expenses and underwriting discounts and commissions.

Operational Update

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we drilled 16 gross (13 net) horizontal wells and one gross (one net) vertical well and participated in the drilling of two gross (one net) non-operated wells in the Permian Basin. We completed a total ofcurrently operating eight horizontal wells, which included our initial five wells in Glasscock County. A three well pad targeting the Lower Spraberry, Wolfcamp A and Wolfcamp B horizons came on line in January 2016. The combined 30-day initial production rate for the three laterals was 3,644 BOE/d (75% oil) from an average lateral length of 7,396 feet. A second two well pad targeting the Wolfcamp A and Wolfcamp B horizons was brought on line in February 2016. The combined 30-day initial production rate for the two laterals was 2,312 BOE/d (84% oil) from an average lateral length of 7,465 feet. We have drilled another two-well pad in Glasscock County that is waiting on completion.



In Howard County we have two three-well pads waiting on completion. Both pads target the Lower Spraberry, Wolfcamp A and Wolfcamp B intervals. We intend to begin completing the first pad in May 2016 and the second pad in June 2016.

We entered 2016 drilling with three horizontal rigs and were prepared to release one of the rigs in early February. However, with recent improvement in oil prices, we have retained our third horizontal rig and are prepared to add a fourth horizontal rig early in the third quarter of 2016 in the event oil prices continue to strengthen.three completion crews. We will continue monitoring commodity prices and overall market conditions and can adjust our rig cadence up or down accordingly.in response to changes in commodity prices and overall market conditions. We will continue to evaluate adding additional rigs throughout the year if commodity prices strengthen.

2017 Highlights

Our Recent Acquisition

On February 28, 2017, we completed our acquisition of oil and natural gas properties, midstream assets and other related assets in the Delaware Basin for an aggregate purchase price consisting of $1.74 billion in cash and 7.69 million shares of our common stock, of which approximately 1.15 million shares were placed in an indemnity escrow. This transaction includes the acquisition of (i) approximately 100,306 gross (80,339 net) acres primarily in Pecos and Reeves counties for approximately $2.5 billion and (ii) midstream assets for approximately $47.6 million. We used the


net proceeds from the December 2016 equity offering, net proceeds from the December 2016 debt offering, cash on hand and other financing sources to fund the cash portion of the purchase price for this acquisition.

Viper Equity Offering

In January 2017, Viper completed an underwritten public offering of 9,775,000 common units, which included 1,275,000 common units issued pursuant to an option to purchase additional common units granted to the underwriters. Viper received net proceeds from this offering of approximately $147.6 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, of which Viper used $120.5 million to repay the outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit agreement and intends to use the remaining net proceeds for general partnership purposes, which may include additional acquisitions.
Operational Update

During the first quarter of 2016,2017, we slowed ourdrilled 28 gross (23 net) horizontal wells, two gross (two net) of which were in the Delaware Basin. We turned 26 gross (20 net) wells into production, of which two gross (two net) were wells in the Delaware Basin that were drilled by the prior operator.  We also participated in the drilling of six gross (one net) wells and in the completion schedule in response to lower commodity prices. However, we have recently contracted a second completion crew to begin to reduce our inventory of drilled but uncompletedeight gross (one net) non-operated wells.

DuringWe are currently operating eight rigs and intend to operate between six and ten drilling rigs in 2017 across our asset base in the Midland and Delaware Basins. We plan to operate four to six of these rigs in the Midland Basin targeting horizontal development of the Wolfcamp and Spraberry formations, while the remainder of the rigs are expected to operate in the Delaware Basin targeting the Wolfcamp and Bone Spring formations.

In the Midland Basin, we continue to see positive well results from our core development areas in Midland, Glasscock, Howard, Andrews and Martin Counties.  Assuming commodity prices at current levels, we anticipate operating one rig in Glasscock County, one rig in Howard County and three or more rigs in Midland, Martin and Andrews Counties through the remainder of 2017. 

In the Delaware Basin, we are currently operating two drilling rigs and plan to operate three rigs on this acreage through 2017 targeting the Wolfcamp and Bone Spring formations.  Our first operated well results in the Delaware Basin confirm the productivity of the asset base, and we are focused on transferring our best practices on cost control from the Midland Basin to the Delaware Basin. 

We continue to focus on low cost operations and best in class execution. In doing so, we are focused on controlling oilfield service costs as our service providers seek to increase pricing after two years of declining service costs during the downturn in the oil market. To combat rising service costs, we have looked to lock in pricing for dedicated activity levels and will continue to seek opportunities to control additional well cost where possible, including de-bundling of completion costs. We believe that our 2017 drilling and completion budget will cover potential increases in our service costs during the year.

The following table summarizes our average daily production for the periods presented:
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20172016
Oil (Bbls)/d46,20128,951
Natural Gas (Mcf)/d40,92325,458
Natural Gas Liquids (Bbls)/d8,5895,114
Total average production per day61,61038,308

Our average daily production for the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016 our average daily production was approximately 38,308 BOE/d, consisting of 28,951 Bbls/d of oil, 25,458 Mcf/d of natural gas and 5,114 Bbls/d of natural gas liquids, an increase of 7,672increased 23,302 BOE/d, or 25.0%, from average daily production of 30,636 BOE/d for the three months ended March 31, 2015, consisting of 23,687 Bbls/d of oil, 17,765 Mcf/d of natural gas and 3,988 Bbls/d of natural gas liquids.60.8%.


33




Sources of Our Revenue

Our main source of revenues are derived from the sale of oil and natural gas production, as well as the sale of natural gas liquids that are extracted from our natural gas during processing. Our oil and natural gas revenues do not include the effects of derivatives. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, our revenues were derived 90% from oil sales, 5% from natural gas liquids sales and 5% from natural gas sales and for the three months ended March 31, 2015, our revenues were derived 92% from oil sales, 4% from natural gas liquids sales and 4% from natural gas sales. Our revenues may vary significantly from period to period as a result of changes in volumes of production sold, production mix or commodity prices.

The following table presents the breakdown of our revenues for the following periods:
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20172016
Revenues  
Oil sales89%90%
Natural gas sales4%5%
Natural gas liquid sales7%5%
 100%100%

Since our production consists primarily of oil, our revenues are more sensitive to fluctuations in oil prices than they are to fluctuations in natural gas liquids or natural gas prices. Oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas prices have historically been volatile. During 2015,2016, West Texas Intermediate posted prices ranged from $34.55$26.19 to $61.36$54.01 per Bbl and the Henry Hub spot market price of natural gas ranged from $1.63$1.49 to $3.32$3.80 per MMBtu. On March 31, 2016,2017, the West Texas Intermediate posted price for crude oil was $36.94$50.54 per Bbl and the Henry Hub spot market price of natural gas was $1.98$3.13 per MMBtu. Lower commodity prices may not only decrease our revenues, but also potentially the amount of oil and natural gas that we can produce economically. Lower oil and natural gas prices may also result in a reduction in the borrowing base under our credit agreement, which may be redetermined at the discretion of our lenders.

As a result of the decline in prices during the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company recorded non-cash ceiling test impairment for the three months ended March 31, 2016 of $30.8 million.

Although commodity prices improved at the end of the first quarter 2016, they remain volatile. If prices remain at or below the current low levels, subject to numerous factors and inherent limitations, we will incur an additional non-cash full cost impairment in the second quarter of 2016, which will have an adverse effect on our results of operations.


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Results of Operations

The following table sets forth selected historical operating data for the periods indicated.
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2016201520172016
(in thousands, except Bbl, Mcf and BOE amounts)(in thousands, except Bbl, Mcf and BOE amounts)
Revenues  
Oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas$87,481
$101,401
$232,498
$87,481
Lease bonus1,602

Midstream services1,130

Total revenues235,230
87,481
Operating Expenses  
Lease operating expense18,223
22,456
Lease operating expenses26,626
18,223
Production and ad valorem taxes7,962
8,395
15,725
7,962
Gathering and transportation expense2,789
1,030
Gathering and transportation2,619
2,789
Midstream services854

Depreciation, depletion and amortization42,069
59,677
58,929
42,069
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties30,816


30,816
General and administrative12,979
8,236
Asset retirement obligation accretion expense246
170
General and administrative expenses13,744
12,979
Asset retirement obligation accretion323
246
Total expenses115,084
99,964
118,820
115,084
Income (loss) from operations(27,603)1,437
116,410
(27,603)
Net interest expense(10,013)(10,497)
Interest income (expense), net(12,225)(10,013)
Other income563
515
1,145
563
Gain on derivative instruments, net1,426
18,354
37,701
1,426
Total other income (expense), net(8,024)8,372
26,621
(8,024)
Income (loss) before income taxes(35,627)9,809
143,031
(35,627)
Income tax provision
3,370
Provision for income taxes1,957

Net income (loss)(35,627)6,439
141,074
(35,627)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest(2,715)590
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest4,801
(2,715)
Net income (loss) attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc.$(32,912)$5,849
$136,273
$(32,912)


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Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2016201520172016
(in thousands, except Bbl, Mcf and BOE amounts)(in thousands, except Bbl, Mcf and BOE amounts)
Production Data:  
Oil (Bbls)2,634,511
2,131,829
4,158,083
2,634,511
Natural gas (Mcf)2,316,649
1,598,810
3,683,072
2,316,649
Natural gas liquids (Bbls)465,391
358,924
772,995
465,391
Combined volumes (BOE)3,486,010
2,757,221
5,544,923
3,486,010
Daily combined volumes (BOE/d)38,308
30,636
61,610
38,308
  
Average Prices:  
Oil (per Bbl)$29.99
$43.59
$49.80
$29.99
Natural gas (per Mcf)1.74
2.72
2.69
1.74
Natural gas liquids (per Bbl)9.54
11.53
20.05
9.54
Combined (per BOE)25.09
36.78
41.93
25.09
Oil, hedged($ per Bbl)(1)
31.94
64.01
49.40
31.94
Natural gas, hedged ($ per MMbtu)(1)
2.69
1.74
Average price, hedged($ per BOE)(1)
26.56
52.57
41.63
26.56
  
Average Costs per BOE:  
Lease operating expense$5.23
$8.14
$4.80
$5.23
Production and ad valorem taxes2.28
3.04
2.84
2.28
Gathering and transportation expense0.80
0.37
0.47
0.80
General and administrative - cash component1.33
1.20
1.20
1.33
Total operating expense - cash9.64
12.75
9.31
9.64
  
General and administrative - non-cash component2.39
1.79
1.28
2.39
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization12.07
21.64
10.63
12.07
Interest expense2.87
3.81
2.20
2.87
Total expenses17.33
27.24
14.11
17.33
 
Average realized oil price ($/Bbl)$49.80
$29.99
Average NYMEX ($/Bbl)51.62
33.35
Differential to NYMEX(1.82)(3.36)
Average realized oil price to NYMEX96%90%
 
Average realized natural gas price ($/Mcf)$2.69
$1.74
Average NYMEX ($/Mcf)3.02
1.99
Differential to NYMEX(0.33)(0.25)
Average realized natural gas price to NYMEX89%87%
 
Average realized natural gas liquids price ($/Bbl)$20.05
$9.54
Average NYMEX oil price ($/Bbl)51.62
33.35
Average realized natural gas liquids price to NYMEX oil price39%29%
(1)Hedged prices reflect the effect of our commodity derivative transactions on our average sales prices. Our calculation of such effects include realized gains and losses on cash settlements for commodity derivatives, which we do not designate for hedge accounting.

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Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 20162017 and 20152016

Oil, Natural Gas Liquids and Natural Gas Revenues. Our oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas revenues decreasedincreased by approximately $13.9$145.0 million, or 14%166%, to $232.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from $87.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 from $101.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.2016. Our revenues are a function of oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas production volumes sold and average sales prices received for those volumes. Average daily production sold increased by 7,67223,302 BOE/d to 61,610 BOE/d during the three months ended March 31, 2017 from 38,308 BOE/d during the three months ended March 31, 2016 from 30,636 BOE/d during the three months ended March 31, 2015.2016. The total decreaseincrease in revenue of approximately $13.9$145.0 million is largely attributable to lower average sales prices partially offset by higher oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas production volumes and higher average sales prices for the three months ended March 31, 20162017 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015.2016. The increases in production volumes were due to a combination of increased drilling activity and growth through acquisitions. Our production increased by 502,6821,523,572 Bbls of oil, 106,467307,604 Bbls of natural gas liquids and 717,8391,366,423 Mcf of natural gas for the three months ended March 31, 20162017 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015.2016.

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The net dollar effect of the decreasesincreases in prices of approximately $39.0$94.0 million (calculated as the change in period-to-period average prices multiplied by current period production volumes of oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas) and the net dollar effect of the increase in production of approximately $25.1$51.0 million (calculated as the increase in period-to-period volumes for oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas multiplied by the period average prices) are shown below.
Change in prices
Production volumes(1)
Total net dollar effect of changeChange in prices
Production volumes(1)
Total net dollar effect of change
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Effect of changes in price:  
Oil$(13.60)2,634,511
$(35,823)$19.81
4,158,083
$82,381
Natural gas liquids(1.99)465,391
(926)10.51
772,995
8,124
Natural gas(0.98)2,316,649
(2,270)0.95
3,683,072
3,499
Total revenues due to change in price $(39,019) $94,004
  
Change in production volumes(1)
Prior period Average PricesTotal net dollar effect of change
Change in production volumes(1)
Prior period Average PricesTotal net dollar effect of change
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Effect of changes in production volumes:  
Oil502,682
$43.59
$21,918
1,523,572
$29.99
$45,707
Natural gas liquids106,467
11.53
1,228
307,604
9.54
2,934
Natural gas717,839
2.72
1,953
1,366,423
1.74
2,372
Total revenues due to change in production volumes 25,099
 51,013
Total change in revenues $(13,920) $145,017
(1)Production volumes are presented in Bbls for oil and natural gas liquids and Mcf for natural gas.

Lease Bonus Revenue. Lease bonus revenue was $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 attributable to lease bonus payments to extend the term of one lease, reflecting an average bonus of $2,500 per acre. We had no lease bonus revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

Midstream Services Revenue. Midstream services revenue was $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. We had no midstream services revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Our midstream services revenue represents fees charged to our joint interest owners and third parties for the transportation of oil and natural gas along with water gathering and related disposal facilities. These assets complement our operations in areas where we have significant production.

Lease Operating Expense. Lease operating expense was $26.6 million ($4.80 per BOE) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to $18.2 million ($5.23 per BOE) for the three months ended March 31, 2016, a decrease of $4.2 million, or 19%, from $22.5 million ($8.14 per BOE) for the three months ended March 31, 2015.2016. The decrease is due toin lease operating expense per BOE was a reduction in service costs resulting from decreased commodity prices.result of steady lease operating expenses offset by higher production volumes.


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Production and Ad Valorem Tax Expense. Production and ad valorem taxes were $15.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, an increase of $7.8 million, or 98%, from $8.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, a decrease of $0.4 million, or 5%, from $8.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.2016. In general, production taxes and ad valorem taxes are directly related to commodity price changes; however, Texas ad valorem taxes are based upon prior year commodity prices, among other factors, whereas production taxes are based upon current year commodity prices. During the three months ended March 31, 2016,2017, our production and ad valorem taxes per BOE decreasedincreased by $0.76$0.56 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015,2016, primarily reflectingdue to increased commodity prices and production volumes.

Midstream Services Expense. Midstream services expense was $0.9 million for the impact of lowerthree months ended March 31, 2017. We had no midstream services expense for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Midstream services represent costs incurred to operate and maintain our oil and natural gas prices on production taxes in 2016, offset by an increase in ad valorem taxes primarily as a result of increased production.gathering and transportation systems, natural gas lift, compression infrastructure and water transportation facilities.

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization. Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense decreased $17.6increased $16.9 million, or 30%40%, to $58.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from $42.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 from $59.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.2016.

The following table provides the components of our depreciation, depletion and amortization expense for the periods presented:
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20162015
   
 (in thousands, except BOE amounts)
Depletion of proved oil and natural gas properties$41,648
$59,255
Depreciation of other property and equipment421
422
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense$42,069
$59,677
   
Oil and natural gas properties depreciation, depletion and amortization per BOE$11.95
$21.49
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization per BOE$12.07
$21.64

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 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20172016
   
 (in thousands, except BOE amounts)
Depletion of proved oil and natural gas properties$58,138
$41,648
Depreciation of midstream assets435

Depreciation of other property and equipment356
421
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense$58,929
$42,069
Oil and natural gas properties depreciation, depletion and amortization per BOE$10.49
$11.95
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization per BOE$10.63
$12.07

The decreasesincrease in depletion of proved oil and natural gas properties of $17.6$16.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 20162017 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 20152016 resulted primarily from the impairment of oilhigher production levels and gas properties recordedan increase in the first quarter of 2016.net book value on new reserves added.

Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we recorded an impairment of oil and gas properties of $30.8 million as a result of the significant decline in commodity prices, which resulted in a reduction of the discounted present value of our proved oil and natural gas reserves. We did not record an impairment of oil and gas properties during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative expense increased $4.8$0.8 million from $8.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 to $13.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016.2016 to $13.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase was primarily due to an increase in salaries and benefits of $2.4 million partially offset by a decrease in non-cash equity compensation of $ 4.0 million and an increase in salaries and benefits of $0.8$1.6 million.

Net Interest Expense. Net interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 20162017 was $10.0$12.2 million as compared to $10.5$10.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, a decrease2016, an increase of $0.5$2.2 million. This decreaseincrease was due primarily to the lower average level of outstanding borrowings underinterest on our credit facility during the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015.senior notes.

Derivatives. We are required to recognize all derivative instruments on the balance sheet as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value. We have not designated our derivative instruments as hedges for accounting purposes. As a result, we mark our derivative instruments to fair value and recognize the cash and non-cash changes in fair value on derivative instruments in our consolidated statements of operations under the line item captioned “Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net.” For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015,2017, we had a cash loss on settlement of derivative instruments of $1.7 million as compared to a cash gain on settlement of derivative instruments of $5.1 million and $43.6 million, respectively.for the three months ended March 31, 2016. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015,2017, we had a negativepositive change in the fair value of open derivative instruments of $39.4 million as compared to a negative change of $3.7 million and $25.2 million, respectively.during the three months ended March 31, 2016.

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Provision for Income Tax Expense (Benefit).Taxes. We had norecorded an income tax benefitprovision for $2.0 million the three months ended March 31, 2017. We did not record an income tax provision or expensebenefit for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to income tax expense of $3.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Our effective tax rate was 34.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2015. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we recorded a valuation allowance as management does not believe that it is more-likely-than-not that its net operating losses are realizable.2016.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of liquidity have been proceeds from our public equity offerings, borrowings under our revolving credit facility, proceeds from the issuance of the senior notes and cash flows from operations. Our primary use of capital has been for the acquisition, development and exploration of oil and natural gas properties. As we pursue reserves and production growth, we regularly consider which capital resources, including equity and debt financings, are available to meet our future financial obligations, planned capital expenditure activities and liquidity requirements. Our future ability to grow proved reserves and production will be highly dependent on the capital resources available to us.

Liquidity and Cash Flow

Our cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 20162017 and 20152016 are presented below:
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20162015
 (in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities$72,760
$99,143
Net cash used in investing activities(107,157)(153,555)
Net cash provided by financing activities250,092
55,872
Net change in cash$215,695
$1,460


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 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20172016
 (in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities$175,927
$72,760
Net cash used in investing activities(1,825,479)(107,157)
Net cash provided by financing activities20,418
250,092
Net increase (decrease) in cash$(1,629,134)$215,695

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $175.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to $72.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to $99.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.2016. The decreaseincrease in operating cash flows is primarily thedue to a result of the decreaseincreases in our oil and natural gas revenues due to a 32% decreasean increase in our net realized sales prices.average prices and production growth during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Our operating cash flow is sensitive to many variables, the most significant of which is the volatility of prices for the oil and natural gas we produce. Prices for these commodities are determined primarily by prevailing market conditions. Regional and worldwide economic activity, weather and other substantially variable factors influence market conditions for these products. These factors are beyond our control and are difficult to predict. See “—Sources of our revenue” above.

Investing Activities

The purchase and development of oil and natural gas properties accounted for the majority of our cash outlays for investing activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $107.2$1,825.5 million and $153.6$107.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

During the three months ended March 31, 2017, we spent (a) $116.2 million on capital expenditures in conjunction with our development program, in which we drilled 28 gross (23 net) horizontal wells, completed 26 gross (20 net) horizontal wells and 2015, respectively.participated in the drilling of six gross (one net) non-operated wells in the Permian Basin, (b) $1,760.8 million on leasehold acquisitions, (c) $48.3 million for midstream assets and (d) $11.9 million for the purchase of other property and equipment.

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we spent $86.3 million on capital expenditures in conjunction with our drilling program and related infrastructure projects, in which we drilled 16 gross (13 net) horizontal wells and one gross (one net) vertical wellwells and participated in the drilling of two gross (one net) non-operated wells in the Permian Basin. We spent an additional $16.9 million on leasehold acquisitions, $2.1 million on royalty interest acquisitions and $1.1 million for the purchase of other property and equipment.

During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we spent $151.4 million on capital expenditures in conjunction with our drilling program and related infrastructure projects, in which we drilled 15 gross (13 net) horizontal wells and two gross (one net) vertical wells. We spent an additional $2.0 million on leasehold costs and $0.2 million for the purchase of other property and equipment.
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Our investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 20162017 and 20152016 are summarized in the following table:
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2016201520172016
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Drilling, completion and infrastructure$(86,333)$(151,397)$(116,233)$(86,333)
Acquisition of leasehold interests(16,923)(2,000)(1,760,810)(16,923)
Acquisition of royalty interests(2,082)
Acquisition of mineral interests(8,579)(2,082)
Acquisition of midstream assets(48,329)
Purchase of other property and equipment(1,142)(158)(11,918)(1,142)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment123

1,238
123
Funds held in escrow119,340

Equity investments(800)
(188)(800)
Net cash used in investing activities$(107,157)$(153,555)$(1,825,479)$(107,157)

Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 and 2015 was $250.1$20.4 million and $55.9$250.1 million, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2016,2017, the amount provided by financing activities was primarily attributable to proceeds from Viper’s January 2017 equity offering of $147.7 million partially offset by repayments of net borrowings of $120.5 million under Viper’s credit facility. The 2016 amount provided by financing activities was primarily attributable to the proceeds from our January 2016 equity offering of $254.5 million partially offset by repayments of net borrowings of $2.5 million under our credit facility. The 2015 amount provided by financing activities was primarily attributable to the proceeds from our January 2015 equity offering of $119.4 million partially offset by repayments of net borrowings of $61.9 million under our credit facility

2024 Senior Notes

On October 28, 2016, we issued $500.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.750% senior notes due 2024, which we refer to as the 2024 senior notes. The 2024 senior notes bear interest at a rate of 4.750% per annum, payable semi-annually, in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing on May 1, 2017 and will mature on November 1, 2024. All of our existing and future restricted subsidiaries that guarantee our revolving credit facility or certain other debt guarantee the 2024 senior notes; provided, however, that the 2024 senior notes are not guaranteed by Viper, Viper Energy Partners GP LLC, Viper Energy Partners LLC or Rattler Midstream LLC, and will not be guaranteed by any of the our future unrestricted subsidiaries.

The 2024 senior notes were issued under, and are governed by, an indenture among us, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo, as the trustee, as supplemented. The 2024 indenture contains certain covenants that, subject to certain exceptions and qualifications, among other things, limit our ability and the ability of the restricted subsidiaries to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, make certain investments, declare or pay dividends or make other distributions on capital stock, prepay subordinated indebtedness, sell assets including capital stock of restricted subsidiaries, agree to payment restrictions affecting our restricted subsidiaries, consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets, enter into transactions with affiliates, incur liens, engage in business other than the oil and gas business and designate certain of our subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries.

We may on any one or more occasions redeem some or all of the 2024 senior notes at any time on or after November 1, 2019 at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) of 103.563% for the 12-month period beginning on November 1, 2019, 102.375% for the 12-month period beginning on November 1, 2020, 101.188% for the 12-month period beginning on November 1, 2021 and 100.000% beginning on November 1, 2022 and at any time thereafter with any accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of redemption. Prior to November 1, 2019, we may on any one or more occasions redeem all or a portion of the 2024 senior notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2024 senior notes plus a “make-whole” premium and accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. In addition, any time prior to November 1, 2019, we may on any one or more occasions redeem the 2024 senior notes in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2024 senior notes issued prior to such date at a redemption price of 104.750%, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, with an amount equal to the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings.


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In connection with the issuance of the 2024 senior notes, we and the subsidiary guarantors entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers on October 28, 2016, pursuant to which we agreed to file a registration statement with respect to an offer to exchange the 2024 senior notes for a new issue of substantially identical debt securities registered under the Securities Act. Under the 2024 registration rights agreement, we also agreed to use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the registration statement declared effective by the SEC on or prior to the 360th day after the issue date of the 2024 senior notes and to keep the exchange offer open for not less than 30 days (or longer if required by applicable law). We may be required to file a shelf registration statement to cover resales of the 2024 senior notes under certain circumstances. If we fail to satisfy these obligations under the 2024 registration rights agreement, we agreed to pay additional interest to the holders of the 2024 senior notes as specified in the 2024 registration rights agreement.

2025 Senior Notes

On December 20, 2016, we issued $500.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.375% Senior Notes due 2025, which we refer to as the 2025 senior notes. The 2025 senior notes bear interest at a rate of 5.375% per annum, payable semi-annually, in arrears on May 31 and November 30 of each year, commencing on May 31, 2017 and will mature on May 31, 2025. All of our existing and future restricted subsidiaries that guarantee our revolving credit facility or certain other debt guarantee the 2025 senior notes, provided, however, that the 2025 senior notes are not guaranteed by Viper, Viper Energy Partners GP LLC, Viper Energy Partners LLC or Rattler Midstream LLC, and will not be guaranteed by any of our future unrestricted subsidiaries.
The 2025 senior notes were issued under an indenture, dated as of December 20, 2016, among us, the guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo, as the trustee. The 2025 Indenture contains certain covenants that, subject to certain exceptions and qualifications, among other things, limit our ability and the ability of the restricted subsidiaries to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, make certain investments, declare or pay dividends or make other distributions on capital stock, prepay subordinated indebtedness, sell assets including capital stock of restricted subsidiaries, agree to payment restrictions affecting our restricted subsidiaries, consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets, enter into transactions with affiliates, incur liens, engage in business other than the oil and gas business and designate certain of our subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries.
We may on any one or more occasions redeem some or all of the 2025 senior notes at any time on or after May 31, 2020 at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) of 104.031% for the 12-month period beginning on May 31, 2020, 102.688% for the 12-month period beginning on May 31, 2021, 101.344% for the 12-month period beginning on May 31, 2022 and 100.000% beginning on May 31, 2023 and at any time thereafter with any accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of redemption. Prior to May 31, 2020, we may on any one or more occasions redeem all or a portion of the 2025 senior notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2025 senior notes plus a “make-whole” premium and accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. In addition, any time prior to May 31, 2020, we may on any one or more occasions redeem the 2025 senior notes in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2025 senior notes issued prior to such date at a redemption price of 105.375%, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, with an amount equal to the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings.

In connection with the issuance of the 2025 senior notes, we and the subsidiary guarantors entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers on December 20, 2016, pursuant to which we agreed to file a registration statement with respect to an offer to exchange the 2025 senior notes for a new issue of substantially identical debt securities registered under the Securities Act. Under the 2025 registration rights agreement, we also agreed to use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the registration statement declared effective by the SEC on or prior to the 360th day after the issue date of the 2025 senior notes and to keep the exchange offer open for not less than 30 days (or longer if required by applicable law). We may be required to file a shelf registration statement to cover resales of the 2025 senior notes under certain circumstances. If we fail to satisfy these obligations under the 2025 registration rights agreement, we agreed to pay additional interest to the holders of the 2025 senior notes as specified in the 2025 registration rights agreement.

On April 26, 2017, we filed with the SEC our Registration Statement on Form S-4 relating to the exchange offers of the 2024 senior notes and the 2025 senior notes for substantially identical debt securities registered under the Securities Act.


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Second Amended and Restated Credit Facility

Our second amended and restated credit agreement, dated November 1, 2013, as amended, on June 9, 2014 and November 13, 2014, with a syndicate of banks, including Wells Fargo, as administrative agent, sole book runner and lead arranger, provides for a revolving credit facility in the maximum amount of $2.0 billion, subject to scheduled semi-annual and other elective collateral borrowing base redeterminations based on our oil and natural gas reserves

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and other factors. The borrowing base is scheduled to be re-determined semi-annually with effective dates of May 1st and November 1st. In addition, we may request up to three additional redeterminations of the borrowing base during any 12-month period.billion. As of March 31, 2016,2017, the borrowing base was $750.0 million,set at $1.0 billion, although we had elected a commitment amount of $500.0 million. As of March 31, 2016,2017, we had no outstanding borrowings and $500.0 million available for future borrowings under this facility. As of March 31, 2016, the loan was guaranteed by us, Diamondback E&P LLC and White Fang Energy LLC and will also be guaranteed by any of our future restricted subsidiaries. The credit agreement is also secured by substantially all of our assets and the assets of Diamondback O&G LLC and the guarantors. In connection with our spring 20162017 redetermination, the agent lender under ourthe credit agreement has recommended that our borrowing base be reducedincreased to $700.0 million due to a decline in pricing.$1.5 billion. This reductionincrease is subject to the approval of the required other lenders. Regardless of such adjustment, we have elected to continue to limitincrease the lenders’ aggregate commitment to $500.0$750.0 million.
    
The outstanding borrowings under the credit agreement bear interest at a rate elected by us that is equal to an alternative base rate (which is equal to the greatest of the prime rate, the Federal Funds effective rate plus 0.50% and 3-month LIBOR plus 1.0%) or LIBOR, in each case plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin ranges from 0.50% to 1.50% in the case of the alternative base rate and from 1.50% to 2.50% in the case of LIBOR, in each case depending on the amount of the loan outstanding in relation to the borrowing base. We are obligated to pay a quarterly commitment fee ranging from 0.375% to 0.500% per year on the unused portion of the borrowing base, which fee is also dependent on the amount of the loan outstanding in relation to the borrowing base. Loan principal may be optionally repaid from time to time without premium or penalty (other than customary LIBOR breakage), and is required to be repaid (a) to the extent that the loan amount exceeds the borrowing base, whether due to a borrowing base redetermination or otherwise (in some cases subject to a cure period), (b) in an amount equal to the net cash proceeds from the sale of property when a borrowing base deficiency or event of default exists under the credit agreement and (c) at the maturity date of November 1, 2018.

The credit agreement contains various affirmative, negative and financial maintenance covenants. These covenants, among other things, limit additional indebtedness, additional liens, sales of assets, mergers and consolidations, dividends and distributions, transactions with affiliates and entering into certain swap agreements and require the maintenance of the financial ratios described below.

Financial CovenantRequired Ratio
Ratio of total debt to EBITDAXNot greater than 4.0 to 1.0
Ratio of current assets to liabilities, as defined in the credit agreementNot less than 1.0 to 1.0

The covenant prohibiting additional indebtedness, as amended in December 2016, allows for the issuance of unsecured debt of up to $750.0 million$1.0 billion in the form of senior or senior subordinated notes and, in connection with any such issuance, the reduction of the borrowing base by 25% of the stated principal amount of each such issuance. A borrowing base reduction in connection with such issuance may require a portion of the outstanding principal of the loan to be repaid. As of March 31, 2016,2017, we had $450.0 million$1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior notes outstanding.

As of March 31, 2016,2017, we were in compliance with all financial covenants under our revolving credit facility. The lenders may accelerate all of the indebtedness under our revolving credit facility upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any event of default. The credit agreement contains customary events of default, including non-payment, breach of covenants, materially incorrect representations, cross-default, bankruptcy and change of control. With certain specified exceptions, the terms and provisions of our revolving credit facility generally may be amended with the consent of the lenders holding a majority of the outstanding loans or commitments to lend.

Viper’s Facility-Wells Fargo Bank

On July 8, 2014, Viper entered intois a party to a $500.0 million, secured revolving credit agreement, dated as of July 8, 2014, as amended, with Wells Fargo Bank, as the administrative agent, sole book runner and lead arranger.arranger, and certain other lenders party thereto. The credit agreement which was amended August 15, 2014 to add additional lenders to the lending group, provides for a revolving credit facility in the maximum amount of $500.0 million, subject to scheduled semi-annual and other elective collateral borrowing base redeterminations basedmatures on Viper’s oil and natural gas reserves and other factors.July 8, 2019. The borrowing base is scheduled to be re-determined semi-annually with effective dates of April 1st and October 1st. In addition, Viperthe Partnership may request up to three additional redeterminations of the borrowing base during any 12-month period. The credit agreement was further amended on May 22, 2015 to, among other things, increase the borrowing base from $110.0 million to $175.0 million and to provide for certain restrictions on purchasing margin stock. On November 13, 2015, the borrowing base was increased from $175.0 million to $200.0 million. As of March 31, 2016,2017, the borrowing base was set at $200.0 million. The Partnership$275.0 million and Viper had $43.0 million

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no outstanding borrowings under its credit agreement with a weighted average interest rate of 1.94%.agreement. In connection with the Partnership’s spring 20162017 redetermination, the agent lender under the credit agreement has recommended that the Partnership’s borrowing base be reducedincreased to $175.0 million due to a decline in pricing.$315.0 million. This reductionincrease is subject to the approval of the required other lenders.


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The outstanding borrowings under Viper’s credit agreement bear interest at a rate elected by Viper that is equal to an alternative base rate (which is equal to the greatest of the prime rate, the Federal Funds effective rate plus 0.5% and 3-month LIBOR plus 1.0%) or LIBOR, in each case plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin ranges from 0.50%1.00% to 1.50%2.00% in the case of the alternative base rate and from 1.50%2.00% to 2.50%3.00% in the case of LIBOR, in each case depending on the amount of the loan outstanding in relation to the borrowing base. Viper is obligated to pay a quarterly commitment fee ranging from 0.375% to 0.500% per year on the unused portion of the borrowing base, which fee is also dependent on the amount of the loan outstanding in relation to the borrowing base. Loan principal may be optionally repaid from time to time without premium or penalty (other than customary LIBOR breakage), and is required to be repaid (a) to the extent that the loan amount exceeds the borrowing base, whether due to a borrowing base redetermination or otherwise (in some cases subject to a cure period) and (b) at the maturity date of July 8, 2019. The loan is secured by substantially all of the assets of Viper and its subsidiaries.

The credit agreement contains various affirmative, negative and financial maintenance covenants. These covenants, among other things, limit additional indebtedness, purchases of margin stock, additional liens, sales of assets, mergers and consolidations, dividends and distributions, transactions with affiliates and entering into certain swap agreements and require the maintenance of the financial ratios described below.
Financial CovenantRequired Ratio
Ratio of total debt to EBITDAXNot greater than 4.0 to 1.0
Ratio of current assets to liabilities, as defined in the credit agreementNot less than 1.0 to 1.0

The covenant prohibiting additional indebtedness allows for the issuance of unsecured debt of up to $250.0 million in the form of senior unsecured notes and, in connection with any such issuance, the reduction of the borrowing base by 25% of the stated principal amount of each such issuance. A borrowing base reduction in connection with such issuance may require a portion of the outstanding principal of the loan to be repaid.

The lenders may accelerate all of the indebtedness under Viper’s revolving credit facility upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any event of default. Viper’s credit agreement contains customary events of default, including non-payment, breach of covenants, materially incorrect representations, cross-default, bankruptcy and change of control. There are no cure periods for events of default due to non-payment of principal and breaches of negative and financial covenants, but non-payment of interest and breaches of certain affirmative covenants are subject to customary cure periods.

Capital Requirements and Sources of Liquidity

Our board of directors approved a 20162017 capital budget for drilling and infrastructure of $250.0approximately $800.0 million to $375.0 million,$1.0 billion, representing a decreasean increase of 26%132% over our 20152016 capital budget. We estimate that, of these expenditures, approximately:

$210.0650.0 million to $315.0$825.0 million will be spent on drilling and completing 30130 to 70165 gross (25(110 to 58140 net) operated horizontal wells focused in the Midland Andrews, Upton, Martin and Dawson Counties;Delaware Basins and participating in non-operated activity;

$25.0150.0 million to $35.0$175.0 million will be spent on infrastructure;infrastructure and other expenditures, excluding the cost of any leasehold and mineral interest acquisitions; and

$15.075.0 million to $25.0 million will be spent on non-operated activity and other expenditures. in midstream assets.

During the three months ended March 31, 2016,2017, our aggregate capital expenditures for drilling and infrastructureour development program were $86.3$116.2 million. We do not have a specific acquisition budget since the timing and size of acquisitions cannot be accurately forecasted. During the three months ended March 31, 2016,2017, we spent approximately $16.9 million$1.8 billion in cash on acquisitions of leasehold interests.     

The amount and timing of these capital expenditures are largely discretionary and within our control. We could choose to defer a portion of these planned capital expenditures depending on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the success of our drilling activities, prevailing and anticipated prices for oil and natural gas, the availability of necessary equipment, infrastructure and capital, the receipt and timing of required regulatory permits and approvals, seasonal conditions, drilling and acquisition costs and the level of participation by other interest owners. With recent improvement in oil prices, we are currently operating eight rigs and three completion crews. We will continue monitoring

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improvement in oil prices, we have retained our third horizontal rig and are prepared to add a fourth horizontal rig early in the third quarter of 2016 in the event oil prices continue to strengthen. We will continue monitoring commodity prices and overall market conditions and can adjust our rig cadence up or down in response to changes in commodity prices and overall market conditions.

Based upon current oil and natural gas price and production expectations for 2016,2017, we believe that our cash flow from operations, cash on hand and borrowings under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to fund our operations through year-end 2016.2017. However, future cash flows are subject to a number of variables, including the level of oil and natural gas production and prices, and significant additional capital expenditures will be required to more fully develop our properties. Further, our 20162017 capital expenditure budget does not allocate any funds for leasehold interest and property acquisitions.

We monitor and adjust our projected capital expenditures in response to success or lack of success in drilling activities, changes in prices, availability of financing, drilling and acquisition costs, industry conditions, the timing of regulatory approvals, the availability of rigs, contractual obligations, internally generated cash flow and other factors both within and outside our control. If we require additional capital, we may seek such capital through traditional reserve base borrowings, joint venture partnerships, production payment financing, asset sales, offerings of debt and or equity securities or other means. We cannot assure you that the needed capital will be available on acceptable terms or at all. If we are unable to obtain funds when needed or on acceptable terms, we may be required to curtail our drilling programs, which could result in a loss of acreage through lease expirations. In addition, we may not be able to complete acquisitions that may be favorable to us or finance the capital expenditures necessary to replace our reserves. If there is further decline in commodity prices, our revenues, cash flows, results of operations, liquidity and reserves may be materially and adversely affected.

Security Ratings
Moody's Investors ServicesStandard & Poor's Ratings Services
Diamondback Senior NotesB1B+

Access to reasonably priced capital is dependent in part on credit and security ratings. Generally, lower ratings lead to higher financing costs. The impact of any future downgrade could include an increase in the costs of the Company's short- and long-term borrowings.

A security rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. Such rating may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the credit rating agency and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.

Contractual Obligations

Except as discussed in Note 1415 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this report, there were no material changes to our contractual obligations and other commitments, as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.2016.

Critical Accounting Policies

There have been no changes in our critical accounting policies from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.2016.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We had no off-balance sheet arrangements as of March 31, 2016.2017. Please read Note 1415 included in Notes to the Combined Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part I, Item 1 of this report, for a discussion of our commitments and contingencies, some of which are not recognized in the balance sheets under GAAP.


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ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Commodity Price Risk

Our major market risk exposure is in the pricing applicable to our oil and natural gas production. Realized pricing is primarily driven by the prevailing worldwide price for crude oil and spot market prices applicable to our natural gas production. Pricing for oil and natural gas production has been volatile and unpredictable for several years, and we expect this volatility to continue in the future. The prices we receive for production depend on many factors outside of our control.

We use price swap derivatives, including basis swaps and costless collars, to reduce price volatility associated with certain of our oil sales. With respect to these fixed price swap contracts, the counterparty is required to make a payment to us if the settlement price for any settlement period is less than the swap price, and we are required to make a payment to the counterparty if the settlement price for any settlement period is greater than the swap price. Our derivative contracts are based upon reported settlement prices on commodity exchanges, with crude oil derivative settlements based on New York Mercantile ExchangeNYMEX West Texas Intermediate pricing.

At March 31, 2016,2017, we had a net asset derivative position of $0.9$17.5 million related to our price swap derivatives, as compared to a net assetliability derivative position of $4.6$22.6 million as ofat December 31, 20152016 related to our price swap derivatives. Utilizing actual derivative contractual volumes under our fixed price swaps as of March 31, 2016,2017, a 10% increase in forward curves

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associated with the underlying commodity would have decreased the net asset position to a net liability position to $4.6of $9.4 million, a decrease of $5.6$26.9 million, while a 10% decrease in forward curves associated with the underlying commodity would have increased the net asset derivative position to $6.5$44.4 million, an increase of $5.6$26.9 million. However, any cash derivative gain or loss would be substantially offset by a decrease or increase, respectively, in the actual sales value of production covered by the derivative instrument.

Subsequent to March 31, 2016, we entered into additional commodity contracts, which consisted of fixed price oil swaps covering 184,000 Bbls of our production for the production period from July 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 and 365,000 Bbls of our production for the production period from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017. These fixed price oil swaps will settle against the weighted average price per barrel of NYMEX West Texas Intermediate during the calculation periods.
Counterparty and Customer Credit Risk

Our principal exposures to credit risk are through receivables resulting from joint interest receivables (approximately $15.2$56.0 million at March 31, 2016)2017) and receivables from the sale of our oil and natural gas production (approximately $33.9$83.5 million at March 31, 2016)2017).

We are subject to credit risk due to the concentration of our oil and natural gas receivables with several significant customers. We do not require our customers to post collateral, and the inability of our significant customers to meet their obligations to us or their insolvency or liquidation may adversely affect our financial results. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, three purchasers each accounted for more than 10% of our revenue: Shell Trading (US) Company (42%); Koch Supply & Trading LP (18%); and Enterprise Crude Oil LLC (14%). For the three months ended March 31, 2016, two purchasers each accounted for more than 10% of our revenue: Shell Trading (US) Company (57%); and Enterprise Crude Oil LLC (14%). For the year ended three months ended March 31, 2015, two purchasers each accounted for more than 10% of our revenue: Shell Trading (US) Company (68%); and Enterprise Crude Oil LLC (11%). No other customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenue during these periods.
 
Joint operations receivables arise from billings to entities that own partial interests in the wells we operate. These entities participate in our wells primarily based on their ownership in leases on which we intend to drill. We have little ability to control whether these entities will participate in our wells. At March 31, 2016,2017, we had two customers that represented approximately 72%65% of our total joint operations receivables. At December 31, 2015,2016, we had five customerthree customers that represented approximately 73%75% of our total joint operations receivables.

Interest Rate Risk

We are subject to market risk exposure related to changes in interest rates on our indebtedness under our revolving credit facility. The terms of our revolving credit facility provide for interest on borrowings at a floating rate equal to an alternative base rate (which is equal to the greatest of the prime rate, the Federal Funds effective rate plus 0.5% and 3-month LIBOR plus 1.0%) or LIBOR, in each case plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin ranges


from 0.50% to 1.50% in the case of the alternative base rate and from 1.50% to 2.50% in the case of LIBOR, in each case depending on the amount of the loan outstanding in relation to the borrowing base.

As of March 31, 2016,2017, we had no borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility. Our weighted average interest rate on borrowings under our revolving credit facility was 1.92% on January 19, 2016, the last day on which borrowings were outstanding under such facility. An increase or decrease of 1% in the interest rate would have a corresponding decrease or increase in our interest expense of approximately $0.1 million based on the $11.0 million outstanding in the aggregate under our revolving credit facility as of such date.


ITEM 4.          CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Control and Procedures

Under the direction of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have established disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. The disclosure controls and procedures are also intended to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

As of March 31, 2016,2017, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act. Based upon our evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of March 31, 2016,2017, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

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Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 20162017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Due to the nature of our business, we are, from time to time, involved in routine litigation or subject to disputes or claims related to our business activities, including workers’ compensation claims and employment related disputes. In the opinion of our management, none of the pending litigation, disputes or claims against us, if decided adversely, will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.
 
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Our business faces many risks. Any of the risks discussed in this Form 10-Q and our other SEC filings could have a material impact on our business, financial position or results of operations. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also materially impair our business operations, financial condition or future results.

In addition to the information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.2016. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.2016.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

On February 28, 2017, we completed our acquisition of certain assets from Brigham Resources Operating, LLC and Brigham Resources Midstream, LLC, unrelated third-party sellers, under our previously reported purchase and sale agreement with the sellers dated as of December 13, 2016, as amended. The aggregate consideration for the acquisition was approximately $2.55 billion, consisting of $1.74 billion in cash and the issuance of 7.69 million shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share (of which approximately 1.15 million shares were placed in an indemnity escrow), subject to certain adjustments. These shares were issued in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, as sales by an issuer not involving any public offering.

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ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit NumberDescription
3.1Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 10-Q, File No. 001-35700, filed by the Company with the SEC on November 16, 2012).
3.2Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Form 10-Q, File No. 001-35700, filed by the Company with the SEC on November 16, 2012).
4.1Specimen certificate for shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 4 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-179502, filed by the Company with the SEC on August 20, 2012).
4.2Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 11, 2012, by and between the Company and DB Energy Holdings LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Form 10-Q, File No. 001-35700, filed by the Company with the SEC on November 16, 2012).
4.3Investor Rights Agreement, dated as of October 11, 2012, by and between the Company and Gulfport Energy Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Form 10-Q, File No. 001-35700, filed by the Company with the SEC on November 16, 2012).
4.4Indenture, dated as of October 28, 2016, among Diamondback Energy, Inc., the guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (including the form of Diamondback Energy, Inc.’s 4.750 % Senior Notes due 2024) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 8-K , File No. 001-35700, filed by the Company with the SEC on November 2, 2016).
4.5Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 28, 2016, among Diamondback Energy, Inc., the guarantors party thereto and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Form 8-K , File No. 001-35700, filed by the Company with the SEC on November 2, 2016).
4.6Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2017, by and among Diamondback Energy, Inc., Brigham Resources, LLC, Brigham Resources Operating, LLC and Brigham Resources Upstream Holdings, LP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 8-K, File No. 001-35700, filed by the Company with the SEC on March 6, 2017).
31.1*Certification of Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
31.2*Certification of Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
32.1**Certification of Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
32.2**Certification of Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
101.INS*XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
101.DEF*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document.
101.PRE*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
______________
*Filed herewith.
**The certifications attached as Exhibit 32.1 and Exhibit 32.2 accompany this Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and shall not be deemed “filed” by the Registrant for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.


SIGNATURES

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

  DIAMONDBACK ENERGY, INC.
  
Date:May 5, 20163, 2017/s/ Travis D. Stice
  Travis D. Stice
  Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)
  
Date:May 5, 20163, 2017/s/ Teresa L. Dick
  Teresa L. Dick
  Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)



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