ConocoPhillips vs. Viper Energy: Which Energy Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?

The article compares ConocoPhillips and Viper Energy as investment options for 2026. ConocoPhillips, a global independent E&P company, is recommended as the better choice due to its diversified operations, stronger financial performance ($61.6B revenue, $8.0B net income in FY2025), lower valuation (10.6x Forward P/E), and dividend payments of $3.30 per share. Viper Energy, a mineral and royalty company focused on the Permian Basin, offers a capital-light model but faces challenges including a $68M net loss in 2025, heavy dependence on operator Diamondback Energy, and no dividend, though analysts project a recovery with $500M+ net income expected in 2026.

06/19/2026, 10:12 AM • The Motley Fool

3 Dividend Stocks Defying the Market Downturn Amid the Iran Conflict

While the S&P 500 has fallen nearly 5% since the start of the U.S.-Iran conflict, three dividend-paying stocks are bucking the trend: Crescent Energy, Viper Energy Partners, and Unum Group. Crescent Energy benefits from its Permian Basin operations and recent analyst upgrades. Viper Energy's royalty model shields it from operational risks while offering a 3.3% dividend yield. Unum Group, a life and disability insurer, stands out as a non-energy play with expected 8%-12% EPS growth and 30% upside potential.

04/03/2026, 10:32 AM • Investing

Goldman Sachs Raises Oil Price Forecasts – Picks 7 Winners Among Energy Stocks

Goldman Sachs upgraded its oil price forecasts following the Strait of Hormuz closure, expecting Brent crude to average $80-$100/barrel in 2026 and $75/barrel in 2027. The bank identified seven energy stocks as winners, with Permian-focused E&Ps and major oil companies positioned to benefit from higher oil prices and strong cash flow generation through major projects.

03/23/2026, 3:55 PM • Benzinga

This Energy Stock Returned $131 Million to Shareholders Last Quarter, but One Fund Still Sold Off $48 Million in Shares

Webs Creek Capital Management sold 1.27 million shares of Viper Energy (worth ~$48.2 million) in Q4 2025, reducing its stake to 1.87% of AUM. Despite the fund's reduction, Viper Energy returned $131 million to shareholders last quarter through dividends and buybacks, with a 5% dividend yield and recent 15% base dividend increase. The stock has underperformed the S&P 500 over the past year despite strong operational metrics.

03/18/2026, 12:09 PM • The Motley Fool

Viper Energy Launches Secondary Common Stock Offering By Diamondback Energy, Inc. and Certain Affiliates of EnCap Investments, L.P. and Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.

Viper Energy announced an underwritten public offering of 17.4 million shares of Class A common stock by Diamondback Energy and affiliates of EnCap Investments and Oaktree Capital Management. Viper will not receive proceeds from the sale but has agreed to purchase 1 million units in its operating company from Oaktree affiliates at the offering price. J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs are joint book-running managers.

03/02/2026, 5:11 PM • GlobeNewswire

Guardian Wealth Takes $5.1 Million Stake in Viper Energy, According to Recent SEC Filing

Guardian Wealth Management invested $5.1 million in Viper Energy during Q3 2025, acquiring 133,874 shares, representing 3.02% of their assets under management. Viper Energy is a royalty-based oil and gas company with strong historical performance.

12/10/2025, 12:29 PM • The Motley Fool

What to Know About Oaktree's New $240 Million Viper Energy Stake Following Sitio Merger

Oaktree Capital Management acquired a new $240.2 million stake in Viper Energy, representing 6.3 million shares and 3.7% of its reportable assets, following the merger with Sitio Royalties Corp.

11/14/2025, 7:22 AM • The Motley Fool

Viper Energy (VNOM) Q2 Oil Output Up 58%

Viper Energy reported Q2 2025 results with revenue of $297 million, exceeding analyst expectations, but earnings per share declined. The company expanded through significant acquisitions, increased oil production by 58%, and maintained shareholder returns through dividends and buybacks.

08/04/2025, 6:16 PM • The Motley Fool