10-K/APeriod: FY2012

Diamondback Energy, Inc. Annual Report (Amendment), Year Ended Dec 31, 2012

Filed April 11, 2013For Securities:FANG

Summary

Diamondback Energy, Inc.'s (FANG) 2012 Annual Report, filed as an amendment (10-K/A) on April 10, 2013, provides insights into its leadership team and executive compensation structure as it navigated its post-Initial Public Offering (IPO) period. The company has established a strong management team with extensive experience in the oil and gas industry and finance, underscoring a strategic focus on operational expertise and financial stewardship. The compensation philosophy emphasizes attracting and retaining talent through competitive packages, with a significant portion tied to long-term equity incentives to align management's interests with those of shareholders. This approach signals a commitment to sustainable growth and value creation.

Financial Statements
Beta
SG&A Expenses$9.18M
Operating Expenses$57.66M
Operating Income$17.31M
Interest Expense$3.61M
Net Income-$36.52M

Key Highlights

  • 1The company's leadership team comprises seasoned professionals with deep experience in the oil and gas sector and financial markets.
  • 2Executive compensation is designed to be competitive, aiming to attract and retain top talent, with a focus on aligning management and shareholder interests through equity-based incentives.
  • 3Diamondback Energy has adopted a 2012 Equity Incentive Plan to foster an ownership culture and motivate long-term performance through stock options and restricted stock units.
  • 4The company has a clear compensation policy that balances short-term and long-term incentives, utilizing base salary, discretionary bonuses, and long-term equity awards.
  • 5The Compensation Committee actively reviews compensation policies and programs to ensure they do not encourage excessive risk-taking and are aligned with long-term company performance.
  • 6The filing details specific employment agreements and post-IPO equity awards for key executives, indicating significant long-term incentive grants.
  • 7Major shareholders include DB Energy Holdings LLC (affiliated with Wexford Capital) and Gulfport Energy Corporation, reflecting significant ownership concentrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Diamondback Energy's executive compensation strategy primarily focuses on attracting and retaining experienced senior management by offering competitive total compensation packages. A key element is the alignment of executive interests with those of shareholders through a meaningful portion of compensation being delivered in equity-based incentives, such as stock options and restricted stock units, to promote long-term company performance.

The company structures executive compensation through several key elements: base salary, discretionary annual performance bonuses, and long-term equity incentives. Base salaries are set by employment agreements and can be adjusted. Annual bonuses are performance-based and discretionary. Long-term incentives are primarily delivered through the 2012 Equity Incentive Plan, offering stock options and restricted stock units designed to reward long-term value creation.

As of April 1, 2013, the significant beneficial owners of Diamondback Energy's common stock were DB Energy Holdings LLC, holding 44.4% (affiliated with Wexford Capital), Gulfport Energy Corporation, holding 21.4%, and Wellington Management Company, LLP, holding 10.1%.

Wexford Capital is a significant equity sponsor and shareholder in Diamondback Energy. Its affiliates are involved in various capacities, including management of major shareholder entities (DB Energy Holdings LLC), provision of administrative and advisory services (Everest Operations Management LLC and Wexford Capital itself), leasing of office space (Fasken Midland, LLC and Caliber Investment Group, LLC), and historical involvement in related ventures like Windsor Permian LLC and Bison Drilling and Field Services LLC. Steven E. West, Chairman of the Board, is a partner at Wexford Capital LP.