Form 4: Diamondback Energy Executive VP Albert Barkmann Reports Changes in Beneficial Ownership

Diamondback Energy's Executive VP and Chief Engineer, Albert Barkmann, reports acquisition and disposal of common stock due to vesting of restricted stock units and tax withholding.

Summary

• On March 1, 2025, Albert Barkmann, Executive VP and Chief Engineer of Diamondback Energy, Inc., reported changes in beneficial ownership of the company's common stock.
• Barkmann acquired 3,500 restricted stock units and 4,615 performance-based restricted stock units.
• These performance-based restricted stock units vested as of December 31, 2024, and settled on March 1, 2025.
• The company withheld 1,811, 184, 285, and 340 shares of common stock to cover tax obligations related to the vesting of restricted stock units.
• These shares were withheld at a price of $158.96 per share.
• Following these transactions, Barkmann beneficially owns 25,850 shares of Diamondback Energy common stock.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The document is a routine SEC filing related to executive compensation. It doesn't contain any particularly positive or negative news, but the vesting of stock units is generally a positive sign.

Positives

• The vesting of restricted stock units indicates that the executive is meeting performance goals or fulfilling time-based service requirements.
• The acquisition of restricted stock units aligns the executive's interests with those of the shareholders.

Negatives

• The withholding of shares to cover tax obligations reduces the number of shares the executive ultimately receives.

Future Outlook

The reporting person will receive shares of common stock in the future as the restricted stock units vest, beginning on March 1, 2026.

Industry Context

Executive stock ownership is a common practice in the oil and gas industry to align management's interests with those of shareholders. Vesting schedules and performance-based awards are used to incentivize long-term value creation.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Many oil and gas companies, such as EOG Resources and Pioneer Natural Resources, utilize restricted stock units and performance-based equity awards as part of their executive compensation packages.
• The vesting schedules and performance metrics associated with these awards vary depending on the company's specific goals and objectives.
• Diamondback's approach of using both time-based and performance-based restricted stock units is consistent with industry practices.

Stakeholder Impact

• The vesting of restricted stock units aligns the executive's interests with those of shareholders, potentially leading to decisions that benefit the company's long-term performance.
• The tax withholding obligations impact the executive's personal finances.

Key Dates