** Diamondback Energy FANG.O fell short of Wall Street expectations for fourth-quarter profit on Monday, as the U.S. shale producer struggled with weaker oil prices

** FANG now expects current-year net production between 926,000 boepd and 962,000 boepd. It forecasts capital expenditure between $3.6 billion and $3.9 billion

** The capex includes $100 million-$150 million for exploration in the Barnett and Woodford

** In 2025, FANG was down 8.2%

HIGHER ANNUAL CAPEX OFFSETS DISAPPOINTING RESULTS

** TD Cowen ("Buy"; PT: $190) says FANG is shifting away from inorganic inventory expansion towards organic resource growth, leading to increase in capital expenditure

** RBC Capital Markets ("Outperform"; PT: $173) views the Q4 results and outlook as "mixed", especially considering the company's propensity to "exceed expectations"

** However, RBC adds co's disappointing outlook for 2026 could put pressure on shares

** Siebert Williams ("Buy"; PT: $190) views FANG as a "best-in-class Permian Basin player" with a disciplined capital allocation and a sustainable free cash flow yield that should remain competitive through the commodity cycles

(Reporting by Dharna Bafna in Benagluru)

((dharna.bafna@thomsonreuters.com ))