STOCK TITAN

Higher output and asset sale reshape SM Energy (NYSE: SM)

Filing Impact
(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

SM Energy Company reported first quarter 2026 results shaped by its merger with Civitas Resources. Average net daily production jumped to 371.2 MBoe/d, including 190.3 MBbl/d of oil, and the company raised full-year 2026 production guidance to 410–430 MBoe/d while reaffirming capital spending of $2.65–$2.85 billion.

SM reported a net loss of $335 million, or $1.68 per diluted share, largely from a $697 million net derivative loss tied to mark-to-market hedge impacts, while adjusted net income was $309 million, or $1.55 per diluted share. Operating cash flow was $640 million, and adjusted free cash flow was $20 million after integration and one-time capital costs.

The company increased its annualized run-rate synergy target from the Civitas merger to $375 million, with about $300 million already actioned. It closed a $950 million sale of South Texas assets, using roughly $900 million of proceeds to redeem $819 million of 2026 Senior Notes, and refinanced nearly $900 million of 8.375% debt with $1.0 billion of new 6.625% Senior Notes due 2034. SM also raised its annual fixed dividend 10% to $0.88 per share and plans to allocate 20% of post-dividend free cash flow to share repurchases.

Positive

  • Raised 2026 production guidance to 410–430 MBoe/d (222–228 MBbl/d of oil) while reaffirming capital expenditures of $2.65–$2.85 billion, indicating higher expected output without increasing planned spending.
  • Large synergy and cost capture from Civitas merger, with annualized run-rate synergy target increased to $375 million and approximately $300 million already actioned, supporting improved profitability.
  • Major portfolio and balance sheet actions, including a $950 million South Texas asset sale, redemption of $819 million of 2026 Senior Notes, and refinancing nearly $900 million of 8.375% debt into 6.625% 2034 notes to lower interest costs.
  • Enhanced shareholder return framework through a 10% increase in the annual fixed dividend to $0.88 per share and an expected allocation of 20% of post-dividend free cash flow to share repurchases.

Negative

  • Reported GAAP net loss of $335 million, or $1.68 per diluted share, driven largely by a $697 million net derivative loss and significant transaction and integration costs of $135 million in the quarter, alongside a high total debt load of $7.8 billion.

Insights

Merger-driven scale, higher guidance and balance sheet moves tilt modestly positive.

SM Energy exited Q1 2026 as a much larger multi-basin producer after closing the Civitas merger. Production reached 371.2 MBoe/d, nearly 80% above the prior quarter, and management raised full-year production guidance to 410–430 MBoe/d while keeping capital expenditures at $2.65–$2.85 billion.

Financially, reported net loss of $335 million reflects a $697 million non-cash net derivative loss as hedge values fell with higher forward oil prices. On an adjusted basis, net income of $309 million and Adjusted EBITDAX of $970 million show strong underlying profitability, though integration costs and one-time capital spending limited adjusted free cash flow to $20 million.

Leverage remains elevated with total principal debt of $7.8 billion and net debt of $7.353 billion, but the company is actively reshaping its balance sheet. A $950 million South Texas divestiture, redemption of $819 million of 2026 Senior Notes, and refinancing of high-coupon 8.375% notes into 6.625% 2034 notes reduce interest burden. The 10% dividend increase to $0.88 per share and a framework to return 20% of post-dividend free cash flow via buybacks signal confidence in cash generation once integration and one-time costs subside.

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Net loss $335 million GAAP net loss for Q1 2026
Adjusted net income $309 million Non-GAAP adjusted net income for Q1 2026
Adjusted EBITDAX $970 million Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDAX for Q1 2026
Average daily production 371.2 MBoe/d Average net daily production in Q1 2026
Full-year 2026 production guidance 410–430 MBoe/d Updated 2026 total production guidance range
Capital expenditures guidance $2.65–$2.85 billion Full-year 2026 capital expenditure plan
South Texas asset sale $950 million Gross proceeds from South Texas Divestiture closed April 30, 2026
Net debt $7.353 billion Net debt as of March 31, 2026
Adjusted EBITDAX financial
"Adjusted EBITDAX1 was $970 million."
Adjusted EBITDAX is a measure of a company’s operating profit that adds back interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and specific recurring costs (often exploration or similar project expenses), then removes one‑time or unusual items to show recurring cash profitability. Investors use it like a clean yardstick—ignoring financing choices, accounting rules and one‑off events—to compare core performance across periods or peers and assess a business’s ability to generate cash from operations.
free cash flow financial
"Delivered adjusted free cash flow1 of $20 million after one-time integration and transactions costs"
Free cash flow is the amount of money a company has left over after paying all its expenses and investing in its business, like buying equipment or updating facilities. It shows how much cash is available to reward shareholders, pay down debt, or save for future growth. This helps investors understand if a company is financially healthy and able to grow.
Senior Notes financial
"redeem all $819 million aggregate principal amount of the 6.75% and 5.0% Senior Notes due 2026"
Senior notes are a type of loan that a company borrows from investors, promising to pay it back with interest. They are called "senior" because in case the company faces financial trouble, these lenders are paid back before others. This makes senior notes safer for investors compared to other types of loans or bonds.
borrowing base redetermination financial
"completed its semi-annual borrowing base redetermination, with both the borrowing base and aggregate lender commitments reaffirmed"
non-GAAP financial
"Adjusted net income; operating cash flow before net change in working capital ... are non-GAAP measures."
Non-GAAP refers to financial measures that companies use to show their earnings or performance without including certain expenses or income that are often added back to give a different picture. It matters because it can make a company's results look better or more favorable, but it may also hide important costs, so investors need to look at both GAAP (official rules) and non-GAAP numbers to get a full understanding.
Offering Type earnings_snapshot
0000893538false00008935382026-05-062026-05-06

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

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)
May 6, 2026

SM Energy Company
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware001-3153941-0518430
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)(Commission File Number)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1700 Lincoln Street, Suite 3200
80203
Denver, Colorado
(Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (303) 861-8140

Not applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2.):

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, $0.01 par value
SM
New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company

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.



Item 2.02    Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
In accordance with General Instruction B.2. of Form 8-K, the following information, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall such information and exhibits be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
On May 6, 2026, SM Energy Company (“Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial and operating results for the first quarter of 2026. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report and incorporated by reference herein. As indicated in the press release, the Company scheduled a webcast and conference call for May 7, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. Mountain time/10:00 a.m. Eastern time to answer questions. The conference call is publicly accessible via webcast (available live and for replay) and telephone, and the press release includes instructions for accessing the webcast via the Company's website and dial-in information for the call. Availability of the webcast on the Company’s website is at the Company’s discretion and may be discontinued at any time.
Item 9.01    Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
Exhibit NumberDescription
99.1
Press release of SM Energy Company dated May 6, 2026, entitled "SM Energy Reports First Quarter 2026 Results"
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and included as Exhibit 101)



SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
SM ENERGY COMPANY
Date:May 6, 2026By:
/s/ ALAN D. BENNETT
Alan D. Bennett
Vice President - Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)

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News Release
EXHIBIT 99.1
SM Energy Reports First Quarter 2026 Results
Accelerated synergies and higher production drive enhanced full-year outlook
Company reaffirms full-year capital expenditure plan

DENVER, May 6, 2026 - SM Energy Company (the “Company” or “SM”) (NYSE: SM) today reported financial and operating results for the first quarter 2026. Accompanying slides can be found on the Company’s website at https://www.sm-energy.com/investors/news-events/presentations. A conference call is scheduled for 8 a.m. MT/10 a.m. ET on May 7, 2026. Participation details are included in this release.
SM enters 2026 transformed into a scaled, multi-basin operator with a high-quality oil portfolio built to deliver differentiated returns to stockholders. With the Civitas Resources, Inc. (“Civitas”) merger (the “Merger”) closed on January 30, 2026, SM’s focus is squarely on three strategic priorities: Integrate, Execute, and Bolster. First quarter 2026 performance against each of these priorities is summarized in the highlights below.
First Quarter 2026 Highlights
Integrate –
Raised total synergy target to $375 million in annualized run-rate savings up from the initial $200–$300 million target with approximately $300 million actioned to date.
Execute –
Average net daily production totaled 371.2 MBoe/d, including 190.3 MBbl/d of oil, compared to mid-point guidance of 350 MBoe/d (182 MBbl/d of oil).
Strong first quarter results led to a raise in full-year 2026 production guidance to 410–430 MBoe/d (222–228 MBbl/d of oil), compared to previous guidance of 400–420 MBoe/d (216–226 MBbl/d of oil).
Reflecting strong first quarter execution, SM increased its second-half 2026 average production run rate to approximately 430 MBoe/d, including approximately 238 MBbl/d of oil.
Maintained full-year 2026 capital expenditure guidance of $2.65–$2.85 billion.
Net loss was $1.68 per diluted share, primarily related to a non-cash mark-to-market loss on the Company’s commodity derivatives at period end due to a sharp rise in forward oil prices; adjusted net income1 was $1.55 per diluted share.
Generated operating cash flow of $640 million, or $692 million before net change in working capital, including certain long-term prepayments.1 Capital expenditures totaled $555 million, or $672 million before changes in accruals.1
Delivered adjusted free cash flow1 of $20 million after one-time integration and transactions costs and one-time capital costs.
Adjusted EBITDAX1 was $970 million.
Bolster –
Closed the $950 million sale of certain South Texas assets (the “South Texas Divestiture”) on April 30, 2026, substantially achieving SM’s $1.0 billion-plus asset sales target and meaningfully strengthening its balance sheet. Net proceeds of approximately $900 million, after preliminary purchase price adjustments and estimated selling costs, are being used to redeem all $819 million aggregate principal amount of the 6.75% and 5.0% Senior Notes due 2026 (collectively, “2026 Senior Notes”).
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Refinanced nearly $900 million of 8.375% high-coupon debt with $1.0 billion of new 6.625% Senior Notes due 2034, reducing the Company’s annualized interest expense.
Strengthened return of capital framework with a 10% increase in the annual fixed dividend to $0.88 per share, effective with the first quarter 2026 payment, and an expected allocation of 20% of post-dividend free cash flow to share repurchases.
1 Adjusted net income; operating cash flow before net change in working capital, including certain long-term prepayments; capital expenditures, before changes in accruals; adjusted EBITDAX; and net debt are non-GAAP measures. See the Non-GAAP Disclosures section of this news release for the definition of, and other important information regarding, these non-GAAP financial measures.
“SM is off to an outstanding start in 2026,” stated President and CEO Beth McDonald. “In the first quarter, our team delivered production above the top end of our guidance and accelerated merger synergy capture – demonstrating the capability of our combined organization. We also moved decisively to strengthen our balance sheet, refinancing high-coupon assumed debt and closing a significant divestiture at an accretive valuation. That operational momentum gives us the confidence to raise our synergy target, increase our production guidance, and reaffirm our capital plan. We are building a business with the scale, asset quality, and operational discipline to generate growing returns for stockholders.”
First Quarter 2026 Review
Production was 371.2 MBoe/d, reflecting the recent Merger with a nearly 80% increase from the prior quarter. Results include two months of Permian and DJ Basin production from legacy Civitas assets. SM’s average realized price was $44.22 per Boe, before the effect of hedges.
Reported a net loss of $335 million, or $1.68 per diluted share, reflecting a $697 million net derivative loss, the majority of which relates to a non-cash mark-to-market loss on the Company’s hedge book at period end due to the sharp rise in forward oil prices.
Incurred $135 million of transaction and integration costs against full-year guidance of approximately $180 million, and $60 million of one-time capital costs against full-year guidance of $70 million, with the majority of the remaining costs expected to be incurred in the second quarter 2026.
Balance Sheet
As of March 31, 2026, SM had total liquidity of approximately $2.9 billion, including $449 million of cash and cash equivalents. Total outstanding principal debt was $7.8 billion, with net debt1 of approximately $7.4 billion.
On March 9, 2026, SM issued $1.0 billion in aggregate principal of 6.625% Senior Notes due 2034 at par, receiving net proceeds of $985 million. The proceeds funded a cash tender offer for the 8.375% Senior Notes due 2028 (“2028 Senior Notes”), originally issued by Civitas, through which SM repurchased $784 million in aggregate principal for total cash consideration of $808 million. Subsequent to March 31, 2026, the tender offer expired and settled, resulting in an additional $110 million in aggregate principal repurchased for a combined total of $894 million aggregate principal of the 2028 Senior Notes repurchased.
On April 30, 2026, SM closed the $950 million South Texas Divestiture, generating net proceeds of approximately $900 million, and concurrently issued notices of redemption to holders of the 2026 Senior Notes to retire in full the $819 million aggregate principal amount outstanding thereunder.
Subsequent to March 31, 2026, SM completed its semi-annual borrowing base redetermination, with both the borrowing base and aggregate lender commitments reaffirmed at $5.0 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively, underscoring the strength of the Company’s portfolio following the South Texas Divestiture. As of March 31, 2026, SM had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility.
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Guidance
The following table summarizes SM's second quarter and full-year 2026 operational and financial guidance, reflecting raised full-year production to 410–430 MBoe/d and reaffirmed capital expenditures of $2.65–$2.85 billion.
Production2Q 2026Full Year 2026
Total Production (MMBoe)1
39 – 41
150 – 157
Total Production (MBoe/d)1
435 – 450
410 – 430
Oil Production (MBbl/d)1
228 – 235222 – 228
Capital Program ($ MM)
Capital Expenditures2
$815 – $855
$2,650 – $2,850
DC&E
$710 – $750
$2,300 – $2,500
Facility, Land, and Other
~$95
~$280
One-Time Capital Costs3
~$10
~$70
Net Wells Drilled
~75
~245
Net Wells Turned-In-Line
~75
~295
Avg. Well Cost ($/lateral ft)4
~$710
Operating Expenses ($/Boe)
Lease Operating Expense$6.50 – $6.80
Transportation$3.60 – $3.90
Production Taxes (% of oil, gas and NGL revenue)
~5.5%
Ad Valorem Taxes
~$0.50
DD&A$13.00 – $15.00
General & Administrative ($ MM)
Recurring G&A5
$280 – $300
One-Time Integration & Transaction — Cash6
~$150
One-Time Integration & Transaction — Non-Cash6
~$30
Other ($MM)
Exploration Expense~$100
Cash Taxes:
$60–$70/Bbl (WTI)
~$20
$70–$75/Bbl (WTI)
$20 – $60
$75–$80/Bbl (WTI)
$60 – $90
Notes:
1 FY26 production guidance includes 11 months of Civitas contribution following the January 30, 2026, Merger close, the conversion of certain acquired volumes to two-stream reporting, and the South Texas Divestiture that closed on April 30, 2026.
2 Indicates a non-GAAP measure or metric. Refer to the “Non-GAAP Definitions, Reconciliations and Disclosures” section in the Appendix. FY26 capital expenditures before changes in accruals includes ~ $50 million of expected synergies.
3 Includes one-time, non-recurring capital costs related to Merger integration and the South Texas Divestiture.
4 Company-wide average 2026 expected well cost and includes well connection/equipment costs.
5 FY26 recurring G&A guidance includes ~$50 million of stock-based compensation.
6 The majority of one-time integration and transaction costs (both cash and non-cash) were incurred in 1Q26.
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Webcast Details
SM plans to host a conference call and webcast at 8:00 a.m. MT (10:00 a.m. ET) tomorrow, May 7, 2026, to discuss details of the Company’s performance for the quarter and certain forward-looking information. The call and accompanying presentation may be accessed at https://www.sm-energy.com/investors. Participants can also dial into the conference call at (877) 407-6050 or +1 (201) 689-8022 for international.
About the SM Energy Company
SM is a premier, scaled operator of top-tier oil and gas assets across four leading U.S. shale basins: the Permian Basin, DJ Basin, South Texas, and Uinta Basin. SM routinely posts important information about the Company on its website. SM is focused on operational excellence, disciplined capital allocation, and delivering growing returns to stockholders. For more information, visit www.sm-energy.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities laws. The words “anticipate,” “deliver,” “demonstrate,” "establish," “estimate,” “expects,” "goal," "generate," “guidance,” “maintain,” “objectives,” “optimize,” “plan,” “priority,” "target," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release include, among other things, the Company’s 2026 plans and strategic objectives; the Company’s intention to redeem in full its 2026 Senior Notes, plans to enhance the Company’s return of capital program and planned allocation of free cash flow to dividends and share repurchases; expectations regarding increased scale; integration objectives and synergy targets, including the expected timing and magnitude; plans to achieve the Company’s $1.0 billion-plus divestiture target; statements regarding the South Texas Divestiture; expected future commodity prices; assumptions and projections for the second quarter and full year 2026 regarding guidance for total production; oil production; the Company’s capital plan, including total capital expenditures; drilling, completion and equipment costs; facility, land and other costs; one-time capital costs; Company average cost per lateral foot; certain operating expenses, including lease operating expense, transportation, production and ad valorem taxes; DD&A; general and administrative expense, and certain other costs, including exploration expense and cash taxes. These statements involve known and unknown risks, which may cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Future results may be impacted by the risks discussed in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as such risk factors may be updated from time to time in the Company's other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically the 2025 Form 10-K. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak as of the date of this release. Although the Company may from time to time voluntarily update its prior forward-looking statements, it disclaims any commitment to do so, except as required by securities laws.
Investor Relations
Megan Hays, Vice President, Investor Relations, mhays@sm-energy.com
Meghan Dack, Director, Investor Relations, mdack@sm-energy.com
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SM ENERGY COMPANY
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
March 31, 2026
Production Data
For the Three Months EndedPercent Change
 Between
March 31,December 31,March 31,1Q26 & 4Q251Q26 & 1Q25
202620252025
Realized sales price (before the effect of net derivative settlements):
Oil (per Bbl)$73.69 $58.17 $70.56 27 %%
Gas (per Mcf)$1.72 $1.81 $3.30 (5)%(48)%
NGLs (per Bbl)$21.58 $20.67 $25.86 %(17)%
Equivalent (per Boe)$44.22 $36.92 $47.29 20 %(6)%
Realized sales price (including the effect of net derivative settlements): (1)
Oil (per Bbl)$69.56 $60.83 $70.87 14 %(2)%
Gas (per Mcf)$2.27 $2.28 $3.50 — %(35)%
NGLs (per Bbl)$21.75 $20.76 $24.87 %(13)%
Equivalent (per Boe)$43.32 $39.32 $47.73 10 %(9)%
Net production volumes: (2)
Oil (MMBbl)17.1 10.0 9.3 72 %84 %
Gas (Bcf)72.4 39.4 36.4 84 %99 %
NGLs (MMBbl)4.2 2.5 2.4 69 %79 %
Equivalent (MMBoe)33.4 19.0 17.8 76 %88 %
Average net daily production: (2)(3)
Oil (MBbl per day)190.3 108.4 103.7 76 %84 %
Gas (MMcf per day)804.1 428.3 404.2 88 %99 %
NGLs (MBbl per day)46.9 27.1 26.2 73 %79 %
Equivalent (MBoe per day)371.2 206.9 197.3 79 %88 %
Per Boe data:
Lease operating expense$6.25 $5.55 $6.13 13 %%
Transportation costs$3.65 $3.67 $3.92 (1)%(7)%
Production taxes$2.43 $1.41 $2.07 72 %17 %
Ad valorem tax expense$0.47 $0.23 $0.55 104 %(15)%
General and administrative (4)(5)
$5.20 $2.10 $2.22 148 %134 %
Net derivative settlement gain (loss)$(0.90)$2.39 $0.44 (138)%(305)%
Depletion, depreciation, and amortization$12.91 $16.73 $15.20 (23)%(15)%
(1) Indicates a non-GAAP measure or metric. Post-hedge is calculated as the average realized price after the effects of commodity net derivative settlements. The Company believes this metric is useful to management and the investment community to understand the effects of commodity net derivative settlements on average realized price.
(2) Amounts and percentage changes may not calculate due to rounding.
(3) Average net daily production is calculated as total production for the quarter divided by 90 days. The results for the three months ended March 31, 2026 reflect only two months of production from the Civitas assets acquired.
(4) Includes recurring non-cash stock-based compensation expense per Boe of $0.26, $0.31, and $0.32 for the three months ended March 31, 2026, December 31, 2025, and March 31, 2025, respectively.
(5) For the three months ended March 31, 2026, includes one-time integration costs of $3.52 per Boe, of which $3.06 per Boe is cash costs and $0.46 per Boe is non-cash stock-based compensation.
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SM ENERGY COMPANY
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
March 31, 2026
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in millions, except share data)March 31,December 31,
ASSETS20262025
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$449 $368 
Accounts receivable915 331 
Derivative assets201 83 
Prepaid expenses and other106 29 
Total current assets1,671 811 
Property and equipment (successful efforts method):
Proved oil and gas properties22,280 16,012 
Accumulated depletion, depreciation, and amortization(7,891)(8,793)
Unproved oil and gas properties, net of valuation allowance of $12 and $12, respectively
1,078 460 
Wells in progress835 458 
Properties held for sale, net666 — 
Other property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $65 and $63, respectively
133 65 
Total property and equipment, net17,101 8,202 
Noncurrent assets:
Derivative assets27 
Other noncurrent assets345 234 
Total noncurrent assets372 240 
Total assets$19,144 $9,253 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses$2,221 $690 
Senior Notes, net1,235 419 
Derivative liabilities703 
Other current liabilities121 58 
Total current liabilities4,280 1,169 
Noncurrent liabilities:
Revolving credit facility— — 
Senior Notes, net6,741 2,296 
Asset retirement obligations477 150 
Deferred tax liabilities, net315 724 
Derivative liabilities
Other noncurrent liabilities461 102 
Total noncurrent liabilities7,996 3,274 
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value - authorized: 400,000,000 and 200,000,000 shares, respectively; issued and outstanding: 239,696,577 and 114,630,905 shares, respectively
Additional paid-in capital3,962 1,517 
Retained earnings2,903 3,291 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Total stockholders’ equity6,868 4,810 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$19,144 $9,253 
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SM ENERGY COMPANY
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
March 31, 2026
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in millions, except per share data)For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
20262025
Operating revenues and other income:
Oil, gas, and NGL production revenue$1,477 $840 
Other operating income
Total operating revenues and other income1,479 845 
Operating expenses:
Oil, gas, and NGL production expense428 225 
Depletion, depreciation, and amortization432 270 
Exploration (1)
26 12 
General and administrative (1)(2)
174 39 
Net derivative loss (3)
697 17 
Other operating expense (2)
20 
Total operating expenses1,777 568 
Income (loss) from operations(298)276 
Interest expense(113)(44)
Other non-operating income, net— 
Income (loss) before income taxes(410)232 
Income tax (expense) benefit75 (50)
Net income (loss)$(335)$182 
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding199 115 
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding199 115 
Basic net income (loss) per common share$(1.68)$1.59 
Diluted net income (loss) per common share$(1.68)$1.59 
(1) Recurring non-cash stock-based compensation included in:
Exploration expense$$
General and administrative expense
Total non-cash stock-based compensation$10 $
(2) Transaction and integration costs included in:
General and administrative (includes $15 million non-cash stock-based compensation associated with the merger)
$118 $— 
Other operating expenses
17 — 
Total transaction and integration costs
$135 $— 
(3) The net derivative loss line item consists of the following:
Net derivative settlement (gain) loss$30 $(8)
Net loss on fair value changes667 25 
Total net derivative loss$697 $17 
Note: Prior year amounts may not calculate due to rounding.
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SM ENERGY COMPANY
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
March 31, 2026
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
(in millions, except share data and dividends per share)
Additional Paid-in CapitalRetained Earnings
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Total Stockholders’ Equity
Common Stock
SharesAmount
Balances, December 31, 2025114,630,905 $1 $1,517 $3,291 $1 $4,810 
Net loss— — — (335)— (335)
Net cash dividends declared, $0.22 per share
— — — (53)— (53)
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of RSUs, and settlement of PSUs, net of shares used for tax withholdings235,422 — (17)— — (17)
Stock-based compensation expense1,114,479 — 25 — — 25 
Replacement equity awards issued in connection with Civitas Merger— — 29 — — 29 
Issuance of common stock in connection with Civitas Merger123,715,771 2,408 — — 2,409 
Balances, March 31, 2026239,696,577 $2 $3,962 $2,903 $1 $6,868 
Additional Paid-in CapitalAccumulated Other Comprehensive LossTotal Stockholders’ Equity
Common StockRetained Earnings
SharesAmount
Balances, December 31, 2024114,461,934 $1 $1,502 $2,735 $(1)$4,237 
Net income— — — 182 — 182 
Net cash dividends declared, $0.20 per share
— — — (23)— (23)
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of RSUs, net of shares used for tax withholdings284 — — — — — 
Stock-based compensation expense— — — — 
Balances, March 31, 2025114,462,218 $1 $1,509 $2,895 $(1)$4,404 
Note: Prior year amounts may not calculate due to rounding.
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SM ENERGY COMPANY
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
March 31, 2026
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in millions)For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
20262025
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)$(335)$182 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depletion, depreciation, and amortization432 270 
Stock-based compensation expense25 
Net derivative loss697 17 
Net derivative settlement gain (loss)(30)
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt premiums(5)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)(85)26 
Other, net
(28)
Net change in working capital(31)(32)
Net cash provided by operating activities640 483 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures(555)(414)
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
(49)— 
Other
(24)(15)
Net cash used in investing activities(628)(429)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving credit facility15 857 
Repayment of revolving credit facility(15)(888)
Net proceeds from Senior Notes985 — 
Cash paid to repurchase Senior Notes(808)— 
Dividends paid(82)(23)
Other, net(26)— 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities69 (54)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash81 — 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period
368 — 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period
$449 $ 
Supplemental schedule of additional cash flow information:
Operating activities: Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest$(95)$(82)
Investing activities: Changes in capital expenditure accruals$117 $27 
Note: Prior year amounts may not calculate due to rounding.
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DEFINITIONS OF NON-GAAP MEASURES AND METRICS AS CALCULATED BY THE COMPANY
To supplement the presentation of its financial results prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the Company provides certain non-GAAP measures and metrics, which are used by management and the investment community to assess the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows, as well as compare performance from period to period and across the Company’s peer group. The Company believes these measures and metrics are widely used by the investment community, including investors, research analysts and others, to evaluate and compare recurring financial results among upstream oil and gas companies in making investment decisions or recommendations. These measures and metrics, as presented, may have differing calculations among companies and investment professionals and may not be directly comparable to the same measures and metrics provided by others. A non-GAAP measure should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the most directly comparable GAAP measure or any other measure of a company’s financial or operating performance presented in accordance with GAAP. Reconciliations of the Company’s non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures are presented below. These measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
Adjusted EBITDAX: Adjusted EBITDAX represents net income (loss) before interest expense, interest income, income taxes, depletion, depreciation, and amortization expense, exploration expense, property abandonment and impairment expense, non-cash stock-based compensation expense, derivative gains and losses net of settlements, gains and losses on divestitures, gains and losses on extinguishment of debt, non-recurring or one-time costs including transaction and integration costs associated with the Civitas Merger, and certain other items. Adjusted EBITDAX excludes certain items that we believe affect the comparability of operating results and can exclude items that are generally non-recurring in nature or whose timing and/or amount cannot be reasonably estimated. Adjusted EBITDAX is a non-GAAP measure that the Company believes provides useful additional information to investors and analysts, as a performance measure, for analysis of the Company’s ability to internally generate funds for exploration, development, acquisitions, and to service debt. The Company is also subject to financial covenants under the Company’s Credit Agreement, a material source of liquidity for the Company, based on Adjusted EBITDAX ratios. Please reference the Company’s first quarter 2026 Form 10-Q and the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for discussion of the Credit Agreement and its covenants.
Adjusted free cash flow: Adjusted free cash flow is calculated as net cash provided by operating activities before net change in working capital, including change in certain long-term prepayments, less capital expenditures before changes in accruals. The Company uses this measure to represent the cash generated from operations, in excess of capital expenditures, that is available to fund discretionary uses such as debt reduction, stockholder returns, or expanding the business.
Adjusted net income and Adjusted net income per diluted common share: Adjusted net income and Adjusted net income per diluted common share exclude certain items that the Company believes affect the comparability of operating results, including items that are generally non-recurring in nature or whose timing and/or amount cannot be reasonably estimated. These items include non-cash and other adjustments, such as derivative gains and losses net of settlements, impairments, gains and losses on divestitures, gains and losses on extinguishment of debt, non-recurring or one-time costs including transaction and integration costs associated with the Civitas Merger, and accruals for non-recurring matters. The Company uses these measures to evaluate the comparability of the Company's ongoing operational results and trends and believes these measures provide useful information to investors for analysis of the Company's fundamental business on a recurring basis.
Net debt: Net debt is calculated as the total principal amount of outstanding senior notes plus amounts drawn on the revolving credit facility less cash and cash equivalents (also referred to as total funded debt). The Company uses net debt as a measure of financial position and believes this measure provides useful additional information to investors to evaluate the Company's capital structure and financial leverage.
Capital expenditures: The Company’s operating plan guidance uses the term “capital expenditures,” which is defined to be before changes in accruals (excludes working capital), and is a non-GAAP measure. In reliance on the exception provided by Item 10(e)(1)(i)(B) of Regulation S-K, the Company is unable to provide a reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP capital expenditures because components of the calculations are inherently unpredictable, such as changes to, and the timing of, capital accruals, unknown future events, and estimating certain future GAAP measures. The inability to project certain components of the calculation could significantly affect the accuracy of a reconciliation.

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SM ENERGY COMPANY
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
March 31, 2026
Adjusted EBITDAX Reconciliation (1)
(in millions)
Reconciliation of net income (loss) (GAAP) and net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) to Adjusted EBITDAX (non-GAAP):
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
20262025
Net income (loss) (GAAP)$(335)$182 
Interest expense113 44 
Income tax expense (benefit)(75)50 
Depletion, depreciation, and amortization432 270 
Exploration (2)
24 10 
Stock-based compensation expense10 
Net derivative loss697 17 
Net derivative settlement gain (loss)(30)
Transaction and integration costs (3)
135 — 
Other, net(1)— 
Adjusted EBITDAX (non-GAAP)$970 $589 
Interest expense(113)(44)
Income tax (expense) benefit75 (50)
Exploration (2)
(24)(10)
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt premiums(5)
Transaction and integration costs (3)
(120)— 
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)(85)26 
Other, net(27)
Net change in working capital(31)(32)
Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP)$640 $483 
Note: Prior year amounts may not calculate due to rounding.
(1) See "Definitions of Non-GAAP Measures and Metrics as Calculated by the Company" above.
(2) Stock-based compensation expense is a component of the exploration expense and general and administrative expense line items on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. Therefore, the exploration line items shown in the reconciliation above will vary from the amounts shown on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for the component of stock-based compensation expense recorded to exploration expense.
(3) Transaction and integration costs include expenses associated with the Merger and post-merger integration activities. For the three months ended March 31, 2026, these costs consisted of $118 million of one-time integration costs ($15 million of which is stock-based compensation), included in general and administrative expense in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and $17 million of one-time transaction costs, included in other operating expense in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. For the three months ended December 31, 2025, these costs consisted entirely of one-time transaction costs.
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SM ENERGY COMPANY
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
March 31, 2026
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted Net Income (1)
(in millions, except per share data)
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
20262025
Net income (loss) (GAAP)(335)$182 
Net derivative loss697 17 
Net derivative settlement gain (loss)(30)
Transaction and integration costs (2)
135 — 
Other, net— 
Tax effect of adjustments (3)
(184)(6)
Deferred tax remeasurement – corporate reorganization (4)
23 — 
Adjusted net income (non-GAAP)$309 $202 
Diluted net income (loss) per common share (GAAP)$(1.68)$1.59 
Net derivative loss3.49 0.15 
Net derivative settlement gain (loss)(0.15)0.07 
Transaction and integration costs (2)
0.68 — 
Other, net0.01 — 
Tax effect of adjustments (3)
(0.92)(0.05)
Deferred tax remeasurement – corporate reorganization (4)
0.12 — 
Adjusted net income per diluted common share (non-GAAP)$1.55 $1.76 
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding199 115 
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding200 115 
Note: Prior year amounts may not calculate due to rounding.
(1) See "Definitions of Non-GAAP Measures and Metrics as Calculated by the Company" above.
(2) Transaction and integration costs include expenses associated with the Merger and post-merger integration activities. For the three months ended March 31, 2026, the Company recorded approximately $17 million of one-time transaction costs, included in other operating expense in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations, and $118 million of one-time integration costs, included in general and administrative expense in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
(3) The tax effect of adjustments for the three months ended March 31, 2026, and 2025, was calculated using a tax rate of 22.9% and 22.1%, respectively. These rates approximate the Company's statutory tax rates for the respective periods, as adjusted for ordinary permanent differences.
(4) Reflects a non-recurring remeasurement of net deferred tax balances resulting from a change in state income tax apportionment due to a corporate reorganization and the Merger.
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SM ENERGY COMPANY
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
March 31, 2026
Adjusted Free Cash Flow (1)
(in millions)
For the Three Months Ended
March 31,
20262025
Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP)$640 $483 
Net change in working capital, including change in certain long-term prepayments
52 32 
Cash flow from operations before net change in working capital, including change in certain long-term prepayments (non-GAAP)
692 515 
Capital expenditures (GAAP)555 414 
Changes in capital expenditure accruals117 27 
Capital expenditures before changes in accruals (non-GAAP)672 441 
Adjusted free cash flow (non-GAAP)$20 $74 
(1) See "Definitions of Non-GAAP Measures and Metrics as Calculated by the Company" above.
Note: For the three months ended March 31, 2026, adjusted free cash flow includes one-time, non-recurring cash costs of approximately $180 million associated with the Merger integration and the South Texas assets divested, of which approximately $120 million was reported in net cash provided by operating activities and approximately $60 million in capital expenditures.

Reconciliation of Total Principal Amount of Debt to Net Debt (1)
(in millions)
As of March 31, 2026
Principal amount of Senior Notes (2)
$7,802 
Revolving credit facility (2)
— 
Total principal amount of debt (GAAP)7,802 
Less: Cash and cash equivalents449 
Net Debt (non-GAAP)$7,353 
(1) See "Definitions of Non-GAAP Measures and Metrics as Calculated by the Company" above.
(2) Amounts as of March 31, 2026, are from Note 6 - Long-Term Debt in Part I, Item 1 of the Company's Form 10-Q.
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FAQ

How did SM Energy (SM) perform financially in Q1 2026?

SM Energy reported a net loss of $335 million, or $1.68 per diluted share, mainly from a $697 million net derivative loss. Adjusted net income was $309 million, or $1.55 per diluted share, with Adjusted EBITDAX of $970 million and operating cash flow of $640 million.

What were SM Energy’s Q1 2026 production volumes and realized prices?

Average net daily production was 371.2 MBoe/d, including 190.3 MBbl/d of oil, 804.1 MMcf/d of gas, and 46.9 MBbl/d of NGLs. The average realized price before hedges was $44.22 per Boe, with oil at $73.69 per barrel and gas at $1.72 per Mcf.

Did SM Energy change its 2026 guidance after Q1 2026 results?

Yes. SM Energy raised full-year 2026 production guidance to 410–430 MBoe/d, including 222–228 MBbl/d of oil. The company reaffirmed its full-year 2026 capital expenditure plan of $2.65–$2.85 billion and highlighted an expected average well cost of about $710 per lateral foot.

What major strategic transactions did SM Energy announce in early 2026?

SM Energy closed a $950 million sale of certain South Texas assets, with about $900 million of net proceeds used to redeem all $819 million of 2026 Senior Notes. It also issued $1.0 billion of 6.625% Senior Notes due 2034 and repurchased $894 million aggregate principal of 8.375% 2028 Senior Notes.

How is the Civitas merger affecting SM Energy’s results and synergies?

The Civitas merger, closed January 30, 2026, drove a nearly 80% sequential production increase and expanded SM’s Permian and DJ Basin presence. The company raised its annualized run-rate synergy target to $375 million and has actioned about $300 million of these savings so far.

What is SM Energy’s updated capital return strategy as of Q1 2026?

SM Energy increased its annual fixed dividend by 10% to $0.88 per share, effective with the first quarter 2026 payment. The company also expects to allocate 20% of post-dividend free cash flow to share repurchases, complementing ongoing debt reduction initiatives.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

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