Company Performance - SM Energy's stock closed at $25.34, reflecting a -2.28% change from the previous day's closing price, underperforming the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.79% [1] - Prior to the recent trading session, SM Energy shares had gained 4.05%, which lagged behind the Oils-Energy sector's gain of 6.03% and the S&P 500's gain of 5.22% [1] Earnings Expectations - Analysts expect SM Energy to report earnings of $1.22 per share, indicating a year-over-year decline of 34.05% [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenue is projected at $781.71 million, representing a 23.19% increase from the previous year [2] Full-Year Estimates - For the full year, Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of $5.85 per share and revenue of $3.28 billion, reflecting year-over-year changes of -13.97% and +21.91%, respectively [3] - Recent changes to analyst estimates for SM Energy may indicate shifting business dynamics, with positive revisions suggesting analyst optimism [3] Valuation Metrics - SM Energy is currently trading at a Forward P/E ratio of 4.44, significantly lower than the industry average Forward P/E of 10.83, suggesting it is trading at a discount [6] - The Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production - United States industry, to which SM Energy belongs, ranks in the bottom 39% of all industries according to the Zacks Industry Rank [6] Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from 1 (Strong Buy) to 5 (Strong Sell), has a strong track record, with 1 rated stocks delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [5] - SM Energy currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), with a 3.18% increase in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate over the last 30 days [5]

Group 1 - SM Energy Company will participate in the TD Cowen 23rd Annual Calgary Energy, Power & Utilities Conference on July 8, 2025, with CEO Herb Vogel engaging in a panel discussion and one-on-one meetings with investors [1] - The conference will not be webcast, indicating a more personal engagement approach with investors [1] Group 2 - SM Energy is an independent energy company focused on the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs in Texas and Utah [3] - The company regularly updates important information on its website, providing transparency and accessibility to stakeholders [3]

Summary of Conference Call Company Overview - The company has focused on identifying, owning, and developing high return assets while maintaining a leadership position in sustainability and stewardship [1][2] - The company operates primarily in the Lower 48 states and emphasizes operational execution and capital efficiency [2] Key Highlights Operational Performance - The company has a strong track record in geoscience and engineering, which has allowed it to identify and exploit overlooked opportunities in various basins [2][3] - In Howard County, the number of horizontal wells increased from 79 to over 4,900 in less than a decade, demonstrating significant growth and attractive economics [4] - The Austin Chalk play in Webb and Dimmit Counties saw breakeven prices drop from $80 per barrel to $44, showcasing the impact of technology and improved understanding of the geology [5][6] Uinta Basin Development - The Uinta Basin is viewed as the next significant opportunity, with extensive data from over 8,500 vertical wells aiding in derisking [7][8] - The company has about 200 horizontal wells in the lower cube of the Uinta Basin, with competitive margins similar to the Permian Basin [9] - The integration of operations in the Uinta Basin has led to improved capital efficiency and record pumping times [17][18] Technology and Optimization - The company employs advanced technology and data analysis to optimize well designs, resulting in better performance compared to peers [10][12] - Cumulative oil production per 10,000 feet of lateral was reported to be 32% better in Howard County and 42% better in the Austin Chalk compared to peer-operated wells [13] Financial Strategy - The company aims to maximize free cash flow while managing capital allocation across different basins [24][30] - Hedging strategies have been enhanced, with over 40% of oil hedged for the next year to mitigate risks associated with commodity price volatility [26][29] - The company plans to focus on debt repayment before resuming stock buybacks, with a target of achieving a 1x leverage ratio [22][50] Industry Context - The company is navigating a challenging macroeconomic environment with lower oil prices and economic uncertainty, but maintains its operational budget [23][24] - There is a measured approach to capital allocation, with potential shifts towards gas-focused plays if market conditions improve [30][32] Additional Insights - The company has seen slight cost deflation in specific service areas, but labor costs remain unchanged [55] - The use of simul frac technology is being maximized where feasible, particularly in the Uinta Basin [58][59] - The company has a strong ESG score, ranking number one among oil-focused operators [21] Conclusion - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on its operational strengths and technological advancements while navigating the current market challenges. The focus on capital efficiency, debt reduction, and strategic hedging will be crucial for future growth and shareholder value creation.

Group 1: Stock Performance - SM Energy's stock closed at $27.55, reflecting a -1.36% change from the previous day's closing price, which was less than the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.03% [1] - Over the past month, SM Energy shares gained 17.7%, outperforming the Oils-Energy sector's gain of 5.57% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.6% [1] Group 2: Earnings Projections - SM Energy is projected to report earnings of $1.24 per share, indicating a year-over-year decline of 32.97% [2] - The consensus estimate for revenue is $777.04 million, reflecting a 22.46% increase from the same quarter last year [2] Group 3: Fiscal Year Estimates - For the entire fiscal year, earnings are estimated at $5.67 per share, representing a -16.62% change from the previous year, while revenue is projected at $3.24 billion, indicating a +20.58% change [3] Group 4: Analyst Sentiment - Recent changes to analyst estimates for SM Energy are important, as positive revisions indicate optimism regarding the business and profitability [3][4] - The Zacks Rank system, which incorporates estimate changes, currently ranks SM Energy at 5 (Strong Sell) [5] Group 5: Valuation Metrics - SM Energy has a Forward P/E ratio of 4.93, which is a discount compared to its industry's Forward P/E of 12.04 [6] - The Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production - United States industry is ranked 182 in the Zacks Industry Rank, placing it in the bottom 27% of over 250 industries [6]

SM Energy Company Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: SM Energy Company (SM) - **Date of Conference**: June 04, 2025 - **Key Speaker**: Wade Purcell, CFO Industry Insights - **Focus**: Oil and Gas Industry, specifically in the Permian Basin, South Texas, and Uinta Basin - **Historical Context**: SM Energy has been operational since 1908, emphasizing its long-standing presence in the industry [7][10] Core Points and Arguments 1. **Asset Portfolio**: - SM Energy operates three top-tier assets: Midland Basin, South Texas, and Uinta Basin [12][13] - The Uinta Basin was added after the last conference and is seen as a significant opportunity due to its multiple intervals and high oil content [17][21] 2. **Operational Efficiency**: - The company has improved drilling and completion times, resulting in cost reductions of 10% in the Midland Basin and 19% in South Texas [12] - The technical team has been crucial in identifying and developing these assets, particularly in the Midland Basin and Uinta Basin [14][17] 3. **Financial Health**: - SM Energy maintains a strong balance sheet with a leverage ratio of 1.3 times, aiming to reduce it to 1.0 times through debt repayment [22][23] - The company has a $3 billion borrowing base with $2 billion in commitments, indicating strong liquidity [23] 4. **Production Strategy**: - Production is expected to grow from Q1 to Q3 of 2025, with a slight decline in Q4 due to a reduction in rig count from nine to six [36][61] - The company aims for a stable production trajectory moving into 2026, focusing on free cash flow generation rather than just oil output [64] 5. **Market Conditions**: - The company is not overly concerned about marketing constraints in the Permian Basin and has hedged its basis to mitigate risks [46][48] - SM Energy is confident in its ability to transport 15% to 20% of its production to local refineries, exceeding expectations in Q1 [48][49] 6. **M&A Opportunities**: - The company is actively looking for both small leasehold additions and larger acquisitions, maintaining strict criteria for any potential deals [55][56] - Current market conditions have created uncertainty in the M&A landscape, but SM Energy continues to evaluate opportunities [57][58] Additional Important Insights - **Technical Innovations**: The company is exploring new operational efficiencies and innovations to enhance productivity, although quantifiable results are expected later [39][40] - **Environmental Commitment**: SM Energy remains committed to ESG initiatives, including gas and methane capture, as part of its operational ethos [70] - **Regulatory Environment**: The current pro-fossil fuel administration has not significantly impacted SM Energy's operations, which are primarily on non-federal acreage [68] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the SM Energy conference call, highlighting the company's strategic focus, operational efficiencies, financial health, and market positioning within the oil and gas industry.

Financial Performance & Capital Management - SM Energy's Q1 2025 adjusted EBITDAX was $588.9 million[56] - The company reduced debt by $31 million in Q1 2025 and is progressing towards 1x leverage[39, 51] - SM Energy's net debt as of March 31, 2025, was $2.8 billion[42] - The company has a stock repurchase authorization of $500 million through 2027[45, 46] - Cumulative capital returned to stockholders is $567 million, with over 40% of free cash flow returned[45] Operational Efficiency & Production - Q1 2025 total net production was 197.3 MBoe/d, with 53% oil[51, 56] - The company has seen a 27% increase in average drilling footage per day and an 18% increase in average completed footage per day in the Midland Basin from 2022 to 2024[34] - South Texas has seen a 99% increase in average completed footage per day from 2022 to 2024[34] Asset Portfolio & Strategy - SM Energy holds approximately 111,000 net acres in the Midland Basin, 155,000 net acres in South Texas, and 63,600 net acres in the Uinta Basin[7, 77, 78] - The company plans to process ethane in 2Q and 3Q 2025, and reject it in 4Q 2025[67] - Oil reserves increased by 29% year-end 2024 over year-end 2023[72]

Core Viewpoint - SM Energy Company is actively engaging with investors through a series of upcoming conferences, showcasing its commitment to transparency and investor relations [1][4]. Company Overview - SM Energy Company is an independent energy firm focused on the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs) primarily in Texas and Utah [3]. Upcoming Investor Conferences - June 2, 2025: President and CEO Herb Vogel will meet with investors in a virtual one-on-one setting, which will not be webcast [4]. - June 3, 2025: CFO Wade Pursell will host a breakout session at 9:20 a.m. Mountain time and will also engage in one-on-one meetings with investors. An investor presentation will be posted on the company's website [4]. - June 4, 2025: CFO Wade Pursell will host a breakout session at 8:40 a.m. Mountain time, with one-on-one meetings and a webcast available for replay [4]. - June 24, 2025: CEO Herb Vogel will present at 12:55 p.m. Mountain time, with one-on-one meetings and a webcast available for replay [4].

Group 1 - SM Energy's Q1 2025 production was near the high-end of expectations despite rising lease operating expenses [2] - Oil prices have decreased to the mid-to-high $50s range [2] - The company does not plan to adjust its strategies in response to the current oil price trends [2]

Core Viewpoint - SM Energy Company reported strong first-quarter 2025 results, with adjusted earnings and revenues exceeding expectations, driven by increased production volumes and higher realized prices [1][2][4]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share for Q1 2025 were $1.76, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.60 and up from $1.41 in the previous year [1]. - Total revenues reached $845 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $822 million and significantly higher than $560 million in the year-ago quarter [1]. Operational Performance - Production volumes for Q1 2025 were 197.3 MBoe/d, a 36% increase from 145.1 MBoe/d in the previous year, with oil comprising almost 53% of total production [2]. - Oil production rose approximately 63% year over year to 103.7 MBbls/d, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 103 MBbls/d [2]. - Natural gas production was 404.2 million cubic feet per day, an 18% increase year over year, while natural gas liquids production improved 8% to 26.2 MBbls/d [3]. Realized Prices - The average realized price per Boe was $47.29, up from $42.39 in the year-ago quarter [4]. - The average realized oil price decreased by 7% to $70.56 per barrel, while the average realized natural gas price increased by 51% to $3.30 per thousand cubic feet [4]. Costs & Expenses - Unit lease operating expenses increased by 11% year over year to $6.13 per Boe, while general and administrative expenses decreased by 3% to $2.22 per Boe [5]. - Transportation expenses surged by 89% to $3.92 per Boe, with total hydrocarbon production expenses amounting to $225 million compared to $137.4 million in the previous year [5]. Capital Expenditures - Capital expenditures for the quarter totaled $440.8 million, with adjusted free cash flow of $73.8 million [6]. Balance Sheet - As of March 31, 2025, SM Energy had cash and cash equivalents of $54,000 and a net debt of $2.77 billion [7]. Guidance - For Q2 2025, production is expected to be between 197-203 MBoe/d, with oil contributing 54-55% [9]. - Full-year 2025 net production volume is anticipated to be in the range of 200-215 MBoe/d, implying a year-over-year increase of approximately 22% [10].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is pleased with its performance, reporting a 30% increase in oil production and a 20% increase in total production for 2025 [5] - The first quarter oil cut was 53%, with expectations for a modest increase in the second quarter, but no changes to the full-year guidance [7][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing 90% of its program on the lower cube in the Uinta Basin, with strong confidence in the forecast from this zone [18][19] - The remaining 10% is focused on the upper cube, with positive results expected from the Douglas Creek area [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company typically sells about 15% to 20% of its crude oil to Salt Lake City refineries, which has lower transportation costs [42] - The balance of oil is transported by rail, with efforts to maximize sales to local refineries [42] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a disciplined approach to capital allocation, prioritizing debt reduction until leverage returns to a one-time area [12][13] - There are no specific plans for 2026 yet, but multiple scenarios are being modeled based on commodity prices [50][51] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the Uinta Basin assets, noting that they have exceeded original expectations [36] - The company is comfortable with its current plans at a price of $55 per barrel, generating significant free cash flow [52] Other Important Information - The company has filed its first quarter 10-Q and is committed to transparency regarding forward-looking statements and non-GAAP measures [3] - The company is not providing specific guidance on rig plans at this time, focusing instead on production timelines [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on oil production shape for 2025 - Management indicated no material changes to the full-year plan, with a modest increase in oil cut expected from Q1 to Q2 [8][10] Question: Cash returns and share repurchases - Management confirmed prioritization of debt reduction over share repurchases until leverage metrics improve [12][13] Question: Uinta Basin productivity expectations - Management stated that 90% of the program is focused on the lower cube, with confidence in achieving underwritten assumptions [18] Question: LOE impacts and cost expectations - Management noted that some cost increases may be one-time in nature, while others could persist [21] Question: Rig count and operational plans - Management is not providing specific timelines for rig drops but will adjust based on program needs [27] Question: Capital allocation between regions - Management indicated that returns between regions have not changed significantly, and no immediate changes to capital allocation are expected [32] Question: Oil sales to local refineries - Management confirmed that 15% to 20% of crude is sold to local refineries, optimizing transportation costs [42] Question: CapEx plans for the year - Management expects a similar run rate in the second half of the year as in the first half, with no material changes to the CapEx guidance [44] Question: Operational plans for 2026 - Management stated that no specific plans for 2026 are in place, but multiple scenarios are being considered based on market conditions [50][51]