SM Energy(US:SM) ZACKSยท2025-05-02 18:25Core 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].