SM Energy completes all-stock merger with Civitas

Merger Overview - SM Energy Company has completed an all-stock merger with Civitas Resources, creating a combined entity named SM Energy Company, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, US [1] - The merger was valued at approximately $12.8 billion, including net debt, and received shareholder approval from both companies [1][4] Share Exchange and Ownership Structure - Each Civitas share is exchanged for 1.45 SM Energy shares, resulting in the issuance of approximately 126.3 million new shares of common stock by SM Energy [2] - Post-merger, SM Energy shareholders will own about 48% of the combined company, while Civitas shareholders will hold around 52% [2] Leadership and Governance - The Board of Directors will consist of 11 members, with six from SM Energy and five from Civitas [3] - The leadership team includes Beth McDonald as president and CEO, and Blake McKenna as executive vice-president and COO [2] Operational Focus and Financial Outlook - The combined entity manages a portfolio of approximately 823,000 net acres, focusing significantly on the Permian Basin [3] - Expected free cash flow is projected to exceed $1.4 billion for the full year 2025, aiming to enhance capital returns and investment appeal [3] Integration and Future Plans - The company aims to integrate effectively to unlock additional free cash flow, targeting annual synergies of $200–300 million and divestitures of at least $1 billion over the next year [5] - Plans to strengthen the balance sheet and accelerate capital returns to stockholders are in place, with an updated operating plan and return of capital framework to be shared in February 2026 [6]