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].

Amplify Energy Corporation (AMPY) , a U.S.-based exploration and production company, recently announced that it has signed a termination agreement with Juniper Capital Advisors, L.P., for their previously announced merger deal. Both parties mutually agreed upon the decision. The decision was primarily influenced by extreme market volatility, likely resulting from recent disruptions in the energy sector.Per the terms of the Termination Agreement, Juniper Capital Advisors is expected to receive $800,000 in ca ...