SM Energy Reports First Quarter 2020 Results And Updates 2020 Operating Plan

DENVER, April 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- SM Energy Company (the "Company") (NYSE: SM) today announced operating and financial results for the first quarter 2020 and provided updates to its 2020 operating plan.

Highlights include:

    --  Production at the high end of prior guidance. First quarter 2020
        production was 12.4 MMBoe (135.9 MBoe/d) at 51% oil, driven by continued
        growth in Midland Basin production.
    --  Significant cash flows. First quarter net cash provided by operating
        activities of $218.1 million before net change in working capital of
        $18.5 million was $236.6 million. Capital expenditures of $139.3 million
        before increase in capital expenditure accruals and other of $16.8
        million was $156.1 million, which resulted in free cash flow of $80.5
        million (a non-GAAP measure defined and reconciled below.)
    --  Absolute debt reduction. Cash flows generated in the first quarter 2020
        were applied to open market purchases of outstanding bonds and reduction
        in the balance of the Company's senior secured credit facility, reducing
        total principal amount of debt by $91.2 million. Net debt-to-Adjusted
        EBITDAX was reduced to 2.45 times (a non-GAAP measure defined and
        reconciled below.)
    --  Borrowing base redetermination completed. Subsequent to quarter-end, the
        borrowing base and commitments on the Company's senior secured revolving
        credit facility were redetermined at $1.1 billion, providing $1.0
        billion in liquidity pro forma at quarter-end.
    --  Capital activity reduced. 2020 capital expenditure pace is expected to
        be reduced significantly, down by approximately 20% versus earlier
        guidance.

President and Chief Executive Officer Jay Ottoson comments: "As our industry faces unprecedented circumstances, our priorities are: first, the safety of our employees and contractors under the conditions of the pandemic; and second, maintaining a sustainable business plan under the contracted macro-economic environment. We have implemented a wide range of changes from modifying our capital activity to adopting new daily safety protocols for field teams. Our pace of capital spending has been reduced, and we have a strong hedge position in 2020 to bolster our cash flows during a time of considerable uncertainty."

FIRST QUARTER 2020 RESULTS



     PRODUCTION:




                                         
            
              Midland Basin   
     
           South Texas    
           
              Total

                                                                                                                                   ---

      Oil (MBbl / MBbl/d)                              
            5,932 / 65.2        
          415 / 4.6             
            6,347 / 69.8


      Natural Gas (MMcf /
       MMcf/d)                                        
            9,931 / 109.1    
         16,570 / 182.1           
            26,501 / 291.2


      NGLs (MBbl / MBbl/d)                                    
            3 / -      
         1,599 / 17.6             
            1,602 / 17.6


      Total (MBoe / MBoe/d)                            
            7,590 / 83.4      
         4,776 / 52.5           
            12,367 / 135.9

                                                                                                                                   ---

                 Note: Totals may not calculate due to rounding.





     REALIZED PRICES:




                                         
            
              Midland Basin   
     
           South Texas    
           
              Total
                                                                                                        (Pre/Post-hedge)

                                                                                                                                   ---


     Oil ($/Bbl)                                                     $46.55                   $37.45          
             $45.96 / $54.40


      Natural Gas ($/Mcf)                                              $1.14                    $1.77            
             $1.54 / $2.09



     NGLs ($/Bbl)                                                    $16.77                   $13.62          
             $13.62 / $16.89



     Per Boe                                                         $37.88                   $13.97          
             $28.64 / $34.58

    --  Production volumes of 12.4 MMBoe, or 135.9 MBoe/d, were 51% oil, driven
        by growth in oil production from both the Midland Basin and South Texas.
        Total net daily production is up 14% compared with the first quarter of
        2019 and down 2% sequentially. Net daily oil production is up 30%
        compared with the first quarter of 2019 and up 4% sequentially.
    --  Benchmark pricing for the quarter included NYMEX WTI at $46.17/Bbl,
        NYMEX Henry Hub natural gas at $1.95/MMBtu and Hart Composite NGLs at
        $17.02/Bbl, all of which are down significantly both year-over-year and
        sequentially.
    --  The average realized price per Boe of $28.64 was down 19% sequentially
        from $35.17. Including the effect of realized hedges, the average price
        was $34.58, down 5% sequentially, resulting in approximately $73.4
        million of realized net hedge gains for the quarter.

For additional regional detail on operating metrics, please see the Financial Highlights section below and the accompanying 1Q20 slide deck.

CHANGE IN DEFINITIONS

In order to better align discussion of results with GAAP reporting, the Company will no longer use the non-GAAP measures discretionary cash flow and total capital spend. The Company will replace these terms, respectively, with net cash provided by operating activities and capital expenditures, both found in the GAAP Statement of Cash Flows, as adjusted for changes in net working capital accruals. These new terms will not be directly comparable to the prior non-GAAP definitions. Please refer to the 1Q20 slide deck for a reconciliation of differences.

NET LOSS, LOSS PER SHARE AND NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

First quarter 2020 net loss was ($411.9) million, or ($3.64) per diluted common share. This compared with a net loss of ($177.6) million, or ($1.58) per diluted common share, in the comparable prior year period. The current period included an impairment of $989.8 million ($775.0 million net of tax) related predominantly to the write-down of South Texas proved oil and gas properties and related support facilities. The impairment was due to the significant decrease in commodity prices at the end of the first quarter of 2020, which was partially offset by higher production and realized hedge gains.

First quarter 2020 GAAP net cash provided by operating activities was $218.1 million, or $236.6 million before net change in working capital. Net cash provided by operating activities before net change in working capital is up $97.9 million, or 71%, from $138.7 million in the comparable prior year period. The significant increase in cash flow was due to 32% net daily production growth in the Midland Basin, which has high operating margins, as well as the benefit from realized hedge gains.

ADJUSTED EBITDAX, ADJUSTED NET INCOME AND NET DEBT-TO-ADJUSTED EBITDAX

The following paragraphs discuss non-GAAP measures including Adjusted EBITDAX, adjusted net income (loss), adjusted net income (loss) per diluted common share and net debt-to-Adjusted EBITDAX. Please reference the definitions and reconciliations of these measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures at the end of this release.

First quarter 2020 Adjusted EBITDAX was $286.0 million, up $99.5 million, or 53%, from $186.5 million in the comparable prior year period. The significant increase in Adjusted EBITDAX was due to 32% net daily production growth in the Midland Basin as well as the benefit from realized hedge gains.

First quarter 2020 adjusted net loss was ($5.6) million, or ($0.05) per diluted common share, which compares with adjusted net loss of ($37.7) million or ($0.34) per diluted common share in the comparable prior year period.

Leverage improved during the first quarter of 2020 due to strong Adjusted EBITDAX and reduced absolute debt. At March 31, 2020, net debt-to-Adjusted EBITDAX was 2.45 times.

FINANCIAL POSITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

On March 31, 2020, the outstanding principal amount of the Company's long-term debt was comprised of $2.4 billion in senior notes, plus $172.5 million in senior convertible notes, plus $72.0 million drawn on the Company's senior secured revolving credit facility. The outstanding balance of the senior notes reflects $40.7 million principal amount of Senior Notes due 2022 repurchased for $28.3 million during the first quarter. Together, the reduction in the principal amount of the outstanding senior notes and the reduction in the senior secured revolving credit facility was $91.2 million. The cash balance was approximately zero.

Subsequent to March 31, 2020, the Company's lenders redetermined its senior secured revolving credit facility borrowing base at $1.1 billion and commitment level at $1.1 billion. Pro forma for the revised lender commitments, the Company had $1.0 billion of liquidity at March 31, 2020. The Company and its lenders also entered into the Third Amendment to the Credit Agreement (details of which are provided in the Company's First Quarter 2020 Form 10-Q.)

Capital expenditures for the first quarter of 2020 were $139.3 million, or $156.1 million before accruals. During the first quarter 2020, the Company drilled 25 net wells and completed 20 net wells.

COMMODITY DERIVATIVES

Commodity hedge positions include approximately:

    --  14,340 MBbls 2Q-4Q oil production hedged to WTI. The average floor price
        on collars is $55/Bbl and the average price on swaps is $57/Bbl;
    --  11,330 MBbls of 2Q-4Q Midland Basin production hedged to the local price
        point at $(0.53)/Bbl;
    --  28,985 BBtu of 2Q-4Q natural gas production hedged; and
    --  NGL hedges are by individual product.

The Company has certain other hedge positions in 2020 and added positions in 2021 and 2022. Please see the 1Q20 slide deck for detail.

2020 OPERATING PLAN - REVISED

Significant changes in the macro-economic outlook have occurred since the Company issued its 2020 operating plan and guidance. The economy has been severely impacted by COVID-19 virus response, and the resulting oversupply of oil has driven oil prices to 20-year lows. As a result, the Company has reduced its well completion and drilling pace, and expects capital spending for the remainder of 2020 to drop by approximately 30% versus its original plan, which is expected to result in a full year decrease in capital spending of approximately 20%. The Company is currently operating five rigs in the Midland Basin and one in South Texas and has one active completions crew in the Midland Basin and none in South Texas. The Company expects to reduce activity in the Midland Basin to four rigs in July.

Worldwide production of oil remains higher than demand, and oil storage capacity is nearly full, increasing the potential for forced shut-in of production. Government entities are actively considering pro-rationing of production, and economic conditions may also result in well shut-ins to reduce economic loss. Given the difficulty of accurately forecasting production volumes in this environment, the Company is withdrawing its previously issued production guidance for 2020.

CERTAIN REVISED GUIDANCE FULL YEAR 2020:

    --  Capital expenditures: Down approximately 20%. Second quarter 2020
        expected to range $165-$175 million.
    --  G&A: ~$110 million, a reduction of approximately $15 million. The
        reduction in G&A guidance reflects the decision to reduce the salary of
        Company executives, effective May 1, 2020, and to postpone salary
        increases for all employees.
    --  Exploration/Capitalized overhead: ~$40 million, a reduction of $10
        million.

UPCOMING EVENTS

EARNINGS CALL AND PRESENTATION

April 29, 2020 - In conjunction with this release, the Company posts to its website a pre-recorded webcast discussion, a written transcript of the webcast, and an associated IR presentation. Please visit ir.sm-energy.com. The Company's first quarter results live Q&A call is canceled.

DISCLOSURES

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities laws. The words "assumes," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "generate," "guidance," "implied," "maintain," "plan," "project," "objectives," "outlook," "sustainable," "target," "will" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release include, among other things, revised guidance for the full year and second quarter 2020, including production volumes, oil production growth, operating and general and administrative costs, DD&A, and capital expenditures; the Company's 2020 goals, including: generating free cash flow; and the number of wells the Company plans to drill and complete. These statements involve known and unknown risks, which may cause SM Energy'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 SM Energy'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 first quarter 2020 Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak as of the date of this release. Although SM Energy 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.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

SM Energy Company is an independent energy company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs in the state of Texas. SM Energy routinely posts important information about the Company on its website. For more information about SM Energy, please visit its website at www.sm-energy.com.

SM ENERGY INVESTOR CONTACT

Jennifer Martin Samuels, jsamuels@sm-energy.com, 303-864-2507


                                                         
           
               SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                  
              
            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)


                                                           
           
               March 31, 2020




                                    Production Data

    ---

                                                                     For the Three Months Ended March 31,


                                               2020                       2019                              Percent
                                                                                                     Change

                                                                                                              ---

                     Realized sales price (before the effects
                      of derivative settlements):



       Oil (per Bbl)                                 $
           45.96                                                $
      49.47         (7)
                                                                                                                                      %



       Gas (per Mcf)                                  $
           1.54                                                 $
      2.73        (44)
                                                                                                                                      %



       NGLs (per Bbl)                                $
           13.62                                                $
      19.39        (30)
                                                                                                                                      %


        Equivalent (per Boe)                          $
           28.64                                                $
      31.86        (10)
                                                                                                                                      %


                     Realized sales price (including the
                      effects of derivative settlements):



       Oil (per Bbl)                                 $
           54.40                                                $
      49.19          11
                                                                                                                                      %



       Gas (per Mcf)                                  $
           2.09                                                 $
      2.55        (18)
                                                                                                                                      %



       NGLs (per Bbl)                                $
           16.89                                                $
      19.67        (14)
                                                                                                                                      %


        Equivalent (per Boe)                          $
           34.58                                                $
      31.39          10
                                                                                                                                      %


                     Net production volumes: (1)



       Oil (MMBbl)                             6.3                                  4.8                                          31
                                                                                                                                 %



       Gas (Bcf)                              26.5                                 23.9                                          11
                                                                                                                                 %



       NGLs (MMBbl)                            1.6                                  1.9                                        (14)
                                                                                                                                 %



       MMBoe                                  12.4                                 10.7                                          16
                                                                                                                                 %


                     Average net daily production: (1)



       Oil (MBbls/d)                          69.8                                 53.7                                          30
                                                                                                                                 %



       Gas (MMcf/d)                          291.2                                265.5                                          10
                                                                                                                                 %



       NGLs (MBbls/d)                         17.6                                 20.8                                        (15)
                                                                                                                                 %



       MBoe/d                                135.9                                118.7                                          14
                                                                                                                                 %



       
                Per Boe data:


        Realized price (before
         the effects of                                                                                                               %
         derivative settlements)                      $
           28.64                                                $
      31.86        (10)


        Lease operating expense                4.75                                 5.20                                         (9)
                                                                                                                                 %


        Transportation costs                   3.11                                 4.08                                        (24)
                                                                                                                                 %


        Production taxes                       1.20                                 1.31                                         (8)
                                                                                                                                 %


        Ad valorem tax expense                 0.60                                 0.76                                        (21)
                                                                                                                                 %


        General and                            2.22                                 3.00                                        (26)
         administrative (2)                                                                                                      %



        Operating margin (before
         the effects of                                                                                                          %
         derivative settlements)              16.76                                17.51                                         (4)


        Derivative settlement                  5.94                               (0.47)                                      1,364
         gain (loss)
                                                                                                                                 %



        Operating margin
         (including the effects                                                                                                       %
         of derivative
         settlements)                                 $
           22.70                                                $
      17.04          33



        Depletion, depreciation,
         amortization, and asset                                                                                                      %
         retirement obligation
         liability accretion                          $
           18.88                                                $
      16.63          14





              
                (1)              Amounts and
                                               percentage
                                               changes may
                                               not calculate
                                               due to
                                               rounding.



              
                (2)              Includes non-
                                               cash stock-
                                               based
                                               compensation
                                               expense per
                                               Boe of $0.37
                                               and $0.43 for
                                               the three
                                               months ended
                                               March 31,
                                               2020, and
                                               2019,
                                               respectively.


                                                                                                
        
              SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                                                         
             
        FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)


                                                                                                 
        
              March 31, 2020





       
                
                  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

    ---


       (in thousands, except share data)                                                                             March 31,                                        December 31,


                                 
              
                ASSETS                                                            2020                                  2019

                                                                                                                                                                 ---


       Current assets:



       Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                             $
            15                                  $
            10



       Accounts receivable                                                                                             143,311                                 184,732



       Derivative assets                                                                                               463,992                                  55,184



       Prepaid expenses and other                                                                                       17,842                                  12,708



       Total current assets                                                                                            625,160                                 252,634




       Property and equipment (successful efforts method):



       Proved oil and gas properties                                                                                 8,043,156                               8,934,020



       Accumulated depletion, depreciation, and amortization                                                       (4,389,103)                            (4,177,876)



       Unproved oil and gas properties                                                                                 972,844                               1,005,887



       Wells in progress                                                                                               224,509                                 118,769


        Other property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $64,815 and $64,032,
         respectively                                                                                                    36,932                                  72,848



       Total property and equipment, net                                                                             4,888,338                               5,953,648




       Noncurrent assets:



       Derivative assets                                                                                                44,909                                  20,624



       Other noncurrent assets                                                                                          56,618                                  65,326




       Total noncurrent assets                                                                                         101,527                                  85,950




       
                Total assets                                                                                                 $
         
           5,615,025                          $
     
           6,292,232



                                   
              
                LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY



       Current liabilities:



       Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                                                                              $
          359,406                               $
          402,008



       Derivative liabilities                                                                                            8,277                                  50,846



       Other current liabilities                                                                                        15,780                                  19,189




       Total current liabilities                                                                                       383,463                                 472,043




       Noncurrent liabilities:



       Revolving credit facility                                                                                        72,000                                 122,500



       Senior Notes, net of unamortized deferred financing costs                                                     2,413,663                               2,453,035


        Senior Convertible Notes, net of unamortized discount and deferred financing costs                              159,721                                 157,263



       Asset retirement obligations                                                                                     85,267                                  84,134



       Deferred income taxes                                                                                            93,918                                 189,386



       Derivative liabilities                                                                                            7,202                                   3,444



       Other noncurrent liabilities                                                                                     58,074                                  61,433




       Total noncurrent liabilities                                                                                  2,889,845                               3,071,195




       Stockholders' equity:


        Common stock, $0.01 par value -authorized: 200,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding:
         112,988,682 and 112,987,952 shares, respectively                                                                 1,130                                   1,130



       Additional paid-in capital                                                                                    1,797,154                               1,791,596



       Retained earnings                                                                                               554,562                                 967,587



       Accumulated other comprehensive loss                                                                           (11,129)                               (11,319)




       Total stockholders' equity                                                                                    2,341,717                               2,748,994



       
                Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                                                                   $
         
           5,615,025                          $
     
           6,292,232


                                                          
              
                SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                  
              
                FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)


                                                           
              
                March 31, 2020





       
                
                  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

    ---

        (in thousands, except per share
         data)                                                                For the Three Months Ended March 31,


                                                         2020                                                        2019

                                                                                                                     ---

                     Operating revenues and other income:


        Oil, gas, and NGL production
         revenue                                                               $
              354,233                                $
           340,476


        Net gain on divestiture activity                    -                                                           61



       Other operating revenues                        1,501                                                           393



        Total operating revenues and other
         income                                       355,734                                                       340,930




       
                Operating expenses:


        Oil, gas, and NGL production
         expense                                      119,552                                                       121,305


        Depletion, depreciation,
         amortization, and asset retirement
         obligation liability accretion               233,489                                                       177,746



       Exploration (1)                                11,349                                                        11,348



       Impairment                                    989,763                                                         6,338


        General and administrative (1)                 27,447                                                        32,086


        Net derivative (gain) loss (2)              (545,340)                                                      177,081


        Other operating expenses, net                     566                                                           335




       Total operating expenses                      836,826                                                       526,239



                     Loss from operations           (481,092)                                                    (185,309)



       Interest expense                             (41,512)                                                     (37,980)


        Gain on extinguishment of debt                 12,195


        Other non-operating expense, net                (494)                                                        (317)



                     Loss before income taxes       (510,903)                                                    (223,606)



       Income tax benefit                             99,008                                                        46,038




       
                Net loss                                   $
              
                (411,895)                          $
     
            (177,568)





        Basic weighted-average common
         shares outstanding                           113,009                                                       112,252


        Diluted weighted-average common
         shares outstanding                           113,009                                                       112,252


        Basic net loss per common share                                         $
              (3.64)                                $
           (1.58)


        Diluted net loss per common share                                       $
              (3.64)                                $
           (1.58)


        Dividends per common share                                                $
              0.01                                   $
           0.05




                     (1)  Non-cash stock-based compensation included in:



          Exploration expense                                                     $
              957                                  $
           1,205


           General and administrative expense           4,604                                                         4,633


           Total non-cash stock-based
            compensation                                                         $
              5,561                                  $
           5,838





                     (2)  The net derivative (gain) loss line item
                      consists of the following:


           Settlement (gain) loss                                             $
              (73,437)                                 $
           4,969


           (Gain) loss on fair value changes        (471,903)                                                      172,112


           Total net derivative (gain) loss                                  $
              (545,340)                               $
           177,081


                                                                                                                                          
             
               SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                                                                                                        
         
              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)


                                                                                                                                            
             
               March 31, 2020





       
                
                  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

    ---


       (in thousands, except share data and dividends per share)


                                                                                                                       Additional                                                                          Accumulated                          Total
                                                                                                               Paid-in                                                                           Other                 Stockholders'
                                                                                                               Capital                                                                       Comprehensive                 Equity
                                                                                                                                                                                                 Loss



                                                                                        Common Stock                                            Retained
                                                                                                                                 Earnings



                                                                       Shares                        Amount



                     Balances, December 31,
                      2019                                        112,987,952                               $
      
              1,130                              $
              
                1,791,596                         $
              
       967,587               $
     
     (11,319)      $
     
     2,748,994



       Net loss                                                                                      -                                                                                                     (411,895)                                                  (411,895)


        Other comprehensive
         income                                                                                       -                                                                                                                                               190                     190


        Cash dividends
         declared, $0.01 per
         share                                                                                        -                                                                                                       (1,130)                                                    (1,130)


        Issuance of common
         stock upon vesting of
         RSUs, net of shares
         used for tax
         withholdings                                                     730                                                               (3)                                                                                                            (3)


        Stock-based
         compensation expense                                                                         -                                                                              5,561                                                                                  5,561


                     Balances, March 31,
                      2020                                        112,988,682                               $
      
              1,130                              $
              
                1,797,154                         $
              
       554,562               $
     
     (11,129)      $
     
     2,341,717





                                                                                                                       Additional                                                                          Accumulated                          Total
                                                                                                               Paid-in                                                                           Other                 Stockholders'
                                                                                                               Capital                                                                       Comprehensive                 Equity
                                                                                                                                                                                                 Loss



                                                                                        Common Stock                                            Retained
                                                                                                                                 Earnings



                                                                       Shares                        Amount



                     Balances, December 31,
                      2018                                        112,241,966                               $
      
              1,122                              $
              
                1,765,738                       $
              
       1,165,842               $
     
     (12,380)      $
     
     2,920,322



       Net loss                                                                                      -                                                                                                     (177,568)                                                  (177,568)


        Other comprehensive
         income                                                                                       -                                                                                                                                               263                     263


        Cash dividends
         declared, $0.05 per
         share                                                                                        -                                                                                                       (5,612)                                                    (5,612)


        Issuance of common
         stock upon vesting of
         RSUs, net of shares
         used for tax
         withholdings                                                   2,579                                                              (18)                                                                                                           (18)


        Stock-based
         compensation expense                                                                         -                                                                              5,838                                                                                  5,838


                     Balances, March 31,
                      2019                                        112,244,545                               $
      
              1,122                              $
              
                1,771,558                         $
              
       982,662               $
     
     (12,117)      $
     
     2,743,225


                                                      
              
                SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                               
              
                FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)


                                                        
              
                March 31, 2020




                                    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

    ---


       (in thousands)                                                         For the Three Months Ended March 31,


                                                               2020                                                 2019

                                                                                                                    ---


       Cash flows from operating activities:



       Net loss                                                            $
              (411,895)                             $
           (177,568)


        Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
         provided by operating activities


        Net gain on divestiture
         activity                                                 -                                                  (61)


        Depletion, depreciation,
         amortization, and asset
         retirement obligation
         liability accretion                                233,489                                                177,746



       Impairment                                          989,763                                                  6,338


        Stock-based compensation
         expense                                              5,561                                                  5,838


        Net derivative (gain) loss                        (545,340)                                               177,081


        Derivative settlement gain
         (loss)                                              73,437                                                (4,969)


        Amortization of debt discount
         and deferred financing costs                         3,992                                                  3,789


        Gain on extinguishment of debt                     (12,195)


        Deferred income taxes                              (99,347)                                              (47,003)



       Other, net                                            (816)                                               (2,530)


        Net change in working capital                      (18,517)                                              (20,159)


                     Net cash provided by operating
                      activities                            218,132                                                118,502






       Cash flows from investing activities:


        Net proceeds from the sale of
         oil and gas properties                                   -                                                 6,114


        Capital expenditures                              (139,306)                                             (249,340)



       Other, net                                                -                                                   291


                     Net cash used in investing
                      activities                          (139,306)                                             (242,935)






       Cash flows from financing activities:


        Proceeds from revolving credit
         facility                                           425,500                                                172,000


        Repayment of revolving credit
         facility                                         (476,000)                                             (125,500)


        Cash paid to repurchase 6.125%
         Senior Notes due 2022                             (28,318)



       Other, net                                              (3)                                                  (18)



                     Net cash provided by (used in)
                      financing activities                 (78,821)                                                46,482





        Net change in cash, cash
         equivalents, and restricted
         cash                                                     5                                               (77,951)


        Cash, cash equivalents, and
         restricted cash at beginning
         of period                                               10                                                 77,965


                     Cash, cash equivalents, and
                      restricted cash at end of
                      period                                          $
              
                15                          $
            
             14





                     Supplemental schedule of additional cash flow information and non-cash activities:





       Operating activities:


        Cash paid for interest, net of
         capitalized interest                                                $
              (47,469)                              $
           (39,957)





       Investing activities:


        Increase in capital
         expenditure accruals and
         other                                                                 $
              16,802                                 $
           62,185




        Supplemental non-cash investing activities:


        Carrying value of properties
         exchanged                                     
              $                                                              $
           65,788

DEFINITIONS OF NON-GAAP MEASURES AS CALCULATED BY THE COMPANY

The following non-GAAP measures are presented in addition to financial statements as the Company believes these metrics and performance measures are widely used by the investment community, including investors, research analysts and others, to evaluate and compare investments among upstream oil and gas companies in making investment decisions or recommendations. These measures, as presented, may have differing calculations among companies and investment professionals and may not be directly comparable to the same measures provided by others. A non-GAAP measure should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related GAAP measure or any other measure of a company's financial or operating performance presented in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of each of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure or measures is presented below. These measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

Adjusted EBITDAX: Adjusted EBITDAX is calculated as net income (loss) before interest expense, interest income, income taxes, depletion, depreciation, amortization and asset retirement obligation liability accretion 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, and certain other items. Adjusted EBITDAX excludes 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. Adjusted EBITDAX is also important as it is considered among financial covenants under the Company's Credit Agreement, a material source of liquidity for the Company. Please reference the Company's 2019 Form 10-K and first quarter 2020 Form 10-Q for discussion of the Credit Agreement and its covenants.

Adjusted net income (loss): Adjusted net income (loss) excludes 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, net (gain) loss on divestiture activity, gains and losses on extinguishment of debt, and accruals for non-recurring matters.

Free cash flow: Free cash flow is calculated as net cash provided by operating activities before net change in working capital less capital expenditures before increase in capital expenditure accruals and other.

Net Debt: The total principal amount of outstanding senior notes, senior convertible notes plus amounts drawn on the revolving credit facility (also referred to as total funded debt) less cash and cash equivalents.

Net debt-to-Adjusted EBITDAX: Net debt-to-Adjusted EBITDAX is calculated as Net Debt (defined above) divided by Adjusted EBITDAX (defined above). A variation of this calculation is a financial covenant under the Company's Credit Agreement for its revolving credit facility beginning in the fourth quarter of 2018.


                                                          
              
               SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                   
              
               FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)


                                                            
              
               March 31, 2020




                                    Adjusted EBITDAX Reconciliation
                                               (1)

    ---


       (in thousands)




        Reconciliation of net loss
         (GAAP) and net cash
         provided by operating
         activities (GAAP) to
         Adjusted EBITDAX (non-
         GAAP)                                                                     For the Three Months Ended
                                                                         
                March 31,


                                                           2020                                                  2019



                     Net loss (GAAP)                              $
             
                (411,895)                     $
        
       (177,568)



       Interest expense                                 41,512                                                  37,980


        Income tax benefit                             (99,008)                                               (46,038)


        Depletion, depreciation,
         amortization, and asset
         retirement obligation
         liability accretion                            233,489                                                 177,746



       Exploration (2)                                  10,392                                                  10,143



       Impairment                                      989,763                                                   6,338


        Stock-based compensation
         expense                                          5,561                                                   5,838


        Net derivative (gain) loss                    (545,340)                                                177,081


        Derivative settlement gain
         (loss)                                          73,437                                                 (4,969)


        Net gain on divestiture
         activity                                             -                                                   (61)


        Gain on extinguishment of
         debt                                          (12,195)



       Other, net                                          333                                                       4



                     Adjusted EBITDAX (non-GAAP)        286,049                                                 186,494




       Interest expense                               (41,512)                                               (37,980)


        Income tax benefit                               99,008                                                  46,038



       Exploration (2)                                (10,392)                                               (10,143)


        Amortization of debt
         discount and deferred
         financing costs                                  3,992                                                   3,789


        Deferred income taxes                          (99,347)                                               (47,003)



       Other, net                                      (1,149)                                                (2,534)


        Net change in working
         capital                                       (18,517)                                               (20,159)



                     Net cash provided by
                      operating activities (GAAP)                   $
             
                218,132                        $
       
        118,502





              
                (1)              See
                                               "Definitions
                                               of non-GAAP
                                               Measures 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
                                               accompanying
                                               condensed
                                               consolidated
                                               statements of
                                               operations.
                                               Therefore,
                                               the
                                               exploration
                                               line items
                                               shown in the
                                               reconciliation
                                               above will
                                               vary from the
                                               amount shown
                                               on the
                                               accompanying
                                               condensed
                                               consolidated
                                               statements of
                                               operations
                                               for the
                                               component of
                                               stock-based
                                               compensation
                                               expense
                                               recorded to
                                               exploration
                                               expense.


                                                          
              
                SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                   
              
                FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)


                                                            
              
                March 31, 2020




                                    Adjusted Net Loss Reconciliation
                                                (1)

    ---

        (in thousands, except per share data)




        Reconciliation of net loss
         (GAAP) to adjusted net loss
         (non-GAAP):                                                               For the Three Months Ended
                                                                         
                March 31,


                                                          2020                                                    2019

                                                                                                                  ---

                     Net loss (GAAP)                             $
              
                (411,895)                      $
        
        (177,568)


        Net derivative (gain) loss                   (545,340)                                                  177,081


        Derivative settlement gain
         (loss)                                         73,437                                                   (4,969)


        Net gain on divestiture
         activity                                            -                                                     (61)



       Impairment                                     989,763                                                     6,338


        Gain on extinguishment of
         debt                                         (12,195)



       Other, net (2)                                     386                                                       213


        Tax effect of adjustments
         (3)                                        (109,813)                                                 (38,757)


        Valuation allowance on
         deferred tax assets                            10,017


                     Adjusted net loss (non-
                      GAAP)                                        $
              
                (5,640)                       $
        
        (37,723)





                     Diluted net loss per common
                      share (GAAP)                                  $
              
                (3.64)                         $
        
        (1.58)


        Net derivative (gain) loss                      (4.83)                                                     1.58


        Derivative settlement gain
         (loss)                                           0.65                                                    (0.04)


        Net gain on divestiture
         activity                                            -



       Impairment                                        8.76                                                      0.06


        Gain on extinguishment of
         debt                                           (0.11)



       Other, net (2)                                       -


        Tax effect of adjustments
         (3)                                           (0.97)                                                   (0.36)


        Valuation allowance on
         deferred tax assets                              0.09


                     Adjusted net loss per
                      diluted common share (non-
                      GAAP)                                         $
              
                (0.05)                         $
        
        (0.34)





        Basic weighted-average
         common shares outstanding                     113,009                                                   112,252


        Diluted weighted-average
         common shares outstanding                     113,009                                                   112,252




     Note: Amounts may not calculate due to
      rounding.




                                            See
                                              "Definitions
                                              of non-GAAP
                                              Measures as
                                              Calculated
                                              by the
                                              Company"
                
              
                (1)  above.


                
              
                (2) For the three
                                              months ended
                                              March 31,
                                              2020, the
                                              adjustment
                                              relates to
                                              bad debt
                                              expense and
                                              impairments
                                              on materials
                                              inventory
                                              and other
                                              property.
                                              For the
                                              three months
                                              ended March
                                              31, 2019,
                                              the
                                              adjustment
                                              relates to
                                              bad debt
                                              expense and
                                              impairment
                                              on materials
                                              inventory.


                
              
                (3) The tax
                                              effect of
                                              adjustments
                                              for the
                                              three months
                                              ended March
                                              31, 2020,
                                              and 2019,
                                              was
                                              calculated
                                              using a tax
                                              rate of
                                              21.7%.  This
                                              rate
                                              approximates
                                              the
                                              Company's
                                              statutory
                                              tax rate for
                                              the
                                              respective
                                              periods, as
                                              adjusted for
                                              ordinary
                                              permanent
                                              differences.


                              Reconciliation
                              of Net
                              Debt


                                         (1)

    ---

        (in
         thousands)


                                             As of March 31, 2020



        Senior
         Notes
         (principal
         amount
         from Note
         5 of 1Q20
         Form
         10-Q)                                                        $
     2,436,047


        Senior
         Convertible
         Notes
         (principal
         amount
         from Note
         5 of 1Q20
         Form
         10-Q)                                            172,500


        Revolving
         credit
         facility                                          72,000



        Total
         funded
         debt                                           2,680,547


        Less: Cash
         and cash
         equivalents                                           15



                     Net Debt                                     $
     
       2,680,532





              
                (1)              See
                                               "Definitions
                                               of non-
                                               GAAP
                                               Measures
                                               as
                                               Calculated
                                               by the
                                               Company"
                                               above.


                               Free Cash
                                Flow


                                         (1)

    ---

        (in
         thousands)


                                                      For the Three Months
                                             Ended March 31,



                                                                      2020



        Net cash
         provided
         by
         operating
         activities
         (GAAP)                                                               $
     218,132


        Net change
         in working
         capital                                                  (18,517)


        Cash flow
         from
         operations
         before net
         change in
         working
         capital                                                              $
     236,649





        Less:


        Capital
         expenditures
         (GAAP)                                                    139,306


        Increase in
         capital
         expenditure
         accruals
         and other                                                  16,802


                     Free cash
                      flow                                                 $
     
       80,541





              
                (1)              See
                                               "Definitions
                                               of non-
                                               GAAP
                                               Measures
                                               as
                                               Calculated
                                               by the
                                               Company"
                                               above.

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SOURCE SM Energy Company