SM Energy Reports 2020 Results And 2021 Operating Plan, Cash Flow And Debt Reduction Exceeded Expectations

DENVER, Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SM Energy Company (the "Company") (NYSE: SM) today announced fourth quarter and full year 2020 operating and financial results, year-end 2020 reserves and the 2021 operating plan. Highlights are as follows.

The Company's strategic priorities in 2020 were to generate positive cash flow and reduce absolute debt while meeting operating objectives for safety and emissions reduction:

    --  Capital efficiency. Capital efficiency continued to improve with Midland
        Basin well costs averaging less than $500 per lateral foot in the fourth
        quarter. For the full year 2020, capital expenditures of $547.8 million,
        adjusted for decreased capital accruals of $8.0 million, totaled $539.8
        million. Fourth quarter capital expenditures before capital accruals
        were $137.4 million, which was lower than expected due to lower costs
        per lateral foot and the deferral of five well completions.
    --  Significant cash flows. For the full year 2020, net cash provided by
        operating activities of $790.9 million before net change in working
        capital of $11.6 million totaled $779.4 million. Fourth quarter net cash
        provided by operating activities before net change in working capital
        was $204.9 million. For the full year 2020, the Company generated free
        cash flow of $239.5 million, including fourth quarter free cash flow of
        $67.4 million (free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure defined and
        reconciled below).
    --  Absolute debt reduction. During 2020, the outstanding principal amount
        of long-term debt was reduced by $492 million, from $2.77 billion to
        $2.28 billion. At year-end 2020, Net debt-to-Adjusted EBITDAX was 2.3
        times (a non-GAAP measure defined and reconciled below).
    --  Strong well performance. 2020 production was 46.4 MMBoe, or 126.9
        MBoe/d, at 50% oil with fourth quarter 2020 production of 11.3 MMBoe, or
        122.4 MBoe/d, at 51% oil. Higher than projected fourth quarter
        production was predominantly due to better-than-expected base production
        from existing Midland Basin wells.
    --  Safety is always a top priority. Safety metrics for 2020 exceeded
        targets and place SM Energy in the top quartile among industry peers, as
        compared to available 2019 data. Employee and contractor safety required
        new protocols in 2020 with the pandemic; however, SM Energy field
        operations and office teams performed seamlessly and safely.
    --  Emissions reduction. Preliminary estimates of 2020 flaring were 0.8% of
        total Company gas production, which reflects a greater than 75%
        reduction in flaring from Midland Basin production from 2019. The
        reduction was primarily the result of constructing strategic
        inter-connections that allow the Company to redirect natural gas in the
        event an individual third-party processor is unable to receive it.
        Achievement of top quartile safety performance and reduced flaring
        volumes are components of the Company's compensation plan.

The Company's strategic objectives continue in its five-year plan to:

    --  Optimize activity level for sustainable free cash flow. Establish an
        optimal activity level to maximize free cash flow and reduce leverage.
        --  Generate positive free cash flow in 2021. The Company's 2021
            operating plan is estimated to generate approximately $100 million
            in free cash flow (a non-GAAP measure defined below) based on
            current strip prices, positioning the Company to further reduce
            leverage.
        --  Achieve sustainable reinvestment rate in 2022 and beyond. The
            Company's five-year plan anticipates reducing leverage to less than
            2 times Net debt-to-Adjusted EBITDAX (a non-GAAP measure defined
            below) by year-end 2022 and maintaining a reinvestment rate (a
            non-GAAP measure defined below) of less than 75% in 2022 and beyond.
            The plan sets capital activity at the optimal level to support these
            targets.
    --  Demonstrate measurable, top tier ESG stewardship. Short-term annual cash
        bonus and long-term incentive compensation plan targets include key
        environmental and safety metrics.

President and Chief Executive Officer Herb Vogel comments: "The challenges brought forth in 2020 were met with exceptional resilience by the SM Energy team, generating approximately $240 million in free cash flow and reducing long-term debt by nearly $500 million, well exceeding pre-pandemic plan goals. At the same time, through delineation we have advanced the potential of high value inventory growth in the Austin Chalk in South Texas, improved upon our excellent safety record and significantly reduced GHG emissions. This was exceptional performance. Going forward, we believe our top tier asset base will support a long-term plan that delivers sustainable free cash flow and value creation to our stakeholders."

FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2020 RESULTS

PRODUCTION


                                                                                                     
       
       Fourth Quarter 2020




                                                                   
            
            Midland Basin     
       
        South Texas          
       
         Total

                                                                                                                                                      ---


     Oil (MBbl / MBbl/d)                                                        
          5,348 / 58.1              
            441 / 4.8     
       5,790 / 62.9



     Natural Gas (MMcf / MMcf/d)                                              
          12,601 / 137.0         
            12,724 / 138.3   
       25,325 / 275.3



     NGLs (MBbl / MBbl/d)                                                  
          5 / nm                      
            1,249 / 13.6     
       1,254 / 13.6

                                                                                                                                                      ---


     Total (MBoe / MBoe/d)                                                      
          7,454 / 81.0           
            3,811 / 41.4   
       11,264 / 122.4

                                                                                                                                                      ---

               
            
             Note: Totals may not calculate due to rounding.

    --  Fourth quarter 2020 production volumes were 122.4 MBoe/d, 51% oil.
        Production exceeded guidance, predominantly due to better-than-expected
        base production from existing Midland Basin wells.


                                                                                                            Full Year 2020




                                                               
              
              Midland Basin 
     
          South Texas    
         
           Total

                                                                                                                                               ---


     Oil (MBbl / MBbl/d)                                                   
            21,305 / 58.2       
        1,712 / 4.7      
         23,017 / 62.9



     Natural Gas (MMcf / MMcf/d)                                          
            46,567 / 127.2    
        57,327 / 156.6    
         103,894 / 283.9



     NGLs (MBbl / MBbl/d)                                               
            21 / nm               
        6,077 / 16.6       
         6,098 / 16.7

                                                                                                                                               ---


     Total (MBoe / MBoe/d)                                                 
            29,088 / 79.5     
        17,343 / 47.4     
         46,431 / 126.9

                                                                                                                                               ---

           
              
               Note: Totals may not calculate due to rounding.

    --  Full year 2020 production averaged 126.9 MBoe/d, down 4% from 2019, as
        development activity was significantly scaled back starting in the
        second quarter, and certain production was curtailed in response to
        macroeconomic effects of the pandemic and global supply-demand
        imbalances. Net well completions were reduced from 94 in the original
        budget to 77 for the year.

REALIZED PRICING AND CERTAIN COSTS


                          
         
         Fourth Quarter 2020



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




     Oil ($/Bbl)                                  $40.66            $39.11       
              $40.54 / $52.71



     Natural Gas ($/Mcf)                           $2.40             $2.53         
              $2.46 / $2.28



     NGLs ($/Bbl)                 
        nm                          $18.42       
              $18.43 / $17.80




     Per Boe                                      $33.24            $19.00       
              $28.42 / $34.19

    --  Benchmark pricing for the fourth quarter was NYMEX WTI at $42.66/Bbl,
        NYMEX Henry Hub natural gas at $2.66/MMBtu and Hart Composite NGLs at
        $21.68/Bbl.
    --  Realized oil differentials were ($2.00) in the Midland Basin and ($3.55)
        in South Texas. The South Texas differential improved significantly
        compared with prior quarters, subsequent to the roll-off of a legacy
        condensate sales contract.
    --  The average realized price per Boe before the effect of hedges was
        $28.42, up 17% sequentially and down 19% compared with the fourth
        quarter of 2019. Including the effect of hedges, the average price per
        Boe was $34.19, up 13% sequentially and down 6% compared with the fourth
        quarter of 2019. Realized net hedge gains were $65.0 million for the
        quarter.


                          
     
                Full Year 2020


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




     Oil ($/Bbl)                                $37.67                   $29.84       
              $37.08 / $51.49



     Natural Gas ($/Mcf)                         $1.65                    $1.93         
              $1.80 / $1.92



     NGLs ($/Bbl)           
              nm                               $13.96       
              $13.96 / $15.24




     Per Boe                                    $30.24                   $14.22       
              $24.26 / $31.82

    --  Benchmark pricing for 2020 was NYMEX WTI at $39.40/Bbl, NYMEX Henry Hub
        natural gas at $2.08/MMBtu and Hart Composite NGLs at $17.96/Bbl, which
        were down 31%, 21% and 20%, respectively, compared with 2019.
    --  The average 2020 realized price per Boe before the effect of hedges was
        $24.26, down 26% from $32.84 in 2019. Including the effect of hedges,
        the average price per Boe was $31.82, down 5% compared with $33.65 in
        2019.
    --  Lease operating expenses of $3.97 per Boe were down 15% compared with
        2019, primarily due to aggressive cost management, increased operational
        efficiencies and fewer workovers. Transportation costs of $3.06 per Boe
        were down 21% compared with 2019, primarily due to reduced South Texas
        production, where transportation costs are higher, as well as a relative
        increase in production from the Austin Chalk, which has lower
        transportation costs per Boe.

For additional operating metrics and regional detail, please see the Financial Highlights section below and the accompanying 4Q20 slide deck.

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

Fourth quarter 2020 net loss was $165.2 million, or $1.44 per diluted common share, compared with a net loss of $102.1 million, or $0.90 per diluted common share, in the same period in 2019. The current period included a $152.7 million net derivative loss versus a net derivative loss of $101.0 million in the prior year period. For the full year 2020, net loss was $764.6 million, or $6.72 per diluted common share, compared with a net loss of $187.0 million, or $1.66 per diluted common share, in the same period in 2019. In 2020, the Company recorded impairment charges of $1.0 billion compared with $33.8 million in 2019, partially offset by a $280.1 million gain on extinguishment of debt in 2020 versus no gain on extinguishment recorded in 2019.

Fourth quarter 2020 net cash provided by operating activities of $256.9 million before net change in working capital of $52.0 million totaled $204.9 million, which was down $32.0 million, or 14%, from $236.9 million in the same period in 2019. For the full year 2020, net cash provided by operating activities of $790.9 million before net change in working capital of $11.6 million totaled $779.4 million, which was down $27.3 million, or 3%, from $806.7 million in 2019. For the fourth quarter and full year 2020, the decline in net cash provided by operating activities before net change in working capital was primarily due to the decline in production. Including the effects of realized hedges, the operating margin for the fourth quarter and full year 2020 were higher than the corresponding periods in 2019, as lower production costs and lower general and administrative costs offset lower realized prices.

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

The following paragraphs discuss non-GAAP measures including Adjusted EBITDAX, adjusted net loss, adjusted net loss per diluted 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.

Fourth quarter 2020 Adjusted EBITDAX was $255.4 million, down $30.8 million, or 11%, from $286.2 million in the same period in 2019. The decrease in Adjusted EBITDAX was due to lower realized prices including the effect of hedge gains and lower production, partially offset by lower costs per unit. For the full year 2020, Adjusted EBITDAX was $975.4 million compared with $993.4 million in 2019.

Fourth quarter 2020 adjusted net income was $2.7 million, or $0.02 per diluted common share, which compares with adjusted net loss of $5.0 million, or $0.04 per diluted common share, for the same period in 2019. For the full year 2020, adjusted net loss was $25.7 million, or $0.23 per diluted common share, compared with an adjusted net loss of $53.5 million, or $0.48 per diluted common share, in 2019.

At December 31, 2020, Net debt-to-Adjusted EBITDAX was 2.3 times (a non-GAAP measure defined and reconciled below).

FINANCIAL POSITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

As of December 31, 2020, the outstanding principal amount of the Company's long-term debt was $2.28 billion, down from $2.77 billion as of December 31, 2019. Long-term debt was comprised of $1.67 billion in unsecured senior notes, $446.7 million in secured senior notes, $65.5 million in secured senior convertible notes, plus $93.0 million drawn on the Company's senior secured revolving credit facility.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company's borrowing base and commitments under its senior secured revolving credit facility were $1.1 billion. The Company's available liquidity was $965 million, which includes $93.0 million drawn and a $42 million letter of credit. The cash balance was approximately zero.

Capital expenditures before capital accruals for the fourth quarter of 2020 were $137.4 million. During the fourth quarter 2020, the Company drilled 26 net wells and added 23 net flowing completions. For the full year 2020, capital expenditures before capital accruals were $539.8 million and the Company drilled 98 net wells and added 77 net flowing completions. Fourth quarter capital expenditures before capital accruals were less than guidance, due primarily to lower drilling and completion costs per lateral foot in the Midland Basin and the deferral of five well completions in South Texas, which were scheduled to be turned-in-line in 2021.

COMMODITY DERIVATIVES

Commodity hedge positions as of February 17, 2021:

    --  OIL: Approximately 75-80% of expected 2021 oil production is hedged to
        WTI at an average price of $41.37 (weighted average of collar floors and
        swaps).
    --  OIL, Midland Basin differential: Approximately 60-65% of expected 2021
        Midland Basin oil production is hedged to the local price point at a
        positive $0.77/Bbl basis.
    --  NATURAL GAS: Approximately 85% of expected 2021 natural gas production
        is hedged in 2021. ~50,250 BBtu is hedged to HSC at an average price of
        $2.44/MMBtu and ~29,490 BBtu is hedged to WAHA at an average price of
        $1.81/MMBtu.
    --  NGLs are hedged by individual product and include propane and normal
        butane swaps.

A detailed schedule of these and other hedge positions are provided in the accompanying slide deck.

PROVED RESERVES AT YEAR-END 2020

Proved reserves at year-end 2020 were 405 MMBoe with 43% oil, 43% natural gas and 14% NGLs. Reserves were 57% PD and 43% PUD.

    --  Proved reserves/production imply a 9-year reserve life.
    --  Reserve additions through drilling and net performance revisions were 89
        MMBoe, replacing nearly 2 times 2020 annual production.
    --  Oil reserves increased from 40% to 43% of total reserves.
    --  Reserves were down 57 MMBoe compared with year-end 2019, primarily due
        to a (65) MMBoe adjustment under the "five-year rule" as the Company
        scaled back development activity in its five-year plan to an optimal
        activity level aimed at maximizing free cash flow. The majority of these
        economic reserves were removed from the proved category but retained in
        the Company's longer term development plans.
    --  SEC pricing was $39.57 Bbl oil, $1.99 Mcf natural gas and $17.64 Bbl
        NGLs, down 29%, 23% and 22%, respectively, from 2019 SEC pricing.
        Despite the significant drop in SEC pricing, pricing revisions totaled
        only (33) MMBoe, predominantly South Texas gas reserves, reflecting the
        quality of the Company's proved reserves.


                                                    MMBoe




     Proved reserves year-end 2019                 462.0



     Reserve additions and performance revisions    89.3



     Revisions - 5-year rule                      (65.0)



     Revisions - price                           ( 32.6)



     Production                                   (46.4)



     Net divestitures                             ( 2.7)




     
                Proved reserves year-end 2020    404.6

STANDARDIZED MEASURE

The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows from proved reserves was $2.7 billion at year-end 2020, down from $4.1 billion at year-end 2019. The 35% decline in the standardized measure compared with year-end 2019 is predominantly due to the reduction in SEC pricing across commodities used in the calculation.

2021 OPERATING PLAN AND GUIDANCE

Discussion in this release of the Company's 2021 operating plan guidance includes the terms "free cash flow" and "Net debt-to-Adjusted EBITDAX," both of which are non-GAAP measures. In addition, guidance for net cash provided by operating activities and capital expenditures are defined to include adjustments for working capital and capital accruals, respectively. The Company is unable to provide reconciliations of these forward-looking non-GAAP measures because components of the calculations are inherently unpredictable, such as changes to current assets and liabilities, the timing of changes in capital accruals, unknown future events, and estimating future certain GAAP measures. The inability to project certain components of the calculation would significantly affect the accuracy of a reconciliation.

OUTLOOK

2021 GOALS

    --  Generate positive free cash flow and apply to debt reduction.
    --  Continue efforts to increase inventory and inventory value through
        testing new intervals and optimizing spacing, drilling and completion
        designs.
    --  Meet AXPC top quartile rank for safety, spills and GHG emissions.

KEY ASSUMPTIONS

    --  Price deck: $52.00 Bbl WTI; $2.80 MMBtu natural gas; $25.00 Bbl NGLs.
    --  Hedges currently in place.
    --  Capital program sized to optimize free cash flow and debt reduction over
        5-year plan. Capital expenditures (as adjusted for capital accruals) of
        between $650-$675 million. Drilling and completion costs are expected to
        make-up approximately 90% of total capital, with approximately 70%
        allocated to Midland Basin operations and 30% to South Texas operations.
        Compared to preliminary 2021 capital plans, the number of wells expected
        to be drilled is increased to take advantage of drilling efficiencies,
        and certain wells partially completed in 2021 are pushed to flowing
        completions in 2022.
        --  Midland Basin: Anticipate drilling approximately 55 net wells and
            completing approximately 72 net wells. Midland Basin activity will
            continue to co-develop zones and will include activity across the
            RockStar position as well as in Sweetie Peck.
        --  South Texas: Anticipate drilling approximately 39 net wells and
            completing approximately 21 net wells. Activity will be concentrated
            on Austin Chalk development, where wells are expected to be
            economically competitive with the Midland Basin program.

GUIDANCE FULL YEAR 2021:

    --  Production: Approximately 47-50 MMBoe or 129-137 MBoe/d at 52-53% oil;
        assumes ethane rejection for the full year.
        --  This projects approximately 5% production growth, including
            approximately 11% oil production growth.
        --  This projects lower year-over-year production volumes from South
            Texas; however, higher oil volumes from South Texas, as activity
            will concentrate on the higher liquids content Austin Chalk
            formation.
        --  The 2021 expected production growth rate over 2020 is lower compared
            with previous projections, largely due to higher-than-expected 2020
            production, as a result of better well performance, and the timing
            of completions.
    --  Production costs: LOE $4.50-5.00/Boe, which reflects increased oil
        production and a range of potential economic workover activity;
        transportation $2.80-3.00/Boe reflecting lower total South Texas natural
        gas volumes and better contractual rates that become effective in July
        2021.
    --  G&A: ~$100 million.
    --  Exploration/Capitalized overhead: ~$50 million.
    --  DD&A: $16-$18/Boe.
    --  Production and ad valorem taxes: ~$2.15/Boe.

GUIDANCE FIRST QUARTER 2021

    --  Capital expenditures: ~$180 million.
    --  As of this report date, the Company is assessing the effects to
        operations from the frigid cold and snow storms in Texas that caused
        widespread power outages, road closures and other impacts to oil and gas
        operations.

UPCOMING EVENTS

EARNINGS Q&A WEBCAST AND CONFERENCE CALL

February 17, 2021 - 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.

February 18, 2021 - Please join SM Energy management at 8:00 a.m. Mountain time/10:00 a.m. Eastern time for the fourth quarter and full year 2020 financial and operating results and 2021 operating plan Q&A session. This discussion will be accessible via webcast (available live and for replay) on the Company's website at ir.sm-energy.com or by telephone at:

    --  Live Conference Call Registration:
        http://www.directeventreg.com/registration/event/4080946
    --  Replay (conference ID 4080946) - Domestic toll free/International:
        800-585-8367/416-621-4642

The call replay will be available approximately one hour after the call and until February 25, 2021.

CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION

    --  March 1, 2021 - JP Morgan Leveraged Finance Conference. Executive Vice
        President and Chief Financial Officer Wade Pursell will present at 2:45
        p.m. Eastern time. The presentation will not be webcast. An investor
        presentation for this event will be posted to the Company's website
        before market open on March 1, 2021.
    --  March 2, 2021 - Credit Suisse 26(th) Annual Energy Summit. President and
        Chief Executive Officer Herb Vogel will present at 1:20 p.m. Eastern
        time. The presentation will be webcast, accessible from the Company's
        website and available for replay for a limited time.

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," "intend," "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, the Company's operating plan and guidance for 2021, the Company's future goals and strategic objectives. 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 most recent 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.

RESERVE DISCLOSURE

The SEC requires oil and natural gas companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose proved reserves, which are those quantities of oil, natural gas and NGLs, that, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible-from a given date forward, from known reservoirs and under existing economic conditions (using the trailing 12-month average first-day-of-the-month prices), operating methods and government regulations-prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation. The SEC also permits the disclosure of separate estimates of probable or possible reserves that meet SEC definitions for such reserves; however, the Company currently does not disclose probable or possible reserves in its SEC filings.

Proved reserves attributable to the Company at December 31, 2020, are estimated utilizing SEC reserve recognition standards and pricing assumptions based on the trailing 12-month average first-day-of-the-month prices of $39.57 per Bbl of oil, $1.99 per MMBtu of natural gas, and $17.64 per Bbl of NGLs. At least 80% of the PV-10 of the Company's estimate of its total proved reserves as of December 31, 2020, was audited by Ryder Scott Company, L.P.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

SM Energy Company is an independent energy company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil, 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 CONTACTS
Jennifer Martin Samuels, Vice President - Investor Relations, jsamuels@sm-energy.com, 303-864-2507
Jeremy Kline, Manager - Investor Relations, jkline@sm-energy.com, 303-863-4313


                                                                                                                        
              
                SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                                                                                      
              
                FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


                                                                                                                        
              
                December 31, 2020




                                    Production Data

    ---

                                                                                  For the Three Months Ended                                                              For the Twelve Months Ended

                                                                  
              
                December 31,                                                  
              
                December 31,

                                                                                                                                                                         ---

                                                 2020                             2019                                        Percent                            2020                    2019                                         Percent

                                                                                                                          Change                                                                                                Change

                                                                                                                                                                                                               ---

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



       Oil (per Bbl)                                   $
              40.54                                                              $
              56.09                                (28)                             $
              37.08                                  $
         54.10   (31)

                                                                                                                                                                                         %                                                                                                %



       Gas (per Mcf)                                    $
              2.46                                                               $
              2.42                                   2                               $
              1.80                                   $
         2.39   (25)

                                                                                                                                                                                         %                                                                                                %



       NGLs (per Bbl)                                  $
              18.43                                                              $
              17.84                                   3                              $
              13.96                                  $
         17.26   (19)

                                                                                                                                                                                         %                                                                                                %


        Equivalent (per Boe)                            $
              28.42                                                              $
              35.17                                (19)                             $
              24.26                                  $
         32.84   (26)

                                                                                                                                                                                         %                                                                                                %


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



       Oil (per Bbl)                                   $
              52.71                                                              $
              55.22                                 (5)                             $
              51.49                                  $
         53.20    (3)

                                                                                                                                                                                         %                                                                                                %



       Gas (per Mcf)                                    $
              2.28                                                               $
              2.75                                (17)                              $
              1.92                                   $
         2.60   (26)

                                                                                                                                                                                         %                                                                                                %



       NGLs (per Bbl)                                  $
              17.80                                                              $
              23.93                                (26)                             $
              15.24                                  $
         21.69   (30)

                                                                                                                                                                                         %                                                                                                %


        Equivalent (per Boe)                            $
              34.19                                                              $
              36.38                                 (6)                             $
              31.82                                  $
         33.65    (5)

                                                                                                                                                                                         %                                                                                                %


                     Net production volumes: (1)



       Oil (MMBbl)                               5.8                                          6.2                                                                (6)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    %
                                                                                                                                                                  %                                23.0                                          21.9                                 5



       Gas (Bcf)                                25.3                                         28.1                                                               (10)                               103.9                                       109.8                               (5)

                                                                                                                                                                  %                                                                                                                 %



       NGLs (MMBbl)                              1.3                                          1.9                                                               (34)                                 6.1                                         8.1                              (25)

                                                                                                                                                                  %                                                                                                                 %



       MMBoe                                    11.3                                         12.8                                                               (12)                                46.4                                        48.3                               (4)

                                                                                                                                                                  %                                                                                                                 %


                     Average net daily production: (1)



       Oil (MBbls/d)                            62.9                                         67.3                                                                (6)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    %
                                                                                                                                                                  %                                62.9                                          59.9                                 5



       Gas (MMcf/d)                            275.3                                        305.7                                                               (10)                               283.9                                       300.8                               (6)

                                                                                                                                                                  %                                                                                                                 %



       NGLs (MBbls/d)                           13.6                                         20.5                                                               (34)                                16.7                                        22.2                              (25)

                                                                                                                                                                  %                                                                                                                 %



       MBoe/d                                  122.4                                        138.8                                                               (12)                               126.9                                       132.3                               (4)

                                                                                                                                                                  %                                                                                                                 %



       
                Per Boe data:


        Realized price (before the                      $
              28.42                                                              $
              35.17                                (19)                             $
              24.26                                  $
         32.84   (26)
         effects of derivative
         settlements)                                                                                                                                                                    %                                                                                                %


        Lease operating expense                  4.10                                         4.67                                                               (12)                                3.97                                        4.67                              (15)

                                                                                                                                                                  %                                                                                                                 %


        Transportation costs                     2.89                                         3.46                                                               (16)                                3.06                                        3.88                              (21)

                                                                                                                                                                  %                                                                                                                 %



       Production taxes                         1.15                                         1.48                                                               (22)                                0.99                                        1.35                              (27)

                                                                                                                                                                  %                                                                                                                 %


        Ad valorem tax expense                   0.38                                         0.37                                                                  3                                 0.41                                        0.48                              (15)

                                                                                                                                                                  %                                                                                                                 %


        General and administrative               1.78                                         2.92                                                               (39)                                2.14                                        2.75                              (22)
         (2)
                                                                                                                                                                  %                                                                                                                 %



        Operating margin (before                18.12                                        22.27                                                               (19)                               13.69                                       19.71                              (31)
         the effects of derivative
         settlements)                                                                                                                                             %                                                                                                                 %


        Derivative settlement gain               5.77                                         1.20                                                                381                                 7.57                                        0.81                               835

                                                                                                                                                                  %                                                                                                                 %



        Operating margin (including                     $
              23.89                                                              $
              23.47                                   2
         the effects of derivative                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        %
         settlements)                                                                                                                                                                    %                             $
              21.26                                  $
         20.52      4



        Depletion, depreciation,
         amortization, and asset
         retirement obligation                                                                                                                                                           %                                                                                                %
         liability accretion                            $
              16.77                                                              $
              17.91                                 (6)                             $
              16.91                                  $
         17.06    (1)





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



       
                (2) Includes non-cash stock-based compensation expense per Boe of $(0.10) and $0.38 for the three months ended December 31, 2020, and 2019, respectively, and $0.25 and $0.41 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, and 2019, respectively.


                                                            
             
            SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                           
             
            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


                                                            
             
            December 31, 2020




                                      Consolidated Balance Sheets

    ---

          (in thousands, except share
           data)                                                   
          
               December 31,


        
              
                ASSETS                   2020                                           2019

                                                                                                        ---


         Current assets:


          Cash and cash equivalents                                            $
              10                          $
            10



         Accounts receivable                         162,455                                          184,732



         Derivative assets                            31,203                                           55,184


          Prepaid expenses and other                   10,001                                           12,708




         Total current assets                        203,669                                          252,634



          Property and equipment (successful efforts method):


          Proved oil and gas properties             8,608,522                                        8,934,020


          Accumulated depletion,
           depreciation, and amortization         (4,886,973)                                      (4,177,876)


          Unproved oil and gas properties             714,602                                        1,005,887



         Wells in progress                           233,498                                          118,769


          Other property and equipment,
           net of accumulated depreciation
           of $63,662 and $64,032,
           respectively                                32,217                                           72,848



          Total property and equipment,
           net                                      4,701,866                                        5,953,648




         Noncurrent assets:



         Derivative assets                            23,150                                           20,624


          Other noncurrent assets                      47,746                                           65,326



          Total noncurrent assets                      70,896                                           85,950



                       Total assets                             $
          
               4,976,431                  $
     
           6,292,232



                       LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY



         Current liabilities:


          Accounts payable and accrued
           expenses                                                        $
             371,670                       $
          402,008


          Derivative liabilities                      200,189                                           50,846


          Other current liabilities                    11,880                                           19,189



          Total current liabilities                   583,739                                          472,043




         Noncurrent liabilities:


          Revolving credit facility                    93,000                                          122,500



         Senior Notes, net                         2,121,319                                        2,610,298


          Asset retirement obligations                 83,325                                           84,134



         Deferred income taxes                             -                                         189,386


          Derivative liabilities                       22,331                                            3,444


          Other noncurrent liabilities                 56,557                                           61,433



          Total noncurrent liabilities              2,376,532                                        3,071,195




         Stockholders' equity:


          Common stock, $0.01 par value -
           authorized: 200,000,000 shares;
           issued and outstanding:
           114,742,304 and 112,987,952
           shares, respectively                         1,147                                            1,130


          Additional paid-in capital                1,827,914                                        1,791,596



         Retained earnings                           200,697                                          967,587


          Accumulated other comprehensive
           loss                                      (13,598)                                        (11,319)



          Total stockholders' equity                2,016,160                                        2,748,994



                       Total liabilities and
                        stockholders' equity                    $
          
               4,976,431                  $
     
           6,292,232


                                                                                                                        
       
          SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                                                                                       
       
          FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


                                                                                                                        
       
          December 31, 2020





       
                
                  Consolidated Statements of Operations

    ---

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

                                                                    
           
                December 31,                                
              
                December 31,

                                                                                                                                                      ---

                                                            2020                                                 2019                                    2020                      2019

                                                                                                                                                                                 ---

                     Operating revenues and other income:


        Oil, gas, and NGL production revenue                                   $
              320,153                                         $
              449,001                                $
           1,126,188         $
            1,585,750


        Net gain on divestiture activity                       -                                                   539                                                    91                                 862



       Other operating revenues                             139                                                  2,146                                                   394                               3,493



        Total operating revenues and other
         income                                          320,292                                                451,686                                             1,126,673                           1,590,105




       
                Operating expenses:


        Oil, gas, and NGL production expense              95,963                                                127,312                                               391,217                             500,709


        Depletion, depreciation,
         amortization, and asset retirement
         obligation liability accretion                  188,934                                                228,597                                               784,987                             823,798



       Exploration (1)                                   11,314                                                 17,649                                                40,997                              51,500



       Impairment                                         8,750                                                  8,750                                             1,016,013                              33,842


        General and administrative (1)                    20,034                                                 37,213                                                99,160                             132,797


        Net derivative (gain) loss (2)                   152,693                                                101,002                                             (161,576)                             97,539


        Other operating expense, net                      14,651                                                 19,466                                                24,825                              19,888




       Total operating expenses                         492,339                                                539,989                                             2,195,623                           1,660,073



                     Loss from operations              (172,047)                                              (88,303)                                          (1,068,950)                            (69,968)



       Interest expense                                (40,507)                                              (40,911)                                            (163,892)                          (159,102)


        Gain on extinguishment of debt                    15,535                                                                                                     280,081


        Other non-operating expense, net                 (1,585)                                                 (547)                                              (3,944)                            (1,974)



                     Loss before income taxes          (198,604)                                             (129,761)                                             (956,705)                          (231,044)



       Income tax benefit                                33,429                                                 27,706                                               192,091                              44,043




       
                Net loss                                      $
           
                (165,175)                             $
          
                (102,055)                           $
     
             (764,614)    $
     
              (187,001)





        Basic weighted-average common
         shares outstanding                              114,528                                                112,847                                               113,730                             112,544


        Diluted weighted-average common
         shares outstanding                              114,528                                                112,847                                               113,730                             112,544


        Basic net loss per common share                                         $
              (1.44)                                         $
              (0.90)                                  $
           (6.72)           $
            (1.66)


        Diluted net loss per common share                                       $
              (1.44)                                         $
              (0.90)                                  $
           (6.72)           $
            (1.66)


        Dividends per common share                  
              $                                                         
       $                                                                   $
           0.02              $
            0.10




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



       Exploration expense                                                        $
              743                                             $
              724                                    $
           3,456             $
            4,505


        General and administrative expense               (1,181)                                                 4,836                                                11,543                              19,813



        Total non-cash stock-based
         compensation                                                            $
              (438)                                          $
              5,560                                   $
           14,999            $
            24,318





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



       Settlement gain                                                       $
              (64,991)                                       $
              (15,379)                               $
           (351,261)         $
            (39,222)


        Loss on fair value changes                       217,684                                                116,381                                               189,685                             136,761



        Total net derivative (gain) loss                                       $
              152,693                                         $
              101,002                                $
           (161,576)           $
            97,539


                                                                                                                                            
        
             SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                                                                                                           
        
             FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


                                                                                                                                            
        
             December 31, 2020





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



       Net loss                                                                                  -                                                                                                (187,001)                                             (187,001)


        Other comprehensive
         income                                                                                   -                                                                                                                               1,061                       1,061


        Cash dividends, $0.10
         per share                                                                                -                                                                                                 (11,254)                                              (11,254)


        Issuance of common
         stock under Employee
         Stock Purchase Plan                                          314,868                            3                   3,206                                                                                                         3,209


        Issuance of common
         stock upon vesting of
         RSUs, net of shares
         used for tax
         withholdings                                                 334,399                            4                 (1,665)                                                                                                      (1,661)


        Stock-based
         compensation expense                                          96,719                            1                  24,317                                                                                                        24,318


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



       Net loss                                                                                  -                                                                                                (764,614)                                             (764,614)


        Other comprehensive
         loss                                                                                     -                                                                                                                             (2,279)                    (2,279)


        Cash dividends, $0.02
         per share                                                                                -                                                                                                  (2,276)                                               (2,276)


        Issuance of common
         stock under Employee
         Stock Purchase Plan                                          464,757                            4                   1,460                                                                                                         1,464


        Issuance of common
         stock upon vesting of
         RSUs and settlement
         of PSUs, net of
         shares used for tax
         withholdings                                               1,022,019                           10                 (1,570)                                                                                                      (1,560)


        Stock-based
         compensation expense                                         267,576                            3                  14,996                                                                                                        14,999


        Issuance of Warrants                                                                      -                                                21,520                                                                                                    21,520



       Other                                                                                     -                                                  (88)                                                                                                     (88)



                     Balances, December 31,
                      2020                                        114,742,304                              $
     
        1,147                $
        
           1,827,914                                                $
       
       200,697                  $
     
     (13,598)      $
     
     2,016,160


                                                                                                               
            
           SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                                                                              
            
           FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


                                                                                                               
            
           December 31, 2020





       
                
                  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

    ---


       (in thousands)                                                           For the Three Months Ended                                          For the Twelve Months Ended

                                                                  
              
              December 31,                                
              
                December 31,


                                                             2020                                     2019                2020                                                  2019

                                                                                                                                                                              ---


       Cash flows from operating activities:



       Net loss                                                          $
            (165,175)                                       $
              (102,055)                               $
        (764,614)       $
       (187,001)


        Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
         cash provided by operating activities:


        Net gain on divestiture activity                        -                                               (539)                                              (91)                           (862)


        Depletion, depreciation,
         amortization, and asset
         retirement obligation liability
         accretion                                        188,934                                              228,597                                            784,987                          823,798



       Impairment                                          8,750                                                8,750                                          1,016,013                           33,842


        Stock-based compensation
         expense                                            (438)                                               5,560                                             14,999                           24,318


        Net derivative (gain) loss                        152,693                                              101,002                                          (161,576)                          97,539


        Derivative settlement gain                         64,991                                               15,379                                            351,261                           39,222


        Amortization of debt discount
         and deferred financing costs                       4,620                                                3,920                                             17,704                           15,474


        Gain on extinguishment of debt                   (15,535)                                                                                             (280,081)



       Deferred income taxes                            (33,476)                                            (28,215)                                         (192,540)                        (41,835)



       Other, net                                          (506)                                               4,511                                            (6,709)                           2,220



       Changes in working capital:



       Accounts receivable                              (15,408)                                            (38,922)                                            29,100                         (39,556)


        Prepaid expenses and other                            354                                                9,019                                              5,873                            6,130


        Accounts payable and accrued
         expenses                                          67,056                                               34,974                                           (23,382)                          50,278


                     Net cash provided by operating
                      activities                          256,860                                              241,981                                            790,944                          823,567






       Cash flows from investing activities:


        Net proceeds from the sale of
         oil and gas properties                                 -                                                 539                                                 92                           13,059



       Capital expenditures                            (128,008)                                           (235,127)                                          (547,785)                     (1,023,769)


        Acquisition of proved and
         unproved oil and gas properties                    (798)                                                                                               (7,873)                         (2,581)


                     Net cash used in investing
                      activities                        (128,806)                                           (234,588)                                          (555,566)                     (1,013,291)






       Cash flows from financing activities:


        Proceeds from revolving credit
         facility                                         281,500                                              464,500                                          1,447,000                        1,589,000


        Repayment of revolving credit
         facility                                       (366,500)                                           (471,000)                                        (1,476,500)                      (1,466,500)


        Debt issuance costs related to
         10.0% Senior Secured Notes due
         2025                                               (183)                                                                                              (13,069)


        Cash paid to repurchase Senior
         Notes                                           (42,228)                                                                                             (189,998)


        Net proceeds from sale of common
         stock                                                517                                                1,250                                              1,464                            3,209



       Dividends paid                                    (1,146)                                             (5,642)                                           (2,276)                        (11,254)



       Other, net                                           (14)                                                 (2)                                           (1,999)                         (2,686)



                     Net cash provided by (used in)
                      financing activities              (128,054)                                            (10,894)                                         (235,378)                         111,769





        Net change in cash, cash
         equivalents, and restricted
         cash                                                   -                                             (3,501)                                                                          (77,955)


        Cash, cash equivalents, and
         restricted cash at beginning of
         period                                                10                                                3,511                                                 10                           77,965



                     Cash, cash equivalents, and
                      restricted cash at end of
                      period                                        $
             
               10                                  $
              
                10                           $
        
               10  $
        
               10


                                                                                          
      
             SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                                                         
      
             FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


                                                                                          
      
             December 31, 2020





       
                
                  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)

    ---

        (in thousands)                                        For the Three Months Ended                              For the Twelve Months Ended

                                             
              
                December 31,                    
              
                December 31,


                                            2020                                2019           2020                                          2019

                                                                                                                                           ---

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



       Operating activities:


        Cash paid for
         interest, net of
         capitalized interest                      $
              (18,319)                             $
              (28,780)                          $
          (140,493)  $
          (141,902)


        Net cash (paid)
         refunded for income
         taxes                                         $
              (61)                                $
              7,578                               $
          6,664      $
           6,109





       Investing activities:


        Increase (decrease) in
         capital expenditure
         accruals and other                           $
              9,440                              $
              (59,167)                            $
          (7,965)   $
          (24,289)

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 2020 Form 10-K 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 (decrease) in capital expenditure accruals and other.

Net Debt: The total principal amount of outstanding senior secured notes and senior unsecured 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.

Pre-Tax PV-10: Pre-Tax PV-10 is the present value of estimated future revenue to be generated from the production of estimated net proved reserves, net of estimated production and future development costs, based on prices used in estimating the proved reserves and costs in effect as of the date indicated (unless such costs are subject to change pursuant to contractual provisions), without giving effect to non-property related expenses such as general and administrative expenses, debt service, future income tax expenses, or depreciation, depletion, and amortization, discounted using an annual discount rate of 10 percent. While this measure does not include the effect of income taxes as it would in the use of the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows calculation, it does provide an indicative representation of the relative value of the Company on a comparative basis to other companies and from period to period. This measure is presented because management believes it provides useful information to investors for analysis of SM Energy's fundamental business on a recurring basis. In addition, management believes that Pre-Tax PV-10 is widely used by professional research analysts and others in the valuation, comparison, and investment recommendations of companies in the oil and gas exploration and production industry, and many investors use the published research of industry research analysts in making investment decisions. Pre-Tax PV-10 should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other measures prepared under GAAP.

Reinvestment rate: Reinvestment rate is calculated as capital expenditures before increase (decrease) in capital expenditure accruals and other divided by net cash provided by operating activities before net change in working capital.


                                                                                                                          
              
                SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                                                                                         
              
                FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


                                                                                                                          
              
                December 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                                                      For the Twelve Months Ended
                                                                    
                December 31,                                                        
                December 31,

                                                                                                                                                                ---

                                                     2020                                                        2019                                               2020                     2019

                                                                                                                                                                                           ---

                     Net loss (GAAP)                        $
              
                (165,175)                                        $
              
                (102,055)                                        $
              
                (764,614)                $
        
       (187,001)


        Interest expense                           40,507                                                        40,911                                                        163,892                                                        159,102


        Income tax benefit                       (33,429)                                                     (27,706)                                                     (192,091)                                                       (44,043)


        Depletion, depreciation,
         amortization, and asset
         retirement obligation
         liability accretion                      188,934                                                       228,597                                                        784,987                                                        823,798



       Exploration (2)                            10,571                                                        16,925                                                         37,541                                                         46,995



       Impairment                                  8,750                                                         8,750                                                      1,016,013                                                         33,842


        Stock-based compensation
         expense                                    (438)                                                        5,560                                                         14,999                                                         24,318


        Net derivative (gain) loss                152,693                                                       101,002                                                      (161,576)                                                         97,539


        Derivative settlement gain                 64,991                                                        15,379                                                        351,261                                                         39,222


        Net gain on divestiture
         activity                                       -                                                        (539)                                                          (91)                                                         (862)


        Gain on extinguishment of
         debt                                    (15,535)                                                                                                                  (280,081)



       Other, net                                  3,514                                                         (648)                                                         5,165                                                            481



                     Adjusted EBITDAX (non-
                      GAAP)                                   $
              
                255,383                                           $
              
                286,176                                           $
              
                975,405                 $
       
          993,391



        Interest expense                         (40,507)                                                     (40,911)                                                     (163,892)                                                      (159,102)


        Income tax benefit                         33,429                                                        27,706                                                        192,091                                                         44,043



       Exploration (2)                          (10,571)                                                     (16,925)                                                      (37,541)                                                      (46,995)


        Amortization of debt
         discount and deferred
         financing costs                            4,620                                                         3,920                                                         17,704                                                         15,474


        Deferred income taxes                    (33,476)                                                     (28,215)                                                     (192,540)                                                       (41,835)



       Other, net                                (4,020)                                                        5,159                                                       (11,874)                                                         1,739


        Net change in working
         capital                                   52,002                                                         5,071                                                         11,591                                                         16,852



                     Net cash provided by
                      operating activities
                      (GAAP)                                  $
              
                256,860                                           $
              
                241,981                                           $
              
                790,944                 $
       
          823,567






       
                (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 consolidated statements of operations.  Therefore, the exploration line items shown in
                      the reconciliation above will vary from the amount shown on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the component of stock-based compensation expense recorded to exploration expense.


                                                                                                                            
              
                SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                                                                                           
              
                FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


                                                                                                                            
              
                December 31, 2020





       
                
                  Adjusted Net Income (Loss) Reconciliation
                
                 (1)

    ---


       (in thousands, except per share data)




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


                                                         2020                                                        2019                                               2020                     2019

                                                                                                                                                                                               ---

                     Net loss (GAAP)                            $
              
                (165,175)                                        $
              
                (102,055)                                        $
              
                (764,614)             $
         
         (187,001)


        Net derivative (gain) loss                    152,693                                                       101,002                                                      (161,576)                                                         97,539


        Derivative settlement gain                     64,991                                                        15,379                                                        351,261                                                         39,222


        Net gain on divestiture
         activity                                           -                                                        (539)                                                          (91)                                                         (862)



       Impairment                                      8,750                                                         8,750                                                      1,016,013                                                         33,842


        Gain on extinguishment of
         debt                                        (15,535)                                                                                                                  (280,081)



       Other, net (2)                                  3,554                                                         (647)                                                         5,321                                                            700


        Tax effect of adjustments
         (3)                                        (46,536)                                                     (26,896)                                                     (201,994)                                                       (36,986)


        Valuation allowance on
         deferred tax assets                                -                                                                                                                     10,017



                     Adjusted net income (loss)
                      (non-GAAP)                                    $
              
                2,742                                           $
              
                (5,006)                                         $
              
                (25,744)              $
         
         (53,546)





                     Diluted net loss per
                      common share (GAAP)                          $
              
                (1.44)                                           $
              
                (0.90)                                           $
              
                (6.72)                $
         
         (1.66)


        Net derivative (gain) loss                       1.33                                                          0.90                                                         (1.42)                                                          0.87


        Derivative settlement gain                       0.57                                                          0.14                                                           3.09                                                           0.35


        Net gain on divestiture
         activity                                           -                                                                                                                                                                                   (0.01)



       Impairment                                       0.08                                                          0.08                                                           8.93                                                           0.30


        Gain on extinguishment of
         debt                                          (0.14)                                                                                                                     (2.46)



       Other, net (2)                                   0.03                                                        (0.01)                                                          0.05                                                           0.01


        Tax effect of adjustments
         (3)                                          (0.41)                                                       (0.25)                                                        (1.79)                                                        (0.34)


        Valuation allowance on
         deferred tax assets                                -                                                                                                                       0.09



                     Adjusted net income (loss)
                      per diluted common share
                      (non-GAAP)                                     $
              
                0.02                                            $
              
                (0.04)                                           $
              
                (0.23)                $
         
         (0.48)





        Basic weighted-average
         common shares outstanding                    114,528                                                       112,847                                                        113,730                                                        112,544


        Diluted weighted-average
         common shares outstanding                    114,528                                                       112,847                                                        113,730                                                        112,544





       Note: Amounts may not calculate due to rounding.





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


                     (2) For the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2020, other adjustments related to bad debt expense, pension settlement expense, the change in net profits plan liability, and impairments of materials inventory and other property.
                      For the three months ended December 31, 2019, other adjustments related to the change in net profits plan liability and impairments of materials inventory.  For the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, other adjustments related to bad
                      debt expense, the change in net profits plan liability, and impairments of materials inventory and other property.


                     (3) The tax effect of adjustments for each of the three and twelve months ended December 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.


                                                                         
              
      SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                                        
              
      FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


                                                                         
              
      December 31, 2020





       
                
                  Regional proved oil and gas reserve quantities

    ---



                                                                                                           Midland Basin South Texas  Total




       
                Year-end 2020 proved reserves



       Oil (MMBbl)                                                                                                150.9         21.8   172.7



       Gas (Bcf)                                                                                                  425.3        626.8 1,052.0



       NGL (MMBbl)                                                                                                  0.2         56.4    56.6




       Total (MMBoe)                                                                                              222.0        182.6   404.6



       % Proved developed                                                                                           58%         55%    57%





       Note: Amounts may not calculate due to rounding.



       
                
                  Pre-Tax PV-10 Reconciliation
                
                 (1)

    ---


       (in millions)


                                                                                                         As of December 31,



        Reconciliation of standardized measure (GAAP) to PV-10 (non-
         GAAP)                                                                                 2020                         2019

                                                                                                                            ---

                     Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows (GAAP):               $
     
             2,682.5                    $
     
     4,104.0



       Add: 10 percent annual discount, net of income taxes                                1,856.3                                 2,955.3



       Add: future undiscounted income taxes                                                     -                                  579.8




       Pre-tax undiscounted future net cash flows                                          4,538.8                                 7,639.1



       Less: 10 percent annual discount without tax effect                               (1,856.3)                              (3,276.3)




       
                Pre-Tax PV-10 (non-GAAP):                                                      $
     
             2,682.5                    $
     
     4,362.8






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



       
                
                  Reconciliation of Total Long-Term Debt to Net Debt
                
                 (1)

    ---


       (in thousands)


                                                                                                                                                    As of December 31, 2020




       Senior Secured Notes (2)                                                                                                                                                 $
       512,160



       Senior Unsecured Notes (2)                                                                                                                                1,674,581



       Revolving credit facility (2)                                                                                                                                93,000




       Total funded debt                                                                                                                                         2,279,741



       Less: Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                  10




       
                Net Debt                                                                                                                                               $
     
        2,279,731






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



       
                (2) Amounts are from Note 5 - Long-term Debt in Part II, Item 8 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.



       
                
                  Free Cash Flow 
                
                (1)

    ---


       (in thousands)


                                                                     For the Three Months Ended                             For the Twelve Months Ended

                                                     
              
                December 31,                            
        
             December 31,


                                             2020                                           2019             2020                             2019

                                                                                                                                            ---

        Net cash provided
         by operating
         activities (GAAP)                                      $
              256,860                                    $
        241,981                        $
        790,944       $
       823,567


        Net change in
         working capital                 (52,002)                                                   (5,071)                            (11,591)                (16,852)



        Cash flow from
         operations before
         net change in
         working capital                                        $
              204,858                                    $
        236,910                        $
        779,353       $
       806,715





        Capital
         expenditures
         (GAAP)                           128,008                                                    235,127                              547,785                1,023,769


        Increase (decrease)
         in capital
         expenditure
         accruals and other                 9,440                                                   (59,167)                             (7,965)                (24,289)



        Capital
         expenditures
         before accruals
         and other                                              $
              137,448                                    $
        175,960                        $
        539,820       $
       999,480





                     Free cash flow                 $
              
                67,410                               $
       
          60,950                    $
     
          239,533  $
     
        (192,765)






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

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SOURCE SM Energy Company