SM ENERGY REPORTS RECORD 2024 RESULTS AND TRANSFORMATIVE 2025 OPERATING PLAN; AND ANNOUNCES OFFICER RETIREMENT AND NEW APPOINTMENTS

DENVER, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SM Energy Company (the "Company") (NYSE: SM) today announces certain fourth quarter and full year 2024 operating and financial results, year-end 2024 estimated net proved reserves and its 2025 operating plan.

In 2024, SM Energy met all of its strategic objectives and delivered certain record results. Financial and operational highlights included:

    --  Record oil production for the full year 2024 of 29.4 MMBbls, or 80.2
        MBbls/d, up 23% from 2023. Total net production for the full year 2024
        was 62.4 MMBoe, or 170.5 MBoe/d, up 12% from 2023.
    --  Record year-end estimated net proved reserves of 678 MMBoe, up 12% from
        year-end 2023. The ratio of estimated net proved reserves at year-end
        2024 to 2024 net production was 10.9 years.
    --  Record dividends paid. The Company's sustainable fixed dividend was
        increased to an annualized rate of $0.80 per share, commencing in the
        fourth quarter of 2024. The fixed dividend combined with share buybacks
        returned $169.0 million to stockholders in 2024, an approximate 4% yield
        to current market capitalization. The Company has repurchased
        approximately 10.1 million shares from announcement of its return of
        capital program on September 7, 2022, through year-end 2024.
    --  Inventory/gross drilling locations increased by approximately 40% at
        year-end 2024 from year-end 2023, primarily driven by the Uinta Basin
        acquisitions, organic growth in the Woodford-Barnett and continued
        expansion of the South Texas Austin Chalk.
    --  Reduced the balance on the revolving credit facility by $121.5 million
        from $190.0 million at October 1, 2024, to $68.5 million at year-end
        2024, making progress towards the Company's target leverage.
    --  Substantial production growth expected in 2025 with the addition of the
        Uinta Basin program. The 2025 operating plan is designed to optimize
        capital efficiency across the Company's three core assets and results in
        a step-change in scale. The addition of the Uinta Basin program is
        expected to increase year-over-year net production by more than 20% on a
        Boe basis and increase oil production by more than 30%.
    --  Net income for the full year 2024 was $770.3 million, or $6.67 per
        diluted common share, and for the fourth quarter 2024 was $188.3
        million, or $1.64 per diluted common share. Adjusted net income((1)) was
        $6.80 per diluted common share for the full year 2024 and $1.91 per
        diluted common share for the fourth quarter 2024. Adjusted EBITDAX((1))
        was $2.0 billion for the full year 2024 and $610.8 million for the
        fourth quarter 2024.
    --  At SM Energy, employees are recognized as the Company's most valuable
        asset. In 2024, the Company was honored with two distinguished
        Leadership Development awards from the Brandon Hall Group. The Gold
        Award recognized our innovative approach to building competencies and
        skills, while the Bronze Award celebrated overall excellence in
        leadership development. These accolades underscore the Company's
        commitment to cultivating a thriving corporate culture and leadership
        values that rank among the nation's best.

The Company's 2025 strategy and operational plan is intended to support long-term profitability and value creation by:

    --  Focusing on operational execution to realize a step change in scale
        through the successful integration of the Company's recently acquired
        Uinta Basin assets; delivering low breakeven, high return wells across
        the portfolio by optimizing capital efficiency; demonstrating
        innovation; and remaining a leader in stewardship.
    --  Returning capital to stockholders by generating free cash flow to
        support our increased $0.80 per share annual fixed dividend,
        transferring enterprise value to equity holders by pursuing reduced debt
        to a target of 1 times leverage; and resuming the Company's share
        buyback program, as appropriate, given $500.0 million in authorization.
    --  Expanding our portfolio of top-tier economic drilling inventory through
        acquisition and exploration, and the application of advanced analytics,
        new technologies and development optimization.

Chief Executive Officer Herb Vogel comments: "2024 was an outstanding year. The SM Energy team delivered a significant increase in scale as measured by the 23% increase in daily oil production, 12% increase in estimated net proved reserves, approximate 40% increase in gross drilling locations and 24% expansion in our core portfolio net acreage. We remained focused on operational execution, continuing to deliver superior well performance and organically growing our portfolio while also delivering return of capital equating to an approximate 4% yield to market capitalization.

As we commence 2025, we are first focused on the integration of our Utah operations where results are expected to be accretive to all financial metrics. The balance sheet is in excellent shape, and we intend to prioritize the generation of free cash flow to pay our fixed dividend and reduce debt, followed by share repurchases once we achieve target leverage. We designed our 2025 operational plan to optimize free cash flow, considering a multi-year period, which will employ our differential technical capabilities to deliver superior well performance and drive capital efficiency. We are well poised for an excellent 2025."

OFFICER RETIREMENT AND NEW APPOINTMENTS

The Company announces the retirement of Jennifer Martin Samuels, the Company's Vice President - Investor Relations and ESG Stewardship. Ms. Samuels' retirement from her current position will be effective March 7, 2025, and she plans to remain with the Company in an advisory capacity until later this year.

The Company also announces several officer appointments, all of which are effective March 2, 2025.

    --  Dean Lutey was promoted to the position of Senior Vice President - Chief
        Information Officer. Mr. Lutey has served in the role of Vice President
        - Chief Information Officer since 2021 and previously Vice President -
        Information Technology since 2013. Mr. Lutey joined the Company in 2008
        as Manager of Production Services. Mr. Lutey has more than 28 years of
        experience in information technology.
    --  Pat Lytle was promoted to the position of Senior Vice President -
        Finance. Mr. Lytle has served in the role of Vice President - Chief
        Accounting Officer and Controller since 2021 and joined the Company in
        2007 as a Senior Accountant. Mr. Lytle has more than 20 years of
        accounting and finance experience in the energy industry. He will assume
        the Investor Relations and ESG Stewardship responsibilities as well as
        oversee the financial planning and treasury functions.
    --  Richard Jenkins was promoted to the position of Senior Vice President -
        Utah. Mr. Jenkins has served as Vice President - Utah since 2024 and
        previously Vice President - Operations since 2023. Mr. Jenkins joined
        the Company in 2010 as a Senior Reservoir Engineer. Mr. Jenkins has more
        than 17 years of experience in the oil and gas industry.
    --  Alan Bennett was promoted to the position of Vice President and
        Controller. Mr. Bennett most recently served as Senior Director of
        Financial Planning and Analysis and joined the Company in 2011 as a
        Senior Accountant. Mr. Bennett previously served as Director of
        Operations Accounting and has more than 18 years of accounting and
        finance experience in the energy industry. Mr. Bennett will serve as the
        Company's principal accounting officer.

ESTIMATED NET PROVED RESERVES AT YEAR-END 2024


                                                             MMBoe



     Estimated net proved reserves year-end 2023              605



     Net acquisitions and divestitures                        102



     Net infill/revisions (excluding 5 year rule and price)    67



     Discovery/extensions                                      11



     Net production                                          (62)



     Revisions - 5 year rule                                 (31)



     Revisions - price                                       (14)



     
              Estimated net proved reserves year-end 2024   678

Estimated net proved reserves at year-end 2024 were 678 MMBoe. Estimated net proved reserves were 51% in South Texas, 34% in the Midland Basin, and 15% in the Uinta Basin, and were comprised of 44% oil, 38% natural gas and 18% NGLs. Net proved reserves were 60% developed and 40% undeveloped.

    --  The ratio of estimated net proved reserves at year-end 2024 to 2024 net
        production is 10.9 years.
    --  2024 SEC pricing was $75.48 per Bbl oil, $2.13 per MMBtu natural gas and
        $28.29 per Bbl NGLs, down 4% and 19% and up 2%, respectively, compared
        to 2023 SEC pricing.
    --  Our Uinta Basin acquisitions added estimated net proved reserves of
        approximately 100 MMBoe, 38% of which were developed.

STANDARDIZED MEASURE

The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows from estimated net proved reserves was $7.27 billion at year-end 2024, up from $6.28 billion at year-end 2023. The 16% increase in the standardized measure compared with year-end 2023 is predominantly due to the increase in estimated net proved reserves, partially offset by lower SEC pricing for oil and gas used in the calculation. Pre-tax PV-10((1)) was $8.36 billion.

FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2024 RESULTS

Details and discussions of fourth quarter and full year 2024 net production and commodity pricing are given below, along with summary tables:



     NET PRODUCTION BY OPERATING AREA


                                                                                 
     
              Fourth Quarter 2024


                                                                   Midland Basin     South Texas                  Uinta Basin         Total



     Oil (MBbl / MBbl/d)                                            4,957 /53.9     2,011 /21.9                      2,870 /       9,838 /
                                                                                                                         31.2          106.9



     Natural Gas (MMcf / MMcf/d)                                       16,028 /        20,352 /                      2,703 /      39,084 /
                                                                           174.2            221.2                          29.4          424.8



     NGLs (MBbl / MBbl/d)                                                  9 /-     2,775 /30.2                          -/-   2,784 /30.3



     Total (MBoe / MBoe/d)                                          7,637 /83.0     8,178 /88.9                      3,321 /      19,136 /
                                                                                                                         36.1          208.0



     
                Note: Totals may not calculate due to rounding.


                                                                                      
     
                Full Year 2024


                                                                        Midland Basin     South Texas               Uinta Basin         Total



       Oil (MBbl / MBbl/d)                                              19,090 /52.2     7,407 /20.2                2,870 /7.8  29,367 /80.2



       Natural Gas (MMcf / MMcf/d)                                     62,009 /169.4        72,267 /                2,703 /7.4     136,979 /
                                                                                                197.5                                    374.3



       NGLs (MBbl / MBbl/d)                                                    24 /-        10,178 /
                                                                                                 27.8                        -/-  10,202 /27.9



       Total (MBoe / MBoe/d)                                            29,449 /80.5        29,629 /                3,321 /9.1      62,399 /
                                                                                                 81.0                                    170.5


      
       
                Note: Totals may not calculate due to rounding.


       
                 Uinta Basin full year volumes include one quarter
            of production; subsequent to the close of the
                      Uinta Basin Acquisitions

    --  Fourth quarter production volumes were 19.1 MMBoe, or 208.0 MBoe/d, and
        were 51% oil. Production volumes increased 22% sequentially and oil
        production volumes increased 38% sequentially with the addition of the
        Uinta Basin assets acquired on October 1, 2024. Fourth quarter volumes
        were affected by approximately 3 MBoe/d as a result of downtime from
        third-party crude takeaway and the decision to reject ethane at certain
        gas processing plants due to better economics with strong natural gas
        prices.
    --  Full year production volumes of 62.4 MMBoe (170.5 MBoe/d) were up 12%
        from 2023. Production volumes were 48% from South Texas, 47% from the
        Midland Basin, and 5% from the Uinta Basin. Volumes were 47% oil, 37%
        natural gas and 16% NGLs.



     REALIZED PRICES BY OPERATING AREA


                                                                                   
     
              Fourth Quarter 2024


                                                                     Midland Basin     South Texas                   Uinta Basin                    Total

                                                                                                                                         (Pre/Post-
                                                                                                                                            hedge)(1)



     Oil ($/Bbl)                                                           $70.56           $67.31                         $68.66   
           $69.34 / $70.54



     Natural Gas ($/Mcf)                                                    $2.23            $2.10                          $2.56     
           $2.19 / $2.50



     NGLs ($/Bbl)                                                 
     nm                     $24.48                  nm             
           $24.49 / $24.01



     Per Boe                                                               $50.52           $30.08                         $61.44   
           $43.68 / $44.85



     
                Note: Totals may not calculate due to rounding.


                                                                                   
     
                Full Year 2024


                                                                     Midland Basin     South Texas                Uinta Basin                    Total

                                                                                                                                      (Pre/Post-
                                                                                                                                         hedge)(1)



     Oil ($/Bbl)                                                           $75.83           $73.27                      $68.66   
           $74.49 / $74.92



     Natural Gas ($/Mcf)                                                    $1.91            $1.71                       $2.56     
           $1.82 / $2.25



     NGLs ($/Bbl)                                                 
     nm                     $23.00               nm             
           $23.01 / $22.76



     Per Boe                                                               $53.20           $30.39                      $61.44   
           $42.81 / $43.91



     
                Note: Totals may not calculate due to rounding.

    --  In the fourth quarter, benchmark pricing included NYMEX WTI at
        $70.27/Bbl, NYMEX Henry Hub natural gas at $2.79/MMBtu and OPIS
        Composite NGLs at $29.29/Bbl. For the full year, benchmark pricing
        included NYMEX WTI at $75.72/Bbl, NYMEX Henry Hub natural gas at
        $2.27/MMBtu and OPIS Composite NGLs at $28.30/Bbl.
    --  In the fourth quarter, the average realized price before the effect of
        hedges was $43.68 per Boe, and the average realized price after the
        effect of hedges was $44.85 per Boe.((1)) For the full year, the average
        realized price before the effect of hedges was $42.81 per Boe, and the
        average realized price after the effect of hedges was $43.91 per
        Boe.((1))
    --  The effect of commodity derivative settlements for the fourth quarter
        and full year was a gain of $1.17 per Boe, or $22.4 million, and a gain
        of $1.10 per Boe, or $68.7 million, respectively.

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

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES AND ACTIVITY

In the fourth quarter 2024, capital expenditures of $353.5 million before change in accruals of $8.8 million totaled $362.3 million.((1)) During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company drilled 45 net wells and added 37 net flowing completions. During the fourth quarter, faster than expected drilling and completion times accelerated certain costs into the fourth quarter 2024. For the full year 2024, capital expenditures of $1.31 billion before change in accruals of $24.3 million totaled $1.29 billion((1)) and the Company drilled 142 net wells and added 135 net flowing completions.

NET INCOME AND NET INCOME PER SHARE

Fourth quarter 2024 net income was $188.3 million, or $1.64 per diluted common share, compared with net income of $247.1 million, or $2.12 per diluted common share, for the same period in 2023. The current year period benefited on a per share basis from 36% higher production volumes, a 3% increase in the realized price per Boe after the effect of net derivative settlements and fewer shares outstanding, offset by certain higher per unit expenses and increased income tax and net interest expense. For the full year 2024, net income was $770.3 million, or $6.67 per diluted common share, compared with net income of $817.9 million, or $6.86 per diluted common share, for the full year 2023. Full year net income compared with the prior year reflects a 12% increase in production volumes, a 2% increase in the realized price per Boe after the effect of net derivative settlements, and fewer shares outstanding, offset predominantly by net interest and tax expenses.

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Fourth quarter 2024 net cash provided by operating activities of $577.9 million before net change in working capital of $(26.6) million totaled $551.2 million,((1)) representing an increase of $127.5 million, or 30%, from $423.7 million((1)) in the same period in 2023. The increase from the prior year period was primarily due to higher production volumes and a higher realized price per Boe after the effect of net derivative settlements, partially offset by certain higher per unit expenses and higher cash taxes. For the full year 2024, net cash provided by operating activities of $1.78 billion before net changes in working capital of $(11.2) million totaled $1.77 billion,((1)) representing an increase of $192.4 million, or 12%, from $1.58 billion((1)) in 2023. The increase in 2024 is predominantly due to higher production volumes and a higher realized price per Boe after the effect of net derivative settlements, partially offset by higher cash taxes.

ADJUSTED EBITDAX((1)) AND ADJUSTED NET INCOME((1))

Fourth quarter 2024 Adjusted EBITDAX((1)) was $610.8 million, up $165.6 million, or 37%, from $445.1 million in the same period in 2023. For the full year 2024, Adjusted EBITDAX((1)) was $1.99 billion, compared with $1.71 billion in 2023.

Fourth quarter 2024 adjusted net income((1)) was $220.2 million, or $1.91 per diluted common share, which compares with adjusted net income((1)) of $181.5 million, or $1.56 per diluted common share, for the same period in 2023. For the full year 2024, adjusted net income((1)) was $785.1 million, or $6.80 per diluted common share, compared with adjusted net income((1)) of $702.5 million, or $5.89 per diluted common share, in 2023.

ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW((1))

Fourth quarter 2024 cash flow from operations before net change in working capital totaled $551.2 million,((1)) and capital expenditures before changes in accruals totaled $362.3 million,((1)) delivering Adjusted free cash flow of $188.9 million.((1) )For the full year 2024, cash flow from operations before net change in working capital totaled $1.77 billion,((1)) and capital expenditures before changes in accruals totaled $1.29 billion,((1)) delivering Adjusted free cash flow of $485.0 million.((1))

FINANCIAL POSITION, LIQUIDITY AND NET DEBT-TO-ADJUSTED EBITDAX((1))

At year-end 2024, the outstanding principal amount of the Company's long-term debt was $2.80 billion including $68.5 million drawn on the Company's senior secured revolving credit facility. At year-end 2024, cash and cash equivalents were zero and net debt((1)) was $2.80 billion, up $1.84 billion from year-end 2023.

As of December 31, 2024, the Company's borrowing base and commitments under its senior secured revolving credit facility were $3.00 billion and $2.00 billion, respectively, and combined with the balance drawn on the Company's senior secured revolving credit facility, available liquidity was $1.93 billion.

At year-end 2024, the Net debt-to-Adjusted EBITDAX((1)) ratio was 1.4.

COMMODITY DERIVATIVES

As of February 14, 2025, commodity derivative positions for 2025 include:

SWAPS & COLLARS:

    --  Oil: Approximately 12,600 MBbls, or slightly more than 30%, of expected
        2025 net oil production is hedged at a weighted-average price of
        $69.02/Bbl (collar floors and swaps) to $74.89/Bbl (collar ceilings and
        swaps), excludes basis swaps.
    --  Natural gas: Approximately 43,200 BBtu, or slightly less than 30%, of
        expected 2025 net natural gas production is hedged at an average price
        of $3.43/MMBtu (weighted-average of collar floors and swaps) to
        $4.44/MMBtu (weighted-average of collar ceilings and swaps), excludes
        basis swaps.

BASIS SWAPS:

    --  Oil, Midland Basin differential: Approximately 4,600 MBbls of expected
        2025 net oil Midland Basin oil production are hedged to the local price
        point at a positive weighted-average price of $1.18/Bbl.
    --  Oil, MEH differential: Approximately 2,100 MBbls of expected 2025 net
        South Texas oil production are hedged to the local price point at a
        positive weighted-average price of $1.86/Bbl.
    --  Gas, WAHA differential: Approximately 20,500 BBtu of expected 2025 net
        Midland Basin natural gas production are hedged to WAHA at a
        weighted-average price of ($0.66)/MMBtu.
    --  Gas, HSC differential: Approximately 900 BBtu of expected 2025 net South
        Texas natural gas production are hedged to HSC at a weighted-average
        price of $0.0025/MMBtu.

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

2025 OPERATING PLAN AND GUIDANCE

Discussion in this release of the Company's 2025 operating plan guidance includes the term "capital expenditures," which is defined to include adjustments for capital accruals, and is a non-GAAP measure. In reliance on the exception provided by Item 10(e)(1)(i)(B) of Regulation S-K, the Company is unable to provide a reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP capital expenditures because components of the calculations are inherently unpredictable, such as changes to, and the timing of, capital accruals, unknown future events, and estimating certain future GAAP measures. The inability to project certain components of the calculation could significantly affect the accuracy of a reconciliation.

KEY ASSUMPTIONS

    --  Benchmark pricing assumptions are $70.00 per Bbl WTI; $3.25 per MMBtu
        natural gas; $27.00 per Bbl NGLs.
    --  Hedges currently in place.
    --  Processing ethane in the second and third quarters, rejecting ethane in
        the first and fourth quarters. Rejecting ethane reduces overall volumes
        by approximately 3.5-4.0 MBoe/d during those periods.

GUIDANCE FULL YEAR 2025:

    --  Net production volumes are expected to range between 200-215 MBoe/d, and
        net oil production is expected to comprise 51%-52%, or average
        approximately 102-112 MBbls/d. At the midpoint, this implies a
        year-over-year increase in production of 22% on a Boe basis and increase
        in oil production of 33%.
    --  Capital expenditures adjusted for capital accruals((1)) are expected to
        approximate $1.3 billion, excluding acquisitions and certain
        non-operated activity to be confirmed later in the year.
        --  Drill, complete and equip ("DC&E") expenditures are expected to be
            allocated approximately 35%-40% to Utah, 35%-40% to the Midland
            Basin and 25% to South Texas. The program assumes DC&E makes up
            approximately 90% of the budget and facilities, land and other make
            up the remainder. The capital program also assumes $25 million for
            capitalized interest.
        --  The Company expects to drill approximately 105 net wells and
            complete approximately 150 net wells.
    --  Net production costs:
        --  LOE is expected to average between $5.30-$5.50/Boe, which includes
            workover activity;
        --  Transportation is expected to average between $4.10-$4.40/Boe;
        --  Production and ad valorem taxes are expected to average between
            $2.50-$2.70/Boe.
    --  G&A is expected to be approximately $160 million, including
        approximately $25 million of non-cash costs. This includes approximately
        $7 million in one-time expenses associated with the Uinta Basin
        integration efforts.
    --  Exploration/capitalized overhead is expected to approximate $75 million.
    --  DD&A is expected to be approximately $15/Boe.
    --  Cash taxes are expected to range between $75-$95 million.

GUIDANCE FIRST QUARTER 2025:

    --  Capital expenditures are expected to range between $425-435 million.
        This includes drilling approximately 40 net wells and completing
        approximately 45 net wells, which constitutes approximately one-third of
        the full year program. Capital expenditures are weighted to the first
        half of the year as the Company completes the near-term Uinta Basin plan
        initiated by the seller.
    --  Net production is expected to be approximately 191-198 MBoe/d at 52%-53%
        oil.
    --  LOE is expected to average between $5.45-$5.55/Boe.
    --  G&A is expected to be approximately $40-$42 million and includes $3-$4
        million in one-time expenses related to the Uinta Basin integration
        efforts.

UPCOMING EVENTS

EARNINGS Q&A WEBCAST AND CONFERENCE CALL

February 20, 2025 - Please join SM Energy management at 8:00 a.m. Mountain time/10:00 a.m. Eastern time for the 2024 financial and operating results/2025 operating plan Q&A session. This discussion will be accessible via:

    --  Webcast (available live and for replay) - on the Company's website at
        sm-energy.com/investors (replay accessible approximately 1 hour after
        the live call); or
    --  Telephone - join the live conference call by registering at
        https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=I0Wr8SaS.
        Dial-in for domestic toll free/International is 877-407-6050 / +1
        201-689-8022.

CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION

    --  February 25, 2025 - J.P. Morgan 2024 Global High Yield & Leveraged
        Finance Conference. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
        Wade Pursell will present at 6:00 a.m. Mountain time/8:00 a.m. Eastern
        time and will participate in investor meetings at the event. Executive
        Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Beth McDonald will join Mr.
        Pursell in investor meetings at the event. The Company plans to post an
        investor presentation to the Company's website at
        sm-energy.com/investors before the event. The presentation will not be
        webcast.
    --  March 5-6, 2025 - DEP Thrive Energy Conference. President and Chief
        Executive Officer Herb Vogel, and Executive Vice President and Chief
        Operating Officer Beth McDonald, will participate in investor meetings
        at the event.
    --  March 17, 2025 - 37th Annual ROTH Conference. Executive Vice President
        and Chief Financial Officer Wade Pursell will participate in investor
        meetings at the event.

DISCLOSURES

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities laws. The words "anticipate," "deliver," "demonstrate," "establish," "estimate," "expects," "goal," "generate," "maintain," "objectives," "optimize," "target," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release include, among other things, estimated net proved reserves at year-end 2024 and the ratio of estimated net proved reserves at year-end 2024 to 2024 net production, expected future commodity prices, assumptions and projections for the first quarter and full year 2025 regarding guidance for production, production growth and oil mix as a percentage of total production (including net production and percentage oil increases attributable to the Company's Uinta Basin assets), capital expenditures, operating costs (including lease operating expenses, transportation costs and taxes), general and administrative expenses, exploration expenses and DD&A, the number of net wells to be drilled and completed, the percentage of future production that is hedged, the allocation of activity and capital expenditures among our operating areas and activities, and the Company's 2025 strategic objectives and operational plan, including plans successfully integrate the Company's recently acquired Uinta Basin assets, delivering low breakeven and high-return wells, and optimizing capital efficiency; returning capital to stockholders through dividends, debt reduction to a target of one times leverage, and share repurchases; increasing scale; and expanding the Company's portfolio through acquisition and exploration, and the application of new technologies. 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 2024 Form 10-K. 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 estimated net 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.

Estimated net proved reserves attributable to the Company at December 31, 2024, are estimated utilizing SEC reserve recognition standards and pricing assumptions based on the trailing 12-month average first-day-of-the-month prices of $75.48 per Bbl of oil, $2.13 per MMBtu of natural gas, and $28.29 per Bbl of NGLs. At least 80% of the PV-10 of the Company's estimate of its total estimated net proved reserves as of December 31, 2024, was audited by Ryder Scott Company, L.P.

FOOTNOTE 1: Indicates a non-GAAP measure or metric. Please refer to the "Definitions of non-GAAP Measures and Metrics as Calculated by the Company" section in Financial Highlights, and the corresponding reconciliations to the most directly-comparable GAAP financial measures for additional information.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

SM Energy Company is an independent energy company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs in the states of Texas and Utah. 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, jsamuels@sm-energy.com, 303-864-2507
Lindsay Miller, lmiller@sm-energy.com, 303-830-5860


                                                                                                                                           
           
                SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                                                                                                         
           
                FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


                                                                                                                                           
           
                December 31, 2024





       
                
                  Consolidated Balance Sheets

    ---


       (in thousands, except share data)                                                                                                                                                              December 31,


                                                                                                                             
              
             ASSETS                                              2024                  2023



       Current assets:



       Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                                          
     $           -             $616,164



       Accounts receivable                                                                                                                                                                        360,976               231,165



       Derivative assets                                                                                                                                                                           48,522                56,442



       Prepaid expenses and other                                                                                                                                                                  25,201                12,668



       Total current assets                                                                                                                                                                       434,699               916,439



       Property and equipment (successful efforts method):



       Proved oil and gas properties                                                                                                                                                           14,301,502            11,477,358



       Accumulated depletion, depreciation, and amortization                                                                                                                                  (7,603,195)          (6,830,253)



       Unproved oil and gas properties, net of valuation allowance of $32,680 and $35,362, respectively                                                                                           764,924               335,620



       Wells in progress                                                                                                                                                                          481,893               358,080



       Other property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $61,737 and $59,669, respectively                                                                                          47,585                35,615



       Total property and equipment, net                                                                                                                                                        7,992,709             5,376,420



       Noncurrent assets:



       Derivative assets                                                                                                                                                                            3,973                 8,672



       Other noncurrent assets                                                                                                                                                                    145,266                78,454



       Total noncurrent assets                                                                                                                                                                    149,239                87,126



       
                Total assets                                                                                                                                                               $8,576,647            $6,379,985


                                                                                                                                 
              
             LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY



       Current liabilities:



       Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                                                                                                                                     $760,473              $611,598



       Derivative liabilities                                                                                                                                                                       7,058                 6,789



       Other current liabilities                                                                                                                                                                   22,419                15,425



       Total current liabilities                                                                                                                                                                  789,950               633,812



       Noncurrent liabilities:



       Revolving credit facility                                                                                                                                                                   68,500



       Senior Notes, net                                                                                                                                                                        2,708,243             1,575,334



       Asset retirement obligations                                                                                                                                                               145,313               118,774



       Net deferred tax liabilities                                                                                                                                                               545,295               369,903



       Derivative liabilities                                                                                                                                                                       7,142                 1,273



       Other noncurrent liabilities                                                                                                                                                                74,947                65,039



       Total noncurrent liabilities                                                                                                                                                             3,549,440             2,130,323



       Stockholders' equity:



       Common stock, $0.01 par value - authorized: 200,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 114,461,934 and 115,745,393 shares, respectively                                                     1,145                 1,157



       Additional paid-in capital                                                                                                                                                               1,501,779             1,565,021



       Retained earnings                                                                                                                                                                        2,735,494             2,052,279



       Accumulated other comprehensive loss                                                                                                                                                       (1,161)              (2,607)



       Total stockholders' equity                                                                                                                                                               4,237,257             3,615,850



       
                Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                                                                                                                                 $8,576,647            $6,379,985


                                                            
              
                SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                           
              
                FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


                                                            
              
                December 31, 2024





       
                
                  Consolidated Statements of Operations

    ---


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


                                                                                                             2024               2023                  2024           2023



       
                Operating revenues and other income:



       Oil, gas, and NGL production revenue                                                             $835,858           $606,857            $2,671,285     $2,363,889



       Other operating income, net                                                                        16,363              1,869                18,974          9,997



       Total operating revenues and other income                                                         852,221            608,726             2,690,259      2,373,886



       
                Operating expenses:



       Oil, gas, and NGL production expense                                                              214,594            137,343               636,971        563,543



       Depletion, depreciation, and amortization                                                         260,524            189,107               809,305        690,481



       Exploration (1)                                                                                    16,349             15,847                64,121         59,480



       General and administrative (1)                                                                     41,913             36,639               138,344        121,063



       Net derivative (gain) loss (2)                                                                     20,298           (80,506)             (49,958)      (68,154)



       Other operating expense, net                                                                       11,575                385                15,781         20,567



       Total operating expenses                                                                          565,253            298,815             1,614,564      1,386,980



       
                Income from operations                                                               286,968            309,911             1,075,695        986,906



       Interest expense                                                                                 (46,297)          (23,917)            (140,659)      (91,630)



       Interest income                                                                                       783              6,052                31,903         19,854



       Loss on extinguishment of debt                                                                          -                                  (483)



       Other non-operating expense                                                                          (32)             (232)                (233)         (928)



       
                Income before income taxes                                                           241,422            291,814               966,223        914,202



       Income tax expense                                                                               (53,144)          (44,703)            (195,930)      (96,322)



       
                Net income                                                                          $188,278           $247,111              $770,293       $817,880





       Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding                                                  114,421            115,971               114,757        118,678



       Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding                                                115,038            116,587               115,533        119,240



       Basic net income per common share                                                                   $1.65              $2.13                 $6.71          $6.89



       Diluted net income per common share                                                                 $1.64              $2.12                 $6.67          $6.86



       Net dividends declared per common share                                                             $0.20              $0.18                 $0.76          $0.63





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



       Exploration expense                                                                                $1,464             $1,126                $5,115         $4,147



       General and administrative expense                                                                  6,164              4,605                19,906         16,103



       Total non-cash stock-based compensation                                                            $7,628             $5,731               $25,021        $20,250





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



       Net derivative settlement gain                                                                  $(22,428)          $(6,523)            $(68,716)     $(26,921)



       Net (gain) loss on fair value changes                                                              42,726           (73,983)               18,758       (41,233)



       Total net derivative (gain) loss                                                                  $20,298          $(80,506)            $(49,958)     $(68,154)


                                                                                                 
       
       SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                                                               
       
       FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


                                                                                                 
       
       December 31, 2024





       
                
                  Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

    ---


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




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


                                                                                                                                        Common Stock


                                                                                                                                 Shares              Amount



       
                Balances, December 31, 2022                                                                            121,931,676               $1,219               $1,779,703               $1,308,558                         $(4,022)                  $3,085,458



       Net income                                                                                                                    -                                                             817,880                                                      817,880



       Other comprehensive income                                                                                                    -                                                                                               1,415                        1,415



       Net cash dividends declared, $0.63 per share                                                                                  -                                                            (74,159)                                                    (74,159)



       Issuance of common stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan                                                             114,427                    1                    3,057                                                                                3,058



       Issuance of common stock upon vesting of RSUs, net of shares used for tax withholdings                                  554,216                    6                  (7,888)                                                                             (7,882)



       Stock-based compensation expense                                                                                         56,872                    1                   20,249                                                                               20,250



       Purchase of shares under Stock Repurchase Program                                                                   (6,930,835)                (70)               (230,100)                                                                           (230,170)



       Other                                                                                                                    19,037



       
                Balances, December 31, 2023                                                                            115,745,393               $1,157               $1,565,021               $2,052,279                         $(2,607)                  $3,615,850



       Net income                                                                                                                    -                                                             770,293                                                      770,293



       Other comprehensive income                                                                                                    -                                                                                               1,446                        1,446



       Net cash dividends declared, $0.76 per share                                                                                  -                                                            (87,078)                                                    (87,078)



       Issuance of common stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan                                                              97,500                    2                    3,199                                                                                3,201



       Issuance of common stock upon vesting of RSUs, net of shares used for tax withholdings                                  350,675                    4                  (6,841)                                                                             (6,837)



       Stock-based compensation expense                                                                                         39,557                                       25,021                                                                               25,021



       Purchase of shares under Stock Repurchase Program                                                                   (1,771,191)                (18)                (84,621)                                                                            (84,639)



       
                Balances, December 31, 2024                                                                            114,461,934               $1,145               $1,501,779               $2,735,494                         $(1,161)                  $4,237,257


                                                                                           
      
      SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                                                          
      
      FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


                                                                                           
      
      December 31, 2024





       
                
                  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

    ---


       (in thousands)                                                                                                        For the Three Months Ended                   For the Twelve Months Ended
                                                                                                                          December 31,                                 December 31,


                                                                                                                                         2024                 2023                           2024                2023



       Cash flows from operating activities:



       Net income                                                                                                                   $188,278             $247,111                       $770,293            $817,880



       Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:



       Depletion, depreciation, and amortization                                                                                     260,524              189,107                        809,305             690,481



       Stock-based compensation expense                                                                                                7,628                5,731                         25,021              20,250



       Net derivative (gain) loss                                                                                                     20,298             (80,506)                      (49,958)           (68,154)



       Net derivative settlement gain                                                                                                 22,428                6,523                         68,716              26,921



       Amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs                                                                      2,531                1,372                          7,456               5,486



       Loss on extinguishment of debt                                                                                                      -                                               483



       Deferred income taxes                                                                                                          58,464               45,085                        174,986              88,256



       Other, net                                                                                                                    (8,923)               9,314                       (34,996)            (2,175)



       Changes in working capital:



       Accounts receivable                                                                                                          (89,357)              39,644                       (85,528)           (10,191)



       Prepaid expenses and other                                                                                                   (14,977)             (2,129)                      (12,535)            (2,437)



       Accounts payable and accrued expenses                                                                                         130,975               15,263                        109,271               8,077



       
                Net cash provided by operating activities                                                                        577,869              476,515                      1,782,514           1,574,394





       Cash flows from investing activities:



       Capital expenditures                                                                                                        (353,474)           (222,655)                   (1,310,630)          (989,411)



       Acquisition of proved and unproved oil and gas properties                                                                 (2,102,841)               (613)                   (2,103,677)          (109,931)



       Other, net                                                                                                                      7,056                                              7,136                 657



       
                Net cash used in investing activities                                                                        (2,449,259)           (223,268)                   (3,407,171)        (1,098,685)





       Cash flows from financing activities:



       Proceeds from revolving credit facility                                                                                     1,018,500                                          1,018,500



       Repayment of revolving credit facility                                                                                      (950,000)                                         (950,000)



       Debt issuance costs related to revolving credit facility                                                                     (10,598)                                          (12,976)



       Net proceeds from Senior Notes                                                                                                  (233)                                         1,476,799



       Cash paid to repurchase Senior Notes                                                                                                -                                         (349,118)



       Repurchase of common stock                                                                                                    (2,065)            (22,859)                      (86,056)          (228,105)



       Dividends paid                                                                                                               (22,884)            (17,447)                      (85,020)           (71,614)



       Net proceeds from sale of common stock                                                                                          1,357                1,243                          3,201               3,058



       Net share settlement from issuance of stock awards                                                                                  -                                           (6,837)            (7,882)



       
                Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities                                                               34,077             (39,063)                     1,008,493           (304,543)





       Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash                                                                 (1,837,313)             214,184                      (616,164)            171,166



       Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period                                                          1,837,313              401,980                        616,164             444,998



       
                Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period                                    
     
     $                  -            $616,164  
     
         $                   -           $616,164


                                                                                                                                                        
              
                SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                                                                                                                      
              
                FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


                                                                                                                                                        
              
                December 31, 2024





       
                
                  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)

    ---


       (in thousands)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     For the Three Months Ended                                  For the Twelve Months Ended
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       December 31,                                                December 31,


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2024                             2023                             2024                             2023



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



       Operating activities:



       Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest (1)                                                                                                                                                                                                                   $(5,259)                        $(9,433)                       $(88,389)                       $(86,947)



       Net cash paid for incomes taxes                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          $(19,281)                        $(2,799)                       $(26,904)                        $(8,975)



       Investing activities:



       Changes in capital expenditure accruals                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     $8,845                          $45,111                        $(24,342)                         $80,794



       Non-cash financing activities (2)





       
                (1) Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest during the year ended December 31, 2024, does not include $9.0 million in fees paid to secure firm commitments for senior unsecured bridge term loans, in connection with the Uinta Basin Acquisition. Please reference Note 17 - Acquisitions in Part II, Item 8 in the Company's 2024 Form 10-K, for additional discussion.



       
                (2) Please reference Note 5 - Long Term Debt in Part II, Item 8 in the Company's 2024 Form 10-K, for discussion of the debt transactions executed during the year ended December 31, 2024.

DEFINITIONS OF NON-GAAP MEASURES AND METRICS AS CALCULATED BY THE COMPANY

To supplement the presentation of its financial results prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the Company provides certain non-GAAP measures and metrics, which are used by management and the investment community to assess the Company's financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows, as well as compare performance from period to period and across the Company's peer group. The Company believes these measures and metrics are widely used by the investment community, including investors, research analysts and others, to evaluate and compare recurring financial results among upstream oil and gas companies in making investment decisions or recommendations. These measures and metrics, as presented, may have differing calculations among companies and investment professionals and may not be directly comparable to the same measures and metrics provided by others. A non-GAAP measure should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the most directly comparable GAAP measure or any other measure of a company's financial or operating performance presented in accordance with GAAP. Reconciliations of each of the Company's non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure are presented below. These measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

Adjusted EBITDAX: Adjusted EBITDAX is calculated as net income before interest expense, interest income, income taxes, depletion, depreciation, and amortization 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 and can exclude items that are generally non-recurring in nature or whose timing and/or amount cannot be reasonably estimated. Adjusted EBITDAX is a non-GAAP measure that the Company believes provides useful additional information to investors and analysts, as a performance measure, for analysis of the Company's ability to internally generate funds for exploration, development, acquisitions, and to service debt. The Company is also subject to financial covenants under the Company's Credit Agreement, a material source of liquidity for the Company, based on Adjusted EBITDAX ratios. Please reference the Company's 2024 Form 10-K for discussion of the Credit Agreement and its covenants.

Adjusted free cash flow: Adjusted free cash flow is calculated as net cash provided by operating activities before net change in working capital less capital expenditures before changes in accruals. The Company uses this measure as representative of the cash from operations, in excess of capital expenditures that provides liquidity to fund discretionary obligations such as debt reduction, returning cash to stockholders or expanding the business.

Adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted common share: Adjusted net income and adjusted net income per diluted common share 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. The Company uses these measures to evaluate the comparability of the Company's ongoing operational results and trends and believes these measures provide useful information to investors for analysis of the Company's fundamental business on a recurring basis.

Net debt: Net debt is calculated as the total principal amount of outstanding senior notes plus amounts drawn on the revolving credit facility less cash and cash equivalents (also referred to as total funded debt). The Company uses net debt as a measure of financial position and believes this measure provides useful additional information to investors to evaluate the Company's capital structure and financial leverage.

Net debt-to-Adjusted EBITDAX: Net debt-to-Adjusted EBITDAX is calculated as Net Debt (defined above) divided by Adjusted EBITDAX (defined above) for the trailing twelve-month period (also referred to as leverage ratio). A variation of this calculation is a financial covenant under the Company's Credit Agreement. The Company and the investment community may use this metric in understanding the Company's ability to service its debt and identify trends in its leverage position. The Company reconciles the two non-GAAP measure components of this calculation.

Post-hedge: Post-hedge is calculated as the average realized price after the effects of commodity net derivative settlements. The Company believes this metric is useful to management and the investment community to understand the effects of commodity net derivative settlements on average realized price.

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 the Company's fundamental business on a recurring basis.


                                                                                                                                  
              
                SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                                                                                                 
              
                FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


                                                                                                                                  
              
                December 31, 2024





       
                
                  Production Data

    ---

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


                                                                                                                                                                                       2024                           2023                                   Percent        2024                     2023               Percent
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Change                                                             Change



       
                Realized sales price (before the effect of net derivative settlements):



       Oil (per Bbl)                                                                                                                                                                $69.34                         $77.41                                    (10) %      $74.49                   $76.28                 (2) %



       Gas (per Mcf)                                                                                                                                                                 $2.19                          $2.47                                    (11) %       $1.82                    $2.48                (27) %



       NGLs (per Bbl)                                                                                                                                                               $24.49                         $21.92                                      12 %      $23.01                   $23.02                   - %



       Equivalent (per Boe)                                                                                                                                                         $43.68                         $42.99                                       2 %      $42.81                   $42.60                   - %



       
                Realized sales price (including the effect of net derivative settlements): (1)



       Oil (per Bbl)                                                                                                                                                                $70.54                         $76.31                                     (8) %      $74.92                   $75.15                   - %



       Gas (per Mcf)                                                                                                                                                                 $2.50                          $2.81                                    (11) %       $2.25                    $2.85                (21) %



       NGLs (per Bbl)                                                                                                                                                               $24.01                         $22.57                                       6 %      $22.76                   $23.51                 (3) %



       Equivalent (per Boe)                                                                                                                                                         $44.85                         $43.45                                       3 %      $43.91                   $43.09                   2 %



       
                Net production volumes: (2)



       Oil (MMBbl)                                                                                                                                                                     9.8                            6.1                                      62 %        29.4                     23.8                  24 %



       Gas (Bcf)                                                                                                                                                                      39.1                           33.5                                      17 %       137.0                    132.4                   3 %



       NGLs (MMBbl)                                                                                                                                                                    2.8                            2.5                                      13 %        10.2                      9.7                   6 %



       Equivalent (MMBoe)                                                                                                                                                             19.1                           14.1                                      36 %        62.4                     55.5                  12 %



       
                Average net daily production: (2)



       Oil (MBbls per day)                                                                                                                                                           106.9                           66.0                                      62 %        80.2                     65.1                  23 %



       Gas (MMcf per day)                                                                                                                                                            424.8                          364.1                                      17 %       374.3                    362.7                   3 %



       NGLs (MBbls per day)                                                                                                                                                           30.3                           26.7                                      13 %        27.9                     26.4                   5 %



       Equivalent (MBoe per day)                                                                                                                                                     208.0                          153.5                                      36 %       170.5                    152.0                  12 %



       
                Per Boe data: (2)



       Lease operating expense                                                                                                                                                       $5.35                          $5.31                                       1 %       $5.11                    $5.13                   - %



       Transportation costs                                                                                                                                                          $4.10                          $2.08                                      97 %       $2.68                    $2.46                   9 %



       Production taxes                                                                                                                                                              $1.79                          $1.97                                     (9) %       $1.86                    $1.89                 (2) %



       Ad valorem tax expense                                                                                                                                                      $(0.03)                         $0.37                                   (108) %       $0.56                    $0.67                (16) %



       General and administrative (3)                                                                                                                                                $2.19                          $2.60                                    (16) %       $2.22                    $2.18                   2 %



       Net derivative settlement gain                                                                                                                                                $1.17                          $0.46                                     154 %       $1.10                    $0.49                 124 %



       Depletion, depreciation, and amortization                                                                                                                                    $13.61                         $13.39                                       2 %      $12.97                   $12.44                   4 %





       
                (1) Indicates a non-GAAP measure or metric. Please refer above to the section "Definitions of non-GAAP Measures and Metrics as Calculated by the Company" for additional information.



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



       
                (3) Includes non-cash stock-based compensation expense per Boe of $0.32 and $0.33 for the three months ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively, and $0.32 and $0.29 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively.


                                                                                                                                                                
              
                SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                                                                                                                               
              
                FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


                                                                                                                                                                
              
                December 31, 2024





       
                
                  Adjusted EBITDAX Reconciliation
                 (1)

    ---


       (in thousands)





       Reconciliations of net income (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,


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2024                         2023                         2024                          2023



       
                Net income (GAAP)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      $188,278                     $247,111                     $770,293                      $817,880



       Interest expense                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      46,297                       23,917                      140,659                        91,630



       Interest income                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        (783)                     (6,052)                    (31,903)                     (19,854)



       Income tax expense                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    53,144                       44,703                      195,930                        96,322



       Depletion, depreciation, and amortization                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            260,524                      189,107                      809,305                       690,481



       Exploration (2)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       14,885                       14,721                       59,006                        55,333



       Stock-based compensation expense                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       7,628                        5,731                       25,021                        20,250



       Net derivative (gain) loss                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            20,298                     (80,506)                    (49,958)                     (68,154)



       Net derivative settlement gain                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        22,428                        6,523                       68,716                        26,921



       Loss on extinguishment of debt                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             -                                                     483



       Other, net                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           (1,944)                       (128)                       (301)                        1,497



       
                Adjusted EBITDAX (non-GAAP)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            $610,755                     $445,127                   $1,987,251                    $1,712,306



       Interest expense                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    (46,297)                    (23,917)                   (140,659)                     (91,630)



       Interest income                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          783                        6,052                       31,903                        19,854



       Income tax expense                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  (53,144)                    (44,703)                   (195,930)                     (96,322)



       Exploration (2)(3)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  (14,997)                    (14,901)                    (49,889)                     (46,467)



       Amortization of deferred financing costs                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               2,531                        1,372                        7,456                         5,486



       Deferred income taxes                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 58,464                       45,085                      174,986                        88,256



       Other, net                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           (6,867)                       9,622                     (43,812)                     (12,538)



       Net change in working capital                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         26,641                       52,778                       11,208                       (4,551)



       
                Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       $577,869                     $476,515                   $1,782,514                    $1,574,394





       
                (1)  See "Definitions of non-GAAP Measures and Metrics 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.



       
                (3)  For the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024, amount excludes certain capital expenditures related to one well deemed non-commercial. For the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023, amount excludes certain capital expenditures related to unsuccessful exploration activity for one well that experienced technical issues during the drilling phase.


                                                                                                                                              
              
                SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                                                                                                            
              
                FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


                                                                                                                                              
              
                December 31, 2024





       
                
                  Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Net Income 
                
                (1)

    ---


       (in thousands, except per share data)




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


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2024                               2023                               2024                               2023



       
                Net income (GAAP)                                                                                                                                                                                                                    $188,278                           $247,111                           $770,293                           $817,880



       Net derivative (gain) loss                                                                                                                                                                                                                          20,298                           (80,506)                          (49,958)                          (68,154)



       Net derivative settlement gain                                                                                                                                                                                                                      22,428                              6,523                             68,716                             26,921



       Loss on extinguishment of debt                                                                                                                                                                                                                           -                                                                 483



       Other, net                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         (1,944)                             (128)                             (301)                             1,497



       Tax effect of adjustments (2)                                                                                                                                                                                                                      (8,889)                            16,082                            (4,148)                             8,623



       Net R&D tax credit carryover (3)                                                                                                                                                                                                                         -                           (7,591)                                                            (84,277)



       
                Adjusted net income (non-GAAP)                                                                                                                                                                                                       $220,171                           $181,491                           $785,085                           $702,490





       
                Diluted net income per common share (GAAP)                                                                                                                                                                                              $1.64                              $2.12                              $6.67                              $6.86



       Net derivative (gain) loss                                                                                                                                                                                                                            0.18                             (0.69)                            (0.43)                            (0.57)



       Net derivative settlement gain                                                                                                                                                                                                                        0.19                               0.06                               0.59                               0.23



       Loss on extinguishment of debt                                                                                                                                                                                                                           -



       Other, net                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          (0.02)                                                                                                  0.01



       Tax effect of adjustments (2)                                                                                                                                                                                                                       (0.08)                              0.14                             (0.04)                              0.07



       Net R&D tax credit carryover (3)                                                                                                                                                                                                                         -                            (0.07)                                                              (0.71)



       
                Adjusted net income per diluted common share (non-GAAP)                                                                                                                                                                                 $1.91                              $1.56                              $6.80                              $5.89





       Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding                                                                                                                                                                                                   114,421                            115,971                            114,757                            118,678



       Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding                                                                                                                                                                                                 115,038                            116,587                            115,533                            119,240





       Note: Amounts may not calculate due to rounding.





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



       
                (2) The tax effect of adjustments for the three months ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, was calculated using a tax rate of 21.8% and 21.7%, respectively, and 21.9% and 21.7% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively. These rates approximate the Company's statutory tax rate for the respective periods, as adjusted for ordinary permanent differences.



       
                (3) Adjusted net income removes the benefit of the research and development tax credit carryover related to tax years prior to 2023.


                                                                                        
       
       SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                                                      
       
       FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


                                                                                        
       
       December 31, 2024





       
                
                  Regional net proved oil and gas reserve quantities

    ---



                                                                                                                Midland Basin South Texas  Uinta Basin   Total



       
                Year-end 2024 estimated net proved reserves



       Oil (MMBbl)                                                                                                     134.3         79.2          82.5    296.0



       Gas (Bcf)                                                                                                       576.4        868.1         104.6  1,549.1



       NGL (MMBbl)                                                                                                       0.1        124.0                 124.1



       MMBoe                                                                                                           230.5        347.9          99.9    678.3



       % Proved developed                                                                                               75 %        56 %         38 %    60 %





       Note: Amounts may not calculate due to rounding.



       
                
                  Pre-tax PV-10 Reconciliation
                
                 (1)

    ---


       (in millions)


                                                                                                                       
        
          As of December 31,



       Reconciliation of standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows (GAAP) to Pre-tax PV-10 (non-GAAP):        2024                   2023



       
                Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows (GAAP)                                      $7,267.9               $6,280.1



       Add: 10 percent annual discount, net of income taxes                                                               5,018.5                5,294.5



       Add: future undiscounted income taxes                                                                              1,796.3                2,000.0



       Pre-tax undiscounted future net cash flows                                                                        14,082.7               13,574.6



       Less: 10 percent annual discount without tax effect                                                              (5,727.0)             (6,198.1)



       
                Pre-tax PV-10 (non-GAAP)                                                                             $8,355.7               $7,376.5





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



       
                
                  Reconciliation of Total Principal Amount of Debt to Net Debt
                
            (1)

    ---


       (in thousands)


                                                                                                                          
         
          As of December 31,


                                                                                                                                  2024                   2023



       Principal amount of Senior Notes (2)                                                                                $2,736,026             $1,585,144



       Revolving credit facility (2)                                                                                           68,500



       
                Total principal amount of debt (GAAP)                                                                   2,804,526              1,585,144



       Less: Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                              -               616,164



       
                Net Debt (non-GAAP)                                                                                    $2,804,526               $968,980





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



       
                (2) Amounts are from Note 5 - Long-Term Debt in Part II, Item 8 of the Company's 2024 Form 10-K.


                                                                               
              
                SM ENERGY COMPANY


                                                                              
              
                FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS


                                                                               
              
                December 31, 2024





       
                
                  Adjusted Free Cash Flow 
                
                (1)

    ---


       (in thousands)


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


                                                                                                                               2024                2023                2024            2023



       
                Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP)                                                      $577,869            $476,515          $1,782,514      $1,574,394



       Net change in working capital                                                                                      (26,641)           (52,778)           (11,208)          4,551



       Cash flow from operations before net change in working capital (non-GAAP)                                           551,228             423,737           1,771,306       1,578,945





       
                Capital expenditures (GAAP)                                                                            353,474             222,655           1,310,630         989,411



       Changes in capital expenditure accruals                                                                               8,845              45,111            (24,342)         80,794



       Capital expenditures before changes in accruals (non-GAAP)                                                          362,319             267,766           1,286,288       1,070,205





       
                Adjusted free cash flow (non-GAAP)                                                                    $188,909            $155,971            $485,018        $508,740





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

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sm-energy-reports-record-2024-results-and-transformative-2025-operating-plan-and-announces-officer-retirement-and-new-appointments-302380672.html

SOURCE SM Energy Company