News Release
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EXHIBIT 99.1


SM ENERGY REPORTS THIRD QUARTER 2021 RESULTS:
CASH FLOW BEAT AND PRODUCTION OUTPERFORMANCE


DENVER, CO October 28, 2021 - SM Energy Company (the “Company”) (NYSE: SM) today announced operating and financial results for the third quarter 2021 and provided certain fourth quarter and updated full year 2021 guidance.
Third quarter 2021 highlights:
Production was 14.3 MMBoe (155.8 MBoe/d) and was 56% oil. Production volumes exceeded expectations, benefiting from higher base production, reduced flaring and the effect of larger fracture stimulations in the Midland Basin and the successful early completion of certain wells in South Texas. As a result, the Company is increasing guidance for 2021 production volumes to 49.5-50.0 MMBoe (135.6-137.0 MBoe/d).
Net income and Earnings per share were $85.6 million and $0.69 per diluted common share, respectively.
Capital expenditures reflected stable drilling and completion costs at approximately $520 per lateral foot. Capital expenditures of $180.1 million adjusted for decreased capital accruals of $20.1 million totaled $160.0 million.
Cash flows beat expectations due to higher-than-expected production volumes and realized prices. Net cash provided by operating activities of $328.1 million before net change in working capital of $(21.1) million totaled $307.0 million, up 66% year-over-year and up 44% sequentially. Free cash flow and Adjusted EBITDAX (non-GAAP measures defined and reconciled below) were $147.1 million and $346.7 million, respectively.
New Austin Chalk wells drilled at development spacing demonstrate consistent performance. Six wells drilled at spacing ranging between 675 and 1,000 feet had average 30-day peak IP rates of 2,000 Boe/d (3-stream) with 1,100 Bo/d oil, or 51-54% oil and 74-78% liquids.
Balance sheet strengthened and year-end 2022 leverage target met more than one year early. At quarter-end, net debt-to-Adjusted EBITDAX (non-GAAP measure defined and reconciled below) was less than 2 times, a target set for year-end 2022. As a result of a reduction in principal amount of long-term debt and a cash and cash equivalents balance at September 30, 2021, net debt (a non-GAAP measure defined and reconciled below) was reduced by $147.8 million during the quarter.
ESG disclosure for 2020 was completed in August with publication of the 2020 Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) report as well as tear sheets with updated metrics relevant to understanding the Company’s 2020 ESG performance.
Chief Executive Officer Herb Vogel comments: “Outstanding operational performance underscores a terrific quarter. The SM Energy team successfully completed six Austin Chalk wells at development spacing, delivered further improved well performance in the Midland Basin employing significantly larger completions in the majority of wells year-to-date, and solved a casing issue experienced last fall enabling five Austin Chalk wells





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to turn-in-line sooner than expected. This exceptional performance combined with continued strength in commodity prices generated strong free cash flow. We met our year-end 2022 leverage target during the quarter and will enter 2022 with substantial momentum toward generating a highly competitive free cash flow yield to market capitalization and reducing leverage to less than 1.5 times. On the ESG front, operations and IT have teamed up with a new effort to focus on evaluating and implementing emerging field technologies that will help the Company measure, monitor and decrease emissions. The team has already initiated a pilot project at Sweetie Peck with technology to provide continuous methane emissions detection.”
THIRD QUARTER OF 2021
PRODUCTION:
Midland BasinSouth TexasTotal
Oil (MBbl / MBbl/d)
7,228 / 78.6
830 / 9.0
8,058 / 87.6
Natural Gas (MMcf / MMcf/d)
15,525 / 168.8
13,576 / 147.6
29,101 / 316.3
NGLs (MBbl / MBbl/d)
3 / -
1,420 / 15.4
1,423 / 15.5
Total (MBoe / MBoe/d)
9,818 / 106.7
4,512 / 49.0
14,331 / 155.8
Note: Totals may not calculate due to rounding.
Production volumes were two-thirds from the Midland Basin and one-third from South Texas.
Total production volumes of 14.3 MMBoe (155.8 MBoe/d) were up 23% compared with the prior year period and up 15% sequentially. Production was 56% oil. The Company accelerated capital activity into the second and third quarters to take advantage of the prevailing cost structure and to optimize cash flow, resulting in strong sequential production growth.
Midland Basin production volumes exceeded expectations for the quarter, benefiting from higher base production, lower than expected flaring and the implementation of larger fracture stimulations initiated in the fall of 2020. The Company increased the proppant and fluid volumes applied to the majority of Midland Basin completions year-to-date, anticipating six-to-12 months to test the results. Proppant was increased from approximately 1800 pounds to 2800 pounds per foot.
South Texas production volumes benefited from turning-in-line five wells that had previously been deferred to 2022 as a result of casing issues. Following successful remediation, the need to redrill these wells was avoided. The wells were completed, with some having shorter effective lateral completion lengths than originally planned. Early production from these wells is indicating strong oil content of approximately 58-79%, and the wells have not reached 30-day peak IP rates.
REALIZED PRICES:
Midland BasinSouth Texas
Total
(Pre/Post-hedge)
Oil ($/Bbl)
$69.33
$69.06
$69.30 / $50.17
Natural Gas ($/Mcf)
$6.19
$3.90
$5.12 / $3.89
NGLs ($/Bbl)
nm
$36.88
$36.87 / $20.22
Per Boe
$60.83
$36.02
$53.02 / $38.12
Note: Totals may not calculate due to rounding.
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The average realized price before the effect of hedges was $53.02 per Boe and the average realized price after the effect of hedges was $38.12 per Boe.
Benchmark pricing for the quarter included NYMEX WTI at $70.56/Bbl, NYMEX Henry Hub natural gas at $4.01/MMBtu and Hart Composite NGLs at $40.39/Bbl.
The average realized price per Boe of $53.02 before the effect of hedges was up 118% compared with the prior year period and up 17% sequentially.
The effect of commodity derivative settlements was a loss of $14.90 per Boe, or $213.6 million.
For additional operating metrics and regional detail, please see the Financial Highlights section below and the accompanying 3Q21 slide deck.
NET INCOME (LOSS), NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE AND NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Third quarter 2021 net income was $85.6 million, or $0.69 per diluted common share, compared with a net loss of $(98.3) million, or $(0.86) per diluted common share, for the same period in 2020. The current year period benefited from 46% higher oil production and a 118% increase in the realized price per Boe before the effects of hedges, leading to a 169% increase in revenue. Higher revenue in the current year period was partially offset by a $209.1 million net derivative loss, compared with a net derivative loss of $63.9 million in the prior year period and by a $41.0 million charge to other operating expense for various legal settlements. For the first nine months of 2021, net loss was $(388.7) million, or $(3.29) per diluted common share, compared with $(599.4) million, or $(5.28) per diluted common share, in the prior year period.
Third quarter 2021 net cash provided by operating activities of $328.1 million before net change in working capital of $(21.1) million totaled $307.0 million, which was up 66% from $184.8 million in the comparable prior year period. The increase in the third quarter 2021 reflected a 23% increase in production volumes and a 199% increase in the operating margin, before the effects of commodity derivative settlements, compared with the prior year period. This increase was partially offset by a $213.6 million derivative settlement loss in the current year period versus a $70.3 million derivative settlement gain in the prior year period. For the first nine months of 2021, net cash provided by operating activities of $730.1 million before net changes in working capital of $(52.2) million totaled $678.0 million, up 18% from the prior year period.
ADJUSTED EBITDAX, ADJUSTED NET INCOME (LOSS) AND NET DEBT-TO-ADJUSTED EBITDAX
The following paragraphs discuss non-GAAP measures including Adjusted EBITDAX, adjusted net income (loss), adjusted net income (loss) per diluted common share and net debt-to-Adjusted EBITDAX. Please reference the definitions and reconciliations of these measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures at the end of this release.
Third quarter 2021 Adjusted EBITDAX was $346.7 million, up 49% from the same period in 2020, and up 35% sequentially. The increase in Adjusted EBITDAX was primarily due to the increase in total production and higher operating margin, including the effect of derivative settlements. For the first nine months of 2021, Adjusted EBITDAX was $818.5 million, up 14% from the prior year period.
Third quarter 2021 adjusted net income was $91.5 million, or $0.74 per diluted common share, compared with adjusted net loss of $(5.5) million, or $(0.05) per diluted common share, for the same period in 2020. For the first nine months of 2021, adjusted net income was $86.7 million, or $0.73 per diluted common share, compared with an adjusted net loss of $(28.5) million, or $(0.25) per diluted common share, in the prior year period.
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At September 30, 2021, net debt-to-Adjusted EBITDAX was 1.96 times, down from 2.35 times at June 30, 2021.
FINANCIAL POSITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
On September 30, 2021, the outstanding principal amount of the Company’s long-term debt was $2.14 billion and was comprised of $1.69 billion in unsecured senior notes, $446.7 million in secured senior notes, with zero drawn on the Company’s senior secured revolving credit facility.
Subsequent to September 30, 2021, the Company’s borrowing base and commitments under its senior secured revolving credit facility were reaffirmed by its lenders at $1.1 billion. At September 30, 2021, available liquidity was $1.13 billion including the revolving credit facility and a cash balance of $29.8 million. Net debt (non-GAAP measure defined and reconciled below) was reduced by $147.8 million during the quarter.
Third quarter 2021 capital expenditures of $180.1 million, adjusted for decreased capital accruals of $20.1 million, totaled $160.0 million. During the quarter, the Company drilled 14 net wells and completed 24 net wells in the Midland Basin and drilled 10 net wells and completed 11 net wells in South Texas. All of the South Texas completions were Austin Chalk wells. For the first nine months of 2021, capital expenditures of $550.3 million adjusted for change in capital accruals of $8.9 million totaled $559.2 million and the Company drilled 64 and completed 97 net wells, consistent with the full year plan. Full year capital expenditures adjusted for change in capital accruals is expected to range between $670-675 million and include approximately 80 net wells drilled and 110 net wells completed.
COMMODITY DERIVATIVES
As of October 22, 2021, commodity derivative positions for the fourth quarter include:
OIL: Approximately 70-75% of expected 4Q oil production is hedged to WTI at an average price of $41.70/Bbl.
Midland Basin oil differential: Approximately 60% of expected 4Q Midland Basin oil production is hedged to the local price point at a positive $0.71/Bbl basis.
NATURAL GAS: Approximately 80% of expected 4Q natural gas production is hedged (based on dry gas volumes). 12,412 BBtu is hedged to HSC at an average price of $2.41/MMBtu, and 7,627 BBtu is hedged to WAHA at an average price of $1.82/MMBtu.
NGL hedges are by individual product and include propane and normal butane swaps for the remainder of 2021.
As of October 22, 2021, commodity derivative positions for 2022, assuming comparable production volumes to 2021, would approximate (the Company expects to provide 2022 production guidance in February 2022):
OIL: Approximately 40% of expected 2022 oil production is hedged.
NATURAL GAS: Approximately 50% of expected 2022 natural gas production (based on dry gas volumes) is hedged.
A detailed schedule of these and other derivative positions are provided in the 3Q21 accompanying slide deck.

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GUIDANCE
Full year 2021:
The production guidance range is increased and narrowed to 49.5-50.0 MMBoe, or 135.6-137.0 MBoe/d, with 54%-55% oil.
Capital expenditure guidance is narrowed to $670-675 million.
LOE per Boe is reduced to $4.50-$4.60.
Transportation per Boe is reduced to ~$2.75.
Ad valorem and production taxes per Boe are increased to correspond to higher commodity prices to $2.70-$2.75.
Exploration expense is reduced to ~$40 million.
DD&A expense per Boe is reduced to $15.00-$15.50.
G&A is updated to $100-110 million.
Fourth quarter 2021:
Production of 12.7-13.2 MMBoe or 138-143.5 MBoe/d. The production range reflects timing of new wells being turned-in-line.
Capital expenditures of $111-116 million.
SCHEDULE FOR THIRD QUARTER REPORTING
October 28, 2021 – After market close, the Company plans to issue its third quarter 2021 earnings release, a pre-recorded webcast discussion of the third quarter 2021 financial and operating results, and an associated presentation, all of which will be posted to the Company’s website at ir.sm-energy.com.
October 29, 2021 – Please join SM Energy management at 8:00 a.m. Mountain time/10:00 a.m. Eastern time for the third quarter 2021 financial and operating results Q&A session. This discussion will be accessible via webcast (available live and for replay) on the Company’s website at ir.sm-energy.com or by telephone. In order to join the live conference call, please register at the link below for dial-in information.
Live Conference Call Registration: http://www.directeventreg.com/registration/event/4866809
Replay (conference ID 4866809) - Domestic toll free/International: 800-585-8367/416-621-4642
The call replay will be available approximately one hour after the call and until November 11, 2021.
UPCOMING CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION
November 17, 2021 – Gearing Up for the New Normal: A Virtual Best Ideas Conference by MKM Partners. President and Chief Executive Officer Herb Vogel will present at 2:30 p.m. Eastern time. This event will be webcast, accessible from the Company's website, and available for replay for a limited period. An investor presentation for this event will be posted to the Company's website.
November 30, 2021 – Bank of America Leveraged Finance Conference 2021 – Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Wade Pursell will present at 1:30 p.m. Eastern time. This event will be webcast, accessible from the Company’s website, and available for replay for a limited period. An investor presentation for this event will be posted to the Company’s website.
December 1, 2021 – Cowen 2021 Energy Summit - Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Wade Pursell will be meeting with investors. This event will not be webcast.
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December 6, 2021 – Capital One Securities 16th Annual Energy Conference - President and Chief Executive Officer Herb Vogel will present at 1:00 p.m. Central time. This event will be webcast, accessible from the Company's website, and available for replay for a limited period.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities laws. The words "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "budget," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "generate," "guidance," "implied," "intend," "maintain," "plan," "project," "objectives," "outlook," "sustainable," "target," "will" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release include, among other things, updated guidance for the full year and fourth quarter 2021, including capital expenditures, production volumes, operating costs, taxes, exploration expense, DD&A and general and administrative expenses; expected returns from recently drilled Austin Chalk wells; and plans to generate highly competitive free cash flow yield to market capitalization and reduce leverage to less than 1.5 times in 2022. 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 2020 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.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
SM Energy Company is an independent energy company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs in the state of Texas. SM Energy routinely posts important information about the Company on its website. For more information about SM Energy, please visit its website at www.sm-energy.com.
SM ENERGY INVESTOR CONTACTS
Jennifer Martin Samuels, jsamuels@sm-energy.com, 303-864-2507
Jeremy Kline, jkline@sm-energy.com, 303-863-4313
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SM ENERGY COMPANY
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
September 30, 2021
Production Data
For the Three Months EndedPercent Change BetweenFor the Nine Months EndedPercent Change Between Periods
September 30,June 30,September 30,3Q21 & 2Q213Q21 & 3Q20September 30,September 30,
20212021202020212020
Realized sales price (before the effects of derivative settlements):
Oil (per Bbl)$69.30 $65.34 $37.69 %84 %$64.50 $35.92 80 %
Gas (per Mcf)$5.12 $3.34 $1.90 53 %169 %$4.24 $1.59 167 %
NGLs (per Bbl)$36.87 $28.41 $14.07 30 %162 %$31.19 $12.81 143 %
Equivalent (per Boe)$53.02 $45.28 $24.28 17 %118 %$47.43 $22.92 107 %
Realized sales price (including the effects of derivative settlements):
Oil (per Bbl)$50.17 $45.23 $50.20 11 %— %$47.40 $51.08 (7)%
Gas (per Mcf)$3.89 $2.87 $1.94 35 %101 %$3.09 $1.80 71 %
NGLs (per Bbl)$20.22 $19.19 $14.35 %41 %$18.75 $14.58 29 %
Equivalent (per Boe)$38.12 $32.50 $30.33 17 %26 %$34.38 $31.06 11 %
Net production volumes: (1)
Oil (MMBbl)8.1 6.7 5.5 21 %46 %20.2 17.2 17 %
Gas (Bcf)29.1 26.5 26.1 10 %12 %77.1 78.6 (2)%
NGLs (MMBbl)1.4 1.3 1.8 %(19)%3.8 4.8 (22)%
MMBoe14.3 12.4 11.6 15 %23 %36.8 35.2 %
Average net daily production: (1)
Oil (MBbls/d)87.6 73.4 59.9 19 %46 %73.9 62.9 17 %
Gas (MMcf/d)316.3 290.9 283.3 %12 %282.5 286.7 (1)%
NGLs (MBbls/d)15.5 14.6 19.2 %(19)%13.9 17.7 (22)%
MBoe/d155.8 136.5 126.3 14 %23 %134.8 128.3 %
Per Boe data:
Realized price (before the effects of derivative settlements)$53.02 $45.28 $24.28 17 %118 %$47.43 $22.92 107 %
Lease operating expense4.20 4.62 3.65 (9)%15 %4.46 3.93 13 %
Transportation costs2.41 3.01 3.11 (20)%(23)%2.75 3.11 (12)%
Production taxes2.49 2.03 1.04 23 %139 %2.18 0.94 132 %
Ad valorem tax expense0.38 0.45 0.40 (16)%(5)%0.44 0.41 %
General and administrative (2)
1.78 1.98 2.10 (10)%(15)%2.03 2.25 (10)%
Operating margin (before the effects of derivative settlements)41.76 33.19 13.98 26 %199 %35.57 12.28 190 %
Derivative settlement gain (loss)(14.90)(12.78)6.05 (17)%(346)%(13.05)8.14 (260)%
Operating margin (including the effects of derivative settlements)$26.86 $20.41 $20.03 32 %34 %$22.52 $20.42 10 %
Depletion, depreciation, amortization, and asset retirement obligation liability accretion$14.14 $16.48 $15.64 (14)%(10)%$15.61 $16.95 (8)%
(1) Amounts and percentage changes may not calculate due to rounding.
(2) Includes non-cash stock-based compensation expense per Boe of $0.25, $0.25, and $0.30 for the three months ended September 30, 2021, June 30, 2021, and September 30, 2020, respectively, and, $0.30 and $0.36 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
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SM ENERGY COMPANY
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
September 30, 2021
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share data)September 30,December 31,
ASSETS20212020
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$29,800 $10 
Accounts receivable272,248 162,455 
Derivative assets24,514 31,203 
Prepaid expenses and other9,708 10,001 
Total current assets336,270 203,669 
Property and equipment (successful efforts method):
Proved oil and gas properties9,271,463 8,608,522 
Accumulated depletion, depreciation, and amortization(5,439,387)(4,886,973)
Unproved oil and gas properties654,513 714,602 
Wells in progress142,259 233,498 
Other property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $65,462 and $63,662, respectively
36,635 32,217 
Total property and equipment, net4,665,483 4,701,866 
Noncurrent assets:
Derivative assets6,096 23,150 
Other noncurrent assets54,111 47,746 
Total noncurrent assets60,207 70,896 
Total assets$5,061,960 $4,976,431 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses$542,474 $371,670 
Derivative liabilities552,044 200,189 
Other current liabilities9,049 11,880 
Total current liabilities1,103,567 583,739 
Noncurrent liabilities:
Revolving credit facility— 93,000 
Senior Notes, net2,077,630 2,121,319 
Asset retirement obligations85,514 83,325 
Derivative liabilities90,655 22,331 
Other noncurrent liabilities67,695 56,557 
Total noncurrent liabilities2,321,494 2,376,532 
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value - authorized: 200,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 121,473,790 and 114,742,304 shares, respectively
1,215 1,147 
Additional paid-in capital1,838,620 1,827,914 
Retained earnings (deficit)(190,367)200,697 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(12,569)(13,598)
Total stockholders’ equity1,636,899 2,016,160 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$5,061,960 $4,976,431 
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SM ENERGY COMPANY
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
September 30, 2021
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share data)For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2021202020212020
Operating revenues and other income:
Oil, gas, and NGL production revenue$759,813 $282,012 $1,745,547 $806,035 
Other operating income (loss)426 (997)22,387 346 
Total operating revenues and other income760,239 281,015 1,767,934 806,381 
Operating expenses:
Oil, gas, and NGL production expense135,745 95,257 362,131 295,254 
Depletion, depreciation, amortization, and asset retirement obligation liability accretion202,701 181,708 574,375 596,053 
Exploration (1)
8,709 8,547 26,746 29,683 
Impairment8,750 8,750 26,250 1,007,263 
General and administrative (1)
25,530 24,452 74,883 79,126 
Net derivative (gain) loss (2)
209,146 63,871 924,183 (314,269)
Other operating expense, net43,401 1,562 44,654 10,174 
Total operating expenses633,982 384,147 2,033,222 1,703,284 
Income (loss) from operations126,257 (103,132)(265,288)(896,903)
Interest expense(40,861)(41,519)(120,268)(123,385)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt25,070 (2,139)264,546 
Other non-operating income (expense), net153 (1,680)(1,071)(2,359)
Income (loss) before income taxes85,554 (121,261)(388,766)(758,101)
Income tax benefit39 22,969 95 158,662 
Net income (loss)$85,593 $(98,292)$(388,671)$(599,439)
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding121,457 114,371 118,224 113,462 
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding123,851 114,371 118,224 113,462 
Basic net income (loss) per common share$0.70 $(0.86)$(3.29)$(5.28)
Diluted net income (loss) per common share$0.69 $(0.86)$(3.29)$(5.28)
Dividends per common share$0.01 $0.01 $0.02 $0.02 
(1) Non-cash stock-based compensation included in:
Exploration expense$908 $665 $3,004 $2,713 
General and administrative expense3,590 3,499 11,187 12,724 
Total non-cash stock-based compensation$4,498 $4,164 $14,191 $15,437 
(2) The net derivative (gain) loss line item consists of the following:
Derivative settlement (gain) loss$213,555 $(70,305)$480,262 $(286,270)
(Gain) loss on fair value changes(4,409)134,176 443,921 (27,999)
Total net derivative (gain) loss$209,146 $63,871 $924,183 $(314,269)
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SM ENERGY COMPANY
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
September 30, 2021
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
(in thousands, except share data and dividends per share)
Additional Paid-in CapitalRetained Earnings (Deficit)Accumulated Other Comprehensive LossTotal Stockholders’ Equity
Common Stock
SharesAmount
Balances, December 31, 2020114,742,304 $1,147 $1,827,914 $200,697 $(13,598)$2,016,160 
Net loss— — — (251,269)— (251,269)
Other comprehensive income— — — — 191 191 
Cash dividends declared, $0.01 per share
— — — (1,147)— (1,147)
Stock-based compensation expense— — 5,737 — — 5,737 
Balances, March 31, 2021114,742,304 $1,147 $1,833,651 $(51,719)$(13,407)$1,769,672 
Net loss— — — (222,995)— (222,995)
Other comprehensive income— — — — 592 592 
Cash dividends, $0.01 per share
— — — (31)— (31)
Issuance of common stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan252,665 1,312 — — 1,315 
Stock-based compensation expense57,795 3,955 — — 3,956 
Issuance of common stock through cashless exercise of Warrants5,918,089 59 (59)— — — 
Balances, June 30, 2021120,970,853 $1,210 $1,838,859 $(274,745)$(12,815)$1,552,509 
Net income— — — 85,593 — 85,593 
Other comprehensive income— — — — 246 246 
Cash dividends declared, $0.01 per share
— — — (1,215)— (1,215)
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of RSUs and settlement of PSUs, net of shares used for tax withholdings502,937 (4,737)(4,732)
Stock-based compensation expense— — 4,498 — — 4,498 
Balances, September 30, 2021121,473,790 $1,215 $1,838,620 $(190,367)$(12,569)$1,636,899 
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SM ENERGY COMPANY
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
September 30, 2021
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Continued)
(in thousands, except share data and dividends per share)
Additional Paid-in CapitalAccumulated Other Comprehensive LossTotal Stockholders’ Equity
Common StockRetained Earnings
SharesAmount
Balances, December 31, 2019112,987,952 $1,130 $1,791,596 $967,587 $(11,319)$2,748,994 
Net loss— — — (411,895)— (411,895)
Other comprehensive income— — — — 190 190 
Cash dividends declared, $0.01 per share
— — — (1,130)— (1,130)
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of RSUs, net of shares used for tax withholdings730 — (3)— — (3)
Stock-based compensation expense— — 5,561 — — 5,561 
Balances, March 31, 2020112,988,682 $1,130 $1,797,154 $554,562 $(11,129)$2,341,717 
Net loss— — — (89,252)— (89,252)
Other comprehensive income— — — — 188 188 
Issuance of common stock under Employee Stock Purchase Plan297,013 944 — — 947 
Stock-based compensation expense267,576 5,709 — — 5,712 
Issuance of Warrants— — 21,520 — — 21,520 
Balances, June 30, 2020113,553,271 $1,136 $1,825,327 $465,310 $(10,941)$2,280,832 
Net loss— — — (98,292)— (98,292)
Other comprehensive income— — — — 1,195 1,195 
Cash dividends declared, $0.01 per share
— — — (1,146)— (1,146)
Issuance of common stock upon vesting of RSUs and settlement of PSUs, net of shares used for tax withholdings1,019,529 10 (1,567)— — (1,557)
Stock-based compensation expense— — 4,164 — — 4,164 
Other— — (88)— — (88)
Balances, September 30, 2020114,572,800 $1,146 $1,827,836 $365,872 $(9,746)$2,185,108 

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SM ENERGY COMPANY
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
September 30, 2021
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2021202020212020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)$85,593 $(98,292)$(388,671)$(599,439)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depletion, depreciation, amortization, and asset retirement obligation liability accretion202,701 181,708 574,375 596,053 
Impairment8,750 8,750 26,250 1,007,263 
Stock-based compensation expense4,498 4,164 14,191 15,437 
Net derivative (gain) loss209,146 63,871 924,183 (314,269)
Derivative settlement gain (loss)(213,555)70,305 (480,262)286,270 
Amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs3,905 4,506 13,350 13,084 
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt(5)(25,070)2,139 (264,546)
Deferred income taxes(68)(22,796)(282)(159,064)
Other, net6,076 (2,376)(7,301)(6,294)
Net change in working capital21,078 16,843 52,170 (40,411)
Net cash provided by operating activities328,119 201,613 730,142 534,084 
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net proceeds from the sale of oil and gas properties8,543 — 8,835 92 
Capital expenditures(180,088)(109,568)(550,265)(419,777)
Acquisition of proved and unproved oil and gas properties(3,250)(7,075)(3,321)(7,075)
Net cash used in investing activities(174,795)(116,643)(544,751)(426,760)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving credit facility705,500 324,500 1,649,500 1,165,500 
Repayment of revolving credit facility(758,000)(339,500)(1,742,500)(1,110,000)
Net proceeds from Senior Notes(812)— 392,771 — 
Cash paid to repurchase Senior Notes(65,480)(65,944)(450,776)(147,770)
Debt issuance costs related to 10.0% Senior Secured Notes due 2025— (2,395)— (12,886)
Net proceeds from sale of common stock— — 1,315 947 
Dividends paid— — (1,178)(1,130)
Other, net(4,732)(1,631)(4,733)(1,985)
Net cash used in financing activities(123,524)(84,970)(155,601)(107,324)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash29,800 — 29,790 — 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period— 10 10 10 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period$29,800 $10 $29,800 $10 
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SM ENERGY COMPANY
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
September 30, 2021
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)
(in thousands)For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2021202020212020
Supplemental schedule of additional cash flow information and non-cash activities:
Operating activities:
Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest$(51,364)$(39,861)$(126,228)$(122,174)
Investing activities:
Increase (decrease) in capital expenditure accruals and other$(20,102)$11,491 $8,885 $(17,405)
Non-cash financing activities (1)
____________________________________________
(1)    Please refer to Note 5 - Long-term Debt in Part I, Item I of the Company's Form 10-Q for discussion of the debt transactions completed during the nine months ended September 30, 2021, and 2020.
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DEFINITIONS OF NON-GAAP MEASURES AS CALCULATED BY THE COMPANY
The following non-GAAP measures are presented in addition to financial statements as the Company believes these metrics and performance measures are widely used by the investment community, including investors, research analysts and others, to evaluate and compare investments among upstream oil and gas companies in making investment decisions or recommendations. These measures, as presented, may have differing calculations among companies and investment professionals and may not be directly comparable to the same measures provided by others. A non-GAAP measure should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the most directly comparable GAAP measure or any other measure of a company’s financial or operating performance presented in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of each of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure is presented below. These measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
Adjusted EBITDAX: Adjusted EBITDAX is calculated as net income (loss) before interest expense, interest income, income taxes, depletion, depreciation, amortization and asset retirement obligation liability accretion expense, exploration expense, property abandonment and impairment expense, non-cash stock-based compensation expense, derivative gains and losses net of settlements, gains and losses on divestitures, gains and losses on extinguishment of debt, and certain other items. Adjusted EBITDAX excludes certain items that the Company believes affect the comparability of operating results, including items that are generally non-recurring in nature or whose timing and/or amount cannot be reasonably estimated. Adjusted EBITDAX is also important because we are 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 2020 Form 10-K and the most recently filed Form 10-Q for discussion of the Credit Agreement and its covenants.
Adjusted net income (loss): Adjusted net income (loss) excludes certain items that the Company believes affect the comparability of operating results, including items that are generally non-recurring in nature or whose timing and/or amount cannot be reasonably estimated. These items include non-cash and other adjustments, such as derivative gains and losses net of settlements, impairments, net (gain) loss on divestiture activity, gains and losses on extinguishment of debt, and accruals for non-recurring matters.
Net Debt: Net debt is calculated as the total principal amount of outstanding senior secured notes and senior unsecured notes plus amounts drawn on the revolving credit facility (also referred to as total funded debt) less cash and cash equivalents.
Free cash flow: Free cash flow is calculated as net cash provided by operating activities before net change in working capital less capital expenditures before increase (decrease) in capital expenditure accruals and other.
Free cash flow yield to market capitalization: Free cash flow yield to market capitalization is calculated as Free cash flow (defined above) divided by market capitalization.
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. A variation of this calculation is a financial covenant under the Company’s Credit Agreement.
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SM ENERGY COMPANY
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
September 30, 2021
Adjusted EBITDAX Reconciliation (1)
(in thousands)
Reconciliation of net income (loss) (GAAP) and net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) to Adjusted EBITDAX (non-GAAP)
For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2021202020212020
Net income (loss) (GAAP)$85,593 $(98,292)$(388,671)$(599,439)
Interest expense40,861 41,519 120,268 123,385 
Income tax benefit(39)(22,969)(95)(158,662)
Depletion, depreciation, amortization, and asset retirement obligation liability accretion202,701 181,708 574,375 596,053 
Exploration (2)
7,801 7,882 23,742 26,970 
Impairment8,750 8,750 26,250 1,007,263 
Stock-based compensation expense4,498 4,164 14,191 15,437 
Net derivative (gain) loss209,146 63,871 924,183 (314,269)
Derivative settlement gain (loss)(213,555)70,305 (480,262)286,270 
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt(5)(25,070)2,139 (264,546)
Other, net905 615 2,407 1,560 
Adjusted EBITDAX (non-GAAP)$346,656 $232,483 $818,527 $720,022 
Interest expense(40,861)(41,519)(120,268)(123,385)
Income tax benefit39 22,969 95 158,662 
Exploration (2)
(7,801)(7,882)(23,742)(26,970)
Amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs3,905 4,506 13,350 13,084 
Deferred income taxes(68)(22,796)(282)(159,064)
Other, net5,171 (2,991)(9,708)(7,854)
Net change in working capital21,078 16,843 52,170 (40,411)
Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP)$328,119 $201,613 $730,142 $534,084 
(1) See "Definitions of non-GAAP Measures as Calculated by the Company" above.
(2) Stock-based compensation expense is a component of the exploration expense and general and administrative expense line items on the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. Therefore, the exploration line items shown in the reconciliation above will vary from the amount shown on the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for the component of stock-based compensation expense recorded to exploration expense.
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SM ENERGY COMPANY
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
September 30, 2021
Adjusted Net Income (Loss) Reconciliation (1)
(in thousands, except per share data)
Reconciliation of net income (loss) (GAAP) to adjusted net income (loss) (non-GAAP):
For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2021202020212020
Net income (loss) (GAAP)$85,593 $(98,292)$(388,671)$(599,439)
Net derivative (gain) loss209,146 63,871 924,183 (314,269)
Derivative settlement gain (loss)(213,555)70,305 (480,262)286,270 
Impairment8,750 8,750 26,250 1,007,263 
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt(5)(25,070)2,139 (264,546)
Other, net (2)
1,525 615 3,108 1,676 
Tax effect of adjustments (3)
(1,272)(25,708)(103,166)(155,457)
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets1,272 — 103,166 10,017 
Adjusted net income (loss) (non-GAAP)$91,454 $(5,529)$86,747 $(28,485)
Diluted net income (loss) per common share (GAAP)$0.69 $(0.86)$(3.29)$(5.28)
Net derivative (gain) loss1.69 0.56 7.82 (2.77)
Derivative settlement gain (loss)(1.72)0.61 (4.06)2.52 
Impairment0.07 0.08 0.22 8.88 
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt— (0.22)0.02 (2.33)
Other, net (2)
0.01 0.01 0.02 0.02 
Tax effect of adjustments (3)
(0.01)(0.23)(0.87)(1.38)
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets0.01 — 0.87 0.09 
Adjusted net income (loss) per diluted common share (non-GAAP)$0.74 $(0.05)$0.73 $(0.25)
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding121,457 114,371 118,224 113,462 
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding123,851 114,371 118,224 113,462 
Note: Amounts may not calculate due to rounding.
(1) See "Definitions of non-GAAP Measures as Calculated by the Company" above.
(2) For all periods presented, other adjustments related to bad debt expense and impairments of materials inventory and other property. Additionally, for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, other adjustments include pension settlement expense, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, and 2020, other adjustments included (gain) loss on divestiture.
(3) The tax effect of adjustments for each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, and 2020, was calculated using a tax rate of 21.7%. This rate approximates the Company's statutory tax rate for the respective periods, as adjusted for ordinary permanent differences.
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SM ENERGY COMPANY
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED)
September 30, 2021
Reconciliation of Total Long-Term Debt to Net Debt (1)
(in thousands)
As of September 30, 2021
Principal amount of Senior Secured Notes (2)
$446,675 
Principal amount of Senior Unsecured Notes (2)
1,689,913 
Revolving credit facility (2)
— 
Total funded debt2,136,588 
Less: Cash and cash equivalents29,800 
Net Debt$2,106,788 
(1) See "Definitions of non-GAAP Measures as Calculated by the Company" above.
(2) Amounts are from Note 5 - Long-term Debt in Part I, Item I of the Company's Form 10-Q for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
Free Cash Flow (1)
(in thousands)
For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2021202020212020
Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP)$328,119 $201,613 $730,142 $534,084 
Net change in working capital(21,078)(16,843)(52,170)40,411 
Cash flow from operations before net change in working capital307,041 184,770 677,972 574,495 
Capital expenditures (GAAP)180,088 109,568 550,265 419,777 
Increase (decrease) in capital expenditure accruals and other(20,102)11,491 8,885 (17,405)
Capital expenditures before accruals and other159,986 121,059 559,150 402,372 
Free cash flow$147,055 $63,711 $118,822 $172,123 
(1) See "Definitions of non-GAAP Measures as Calculated by the Company" above.
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