SM Energy and Civitas Resources to Combine in $12.8 Billion Transformational Combination Delivering Superior Stockholder Value

November 4, 2025

This article is brought to you by: Charter Pipe, Leaders in OCTG

Value-Enhancing Scale Premier portfolio across the highest-return U.S. shale basins drives significant free cash flow and enhanced stockholder value Pro forma second quarter of 2025 production totaled 526 MBoe/d Pro forma full-year 2025 consensus free cash flow of more than $1.4 billion Step-change in free cash flow supports sustained return of capital Value-Driven Synergies Proven management and a world-class technical team positioned to deliver identified and achievable annual synergies of approximately $200 million with upside potential Synergies create potential for accelerated debt repayment and improved through-cycle returns Value-Accretive Substance Significant accretion on key per share financial metrics, before synergies Free cash flow to be prioritized for debt reduction and sustainable quarterly fixed dividend of $0.20 per share Committed to leading in sustainability and environmental stewardship while expanding our positive impact in the communities where we operate Companies to host a live Q&A call today at 8:00 a.m. Mountain time/10:00 a.m. Eastern time

SM ENERGY AND CIVITAS RESOURCES TO COMBINE IN $12.8 BILLION TRANSFORMATIONAL COMBINATION DELIVERING SUPERIOR STOCKHOLDER VALUE

Value-Enhancing Scale

Premier portfolio across the highest-return U.S. shale basins drives significant free cash flow and enhanced stockholder value.
  • Pro forma second quarter of 2025 production totaled 526 MBoe/d
  • Pro forma full-year 2025 consensus free cash flow of more than $1.4 billion
  • Step-change in free cash flow supports sustained return of capital

Value-Driven Synergies

  • Proven management and a world-class technical team positioned to deliver identified and achievable annual synergies of approximately $200 million with upside potential
  • Synergies create potential for accelerated debt repayment and improved through-cycle returns

Value-Accretive Substance

  • Significant accretion on key per share financial metrics, before synergies
  • Free cash flow to be prioritized for debt reduction and sustainable quarterly fixed dividend of $0.20 per share
  • Committed to leading in sustainability and environmental stewardship while expanding our positive impact in the communities where we operate
Companies to host a live Q&A call today at 8:00 a.m. Mountain time / 10:00 a.m. Eastern time DENVER, CO — November 3, 2025 — SM Energy Company (“SM Energy”) (NYSE: SM) and Civitas Resources, Inc. (“Civitas”) (NYSE: CIVI) today announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement involving an all-stock transaction (the “Transaction”). Under the terms of the Transaction, each common share of Civitas will be exchanged for 1.45 shares of SM Energy common stock. The combined company’s enterprise value of approximately $12.8 billion is inclusive of each company’s net debt. The combined company will have a premier portfolio of approximately 823,000 net acres, with the Permian position being the cornerstone. Pro forma full-year 2025 consensus free cash flow generation of more than $1.4 billion enables sustained capital returns, and increased market capitalization enhances trading liquidity with broader investment appeal.

Transformational Combination Delivering Superior Value

  • Value-Enhancing Scale: The combined company will operate a premier asset portfolio consisting of approximately 823,000 net acres across the highest-return U.S. shale basins, immediately transformed into a top-10 U.S. independent oil-focused producer.
  • Synergy-Enhanced Free Cash Flow: Identified and achievable annual synergies totaling $200 million, with upside potential to $300 million, expected to enhance stockholder value.
  • Proven Management: A trusted leadership team supported by a combined world-class technical team.
  • Significant Accretion on Key Financial Metrics: The combination is expected to be immediately accretive to key per share financial metrics.
  • Financial Discipline: Free cash flow prioritized for debt reduction with path to 1.0x net leverage by YE 2027.
  • Sustainable Dividend: Quarterly fixed dividend maintained at $0.20 per share.
  • Sustainability Commitment: The combined company will uphold responsible operations, safety, and environmental excellence.

Executive Comments

SM Energy CEO Herb Vogel: “This strategic combination creates a leading oil and gas company with enhanced scale, numerous value-adding synergies, and significant free cash flow, driving superior value to stockholders.” SM Energy President and COO Beth McDonald: “This merger combines two premier operators and establishes a company with transformative scale in the highest-return U.S. shale basins.” Civitas Interim CEO Wouter van Kempen: “This merger unlocks new potential to deliver enhanced stockholder value and achieve outcomes beyond the reach of either company alone.” Ben Dell, Kimmeridge: “The step-change in scale coupled with identified operational synergies should enhance long-term value to all shareholders for years to come.”

Transaction Details

Under the terms of the agreement, Civitas stockholders will receive 1.45 shares of SM Energy common stock at closing. After closing, the company will continue to trade as SM Energy (NYSE: SM). Upon completion, SM Energy stockholders will own approximately 48% of the combined company and Civitas stockholders will own approximately 52% on a fully diluted basis.

Governance and Leadership

The combined company’s Board of Directors will include 11 members (6 from SM Energy, 5 from Civitas). Julio Quintana will serve as Non-Executive Chairman. The combined company will be headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Herb Vogel will serve as CEO, with the planned CEO transition to Beth McDonald remaining on track.

Timing and Approvals

The combination has been unanimously approved by both boards of directors. The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2026, subject to stockholder and regulatory approvals.

Advisors

  • SM Energy: Evercore (financial advisor); Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP (legal advisor)
  • Civitas: J.P. Morgan (financial advisor); Kirkland & Ellis LLP (legal advisor)

Conference Call Information

Date: November 3, 2025 Time: 8:00 a.m. MT / 10:00 a.m. ET
  • Telephone: Register here (877-407-6050 / +1 201-689-8022)
  • Webcast: Available at www.sm-energy.com and www.civitasresources.com

About SM Energy

SM Energy Company is an independent energy company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs in Texas and Utah. Visit www.sm-energy.com for more information.

About Civitas

Civitas Resources, Inc. is an independent exploration and production company focused on oil and liquids-rich gas assets in the Permian and DJ Basins. Visit www.civitasresources.com for more information.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. Actual results may differ materially due to risks and uncertainties including regulatory approvals, integration challenges, market fluctuations, and other factors described in filings with the SEC.

Investor Contacts

SM Energy: Patrick Lytle – plytle@sm-energy.com, 303-864-2502 Civitas: Brad Whitmarsh – bwhitmarsh@civiresources.com, 832-736-8909

Additional Information

For SEC filings and joint proxy materials, please refer to www.sec.gov or the investor relations pages of each company.

Recent News

Shenandoah Achieves 100,000 BOPD Milestone

This Event Reminder is Sponsored by: State Service, leaders in Modular Design and Fabrication for Oil and Gas Houston, TX, October 9, 2025. Beacon Offshore Energy LLC (“Beacon”) announced today that it has successfully completed the ramp-up of the four Phase 1...

Upcoming Events

No event found!