SM Energy Company (NYSE:SM) reported fourth-quarter 2019 adjusted loss of 4 cents per share, narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 9 cents. The reported figure also improved from a loss of 18 cents a year ago.
Total revenues, which increased to $451.7 million from $394.2 million in the prior-year quarter, beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $410 million.
The strong quarterly results can be attributed to higher production levels, supported by Midland Basin activities and increased realized crude prices.
Proved Reserves
As of Dec 31, 2019, it had proved reserves of 462 MMBOE, of which 40% was crude oil, 44% natural gas and 16% NGLs. It added 101.5 MMBOE reserves in 2019. Notably, 53% of the reserves are proved developed. The rise in proved oil reserves (from 35% to 40%) was supported by Midland Basin strength.
Operational Performance:
Total Production Increases
The company’s fourth-quarter production was 138.8 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (MBoe/d), up 13% from the year-ago level of 122.8 MBoe/d. The production growth was supported by operations in the Midland Basin.
Oil production increased 22% year over year to 67.3 thousand barrels per day (MBbls/d). SM Energy produced 305.7 million cubic feet per day of natural gas in the quarter, up 10% year over year. Natural gas liquids contributed 20.5 MBbls/d to total production volume, down 4% from the fourth-quarter 2018 level.
Mixed Realized Prices
Excluding the effects of derivative settlements, the average realized price per Boe was $35.17 compared with $34.74 in the year-ago quarter. Average realized price of natural gas fell 35% year over year to $2.42 per thousand cubic feet. Notably, average realized prices of oil rose 14% to $56.09 per barrel and that of natural gas liquids declined 26% from the prior-year quarter to $17.84.
Cost & Expenses
On the cost front, unit lease operating expenses decreased 6% year over year to $4.67 per Boe. In addition, transportation expenses fell to $3.46 per Boe from $4.19 in the year-ago quarter. However, general and administrative expenses rose 8% to $2.92 per Boe from the prior-year level of $2.69.
Total exploration expenses rose to $17.6 million from $14.3 million in the year-ago quarter. Hydrocarbon production expenses in the quarter were recorded at $127.3 million compared with the year-ago level of $121.5 million. Total operating expenses in the quarter increased to $540 million from the year-ago period’s $35.6 million, primarily due to absence of net derivative gains.
Balance Sheet
As of Dec 31, SM Energy had a cash balance of $10,000 and liquidity of $1.1 billion. Its net long-term debt was $2,732.8 million. The company had a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 49.9%.
Guidance
SM Energy expects full-year 2020 production in the range of 123-131 MBoe/d. Of the total production, 50% is anticipated to be oil. For 2020, the company expects capital spending to decline 20% from the 2019 level to the range of $825-$850 million.
Production for first-quarter 2020 is projected within 131-136 MBoe/d. The firm expects capital spending for the quarter within $180-200 million.
It has announced its full-year lease operating expense guidance in the range of $5.25-$5.50 per Boe. Transportation costs are expected within $3.20-$3.45 per Boe.
Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider
SM Energy currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the energy sector include Denbury Resources Inc. (NYSE:DNR) , Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) and Hess Corporation (NYSE:HES) , each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Denbury Resources’ earnings per share estimates of 30 cents for 2020 have been unchanged over past seven days.
Chevron’s bottom line for 2020 is expected to rise 12.8% year over year.
Hess’ bottom line for 2020 is expected to rise 93.7% year over year.
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