SM ENERGY COMPANY ANNOUNCES CASH TENDER OFFER FOR UP TO $750.0 MILLION AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF 8.375% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2028 ORIGINALLY ISSUED BY CIVITAS RESOURCES
MWN-AI** Summary
SM Energy Company (NYSE: SM) has announced a cash tender offer aimed at repurchasing up to $750 million of its 8.375% Senior Notes due 2028, which were initially issued by Civitas Resources, Inc. The Tender Offer will allow SM Energy to buy back these notes, originally part of its merger with Civitas, under specific conditions outlined in the Offer to Purchase dated March 4, 2026.
The company has set a maximum tender amount of $750 million, with currently outstanding notes totaling $1.35 billion. The tender offer is scheduled to expire on April 1, 2026, unless extended. Holders who tender their notes by March 17, 2026, will be eligible for a Total Consideration of $1,031.75 per $1,000 principal amount, which includes an Early Tender Premium of $50. After this date, holders will receive only the Tender Offer Consideration of $981.75, excluding the premium.
The settlement for early tenders is expected on March 19, 2026, while the final settlement date, for notes tendered after the Early Tender Date, is projected for April 3, 2026. It is important to note that tendered notes cannot be withdrawn after the specified withdrawal date of March 17, 2026.
SM Energy reserves the right to modify or extend the maximum tender amount and emphasizes that the tender offer is not contingent on a minimum number of notes being tendered. The completion of the offer is subject to conditions including the successful completion of a new senior debt offering.
This strategic move aims to optimize the company's capital structure and strengthen its financial position amid fluctuating market conditions. Thus, investors and stakeholders alike are advised to monitor updates regarding this tender offer closely.
MWN-AI** Analysis
SM Energy’s recent announcement regarding its cash tender offer for up to $750 million of 8.375% Senior Notes due 2028 presents a strategic opportunity for investors to reassess their positions relative to the company's debt and overall market standing. The tender offer, which reflects a proactive approach to managing outstanding debt acquired through the Civitas Resources merger, emphasizes fiscal prudence in an environment where higher interest rates are increasingly common.
With a total principal amount of $1.35 billion in senior notes outstanding, this $750 million tender suggests SM Energy is not only attempting to optimize its capital structure but also potentially signaling a stronger cash flow position. The company is likely keen on lowering interest expenses associated with its debt, particularly as the interest rate environment may exert pressure on companies with high yield bonds.
Investors considering participation in this offer should note the Early Tender Premium, which incentivizes early action. The Tender Offer Consideration of approximately $981.75 per $1,000 principal amount of notes indicates an interest in providing greater value to noteholders willing to trade liquidity today for a guaranteed payout.
It’s imperative to assess SM Energy’s operational efficiency following the merger, particularly in the competitive landscape of oil and gas. Moreover, investors should examine the company's production rates in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah, as these will influence future cash flows and the overall financial health of SM Energy.
In conclusion, while the tender offer could be viewed as a bullish indicator of SM Energy’s financial maneuvering, investors should conduct thorough due diligence regarding market conditions and operational outcomes before altering their investment strategies. The upcoming settlement dates will be critical in determining the offer's overall effectiveness and reception by the market.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
PR Newswire
DENVER, March 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SM Energy Company ("SM Energy") (NYSE: SM) today announced that it has commenced a cash tender offer to purchase (the "Tender Offer") up to an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $750,000,000 (as it may be modified by SM Energy, the "Maximum Tender Amount"), of the outstanding 8.375% Senior Notes due 2028 (CUSIP Numbers Rule 144A: 17888HAA1 / Reg. S: U1638HAA5) (the "Notes"), originally issued by Civitas Resources, Inc. ("Civitas"), and assumed by SM Energy in connection with the closing of its merger with Civitas, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated March 4, 2026 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Offer to Purchase"). The following table sets forth certain terms of the Tender Offer:
Title of Notes | CUSIP Numbers / ISIN | Aggregate | Maximum | Tender Offer | Early Tender | Total |
8.375% Senior Notes due 2028 | 17888HAA1 / US17888HAA14 | $1,350,000,000 | $750,000,000 | $981.75 | $50 | $1,031.75 |
(1) | As of the date of this press release. | ||||||||||||
(2) | Holders will also receive accrued and unpaid interest from the last interest payment with respect to the Notes accepted for purchase to, but not including, the Early Settlement Date (as defined below) or the Final Settlement Date (as defined below), as applicable. | ||||||||||||
(3) | For each $1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered in the Tender Offer after the Early Tender Date (as defined below) but at or prior to the Expiration Date (as defined below) and accepted for purchase. | ||||||||||||
(4) | For each $1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn in the Tender Offer at or prior to the Early Tender Date and accepted for purchase. | ||||||||||||
(5) | For each $1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn in the Tender Offer at or prior to the Early Tender Date and accepted for purchase. Includes the Early Tender Premium. |
The Tender Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on April 1, 2026, unless extended (such date and time, as the same may be extended, the "Expiration Date"). Holders who validly tender their Notes at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on March 17, 2026, unless such date is extended or earlier terminated (the "Early Tender Date"), will be eligible to receive the "Total Consideration" set forth in the table above for each $1,000 principal amount of Notes. The Total Consideration includes the "Early Tender Premium" set forth in the table above. Holders who validly tender their Notes after the Early Tender Date, but at or prior to the Expiration Date, and do not validly withdraw such Notes, will only be eligible to receive the "Tender Offer Consideration" as set forth in the table above, which does not include the Early Tender Premium. In addition to the Total Consideration or the Tender Offer Consideration, as applicable, holders who validly tender and do not validly withdraw Notes and whose Notes are accepted for purchase will receive accrued and unpaid interest, up to, but not including, the applicable settlement date. The settlement date with respect to all Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Early Tender Date and not validly withdrawn and accepted for purchase is expected to be the second business day after the Early Tender Date, or as promptly as practicable thereafter (such date, as the same may be extended, the "Early Settlement Date"). The Early Settlement Date is currently expected to be on March 19, 2026. If the Tender Offer is not fully subscribed as of the Early Settlement Date, the settlement date with respect to all Notes validly tendered after the Early Tender Date, but at or prior to the Expiration Date, and not validly withdrawn, is expected to be on the second business day after the Expiration Date, or promptly thereafter (such date, as the same may be extended, the "Final Settlement Date"). The Final Settlement Date is currently expected to be April 3, 2026.
Notes validly tendered may not be withdrawn after 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on March 17, 2026 (such date and time, as the same may be extended, the "Withdrawal Date"), except as may be required by law.
Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Early Tender Date will be accepted for purchase with priority over the Notes validly tendered after the Early Tender Date, but at or prior to the Expiration Date.
Acceptance for tenders of the Notes may be subject to proration if the aggregate principal amount of the Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn is greater than the Maximum Tender Amount. Furthermore, if the Tender Offer to purchase Notes is fully subscribed as of the Early Tender Date, holders who validly tender Notes after the Early Tender Date will not have any of their Notes accepted for purchase and there will be no Final Settlement Date.
SM Energy reserves the right, but is under no obligation, to increase the Maximum Tender Amount at any time, subject to compliance with applicable law. If SM Energy increases the Maximum Tender Amount, it does not expect to extend the Withdrawal Date, subject to applicable law.
The completion of the Tender Offer is subject to a number of conditions that are set forth in the Offer to Purchase, including, among other things, the successful completion by SM Energy of a new senior debt offering. The Tender Offer is not conditioned on any minimum amount of Notes being tendered.
The terms and conditions of the Tender Offer, including SM Energy's obligation to accept the Notes tendered and pay the purchase price therefor, are set forth in the Offer to Purchase. SM Energy may, at its own discretion, amend, extend or, subject to certain conditions, terminate the Tender Offer.
SM Energy has retained BofA Securities, Inc. as dealer manager and solicitation agent. Questions regarding the Tender Offer may be directed to BofA Securities, Inc. at (980) 683-1735 or by e-mail at debt_advisory@bofa.com. For questions concerning delivery by means of the Automated Tender Offer Program and to obtain copies of the Offer to Purchase, please contact the Information Agent, D.F. King & Co., Inc. at (877) 732-3617 (toll-free) and (212) 257-2543 or by e-mail at sm@dfking.com.
This press release does not constitute an offer to purchase or redeem or the solicitation of an offer to sell the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
DISCLOSURES
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events, or developments that we expect, believe, or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The words "action," "anticipate," "deliver," "demonstrate," "establish," "estimate," "expects," "goal," "generate," "guidance," "integrate," "maintain," "objectives," "optimize," "project," "target," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, among other things, the completion of the Tender Offer. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by SM Energy in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments, and other factors that SM Energy believes are appropriate under the circumstances. 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 SM Energy's other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. 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 states of Colorado, New Mexico, 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.
INVESTOR CONTACTS
Patrick Lytle, plytle@sm-energy.com, 303-864-2502
Meghan Dack, mdack@sm-energy.com, 303-837-2426
SOURCE SM Energy Company
FAQ**
How does the cash tender offer by SM Energy Company (SM) impact the company's overall financial strategy, particularly following its merger with Civitas Resources?
What factors led SM Energy Company (SM) to set the maximum tender amount at $750 million for the 8.375% Senior Notes due 2028?
What conditions must SM Energy Company (SM) meet for the completion of the tender offer, and how does this relate to its new senior debt offering?
How will the outcome of the tender offer influence SM Energy Company’s (SM) liquidity and future investment opportunities in the energy sector?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about SM Energy Company (NYSE: SM).
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