SM ENERGY ANNOUNCES PRIVATE OFFERING OF $650 MILLION OF SENIOR NOTES DUE 2029 AND $650 MILLION OF SENIOR NOTES DUE 2032

Rhea-AI Summary

SM Energy Company (NYSE: SM) has announced its intention to offer $650 million in senior notes due 2029 and $650 million in senior notes due 2032, subject to market conditions. The company plans to use the net proceeds, along with cash on hand and borrowings, to fund its pending acquisition of oil and gas assets in the Uinta Basin from XCL Resources, affiliates. Additionally, SM Energy aims to redeem all outstanding 5.625% Notes due 2025 and cover related fees and expenses. The 2029 Notes include a 'special mandatory redemption' clause if the XCL Acquisition doesn't close by July 1, 2025. These notes will be offered only to qualified institutional buyers and non-U.S. persons, and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933.

Positive

• Raising $1.3 billion through senior notes offerings
• Acquiring oil and gas assets in the Uinta Basin
• Redeeming all outstanding 5.625% Notes due 2025

Negative

• Increasing long-term debt obligations
• Potential dilution of shareholder value
• Risk of 'special mandatory redemption' if XCL Acquisition fails to close by July 1, 2025

Insights

Financial Analyst

SM Energy's announcement of the private offering of $1.3 billion in senior notes has significant implications for the company's financial structure and strategic positioning. The proceeds from this offering are earmarked for the acquisition of oil and gas properties in the Uinta Basin, as well as for redeeming the existing 5.625% notes due in 2025. Such a dual purpose strategy signals a decisive move towards expansion while also managing debt effectively.

The planned acquisition could potentially enhance SM Energy's asset base, contributing to increased revenue streams in the long run. However, the success of this offering and the subsequent acquisition depends on market conditions and the successful integration of the new assets. The “special mandatory redemption” clause for the 2029 Notes adds an element of risk by tying the bond issuance to the completion of the acquisition.

From a financial perspective, the new notes due in 2029 and 2032 allow SM Energy to extend its debt maturity profile and possibly secure more favorable terms compared to the existing notes due in 2025. This move can improve short-term liquidity and provide more flexibility in managing cash flows. However, the impact on the company’s leverage ratios and interest obligations should be closely monitored, as a significant increase in debt could pose risks if not adequately managed.

Market Research Analyst

The issuance of $1.3 billion in senior notes by SM Energy to fund an acquisition and refinance debt is a noteworthy strategy for growth and financial management. The acquisition of oil and gas properties in the Uinta Basin aligns well with the company’s strategic goals to bolster its asset portfolio. This move can be seen as a bullish indicator of potential increased production capabilities and revenue generation.

Market reactions to such announcements can vary, but in this case, the proactive management of debt and the planned acquisition could be positively viewed by investors, suggesting confidence in future profitability. The redemption of the 2025 Notes demonstrates a strategic approach to manage interest expenses and optimize the debt structure.

The offering is limited to qualified institutional buyers and non-U.S. persons, which could suggest a targeted approach to secure investment from stakeholders who have a deeper understanding of the oil and gas sector. The regulatory aspects of the issuance, such as the exemptions from registration, indicate a focus on efficiency in execution.

Overall, the market will likely keep a close eye on the successful completion of the acquisition and how the new assets are integrated and operated within SM Energy's existing framework.

DENVER, July 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SM Energy Company ("SM Energy" or "the Company") (NYSE: SM) announced today that, subject to market conditions, it intends to offer $650,000,000.00 aggregate principal amount of its senior notes due 2029 (the "2029 Notes"), and $650,000,000.00 aggregate principal amount of its senior notes due 2032 (the "2032 Notes," and together with the 2029 Notes, the "Notes").

SM Energy intends to use the net proceeds from the offering of the Notes, together with cash on hand and borrowings under its Credit Agreement, to fund the purchase price for SM Energy's recently announced pending acquisition of certain oil and gas properties, interests, and related assets located in the Uinta Basin from certain entities affiliated with XCL Resources, LLC (the "XCL Acquisition"), to redeem all of its outstanding 5.625% Notes due 2025 (the "2025 Notes"), and to pay related fees and expenses.

The 2029 Notes will be subject to a "special mandatory redemption" if the consummation of the XCL Acquisition does not occur on or before July 1, 2025, or if the Company notifies the trustee of the 2029 Notes that it will not pursue the consummation of the XCL Acquisition.

The Notes to be offered will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or under any state or other securities laws, and the Notes will be issued pursuant to an exemption therefrom, and may not be offered or sold within the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of any U.S. person, absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. The Notes are being offered only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A under the Securities Act and non-U.S. persons outside the United States in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy, or an offer to purchase or sell any securities, 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. This press release is not a notice of redemption with respect to the 2025 Notes.

DISCLOSURES

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities laws. Forward-looking statements in this release include, among other things, the consummation of the XCL Acquisition, the contingencies related to the special mandatory redemption, the intended use of offering proceeds and other aspects of the Notes offering. These statements involve known and unknown risks, including market conditions, customary offering closing conditions and other factors described in the Confidential Offering Memorandum, 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 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as such risk factors may be updated from time to time in the Company's other periodic and current reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks also include risks associated with the XCL Acquisition, including the risk that we may fail to consummate the XCL Acquisition on the terms or timing currently contemplated, or at all, the risk that Northern Oil and Gas, Inc., may fail to consummate its purchase of an undivided 20% of the purchase and sale agreement for the XCL Acquisition, the risk that we may fail to realize the expected benefits of the XCL Acquisition, including as it relates to the number of net acres to be acquired, the number of expected drilling locations, reserves estimates and producing formations, and risks related to the integration of the XCL Acquisition or business disruptions that could result from the XCL Acquisition. 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 applicable securities laws.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

SM Energy Company is an independent energy company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil, gas, and NGLs in the state of Texas.

SM ENERGY INVESTOR CONTACTS

Jennifer Martin Samuels, jsamuels@sm-energy.com, 303-864-2507

 

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SOURCE SM Energy Company

FAQ

What is the total value of senior notes SM Energy plans to offer?

SM Energy plans to offer a total of $1.3 billion in senior notes, consisting of $650 million due 2029 and $650 million due 2032.

How does SM Energy intend to use the proceeds from the notes offering?

SM Energy intends to use the proceeds to fund the acquisition of assets in the Uinta Basin from XCL Resources affiliates, redeem outstanding 5.625% Notes due 2025, and pay related fees and expenses.

What is the 'special mandatory redemption' clause for SM's 2029 Notes?

The 2029 Notes include a 'special mandatory redemption' clause that requires SM Energy to redeem the notes if the XCL Acquisition doesn't close by July 1, 2025, or if the company decides not to pursue the acquisition.

Who is eligible to purchase the senior notes offered by SM Energy?

The notes are being offered only to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A of the Securities Act and non-U.S. persons outside the United States in accordance with Regulation S.