SM Energy Raises Production Guidance And Provides Updated New Well Results

The Company also announces strong 30-day peak IP rates on two wells testing new intervals, the Dean and the Wolfcamp D in the RockStar area of the Permian Basin, which produced approximately 1,550 Boe/d and 1,400 Boe/d, respectively. In addition, at the previously reported Watson State Austin Chalk test in South Texas, the well reached a 30-day peak IP rate of nearly 3,200 Boe/d (three-stream). These intervals have the potential to add significantly to the Company’s inventory in the Midland Basin and South Texas, respectively.

“I continue to congratulate our team on truly outstanding execution, which includes optimizing capital expenditures, in achieving our results to date,” comments President and CEO Jay Ottoson. “Higher than expected production volumes in the Permian reflect strong early performance from a number of new wells including the Wolfcamp D and Dean tests, as well as completion timing. In South Texas, production is benefiting from our newly-designed development wells, as well as a better than expected decline rate at a recently completed Austin Chalk test. Better well performance while maintaining capital discipline further supports our goal to be free cash flow positive in the second half of this year.”

Mr. Ottoson continues, “We are very pleased with results to date on several well tests into new intervals, including the 30-day peak rates we are reporting today for the Wolfcamp D and Dean in the Permian Basin and the Austin Chalk in South Texas. These intervals, in addition to our recent Middle Spraberry test in RockStar, are potential catalysts to drive inventory growth and value creation from our existing footprint.”

SECOND QUARTER UPDATES

• Second quarter 2019 production guidance is revised upward to 12.0-12.2 MMBoe, or 132-134 MBoe/d, up from 11.5-11.9 MMBoe, or 126-131 MBoe/d. Oil as a percent of the commodity mix is expected to remain at 43-44% as both the Permian Basin and South Texas areas are contributing higher volumes.
• Full year 2019 production guidance is increased to 45.4-48.4 MMBoe, or 124.4-132.6 MBoe/d, up from 45-48 MMBoe, or 123.3-131.5 MBoe/d. Oil as a percent of the commodity mix is expected to remain at approximately 43-44%.
• The Dean test had a 30-day peak IP rate that averaged approximately 1,550 Boe/d with 92% oil from a ~10,350 foot lateral. The Wolfcamp D test had a 30-day peak IP rate that averaged approximately 1,400 Boe/d (naturally flowing) with 80% oil from a 7,920 foot lateral.
• The Watson State Austin Chalk test had a 30-day peak IP rate that averaged approximately 3,200 Boe/d (three-stream) with approximately 55% liquids from a 12,875 foot lateral.
• Increased drilling activity across Howard County reflects the high return potential of the area and has resulted in substantial activity around SM operations. The Company’s production guidance incorporates an estimate of the effects of shut-in volumes associated with offset operator completion activity weighted to the second half of 2019.