SM Energy Co

Previous wording

In addition to the other information included in this report, the following risk factors should be carefully considered when evaluating an investment in SM Energy.

Current wording

In addition to the other information included in this report, the risk factors discussed below should be carefully considered when evaluating an investment in SM Energy. For the purposes of this section, “we,” “our,” “us,” “Company” and “SM Energy” refer to the post-Merger company following the Civitas Merger. Our risk factors are summarized as follows:

Previous wording

We have incurred additional costs in connection with the Uinta Basin Acquisition, which may continue in 2025.

Current wording

•We have incurred additional costs in connection with the Merger, which will continue during a portion of 2026.

Previous wording

Securities class action and derivative lawsuits may be brought against us in connection with the Uinta Basin Acquisition, which could result in substantial costs.

Current wording

•Securities class action and derivative lawsuits may be brought against us in connection with the Merger, which could result in substantial costs.

Previous wording

Many of our properties are in areas that may have been partially depleted or drained by offset wells and certain of our wells may be adversely affected by actions other operators may take when drilling, completing, or operating wells that they own.

Current wording

•Many of our properties are in areas that may have been partially depleted or drained by offset wells and certain of our wells or future locations may be adversely affected by actions other operators may take when drilling, completing, or operating wells that they own.

Previous wording

Our ability to produce oil, gas, and NGLs economically and in commercial quantities could be impaired if we are unable to acquire adequate supplies of water for our drilling and/or completions operations or are unable to dispose of or recycle the water we produce at a reasonable cost and in accordance with applicable environmental rules.

Current wording

•Our ability to produce oil, gas, and NGLs economically and in commercial quantities could be impaired if we are unable to acquire adequate supplies of water for our drilling and/or completions operations or are unable to dispose of or recycle the water we produce at a reasonable cost and in accordance with applicable environmental rules and regulations.

Previous wording

If we are unable to replace reserves, we will not be able to sustain production.

Current wording

•If we are unable to replace reserves and increase our reserve life index, we will not be able to sustain production.

Previous wording

The Uinta Basin Acquisition involved our acquisition of a significant set of assets that we have not previously operated. Our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of the Uinta Basin Acquisition depends in part on whether we can complete the integration of the Uinta Basin assets into our existing business in an efficient and effective manner. The integration process may result in the disruption of ongoing business and there could be potential unknown liabilities and unforeseen expenses associated with the Uinta Basin Acquisition that were not discovered in the course of performing due diligence. The integration may also require significant time and focus from management following the Uinta Basin Acquisition that may disrupt our business and results of operations. Potential risks or difficulties include:

Current wording

The success of the Merger depends in part on whether we can complete the integration of the Civitas assets that we have not previously operated into our existing business in an efficient and effective manner, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully integrate or otherwise realize the anticipated benefits of the Merger. The integration process may result in the disruption of ongoing business and there could be potential unknown liabilities and unforeseen expenses associated with the Merger that were not discovered in the course of performing due diligence. Integration may also require significant time and focus from management following the Merger that may disrupt our business and results of operations. Potential risks or difficulties include, among others:

Previous wording

•complexities associated with integrating our existing complex systems, technologies, and other workflows with new assets in a new region;

Current wording

•complexities associated with integrating our existing complex systems, technologies and other workflows with new assets;

Previous wording

•the accuracy of our assessments of the Uinta Basin Assets, including recoverable reserves, transportation costs and availability, drilling and completion equipment cost and availability, regulatory, permitting, and related matters;

Current wording

•the accuracy of our assessments of the assets acquired in the Merger, including recoverable reserves, transportation costs and availability, drilling and completion equipment cost and availability, regulatory, permitting, and related matters;

Previous wording

•establishing business relationships with new third-party contractors and other service providers with whom we have no prior experience;

Current wording

•establishing business relationships with new third party contractors and other service providers with whom we have no prior experience; and

Previous wording

Any of these issues could adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with customers, suppliers, employees, and other constituencies. We may fail to realize the anticipated benefits expected from the Uinta Basin Acquisition. The success of the Uinta Basin Acquisition will depend, in significant part, on our ability to successfully complete the integration of the acquired assets, grow the revenue, and realize the anticipated strategic benefits from the Uinta Basin Acquisition. The anticipated benefits of the Uinta Basin Acquisition may not be realized fully or at all or may take longer to realize than expected. Actual operating, technological, strategic, and revenue opportunities, if achieved at all, may be less significant than expected or may take longer to achieve than anticipated. If we are not able to realize the anticipated benefits expected from the Uinta Basin Acquisition within the anticipated timing or at all, our business and operating results may be adversely affected.

Current wording

Any of these issues could adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with customers, suppliers, employees, and other constituencies. We may fail to realize the anticipated benefits expected from the Merger. The success of the Merger will depend, in significant part, on our ability to successfully complete the integration of the acquired assets and realize the anticipated strategic benefits from the Merger. The anticipated benefits of the Merger may not be realized fully or at all or may take longer to realize than expected. Actual operating, technological, strategic, and revenue opportunities, if achieved at all, may be less significant than expected or may take longer to achieve than anticipated. If we are not able to realize the anticipated benefits expected from the Merger within the anticipated timing or at all, our business, financial, and operating results may be adversely affected.

Previous wording

During 2024, we incurred non-recurring costs associated with the Uinta Basin Acquisition, integrating the Uinta Basin assets into our business, and realizing the expected benefits of the Uinta Basin Acquisition, and we expect to continue to incur such costs during a portion of 2025. A substantial majority of non-recurring expenses consist of transaction costs and include, among others, fees paid to financial, legal, accounting, and other advisors. Although we expect that the elimination of any duplicative costs, as well as the realization of expected benefits related to the integration of the Uinta Basin assets, should allow us to offset these transaction costs over time, this net benefit may not be achieved in the near term or at all.

Current wording

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, we incurred non-recurring costs associated with the Merger, and we expect to continue to incur such costs during 2026. A substantial majority of non-recurring expenses consist of change in control payments and transaction costs which include, among others, fees paid to financial, legal, accounting, and other advisors.

Previous wording

Our revenues, operating results, profitability, future rate of growth, and the carrying value of our oil and gas properties depend heavily on the prices we receive for oil, gas, and NGL sales. Oil, gas, and NGL prices also affect our cash flows available for capital expenditures, debt reductions, return of capital, and other expenditures, our borrowing capacity, and the volume and value of our oil, gas, and NGL reserves. In addition, we may have oil and gas property impairments or downward revisions of estimates of proved reserves if prices fall significantly. Refer to Significant Developments in 2024 and Reserves in Part I, Items 1 and 2, Comparison of Financial Results and Trends Between 2024 and 2023 and Between 2023 and 2022 and Overview of Liquidity and Capital Resources in Part II, Item 7, and Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 8 – Fair Value Measurements, and Supplemental Oil and Gas Information (unaudited) in Part II, Item 8 for specific discussion.

Current wording

Our revenues, operating results, profitability, future rate of growth, and the carrying value of our oil and gas properties depend heavily on the prices we receive for oil, gas, and NGL sales. Oil, gas, and NGL prices also affect our cash flows available for capital expenditures, debt reductions, return of capital, and other expenditures, our borrowing capacity, and the volume and value of our oil, gas, and NGL reserves. In addition, we may have oil and gas property impairments or downward revisions of estimates of proved reserves if prices fall significantly. Refer to Significant Developments in 2025 and Reserves in Part I, Items 1 and 2, Comparison of Financial Results and Trends Between 2025 and 2024 and Overview of Liquidity and Capital Resources in Part II, Item 7, and Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 8 – Fair Value Measurements, and Supplemental Oil and Gas Information (unaudited) in Part II, Item 8 for specific discussion.

Previous wording

The capitalized costs of our oil and gas properties, on a depletion pool basis, cannot exceed the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows of that depletion pool. If net capitalized costs exceed undiscounted future net cash flows, we generally must write down the costs of each depletion pool to the estimated discounted future net cash flows of that depletion pool. Write downs for unproved properties are also evaluated for carrying costs in excess of fair value. This evaluation considers the potential for abandonment due to actual and anticipated lease expirations, as well as actual and anticipated losses on acreage due to title defects, changes in development plans, and other inherent acreage risks. Declines in the prices of oil, gas, or NGLs, or unsuccessful exploration efforts, could cause proved and/or unproved property impairments in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations.

Current wording

The capitalized costs of our oil and gas properties, on a depletion pool basis, cannot exceed the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows of that depletion pool. If net capitalized costs exceed undiscounted future net cash flows, we generally must write down the costs to the estimated discounted future net cash flows of that depletion pool. Write downs for unproved properties are also evaluated for carrying costs in excess of fair value. This evaluation considers the potential for abandonment due to actual and anticipated lease expirations, as well as actual and anticipated losses on acreage due to title defects, changes in development plans, and other inherent acreage risks. Declines in the prices of oil, gas, or NGLs, or unsuccessful exploration efforts, could cause proved and/or unproved property impairments in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations.

Previous wording

Historically, the United States and global economies and financial systems have experienced turmoil and upheaval characterized by extreme volatility in prices of equity and debt securities, periods of diminished liquidity and credit availability, inability to access capital markets, the bankruptcy, failure, collapse, or sale of financial institutions, inflation, tariffs or trade restrictions, and heightened levels of intervention by the United States federal government and other governments. Weakness or uncertainty in the United States economy or other large economies could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. For example:

Current wording

The United States and global economies and financial systems regularly experience turmoil and upheaval characterized by extreme volatility in prices of equity and debt securities, periods of diminished liquidity and credit availability, inability to access capital markets, the bankruptcy, failure, collapse, or sale of financial institutions, inflation, tariffs or trade restrictions, and heightened levels of intervention by the United States federal government and other governments. Weakness or uncertainty in the United States economy or other large economies could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. For example:

Previous wording

• inflation has increased certain costs of our drilling and completion activities, and the costs of oilfield services, equipment, and materials in recent years and could continue or worsen and further impact our financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations, and could limit our pool of economic development opportunities;

Current wording

•inflation has increased certain costs of our drilling and completion activities, and the costs of oilfield goods, services, personnel, equipment, and materials in recent years and could continue or worsen and further impact our financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations, and could limit our pool of economic development opportunities;

Previous wording

•a potential economic recession could impact demand for oil, gas, and NGLs, and cause commodity price volatility;

Current wording

•economic recession could impact demand for oil, gas, and NGLs, and cause commodity price volatility;

Previous wording

•the Federal Reserve may change interest rates, as they did in 2024, 2023, and 2022, which could impact borrowing costs;

Current wording

•the Federal Reserve may change interest rates, as they have in recent years, which could impact borrowing costs and suppress economic growth;

Previous wording

We are subject to cybersecurity risks. The oil and gas industry, and our business, are increasingly dependent on digital technology. We use digital technology to conduct certain aspects of our drilling development, production and gathering activities, manage drilling rigs and completion equipment, gather and interpret seismic data, conduct reservoir modeling, record financial and operating data, and maintain employee and other databases. Our service providers, including those who gather, process, and market our oil, gas, and NGLs, are also increasingly reliant on digital technology. Our and their reliance on this technology increasingly puts us at risk for technology system failures, data or network disruptions, cyberattacks and other breaches in cybersecurity. Power failures, telecommunication or other system failures due to hardware or software malfunctions, computer viruses, vandalism, terrorism, natural disasters, fire, flood, human error or other means could significantly impair our ability to conduct our business.

Current wording

We are subject to cybersecurity risks. The oil and gas industry, and our business, are increasingly dependent on digital technology. We use digital technology, including information technology (“IT”) and operational technology (“OT”), to conduct certain aspects of our drilling development, production and gathering activities, manage drilling rigs and completion equipment, gather and interpret seismic data, conduct reservoir modeling, record financial and operating data, and maintain employee and other databases. Our service providers, including those who gather, process, and market our oil, gas, and NGLs, are also increasingly reliant on digital technology. Our and their reliance on this technology increasingly puts us at risk for technology system failures, data or network disruptions, cyberattacks and other breaches in cybersecurity. Power failures, telecommunication or other system failures due to hardware or software malfunctions, computer viruses, vandalism, terrorism, natural disasters, fire, flood, human error or other means could significantly impair our ability to conduct our business.

Previous wording

Cybersecurity attacks are evolving and include, but are not limited to, malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data, cash, or other assets, and other electronic security breaches that could lead to disruptions in critical systems, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information, and corruption of data. Deliberate attacks on, or security breaches in our systems, infrastructure, the systems and infrastructure of third-parties, or cloud-based applications could lead to disclosure of confidential information, a corruption or loss of our proprietary data, delays in production or exploration activities, difficulty in completing or settling transactions, challenges in maintaining our books and records, environmental damage, communication or other operational disruptions, and liability to third parties. Any insurance we might obtain in the future may not provide adequate protection from these risks. Any such events could damage our reputation and lead to financial losses from remedial actions, loss of business or potential liability. As these cyber risks continue to evolve and our dependence on digital technologies grows, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures and remediate cyber vulnerabilities.

Current wording

Cybersecurity attacks are evolving and include, but are not limited to, malware (including viruses), phishing, vulnerability exploitation, insider threats, and physical or electronic security breaches, which may result in operational disruption; unauthorized access to or exfiltration of data; and other impacts to the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of systems and information. Geopolitical tensions or conflicts may further heighten the risk of cyberattacks. In particular, sophisticated nation state actors have, and may continue to, target companies operating in industries providing critical infrastructure. Deliberate attacks on, or security breaches in our systems, infrastructure, the systems and infrastructure of third-parties, or cloud-based applications could lead to disclosure of confidential information, a corruption or loss of our proprietary data, delays in production or exploration activities, difficulty in completing or settling transactions, challenges in maintaining our books and records, environmental damage, communication or other operational disruptions, and liability to third parties. Any insurance we might obtain in the future may not provide adequate protection from these risks. Any such events could damage our reputation and lead to financial losses from remedial actions, loss of business or potential liability. As these cyber risks continue to evolve and our dependence on digital technologies grows, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures and remediate cyber vulnerabilities.

Previous wording

Refer to Cybersecurityin Item 1C of this report for discussion of the Audit Committee’s role in cybersecurity governance. We did not experience any material cybersecurity incidents during 2024, however there can be no assurance that the measures we have taken to address information technology (“IT”) and cybersecurity risks will prove effective in the future.

Current wording

Refer to Cybersecurityin Part 1, Item 1C of this report for discussion of the Audit Committee’s role in cybersecurity governance. We did not experience any material cybersecurity incidents during 2025, however there can be no assurance that the measures we have taken to address IT and cybersecurity risks will prove effective in the future.

Previous wording

Our business increasingly utilizes artificial intelligence (“AI”), machine learning, and automated decision making to improve our processes. Issues in the development and use of AI, combined with an uncertain regulatory environment, may result in new or enhanced governmental or regulatory scrutiny, litigation, confidentiality or security risks, reputational harm, liability, or other adverse consequences to our business operations, all of which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Current wording

Our business increasingly utilizes AI, machine learning, and automated decision making to improve our processes. Issues in the development and use of AI, combined with an uncertain regulatory environment, may result in new or enhanced governmental or regulatory scrutiny, litigation, confidentiality or security risks, reputational harm, liability, or other adverse consequences to our business operations, all of which could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Previous wording

We face intense competition from oil and gas exploration and production companies of all sizes for the capital, equipment, expertise, labor, and materials required to operate oil and gas properties. Many of our competitors have financial, technical, and other resources exceeding those available to us, and many oil and gas properties are sold in a competitive bidding process in which our competitors may be able and willing to pay more for exploratory and development prospects and productive properties, or in which our competitors have technological information or expertise that is not available to us to evaluate and successfully bid for properties. As a result, we may not be successful in acquiring and developing profitable properties. In addition, other companies may have a greater ability to continue drilling activities during periods of low oil or gas prices and to absorb the burden of current and future governmental regulations and taxation. In addition, shortages of equipment, labor, or materials as a result of intense competition may result in increased costs or the inability to obtain those resources as needed. Our inability to compete effectively with companies in any area of our business could have a material adverse impact on our business activities, financial condition, and results of operations.

Current wording

We face intense competition from oil and gas exploration and production companies of all sizes for the capital, equipment, expertise, labor, and materials required to operate oil and gas properties. Many of our competitors have financial, technical, and other resources exceeding those available to us, and many oil and gas properties are sold in a competitive bidding process in which our competitors may be able and willing to pay more for exploratory and development prospects and producing properties, or in which our competitors have technological information or expertise that is not available to us to evaluate and successfully bid for properties. As a result, we may not be successful in acquiring and developing profitable properties. In addition, other companies may have a greater ability to continue drilling activities during periods of low oil or gas prices and to absorb the burden of current and future governmental regulations and taxation. In addition, shortages of equipment, labor, or materials resulting from intense competition may result in increased costs or the inability to obtain those resources as needed. Our inability to compete effectively with companies in any area of our business could have a material adverse impact on our business activities, financial condition, and results of operations.

Previous wording

As part of the Uinta Basin Acquisition, our operations expanded to include the use of rail systems operated by third-parties to transport our crude oil to market which involves inherent risk, including the potential for accidents and derailments. In the event of a rail system accident or derailment, there could be significant delays in the delivery of oil to processing facilities, or impacts to rail system access or capacity, which may disrupt our business operations and could adversely affect our financial condition. Additionally, we could experience financial losses related to spills or damages to the oil in transit that we may not be able to recoup from the third-party rail operators. We continue to monitor our transportation arrangements and maintain contingency plans to mitigate potential impacts of transportation-related disruptions; however, we cannot guarantee that such measures will adequately reduce the risks associated with transportation by rail. During the fourth quarter of 2024, certain of our third-party rail operators experienced train and/or railcar derailments, one of which related to two railcars transporting our oil production in Jefferson, Texas. Refer to Note 17 – Acquisitionsin Part II, Item 8 of this report for the definition of the Uinta Basin Acquisition.

Current wording

Our Uinta Basin operations include the use of rail systems operated by third-parties to transport our crude oil to market which involves inherent risk, including the potential for accidents and derailments. In the event of a rail system accident or derailment, there could be significant delays in the delivery of oil to processing facilities, or impacts to rail system access or capacity, which may disrupt our business operations and could adversely affect our financial condition. Additionally, we could experience financial losses related to spills or damages to the oil in transit that we may not be able to recoup from the third-party rail operators. We continue to monitor our transportation arrangements and maintain contingency plans to mitigate potential impacts of transportation-related disruptions; however, we cannot guarantee that such measures will adequately reduce the risks associated with transportation by rail.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2024, we were contractually committed to deliver a minimum of 46 MMBbl of oil through December of 2028 and 3 MMBbl of produced water to certain disposal facilities through June of 2027. We may enter into additional firm transportation agreements as we expand the development of our resource plays. We do not expect to incur any material shortfalls related to our existing contractual commitments. In the event we encounter delays in drilling and completing our wells or otherwise due to construction, interruptions of operations, or delays in connecting new volumes to rail systems, gathering systems, or pipelines for an extended period of time, or if we further limit our capital expenditures due to future commodity price declines or for other reasons, the requirements to pay for quantities not delivered could have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2025, we were contractually committed to deliver a minimum of 49 MMBbl of oil through December of 2032. We may enter into additional firm transportation agreements as we expand the development of our resource plays. In the event we encounter delays in drilling and completing our wells or otherwise due to construction, interruptions of operations, or delays in connecting new volumes to rail systems, gathering systems, or pipelines for an extended period of time, or if we further limit our capital expenditures due to future commodity price declines or for other reasons, the requirements to pay for quantities not delivered could have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.

Previous wording

Substantially all of our accounts receivable result from oil, gas, and NGL sales or joint interest billings to co-owners of oil and gas properties we operate. This concentration of customers and joint interest owners may impact our overall credit risk because these entities may be similarly affected by various economic and other market conditions, including declines in oil, gas, and NGL prices. The loss of one or more of these customers could reduce competition for our products and negatively impact the prices of commodities we sell. We do not believe the loss of any single purchaser would materially impact our operating results, as we have numerous options for purchasers in each of our operating areas for our oil, gas, and NGL production. Refer to Concentration of Credit Risk and Major Customers in Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further discussion of our concentration of credit risk and major customers. Additionally, the inability of our co-owners, some of which have significant non-operated interests in a substantial portion of our oil and gas properties, to pay joint interest billings could negatively impact our cash flows and financial ability to drill and complete current and future wells.

Current wording

Substantially all of our accounts receivable result from oil, gas, and NGL sales or joint interest billings to co-owners of oil and gas properties we operate. This concentration of customers and joint interest owners may impact our overall credit risk because these entities may be similarly affected by various economic and other market conditions, including declines in oil, gas, and NGL prices. The loss of one or more of these customers could reduce competition for our products and negatively impact the prices of commodities we sell. We do not believe the loss of any single purchaser would materially impact our operating results, as we have numerous options for purchasers in each of our operating areas for our oil, gas, and NGL production; however, if adverse market conditions or other economic decline affected a substantial number of our customers or joint interest owners, our operations and financial results could be impacted. Refer to Concentration of Credit Risk and Major Customers in Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in Part II, Item 8 of this report for further discussion of our concentration of credit risk and major customers. Additionally, the inability of our co-owners, some of which have significant non-operated interests in a substantial portion of our oil and gas properties, to pay joint interest billings could negatively impact our cash flows and financial ability to drill and complete current and future wells.

Previous wording

•compliance with environmental and other governmental requirements; and

Current wording

•compliance with and changes in federal, state, and local environmental and other governmental regulatory requirements;

Previous wording

We may not be able to obtain any options or lease rights in potential drilling locations that we identify. Unless production is established within the spacing units covering undeveloped acres on which our drilling locations are identified, the leases for such acreage will expire, and we will lose our right to develop the related properties. Our total net acreage as of January 31, 2025, that is scheduled to expire over the next three years, represents approximately 34 percent of our total net undeveloped acreage as of December 31, 2024. Although we have identified numerous potential drilling locations, we may not be able to economically drill for and produce oil, gas, or NGLs from all of them, and our actual drilling activities may materially differ from those presently identified, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and operating cash flow.

Current wording

We may not be able to obtain any options or lease rights in potential drilling locations that we identify. While some expiring leases may contain predetermined extension payments, other expiring leases will require us to negotiate new leases at the time of lease expiration. Further, existing leases which are currently held by production may unexpectedly encounter operational, political, regulatory, or litigation challenges which could result in their termination. It is possible that market conditions at the time of negotiation could require us to agree to new leases on less favorable terms to us than the terms of the expired leases or cause us to lose the leases entirely. Unless production is established within the spacing units covering undeveloped acres on which our drilling locations are identified, the leases for such acreage will expire, and we will lose our right to develop the related properties. Our total net acreage as of February 2, 2026, that is scheduled to expire over the next three years, represents approximately 30 percent of our total net undeveloped acreage as of that date. Although we have identified numerous potential drilling locations, we may not be able to economically drill for and produce oil, gas, or NGLs from all of them, and our actual drilling activities may materially differ from those presently identified, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and operating cash flow.

Previous wording

The hydraulic fracturing process on which we and others in our industry depend to complete wells that will produce commercial quantities of oil, gas, and NGLs require the use and disposal of significant quantities of water. Our inability to secure sufficient amounts of water, or to dispose of, or recycle, the water produced from our wells, could adversely impact our operations. Moreover, the imposition of new environmental initiatives and regulations could include restrictions on our ability to conduct certain operations such as hydraulic fracturing or disposal of wastes, including, but not limited to, produced water, drilling fluids, and other wastes associated with the exploration, development, or production of oil, gas, and NGLs.

Current wording

The hydraulic fracturing process on which we and others in our industry depend to complete wells that will produce commercial quantities of oil, gas, and NGLs require the use and disposal of significant quantities of water. Our inability to secure sufficient amounts of water, or to dispose of, or recycle, the water produced from our wells, could adversely impact our operations. Moreover, the imposition of new federal, state, or local environmental initiatives and regulations could include restrictions on our ability to conduct certain operations such as hydraulic fracturing or disposal of wastes, including, but not limited to, produced water, drilling fluids, and other wastes associated with the exploration, development, or production of oil, gas, and NGLs.

Previous wording

Compliance with environmental regulations, oil and gas leases, surface use agreements, and permit requirements governing the withdrawal, storage, and use of surface water and disposal or recycling of produced water or groundwater necessary for hydraulic fracturing of wells may increase our operating costs and cause delays, interruptions, or termination of our operations, the extent of which cannot be predicted, all of which could have an adverse effect on our operations and financial condition.

Current wording

Compliance with environmental regulations, oil and gas leases, surface use agreements, and permit requirements governing the withdrawal, storage, and use of surface water and disposal or recycling of produced water or groundwater necessary for hydraulic fracturing of wells may increase our operating costs and cause delays, interruptions, or termination of our operations. The extent of these impacts cannot be predicted, but they could have an adverse effect on our operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2024, 40 percent, or 274.3 MMBOE, of our estimated proved reserves were proved undeveloped. In order to develop our net proved undeveloped reserves, as of December 31, 2024, we estimate approximately $2.8 billion of capital expenditures would be required. Although we have estimated our proved reserves and the costs associated with these proved reserves in accordance with industry standards, estimated costs may not be accurate, development may not occur as scheduled, and actual results may not occur as estimated.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2025, 39 percent, or 260.7 MMBOE, of our estimated proved reserves were proved undeveloped. In order to develop our net proved undeveloped reserves, as of December 31, 2025, we estimate approximately $2.6 billion of capital expenditures would be required. Although we have estimated our proved reserves and the costs associated with these proved reserves in accordance with industry standards, estimated costs may not be accurate, development may not occur as scheduled, and actual results may not occur as estimated.

Previous wording

As an oil, gas, and NGL producer, we face various security threats, including cybersecurity threats to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or to render data or systems unusable; threats to the safety of our employees; threats to the security of our facilities and infrastructure or third-party facilities and infrastructure, such as processing plants and pipelines; and threats from terrorist acts, including armed attacks on shipping channels. Although we utilize various procedures and controls to monitor these threats and mitigate our exposure to such threats, there can be no assurance that these procedures and controls will be sufficient in preventing security threats from materializing. If any of these events were to materialize, they could lead to losses of sensitive information, critical infrastructure, personnel, or capabilities essential to our operations and could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Current wording

As an oil, gas, and NGL producer, we face various security threats, including cybersecurity threats to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or to render data or systems unusable; threats to the safety of our employees; threats to the security of our facilities and infrastructure or third-party facilities and infrastructure, such as processing plants and pipelines; and threats from terrorist acts, including armed attacks on shipping channels. Although we utilize various procedures and controls to monitor these threats and mitigate our exposure to such threats, there can be no assurance that these procedures and controls will be sufficient in preventing security threats from materializing. If any of these events were to materialize, they could lead to losses of sensitive information, critical infrastructure, personnel, or capabilities essential to our operations and could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Further, our insurance may not protect against such occurrences.

Previous wording

Oil and gas operations are subject to many risks, including human error and accidents, that could cause personal injury, death, property damage, well blowouts, craterings, explosions, uncontrollable flows of oil, gas and NGLs, or well fluids, releases or spills of completion fluids, spills or releases from facilities and equipment used to deliver or store these materials, spills or releases of brine or other produced or flowback water, subsurface conditions that prevent us from stimulating the planned number of completion stages, accessing the entirety of the wellbore with our tools during completion, or removing materials from the wellbore to allow production to begin, fires, adverse weather such as hurricanes or tornadoes, freezing conditions, wildfires, floods, droughts, formations with abnormal pressures, pipeline ruptures or spills, train derailments, pollution, seismic events, releases of toxic gas such as hydrogen sulfide, and other environmental risks and hazards. If any of these types of events occur, we could sustain substantial losses.

Current wording

Oil and gas operations are subject to many risks, including human error and accidents, that could cause personal injury, death, and property damage. These include well blowouts, craterings, explosions, and uncontrollable flows of oil, gas, NGLs, and well fluids. Risks also include releases or spills of completion fluids, spills or releases from facilities and equipment used to deliver or store these materials, and spills or releases of brine or other produced or flowback water. In addition, subsurface conditions may prevent us from stimulating the planned number of completion stages, accessing the entirety of the wellbore with our tools during completion, or removing materials from the wellbore to allow production to begin. Fires, adverse weather such as hurricanes or tornadoes, freezing conditions, wildfires, floods, droughts, formations with abnormal pressures, pipeline ruptures or spills, train derailments, pollution, seismic events, releases of toxic gas such as hydrogen sulfide, and other environmental risks and hazards may impact operations. If any of these types of events occur, we could sustain substantial losses.

Previous wording

If we experience any of the problems with well stimulation, completion activities, and disposal referenced above, our ability to explore for and produce oil, gas, and NGLs may be adversely affected. We could incur substantial losses or otherwise fail to realize reserves in particular formations as a result of the need to shut down, abandon, or relocate drilling operations, the need to modify drill sites to lessen the risk of spills or releases, the need to investigate and/or remediate any spills, releases or ground water contamination that might have occurred, and the need to suspend our operations.

Current wording

If we experience any of the problems with well stimulation, completion activities, and disposal referenced above, our ability to explore for and produce oil, gas, and NGLs may be adversely affected. We could incur substantial losses or otherwise fail to realize reserves in particular formations resulting from the need to shut down, abandon, or relocate drilling operations, the need to modify drill sites to lessen the risk of spills or releases, the need to investigate and/or remediate any spills, releases or ground water contamination that might have occurred, and the need to suspend our operations.

Previous wording

There is an inherent risk of incurring significant environmental costs and liabilities in our operations due to our current and past generation, handling, and disposal of materials, including produced water, solid and hazardous wastes, and petroleum hydrocarbons. We may incur joint and several, and/or strict liability under applicable United States federal and state environmental laws in connection with releases of hazardous substances at, on, under, or from our leased or owned properties, some of which have been used for oil and gas exploration and production activities for a number of years, often by third-parties not under our control. For our outside-operated properties, we are dependent on the operator for operational and regulatory compliance and could be subject to liabilities in the event of non-compliance. These properties and the wastes disposed thereon or therefrom could be subject to stringent and costly investigatory or remedial requirements under applicable laws, some of which are strict liability laws without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct, including CERCLA or the Superfund law, RCRA, the Clean Water Act, the CAA, the OPA, and analogous state laws. Under various implementing regulations, we could be required to remove or remediate previously disposed wastes (including wastes disposed of or released by prior owners or operators) or property contamination (including groundwater contamination), to perform natural resource mitigation or restoration practices, or to perform remedial plugging or closure operations to prevent future contamination. In addition, it is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third-parties to file claims for personal injury or property damage, including induced seismicity damage, allegedly caused by the release of petroleum hydrocarbons or other hazardous substances into the environment. As a result, we may incur substantial liabilities to third-parties or governmental entities, which could reduce or eliminate funds available for exploration, development, or acquisitions, or cause us to incur losses.

Current wording

There is an inherent risk of incurring significant environmental costs and liabilities in our operations due to our current and past generation, handling, and disposal of materials, including produced water, solid and hazardous wastes, and petroleum hydrocarbons. We may incur joint and several, and/or strict liability under applicable United States federal and state environmental laws in connection with releases of hazardous substances at, on, under, or from our leased or owned properties, some of which have been used for oil and gas exploration and production activities for a number of years, often by third-parties not under our control. For our outside-operated properties, we are dependent on the operator for operational and regulatory compliance and could be subject to liabilities in the event of non-compliance. These properties and the wastes disposed thereon or therefrom could be subject to stringent and costly investigatory or remedial requirements under applicable laws, some of which are strict liability laws without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct, including CERCLA , RCRA, the Clean Water Act, the CAA, the OPA, and analogous state laws. Under various federal, state, and local regulations, we could be required to remove or remediate previously disposed wastes (including wastes disposed of or released by prior owners or operators) or property contamination (including groundwater contamination), to perform natural resource mitigation or restoration practices, or to perform remedial plugging or closure operations to prevent future contamination. In addition, it is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third-parties to file claims for personal injury or property damage, including induced seismicity damage, allegedly caused by the release of petroleum hydrocarbons or other hazardous substances into the environment. As a result, we may incur substantial liabilities to third-parties or governmental entities, which could reduce or eliminate funds available for exploration, development, or acquisitions, or cause us to incur losses.

Previous wording

Federal, state, tribal, and local authorities extensively regulate the oil and gas industry. Legislation and regulations affecting the industry are under constant review for amendment or expansion, and subject to constantly changing or differing interpretations, raising the possibility of changes that may become more stringent and, as a result, may affect, among other things, the pricing, or marketing of oil, gas, and NGL production. Non-compliance with statutes and regulations and more vigorous enforcement of such statutes and regulations by regulatory agencies may lead to increased operational and compliance costs, substantial administrative, civil, and criminal penalties, including the assessment of natural resource damages, the imposition of significant investigatory and remedial obligations and may also result in the suspension or termination of our operations. The overall regulatory burden on the industry increases the cost to place, design, drill, complete, install, operate, and abandon wells and related facilities and, in turn, decreases profitability.

Current wording

Federal, state, tribal, and local authorities extensively regulate the oil and gas industry. Legislation and regulations affecting the industry are under constant review for amendment or expansion, and subject to constantly changing or differing interpretations, raising the possibility of changes that may become more stringent and, as a result, may affect, among other things, the pricing, or marketing of oil, gas, and NGL production. Non-compliance with statutes and regulations and more vigorous enforcement of such statutes and regulations by regulatory agencies may lead to increased operational and compliance costs, substantial administrative penalties, civil penalties, and criminal prosecution. These may include the assessment of natural resource damages and the imposition of significant investigatory and remedial obligations, potentially resulting in the suspension or termination of our operations. The overall regulatory burden on the industry increases the cost to place, design, drill, complete, install, operate, and abandon wells and related facilities and, in turn, decreases profitability.

Previous wording

Hydraulic fracturing is a common practice in the oil and gas industry used to stimulate the production of oil, gas, and NGLs from dense subsurface rock formations. We routinely apply hydraulic fracturing techniques to many of our oil and gas properties, including our unconventional resource plays within our Midland Basin, South Texas, and Uinta Basin assets. Hydraulic fracturing involves injecting water, sand, and certain chemicals under pressure to fracture the hydrocarbon-bearing rock formation to allow the flow of hydrocarbons into the wellbore. The process is typically regulated by state oil and gas commissions. However, the EPA and other federal agencies have asserted federal regulatory authority over certain aspects of hydraulic fracturing activities, as outlined below.

Current wording

Hydraulic fracturing is a common practice in the oil and gas industry used to stimulate the production of oil, gas, and NGLs from dense subsurface rock formations. We routinely apply hydraulic fracturing techniques to many of our oil and gas properties, including our unconventional resource plays. Hydraulic fracturing involves injecting water, sand, and certain chemicals under pressure to fracture the hydrocarbon-bearing rock formation to allow the flow of hydrocarbons into the wellbore. The process is typically regulated by state oil and gas commissions. However, the EPA and other federal agencies have asserted federal regulatory authority over certain aspects of hydraulic fracturing activities, as outlined below.

Previous wording

The EPA has authority to regulate underground injections that contain diesel in the fluid system under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The EPA also has authority under the Clean Water Act to regulate wastewater generated by unconventional oil and gas operations during the hydraulic fracturing process and discharged to publicly-owned wastewater treatment facilities. If the EPA implements further regulations of hydraulic fracturing, we may incur additional costs to comply with such requirements that may be significant in nature, experience delays or curtailment in the pursuit of exploration, development, or production activities, and could even be prohibited from drilling and/or completing certain wells.

Current wording

The EPA has authority to regulate underground injections that contain diesel in the fluid system under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The EPA also has authority under the Clean Water Act to regulate wastewater generated by unconventional oil and gas operations during the hydraulic fracturing process and discharged to publicly-owned wastewater treatment facilities. Although the Trump administration has signaled a desire for fewer environmental regulations, if the EPA were to implement further regulations of hydraulic fracturing, we may incur additional costs to comply with such requirements that may be significant in nature, experience delays or curtailment in the pursuit of exploration, development, or production activities, and could even be prohibited from drilling and/or completing certain wells.

Previous wording

Certain states, including Texas and Utah, have adopted or may adopt, regulations that could impose more stringent permitting, public disclosure, waste disposal, and well construction requirements on hydraulic fracturing operations or otherwise seek to ban fracturing activities altogether. In addition to state laws, local land use restrictions, such as city ordinances, may restrict, or prohibit the performance of drilling in general and/or hydraulic fracturing in particular. Recently, municipalities have passed or proposed zoning ordinances that ban or strictly regulate hydraulic fracturing within city boundaries, setting the stage for challenges by state regulators and third-parties. Similar events and processes are playing out in several cities, counties, and townships across the United States. In the event that tribal, state, local, or municipal legal restrictions are adopted in areas where we are currently conducting, or in the future plan to conduct, operations, we may incur additional costs to comply with such requirements that may be significant in nature, experience delays or curtailment in the pursuit of exploration, development, or production activities, and could even be prohibited from drilling and/or completing certain wells.

Current wording

In addition to state laws, local land use restrictions, such as city ordinances or memoranda of understanding, may restrict, or prohibit the performance of drilling in general and/or hydraulic fracturing in particular. Recently, municipalities have passed or proposed zoning ordinances that ban or strictly regulate hydraulic fracturing within city boundaries, setting the stage for challenges by state regulators and third-parties. Similar events and processes are playing out in several cities, counties, and townships across the United States. In the event that tribal, state, local, or municipal legal restrictions are adopted in areas where we are currently conducting, or in the future plan to conduct, operations, we may incur additional costs to comply with such requirements that may be significant in nature, experience delays or curtailment in the pursuit of exploration, development, or production activities, and could even be prohibited from drilling and/or completing certain wells.

Previous wording

In the recent past, several federal governmental agencies were actively involved in studies or reviews that focus on environmental aspects and impacts of hydraulic fracturing practices. Increased regulation and attention given to the hydraulic fracturing process could lead to greater opposition, including litigation, to oil and gas production activities using hydraulic fracturing techniques. Disclosure of chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process could make it easier for third parties opposing such activities to pursue legal proceedings against producers and service providers based on allegations that specific chemicals used in the fracturing process could adversely affect human health or the environment, including groundwater. In 2013, a court in California, and in 2020, the United States District Court for the District of Montana, each held that the BLM did not comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) because it did not adequately consider the impact of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling before issuing leases. In 2022, the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals held that two federal agencies violated NEPA, in part, by failing to evaluate the environmental impacts of well stimulation treatments such as hydraulic fracturing before authorizing unconventional oil drilling offshore. Similar cases continue to be filed. In addition, courts in New York and Colorado reduced the level of evidence required before a court will agree to consider alleged damage claims from hydraulic fracturing by property owners. Litigation resulting in financial compensation for damages linked to hydraulic fracturing, including damages from induced seismicity, could spur future litigation and bring increased attention to the practice of hydraulic fracturing. Judicial decisions could also lead to increased regulation, permitting requirements, enforcement actions, and penalties. Additional legislation or regulation could also lead to operational delays or restrictions or increased costs in the exploration for, and production of, oil, gas, and NGLs, including from the development of shale plays, or could make it more difficult to perform hydraulic fracturing. The adoption of additional state or local laws, or the implementation of new regulations regarding hydraulic fracturing could potentially cause a decrease in the completion of new oil and gas wells, or an increase in compliance costs and delays, which could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

Current wording

In the recent past, several federal governmental agencies were actively involved in studies or reviews that focus on environmental aspects and impacts of hydraulic fracturing practices. Increased regulation and attention given to the hydraulic fracturing process could lead to greater opposition, including litigation, to oil and gas production activities using hydraulic fracturing techniques. Disclosure of chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process could make it easier for third parties opposing such activities to pursue legal proceedings against producers and service providers based on allegations that specific chemicals used in the fracturing process could adversely affect human health or the environment, including groundwater. Litigation resulting in financial compensation for damages linked to hydraulic fracturing, including damages from induced seismicity, could spur future litigation and bring increased attention to the practice of hydraulic fracturing. Judicial decisions could also lead to increased regulation, permitting requirements, enforcement actions, and penalties. Additional legislation or regulation could also lead to operational delays or restrictions or increased costs in the exploration for, and production of, oil, gas, and NGLs, including from the development of shale plays, or could make it more difficult to perform hydraulic fracturing. The adoption of additional state or local laws, or the implementation of new regulations regarding hydraulic fracturing could potentially cause a decrease in the completion of new oil and gas wells, or an increase in compliance costs and delays, which could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.