SM Energy Company, an independent oil and gas exploration and production firm, has been rated as a #1 Strong Buy by Zacks with a VGM Score of A. Four analysts raised their earnings estimates for fiscal 2026, with the consensus estimate increasing to $7.63 per share. The stock shows strong momentum with a B score and has demonstrated an average earnings surprise of +13.4%.

The article explains the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) tool, which identifies stocks likely to beat earnings estimates by comparing the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Using positive ESP with a Zacks Rank #3 or better has historically resulted in positive earnings surprises 70% of the time with 28.3% average annual returns. Two oil and energy stocks highlighted are SM Energy (Strong Buy) and Diamondback Energy (Hold), both showing positive ESP figures ahead of their November earnings releases.

SM Energy (SM), an oil and gas exploration and production company, has demonstrated a consistent track record of beating earnings estimates with an average surprise of 16.81% over the past two quarters. The company's positive Earnings ESP of +2.74% combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) rating suggests another earnings beat is likely in its next quarterly report expected on November 3, 2026.

SM Energy, an independent oil and gas exploration and production company, has gained attention as a trending stock. The company shows strong earnings growth expectations with consensus estimates of $7.63 per share for the current fiscal year (+40.8% YoY) and $8.77 for next year (+14.9% YoY). Revenue is projected to grow significantly at +136% for the current year. SM Energy received a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) rating and trades at a valuation discount to peers (Grade A). The company has consistently beaten earnings and revenue estimates in recent quarters.

SM Energy closed at $37.69, up 1.86% and outperforming the S&P 500's 0.06% decline. The stock is rated Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) with anticipated Q3 EPS of $1.83 (up 37.59% YoY) and revenue of $1.89 billion (up 132.36% YoY). Full-year estimates project $7.55 EPS and $7.38 billion revenue. Trading at a Forward P/E of 4.9, a discount to the industry average of 9.19, SM Energy is positioned favorably ahead of its November 3 earnings report.

SM Energy has outperformed the Oils-Energy sector with an 88.5% year-to-date return compared to the sector average of 34.5%, earning a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) rating with improved earnings estimates. Kosmos Energy has significantly outperformed with a 185.4% year-to-date return and a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating, supported by a 75.9% increase in consensus EPS estimates over the past three months.

Zacks identifies SM Energy (SM) as a compelling value stock opportunity, citing its Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) rating and 'A' grade in the Value category. Trading at a P/E ratio of 4.93 versus the industry average of 10.29, and a P/S ratio of 1.53 compared to the industry average of 1.86, SM Energy appears undervalued with strong earnings outlook.

Zacks highlights three stocks with Rank #1 (Strong Buy) ratings and strong value characteristics: HCI Group (insurance/IT/real estate) with a P/E of 9.19 and 5.6% earnings estimate increase; Super Micro Computer (server/storage solutions) with a P/E of 9.95 and 33.6% earnings estimate increase; and SM Energy Company (oil/gas) with a P/E of 4.69 and 6.7% earnings estimate increase. All three companies trade below their respective industry P/E ratios.

SM Energy Company (SM) is highlighted as a potential growth investment with a #3 (Hold) Zacks Rank and an A-rated VGM Score. The company forecasts 38.2% year-over-year earnings growth for the current fiscal year, with four analysts revising earnings estimates upward in the last 60 days. Despite the Hold rating, the strong growth metrics and Style Scores suggest it warrants consideration for growth-focused investors.

SM Energy (SM) has attracted significant investor attention despite underperforming the broader market by 11.8% over the past month. The company shows strong earnings growth expectations (+38.2% for current fiscal year) and revenue growth (+133.9%), with a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating. The stock trades at a valuation discount to peers with an A grade on value metrics, though recent earnings beat consensus estimates.

SM Energy stock declined 1.31% to $33.11, underperforming the S&P 500's 0.17% loss. The stock has fallen 9.76% over the past month, significantly lagging its Oil-Energy sector which gained 0.04%. Despite strong earnings forecasts showing 36.09% EPS growth and 132.36% revenue growth for the upcoming quarter, SM Energy holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating with a Forward P/E of 4.48, trading at a discount to its industry average of 8.99.

SM Energy Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.22 per share, payable on June 22, 2026, to shareholders of record as of June 8, 2026. The company operates top-tier oil and gas assets across four major U.S. shale basins and focuses on operational excellence and disciplined capital allocation.