13 Most Profitable Growth Stocks to Buy Right Now

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9. SM Energy Company (NYSE:SM)

According to a report released on February 26, Siebert Williams Shank & Co analyst Gabriele Sorbara reiterated a Hold rating on SM Energy Company (NYSE:SM) along with the price target of $25. The firm’s price target is consistent with the median Wall Street analyst price target of $29, based on estimates from 16 analysts.

On the same day, another update came from Mizuho Securities. William Janela from Mizuho Securities lowered the firm’s price target on SM Energy Company (NYSE:SM) from $34 to $31 while reaffirming an Outperform rating.

Both rating updates were issued after SM Energy Company (NYSE:SM) reported its fourth-quarter results on February 25. The company reported fourth-quarter revenue of $705 million, which was below the consensus estimate of  $760.57 million. Net production reached 75.5 MMBoe, or 206.8 MBoe/d, reflecting a 21% year-over-year increase. Oil accounted for 53% of total output. According to the President and CEO, Beth McDonald, the company delivered record cash flow from operations and record production in 2025. The performance has created momentum heading into 2026.

SM Energy Company (NYSE:SM) President and CEO Beth McDonald pointed out:

In 2025, we delivered record cash flow from operations and record net production. We’ve built great momentum for 2026 with expanded scale and a clear strategic plan to create differentiating value. We’re rapidly integrating the combined business and unlocking meaningful synergies. With our recently announced $950 million South Texas asset divestiture at an accretive valuation, we are well on our way to achieving our $1.0 billion divestiture target to bolster the balance sheet and enhance return of capital.

SM Energy Company (NYSE:SM) is an energy company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil, gas, and natural gas liquids. The company is based in Denver, Colorado, and was founded in 1908.

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