Business Context and Reporting Period
Company: SM Energy Company
Filing Type: Form 8-K (Current Report)
Date of Report: February 4, 2026
Reporting Period: The filing addresses events occurring on February 4, 2026, regarding the change of the independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026.
Key Financial Metrics
This filing does not contain financial performance data. The document does not provide values for revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity.
Material Changes
The primary material change reported is the dismissal of Ernst & Young LLP ("EY") as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm and the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP ("Deloitte") for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026. The change is effective upon the completion of EY's audit of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025.
Management Commentary and Risks
- Audit History: EY's audit reports for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, did not contain an adverse opinion, disclaimer of opinion, or qualification regarding uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
- Disagreements: The Company reported no disagreements with EY on accounting principles, practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope/procedure during the fiscal years 2023 and 2024, or the interim period through February 4, 2026.
- Reportable Events: No "reportable events" occurred during the same periods.
- Consultation with New Auditor: The Company confirmed no consultations with Deloitte regarding accounting principles, audit opinions, or matters subject to disagreement prior to the appointment.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the content of the letter from Ernst & Young LLP (Exhibit 16.1) to confirm their stance on the disclosures regarding the dismissal.
- Monitor the transition timeline to ensure the completion of EY's audit for the year ended December 31, 2025, before Deloitte assumes full responsibility.
- Review future filings to confirm the rationale for the auditor change, as no specific reason was detailed in this 8-K beyond the appointment itself.