SM Energy vs Delek US

This page compares SM Energy and Delek US, detailing each company’s business models, financial performance, and market context in a neutral, accessible manner. It explains how SM Energy and Delek US operate, their strategic approaches, and their roles within the energy sector. Educational content, not financial advice.

This page compares SM Energy and Delek US, detailing each company’s business models, financial performance, and market context in a neutral, accessible manner. It explains how SM Energy and Delek US o...

About The Companies

SM Energy (SM)

SM Energy Company (ticker: SM) is a US-focused independent oil and gas exploration and production company that develops and produces crude oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas from onshore unconventional reservoirs. With a market capitalisation of roughly $2.37 billion, SM is smaller than major integrated peers and typically more sensitive to oil and gas price cycles and operational execution. Investors commonly monitor production volumes, realised commodity prices, unit operating costs, capital expenditure and balance-sheet metrics to gauge performance. Key risks include commodity price volatility, permitting and regulatory shifts, operational setbacks and the capital-intensive nature of the business. This summary is for general educational purposes only and not personalised investment advice. Values can fall as well as rise; suitability depends on an individual’s circumstances and investors should consult a regulated adviser before acting.

Delek US (DK)

Delek US Holdings, Inc. (DK) is a US-based downstream energy company that operates oil refineries, asphalt plants and logistics and marketing businesses. With a market capitalisation near $2.03bn, the company’s earnings are closely tied to crude oil prices, refining margins (crack spreads) and refinery utilisation. Delek generates cash from refined product sales and midstream fees and has pursued operational improvements and selective capital projects to enhance margins. Investors should be aware that refining is cyclical: profits can swing materially with changes in fuel demand, inventory valuations and regulatory developments. Delek has historically carried leverage and its capital returns (dividends or buybacks) depend on cash flow and board priorities. This summary is for educational purposes and not personalised financial advice — values can rise or fall and past performance is not a reliable guide to future results. Consider your risk tolerance and carry out further research before acting.

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

SM

Metric

DK

$2.24B

Market Cap

$2.05B

84.93%

Potential Profit

25.66%

Buy

Analyst Rating

Hold

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

OPEC+ Supply Squeeze: Could Shale Stocks Surge?

OPEC+ has decided to limit its oil production increase, causing a climb in global oil prices. This creates a potential investment opportunity in oil and gas companies, especially U.S. shale producers, who can benefit from the higher prices.

Published: October 10, 2025

Explore Basket

The Great Energy Realignment

Recent US tariff threats against buyers of Russian oil and a major new energy deal with the EU are redirecting global energy demand. This creates a prime opportunity for U.S. energy producers and exporters poised to meet Europe's growing needs.

Published: July 31, 2025

Explore Basket

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

OPEC+ Supply Squeeze: Could Shale Stocks Surge?

OPEC+ has decided to limit its oil production increase, causing a climb in global oil prices. This creates a potential investment opportunity in oil and gas companies, especially U.S. shale producers, who can benefit from the higher prices.

Published: October 10, 2025

Explore Basket

The Great Energy Realignment

Recent US tariff threats against buyers of Russian oil and a major new energy deal with the EU are redirecting global energy demand. This creates a prime opportunity for U.S. energy producers and exporters poised to meet Europe's growing needs.

Published: July 31, 2025

Explore Basket

Investment Analysis

SM Energy

SM

Pros

SM Energy demonstrated strong production performance and resilient margins, delivering a financial beat in Q3 2025 with net income of $155.1 million.
The company showed improved leverage with a reaffirmed borrowing base of $3.0 billion by lenders, reflecting confidence in its disciplined value-creation strategy.
SM Energy's return on equity (ROE) has significantly improved to about 18.8%, much higher than its historical average, indicating efficient capital use.

Considerations

Despite revenue growth, SM Energy’s earnings decreased by about 5.8% in the previous year, showing some pressure on profitability.
The stock price is currently trading below recent analyst price targets indicating potential market skepticism and bearish sentiment.
SM Energy operates with very high stock price volatility and a bearish technical outlook, which may increase investment risk.

Delek US

DK

Pros

Delek US Holdings operates integrated downstream energy segments, including refining and logistics, providing diversified revenue streams.
The company owns and operates multiple refineries and extensive logistics infrastructure, supporting its market presence across key US regions.
Delek’s business model includes both refining and transportation/storage, allowing it to capture margin opportunities across the petroleum value chain.

Considerations

Delek US’s exposure to commodity price fluctuations in crude oil and petroleum products creates inherent cyclicality and margin risk.
The refining sector faces ongoing regulatory and environmental pressures, which could lead to increased costs or operational constraints.
Delek’s operational complexity across multiple refineries and logistics assets introduces execution risks and capital intensity concerns.

Discover More Comparisons

SM Energy vs Patterson-UTI Energy

SM Energy vs Oceaneering

SM Energy vs Oceaneering: a quick comparison

SM Energy vs TGS

SM Energy vs Delek US

About The Companies

Comparison Snapshot

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

OPEC+ Supply Squeeze: Could Shale Stocks Surge?

The Great Energy Realignment

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

OPEC+ Supply Squeeze: Could Shale Stocks Surge?

The Great Energy Realignment

Investment Analysis

SM Energy

Pros

Considerations

Delek US

Pros

Considerations

Why invest with Nemo?

Zero Commission

Trusted & Regulated

6% Interest on Cash

Discover More Comparisons

SM Energy vs Patterson-UTI Energy

SM Energy vs Oceaneering

SM Energy vs TGS

Frequently asked questions

About The Companies

Comparison Snapshot

SM Energy vs Delek US

About The Companies

Comparison Snapshot

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

OPEC+ Supply Squeeze: Could Shale Stocks Surge?

The Great Energy Realignment

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

OPEC+ Supply Squeeze: Could Shale Stocks Surge?

The Great Energy Realignment

Investment Analysis

SM Energy

Pros

Considerations

Delek US

Pros

Considerations

Why invest with Nemo?

Zero Commission

Trusted & Regulated

6% Interest on Cash

Discover More Comparisons

SM Energy vs Patterson-UTI Energy

SM Energy vs Oceaneering

SM Energy vs TGS

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean to compare two stocks in a single page?

How should I read ‘pros and cons’ for each stock?

What kinds of financial metrics are most commonly used in these comparisons?

How does ROE influence my view of each stock’s profitability potential?

What should I infer from the ‘bearish sentiment’ and price targets mentioned for SM Energy?

How does Delek US’s diversified business model affect risk and return?

What role do external factors like commodity prices play in these stocks?

How might regulatory or environmental factors influence these stocks?

What information should beginners focus on when reading a stock comparison page?

Educational disclaimer

About The Companies

Comparison Snapshot