---
schema_version: "secwatch.filing_event.v1"
accession: "0000893538-26-000069"
form_type: "8-K"
ticker: "SM"
cik: "0000893538"
company_name: "SM Energy Co"
filed_at: "2026-05-22T20:17:29+00:00"
generated_at: "2026-05-22T20:21:22.504053+00:00"
event_type: "other_material"
sentiment: "neutral"
materiality_score: 0.6
confidence: "high"
source: SEC EDGAR
---

# SM Energy boosts CEO & COO LTIP targets; CEO severance multiplier raised to 3.0x

## Summary
- CEO McDonald LTIP target raised to $5.8M (40% RSU, 60% PSU); COO McKenna to $2.4M (50% each).
- CEO change-of-control severance multiplier increased from 2.5x to 3.0x, effective Jan 30, 2026.
- Amended severance agreement recognizes Jan 30, 2026 Civitas Merger as a Change of Control.
- Annual meeting: all 11 incumbent directors elected; say-on-pay approved (95%); Deloitte ratified.

## SEC filing metadata
- accession: 0000893538-26-000069
- form_type: 8-K
- ticker: SM
- cik: 0000893538
- company_name: SM Energy Co
- filed_at: 2026-05-22T20:17:29+00:00
- event_type: other_material
- sentiment: neutral
- materiality_score: 0.6
- confidence: high
- sec_items: 5.02, 5.07, 9.01
- EDGAR index: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/893538/000089353826000069/0000893538-26-000069-index.htm
- EDGAR primary document: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/893538/000089353826000069/sm-20260521.htm

## Machine-readable alternates
- HTML: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0000893538-26-000069
- JSON: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0000893538-26-000069.json
- Plain text: https://secwatch.observer/filing/0000893538-26-000069.txt

This AI-assisted summary is a reading aid. Review the linked SEC EDGAR filing before relying on any specific claim.