APA (APA) vs SM Energy (SM)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
APA (APA) has outperformed SM Energy (SM) over the past year, gaining 74.7% versus a gain of 39.4%. Over five years, APA leads with a +66.1% price change compared with +21.2% for SM. APA is the larger company by market cap ($16.01 billion vs $8.84 billion), about 1.8 times the size.
On valuation, SM Energy trades at a lower forward P/E (4.5x vs 10.0x for APA). SM Energy offers the higher dividend yield (2.21% vs 2.19%).
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | APA | SM |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $45.69 | $37.17 |
| Market cap | $16.01B | $8.84B |
| 1-day change | +4.29% | +5.45% |
| YTD return | +79.11% | +88.50% |
| 1-year return | +74.68% | +39.44% |
| 5-year return | +66.14% | +21.18% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 9.66 | 6.59 |
| Forward P/E | 9.95 | 4.55 |
| EPS (TTM) | $4.73 | $5.64 |
| Dividend yield | 2.19% | 2.21% |
| Annual dividend | $1.00 | $0.82 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | — | $3.15B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | — | +17.25% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.43B | $648.00M |
| Gross margin | — | 71.94% |
| Operating margin | — | 31.71% |
| Net margin | — | 20.55% |
| 52-week high | $47.44 | $41.56 |
| 52-week low | $21.63 | $17.45 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -3.69% | -10.56% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +1.12% | +17.89% |
| Average volume | 5.54M | 3.69M |
| Shares outstanding | 350.35M | 237.85M |
| Employees | 1,791 | 1,241 |
| Sector | Energy | Energy |
| Industry | Oil & Gas Production | Oil & Gas Production |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- APA has outperformed SM by 35.2 percentage points over the past year.
- APA trades at a higher earnings multiple (9.7x vs 6.6x trailing P/E).
About APA
APA stock →APA Corporation, an independent energy company, explores for, develops, and produces natural gas, crude oil, and natural gas liquids. The company has oil and gas operations in the United States, Egypt, and North Sea.
Energy · Oil & Gas Production · 1,791 employees
About SM Energy
SM stock →SM Energy Company, an independent energy company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil, gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. The company holds working interests in oil and gas producing wells in the Midland Basin, South Texas, Uinta Basin, and DJ Basin.
Energy · Oil & Gas Production · 1,241 employees
APA vs SM FAQ
Which is bigger, APA or SM Energy?
APA (APA) is larger, with a market capitalization of $16.01B compared with $8.84B for SM Energy (SM).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, APA or SM?
APA returned +74.68% over the past 12 months, compared with +39.44% for SM (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, APA or SM?
SM has the lower trailing P/E at 6.6, versus 9.7 for APA. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, APA or SM Energy?
SM Energy has the higher yield at 2.21%, compared with 2.19% for APA.
Are APA and SM Energy in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Oil & Gas Production industry within the Energy sector.