Noble A (NE) 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
SM Energy (SM) has outperformed Noble A (NE) over the past year, gaining 39.4% versus a gain of 35.5%. Over five years, NE leads with a +53.7% price change compared with +21.2% for SM. SM Energy is the larger company by market cap ($8.82 billion vs $6.78 billion), about 1.3 times the size.
On valuation, SM Energy trades at a lower forward P/E (4.5x vs 21.1x for Noble A). Noble A offers the higher dividend yield (4.71% vs 2.21%). SM Energy converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 20.5% versus 6.6%.
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 | NE | SM |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $42.48 | $37.09 |
| Market cap | $6.78B | $8.82B |
| 1-day change | +3.69% | +5.22% |
| YTD return | +45.08% | +88.50% |
| 1-year return | +35.53% | +39.44% |
| 5-year return | +53.73% | +21.18% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 45.19 | 6.58 |
| Forward P/E | 21.07 | 4.54 |
| EPS (TTM) | $0.94 | $5.64 |
| Dividend yield | 4.71% | 2.21% |
| Annual dividend | $2.00 | $0.82 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $3.29B | $3.15B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +7.45% | +17.25% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $216.72M | $648.00M |
| Gross margin | — | 71.94% |
| Operating margin | 12.65% | 31.71% |
| Net margin | 6.60% | 20.55% |
| 52-week high | $54.98 | $41.56 |
| 52-week low | $26.70 | $17.45 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -22.74% | -10.76% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +14.29% | +18.15% |
| Average volume | 1.33M | 3.69M |
| Shares outstanding | 159.64M | 237.85M |
| Employees | 4,500 | 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
- Noble A trades at a higher earnings multiple (45.2x vs 6.6x trailing P/E).
- Noble A offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (4.71% vs 2.21%).
- SM Energy is more profitable, keeping 20.5 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 6.6 cents for Noble A.
- SM Energy grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+17.25% vs +7.45%).
About Noble A
NE stock →Noble Corporation plc operates as an offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry worldwide. It provides contract drilling services through its fleet of mobile offshore drilling units.
Energy · Oil & Gas Production · 4,500 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
NE vs SM FAQ
Which is bigger, Noble A or SM Energy?
SM Energy (SM) is larger, with a market capitalization of $8.82B compared with $6.78B for Noble A (NE).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, NE or SM?
SM returned +39.44% over the past 12 months, compared with +35.53% for NE (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, NE or SM?
SM has the lower trailing P/E at 6.6, versus 45.2 for NE. 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, Noble A or SM Energy?
Noble A has the higher yield at 4.71%, compared with 2.21% for SM Energy.
Are Noble A and SM Energy in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Oil & Gas Production industry within the Energy sector.