SM Energy (SM) vs Viper Energy (VNOM)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
SM Energy (SM) has outperformed Viper Energy (VNOM) over the past year, gaining 46.9% versus a gain of 11.3%. Over five years, VNOM leads with a +77.6% price change compared with +27.5% for SM. Viper Energy is the larger company by market cap ($15.50 billion vs $8.87 billion), about 1.7 times the size.
On valuation, SM Energy trades at a lower forward P/E (4.6x vs 17.1x for Viper Energy). Viper Energy offers the higher dividend yield (5.68% vs 2.20%). SM Energy converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 20.5% versus -4.9%.
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 | SM | VNOM |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $37.29 | $43.16 |
| Market cap | $8.87B | $15.50B |
| 1-day change | +0.57% | +1.24% |
| YTD return | +98.29% | +10.35% |
| 1-year return | +46.91% | +11.28% |
| 5-year return | +27.47% | +77.63% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 6.61 | — |
| Forward P/E | 4.56 | 17.11 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.64 | $0.02 |
| Dividend yield | 2.20% | 5.68% |
| Annual dividend | $0.82 | $2.45 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $3.15B | $1.40B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +17.25% | +62.02% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $648.00M | $-68.00M |
| Gross margin | 71.94% | — |
| Operating margin | 31.71% | -10.04% |
| Net margin | 20.55% | -4.87% |
| 52-week high | $41.56 | $51.13 |
| 52-week low | $17.45 | $35.10 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -10.27% | -15.59% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +17.51% | +27.32% |
| Average volume | 3.70M | 1.71M |
| Shares outstanding | 237.85M | 194.41M |
| Employees | 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
- SM has outperformed VNOM by 35.6 percentage points over the past year.
- Viper Energy offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (5.68% vs 2.20%).
- SM Energy is more profitable, keeping 20.5 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -4.9 cents for Viper Energy.
- Viper Energy grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+62.02% vs +17.25%).
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
About Viper Energy
VNOM stock →Viper Energy, Inc. owns, acquires, and exploits oil and natural gas properties in North America.
Energy · Oil & Gas Production
SM vs VNOM FAQ
Which is bigger, SM Energy or Viper Energy?
Viper Energy (VNOM) is larger, with a market capitalization of $15.50B compared with $8.87B for SM Energy (SM).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, SM or VNOM?
SM returned +46.91% over the past 12 months, compared with +11.28% for VNOM (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which pays a higher dividend, SM Energy or Viper Energy?
Viper Energy has the higher yield at 5.68%, compared with 2.20% for SM Energy.
Are SM Energy and Viper Energy in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Oil & Gas Production industry within the Energy sector.