SM Energy raises CEO and COO long-term incentive targets; all directors re-elected
On May 21, 2026, SM Energy's board raised long-term incentive targets for CEO Elizabeth A. McDonald to $5,800,000 and COO Blake D. McKenna to $2,400,000, and the compensation committee amended McDonald's change of control severance agreement. At the same day's annual meeting, stockholders re-elected all incumbent directors, approved executive pay in a non-binding vote, and ratified Deloitte & Touche LLP as auditor for 2026. For shareholders, the filing shows higher pay targets for two executives and an updated change of control payout structure, with no change in leadership.
Key points
- Board increased McDonald's long-term incentive target to $5,800,000, granted 40% as restricted stock units and 60% as performance share units.
- Board increased McKenna's long-term incentive target to $2,400,000, granted 50% as restricted stock units and 50% as performance share units.
- McDonald's amended change of control agreement provides a lump sum of three times base salary plus other amounts if she is terminated within two and one-half years after a change of control.
- Stockholders approved executive pay in a non-binding vote with 181,729,629 for and 9,041,702 against; Deloitte & Touche LLP was ratified with 215,183,397 for and 325,601 against.
The filing
Written by AI on Nov 8, 2026, 12:57 AM ET, from this filing only. Written later: this filing was briefed after the fact, when past filings were added to the site, so the brief may be read with hindsight; the filing itself is the record of what was known on May 22, 2026.
Briefs are written by AI from the filing text and can contain mistakes — open the filing before acting on anything. Impact (1-5) and tone are the AI's reading of the filing for shareholders, not a price forecast. Not investment advice.