SM Energy (SM) shares have surged 20.7% year to date (YTD), significantly outperforming the 2.7% growth seen by the broader industry. A key factor behind this growth is the company's strong presence in the Midland Basin, a sub-basin of the Permian. Additionally, SM Energy's recent agreement to acquire assets in the Uinta Basin from XCL Resources marks a shift from its traditional focus on the Permian. Zacks Investment Research Image Source: For investors, the critical consideration is how to position themse ...