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Smart Sand Inc (SND)
NASDAQ:SND

Smart Sand (SND) AI Stock Analysis

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SND

Smart Sand

(NASDAQ:SND)

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Neutral 59 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:59Neutral
Price Target:
$4.50
▲(53.58% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:03/04/26
The score is driven primarily by mixed financial performance—stronger balance sheet and improving free cash flow offset by weak, volatile profitability. Technicals are subdued in the near term, while valuation is a notable headwind due to the very high P/E. Corporate events modestly support the outlook via expanded buyback activity.
Positive Factors
Conservative balance sheet
Low leverage and a substantial equity base give the company durable financial flexibility through commodity cycles. Conservative debt levels reduce refinancing and interest risk, enabling continued operations, capital expenditures, or buybacks during industry downturns without forcing asset sales.
Improving free cash flow
A material improvement to free cash flow signals better cash conversion and operating discipline. Sustainable positive FCF supports reinvestment, debt reduction, and shareholder returns, and provides a buffer against volatile GAAP earnings in a cyclical end‑market.
Record volumes and market footprint
Record annual tonnage reflects strong commercial execution and basin reach, supporting scale advantages in processing and logistics. Higher volumes improve fixed‑cost absorption and market presence, enabling the company to better compete for basin commitments and logistics contracts.
Negative Factors
Thin, volatile profitability
Low and swinging margins limit the firm's capacity to consistently generate returns and fund growth from internal profits. Margin volatility increases earnings risk, undermines long-term planning, and can force reliance on external financing or asset optimization when commodity or activity levels soften.
Pressure from rising logistics/production costs
Higher freight, handling and processing costs compress per‑ton economics for a logistics‑intensive proppant business. Persistent cost pressure reduces margin sustainability and the ability to pass costs to customers, particularly in competitive basins, weakening long‑run profitability.
Demand cyclicality tied to E&P activity
Revenue and utilization depend heavily on upstream drilling and completion intensity, creating structural volatility. In downturns, volumes and pricing can fall quickly, challenging fixed costs and capital recovery and making multi‑quarter visibility and planning difficult.

Smart Sand (SND) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Smart Sand Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSmart Sand, Inc., an integrated frac sand supply and services company, engages in the excavation, processing, and sale of sands or proppant for use in hydraulic fracturing operations in the oil and gas industry in the United States. It also provides logistics services; and SmartSystems, a wellsite proppant storage solution. The company sells its products primarily to oil and natural gas exploration and production companies, oilfield service companies, and industrial manufacturers. As of December 31, 2021, it had approximately 250 million tons of proven and probable recoverable sand reserves. Smart Sand, Inc. was incorporated in 2011 and is headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas.
How the Company Makes MoneySmart Sand generates revenue through the sale of its industrial sand products, primarily frac sand, to oil and gas exploration and production companies. The company's revenue model is based on the volume of sand sold, with pricing influenced by demand in the energy market and competitive dynamics. Key revenue streams include direct sales to customers, long-term supply contracts with major energy companies, and spot market transactions. Additionally, Smart Sand benefits from its strategic partnerships and relationships with operators in the oil and gas industry, which help secure consistent demand and facilitate growth. The company also focuses on operational efficiency and cost management to enhance profitability.

Smart Sand Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 12, 2024
(Q3-2024)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 12, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mixed outlook. Positive aspects included a focus on free cash flow, shareholder returns, and strategic growth initiatives. However, challenges such as decreased sales volumes and revenue, alongside lower contribution margins and EBITDA, highlighted operational pressures. The company remains optimistic about future demand and pricing improvements, particularly in natural gas markets.
Q3-2024 Updates
Positive Updates
Positive Free Cash Flow
Smart Sand reported positive free cash flow of $3.7 million for the third quarter and $11.7 million year-to-date. The company remains cash flow positive for 2024.
Special Dividend and Share Buyback
A special dividend of $0.10 per share was paid, and a share buyback plan of up to $10 million was announced, indicating a focus on returning capital to shareholders.
New Credit Facility
A new 5-year $30 million ABL credit facility was established with First Citizens Bank, providing efficient and flexible funding.
Sales Volume Increase
Sales volumes increased by 9% over 2023, with approximately 1.2 million tons delivered in the third quarter.
Decreased Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures are down $11 million year-to-date, with total expected to be at or under $10 million for 2024, compared to $23 million in 2023.
Growth in Industrial Product Solutions
IPS sales volumes increased by 38% sequentially and are expected to grow from under 5% to around 10% of total sales volumes in 2025.
Negative Updates
Decrease in Sales Volumes and Revenue
Third quarter sales volumes decreased by 7% from the second quarter, with total revenues dropping from $73.8 million to $63.2 million.
Lower Contribution Margin and EBITDA
Contribution margin fell to $13.2 million from $19.8 million in the second quarter, with adjusted EBITDA dropping to $5.7 million from $11.9 million.
Non-Cash Charge and Increased Operating Expenses
A $1.1 million non-cash charge was incurred due to the closure of a Canadian facility, contributing to an increase in operating expenses to $11.4 million from $9.5 million.
Company Guidance
During Smart Sand's Q3 2024 earnings call, the company provided several financial metrics and guidance reflecting its performance and strategic initiatives. The company reported sales volumes of just under 1.2 million tons and an adjusted EBITDA of $5.7 million for the quarter. Positive free cash flow was reported at $3.7 million, contributing to a year-to-date free cash flow of $11.7 million. Despite a 7% decrease from the previous quarter, total revenues were $63.2 million, with a contribution margin of $13.2 million or $11.09 per ton sold. Smart Sand also highlighted a decrease in capital expenditures, down to $5.1 million year-to-date compared to $16.1 million in 2023, and anticipated total capital expenditures to remain under $10 million for 2024. The company announced a share buyback plan of up to $10 million and recently paid a special dividend of $0.10 per share, demonstrating a commitment to returning capital to shareholders. Looking forward, Smart Sand expects a pickup in activity, especially in natural gas markets, and anticipates continued demand for Northern White Sand. They foresee fourth-quarter sand sales volumes ranging from 1.1 to 1.4 million tons and anticipate positive free cash flow for the year despite increased capital expenditures in the fourth quarter.

Smart Sand Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Mixed fundamentals: profitability and margins are thin/volatile (including an operating loss in 2025), but the balance sheet is conservatively levered and recent cash generation is strong with meaningful free cash flow improvement.
Income Statement
46
Neutral
Revenue recovered strongly from 2020 levels and remained solid through 2025, but growth has been inconsistent (including a sharp decline in 2025). Profitability is thin and volatile: gross margin is low (~11–14% recently), operating profit swung from positive (2024) to negative (2025), and net margins have been near breakeven in the last two years. The business shows it can generate profits in better environments, but current earnings quality and margin stability remain weak.
Balance Sheet
72
Positive
Leverage looks conservative, with debt-to-equity consistently low (roughly ~0.15–0.23) and equity forming a substantial base relative to assets. While returns on equity have been modest recently (low single digits in 2024–2025), the balance sheet appears positioned to absorb cyclicality better than many peers. The main drawback is that profitability has not been strong enough to consistently produce attractive returns on that capital base.
Cash Flow
74
Positive
Cash generation is a clear strength. Operating cash flow and free cash flow improved materially in 2025 versus 2024, with free cash flow turning into a sizable positive level and showing strong growth year over year. Cash flow has been uneven historically (including negative free cash flow in 2022), but the latest period suggests improved conversion and discipline, helping offset weak accounting earnings.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue330.15M311.37M295.97M255.74M126.65M
Gross Profit37.89M44.82M41.55M29.59M-15.91M
EBITDA-1.73M31.75M27.29M24.98M-31.61M
Net Income1.34M2.99M4.65M-703.00K-50.67M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets340.01M341.55M346.30M360.00M374.02M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments22.55M1.55M6.07M5.51M25.59M
Total Debt36.18M37.22M43.75M44.54M55.20M
Total Liabilities100.32M97.74M104.03M116.53M132.86M
Stockholders Equity239.70M243.81M242.27M243.47M241.16M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow32.52M10.85M7.96M-7.31M21.22M
Operating Cash Flow44.12M17.86M30.99M5.42M32.44M
Investing Cash Flow-10.86M-6.92M-22.90M-18.21M-11.14M
Financing Cash Flow-12.26M-15.46M-7.53M-7.29M-7.43M

Smart Sand Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price2.93
Price Trends
50DMA
4.47
Negative
100DMA
3.61
Positive
200DMA
2.76
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.05
Positive
RSI
35.93
Neutral
STOCH
9.79
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For SND, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 2.93 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 4.92, below the 50-day MA of 4.47, and above the 200-day MA of 2.76, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.05 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 35.93 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 9.79 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for SND.

Smart Sand Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (65)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
82
Outperform
$112.92M4.3111.89%16.61%-72.29%
65
Neutral
$15.17B7.614.09%5.20%3.87%-62.32%
59
Neutral
$178.51M116.130.56%18.98%
50
Neutral
$46.74M-0.64-12.57%-45.75%
49
Neutral
$116.51M-71.36-5.18%7.46%-165.76%
45
Neutral
$108.05M-11.83-19.81%-22.31%39.11%
* Energy Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
SND
Smart Sand
4.10
2.10
104.59%
DWSN
Dawson Geophysical Company
3.48
2.11
153.28%
NCSM
Ncs Multistage Holdings
44.44
20.03
82.06%
KLXE
KLX Energy Services Holdings
2.62
-1.50
-36.41%
DTI
Drilling Tools International
3.31
0.35
11.82%

Smart Sand Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyStock BuybackRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Smart Sand Adopts 10b5-1 Plan for Share Buybacks
Positive
Mar 3, 2026

On March 3, 2026, Smart Sand, Inc. adopted a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan to facilitate share repurchases under its previously announced buyback programs, authorizing up to $2.5 million in common stock purchases, including commissions. The plan, which runs from no earlier than March 16, 2026 until the earlier of full use of the $2.5 million limit or May 11, 2026, allows a designated broker to execute repurchases within Rule 10b-18 daily volume constraints without obligating the company to buy a specific amount.

By using a 10b5-1 plan, Smart Sand can continue repurchasing shares even during blackout periods or when insider trading restrictions might otherwise limit open-market activity, potentially signaling confidence in its valuation and capital position. The company indicated that it may establish subsequent 10b5-1 plans after this one expires, with details of actual repurchase activity to be disclosed in future quarterly and annual SEC filings, providing ongoing transparency to shareholders and other market participants.

The most recent analyst rating on (SND) stock is a Hold with a $4.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Smart Sand stock, see the SND Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyStock BuybackFinancial Disclosures
Smart Sand Authorizes New Share Repurchase Program
Positive
Feb 26, 2026

On February 23, 2026, Smart Sand’s board approved a new two-year share repurchase program of up to $20 million in ordinary shares, effective April 4, 2026, following the expiration of its current buyback plan. This adds to an ongoing capital return strategy that in 2025 included $8 million in dividends and repurchases and an earlier $10 million authorization, underscoring a commitment to shareholder returns alongside operational growth.

For the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025, Smart Sand reported revenue of $86.0 million and $330.2 million, with record annual sales volumes of 5.4 million tons and free cash flow of about $33 million. Despite higher logistics and production costs pressuring margins and net income to $1.3 million, the company generated strong operating cash flow, expanded its Industrial Products Solutions business, and positioned itself to benefit from expected growth in natural gas demand in its core North American markets.

The most recent analyst rating on (SND) stock is a Hold with a $5.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Smart Sand stock, see the SND Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Mar 04, 2026