EQT Corporation (EQT) appears an attractive pick, as it has been recently upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). This upgrade primarily reflects an upward trend in earnings estimates, which is one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices.The Zacks rating relies solely on a company's changing earnings picture. It tracks EPS estimates for the current and following years from the sell-side analysts covering the stock through a consensus measure -- the Zacks Consensus Estimate.The power of a changing earn ...

The Oils-Energy group has plenty of great stocks, but investors should always be looking for companies that are outperforming their peers. Has EQT Corporation (EQT) been one of those stocks this year? A quick glance at the company's year-to-date performance in comparison to the rest of the Oils-Energy sector should help us answer this question.EQT Corporation is one of 247 individual stocks in the Oils-Energy sector. Collectively, these companies sit at #6 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank gau ...

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Group 1 - EQT Corporation's recent acquisition aims to lower costs, and it appears that these cost reductions have been successfully implemented [2] - The oil and gas industry is characterized as a boom-bust, cyclical sector, requiring patience and experience for successful investment [2] Group 2 - The analysis provided in the Oil & Gas Value Research service includes detailed evaluations of companies' balance sheets, competitive positions, and development prospects [1]

A strong beat on the profitability front was the news pushing EQT's (EQT 0.85%) stock upward on Wednesday. That was the highlight of the natural gas producer's fourth-quarter report, and it helped its stock land in positive territory with a nearly 1% gain on the day. That topped the S&P 500 index's 0.2% increase.Fourth-quarter fallsEQT unveiled its fourth-quarter and full-year results after the closing bell Tuesday. The company's revenue for the quarter was $1.62 billion, a 20% year-over-year drop. GAAP net ...

Production and Sales - For the year ended December 31, 2024, total production reached 2,228,159 MMcfe, an increase from 2,016,273 MMcfe in 2023, representing a growth of approximately 10.5%[86] - Average sales price for natural gas, excluding cash settled derivatives, was $2.02 per Mcf in 2024, down from $2.37 per Mcf in 2023, reflecting a decrease of about 14.8%[91] - The average sales price for NGLs, excluding ethane, was $39.13 per Bbl in 2024, an increase from $36.39 per Bbl in 2023, reflecting a growth of about 4.8%[91] - Approximately 44% of sales volume reached markets outside of the Appalachian Basin, indicating a diversification in market reach[88] Capacity and Commitments - The company has access to approximately 4.9 Bcf per day of firm pipeline takeaway capacity, including 1.29 Bcf per day contracted through June 30, 2044[89] - The company has total gross commitments of 1,333 Bcf for natural gas and 12,869 Mbbl for NGLs for the year ending December 31, 2025[94] - The Gathering segment accounted for approximately 71% of the throughput and 80% of the operating revenues, indicating strong internal demand[96] - The Transmission segment had a total throughput capacity of approximately 5.0 Bcf per day as of December 31, 2024, supporting operational efficiency[100] Contracts and Agreements - The company has a weighted average remaining term of approximately 10 years for firm gathering contracts with third parties, ensuring long-term revenue stability[98] - The firm transmission and storage contracts with third parties had a weighted average remaining term of approximately 11 years, indicating a solid contractual foundation for future revenues[103] - Approximately 99% of the Transmission segment's contracted firm transmission capacity was subscribed under negotiated rate agreements[127] - Approximately 99% of the system's contracted firm transmission capacity was subscribed under negotiated rate agreements, with fixed rates generally not subject to adjustment during the contract term[127] Regulatory Environment - The FERC regulates interstate natural gas transportation rates and service conditions, impacting the marketing of natural gas and revenues[123] - The maximum applicable recourse rates for interstate pipelines are based on the cost of providing service, including recovery of historical investment costs[125] - The company uses financial derivative instruments to hedge against fluctuations in natural gas, NGLs, and oil prices, which may be affected by regulatory changes[115] - Compliance with existing laws and regulations is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the company's capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position[118] Environmental Regulations - The Clean Water Act (CWA) imposes strict controls on pollutant discharges, with recent rulings affecting the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) and potential increased costs for obtaining permits[141] - The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) establishes requirements for the handling and disposal of hazardous and nonhazardous wastes, with potential future classifications impacting operational costs[139] - The Sackett decision may influence the implementation of Water Quality Certifications (WQCs), potentially increasing costs and delays for obtaining permits for pipeline activities[142] - The EPA's final rule on methane emissions requires a waste emissions charge of $900 per ton for 2024, increasing to $1,200 in 2025 and $1,500 in 2026 for excess emissions[149] Market and Competition - The company faces competition from various natural gas producers and integrated energy companies, which may have greater capital resources and access to larger natural gas supplies[110] - The demand for natural gas generally decreases during summer months and increases during winter months, influenced by seasonal anomalies[108] - Increased competition from other companies and alternative energy sources could negatively impact demand for the company's midstream services, affecting financial results[216] Financial Performance and Risks - The company recorded impairments and expirations of leases amounting to $97.4 million, $109.4 million, and $176.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively[200] - The company's production predominantly consists of natural gas, accounting for approximately 93% of its equivalent proved developed reserves, making it highly sensitive to changes in natural gas prices[209] - Future declines in commodity prices may result in significant downward adjustments to the company's estimated proved reserves and could lead to additional non-cash impairment charges[208] - The company faces uncertainties in drilling activities due to factors such as natural gas, NGLs, and oil prices, which could materially alter the timing of drilling[198] Employee and Operational Aspects - The company has 1,461 full-time equivalent employees as of December 31, 2024, with 77% male and 23% female[172] - Approximately 56% of permanent employees work remotely, with 95% residing in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Texas, or Ohio[172] - The company aims to create a modern, innovative, and digitally-enabled work environment to enhance collaboration and decision-making[173] Debt and Financing - As of December 31, 2024, the company had $9.3 billion of debt outstanding, which may increase in the future, impacting cash flow and operational flexibility[233] - The company intends to fund its Debt Retirement Plan through asset monetizations and free cash flow, but there is no assurance of generating sufficient proceeds[232] - Credit ratings for the company's senior notes are "Baa3" with a "Negative" outlook by Moody's, "BBB–" with a "Stable" outlook by S&P, and "BBB–" with a "Stable" outlook by Fitch as of February 14, 2025[234] Operational Challenges - The company faces construction and operational risks related to midstream projects, including project delays and cost overruns, which could impact cash flows and financial condition[192] - Geopolitical instability and armed conflicts pose risks to the company's natural gas infrastructure, potentially leading to significant operational disruptions[196] - The company is exposed to risks associated with non-performance by hedge counterparties, which could affect financial stability[215] Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Concerns - Negative public perception and increasing scrutiny of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters could adversely affect the company's reputation and operational capabilities[256] - Compliance with new California legislation requiring public disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions may incur significant costs, impacting future financial performance[258] - New regulations aimed at reducing methane and other greenhouse gas emissions could increase operating costs and reduce demand for the company's products and services[259]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, EQT generated over $750 million in net cash from operating activities and nearly $600 million in free cash flow, despite Henry Hub averaging $2.81 per million Btu, showcasing the company's earnings power [13][24] - Year-end 2024 approved reserves were approximately 26 Tcfe, unchanged year-over-year, despite a drop in the SEC price deck from $2.64 to $2.13 per million Btu, indicating the resilience of the company's low-cost reserve base [13][14] - The company exited 2024 with $9.3 billion in total debt and $9.1 billion in net debt, down from $13.8 billion and $13.7 billion, respectively, at the end of Q3 2024 [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - EQT delivered sales volumes of 605 Bcfe in Q4 2024, at the high end of guidance, with normalized production at approximately 632 Bcfe, reflecting operational momentum [20][21] - Operating costs for Q4 were $1.07 per Mcfe, at the low end of guidance, due to production outperformance and lower expenses [24] - Capital expenditures (CapEx) for Q4 were $583 million, 7% below the low end of guidance, attributed to efficiency gains [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a tighter differential of $0.13 compared to guidance due to tactical curtailments during weak pricing periods, leading to realized pricing outperformance [22] - During January's cold weather, the pricing at Station 165 rose to over $25 per MMBtu, highlighting the strong local demand and pricing dynamics [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - EQT's strategy focuses on maintaining production levels while reducing costs, with a 2025 production guidance range of 2175 to 2275 Bcfe, reflecting robust well performance and efficiency gains [15][16] - The company plans to allocate approximately $2.4 billion in total CapEx for 2025, with $1.95 billion to $2.1 billion for maintenance capital and $350 million to $380 million for growth projects [17][18] - EQT aims to reduce its debt to around $5 billion to strengthen its balance sheet and credit ratings, allowing for strategic opportunities during market downturns [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the natural gas market, citing a disconnect between equity and commodity markets, and anticipated continued price increases due to supply constraints and rising demand [30][32] - The company highlighted the importance of sustainable growth, stating that any production increases would be contingent on visible demand [127][128] - Management noted that the integration of Equitrans has been successful, with synergies exceeding expectations and operational efficiencies improving [8][19] Other Important Information - The company has established a strategic relationship with Blackstone, which may enhance opportunities for gas supply agreements with power producers [66][70] - EQT's hedging strategy is designed to provide exposure to improving macro conditions, with a hedge percentage falling to approximately 40% in Q4 2024 [28][29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on maintenance CapEx for 2025 - Management explained that maintenance CapEx is based on asset quality and operational efficiencies, with expectations for continued reductions in the coming years [44][46] Question: Benefits from compression projects - Management confirmed that compression projects are integrated into their plans, with expectations for uplift in production and efficiency [51][53] Question: Long-term CapEx trajectory - Management indicated that maintenance CapEx is expected to trend down over time, with successful compression projects potentially lowering costs further [57][62] Question: In-basin demand and power demand - Management noted increased momentum in discussions with power producers, highlighting EQT's unique position due to its investment-grade rating and net-zero credentials [68][70] Question: Stock buybacks versus balance sheet strengthening - Management emphasized a patient approach to stock buybacks, focusing on maintaining a strong balance sheet before pursuing aggressive repurchases [99][102] Question: Macro factors affecting gas prices - Management discussed the potential impact of global supply dynamics and geopolitical factors on future gas pricing, maintaining a bullish outlook for the near term [90][92]

Investor Presentation Fourth Quarter 2024 Results TRUST • TEAMWORK • HEART • EVOLUTION 1 February 18, 2025 Cautionary Statements The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") permits oil and gas companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only proved, probable and possible reserves that a company anticipates as of a given date to be economically and legally producible and deliverable by application of development projects to known accumulations. This presentation contains certain terms and estima ...

EQT Corporation (EQT) reported fourth-quarter 2024 adjusted earnings from continuing operations of 69 cents per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 50 cents. The bottom line increased from the year-ago reported figure of 48 cents.Adjusted operating revenues increased to $1.82 billion from $1.55 million in the prior-year quarter. The top line beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.72 billion.Find the latest EPS estimates and surprises on Zacks Earnings Calendar.The strong quarterly results wer ...

For the quarter ended December 2024, EQT Corporation (EQT) reported revenue of $1.82 billion, up 17.6% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $0.69, compared to $0.48 in the year-ago quarter.The reported revenue represents a surprise of +4.96% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.73 billion. With the consensus EPS estimate being $0.50, the EPS surprise was +38.00%.While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare to Wall Stree ...