EQT(US:EQT) The Motley Foolยท2025-02-20 00:14Core Insights - EQT's stock experienced a nearly 1% increase following a strong profitability report for the fourth quarter, outperforming the S&P 500 index's 0.2% gain [1] Financial Performance - For the fourth quarter, EQT reported revenue of $1.62 billion, reflecting a 20% year-over-year decline, while GAAP net income decreased by 17% to $418 million [2] - Analysts had anticipated revenue of $1.8 billion, but EQT exceeded net income expectations with $0.69 per diluted share compared to the expected $0.50 [2] Sales and Production Metrics - Sales volume increased by 7% to 605 billion cubic feet of natural gas equivalent (Bcfe), and the average realized selling price rose by 8% to $3.01 per thousand cubic feet equivalent [3] - Overall sales of natural gas, natural gas liquids, and oil improved by 20%, totaling $1.64 billion [3] Derivative Losses - The company faced a significant loss of over $183 million in derivatives, contrasting with a gain of nearly $672 million in the same period last year [4] Future Guidance - EQT raised its production guidance for 2025 by 125 Bcfe, adjusting the range to 2,175 Bcfe to 2,275 Bcfe, with expected free cash flow of $2.6 billion for this year and $3.3 billion in 2026 [5] Investor Sentiment - The positive bottom-line performance has bolstered investor optimism, with expectations that the company can meet its new targets as long as natural gas demand remains stable [6]