10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2017

EQT Corp Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2017

Filed April 27, 2017For Securities:EQT

Summary

EQT Corporation reported a significant improvement in financial performance for the first quarter of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. Net income attributable to EQT Corporation surged to $164.0 million, or $0.95 per diluted share, from $5.6 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, driven primarily by a substantial increase in the average realized price of natural gas and oil, coupled with higher gains from derivatives not designated as hedges. The company also saw an increase in sales volumes and revenue from pipeline and marketing services, signaling a strengthening operational and market position. The company's EQT Production segment was the primary driver of this growth, showing a dramatic turnaround from an operating loss in Q1 2016 to a significant operating income in Q1 2017, largely due to favorable commodity pricing and strategic hedging. EQT Gathering and EQT Transmission also demonstrated solid performance with increased revenues, supported by expanded firm capacity contracts and new infrastructure coming online. The company also made significant strategic acquisitions during the quarter, acquiring substantial acreage in West Virginia, indicating a proactive approach to expanding its resource base and future production potential.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$828.66M
SG&A Expenses$71.96M
Operating Expenses$503.19M
Operating Income$243.57M
Interest Expense$42.66M
Net Income$163.99M
EPS (Basic)$0.95
EPS (Diluted)$0.95
Shares Outstanding (Basic)173.21M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)173.51M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income attributable to EQT Corporation dramatically increased to $164.0 million ($0.95/share) in Q1 2017 from $5.6 million ($0.04/share) in Q1 2016.
  • 2Total operating revenues rose to $897.5 million in Q1 2017 from $545.1 million in Q1 2016, driven by higher sales of natural gas, oil, and NGLs, and increased pipeline/marketing services revenue.
  • 3EQT Production segment revenue increased by 71.3% to $828.7 million, and it swung from an operating loss of $5.5 million in Q1 2016 to an operating income of $257.4 million in Q1 2017.
  • 4The company completed significant acquisitions of approximately 99,000 net Marcellus/Utica acres for $652.5 million in the first quarter of 2017, bolstering its resource base.
  • 5Average realized price for natural gas and liquids increased significantly by 33.1% to $3.50/Mcfe in Q1 2017 compared to Q1 2016.
  • 6Cash flow from operating activities increased by $229.9 million to $514.8 million, primarily due to higher operating income and timing of payments.
  • 7Capital expenditures for the EQT Production segment significantly increased by 298.0% to $945.5 million, reflecting increased drilling and completion activity and acquisitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary drivers were a substantial increase in the average realized price for natural gas, oil, and NGLs, significantly higher gains from derivatives not designated as hedges, and an increase in production sales volumes. These factors combined to improve the performance of the EQT Production segment dramatically, turning an operating loss in the prior year into a strong profit.

Yes, EQT Corporation made two significant acquisitions in February 2017, acquiring approximately 99,000 net acres in the Marcellus and Utica shale plays in West Virginia for a total of $652.5 million. These acquisitions are expected to expand the company's resource base and future production potential.

Both EQT Gathering and EQT Transmission reported revenue increases. EQT Gathering saw a 4.4% rise in operating revenues, driven by increased firm reservation fees from third-party production development and system expansions. EQT Transmission's operating revenues increased by 15.2%, primarily due to higher firm reservation fees from new capacity contracts on its Ohio Valley Connector (OVC) pipeline and increased contractual rates.

EQT is focused on profitably developing its reserves through horizontal drilling and plans to invest approximately $2.0 billion in 2017 (excluding acquisitions) for well development and midstream infrastructure. This plan supports drilling approximately 207 gross wells and aims for significant volume growth in future years, supported by a strong resource base and disciplined capital investment.