10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2019

EQT Corp Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2019

Filed April 25, 2019For Securities:EQT

Summary

EQT Corporation's first quarter 2019 results, filed on April 25, 2019, show a significant turnaround from the prior year, with a net income of $190.7 million compared to a net loss of $1.4 billion in Q1 2018. This dramatic improvement is largely attributed to the absence of a substantial impairment charge recorded in the first quarter of 2018. Total operating revenues decreased by 12.9% to $1.14 billion, primarily due to a substantial loss on derivatives not designated as hedges in Q1 2019 versus a gain in Q1 2018, and lower net marketing services and other revenue. However, sales of natural gas, oil, and NGLs saw a modest increase of 3.7% due to a 7% rise in sales volumes, driven by production from recent drilling programs, partially offset by the 2018 divestitures. From an operational perspective, EQT Corporation reported increased gathering and transmission expenses, influenced by higher sales volumes and expanded pipeline capacity. Conversely, processing, LOE, and production taxes decreased due to the impact of the 2018 divestitures and lower NGL sales volumes. The company also announced a tentative settlement for a gas royalty class action lawsuit, agreeing to pay $53.5 million, which will resolve claims for the class period of 2009-2017 upon court approval. EQT is focusing on cost reduction, operational efficiency, and returning capital to shareholders in its 2019 outlook, planning capital expenditures of approximately $1.5 billion for reserve development.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.27B
Cost of Revenue$439.25M
Gross Profit$832.37M
SG&A Expenses$48.98M
Operating Expenses$967.72M
Operating Income$175.46M
Interest Expense$56.57M
Net Income$190.69M
EPS (Basic)$0.75
EPS (Diluted)$0.75
Shares Outstanding (Basic)254.88M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)255.23M

Key Highlights

  • 1Reported a net income of $190.7 million for Q1 2019, a significant improvement from a net loss of $1.4 billion in Q1 2018, largely due to the absence of a large impairment charge from the prior year.
  • 2Total operating revenues decreased by 12.9% to $1.14 billion in Q1 2019, impacted by a $132 million loss on derivatives not designated as hedges compared to a $62.6 million gain in Q1 2018.
  • 3Sales of natural gas, oil, and NGLs increased by 3.7% to $1.27 billion, driven by a 7% increase in sales volumes, partially offset by 2018 divestitures.
  • 4Invested $370.3 million in investing activities in Q1 2019, a decrease from $849.4 million in Q1 2018, reflecting lower capital expenditures.
  • 5Announced a tentative settlement of $53.5 million for a gas royalty class action lawsuit, subject to court approval.
  • 6Repurchased 3,621 shares for tax purposes related to restricted stock vesting in January 2019.
  • 7Maintained investment-grade credit ratings from Moody's (Baa3) and S&P (BBB-), both with a Stable outlook.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the substantial improvement in net income from a loss of $1.4 billion in Q1 2018 to a gain of $190.7 million in Q1 2019 was the absence of a large impairment charge of $2.3 billion that was recorded in the first quarter of 2018. This non-recurring charge significantly impacted the prior year's results.

The 2018 divestitures had a mixed impact. While they reduced sales volumes in certain categories like NGLs and liquids, they also contributed to a decrease in operating expenses such as processing, LOE, and production taxes. The company also noted that excluding sales volumes related to the 2018 divestitures, sales of natural gas, oil, and NGLs increased by 13% in Q1 2019.

EQT Corporation announced a tentative settlement agreement for $53.5 million to resolve a gas royalty class action lawsuit that spanned from 2009 to 2017. The settlement is subject to court approval and requires a minimum percentage of class members to participate. If approved, it will resolve the claims for the specified class period, and future royalty payments will be based on a defined index pricing methodology.

EQT's strategic priorities for 2019 include focusing on reducing costs, improving operational and capital efficiency, consistently delivering volumes, and prioritizing the return of capital to shareholders while strengthening the balance sheet. The company plans to achieve mid-single digit year-over-year production growth combined with substantial free cash flow, supported by an estimated $1.5 billion in capital expenditures for reserve development.