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EQT cuts sales volume projection, extends output curbs as natural gas rates remain low

EQT Corp on Tuesday cut its forecast for fullyear sales volume and prolonged production curtailments through May, as the biggest U.S. gas producer seeks to take on persistently low prices for the product.

Gas prices plunged 20.4% in the very first quarter on higher-than-expected output, warmer winter season and blackouts at LNG facilities.

EQT now expects full-year sales volume of between 2,100 billions of cubic feet equivalent (bcfe) and 2,200 bcfe, compared with 2,200 bcfe and 2,300 bcfe previously.

The company extended curtailments of 1 billion cubic feet each day through May, adding it could continue thereafter depending on market conditions. It had actually previously anticipated to cut production till March.

We anticipate the gas E&P group might see another tailwind from EQT's decision to extend its production curtailments, and believe other operators must follow suit till significant need rebalances the market, stated Bertrand Donnes, expert at Truist Securities.

Peers consisting of Chesapeake Energy, Coterra Energy and Antero Resources have actually unveiled plans to cut production.

Last month, EQT accepted purchase Equitrans Midstream to lower expenses to produce and transport its gas to market by adding more than 2,000 miles of pipelines.

EQT reported a slump in net income attributable to business the to $103 million, from $1.22 billion in the year-ago quarter, largely weighed down by a sharp drop gain from derivatives.

The Appalachian Basin-focused operator's quarterly operating profits fell 46.9% to $1.41 billion.

Still, the company reported an earnings of 82 cents per share for the three months ended March 31, above analysts' average estimate of 64 cents, according to LSEG data.

(source: Reuters)