UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
| | | | | | | | |
☒ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
| FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 | |
or | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
| FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM__________ TO__________ | |
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 001-03551
EQT CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| | | | | | | | |
Pennsylvania | | 25-0464690 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (IRS Employer Identification No.) |
| | |
625 Liberty Avenue, Suite 1700 | | |
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | | 15222 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | | (Zip Code) |
(412) 553-5700
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Title of each class | | Trading symbol(s) | | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Common Stock, no par value | | EQT | | New York Stock Exchange |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Large accelerated filer | ☒ | | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | | Smaller reporting company | ☐ |
| | | Emerging growth company | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The number of shares of common stock, no par value, of the registrant outstanding (in thousands) as of October 20, 2023: 411,332
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENTS OF CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| | | | | | | |
| (Thousands, except per share amounts) |
Operating revenues: | | | | | | | |
Sales of natural gas, natural gas liquids and oil | $ | 1,001,883 | | | $ | 3,694,194 | | | $ | 3,680,566 | | | $ | 9,546,029 | |
Gain (loss) on derivatives | 177,906 | | | (1,627,296) | | | 1,167,144 | | | (5,550,028) | |
Net marketing services and other | 6,313 | | | 2,565 | | | 18,214 | | | 21,860 | |
Total operating revenues | 1,186,102 | | | 2,069,463 | | | 4,865,924 | | | 4,017,861 | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | |
Transportation and processing | 554,788 | | | 541,092 | | | 1,592,934 | | | 1,596,900 | |
Production | 67,093 | | | 81,785 | | | 170,071 | | | 235,353 | |
Exploration | 447 | | | 357 | | | 2,602 | | | 2,870 | |
Selling, general and administrative | 56,942 | | | 67,231 | | | 168,999 | | | 195,603 | |
Depreciation and depletion | 446,886 | | | 418,695 | | | 1,230,255 | | | 1,269,936 | |
Loss (gain) on sale/exchange of long-lived assets | 1,511 | | | (265) | | | 17,814 | | | (2,455) | |
Impairment of contract asset | — | | | — | | | — | | | 184,945 | |
Impairment and expiration of leases | 6,419 | | | 20,497 | | | 22,290 | | | 97,536 | |
Other operating expenses | 36,209 | | | 15,485 | | | 69,265 | | | 38,952 | |
Total operating expenses | 1,170,295 | | | 1,144,877 | | | 3,274,230 | | | 3,619,640 | |
Operating income | 15,807 | | | 924,586 | | | 1,591,694 | | | 398,221 | |
Loss (income) from investments | 546 | | | (2,877) | | | (5,310) | | | 14,331 | |
Dividend and other income | (132) | | | (157) | | | (869) | | | (11,066) | |
Loss (gain) on debt extinguishment | 1,089 | | | 27,814 | | | (55) | | | 139,085 | |
Interest expense, net | 60,427 | | | 60,138 | | | 146,856 | | | 194,025 | |
(Loss) income before income taxes | (46,123) | | | 839,668 | | | 1,451,072 | | | 61,846 | |
Income tax (benefit) expense | (126,853) | | | 152,206 | | | 217,975 | | | (5,257) | |
Net income | 80,730 | | | 687,462 | | | 1,233,097 | | | 67,103 | |
Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (525) | | | 3,792 | | | (80) | | | 8,120 | |
Net income attributable to EQT Corporation | $ | 81,255 | | | $ | 683,670 | | | $ | 1,233,177 | | | $ | 58,983 | |
| | | | | | | |
Income per share of common stock attributable to EQT Corporation: | | | | |
Basic: | | | | | | | |
Weighted average common stock outstanding | 383,359 | | | 369,987 | | | 368,936 | | | 371,308 | |
Net income attributable to EQT Corporation | $ | 0.21 | | | $ | 1.85 | | | $ | 3.34 | | | $ | 0.16 | |
Diluted (Note 7): | | | | | | | |
Weighted average common stock outstanding | 416,190 | | | 403,889 | | | 401,859 | | | 377,028 | |
Net income attributable to EQT Corporation | $ | 0.20 | | | $ | 1.69 | | | $ | 3.08 | | | $ | 0.16 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENTS OF CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| | | | | | | |
| (Thousands) |
Net income | $ | 80,730 | | | $ | 687,462 | | | $ | 1,233,097 | | | $ | 67,103 | |
Other comprehensive income, net of tax: | | | | | | | |
Other postretirement benefits liability adjustment, net of tax expense: $15, $20, $44 and $61 | 57 | | | 63 | | | 270 | | | 190 | |
Comprehensive income | 80,787 | | | 687,525 | | | 1,233,367 | | | 67,293 | |
Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (525) | | | 3,792 | | | (80) | | | 8,120 | |
Comprehensive income attributable to EQT Corporation | $ | 81,312 | | | $ | 683,733 | | | $ | 1,233,447 | | | $ | 59,173 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| September 30, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
| | | |
| (Thousands) |
ASSETS | | | |
Current assets: | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 64,750 | | | $ | 1,458,644 | |
Accounts receivable (less provision for doubtful accounts: $235 and $605) | 559,348 | | | 1,608,089 | |
Derivative instruments, at fair value | 577,926 | | | 812,371 | |
Prepaid expenses and other | 45,214 | | | 135,337 | |
Total current assets | 1,247,238 | | | 4,014,441 | |
| | | |
Property, plant and equipment | 33,313,666 | | | 27,393,919 | |
Less: Accumulated depreciation and depletion | 10,391,586 | | | 9,226,586 | |
Net property, plant and equipment | 22,922,080 | | | 18,167,333 | |
| | | |
Other assets | 385,670 | | | 488,152 | |
Total assets | $ | 24,554,988 | | | $ | 22,669,926 | |
| | | |
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | |
Current portion of debt | $ | 414,592 | | | $ | 422,632 | |
Accounts payable | 1,159,743 | | | 1,574,610 | |
Derivative instruments, at fair value | 274,684 | | | 1,393,487 | |
Other current liabilities | 269,925 | | | 341,491 | |
Total current liabilities | 2,118,944 | | | 3,732,220 | |
| | | |
| | | |
Term Loan Facility borrowings | 1,243,280 | | | — | |
Senior notes | 4,174,163 | | | 5,167,849 | |
Note payable to EQM Midstream Partners, LP | 83,831 | | | 88,484 | |
Deferred income taxes | 1,751,388 | | | 1,442,406 | |
Other liabilities and credits | 973,825 | | | 1,025,639 | |
Total liabilities | 10,345,431 | | | 11,456,598 | |
| | | |
Equity: | | | |
Common stock, no par value, shares authorized: 640,000, shares issued: 411,311 and 365,363 | 11,958,441 | | | 9,891,890 | |
Retained earnings | 2,245,615 | | | 1,283,578 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (2,724) | | | (2,994) | |
Total common shareholders' equity | 14,201,332 | | | 11,172,474 | |
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries | 8,225 | | | 40,854 | |
Total equity | 14,209,557 | | | 11,213,328 | |
Total liabilities and equity | $ | 24,554,988 | | | $ | 22,669,926 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENTS OF CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 |
| | | |
| (Thousands) |
Cash flows from operating activities: | |
Net income | $ | 1,233,097 | | | $ | 67,103 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | |
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) | 227,701 | | | (14,229) | |
Depreciation and depletion | 1,230,255 | | | 1,269,936 | |
Impairment of long-lived assets and loss/gain on sale/exchange of long-lived assets | 40,104 | | | 280,026 | |
(Income) loss from investments | (5,310) | | | 14,331 | |
(Gain) loss on debt extinguishment | (55) | | | 139,085 | |
Share-based compensation expense | 38,179 | | | 33,706 | |
Distribution of earnings from equity method investments | 18,073 | | | 38,750 | |
Amortization, accretion and other | 12,022 | | | 24,937 | |
(Gain) loss on derivatives | (1,167,144) | | | 5,550,028 | |
Net cash settlements received (paid) on derivatives | 625,051 | | | (4,672,998) | |
Net premiums (paid) received on derivative instruments | (231,343) | | | 13,809 | |
Changes in other assets and liabilities: | | | |
Accounts receivable | 1,122,843 | | | (507,050) | |
Accounts payable | (515,879) | | | 343,925 | |
Other current assets | 91,946 | | | (27,960) | |
Other items, net | (165,076) | | | (151,641) | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 2,554,464 | | | 2,401,758 | |
Cash flows from investing activities: | | | |
Capital expenditures | (1,485,898) | | | (1,047,475) | |
Cash paid for acquisitions | (2,288,201) | | | (150,000) | |
Proceeds from sale/exchange of assets | 4,831 | | | 5,394 | |
Proceeds from sale of investment shares | — | | | 189,249 | |
Other investing activities | (4,841) | | | (14,306) | |
Net cash used in investing activities | (3,774,109) | | | (1,017,138) | |
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | |
Proceeds from revolving credit facility borrowings | 313,000 | | | 10,242,000 | |
Repayment of revolving credit facility borrowings | (313,000) | | | (10,242,000) | |
Proceeds from Term Loan Facility borrowings | 1,250,000 | | | — | |
Debt issuance costs | (5,336) | | | (17,852) | |
Repayment and retirement of debt | (1,014,346) | | | (833,029) | |
Discounts received (premiums paid) on debt extinguishment | 5,313 | | | (135,248) | |
Dividends paid | (162,567) | | | (148,765) | |
| | | |
| | | |
Repurchase and retirement of common stock | (201,029) | | | (270,345) | |
Net (distribution to) contribution from noncontrolling interest | (7,322) | | | 4,050 | |
Other financing activities | (38,962) | | | (9,853) | |
Net cash used in financing activities | (174,249) | | | (1,411,042) | |
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | (1,393,894) | | | (26,422) | |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 1,458,644 | | | 113,963 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 64,750 | | | $ | 87,541 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
See Note 1 for supplemental cash flow information.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENTS OF CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Common Stock | | | | | | | | | | |
| Shares | | No Par Value | | Treasury Stock | | (Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (a) | | Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries | | Total Equity |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Thousands, except per share amounts) |
Balance at July 1, 2022 | 369,720 | | | $ | 9,948,646 | | | $ | (2,848) | | | $ | (880,127) | | | $ | (4,484) | | | $ | 28,903 | | | $ | 9,090,090 | |
Comprehensive income, net of tax: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | | | | | | 683,670 | | | | | 3,792 | | | 687,462 | |
Other postretirement benefits liability adjustment, net of tax expense: $20 | | | | | | | | | 63 | | | | | 63 | |
Dividends ($0.15 per share) | | | | | | | (55,493) | | | | | | | (55,493) | |
Share-based compensation plans | 209 | | | 2,292 | | | 2,269 | | | | | | | | | 4,561 | |
Convertible Notes settlements | 1 | | | 10 | | | | | | | | | | | 10 | |
Repurchase and retirement of common stock | (1,768) | | | (27,409) | | | | | (47,627) | | | | | | | (75,036) | |
Distribution to noncontrolling interest | | | | | | | | | | | (4,306) | | | (4,306) | |
Contribution from noncontrolling interest | | | | | | | | | | | 11,250 | | | 11,250 | |
Balance at September 30, 2022 | 368,162 | | | $ | 9,923,539 | | | $ | (579) | | | $ | (299,577) | | | $ | (4,421) | | | $ | 39,639 | | | $ | 9,658,601 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at July 1, 2023 | 361,654 | | | $ | 9,790,855 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2,217,698 | | | $ | (2,781) | | | $ | 39,256 | | | $ | 12,045,028 | |
Comprehensive income, net of tax: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | | | | | | 81,255 | | | | | (525) | | | 80,730 | |
Other postretirement benefits liability adjustment, net of tax expense: $15 | | | | | | | | | 57 | | | | | 57 | |
Dividends ($0.15 per share) | | | | | | | (54,249) | | | | | | | (54,249) | |
Share-based compensation plans | 56 | | | 14,939 | | | | | | | | | | | 14,939 | |
Convertible Notes settlements | 1 | | | 16 | | | | | | | | | | | 16 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition | 49,600 | | | 2,152,631 | | | | | | | | | | | 2,152,631 | |
Distribution to noncontrolling interest | | | | | | | | | | | (5,279) | | | (5,279) | |
Dissolution of consolidated variable interest entity (Note 1) | | | | | | | | | | | (25,227) | | | (25,227) | |
Other | | | | | | | 911 | | | | | | | 911 | |
Balance at September 30, 2023 | 411,311 | | | $ | 11,958,441 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2,245,615 | | | $ | (2,724) | | | $ | 8,225 | | | $ | 14,209,557 | |
Common shares authorized (in thousands): 640,000. Preferred shares authorized (in thousands): 3,000. There were no preferred shares issued or outstanding.
(a)Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss are related to other postretirement benefits liability adjustments, net of tax, which are attributable to net actuarial losses and net prior service costs.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENTS OF CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Common Stock | | | | | | | | | | |
| Shares | | No Par Value | | Treasury Stock | | (Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (a) | | Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries | | Total Equity |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (Thousands, except per share amounts) |
Balance at January 1, 2022 | 376,399 | | | $ | 10,071,820 | | | $ | (18,046) | | | $ | (94,400) | | | $ | (4,611) | | | $ | 16,236 | | | $ | 9,970,999 | |
Comprehensive income, net of tax: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income | | | | | | | 58,983 | | | | | 8,120 | | | 67,103 | |
Other postretirement benefits liability adjustment, net of tax expense: $61 | | | | | | | | | 190 | | | | | 190 | |
Dividends ($0.40 per share) | | | | | | | (148,765) | | | | | | | (148,765) | |
Share-based compensation plans | 2,061 | | | 11,340 | | | 17,467 | | | | | | | | | 28,807 | |
Convertible Notes settlements | 3 | | | 48 | | | | | | | | | | | 48 | |
Repurchase and retirement of common stock | (10,301) | | | (159,669) | | | | | (115,395) | | | | | | | (275,064) | |
Distribution to noncontrolling interest | | | | | | | | | | | (7,200) | | | (7,200) | |
Contribution from noncontrolling interest | | | | | | | | | | | 11,250 | | | 11,250 | |
Other | | | | | | | | | | | 11,233 | | | 11,233 | |
Balance at September 30, 2022 | 368,162 | | | $ | 9,923,539 | | | $ | (579) | | | $ | (299,577) | | | $ | (4,421) | | | $ | 39,639 | | | $ | 9,658,601 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at January 1, 2023 | 365,363 | | | $ | 9,891,890 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,283,578 | | | $ | (2,994) | | | $ | 40,854 | | | $ | 11,213,328 | |
Comprehensive income, net of tax: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | | | | | | 1,233,177 | | | | | (80) | | | 1,233,097 | |
Other postretirement benefits liability adjustment, net of tax expense: $44 | | | | | | | | | 270 | | | | | 270 | |
Dividends ($0.45 per share) | | | | | | | (162,567) | | | | | | | (162,567) | |
Share-based compensation plans | 2,247 | | | 5,367 | | | | | | | | | | | 5,367 | |
Convertible Notes settlements | 7 | | | 98 | | | | | | | | | | | 98 | |
Repurchase and retirement of common stock | (5,906) | | | (91,545) | | | | | (109,484) | | | | | | | (201,029) | |
Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition | 49,600 | | | 2,152,631 | | | | | | | | | | | 2,152,631 | |
Distribution to noncontrolling interest | | | | | | | | | | | (11,072) | | | (11,072) | |
Contribution from noncontrolling interest | | | | | | | | | | | 3,750 | | | 3,750 | |
Dissolution of consolidated variable interest entity (Note 1) | | | | | | | | | | | (25,227) | | | (25,227) | |
Other | | | | | | | 911 | | | | | | | 911 | |
Balance at September 30, 2023 | 411,311 | | | $ | 11,958,441 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2,245,615 | | | $ | (2,724) | | | $ | 8,225 | | | $ | 14,209,557 | |
Common shares authorized (in thousands): 640,000. Preferred shares authorized (in thousands): 3,000. There were no preferred shares issued or outstanding.
(a)Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss are related to other postretirement benefits liability adjustments, net of tax, which are attributable to net actuarial losses and net prior service costs.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
1. Financial Statements
The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the requirements of Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, these statements include all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals, unless otherwise disclosed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position of EQT Corporation and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the results of its operations and equity for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 and its cash flows for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022. Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, references to "EQT" and "the Company" refer collectively to EQT Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise noted.
The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2022 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date. For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Dissolution of Consolidated Variable Interest Entity. In 2020, the Company entered into a partnership (the Partnership) with a third-party investor (the Investor) to purchase certain mineral rights in the Appalachian Basin. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Partnership's assets were distributed pro rata to the Company and the Investor, and the Partnership was dissolved. Prior to its dissolution, the Partnership was accounted for as a consolidated variable interest entity as the Company had the power to direct the activities that most significantly affected the Partnership's economic performance.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information. The following table summarizes net cash paid for interest and income taxes and non-cash activity included in the Statements of Condensed Consolidated Cash Flows.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 |
| | | |
| (Thousands) |
Cash paid during the period for: | | | |
Interest, net of amount capitalized | $ | 145,787 | | | $ | 208,239 | |
Income taxes, net | 13,441 | | | 10,529 | |
| | | |
Non-cash activity during the period for: | | | |
Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition | $ | 2,152,631 | | | $ | — | |
Increase in right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, net | 25,849 | | | 1,651 | |
Dissolution of consolidated variable interest entity | 25,227 | | | — | |
Increase in asset retirement costs and obligations | 5,216 | | | 14,102 | |
Capitalization of non-cash equity share-based compensation | 4,587 | | | 3,923 | |
Issuance of common stock for Convertible Notes settlement | 98 | | | 48 | |
2. Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Under the Company's natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs) and oil sales contracts, the Company generally considers the delivery of each unit (MMBtu or Bbl) to be a separate performance obligation that is satisfied upon delivery. These contracts typically require payment within 25 days of the end of the calendar month in which the commodity is delivered. A significant number of these contracts contain variable consideration because the payment terms refer to market prices at future delivery dates. In these situations, the Company has not identified a standalone selling price because the terms of the variable payments relate specifically to the Company's efforts to satisfy the performance obligations. Other contracts, such as fixed price contracts or contracts with a fixed differential to New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) or index prices, contain fixed consideration. The fixed consideration is allocated to each performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis, which requires judgment from management. For these contracts, the Company generally concludes that the fixed price or fixed differentials in the contracts are representative of the standalone selling price.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Based on management's judgment, the performance obligations for the sale of natural gas, NGLs and oil are satisfied at a point in time because the customer obtains control and legal title of the asset when the natural gas, NGLs or oil is delivered to the designated sales point.
The sales of natural gas, NGLs and oil presented in the Statements of Condensed Consolidated Operations represent the Company's share of revenues net of royalties and exclude revenue interests owned by others. When selling natural gas, NGLs and oil on behalf of royalty or working interest owners, the Company acts as an agent and, thus, reports the revenue on a net basis.
For contracts with customers where the Company's performance obligations had been satisfied and an unconditional right to consideration existed as of the balance sheet date, the Company recorded amounts due from contracts with customers of $382.2 million and $1,171.9 million in accounts receivable in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
The table below provides disaggregated information on the Company's revenues. Certain other revenue contracts are outside the scope of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. These contracts are reported in net marketing services and other in the Statements of Condensed Consolidated Operations. Derivative contracts are also outside the scope of ASU 2014-09.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| | | | | | | |
| (Thousands) |
Revenues from contracts with customers: | | | | | | | |
Natural gas sales | $ | 859,512 | | | $ | 3,543,706 | | | $ | 3,337,600 | | | $ | 9,008,226 | |
NGLs sales | 108,205 | | | 134,636 | | | 274,932 | | | 475,988 | |
Oil sales | 34,166 | | | 15,852 | | | 68,034 | | | 61,815 | |
Total revenues from contracts with customers | $ | 1,001,883 | | | $ | 3,694,194 | | | $ | 3,680,566 | | | $ | 9,546,029 | |
| | | | | | | |
Other sources of revenue: | | | | | | | |
Gain (loss) on derivatives | 177,906 | | | (1,627,296) | | | 1,167,144 | | | (5,550,028) | |
Net marketing services and other | 6,313 | | | 2,565 | | | 18,214 | | | 21,860 | |
Total operating revenues | $ | 1,186,102 | | | $ | 2,069,463 | | | $ | 4,865,924 | | | $ | 4,017,861 | |
The following table summarizes the transaction price allocated to the Company's remaining performance obligations on all contracts with fixed consideration as of September 30, 2023. Amounts shown exclude contracts that qualified for the exception to the relative standalone selling price method as of September 30, 2023.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 2023 (a) | | 2024 | | | | | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | |
| (Thousands) |
Natural gas sales | $ | 1,007 | | | $ | 469 | | | | | | | $ | 1,476 | |
(a)October 1 through December 31.
3. Derivative Instruments
The Company's primary market risk exposure is the volatility of future prices for natural gas and NGLs, which can affect the Company's operating results. The Company uses derivative commodity instruments to hedge its cash flows from sales of produced natural gas and NGLs. The overall objective of the Company's hedging program is to protect cash flows from undue exposure to the risk of changing commodity prices.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
The derivative commodity instruments used by the Company are primarily swap, collar and option agreements. These agreements may require payments to, or receipt of payments from, counterparties based on the differential between two prices for the commodity. The Company uses these agreements to hedge its NYMEX and basis exposure. The Company may also use other contractual agreements when executing its commodity hedging strategy. The Company typically enters into over the counter (OTC) derivative commodity instruments with financial institutions, and the creditworthiness of all counterparties is regularly monitored.
The Company does not designate any of its derivative instruments as cash flow hedges; therefore, all changes in fair value of the Company's derivative instruments are recognized in operating revenues in gain (loss) on derivatives in the Statements of Condensed Consolidated Operations. The Company recognizes all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value on a gross basis. These derivative instruments are reported as either current assets or current liabilities due to their highly liquid nature. The Company can net settle its derivative instruments at any time.
Contracts that result in physical delivery of a commodity expected to be sold by the Company in the normal course of business are generally designated as normal sales and are exempt from derivative accounting. Contracts that result in the physical receipt or delivery of a commodity but are not designated or do not meet all of the criteria to qualify for the normal purchase and normal sale scope exception are subject to derivative accounting.
The Company's OTC derivative instruments generally require settlement in cash. The Company also enters into exchange traded derivative commodity instruments that are generally settled with offsetting positions. Settlements of derivative commodity instruments are reported as a component of cash flows from operating activities in the Statements of Condensed Consolidated Cash Flows.
With respect to the derivative commodity instruments held by the Company, the Company hedged portions of its expected sales of production and portions of its basis exposure covering approximately 1,866 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas and 881 thousand barrels (Mbbl) of NGLs as of September 30, 2023 and 1,424 Bcf of natural gas and 1,483 Mbbl of NGLs as of December 31, 2022. The open positions at both September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 had maturities extending through December 2027.
Certain of the Company's OTC derivative instrument contracts provide that, if the Company's credit rating assigned by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. (Moody's), S&P Global Ratings (S&P) or Fitch Ratings Service (Fitch) is below the agreed-upon credit rating threshold (typically, below investment grade) and if the associated derivative liability exceeds the agreed-upon dollar threshold for such credit rating, the counterparty to such contract can require the Company to deposit collateral. Similarly, if such counterparty's credit rating assigned by Moody's, S&P or Fitch is below the agreed-upon credit rating threshold and if the associated derivative liability exceeds the agreed-upon dollar threshold for such credit rating, the Company can require the counterparty to deposit collateral with the Company. Such collateral can be up to 100% of the derivative liability. Investment grade refers to the quality of a company's credit as assessed by one or more credit rating agencies. To be considered investment grade, a company must be rated "Baa3" or higher by Moody's, "BBB–" or higher by S&P and "BBB–" or higher by Fitch. Anything below these ratings is considered non-investment grade. As of September 30, 2023, the Company's senior notes were rated "Baa3" by Moody's, "BBB–" by S&P and "BBB–" by Fitch.
When the net fair value of any of the Company's OTC derivative instrument contracts represents a liability to the Company that is in excess of the agreed-upon dollar threshold for the Company's then-applicable credit rating, the counterparty has the right to require the Company to remit funds as a margin deposit in an amount equal to the portion of the derivative liability that is in excess of the dollar threshold amount. The Company records these deposits as a current asset in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of September 30, 2023, none of the Company's OTC derivative instruments with credit rating risk-related contingent features were in a net liability position. As of December 31, 2022, the aggregate fair value of the Company's OTC derivative instruments with credit rating risk-related contingent features that were in a net liability position was $347.6 million, for which no deposits were required or recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
When the net fair value of any of the Company's OTC derivative instrument contracts represents an asset to the Company that is in excess of the agreed-upon dollar threshold for the counterparty's then-applicable credit rating, the Company has the right to require the counterparty to remit funds as a margin deposit in an amount equal to the portion of the derivative asset that is in excess of the dollar threshold amount. The Company records these deposits as a current liability in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of both September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were no such deposits recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
When the Company enters into exchange traded natural gas contracts, exchanges may require the Company to remit funds to the corresponding broker as good-faith deposits to guard against the risks associated with changing market conditions. The Company is required to make such deposits based on an established initial margin requirement and the net liability position, if any, of the fair value of the associated contracts. The Company records these deposits as a current asset in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. When the fair value of such contracts is in a net asset position, the broker may remit funds to the Company. The Company records these deposits as a current liability in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The initial margin requirements are established by the exchanges based on the price, volatility and the time to expiration of the contract. The margin requirements are subject to change at the exchanges' discretion. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company recorded $14.6 million and $100.6 million, respectively, of such deposits as current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company has netting agreements with financial institutions and its brokers that permit net settlement of gross commodity derivative assets against gross commodity derivative liabilities. The table below summarizes the impact of netting agreements and margin deposits on gross derivative assets and liabilities.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gross derivative instruments recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | | Derivative instruments subject to master netting agreements | | Margin requirements with counterparties | | Net derivative instruments |
| | | | | | | |
| (Thousands) |
September 30, 2023 | | | | | | | |
Asset derivative instruments, at fair value | $ | 577,926 | | | $ | (198,511) | | | $ | — | | | $ | 379,415 | |
Liability derivative instruments, at fair value | 274,684 | | | (198,511) | | | (14,570) | | | 61,603 | |
| | | | | | | |
December 31, 2022 | | | | | | | |
Asset derivative instruments, at fair value | $ | 812,371 | | | $ | (756,495) | | | $ | — | | | $ | 55,876 | |
Liability derivative instruments, at fair value | 1,393,487 | | | (756,495) | | | (100,623) | | | 536,369 | |
Henry Hub Cash Bonus. The Consolidated GGA (defined in Note 8) executed in connection with the Equitrans Share Exchange (defined in Note 8) provides for cash bonus payments (the Henry Hub Cash Bonus) payable by the Company during the period beginning on the first day of the quarter in which the Mountain Valley Pipeline is placed in service and ending on the earlier of 36 months thereafter or December 31, 2024. Such payments are conditioned upon the quarterly average of the NYMEX Henry Hub natural gas settlement price exceeding certain price thresholds.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company reduced the derivative liability related to the Henry Hub Cash Bonus to zero given the uncertainties surrounding the in-service date of the Mountain Valley Pipeline and the Company's then-held belief that achieving an in-service date of the Mountain Valley Pipeline prior to December 31, 2024 was not probable.
On June 3, 2023, President Biden signed legislation that raised the United States' debt limit, ratified and approved all permits and authorizations necessary for the construction and initial operation of the Mountain Valley Pipeline and directs the applicable federal officials and agencies to maintain such authorizations. Further, the legislation requires the Secretary of the Army to issue all permits or verifications necessary to complete project construction and allow for the Mountain Valley Pipeline's operation and maintenance. Given the impact of this legislation, the Company reevaluated its probability-weighted assessment of the achievement of an in-service date of the Mountain Valley Pipeline prior to December 31, 2024 and concluded that, as of September 30, 2023, based on the facts and circumstances that existed as of that date, the derivative liability related to the Henry Hub Cash Bonus had a fair value of approximately $54.4 million.
The fair value of the derivative liability related to the Henry Hub Cash Bonus is based on significant inputs that are interpolated from observable market data and, as such, is a Level 2 fair value measurement. See Note 4 for a description of the fair value hierarchy.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
4. Fair Value Measurements
The Company records its financial instruments, which are principally derivative instruments, at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company estimates the fair value of its financial instruments using quoted market prices when available. If quoted market prices are not available, the fair value is based on models that use market-based parameters, including forward curves, discount rates, volatilities and nonperformance risk, as inputs. Nonperformance risk considers the effect of the Company's credit standing on the fair value of liabilities and the effect of the counterparty's credit standing on the fair value of assets. The Company estimates nonperformance risk by analyzing publicly available market information, including a comparison of the yield on debt instruments with credit ratings similar to the Company's or counterparty's credit rating and the yield on a risk-free instrument.
The Company has categorized its assets and liabilities recorded at fair value into a three-level fair value hierarchy based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). Assets and liabilities that use Level 2 inputs primarily include the Company's swap, collar and option agreements.
Exchange traded commodity swaps have Level 1 inputs. The fair value of the commodity swaps with Level 2 inputs is based on standard industry income approach models that use significant observable inputs, including, but not limited to, NYMEX natural gas forward curves, SOFR-based discount rates, basis forward curves and NGLs forward curves. The Company's collars and options are valued using standard industry income approach option models. The significant observable inputs used by the option pricing models include NYMEX forward curves, natural gas volatilities and SOFR-based discount rates.
The table below summarizes assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Fair value measurements at reporting date using: |
| Gross derivative instruments recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) |
| | | | | | | |
| (Thousands) |
September 30, 2023 | | | | | | | |
Asset derivative instruments, at fair value | $ | 577,926 | | | $ | 42,352 | | | $ | 535,574 | | | $ | — | |
Liability derivative instruments, at fair value | 274,684 | | | 45,464 | | | 229,220 | | | — | |
| | | | | | | |
December 31, 2022 | | | | | | | |
Asset derivative instruments, at fair value | $ | 812,371 | | | $ | 103,028 | | | $ | 709,343 | | | $ | — | |
Liability derivative instruments, at fair value | 1,393,487 | | | 154,601 | | | 1,238,886 | | | — | |
The carrying values of cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short-term maturities. The carrying value of borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facility and the Term Loan Facility (defined in Note 6) approximates fair value as their interest rates are based on prevailing market rates. The Company considers these fair values to be Level 1 fair value measurements.
The Company has an investment in a fund (the Investment Fund) that invests in companies developing technology and operating solutions for exploration and production companies. The Company values the Investment Fund using, as a practical expedient, the net asset value provided in the financial statements received from fund managers.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
The Company estimates the fair value of its senior notes using established fair value methodology. Because not all of the Company's senior notes are actively traded, their fair value is a Level 2 fair value measurement. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company's senior notes had a fair value of approximately $5.2 billion and $6.1 billion, respectively, and a carrying value of approximately $4.6 billion and $5.6 billion, respectively, inclusive of any current portion. The fair value of the Company's note payable to EQM Midstream Partners, LP (EQM) is estimated using an income approach model with a market-based discount rate and is a Level 3 fair value measurement. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company's note payable to EQM had a fair value of approximately $89 million and $96 million, respectively, and a carrying value of approximately $90 million and $94 million, respectively, inclusive of any current portion. See Note 6 for further discussion of the Company's debt.
The Company recognizes transfers between Levels as of the actual date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer. There were no transfers between Levels 1, 2 and 3 during the periods presented.
See Note 3 for a discussion of the fair value measurement of the Henry Hub Cash Bonus. See Note 8 for a discussion of the fair value measurement of the contract asset. See Note 9 for a discussion of the fair value measurement of the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition (defined in Note 9). See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 for a discussion of the fair value measurement of the Company's oil and gas properties and other long-lived assets, including impairment and expiration of leases.
5. Income Taxes
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company calculated the provision for income taxes for interim periods by applying an estimate of the annual effective tax rate for the full fiscal year to "ordinary" income or loss (pre-tax income or loss excluding unusual or infrequently occurring items) for the period. There were no material changes to the Company's methodology for determining unrecognized tax benefits during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded income tax expense (benefit) at an effective tax rate of 15.0% and (8.5)%, respectively. The Company's effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was lower compared to the U.S. federal statutory rate due primarily as a result of the release of valuation allowances limiting certain state deferred tax assets and net state deferred tax benefit related to a rate reduction from a Pennsylvania tax law change enacted on July 8, 2022 and the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition. The Company's effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was lower compared to the U.S. federal statutory rate due primarily to a reduction to deferred state taxes from a Pennsylvania tax law change enacted on July 8, 2022, partly offset by nondeductible repurchase premiums on the Convertible Notes (defined in Note 6).
The Company recognizes a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset (DTA) will not be realized. All available evidence, both positive and negative, is considered when determining the need for a valuation allowance. To determine whether a valuation allowance is required, the Company uses judgement to estimate future taxable income and considers the tax consequences in the jurisdiction where such taxable income is generated as well as evidence including the Company's current financial position, actual and forecasted results of operations, the reversal of deferred tax liabilities and tax planning strategies in addition to the current and forecasted business economics of the oil and gas industry. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Company concluded that the positive evidence, including the Company's change in its cumulative income position from loss to income and its forecasted income, more likely than not outweighed the negative evidence regarding the realization of the Company's DTA for certain state tax net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards. As a result, the Company recorded a state deferred tax benefit of $101 million related to its valuation allowance for its state NOL carryforwards in the Statement of Condensed Consolidated Operations for the three months ended September 30, 2023.
The Company has retained a valuation allowance related to its NOLs for certain entities and jurisdictions in which it is more likely than not that the benefit from the related DTA will not be realized as well as a valuation allowance against the portion of its federal and state DTAs, such as capital losses, which may expire before being fully utilized due to the limitation to offset only capital gains.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
6. Debt
The table below summarizes the Company's outstanding debt.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| September 30, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
| Principal Value | | Carrying Value (a) | | Principal Value | | Carrying Value (a) |
| | | | | | | |
| (Thousands) |
| | | | | | | |
Term Loan Facility due June 30, 2025 (b) | $ | 1,250,000 | | | $ | 1,243,280 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
Senior notes: | | | | | | | |
7.42% series B notes due 2023 | — | | | — | | | 10,000 | | | 10,000 | |
6.125% notes due February 1, 2025 (b) | 601,521 | | | 600,128 | | | 911,467 | | | 908,168 | |
5.678% notes due October 1, 2025 | — | | | — | | | 500,000 | | | 496,578 | |
1.75% convertible notes due May 1, 2026 | 414,732 | | | 408,450 | | | 414,832 | | | 406,796 | |
3.125% notes due May 15, 2026 | 392,915 | | | 389,674 | | | 440,857 | | | 436,198 | |
7.75% debentures due July 15, 2026 | 115,000 | | | 113,591 | | | 115,000 | | | 113,218 | |
3.90% notes due October 1, 2027 | 1,169,503 | | | 1,165,167 | | | 1,233,008 | | | 1,227,582 | |
5.700% notes due April 1, 2028 | 500,000 | | | 489,810 | | | 500,000 | | | 493,941 | |
5.00% notes due January 15, 2029 | 318,494 | | | 314,956 | | | 327,101 | | | 322,956 | |
7.000% notes due February 1, 2030 (b) | 674,800 | | | 670,865 | | | 714,800 | | | 710,138 | |
3.625% notes due May 15, 2031 | 435,165 | | | 429,972 | | | 465,165 | | | 459,070 | |
Note payable to EQM | 89,973 | | | 89,973 | | | 94,320 | | | 94,320 | |
Total debt | 5,962,103 | | | 5,915,866 | | | 5,726,550 | | | 5,678,965 | |
Less: Current portion of debt (c) | 420,874 | | | 414,592 | | | 430,668 | | | 422,632 | |
Long-term debt | $ | 5,541,229 | | | $ | 5,501,274 | | | $ | 5,295,882 | | | $ | 5,256,333 | |
(a)For the note payable to EQM, the principal value represents the carrying value. For all other debt, the principal value less the unamortized debt issuance costs and debt discounts represents the carrying value.
(b)Interest rates for the Term Loan Facility, the 6.125% senior notes and the 7.000% senior notes fluctuate based on changes to the credit ratings assigned to the Company's senior notes by Moody's, S&P and Fitch. Interest rates on the Company's other outstanding debt do not fluctuate.
(c)As of September 30, 2023, the current portion of debt included the 1.75% convertible notes and a portion of the note payable to EQM. As of December 31, 2022, the current portion of debt included the 7.42% series B notes, the 1.75% convertible notes and a portion of the note payable to EQM.
Debt Repayments. The Company redeemed or repurchased the following debt during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Debt Tranche | | Principal | | Premiums/(Discounts) (a) | | Accrued but Unpaid Interest | | Total Cost |
| | | | | | | | |
| | (Thousands) |
6.125% notes due February 1, 2025 | | $ | 309,946 | | | $ | 1,832 | | | $ | 6,801 | | | $ | 318,579 | |
5.678% notes due October 1, 2025 | | 500,000 | | | — | | | 6,940 | | | 506,940 | |
| | | | | | | | |
3.125% notes due May 15, 2026 | | 47,942 | | | (3,042) | | | 296 | | | 45,196 | |
3.90% notes due October 1, 2027 | | 63,505 | | | (3,534) | | | 781 | | | 60,752 | |
| | | | | | | | |
5.00% notes due January 15, 2029 | | 8,607 | | | (309) | | | 137 | | | 8,435 | |
7.000% notes due February 1, 2030 | | 40,000 | | | 2,736 | | | 1,313 | | | 44,049 | |
3.625% notes due May 15, 2031 | | 30,000 | | | (4,011) | | | 167 | | | 26,156 | |
Total | | $ | 1,000,000 | | | $ | (6,328) | | | $ | 16,435 | | | $ | 1,010,107 | |
(a)Includes third-party costs and fees paid to dealer managers and brokers.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Revolving Credit Facility. The Company has a $2.5 billion revolving credit facility that matures in June 2027.
As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had approximately $15 million and $25 million, respectively, of letters of credit outstanding under its revolving credit facility.
During the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, under the Company's revolving credit facility, the maximum amount of outstanding borrowings was $158 million and $1,216 million, respectively, the average daily balance was approximately $28 million and $717 million, respectively, and interest was incurred at a weighted average annual interest rate of 6.9% and 3.8%, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, under the Company's revolving credit facility, the maximum amount of outstanding borrowings was $158 million and $1,300 million, respectively, the average daily balance was approximately $9 million and $624 million, respectively, and interest was incurred at a weighted average annual interest rate of 6.9% and 2.8%, respectively.
Term Loan Facility. On November 9, 2022, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement with PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto (as amended, the Term Loan Agreement), under which such lenders agreed to make to the Company unsecured term loans in a single draw in an aggregate principal amount of up to $1.25 billion (the Term Loan Facility) to partly fund the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition. On August 21, 2023, the Company borrowed $1.25 billion under the Term Loan Facility, receiving proceeds, net of $7.1 million of debt issuance costs, of $1,242.9 million.
At the Company's election, the $1.25 billion of borrowings under the Term Loan Facility bear interest at a Term SOFR Rate plus the SOFR Adjustment or Base Rate (all terms defined in the Term Loan Agreement), each plus a margin based on the Company's credit ratings. The Company may voluntarily prepay, in whole or in part, borrowings under the Term Loan Facility without premium or penalty but subject to reimbursement of funding losses with respect to prepayment of loans that bear interest based on the Term SOFR Rate. Borrowings under the Term Loan Facility that are repaid may not be re-borrowed. During the period from August 21, 2023 through September 30, 2023, under the Term Loan Facility, interest was incurred at a weighted average annual interest rate of 7.0%.
The Term Loan Agreement contains certain representations and warranties and various affirmative and negative covenants and events of default, including (i) a restriction on the ability of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries to incur or permit liens on assets, subject to certain significant exceptions, (ii) a restriction on the ability of certain of the Company's subsidiaries to incur debt, subject to certain significant exceptions, (iii) the establishment of a maximum consolidated debt-to-total capital ratio of the Company and its subsidiaries of 65%, (iv) a limitation on certain changes to the Company's business and (v) certain restrictions related to mergers and sales of all or substantially all of the Company's assets. As of September 30, 2023, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
5.700% Senior Notes. On October 4, 2022, the Company issued its 5.700% senior notes to partly fund the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition. On May 10, 2023, following the receipt of the requisite consents of holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the Company's 5.700% senior notes, the Company amended the mandatory redemption provision of the indenture governing the Company's outstanding 5.700% senior notes. Under the terms set forth in the consent solicitation statement, the Company paid consent fees of $5.3 million in the aggregate to holders of outstanding 5.700% senior notes who delivered valid consents.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Convertible Notes. In April 2020, the Company issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 1.75% convertible senior notes (the Convertible Notes) due May 1, 2026 unless earlier redeemed, repurchased or converted.
Holders of the Convertible Notes may convert their Convertible Notes at their option at any time prior to the close of business on January 30, 2026 under the following circumstances:
•during any quarter as long as the last reported price of EQT Corporation common stock for at least 20 trading days (consecutive or otherwise) during the period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each such trading day (the Sale Price Condition);
•during the five-business-day period after any five-consecutive-trading-day period (the measurement period) in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes for each trading day of the measurement period is less than 98% of the product of the last reported price of EQT Corporation common stock and the conversion rate for the Convertible Notes on each such trading day;
•if the Company calls any or all of the Convertible Notes for redemption at any time prior to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding such redemption date; and
•upon the occurrence of certain corporate events set forth in the Convertible Notes indenture.
On or after February 1, 2026, holders of the Convertible Notes may convert their Convertible Notes at their option at any time until the close of business on the second scheduled trading date immediately preceding May 1, 2026.
The Company was not permitted to redeem the Convertible Notes prior to May 5, 2023. On or after May 5, 2023 and prior to February 1, 2026, the Company may redeem for cash all or any portion of the Convertible Notes at its option at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest up to the redemption date as long as the last reported price per share of EQT Corporation common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price in effect for at least 20 trading days (consecutive or otherwise) during any 30-consecutive-trading-day period ending on the trading day immediately preceding the date on which the Company delivers notice of redemption. A sinking fund is not provided for the Convertible Notes.
The table below summarizes adjustments made to the conversion rate for the Convertible Notes as a result of cash dividends paid by the Company on EQT Corporation common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Future cash dividends paid by the Company will result in further adjustments to the conversion rate.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividend Paid | | Effective Date of Adjustment to Conversion Rate | | Conversion Shares of EQT Corporation Common Stock per $1,000 Principal Amount |
First Quarter of 2023 | | February 17, 2023 | | 68.0740 |
Second Quarter of 2023 | | May 9, 2023 | | 68.3917 |
Third Quarter of 2023 | | August 8, 2023 | | 68.6360 |
| | | | |
| | | | |
The conversion rate is also subject to adjustment under certain other circumstances. In addition, following certain corporate events that occur prior to May 1, 2026 or if the Company delivers a notice of redemption, the Company will, in certain circumstances, increase the conversion rate for a holder who elects to convert its Convertible Notes in connection with such corporate event or notice of redemption.
The Sale Price Condition for conversion of the Convertible Notes was satisfied as of September 30, 2023, and, accordingly, the Convertible Notes indenture permits holders of the Convertible Notes to convert any of their Convertible Notes at their option at any time during the fourth quarter of 2023, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Convertible Notes indenture. In addition, the Sales Price Condition for conversion of the Convertible Notes was satisfied as of December 31, 2022, and, accordingly, the Convertible Notes indenture permitted holders of the Convertible Notes to convert any of their Convertible Notes at their option at any time during the first quarter of 2023, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Convertible Notes indenture. Therefore, as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the net carrying value of the Convertible Notes was included in current portion of debt in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
The table below summarizes settlements of Convertible Notes conversion right exercises for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The Company elected to settle all such conversions by issuing shares of EQT Corporation common stock to the converting holders. Convertible Notes conversion right exercises are accrued in the period received.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Settlement Month | | Principal Converted | | Shares Issued | | Average Conversion Price |
| | | | | | |
| | (Thousands) | | | | |
January 2023 | | $ | 7 | | | 473 | | | $ | 33.70 | |
February 2023 | | 8 | | | 541 | | | 30.77 | |
March 2023 | | 6 | | | 408 | | | 31.46 | |
April 2023 | | 58 | | | 3,948 | | | 32.01 | |
June 2023 | | 4 | | | 272 | | | 39.06 | |
July 2023 | | 10 | | | 682 | | | 40.92 | |
September 2023 | | 6 | | | 411 | | | 42.35 | |
Upon conversion of the remaining outstanding Convertible Notes, the Company may satisfy its conversion obligation by paying and/or delivering at the Company's election, in the manner and subject to the terms and conditions provided in the Convertible Notes indenture, cash, shares of EQT Corporation common stock or a combination thereof. The Company intends to use a combined settlement approach to satisfy its obligation by paying or delivering to holders of the Convertible Notes cash equal to the principal amount of the obligation and EQT Corporation common stock for amounts that exceed the principal amount of the obligation.
In connection with the Convertible Notes offering, the Company entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions (the Capped Call Transactions), the purpose of which is to reduce the potential dilution to EQT Corporation common stock upon conversion of the Convertible Notes and/or offset any cash payments the Company is required to make in excess of the principal amount of such obligation, with such reduction and offset subject to a cap. The Capped Call Transactions have an initial strike price of $15.00 per share of EQT Corporation common stock and an initial capped price of $18.75 per share of EQT Corporation common stock, each of which are subject to certain customary adjustments, including adjustments as a result of EQT Corporation paying a dividend on its common stock.
Based on the closing stock price of EQT Corporation common stock of $40.58 on September 29, 2023 and excluding the impact of the Capped Call Transactions, the if-converted value of the Convertible Notes exceeded the principal amount by $740 million.
The table below summarizes the net carrying value and fair value of the Convertible Notes.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| September 30, 2023 | | December 31, 2022 |
| | | |
| (Thousands) |
Principal | $ | 414,732 | | | $ | 414,832 | |
Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs | 6,282 | | | 8,036 | |
Net carrying value of Convertible Notes | $ | 408,450 | | | $ | 406,796 | |
| | | |
Fair value of Convertible Notes (a) | $ | 1,155,337 | | | $ | 967,728 | |
(a)The fair value is a Level 2 fair value measurement. See Note 4.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
The table below summarizes the components of interest expense related to the Convertible Notes. The effective interest rate for the Convertible Notes is 2.4%.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| | | | | | | |
| (Thousands) |
Contractual interest expense | $ | 1,814 | | | $ | 1,821 | | | $ | 5,443 | | | $ | 6,191 | |
Amortization of issuance costs | 588 | | | 574 | | | 1,752 | | | 1,945 | |
Total Convertible Notes interest expense | $ | 2,402 | | | $ | 2,395 | | | $ | 7,195 | | | $ | 8,136 | |
7. Income Per Share
The table below provides the computation for basic and diluted income per share.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| | | | | | | |
| (Thousands, except per share amounts) |
Net income attributable to EQT Corporation – Basic income available to shareholders | $ | 81,255 | | | $ | 683,670 | | | $ | 1,233,177 | | | $ | 58,983 | |
Add back: Interest expense on Convertible Notes, net of tax (a) | 2,042 | | | 921 | | | 6,117 | | | — | |
Diluted income available to shareholders | $ | 83,297 | | | $ | 684,591 | | | $ | 1,239,294 | | | $ | 58,983 | |
| | | | | | | |
Weighted average common stock outstanding – Basic | 383,359 | | | 369,987 | | | 368,936 | | | 371,308 | |
Options, restricted stock, performance awards and stock appreciation rights | 4,398 | | | 5,880 | | | 4,606 | | | 5,720 | |
Convertible Notes (a) | 28,433 | | | 28,022 | | | 28,317 | | | — | |
Weighted average common stock outstanding – Diluted | 416,190 | | | 403,889 | | | 401,859 | | | 377,028 | |
| | | | | | | |
Income per share of common stock attributable to EQT Corporation: | | | | | | | |
Basic | $ | 0.21 | | | $ | 1.85 | | | $ | 3.34 | | | $ | 0.16 | |
Diluted | $ | 0.20 | | | $ | 1.69 | | | $ | 3.08 | | | $ | 0.16 | |
(a)The Company uses the if-converted method to calculate the impact of the Convertible Notes on diluted income per share. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, such if-converted securities of approximately 31.6 million as well as the related add back of interest expense on the Convertible Notes, net of tax, of $6.1 million were excluded from potentially dilutive securities because of their anti-dilutive effect on income per share.
8. Impairment of Contract Asset
During the first quarter of 2020, the Company sold to Equitrans Midstream Corporation (Equitrans Midstream) approximately 50% of the Company's then-owned equity interest in Equitrans Midstream in exchange for a combination of cash and rate relief under certain of the Company's gathering contracts with an affiliate of Equitrans Midstream (the Equitrans Share Exchange). The rate relief was effected through the execution of a consolidated gas gathering and compression agreement entered into between the Company and an affiliate of Equitrans Midstream (the Consolidated GGA). On the closing date of the Equitrans Share Exchange, the Company recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet a contract asset of $410 million representing the estimated fair value of the rate relief inclusive of the Cash Payment Option (defined below).
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Because the Mountain Valley Pipeline was not in service by January 1, 2022, the Consolidated GGA provided the Company the option to forgo a portion of the gathering fee relief that would otherwise be applicable following the Mountain Valley Pipeline in-service date in exchange for a cash payment of approximately $196 million (the Cash Payment Option). During the third quarter of 2022, the Company elected to exercise the Cash Payment Option, and, in the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company received the cash proceeds from the Cash Payment Option.
During 2022, the Company identified indicators that the carrying value of the contract asset may not be fully recoverable, including increased uncertainty of the estimated timing of completion of the Mountain Valley Pipeline due to court rulings and public statements from Equitrans Midstream with respect to its completion. As a result of the Company's impairment evaluation, the Company recognized impairment of the contract asset during the first quarter of 2022 of $184.9 million in the Statement of Condensed Consolidated Operations. During the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company recognized additional impairment of the contract asset of $29.3 million in the Statement of Condensed Consolidated Operations. As of December 31, 2022, the previously recognized impairments plus the election of the Cash Payment Option reduced the carrying value of the contract asset to zero.
The fair value of the contract asset was based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market and, as such, is a Level 3 fair value measurement. See Note 4 for a description of the fair value hierarchy. Key assumptions used in the fair value calculation included the following: (i) a probability-weighted estimate of the in-service date of the Mountain Valley Pipeline; (ii) an estimate of the potential exercise and timing of the Cash Payment Option; (iii) an estimated production volume forecast and (iv) a market-based weighted average cost of capital.
9. Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition
On August 22, 2023, the Company completed its acquisition (the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition) of the upstream assets from THQ Appalachia I, LLC (the Upstream Seller) and the gathering and processing assets from THQ-XcL Holdings I, LLC (the Midstream Seller) through the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding membership interests of each of THQ Appalachia I Midco, LLC and THQ-XcL Holdings I Midco, LLC pursuant to the Amended and Restated Purchase Agreement, dated December 23, 2022 (as amended, the Purchase Agreement), entered into by and among EQT Corporation, EQT Production Company (a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of EQT Corporation), the Upstream Seller and the Midstream Seller.
The purchase price for the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition consisted of 49,599,796 shares of EQT Corporation common stock and approximately $2.4 billion in cash, subject to customary post-closing adjustments. The Company funded the cash portion of the consideration with $1.25 billion of borrowings under its Term Loan Facility, $1.0 billion of cash on hand and the $150 million cash deposit previously placed in escrow. The Purchase Agreement has an economic effective date of July 1, 2022.
As a result of the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition, the Company acquired approximately 90,000 net West Virginia acres, approximately 800 million cubic feet of natural gas equivalents (MMcfe) per day of current net production, approximately 145 miles of midstream gathering pipeline, compression and gas processing assets and approximately 55 miles of connected water infrastructure with four centralized storage facilities.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Allocation of Purchase Price. The Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method. The table below summarizes the preliminary purchase price and estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of August 22, 2023. Certain information necessary to complete the purchase price allocation is not yet available, including, but not limited to, final appraisals of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company expects to complete the purchase price allocation once it has received all necessary information, at which time the value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be revised if necessary.
| | | | | | | | |
| | Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation |
| | |
| | (Thousands) |
Consideration: | | |
Equity | | $ | 2,152,631 | |
Cash | | 2,403,301 | |
Settlement of pre-existing relationships | | (31,754) | |
Total consideration | | $ | 4,524,178 | |
| | |
Fair value of assets acquired: | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 100 | |
Accounts receivable, net | | 75,961 | |
Derivative instruments, at fair value | | 162,455 | |
Prepaid expenses and other | | 1,825 | |
Property, plant and equipment | | 4,555,311 | |
Other assets | | 5,921 | |
Total amount attributable to assets acquired | | $ | 4,801,573 | |
| | |
Fair value of liabilities assumed: | | |
Accounts payable | | $ | 162,668 | |
Other current liabilities | | 47,399 | |
Other liabilities and credits | | 67,328 | |
Total amount attributable to liabilities assumed | | $ | 277,395 | |
The fair value of the acquired developed natural gas and oil properties was measured using discounted cash flow valuation techniques based on inputs that are not observable in the market and, as such, are considered Level 3 fair value measurements. Significant inputs include future commodity prices, projections of estimated quantities of reserves, estimated future rates of production, projected reserve recovery factors, timing and amount of future development and operating costs and a weighted average cost of capital.
The fair value of the acquired undeveloped properties was primarily measured using discounted cash flow valuation techniques based on inputs that are not observable in the market and, as such, are considered Level 3 fair value measurements. Significant inputs include timing and amount of future development from a market participant perspective.
The fair value of the acquired midstream and water infrastructure assets was measured primarily using the cost approach based on inputs that are not observable in the market and, as such, are considered Level 3 fair value measurements. Significant inputs include replacement costs for similar assets, relative age of the acquired assets and any potential economic or functional obsolescence associated with the acquired assets.
See Note 4 for a description of the fair value hierarchy.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Post-Acquisition Operating Results. The table below summarizes amounts contributed by the upstream, gathering and processing assets acquired in the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition to the Company's consolidated results for the period from August 22, 2023 through September 30, 2023.
| | | | | | | | |
| | August 22, 2023 through September 30, 2023 |
| | |
| | (Thousands) |
Sales of natural gas, NGLs and oil | | $ | 64,541 | |
Loss on derivatives | | (6,126) | |
Net marketing services and other | | 299 | |
Total operating revenues | | $ | 58,714 | |
| | |
Net loss | | $ | (26,612) | |
Unaudited Pro Forma Information. The table below summarizes the Company's results as though the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition had been completed on January 1, 2022. Certain of the Upstream Seller's and Midstream Seller's historical amounts were reclassified to conform to the Company's financial presentation of operations. Such unaudited pro forma information is provided for informational purposes only and does not represent what consolidated results of operations would have been had the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition occurred on January 1, 2022 nor are they indicative of future consolidated results of operations.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 |
| | | |
| (Thousands, except per share amounts) |
Pro forma sales of natural gas, NGLs and oil | $ | 4,145,295 | | | $ | 10,899,338 | |
Pro forma gain (loss) on derivatives | 1,324,773 | | | (5,535,540) | |
Pro forma net marketing services and other | 20,720 | | | 31,034 | |
Pro forma total operating revenues | $ | 5,490,788 | | | $ | 5,394,832 | |
| | | |
Pro forma net income | $ | 1,410,143 | | | $ | 646,609 | |
Less: Pro forma net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (80) | | | 8,120 | |
Pro forma net income attributable to EQT Corporation | $ | 1,410,223 | | | $ | 638,489 | |
| | | |
Pro forma income per share of common stock attributable to EQT Corporation: | | | |
Pro forma net income attributable to EQT Corporation – Basic | $ | 3.82 | | | $ | 1.72 | |
Pro forma net income attributable to EQT Corporation – Diluted | $ | 3.52 | | | $ | 1.69 | |
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in this report. Unless the context otherwise indicates, all references in this report to "EQT," the "Company," "we," "us," or "our" are to EQT Corporation and its subsidiaries, collectively. For certain industry specific terms used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, please see "Glossary of Commonly Used Terms, Abbreviations and Measurements" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). Statements that do not relate strictly to historical or current facts are forward-looking and are usually identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "could," "would," "will," "may," "forecast," "approximate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe" and other words of similar meaning, or the negative thereof, in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial matters. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include the expectations of our plans, strategies, objectives and growth and anticipated financial and operational performance, including guidance regarding our strategy to develop our reserves; drilling plans and programs, including availability of capital to complete these plans and programs; total resource potential and drilling inventory duration; projected production and sales volume and growth rates; natural gas prices; changes in basis and the impact of commodity prices on our business; potential future impairments of our assets; projected well costs and capital expenditures; infrastructure programs; the cost, capacity, and timing of obtaining regulatory approvals; our ability to successfully implement and execute our operational, organizational, technological and environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives, and achieve the anticipated results of such initiatives; projected gathering and compression rates; potential acquisitions or other strategic transactions, the timing thereof and our ability to achieve the intended operational, financial and strategic benefits from any such transactions or from any recently completed acquisitions or other strategic transactions, including the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition (defined and discussed in Note 9 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements); the amount and timing of any repayments, redemptions or repurchases of our common stock, outstanding debt securities or other debt instruments; our ability to retire our debt and the timing of such retirements, if any; the projected amount and timing of dividends; projected cash flows and free cash flow and the timing thereof; liquidity and financing requirements, including funding sources and availability; our ability to maintain or improve our credit ratings, leverage levels and financial profile; our hedging strategy and projected margin posting obligations; the effects of litigation, government regulation and tax position; and the expected impact of changes to tax laws.
The forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. We have based these forward-looking statements on current expectations and assumptions about future events, taking into account all information currently known by us. While we consider these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and beyond our control. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, volatility of commodity prices; the costs and results of drilling and operations; uncertainties about estimates of reserves, identification of drilling locations and the ability to add proved reserves in the future; the assumptions underlying production forecasts; the quality of technical data; our ability to appropriately allocate capital and other resources among our strategic opportunities; access to and cost of capital, including as a result of rising interest rates and other economic uncertainties; our hedging and other financial contracts; inherent hazards and risks normally incidental to drilling for, producing, transporting and storing natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs) and oil; cyber security risks and acts of sabotage; availability and cost of drilling rigs, completion services, equipment, supplies, personnel, oilfield services and sand and water required to execute our exploration and development plans, including as a result of inflationary pressures; risks associated with operating primarily in the Appalachian Basin and obtaining a substantial amount of our midstream services from Equitrans Midstream Corporation (Equitrans Midstream); the ability to obtain environmental and other permits and the timing thereof; government regulation or action, including regulations pertaining to methane and other greenhouse gas emissions; negative public perception of the fossil fuels industry; increased consumer demand for alternatives to natural gas; environmental and weather risks, including the possible impacts of climate change; and disruptions to our business due to acquisitions and other significant transactions, including the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition. These and other risks and uncertainties are described under the "Risk Factors" section and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and may be updated by the "Risk Factors" section of subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents we subsequently file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and, except as required by law, we do not intend to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Consolidated Results of Operations
Net income attributable to EQT Corporation for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was $81.3 million, $0.20 per diluted share, compared to net income attributable to EQT Corporation for the same period in 2022 of $683.7 million, $1.69 per diluted share. The decrease was attributable primarily to decreased sales of natural gas, NGLs and oil, partly offset by a gain on derivatives in 2023 compared to a loss on derivatives in 2022 and income tax benefit in 2023 compared to income tax expense in 2022.
Net income attributable to EQT Corporation for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $1,233.2 million, $3.08 per diluted share, compared to net income attributable to EQT Corporation for the same period in 2022 of $59.0 million, $0.16 per diluted share. The increase was attributable primarily to a gain on derivatives in 2023 compared to a loss on derivatives in 2022, impairment of the contract asset in 2022 and a loss on debt extinguishment in 2022, partly offset by decreased sales of natural gas, NGLs and oil and income tax expense in 2023 compared to income tax benefit in 2022.
Results of operations for 2023 include the results of approximately one month of our operation of assets acquired in the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition, which closed on August 22, 2023. See Note 9 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition.
See "Sales Volume and Revenues" and "Operating Expenses" for discussions of items affecting operating income and "Other Income Statement Items" for a discussion of other income statement items. See "Investing Activities" under "Capital Resources and Liquidity" for a discussion of capital expenditures.
Trends and Uncertainties
Our sales volume and operating expenses on a per Mcfe basis for 2022 and the first half of 2023 were negatively impacted by fewer wells turned-in-line during 2022 compared to our 2022 planned development schedule due to third-party supply chain constraints. In addition, as a result of third-party supply chain constraints in 2022, we shifted the planned development of approximately 30 wells from 2022 to 2023 (the Rescheduled Wells). All of the Rescheduled Wells have been completed and were turned-to-sales as of July 2023, resulting in our third quarter 2023 sales volume returning to our maintenance level of production; however, our third quarter 2023 sales volume was negatively impacted by approximately 13 Bcfe of curtailments (inclusive of our operated and non-operated wells) principally in response to lower natural gas prices in the Appalachian Basin. Future supply chain constraints or declines in natural gas prices may result in adjustments to our 2023 planned development schedule or the development schedule of non-operated wells in which we have a working interest. Our sales volume and operating expenses on a per Mcfe basis for the second quarter of 2023 were also negatively impacted by lower-than-expected liquids volumes from unscheduled downtime at an in-basin ethane cracker plant to conduct equipment repairs and maintenance and a delay in the development schedule of certain wells that are not operated by us but in which we have a working interest in the volumes produced from such wells. We cannot control or otherwise influence the development schedule of non-operated wells in which we have a working interest. Adjustments to our 2023 planned development schedule or the development schedule of non-operated wells in which we have a working interest could impact our future sales volume, operating revenues and expenses, per unit metrics and capital expenditures.
The annual inflation rate in the United States was particularly high during 2022, and, although the inflation rate has decreased through 2023, it still remains elevated compared to historical levels. Inflationary pressures have multiple impacts on our business, including increasing our operating expenses and our cost of capital. While the prices for certain of the raw materials and services we use in our operations have generally decreased from the peak prices experienced during 2022, we will not fully realize the benefit of such reduced prices until we enter into new contracts for such materials and services, and inflationary pressures may cause prices to fluctuate. Additionally, certain of our commitments for demand charges under our existing long-term contracts and processing capacity are subject to consumer price index adjustments. Although we believe our scale and supply chain contracting strategy of using multi-year sand and frac crew contracts allows us to maximize capital and operating efficiencies, future increases in the inflation rate will negatively impact our long-term contracts with consumer price index adjustments.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Additionally, while the prices for natural gas, NGLs and oil have historically been volatile, price volatility was especially pronounced during 2022, with natural gas prices peaking in August 2022 and steadily declining thereafter. Natural gas prices have generally continued to trend down through the first half of 2023 but have moderately increased during the third quarter of 2023, although, through most of 2023, natural gas prices on average have remained lower than the prices experienced throughout 2022. We expect commodity price volatility to continue or increase throughout the remainder of 2023 due to macroeconomic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, including continued developments pertaining to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East. Our revenue, profitability, rate of growth, liquidity and financial position will continue to be impacted in the future by the market prices for natural gas and, to a lesser extent, NGLs and oil.
Average Realized Price Reconciliation
The following table presents detailed natural gas and liquids operational information to assist in the understanding of our consolidated operations, including the calculation of our average realized price ($/Mcfe), which is based on adjusted operating revenues, a non-GAAP supplemental financial measure. Adjusted operating revenues is presented because it is an important measure we use to evaluate period-to-period comparisons of earnings trends. Adjusted operating revenues should not be considered as an alternative to total operating revenues. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation" for a reconciliation of adjusted operating revenues with total operating revenues, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| | | | | | | |
| (Thousands, unless otherwise noted) |
NATURAL GAS | | | | | | | |
Sales volume (MMcf) | 491,472 | | | 463,856 | | | 1,374,527 | | | 1,406,715 | |
NYMEX price ($/MMBtu) | $ | 2.55 | | | $ | 8.18 | | | $ | 2.68 | | | $ | 6.75 | |
Btu uplift | 0.13 | | | 0.44 | | | 0.14 | | | 0.35 | |
Natural gas price ($/Mcf) | $ | 2.68 | | | $ | 8.62 | | | $ | 2.82 | | | $ | 7.10 | |
| | | | | | | |
Basis ($/Mcf) (a) | $ | (0.93) | | | $ | (0.97) | | | $ | (0.39) | | | $ | (0.70) | |
Cash settled basis swaps ($/Mcf) | 0.12 | | | (0.05) | | | (0.08) | | | (0.08) | |
Average differential, including cash settled basis swaps ($/Mcf) | $ | (0.81) | | | $ | (1.02) | | | $ | (0.47) | | | $ | (0.78) | |
Average adjusted price ($/Mcf) | $ | 1.87 | | | $ | 7.60 | | | $ | 2.35 | | | $ | 6.32 | |
Cash settled derivatives ($/Mcf) | 0.27 | | | (4.32) | | | 0.37 | | | (3.24) | |
Average natural gas price, including cash settled derivatives ($/Mcf) | $ | 2.14 | | | $ | 3.28 | | | $ | 2.72 | | | $ | 3.08 | |
Natural gas sales, including cash settled derivatives | $ | 1,053,146 | | | $ | 1,519,597 | | | $ | 3,741,247 | | | $ | 4,335,811 | |
| | | | | | | |
LIQUIDS | | | | | | | |
NGLs, excluding ethane: | | | | | | | |
Sales volume (MMcfe) (b) | 16,629 | | | 13,841 | | | 41,805 | | | 43,043 | |
Sales volume (Mbbl) | 2,772 | | | 2,307 | | | 6,968 | | | 7,174 | |
NGLs price ($/Bbl) | $ | 35.42 | | | $ | 48.77 | | | $ | 35.34 | | | $ | 57.25 | |
Cash settled derivatives ($/Bbl) | (1.10) | | | (3.78) | | | (1.54) | | | (4.45) | |
Average NGLs price, including cash settled derivatives ($/Bbl) | $ | 34.32 | | | $ | 44.99 | | | $ | 33.80 | | | $ | 52.80 | |
NGLs sales, including cash settled derivatives | $ | 95,120 | | | $ | 103,789 | | | $ | 235,509 | | | $ | 378,811 | |
Ethane: | | | | | | | |
Sales volume (MMcfe) (b) | 11,528 | | | 8,464 | | | 29,198 | | | 27,071 | |
Sales volume (Mbbl) | 1,921 | | | 1,411 | | | 4,866 | | | 4,512 | |
Ethane price ($/Bbl) | $ | 5.23 | | | $ | 15.68 | | | $ | 5.90 | | | $ | 14.47 | |
Ethane sales | $ | 10,039 | | | $ | 22,123 | | | $ | 28,699 | | | $ | 65,276 | |
Oil: | | | | | | | |
Sales volume (MMcfe) (b) | 3,071 | | | 1,505 | | | 6,814 | | | 4,629 | |
Sales volume (Mbbl) | 512 | | | 251 | | | 1,136 | | | 772 | |
Oil price ($/Bbl) | $ | 66.75 | | | $ | 63.20 | | | $ | 59.91 | | | $ | 80.12 | |
Oil sales | $ | 34,166 | | | $ | 15,852 | | | $ | 68,034 | | | $ | 61,815 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total liquids sales volume (MMcfe) (b) | 31,228 | | | 23,810 | | | 77,817 | | | 74,743 | |
Total liquids sales volume (Mbbl) | 5,205 | | | 3,969 | | | 12,970 | | | 12,458 | |
Total liquids sales | $ | 139,325 | | | $ | 141,764 | | | $ | 332,242 | | | $ | 505,902 | |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL | | | | | | | |
Total natural gas and liquids sales, including cash settled derivatives (c) | $ | 1,192,471 | | | $ | 1,661,361 | | | $ | 4,073,489 | | | $ | 4,841,713 | |
Total sales volume (MMcfe) | 522,700 | | | 487,666 | | | 1,452,344 | | | 1,481,458 | |
Average realized price ($/Mcfe) | $ | 2.28 | | | $ | 3.41 | | | $ | 2.80 | | | $ | 3.27 | |
(a)Basis represents the difference between the ultimate sales price for natural gas, including the effects of delivered price benefit or deficit associated with our firm transportation agreements, and the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) natural gas price.
(b)NGLs, ethane and oil were converted to Mcfe at a rate of six Mcfe per barrel.
(c)Total natural gas and liquids sales, including cash settled derivatives, is also referred to in this report as adjusted operating revenues, a non-GAAP supplemental financial measure.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliation
The table below reconciles adjusted operating revenues, a non-GAAP supplemental financial measure, with total operating revenues, its most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted operating revenues (also referred to in this report as total natural gas and liquids sales, including cash settled derivatives) is presented because it is an important measure we use to evaluate period-to-period comparisons of earnings trends. Adjusted operating revenues excludes the revenue impacts of changes in the fair value of derivative instruments prior to settlement and net marketing services and other. We use adjusted operating revenues to evaluate earnings trends because, as a result of the measure's exclusion of the often-volatile changes in the fair value of derivative instruments prior to settlement, the measure reflects only the impact of settled derivative contracts. Net marketing services and other consists of the costs of, and recoveries on, pipeline capacity releases, revenues for gathering and processing services provided to third parties and other revenues. Because we consider net marketing services and other to be unrelated to our natural gas and liquids production activities, adjusted operating revenues excludes net marketing services and other. We believe that adjusted operating revenues provides useful information to investors for evaluating period-to-period comparisons of earnings trends.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| | | | | | | |
| (Thousands, unless otherwise noted) |
Total operating revenues | $ | 1,186,102 | | | $ | 2,069,463 | | | $ | 4,865,924 | | | $ | 4,017,861 | |
(Deduct) add: | | | | | | | |
(Gain) loss on derivatives | (177,906) | | | 1,627,296 | | | (1,167,144) | | | 5,550,028 | |
Net cash settlements received (paid) on derivatives | 255,804 | | | (2,033,727) | | | 625,051 | | | (4,672,998) | |
Premiums (paid) received for derivatives that settled during the period | (65,216) | | | 894 | | | (232,128) | | | (31,318) | |
Net marketing services and other | (6,313) | | | (2,565) | | | (18,214) | | | (21,860) | |
Adjusted operating revenues, a non-GAAP financial measure | $ | 1,192,471 | | | $ | 1,661,361 | | | $ | 4,073,489 | | | $ | 4,841,713 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total sales volume (MMcfe) | 522,700 | | | 487,666 | | | 1,452,344 | | | 1,481,458 | |
Average realized price ($/Mcfe) | $ | 2.28 | | | $ | 3.41 | | | $ | 2.80 | | | $ | 3.27 | |
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Sales Volume and Revenues
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2022
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended September 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | Change | | % Change |
| | | | | | | |
| (Thousands, unless otherwise noted) |
Sales volume by shale (MMcfe): | | | | | | | |
Marcellus | 492,172 | | | 456,495 | | | 35,677 | | | 7.8 | |
Ohio Utica | 21,801 | | | 30,531 | | | (8,730) | | | (28.6) | |
Other | 8,727 | | | 640 | | | 8,087 | | | 1,263.6 | |
Total sales volume | 522,700 | | | 487,666 | | | 35,034 | | | 7.2 | |
| | | | | | | |
Average daily sales volume (MMcfe/d) | 5,682 | | | 5,301 | | | 381 | | | 7.2 | |
| | | | | | | |
Operating revenues: | | | | | | | |
Sales of natural gas, NGLs and oil | $ | 1,001,883 | | | $ | 3,694,194 | | | $ | (2,692,311) | | | (72.9) | |
Gain (loss) on derivatives | 177,906 | | | (1,627,296) | | | 1,805,202 | | | (110.9) | |
Net marketing services and other | 6,313 | | | 2,565 | | | 3,748 | | | 146.1 | |
Total operating revenues | $ | 1,186,102 | | | $ | 2,069,463 | | | $ | (883,361) | | | (42.7) | |
Sales of natural gas, NGLs and oil. Sales of natural gas, NGLs and oil decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due to lower average realized price, partly offset by increased sales volume.
Average realized price decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due to lower NYMEX prices, partly offset by favorable cash settled derivatives and favorable differential. For the three months ended September 30, 2023, we received $255.8 million of net cash settlements on derivatives, composed of $199.0 million of net cash settlements received on our NYMEX natural gas hedge positions and $56.8 million of net cash settlements received on our basis and liquids hedge positions. For the same period in 2022, we paid $2,033.7 million of net cash settlements on derivatives, composed of $2,003.2 million of net cash settlements paid on our NYMEX natural gas hedge positions and $30.5 million of net cash settlements paid on our basis and liquids hedge positions. Net cash settlements received (paid) on derivatives are included in average realized price but may not be included in operating revenues. For the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, we paid $65.2 million and received $0.9 million, respectively, of premiums for derivatives that settled during the period.
Sales volume increased for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 primarily as a result of sales volume increases of 25 Bcfe from the assets acquired in the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition in addition to wells, including the Rescheduled Wells, turned-in-line during 2023.
Gain (loss) on derivatives. For the three months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized a gain on derivatives of $177.9 million related primarily to increases in the fair market value of our NYMEX swaps and options due to decreases in NYMEX forward prices. For the same period in 2022, we recognized a loss on derivatives of $1,627.3 million related primarily to decreases in the fair market value of our NYMEX swaps and options due to increases in NYMEX forward prices.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | Change | | % Change |
| | | | | | | |
| (Thousands, unless otherwise noted) |
Sales volume by shale (MMcfe): | | | | | | | |
Marcellus | 1,375,952 | | | 1,377,637 | | | (1,685) | | | (0.1) | |
Ohio Utica | 64,481 | | | 98,206 | | | (33,725) | | | (34.3) | |
Other | 11,911 | | | 5,615 | | | 6,296 | | | 112.1 | |
Total sales volume | 1,452,344 | | | 1,481,458 | | | (29,114) | | | (2.0) | |
| | | | | | | |
Average daily sales volume (MMcfe/d) | 5,320 | | | 5,427 | | | (107) | | | (2.0) | |
| | | | | | | |
Operating revenues: | | | | | | | |
Sales of natural gas, NGLs and oil | $ | 3,680,566 | | | $ | 9,546,029 | | | $ | (5,865,463) | | | (61.4) | |
Gain (loss) on derivatives | 1,167,144 | | | (5,550,028) | | | 6,717,172 | | | (121.0) | |
Net marketing services and other | 18,214 | | | 21,860 | | | (3,646) | | | (16.7) | |
Total operating revenues | $ | 4,865,924 | | | $ | 4,017,861 | | | $ | 848,063 | | | 21.1 | |
Sales of natural gas, NGLs and oil. Sales of natural gas, NGLs and oil decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due to lower average realized price and decreased sales volume.
Average realized price decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due to lower NYMEX and liquids prices, partly offset by favorable cash settled derivatives and favorable differential. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we received $625.1 million of net cash settlements on derivatives, composed of $738.1 million of net cash settlements received on our NYMEX natural gas hedge positions and $113.0 million of net cash settlements paid on our basis and liquids hedge positions. For the same period in 2022, we paid $4,673.0 million of net cash settlements on derivatives, composed of $4,525.4 million of net cash settlements paid on our NYMEX natural gas hedge positions and $147.6 million of net cash settlements paid on our basis and liquids hedge positions. Net cash settlements received (paid) on derivatives are included in average realized price but may not be included in operating revenues. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, we paid premiums for derivatives that settled during the period of $232.1 million and $31.3 million, respectively.
Sales volume decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 primarily as a result of sales volume decreases from natural decline of producing wells, fewer wells turned-in-line throughout 2022 as a result of third-party supply chain constraints and delays in the development schedule of certain non-operated wells in which we have a working interest, partly offset by sales volume increases of 25 Bcfe from the assets acquired in the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition as well as sales volume increases from our operated wells as a result of efficiencies in our drilling and completions operations and wells, including the Rescheduled Wells, turned-in-line during 2023.
Gain (loss) on derivatives. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized a gain on derivatives of $1,167.1 million related primarily to increases in the fair market value of our NYMEX swaps and options due to decreases in NYMEX forward prices, partly offset by a loss on the derivative liability related to the Henry Hub Cash Bonus (defined and discussed in Note 3 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). For the same period in 2022, we recognized a loss on derivatives of $5,550.0 million related primarily to decreases in the fair market value of our NYMEX swaps and options due to increases in NYMEX forward prices, partly offset by a gain on the derivative liability related to the Henry Hub Cash Bonus.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Operating Expenses
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2022
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended September 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | Change | | % Change |
| | | | | | | |
| (Thousands, unless otherwise noted) |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | |
Gathering | $ | 328,549 | | | $ | 337,532 | | | $ | (8,983) | | | (2.7) | |
Transmission | 166,572 | | | 151,425 | | | 15,147 | | | 10.0 | |
Processing | 59,667 | | | 52,135 | | | 7,532 | | | 14.4 | |
Lease operating expense (LOE) | 44,318 | | | 39,934 | | | 4,384 | | | 11.0 | |
Production taxes | 22,775 | | | 41,851 | | | (19,076) | | | (45.6) | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Exploration | 447 | | | 357 | | | 90 | | | 25.2 | |
Selling, general and administrative | 56,942 | | | 67,231 | | | (10,289) | | | (15.3) | |
| | | | | | | |
Production depletion | $ | 439,613 | | | $ | 413,706 | | | $ | 25,907 | | | 6.3 | |
Other depreciation and depletion | 7,273 | | | 4,989 | | | 2,284 | | | 45.8 | |
Total depreciation and depletion | $ | 446,886 | | | $ | 418,695 | | | $ | 28,191 | | | 6.7 | |
| | | | | | | |
Per Unit ($/Mcfe): | | | | | | | |
Gathering | $ | 0.63 | | | $ | 0.69 | | | $ | (0.06) | | | (8.7) | |
Transmission | 0.32 | | | 0.31 | | | 0.01 | | | 3.2 | |
Processing | 0.11 | | | 0.11 | | | — | | | — | |
LOE | 0.08 | | | 0.08 | | | — | | | — | |
Production taxes | 0.04 | | | 0.09 | | | (0.05) | | | (55.6) | |
| | | | | | | |
Selling, general and administrative | 0.11 | | | 0.14 | | | (0.03) | | | (21.4) | |
Production depletion | 0.84 | | | 0.85 | | | (0.01) | | | (1.2) | |
Gathering. Gathering expense decreased on an absolute and per Mcfe basis for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due primarily to lower gathering rates on certain contracts indexed to price as well as the impact of the gathering assets acquired in the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition, which are wholly-owned by us and, therefore, reduce our gathering cost structure on a per Mcfe basis.
Transmission. Transmission expense increased on an absolute and per Mcfe basis for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due primarily to additional capacity acquired.
Processing. Processing expense increased on an absolute basis for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due primarily to processing expenses for the liquids-rich assets acquired in the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition.
LOE. LOE increased on an absolute basis for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due primarily to the assets acquired in the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition, partly offset by lower salt water disposal costs and increased recycling. Saltwater disposal costs and recycle rates were favorably impacted by increased use of our internally developed produced water gathering and storage system, which was placed in service during the fourth quarter of 2022.
Production taxes. Production taxes decreased on an absolute and per Mcfe basis for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due to lower West Virginia severance taxes and Pennsylvania impact fees, which decreased due to lower TETCO M2 and NYMEX prices, respectively.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Selling, general and administrative. Selling, general and administrative expense decreased on an absolute and per Mcfe basis for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due primarily to lower long-term incentive compensation costs as a result of decreases in awards outstanding and changes in the fair value of awards. Long-term incentive compensation may fluctuate with changes in our stock price and performance conditions.
Depreciation and depletion. Production depletion expense increased on an absolute basis for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due to increased sales volume.
Impairment and expiration of leases. During the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, we recognized impairment and expiration of leases of $6.4 million and $20.5 million, respectively, related to leases that we no longer expect to extend or develop prior to their expiration based on our development plan.
Other operating expenses. Other operating expenses increased for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due primarily to transaction costs associated with the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition, partly offset by decreased legal reserves, including from settlements.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | Change | | % Change |
| | | | | | | |
| (Thousands, unless otherwise noted) |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | |
Gathering | $ | 954,304 | | | $ | 997,161 | | | $ | (42,857) | | | (4.3) | |
Transmission | 473,651 | | | 447,914 | | | 25,737 | | | 5.7 | |
Processing | 164,979 | | | 151,825 | | | 13,154 | | | 8.7 | |
LOE | 108,334 | | | 122,577 | | | (14,243) | | | (11.6) | |
Production taxes | 61,737 | | | 112,776 | | | (51,039) | | | (45.3) | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Exploration | 2,602 | | | 2,870 | | | (268) | | | (9.3) | |
Selling, general and administrative | 168,999 | | | 195,603 | | | (26,604) | | | (13.6) | |
| | | | | | | |
Production depletion | $ | 1,212,499 | | | $ | 1,254,566 | | | $ | (42,067) | | | (3.4) | |
Other depreciation and depletion | 17,756 | | | 15,370 | | | 2,386 | | | 15.5 | |
Total depreciation and depletion | $ | 1,230,255 | | | $ | 1,269,936 | | | $ | (39,681) | | | (3.1) | |
| | | | | | | |
Per Unit ($/Mcfe): | | | | | | | |
Gathering | $ | 0.66 | | | $ | 0.67 | | | $ | (0.01) | | | (1.5) | |
Transmission | 0.33 | | | 0.30 | | | 0.03 | | | 10.0 | |
Processing | 0.11 | | | 0.10 | | | 0.01 | | | 10.0 | |
LOE | 0.07 | | | 0.08 | | | (0.01) | | | (12.5) | |
Production taxes | 0.04 | | | 0.08 | | | (0.04) | | | (50.0) | |
| | | | | | | |
Selling, general and administrative | 0.12 | | | 0.13 | | | (0.01) | | | (7.7) | |
Production depletion | 0.83 | | | 0.85 | | | (0.02) | | | (2.4) | |
Gathering. Gathering expense decreased on an absolute basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due primarily to lower gathering rates on certain contracts indexed to price as well as decreased sales volume. Gathering expense decreased on a per Mcfe basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due primarily to lower gathering rates on certain contracts indexed to price.
Transmission. Transmission expense increased on an absolute and per Mcfe basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due primarily to additional capacity acquired, partly offset by credits received from the Texas Eastern Transmission Pipeline.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Processing. Processing expense increased on an absolute and per Mcfe basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due primarily to processing expenses for the liquids-rich assets acquired in the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition as well as inflation of contracted processing rates.
LOE. LOE decreased on an absolute and per Mcfe basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due primarily to lower salt water disposal costs and increased recycling. Saltwater disposal costs and recycle rates were favorably impacted by increased use of our internally developed produced water gathering and storage system, which was placed in service during the fourth quarter of 2022.
Production taxes. Production taxes decreased on an absolute and per Mcfe basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due to lower West Virginia severance taxes and Pennsylvania impact fees, which decreased due to lower sales volume and lower TETCO M2 and NYMEX prices, respectively.
Selling, general and administrative. Selling, general and administrative expense decreased on an absolute and per Mcfe basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due primarily to lower long-term incentive compensation costs as a result of decreases in awards outstanding and changes in the fair value of awards. Long-term incentive compensation may fluctuate with changes in our stock price and performance conditions.
Depreciation and depletion. Production depletion expense decreased on an absolute and per Mcfe basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due to a lower annual depletion rate and decreased sales volume.
Loss (gain) on sale/exchange of long-lived assets. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized a loss on sale/exchange of long-lived assets of $17.8 million related to acreage trade agreements where the carrying value of the acres traded exceeded the fair value of the acres received.
Impairment of contract asset. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we recognized impairment of our contract asset of $184.9 million. See Note 8 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Impairment and expiration of leases. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, we recognized impairment and expiration of leases of $22.3 million and $97.5 million, respectively, related to leases that we no longer expect to extend or develop prior to their expiration based on our development plan.
Other operating expenses. Other operating expenses increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due primarily to transaction costs associated with the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition, partly offset by decreased legal reserves, including from settlements.
Other Income Statement Items
(Income) loss from investments. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized income from investments due to equity earnings on our equity method investments and a gain on our investment in the Investment Fund (defined in Note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we recognized a loss from investments due to a loss on our sale of our investment in Equitrans Midstream, partly offset by equity earnings on our equity method investments and a gain on our investment in the Investment Fund.
Dividend and other income. Dividend and other income decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due primarily to lower dividends received on our investment in the Investment Fund as well as dividends received on our investment in Equitrans Midstream in 2022.
Loss (gain) on debt extinguishment. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, we recognized a loss on debt extinguishment of $27.8 million and $139.1 million, respectively, due to the repayment and repurchase of debt discussed in Note 6 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net was flat for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due primarily to higher interest expense on debt as a result of senior notes issuances in the fourth quarter of 2022 as well as the draw down of the Term Loan Facility (defined and discussed in Note 6 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements) in August 2023, wholly offset by higher interest income earned as well as lower interest expense on our revolving credit facility from lower borrowings thereunder.
Interest expense, net decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 due primarily to higher interest income earned as well as lower interest expense on our revolving credit facility from lower borrowings and reduced letters of credit balances thereunder, partly offset by higher interest expense on debt as a result of senior notes issuances in the fourth quarter of 2022 as well as the draw down of the Term Loan Facility in August 2023.
Income tax (benefit) expense. See Note 5 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Capital Resources and Liquidity
Although we cannot provide any assurance, we believe cash flows from operating activities and availability under our revolving credit facility should be sufficient to meet our cash requirements inclusive of, but not limited to, normal operating needs, debt service obligations, planned capital expenditures and commitments for at least the next twelve months and, based on current expectations, for the long term.
Planned Capital Expenditures and Sales Volume. In the fourth quarter of 2023, we expect to spend approximately $525 million to $575 million in total capital expenditures. We expect to fund our capital expenditures with cash generated from operations and, if required, borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Because we are the operator of a high percentage of our developed acreage, the amount and timing of certain of our capital expenditures is largely discretionary. We could choose to defer a portion of our planned 2023 capital expenditures depending on a variety of factors, including prevailing and anticipated prices for natural gas, NGLs and oil; the availability of necessary equipment, infrastructure and capital; the receipt and timing of required regulatory permits and approvals; and drilling, completion and acquisition costs. In the fourth quarter of 2023, we expect our sales volume to be 525 Bcfe to 575 Bcfe.
Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was $2,554 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $2,402 million for the same period in 2022. The increase was due primarily to net cash settlements received on derivatives in 2023 compared to net cash settlements paid on derivatives in 2022, favorable changes in working capital driven by declining accounts receivable and lower margin postings as well as lower cash operating expenses and interest expense, partly offset by lower cash operating revenues.
Our cash flows from operating activities are affected by movements in the market price for commodities. We are unable to predict such movements outside of the current market view as reflected in forward strip pricing. For a discussion of potential commodity market risks, refer to "Risk Factors – Natural gas, NGLs and oil price volatility, or a prolonged period of low natural gas, NGLs and oil prices, may have an adverse effect on our revenue, profitability, future rate of growth, liquidity and financial position" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $3,774 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $1,017 million for the same period in 2022. The increase was attributable primarily to cash paid for the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition in 2023 and increased capital expenditures.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following table summarizes our capital expenditures.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2023 | | 2022 | | 2023 | | 2022 |
| | | | | | | |
| (Millions) |
Reserve development | $ | 355 | | | $ | 271 | | | $ | 1,147 | | | $ | 797 | |
Land and lease (a) | 41 | | | 34 | | | 101 | | | 122 | |
Capitalized overhead | 15 | | | 14 | | | 44 | | | 39 | |
Capitalized interest | 8 | | | 7 | | | 27 | | | 19 | |
Other production infrastructure | 17 | | | 27 | | | 49 | | | 59 | |
Other | 9 | | | 3 | | | 19 | | | 6 | |
Total capital expenditures | 445 | | | 356 | | | 1,387 | | | 1,042 | |
Add: Non-cash items (b) | 59 | | | 6 | | | 99 | | | 5 | |
Total cash capital expenditures | $ | 504 | | | $ | 362 | | | $ | 1,486 | | | $ | 1,047 | |
(a)Capital expenditures attributable to noncontrolling interests were $6.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and $8.5 million and $11.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. There were no capital expenditures attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three months ended September 30, 2023.
(b)Represents the net impact of non-cash capital expenditures, including the effect of timing of receivables from working interest partners, accrued capital expenditures and capitalized share-based compensation costs. The impact of accrued capital expenditures includes the current period estimate, net of the reversal of the prior period accrual.
Financing Activities. Net cash used in financing activities was $174 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $1,411 million for the same period in 2022. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the primary source of financing cash flows was proceeds from the Term Loan Facility borrowings, and the primary uses of financing cash flows were repayment and retirement of debt, repurchase and retirement of EQT Corporation common stock and payment of dividends. For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the primary uses of financing cash flows were repayment and repurchase of debt, repurchase and retirement of EQT Corporation common stock and payment of dividends.
See Note 6 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of our debt and borrowings under our revolving credit facility and the Term Loan Facility.
On October 12, 2023, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.1575 per share of EQT Corporation common stock, payable on December 1, 2023, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 8, 2023.
Depending on our actual and anticipated sources and uses of liquidity, prevailing market conditions and other factors, we may from time to time seek to redeem or repurchase our outstanding debt or equity securities through tender offers or other cash purchases in the open market or privately negotiated transactions. The amounts involved in any such transactions may be material. See Note 6 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of redemptions and repurchases of debt.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Security Ratings and Financing Triggers
The table below reflects the credit ratings and rating outlooks assigned to our debt instruments as of September 30, 2023. Our credit ratings and rating outlooks are subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency, and each rating should be evaluated independent from any other rating. We cannot ensure that a rating will remain in effect for any given period of time or that a rating will not be lowered or withdrawn by a rating agency if, in the rating agency's judgment, circumstances so warrant. See Note 3 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of what is deemed investment grade.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Rating agency | | Senior notes | | Outlook |
Moody's Investors Service (Moody's) | | Baa3 | | Stable |
Standard & Poor's Ratings Service (S&P) | | BBB– | | Stable |
Fitch Ratings Service (Fitch) | | BBB– | | Stable |
Changes in credit ratings may affect our access to the capital markets, the cost of short-term debt through interest rates and fees under our revolving credit facility, the interest rate on the Term Loan Facility and senior notes with adjustable rates, the rates available on new long-term debt, our pool of investors and funding sources, the borrowing costs and margin deposit requirements on our over the counter (OTC) derivative instruments and credit assurance requirements, including collateral, in support of our midstream service contracts, joint venture arrangements or construction contracts. Margin deposits on our OTC derivative instruments are also subject to factors other than credit rating, such as natural gas prices and credit thresholds set forth in the agreements between us and our hedging counterparties.
Our debt agreements and other financial obligations contain various provisions that, if not complied with, could result in default or event of default under our revolving credit facility and the Term Loan Facility, mandatory partial or full repayment of amounts outstanding, reduced loan capacity or other similar actions. The most significant covenants and events of default under our debt agreements relate to maintenance of a debt-to-total capitalization ratio, limitations on transactions with affiliates, insolvency events, nonpayment of scheduled principal or interest payments, acceleration of other financial obligations and change of control provisions. Our revolving credit facility and the Term Loan Facility contain financial covenants that require us to have a total debt to total capitalization ratio no greater than 65%. As of September 30, 2023, we were in compliance with all debt provisions and covenants under our debt agreements.
See Note 6 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of borrowings under our revolving credit facility and the Term Loan Facility.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Commodity Risk Management
The substantial majority of our commodity risk management program is related to hedging sales of our produced natural gas. The overall objective of our hedging program is to protect cash flows from undue exposure to the risk of changing commodity prices. The derivative commodity instruments that we use are primarily swap, collar and option agreements. The following table summarizes the approximate volume and prices of our NYMEX hedge positions as of October 20, 2023. The difference between the fixed price and NYMEX price is included in average differential presented in our price reconciliation in "Average Realized Price Reconciliation." The fixed price natural gas sales agreements can be physically or financially settled.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Q4 2023 (a) | | | | | | Q1 2024 | | Q2 2024 | | Q3 2024 | | Q4 2024 | | |
Hedged Volume (MMDth) | 377 | | | | | | | 263 | | | 239 | | | 237 | | | 98 | | | |
Hedged Volume (MMDth/d) | 4.1 | | | | | | | 2.9 | | | 2.6 | | | 2.6 | | | 1.1 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Swaps – Long | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Volume (MMDth) | 14 | | | | | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | |
Avg. Price ($/Dth) | $ | 4.77 | | | | | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Swaps – Short | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Volume (MMDth) | 97 | | | | | | | 113 | | | 191 | | | 188 | | | 65 | | | |
Avg. Price ($/Dth) | $ | 3.01 | | | | | | | $ | 3.59 | | | $ | 3.28 | | | $ | 3.28 | | | $ | 3.28 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Calls – Long | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Volume (MMDth) | 58 | | | | | | | 13 | | | 13 | | | 13 | | | 13 | | | |
Avg. Strike ($/Dth) | $ | 3.28 | | | | | | | $ | 3.20 | | | $ | 3.20 | | | $ | 3.20 | | | $ | 3.20 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Calls – Short | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Volume (MMDth) | 243 | | | | | | | 162 | | | 61 | | | 62 | | | 46 | | | |
Avg. Strike ($/Dth) | $ | 4.78 | | | | | | | $ | 6.16 | | | $ | 4.22 | | | $ | 4.22 | | | $ | 4.27 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Puts – Long | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Volume (MMDth) | 294 | | | | | | | 150 | | | 48 | | | 49 | | | 33 | | | |
Avg. Strike ($/Dth) | $ | 3.67 | | | | | | | $ | 4.17 | | | $ | 3.93 | | | $ | 3.93 | | | $ | 4.04 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Option Premiums | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash Settlement of Deferred Premiums (millions) | $ | (91) | | | | | | | $ | (34) | | | $ | (4) | | | $ | (4) | | | $ | — | | | |
(a)October 1 through December 31.
We have also entered into derivative instruments to hedge basis. We may use other contractual agreements to implement our commodity hedging strategy from time to time.
See "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" and Note 3 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of our hedging program.
Commitments and Contingencies
In the ordinary course of business, various legal and regulatory claims and proceedings are pending or threatened against us. While the amounts claimed may be substantial, we are unable to predict with certainty the ultimate outcome of such claims and proceedings. We evaluate our legal proceedings, including litigation and regulatory and governmental investigations and inquiries, on a regular basis and accrue a liability for such matters when we believe that a loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Any such accruals are adjusted thereafter as appropriate to reflect changed circumstances. In the event we determine that (i) a loss is probable but the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, or (ii) a loss is less likely than probable but is reasonably possible, then we are required to disclose the matter in our Annual Report on Form 10-K or this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as applicable, although we are not required to accrue such loss.
EQT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
When able, we determine an estimate of reasonably possible losses or ranges of reasonably possible losses, whether in excess of any related accrued liability or where there is no accrued liability, for legal proceedings. In instances where such estimates can be made, any such estimates are based on our analysis of currently available information and are subject to significant judgment and a variety of assumptions and uncertainties and may change as new information is obtained. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 for a discussion of our commitments and contingencies, including certain pending legal and regulatory proceedings and other contingent matters. As of September 30, 2023, there have been no material changes to such matters as disclosed therein. See also "Legal Proceedings" for a description of certain other pending environmental matters for which we accrued contingent liabilities.
Additionally, in the normal course of business, we are subject to various other pending and threatened legal proceedings in which claims for monetary damages or other relief are asserted. We do not anticipate, at the present time, that the ultimate aggregate liability, if any, arising out of such other legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our critical accounting policies, including a discussion regarding the estimation uncertainty and the impact that our critical accounting estimates have had, or are reasonably likely to have, on our financial condition or results of operations, are described in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. The application of our critical accounting policies may require us to make judgments and estimates about the amounts reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. We use historical experience and all available information to make these estimates and judgments. Different amounts could be reported using different assumptions and estimates.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Commodity Price Risk and Derivative Instruments. Our primary market risk exposure is the volatility of future prices for natural gas and NGLs. Due to the volatility of commodity prices, we are unable to predict future potential movements in the market prices for natural gas and NGLs at our ultimate sales points and, thus, cannot predict the ultimate impact of prices on our operations. Prolonged low, or significant, extended declines in, natural gas and NGLs prices could adversely affect, among other things, our development plans, which would decrease the pace of development and the level of our proved reserves. Increases in natural gas and NGLs prices may be accompanied by, or result in, increased well drilling costs, increased production taxes, increased LOE, increased volatility in seasonal gas price spreads for our storage assets and increased end-user conservation or conversion to alternative fuels. In addition, to the extent we have hedged our production at prices below the current market price, we will not benefit fully from an increase in the price of natural gas, and, depending on our then-current credit ratings and the terms of our hedging contracts, we may be required to post additional margin with our hedging counterparties.
The overall objective of our hedging program is to protect our cash flows from undue exposure to the risk of changing commodity prices. Our use of derivatives is further described in Note 3 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Capital Resources and Liquidity – Commodity Risk Management." Our OTC derivative commodity instruments are placed primarily with financial institutions and the creditworthiness of those institutions is regularly monitored. We primarily enter into derivative instruments to hedge forecasted sales of production. We also enter into derivative instruments to hedge basis. Our use of derivative instruments is implemented under a set of policies approved by our management-level Hedge and Financial Risk Committee and is reviewed by our Board of Directors.
For derivative commodity instruments used to hedge our forecasted sales of production, which are at, for the most part, NYMEX natural gas prices, we set policy limits relative to the expected production and sales levels that are exposed to price risk. We have an insignificant amount of financial natural gas derivative commodity instruments for trading purposes.
The derivative commodity instruments we use are primarily swap, collar and option agreements. These agreements may require payments to, or receipt of payments from, counterparties based on the differential between two prices for the commodity. We use these agreements to hedge our NYMEX and basis exposure. We may also use other contractual agreements when executing our commodity hedging strategy.
We monitor price and production levels on a continuous basis and adjust quantities hedged as warranted.
A hypothetical decrease of 10% in the NYMEX natural gas price on September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 would increase the fair value of our natural gas derivative commodity instruments by approximately $319 million and $727 million, respectively. A hypothetical increase of 10% in the NYMEX natural gas price on September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 would decrease the fair value of our natural gas derivative commodity instruments by approximately $323 million and $333 million, respectively. For purposes of this analysis, we applied the 10% change in the NYMEX natural gas price on September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 to our natural gas derivative commodity instruments as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 to calculate the hypothetical change in fair value. The change in fair value was determined using a method similar to our normal process for determining derivative commodity instrument fair value described in Note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
The above analysis of our derivative commodity instruments does not include the offsetting impact that the same hypothetical price movement may have on our physical sales of natural gas. The portfolio of derivative commodity instruments held to hedge our forecasted produced natural gas approximates a portion of our expected physical sales of natural gas; therefore, an adverse impact to the fair value of the portfolio of derivative commodity instruments held to hedge our forecasted production associated with the hypothetical changes in commodity prices referenced above should be offset by a favorable impact on our physical sales of natural gas, assuming that the derivative commodity instruments are not closed in advance of their expected term and the derivative commodity instruments continue to function effectively as hedges of the underlying risk.
If the underlying physical transactions or positions are liquidated prior to the maturity of the derivative commodity instruments, a loss on the financial instruments may occur or the derivative commodity instruments might be worthless as determined by the prevailing market value on their termination or maturity date, whichever comes first.
Interest Rate Risk. Changes in market interest rates affect the amount of interest we earn on cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments and the interest rate we pay on borrowings under our revolving credit facility and the Term Loan Facility. None of the interest we pay on our senior notes fluctuates based on changes to market interest rates. A 1% increase in interest rates on the borrowings under our revolving credit facility and the Term Loan Facility during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 would have increased interest expense by approximately $13 million.
Interest rates for our revolving credit facility, the Term Loan Facility, our 6.125% senior notes due 2025 and our 7.000% senior notes due 2030 fluctuate based on changes to the credit ratings assigned to our senior notes by Moody's, S&P and Fitch. Interest rates on our other outstanding senior notes do not fluctuate based on changes to the credit ratings assigned to our senior notes by Moody's, S&P and Fitch. For a discussion of credit rating downgrade risk, see "Risk Factors – Our exploration and production operations have substantial capital requirements, and we may not be able to obtain needed capital or financing on satisfactory terms" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. Changes in interest rates affect the fair value of our fixed rate debt. See Note 6 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of our debt and Note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of fair value measurements, including the fair value measurement of our debt.
Other Market Risks. We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to our derivative contracts. This credit exposure is limited to derivative contracts with a positive fair value, which may change as market prices change. Our OTC derivative instruments are primarily with financial institutions and, thus, are subject to events that would impact those companies individually as well as the financial industry as a whole. We use various processes and analyses to monitor and evaluate our credit risk exposures, including monitoring current market conditions and counterparty credit fundamentals. Credit exposure is controlled through credit approvals and limits based on counterparty credit fundamentals. To manage the level of credit risk, we enter into transactions primarily with financial counterparties that are of investment grade, enter into netting agreements whenever possible and may obtain collateral or other security.
Approximately 70%, or $536 million, of our OTC derivative contracts outstanding at September 30, 2023 had a positive fair value. Approximately 36%, or $710 million, of our OTC derivative contracts outstanding at December 31, 2022 had a positive fair value.
As of September 30, 2023, we were not in default under any derivative contracts and had no knowledge of default by any counterparty to our derivative contracts. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, we made no adjustments to the fair value of our derivative contracts due to credit related concerns outside of the normal non-performance risk adjustment included in our established fair value procedure. We monitor market conditions that may impact the fair value of our derivative contracts.
We are exposed to the risk of nonperformance by credit customers on physical sales of natural gas, NGLs and oil. Revenues and related accounts receivable from our operations are generated primarily from the sale of our produced natural gas, NGLs and oil to marketers, utilities and industrial customers located in the Appalachian Basin and in markets that are accessible through our transportation portfolio, which includes markets in the Gulf Coast, Midwest and Northeast United States and Canada. We also contract with certain processors to market a portion of our NGLs on our behalf.
No one lender of the large group of financial institutions in the syndicate for our revolving credit facility and the Term Loan Facility holds more than 10% and 15%, respectively, of the financial commitments under such facility. The large syndicate group and relatively low percentage of participation by each lender are expected to limit our exposure to disruption or consolidation in the banking industry.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the third quarter of 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
During the third quarter of 2023, we completed the Tug Hill and XcL Midstream Acquisition and began integrating the acquired assets into our internal control over financial reporting. We will continue to evaluate and monitor our internal control over financial reporting and will continue to evaluate the operating effectiveness of related key controls.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary course of business, various legal and regulatory claims and proceedings are pending or threatened against us. While the amounts claimed may be substantial, we are unable to predict with certainty the ultimate outcome of such claims and proceedings. We accrue legal and other direct costs related to loss contingencies when actually incurred. We have established reserves in amounts that we believe to be appropriate for pending matters and, after consultation with counsel and giving appropriate consideration to available insurance, we believe that the ultimate outcome of any pending matter involving us will not materially affect our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
There are no material updates to the matters previously disclosed in the "Legal Proceedings" section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and in the "Legal Proceedings" sections of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2023 and June 30, 2023.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There are no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in the "Risk Factors" section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities, Use of Proceeds, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Conversion of Certain Convertible Notes. During the third quarter of 2023, we settled conversion notices submitted by holders of Convertible Notes (defined and discussed in Note 6 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements) requesting the conversion of certain Convertible Notes (the Converted Notes) by issuing to such converting holders shares of EQT Corporation common stock as stated in the below table. Such shares were issued in transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act by virtue of Section 3(a)(9) thereof because no commission or other remuneration was paid in connection with conversion of the Converted Notes.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Settlement Date | | Principal Converted | | Shares Issued | | Fair Market Value |
| | (Thousands) | | | | (Thousands) |
July 5, 2023 | | $ | 7 | | | 477 | | | $ | 20 | |
July 25, 2023 | | 3 | | | 205 | | | 8 | |
September 13, 2023 | | 6 | | | 411 | | | 17 | |
Repurchases of Equity Securities. We did not repurchase any equity securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act during the third quarter of 2023.
On December 13, 2021, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program (the Share Repurchase Program) authorizing us to repurchase shares of our outstanding common stock for an aggregate purchase price of up to $1 billion, excluding fees, commissions and expenses. On September 6, 2022, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a $1 billion increase to the Share Repurchase Program, pursuant to which approval we are authorized to repurchase shares of our outstanding common stock for an aggregate purchase price of up to $2 billion, excluding fees, commissions and expenses. Repurchases under the Share Repurchase Program may be made from time to time in amounts and at prices we deem appropriate and will be subject to a variety of factors, including the market price of our common stock, general market and economic conditions, applicable legal requirements and other considerations. The Share Repurchase Program was originally scheduled to expire on December 31, 2023; however, on April 26, 2023, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a one-year extension of the Share Repurchase Program. As a result of such extension, the Share Repurchase Program will expire on December 31, 2024, but it may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time without prior notice. As of September 30, 2023, we had purchased shares for an aggregate purchase price of $622.1 million, excluding fees, commissions and expenses, under the Share Repurchase Program since its inception, and the approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the Share Repurchase Program is $1.4 billion.
Item 5. Other Information
During the three months ended September 30, 2023, none of our directors or "officers" (as such term is defined in Rule 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act) adopted or terminated a "Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement" (as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K).
Item 6. Exhibits
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exhibit No. | | Description | | Method of Filing |
| | Amended and Restated Purchase Agreement, dated December 23, 2022, among THQ Appalachia I, LLC, THQ-XcL Holdings I, LLC, the subsidiaries of the foregoing entities named on the signature pages thereto, EQT Production Company and EQT Corporation. | | Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K (#001-3551) filed on December 27, 2022. |
| | First Amendment to Amended and Restated Purchase Agreement, dated April 21, 2023, among THQ Appalachia I, LLC, THQ-XcL Holdings I, LLC, the subsidiaries of the foregoing entities named on the signature pages thereto, EQT Production Company and EQT Corporation. | | Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to Form 8-K (#001-3551) filed on August 22, 2023. |
| | Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Purchase Agreement, dated August 21, 2023, among THQ Appalachia I, LLC, THQ-XcL Holdings I, LLC, the subsidiaries of the foregoing entities named on the signature pages thereto, EQT Production Company and EQT Corporation. | | Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to Form 8-K (#001-3551) filed on August 22, 2023. |
| | Restated Articles of Incorporation of EQT Corporation (as amended through November 13, 2017). | | Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K (#001-3551) filed on November 14, 2017. |
| | Articles of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of EQT Corporation (effective May 1, 2020). | | Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K (#001-3551) filed on May 4, 2020. |
| | Articles of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of EQT Corporation (effective July 23, 2020). | | Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K (#001-3551) filed on July 23, 2020. |
| | Amended and Restated Bylaws of EQT Corporation (as amended through May 1, 2020). | | Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Form 8-K (#001-3551) filed on May 4, 2020. |
| | Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 22, 2023, among EQT Corporation and certain security holders thereof party thereto, including THQ Appalachia I, LLC and THQ-XcL Holdings I, LLC. | | Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Form S-3ASR (#333-274147) filed on August 22, 2023. |
| | Letter Agreement, dated October 3, 2023, among EQT Corporation, EQT Production Company, Rice Drilling B LLC, EQT Energy, LLC and EQM Gathering Opco, LLC, amending that certain Gas Gathering and Compression Agreement, dated February 26, 2020, as amended. | | Filed herewith as Exhibit 10.02(a). |
| | Fifth Amendment to Gas Gathering and Compression Agreement, dated October 4, 2023, among EQT Corporation, EQT Production Company, Rice Drilling B LLC, EQT Energy, LLC and EQM Gathering OpCo, LLC. | | Filed herewith as Exhibit 10.02(b). |
| | Letter Agreement (Fuel Gas), dated October 5, 2023, among EQT Corporation, EQT Production Company, Rice Drilling B LLC, EQT Energy, LLC, EQM Gathering Opco, LLC and Equitrans, L.P., relating to that certain Fifth Amendment to Gas Gathering and Compression Agreement, dated October 4, 2023. | | Filed herewith as Exhibit 10.02(c). |
| | Amended and Restated Letter Agreement, dated October 12, 2023, among EQT Corporation, EQT Production Company, Rice Drilling B LLC, EQT Energy, LLC and EQM Gathering Opco, LLC, amending that certain Letter Agreement, dated October 3, 2023 and further that certain Gas Gathering and Compression Agreement, dated February 26, 2020, as amended. | | Filed herewith as Exhibit 10.02(d). |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exhibit No. | | Description | | Method of Filing |
| | Rule 13(a)-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer. | | Filed herewith as Exhibit 31.01. |
| | Rule 13(a)-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer. | | Filed herewith as Exhibit 31.02. |
| | Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer. | | Furnished herewith as Exhibit 32. |
101 | | Interactive Data File. | | Filed herewith as Exhibit 101. |
104 | | Cover Page Interactive Data File. | | Formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101. |
* Certain schedules and similar attachments to this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. EQT Corporation hereby undertakes to furnish a copy of any omitted schedule or attachment to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| | | | | | | | |
| | EQT CORPORATION |
| | (Registrant) |
| | |
| | |
| By: | /s/ Jeremy T. Knop |
| | Jeremy T. Knop |
| | Chief Financial Officer |
Date: October 26, 2023