Zacks Research Downgrades EQT (NYSE:EQT) to Hold

EQT (NYSE:EQT) was downgraded by research analysts at Zacks Research from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday,Zacks.com reports. Zacks Research also issued estimates for EQT’s Q1 2026 earnings at $1.87 EPS, Q2 2026 earnings at $0.62 EPS, FY2026 earnings at $3.72 EPS, Q1 2027 earnings at $1.19 EPS, Q2 2027 earnings at $0.89 EPS, Q4 2027 earnings at $1.27 EPS, FY2027 earnings at $3.96 EPS, Q1 2028 earnings at $1.12 EPS and FY2028 earnings at $5.56 EPS.

Several other research firms have also issued reports on EQT. Wolfe Research increased their price target on shares of EQT from $64.00 to $69.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research report on Monday, April 6th. Stephens dropped their price target on shares of EQT from $78.00 to $73.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued a “sector perform” rating and issued a $69.00 price target on shares of EQT in a research report on Wednesday, April 15th. BMO Capital Markets increased their price target on shares of EQT from $68.00 to $76.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research report on Friday, March 27th. Finally, TD Cowen increased their price target on shares of EQT from $65.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Friday, February 20th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty have issued a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $68.79.

EQT Stock Up 0.4%

Shares of EQT opened at $58.95 on Wednesday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $61.16 and a 200-day simple moving average of $57.48. The firm has a market capitalization of $36.84 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.19, a P/E/G ratio of 1.02 and a beta of 0.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a current ratio of 0.66. EQT has a 52 week low of $48.30 and a 52 week high of $68.24.

EQT (NYSE:EQT) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, April 21st. The oil and gas producer reported $2.33 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $2.01 by $0.32. The business had revenue of $3.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.14 billion. EQT had a net margin of 31.94% and a return on equity of 9.74%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.18 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts expect that EQT will post 4.57 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Activity

In other news, insider Lesley Evancho sold 20,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.69, for a total transaction of $1,213,800.00. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 184,607 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $11,203,798.83. This represents a 9.77% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, EVP Sarah Fenton sold 4,876 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.49, for a total transaction of $314,453.24. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 52,953 shares in the company, valued at $3,414,938.97. This trade represents a 8.43% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 61,158 shares of company stock valued at $3,742,983 over the last three months. 0.72% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On EQT

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of EQT. Greykasell Wealth Strategies Inc. bought a new position in EQT in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Aventura Private Wealth LLC bought a new position in EQT in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Fortitude Family Office LLC boosted its stake in EQT by 95.6% in the fourth quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 573 shares of the oil and gas producer’s stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 280 shares during the last quarter. Elyxium Wealth LLC bought a new position in EQT in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $49,000. Finally, Sound Income Strategies LLC boosted its stake in EQT by 186.4% in the fourth quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 1,266 shares of the oil and gas producer’s stock valued at $64,000 after acquiring an additional 824 shares during the last quarter. 90.81% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Key EQT News

Here are the key news stories impacting EQT this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Q1 results: EQT reported stronger-than-expected Q1 results including ~$3.38B revenue, net income of about $1.49B (~$2.38 EPS), and record free cash flow (~$1.8B). Management highlighted improved production, disciplined capex and materially lower net debt (~$5.7B), which supports buybacks/deleveraging and is a clear positive for valuation and shareholder returns. The Bull Case For EQT (EQT) Could Change Following Record Free Cash Flow And Lower Leverage – Learn Why
• Positive Sentiment: Operational beat / demand backdrop: Deeper Q1 writeups show sales volumes above guidance (618 Bcfe cited elsewhere), stronger gas pricing and execution that lifted non‑GAAP EPS and cash flow — reinforcing upside to near‑term cash conversion and optionality into LNG markets. EQT Q1 Deep Dive: Natural Gas Demand, LNG Optionality, and Capital Discipline Drive Results
• Positive Sentiment: Zacks raised estimates and keeps a bullish stance: Zacks increased FY2027 estimates for EQT and carries a Strong-Buy view, which may support analyst-driven buying interest following the quarter. Zacks Research Has Optimistic Outlook of EQT FY2027 Earnings
• Neutral Sentiment: Analyst landscape mixed: Some firms maintain neutral stances (Roth Capital kept a Neutral rating and a $57 PT, noting a Q1 derivatives/hedging loss), while median price targets remain well above current levels — creating diverging signals for investors. Roth Capital Maintains Neutral Rating on EQT Corporation (EQT)
• Neutral Sentiment: Relative buy comparisons: Several articles compare EQT to LNG growth names like Venture Global — useful context for investors weighing long‑term growth optionality vs. EQT’s cash-return focus, but not an immediate catalyst. VG vs. EQT: Which Natural Gas Stock Is the Better Buy Now?
• Neutral Sentiment: Unrelated “EQT” headlines: Several M&A/PE stories (takeover interest in Kakaku.com, Intertek) refer to Sweden’s EQT (private equity firm), not NYSE:EQT the gas producer — they can create confusing headlines but are not directly material to the U.S. natural‑gas company. EQT Is Said to Explore Takeover of Japan’s $2.6 Billion Kakaku.com
• Negative Sentiment: Unusual put-option activity: Traders bought a large block of puts (reported unusual volume ~28k contracts on one session), which can indicate hedging or bearish positioning and may increase near‑term downside volatility. Traders Purchase High Volume of EQT Put Options (NYSE:EQT)
• Negative Sentiment: Hedging/derivatives loss and insider selling: Coverage flags a sizable Q1 derivatives loss tied to hedging (~$300M cited in notes) and recent insider sales—both factors that can temper sentiment despite strong operational cash flow. EQT gains as investors digest strong Q1 results, record free cash flow, and supportive gas-price backdrop

EQT Company Profile

EQT Corporation (NYSE: EQT) is a U.S.-based energy company focused on the exploration, development and production of natural gas. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company concentrates its upstream operations in the Appalachian Basin, producing from major shale formations including the Marcellus and Utica. EQT’s primary product is natural gas, with production activities supported by associated liquids and conventional gas assets where applicable.

In addition to drilling and well development, EQT operates and coordinates the infrastructure and commercial activities necessary to bring gas to market.