EQT (NYSE:EQT) Lowered to "Hold" Rating by Zacks Research

Key Points

• Zacks Research downgraded EQT from "strong-buy" to "hold" and published updated EPS forecasts through FY2028 (e.g., FY2026 ~$3.72 EPS, FY2028 ~$5.56 EPS).
• Q1 results beat expectations: EQT reported $2.33 EPS vs. $2.01 expected and generated roughly $1.8B of record free cash flow, which management said materially reduced net debt and supports capital returns.
• Risks and mixed sentiment remain — analysts note a ~$300M hedging/derivatives loss, recent insider selling and unusual put buying that could add volatility, even as consensus rating is a "Moderate Buy" with an average target near $68.79.

EQT (NYSE:EQT - Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities 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.

Other research analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Roth Mkm reiterated a "neutral" rating on shares of EQT in a research note on Tuesday, April 14th. Barclays increased their price target on EQT from $67.00 to $69.00 and gave the company an "overweight" rating in a research note on Monday, March 16th. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed a "sector perform" rating and set a $69.00 price objective on shares of EQT in a research report on Wednesday, April 15th. Wolfe Research upped their price objective on shares of EQT from $64.00 to $69.00 and gave the company an "outperform" rating in a report on Monday, April 6th. Finally, UBS Group cut their target price on shares of EQT from $76.00 to $75.00 and set a "buy" rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, March 5th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty have given a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, EQT currently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average target price of $68.79.

EQT Stock Up 0.4%

Shares of EQT stock opened at $58.95 on Wednesday. EQT has a 52-week low of $48.30 and a 52-week high of $68.24. The stock has a market cap of $36.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.19, a PEG ratio of 1.02 and a beta of 0.70. The firm's 50-day moving average is $61.16 and its 200-day moving average is $57.48. 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 (NYSE:EQT - Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 21st. The oil and gas producer reported $2.33 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts' consensus estimates of $2.01 by $0.32. The business had revenue of $3.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $3.14 billion. EQT had a return on equity of 9.74% and a net margin of 31.94%.During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.18 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts predict that EQT will post 4.57 EPS for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling at EQT

In other news, EVP Sarah Fenton sold 4,876 shares of the business's stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.49, for a total value of $314,453.24. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 52,953 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $3,414,938.97. The trade was a 8.43% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Lesley Evancho sold 20,000 shares of the company's stock in a transaction dated 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 completion of the transaction, the insider owned 184,607 shares in the company, valued at $11,203,798.83. This trade represents a 9.77% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold a total of 61,158 shares of company stock valued at $3,742,983 in the last ninety days. 0.72% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of EQT

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of EQT. Greykasell Wealth Strategies Inc. acquired a new position in shares of EQT during the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. Aventura Private Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of EQT during the fourth quarter worth approximately $31,000. Fortitude Family Office LLC raised its position in shares of 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 buying an additional 280 shares in the last quarter. Elyxium Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of EQT in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $49,000. Finally, Sound Income Strategies LLC boosted its stake in shares of 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 buying an additional 824 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.81% of the company's stock.

Trending Headlines about EQT

Here are the key news stories impacting EQT this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Record cash generation and stronger results — EQT reported Q1 revenue and earnings above expectations, produced above guidance, and posted record free cash flow (~$1.8B), which management said helped materially reduce net debt and leverage. That underpins the bullish view on capital returns and balance‑sheet repair. EQT Delivers Record Free Cash Flow
• Positive Sentiment: Operational execution — Q1 volumes and realized pricing boosted revenue (sales +57% YoY) and non‑GAAP EPS topped consensus, supporting near‑term cash flow visibility. EQT Q1 Deep Dive
• Neutral Sentiment: Analyst and estimate updates are mixed — Zacks raised EPS/ratings on EQT (positive signal), while Roth Capital kept a Neutral rating and a $57 target citing a Q1 derivatives loss. These split views may limit upside until guidance and hedging outcomes are clearer. Roth Capital Maintains Neutral Rating
• Neutral Sentiment: Sector comparison / LNG optionality — coverage comparing EQT to Venture Global highlights differing growth profiles (EQT’s cash‑flow and balance‑sheet focus vs. Venture Global’s LNG contract‑driven growth). This frames investor choice between yield/returns and volume‑growth exposure. VG vs. EQT: Which Natural Gas Stock Is the Better Buy Now?
• Negative Sentiment: Hedging/derivatives drag — analysts pointed to a sizable Q1 derivatives loss (~$300M) tied to hedging that trimmed reported results; persistent hedging losses could weigh on near‑term earnings. Roth Capital Maintains Neutral Rating
• Negative Sentiment: Put buying and insider selling — unusual options activity (large put purchases) and recent insider sales reported by market trackers add near‑term cautionary flows that can amplify volatility. (Market flow reports; see Q1 coverage links for context.)

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.

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