Stryker shares tumble despite strong Q2 results and raised guidance
On Tuesday, Mizuho (NYSE:MFG) Securities adjusted its financial outlook for EQT Corporation (NYSE:EQT), a leading natural gas producer in the United States. Analyst Nitin Kumar increased the price target to $60 from the previous $57 while maintaining an Outperform rating on the company’s shares. According to InvestingPro data, EQT (ST:EQTAB) is currently trading near its 52-week high of $56.66, with an impressive 48.45% return over the past six months.
The revision follows an anticipated outperformance in the first quarter of 2025, where EQT is expected to surpass earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) and cash flow per share (CFPS) projections by approximately 6% and 13%, respectively. This positive adjustment is largely attributed to robust natural gas pricing. The company, with its current market capitalization of $31.92 billion and last twelve months EBITDA of $2.51 billion, is scheduled to report its next earnings on April 23, 2025.
Kumar’s analysis pointed out that EQT’s position as the second-largest U.S. natural gas producer places it in a favorable spot to benefit from the current market dynamics. The company’s first-quarter results are likely to reflect these benefits, especially considering EQT’s ongoing efforts to realize synergies related to its transaction with Equitrans Midstream Corporation (NYSE:ETRN). As of the fourth quarter of 2024, EQT had captured 85% of the base and 35% of the upside from these synergies.
Additionally, the company’s strategy regarding growth was highlighted, with an emphasis on securing long-term supply before ramping up any activities. EQT’s near-term focus is on achieving its post-ETRN deleveraging targets, which seem within reach given the asset sales and the uptick in gas prices.
The analyst also noted that while cash returns through buybacks are on the company’s agenda, management is taking an opportunistic approach rather than a formulaic one. The updated model for year-end 2024 reserves has led to a roughly 5% increase in the price target to $60 per share.
Kumar’s endorsement of EQT’s stock with a reiterated Outperform rating reflects confidence in the company’s financial health and strategic initiatives moving forward. For a comprehensive analysis of EQT’s valuation and growth prospects, including 13 additional ProTips and detailed financial metrics, visit InvestingPro, where you’ll find our exclusive Pro Research Report covering what really matters for informed investment decisions.
In other recent news, Fortnox has received a joint cash offer from its largest owner, First Kraft, and private equity group EQT, valuing the company at approximately 55 billion crowns ($5.51 billion). The board of Fortnox has recommended shareholders accept the offer, which represents a 38% premium over the closing share price on March 28. EQT has expressed its intention to support Fortnox’s development, indicating the need for significant investments in product development and potential mergers. Meanwhile, UBS has maintained a Neutral rating on EQT Corporation, with a $58 price target, highlighting the company’s focus on debt reduction and potential power contracting initiatives. EQT has also finalized amendments to the notes of its subsidiary, EQM Midstream Partners, eliminating several restrictive covenants and default conditions. Additionally, EQT has appointed Thomas F. Karam as the new independent Board Chair, signaling a shift towards enhancing corporate governance. These developments reflect EQT’s ongoing strategic adjustments and financial management efforts.
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