Jefferies Lifts EQT Corporation Price Target to $71, 25-Analyst Consensus at $64.26
Jefferies reaffirmed its Buy rating on EQT Corporation, raising its price target from $68 to $71 and highlighting a consensus Moderate Buy from 25 analysts with an average 12-month target of $64.26. As of January 18, EQT traded at $50.54 with a market capitalization of $31.54 billion and daily volume of 8.6 million shares.
1. Dominant Appalachian Producer
EQT is the largest independent natural gas supplier in the U.S., producing approximately 6% of national output. Its operations span 1.8 million gross acres across the Marcellus and Utica shales, with proved reserves of about 19.8 trillion cubic feet equivalent. The company achieves daily production of roughly 6 billion cubic feet equivalent and markets gas and liquids through its owned pipeline network, including low-emissions certified volumes tailored to data center operators focusing on sustainability.
2. Strong Recent Financial Performance
In the latest quarter, EQT reported adjusted operating revenue of $1.98 billion—a 52% increase year-over-year—and earnings per share of $0.52, beating consensus estimates by $0.36. The company maintains a low debt burden, generating robust free cash flow that covers 57% of its dividend payout. Its quarterly dividend of $0.165 per share represents a 10-year compound annual growth rate of 25% and an impressive five-year CAGR of 84%, underpinned by disciplined capital allocation and infrastructure reinvestment.
3. Bullish Analyst Outlook
Jefferies reiterated its Buy rating on EQT and lifted its 12-month price target from $68 to $71, reflecting confidence in the company’s growth trajectory. Among 25 research firms, the consensus stands at a Moderate Buy, with an average target of $64.26. Analysts forecast 45% annual earnings growth over the next five years, driven by rising demand from AI data centers and grid enhancements. Management highlights the need for an additional 10–18 billion cubic feet per day of gas to satisfy projected power requirements, positioning EQT to capitalize on infrastructure expansion opportunities.