EQT Corporation announced that it has entered into a definitive purchase and sale agreement with Chevron U.S.A. Inc. under which EQT will acquire Chevron's upstream and midstream assets located in the Appalachian Basin for $735 million, subject to customary adjustments at closing. The transaction is expected to close late in the fourth quarter of 2020, subject to customary closing conditions, with an effective date under the purchase and sale agreement of July 1, 2020. EQT intends to finance the acquisition, subject to market conditions and other factors, with cash on hand, drawings under its revolving credit facility and/or one or more capital markets transactions.
Asset Highlights:
- Current net production of approximately 450 MMcfe per day; 75% gas / 25% liquids
- Approximately 100 work-in-progress wells
- Approximately 125,000 core net Marcellus acres; 335,000 total net Marcellus acres
- 31% ownership interest in Laurel Mountain Midstream
- Two water systems and associated infrastructure located in PA and WV
Transaction Highlights:
- Low-risk, strategic bolt-on acquisition
- Valuation underwritten by PDP value and protected through hedging
- Extensive work-in-progress inventory enables capital efficient development
- Favorable operating cost structure immediately improves margins and boosts free cash flow profile
- Expected to be accretive to leverage, free cash flow per share and NAV per share
President and CEO Toby Rice stated, "This acquisition is a natural bolt-on extension of EQT's dominant position in the core of the southwest Marcellus and supplements our already impressive asset base. With the purchase price underpinned by PDP value, the extensive work-in-progress well inventory, core undeveloped acreage and water assets provide material value upside. Our unique knowledge of these assets, coupled with our superior operating model, puts these assets in the right hands to maximize the embedded value."
Rice continued, "The digital work environment and business processes that we have created will allow for the seamless integration of these assets into our existing portfolio, while the favorable financial impacts will benefit both equity and debt holders. This transaction represents another strategic step this team is taking to create value for all stakeholders, while enhancing the durability and sustainability of our business."
Jefferies LLC acted as financial advisor to EQT on the transaction.
About EQT Corporation
EQT Corporation (NYSE: EQT) is a leading independent natural gas production company with operations focused in the cores of the Marcellus and Utica Shales in the Appalachian Basin. We are dedicated to responsibly developing our world-class asset base and being the operator of choice for our stakeholders. By leveraging a culture that prioritizes operational efficiency, technology and sustainability, we seek to continuously improve the way we produce environmentally responsible, reliable and low-cost energy. We have a longstanding commitment to the safety of our employees, contractors, and communities, and to the reduction of our overall environmental footprint. Our values are evident in the way we operate and in how we interact each day – trust, teamwork, heart, and evolution are at the center of all we do.
About Chevron
Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) is one of the world's leading integrated energy companies. Through its subsidiaries that conduct business worldwide, the company is involved in virtually every facet of the energy industry. Chevron explores for, produces and transports crude oil and natural gas; refines, markets and distributes transportation fuels and lubricants; manufactures and sells petrochemicals and additives; generates power; and develops and deploys technologies that enhance business value in every aspect of the company's operations. Chevron is based in San Ramon, Calif.