EQT Announces Redemption of Outstanding 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026

Rhea-AI Summary

EQT Corporation (NYSE: EQT) to redeem all outstanding 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026, totaling $290,177,000. The Redemption Date is January 17, 2024, with a Redemption Price of $1,000 per $1,000 in principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Redemption is being made pursuant to the indenture governing the Notes.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The redemption of EQT Corporation's 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes is a strategic financial move that can affect the company's capital structure and interest expenses. By redeeming these notes, EQT is opting to pay back its debt holders the principal amount plus accrued interest, potentially signaling a strong cash position or a strategic shift in its leverage policy. The transaction will reduce the company's debt burden and may lead to interest savings, assuming the cost of new debt or alternative capital is lower than the redeemed notes.

Moreover, the redemption could be a response to favorable market conditions or an attempt to avoid dilution from conversion, particularly if EQT's stock has been trading above the conversion price threshold. This action might be viewed positively by investors who prefer lower leverage ratios and more equity-focused capital structures. However, for debt investors, the redemption eliminates future interest income and forces reallocation of capital, which could be challenging in a low-interest-rate environment.

Market Research Analyst

From a market perspective, the redemption of convertible notes can be seen as a reflection of EQT's underlying business performance and market sentiment. The fact that EQT's share price has allowed for the redemption clause to be activated—requiring the stock to trade at 130% of the conversion price over a set number of days—suggests a positive investor outlook on the company's stock performance. This could be attributed to operational efficiencies, favorable market conditions in the energy sector, or successful strategic initiatives.

It's also important to consider the market's reaction to such redemptions. While some investors might interpret this as a sign of financial health and a bullish signal, others could perceive it as EQT not favoring the dilution that comes with conversion. This could affect the stock's volatility in the short term as the market digests the implications of the reduced debt and potential changes in the company's equity structure post-redemption.

Legal Expert

The legal process outlined for the redemption of the convertible notes adheres to the terms set forth in the indenture agreement. It's crucial for EQT to follow the prescribed procedures to avoid any legal complications. This includes providing timely notice of redemption and adhering to the conversion process and deadlines. The adherence to these legal stipulations is essential to maintain trust with investors and uphold the company's reputation in the financial markets.

Moreover, the redemption process involves coordination with financial institutions like The Bank of New York Mellon and compliance with DTC policies. Any misstep in these procedures could result in legal ramifications or delays in the redemption process. The company's emphasis on the absence of an offer to sell or solicit securities in the press release is a standard disclaimer to comply with securities laws and regulations, particularly to avoid implications of conducting an unregistered securities offering.

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- EQT Corporation (NYSE: EQT) ("EQT") today announced that it will redeem all of its outstanding 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 (the "Notes") (CUSIP No. 26884L AK5 and ISIN No. US26884L AK52) (the "Redemption") on January 17, 2024 (the "Redemption Date").

The aggregate principal amount of the Notes is $290,177,000 as of December 29, 2023. Any Notes outstanding on the Redemption Date will be redeemed in cash for 100% of the principal amount (or $1,000 per $1,000 in principal amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest on such Notes to, but excluding, the Redemption Date (the "Redemption Price"). Unless EQT defaults in making the payment of the Redemption Price, interest on the Notes will cease to accrue on and after the Redemption Date.

To receive payment of the Redemption Price, any certificated Notes must be surrendered to The Bank of New York Mellon, as the paying agent and the conversion agent, at the address set forth below. Notes held through The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") should be presented and surrendered for redemption in accordance with DTC's policies and procedures therefor.

The Bank of New York Mellon
c/o The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.
2001 Bryan Street, 10th Floor
Dallas, Texas 75201
Attention: Transfers/Redemption/Payments

The Redemption is being made pursuant to Section 16.01 of the indenture governing the Notes (the "Indenture"), which provides that, subject to the terms of Article 16 of the Indenture, on or after May 5, 2023 and prior to February 1, 2026, EQT has the right, at its election, to redeem all, or any portion in a minimum principal amount thereof equal to $1,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof, of the Notes, for cash equal to the Redemption Price, if the last reported sale price per share of EQT common stock on the New York Stock Exchange has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive), including the trading day immediately preceding the date of the notice of redemption, during any 30 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date of the notice of redemption.

In lieu of surrendering their Notes for redemption, holders of the Notes may elect to convert their Notes at any time before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on January 12, 2024, which is the second trading day immediately before the Redemption Date (or, if EQT fails to pay the Redemption Price due on the Redemption Date in full, at any time until such time as EQT pays such Redemption Price in full) (such date, the "Conversion Deadline").

The current conversion rate is 69.0364 shares of EQT common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (equivalent to a conversion price per share of approximately $14.49). This conversion rate reflects an increase of 0.1452 additional shares per $1,000 principal amount of Notes above the otherwise applicable conversion rate of 68.8912 shares per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, which increase applies because the Notes have been called for redemption. This conversion rate will remain subject to adjustment in accordance with the Indenture from time to time for certain events. EQT will settle any conversions solely in shares of EQT common stock, except that any fractional shares that would otherwise be deliverable will be paid out in cash.

Holders who wish to convert their Notes must comply with the procedures set forth in the Indenture, including surrendering their Notes for conversion to The Bank of New York Mellon, as the conversion agent of the Notes (the "Conversion Agent"), completing and signing an irrevocable notice as set forth in the Form of Notice of Conversion attached to the Note and delivering such notice to the Conversion Agent, furnishing appropriate endorsements and transfer documents if required by the Conversion Agent, and paying any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax that is payable in respect of any transfer involving the issue or delivery of EQT common stock in the name of a person other than the holder of the Notes to be converted, in each case, on or before the Conversion Deadline. Notes held through DTC should be presented and surrendered for conversion in accordance with DTC's policies and procedures therefor.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy or an offer to purchase or sell any securities. The Redemption of the Notes is being made only pursuant to the Notice of Redemption, dated January 2, 2024, relating to the Notes, which is being distributed to all registered holders of the Notes on January 2, 2024.

Investor Contact:
Cameron Horwitz
Managing Director, Investor Relations & Strategy
412.395.2555
cameron.horwitz@eqt.com 

About EQT Corporation

EQT Corporation 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.

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SOURCE EQT Corporation (EQT-IR)

FAQ

What is the latest announcement from EQT Corporation (NYSE: EQT)?

EQT Corporation announced the redemption of all outstanding 1.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026.

When is the Redemption Date for EQT Corporation's (NYSE: EQT) outstanding Notes?

The Redemption Date is January 17, 2024.

What is the total principal amount of the Notes being redeemed by EQT Corporation (NYSE: EQT)?

The aggregate principal amount of the Notes is $290,177,000 as of December 29, 2023.

How will the Redemption Price be calculated by EQT Corporation (NYSE: EQT)?

The Redemption Price will be 100% of the principal amount (or $1,000 per $1,000 in principal amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest on such Notes to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.

What is the process for holders of the Notes to receive payment of the Redemption Price from EQT Corporation (NYSE: EQT)?

Certificated Notes must be surrendered to The Bank of New York Mellon, while Notes held through The Depository Trust Company should be presented and surrendered for redemption in accordance with DTC's policies and procedures.