Feb 18 (Reuters) - EQT beat analysts' estimate

for fourth-quarter profit on Tuesday, as the natural gas

producer benefited from higher prices of the commodity.

Natural gas prices rose in the quarter, hitting a two-year

peak, helped by an increase in the amount of gas flowing to

liquefied natural gas export plants. The prices also received a

boost from forecast for more cold weather in January, which is

expected to increase heating demand.

EQT's average realized price for natural gas was up at $3.01

per thousand cubic foot equivalent (Mcfe) during the quarter,

compared with $2.75 per Mcfe a year earlier.

The company posted an adjusted profit of 69 cents per share

for the quarter ended December 31, compared with analysts'

average estimate of 49 cents per share, according to data

compiled by LSEG.