Oct 22 (Reuters) - U.S.-based energy company EQT Corp ( EQT )

said on Wednesday it expects to maintain natural gas

production in 2026 at levels consistent with its 2025 exit rate,

following lower sales volumes forecast for the current quarter.

Shares of the Pennsylvania-based company were down 3.8% at

midday.

The company expects total sales volume of 550 to 600 billion

cubic feet equivalent (Bcfe) in the fourth quarter, lower than

634 Bcfe in the third quarter.

It includes the impact of 15 to 20 Bcfe of strategic

curtailments during October, as EQT said it continues to

optimize around in-basin pricing volatility.

"We believe some near-term selling pressure could emerge on

the disappointing fourth-quarter guidance," said Gabriele

Sorbara, analyst at Siebert Williams Shank & Co.

The company also narrowed its full-year sales volume

forecast to between 2,325 and 2,375 Bcfe from its prior outlook

of 2,300 to 2,400 Bcfe.

EQT executives on a post-earnings call said they expect

maintenance capital expenditure to decline towards $2 billion

later this decade, reflecting efficiency improvements in its

operations.

The company added that it has made significant progress with

the various in-basin power projects announced in the last

quarter and is seeing additional opportunities to provide

natural gas supply and infrastructure to service new load growth

in Appalachia.