Questar Corp. (STR) reported better-than-expected third quarter results despite facing steep decline in natural gas prices over the past year. Earnings per share, before mark-to-market gains and losses on natural gas basis-only swaps, came in at 56 cents, easily beating the Zacks consensus estimate of 51 cents. On a year-over-year basis, Questar’s adjusted earnings per share fell 41.7%, while revenues were down 21.1% to $613 million.   Market Resources Segment   Market Resources’ sales were down 20.1% to $474.9 million, while the segment income plunged 51.4% to $171.8 million, pulled down by the E&P and Energy Trading & other sub-segment results. Questar E&P reported a 3% decline in quarterly production to 43.8 Bcfe (88% natural gas) from 45.3 Bcfe, a year ago. As a result of volume decline, this segment’s revenue and income fell by 22.7% and 66.2% to $294.6 million and $49.6 million, respectively. This was mainly ...

Did you know that Wyoming has a district called the historic J.C. Penny district? James Cash Penny established his first store in this state. Eventually it grew to the chain best known as J.C. Penny.Here are some interesting facts about Wyoming:1. New jobs created in Wyoming during 2007 ranked second in the country.2. No personal income tax.3. No corporate income tax.4. Income from the mining industry contributes 2/3 of the total state revenue.5. Wyoming’s top tourist destinations are: Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.6. Top commodities are: Livestock of cattle, hay, sugar beets and barley.7. Top mineral commodities are: coal, natural gas, and crude oil.8. Wyoming is seventh nationwide for oil production.9. Wyoming ranks number one for coal production in the nation.10. The southern part of Wyoming is excellent for ...

Utah’s arid land is not very suitable for agriculture, but it is rich in minerals, making it very profitable for the mining industry. Strategically located, Utah’s economy is one of the strongest in the nation. Some interesting facts about Utah are:1. Utah has recently cut personal income taxes by $400 million. Beginning January 1, 2008, Utah applies a fixed tax rate of 5% to all taxpayers.2. They have incentives for corporations to relocate to Utah, and may award eligible companies up to $500,000.3. The mining industry in the state focuses primarily on copper, gold, molybdenum, and magnesium.4. The aerospace industry, together with the military industry, are very important to Utah’s economy.5. There are 7 universities and colleges in the Utah offering programs geared toward the aerospace industry.6. Electric energy in Utah is among ...