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Antero Resources(AR) - 2025 Q2 - Quarterly Report
2025-07-30 20:17
[Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements](index=3&type=section&id=CAUTIONARY%20STATEMENT%20REGARDING%20FORWARD-LOOKING%20STATEMENTS) This section outlines the nature of forward-looking statements within the report and the inherent risks that could cause actual results to differ materially - This report contains forward-looking statements concerning strategy, future operations, financial position, and other projections. These statements are identified by words like "may," "expect," "plan," and "project"[7](index=7&type=chunk) - Actual results could differ materially due to various risk factors, including but not limited to: natural gas, NGLs, and oil prices; ability to execute business and financial strategies; production levels and reserves; geopolitical events; hedging results; and regulatory changes[7](index=7&type=chunk)[9](index=9&type=chunk) - The company cautions that reserve estimates are inherently uncertain and depend on data quality, interpretation, and assumptions. Revisions may occur due to drilling results or changes in commodity prices[10](index=10&type=chunk) [PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION](index=6&type=section&id=PART%20I%E2%80%94FINANCIAL%20INFORMATION) [Financial Statements (Unaudited)](index=6&type=section&id=Item%201.%20Financial%20Statements%20(Unaudited)) The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2025, reflect a significant turnaround to profitability driven by higher natural gas revenues, substantial increases in operating cash flow, and a stronger balance sheet with reduced debt and increased equity, alongside a correction for a prior period depletion error [Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets](index=6&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Balance%20Sheets) As of June 30, 2025, total assets decreased to $12.77 billion from $13.01 billion at year-end 2024, while total liabilities decreased to $5.28 billion from $5.79 billion due to reduced long-term debt, resulting in an increase in total equity from $7.22 billion to $7.48 billion Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Highlights (in thousands) | Account | Dec 31, 2024 | June 30, 2025 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Total Current Assets** | $507,546 | $427,534 | | **Property and Equipment, net** | $9,687,550 | $9,655,880 | | **Total Assets** | **$13,010,050** | **$12,766,073** | | **Total Current Liabilities** | $1,445,927 | $1,404,729 | | **Long-Term Debt** | $1,489,230 | $1,098,669 | | **Total Liabilities** | **$5,793,517** | **$5,281,566** | | **Total Stockholders' Equity** | $7,021,650 | $7,305,622 | | **Total Equity** | **$7,216,533** | **$7,484,507** | [Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations](index=8&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Operations) The company reported a significant shift from net losses to net income, with $156.6 million in net income for Q2 2025 (vs. $79.8 million net loss in Q2 2024) and $364.6 million for H1 2025 (vs. $57.1 million net loss in H1 2024), primarily driven by increased natural gas sales revenue Statement of Operations Highlights (in thousands, except per share data) | Metric | Q2 2024 | Q2 2025 | H1 2024 | H1 2025 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Total Revenue** | $978,654 | $1,297,493 | $2,100,925 | $2,650,200 | | **Operating Income (Loss)** | ($80,086) | $204,883 | ($32,347) | $476,355 | | **Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Antero** | ($79,806) | $156,585 | ($57,076) | $364,556 | | **Diluted EPS** | ($0.26) | $0.50 | ($0.19) | $1.16 | [Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows](index=12&type=section&id=Condensed%20Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Cash%20Flows) For the six months ended June 30, 2025, net cash from operating activities more than doubled to $950.1 million from $405.1 million in the prior-year period due to higher revenues, funding stable investing activities at $405.4 million and a significant $544.7 million net use in financing for debt and share repurchases Cash Flow Summary for Six Months Ended June 30 (in thousands) | Cash Flow Activity | 2024 | 2025 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities** | $405,109 | $950,097 | | **Net Cash Used in Investing Activities** | ($414,125) | ($405,380) | | **Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities** | $9,016 | ($544,717) | [Notes to Financial Statements](index=13&type=section&id=Notes%20to%20Financial%20Statements) The notes detail accounting policies and line items, disclosing a new 2025 drilling partnership, significant debt reduction and share repurchases, derivative positions, a legal contingency for royalty lawsuits with a potential $400 million loss, and a corrected prior period depletion error - On December 11, 2024, the company entered into a new drilling partnership for 2025 with an unaffiliated third-party, who will fund a share of development capital for a **15% working interest** in wells spud during 2025[40](index=40&type=chunk) - During H1 2025, the company redeemed the remaining **$97 million** of its **8.375% senior notes** due 2026 and repurchased **$42 million** of its **7.625% senior notes** due 2029[59](index=59&type=chunk)[60](index=60&type=chunk) - The company faces a legal contingency from royalty underpayment lawsuits. Following a West Virginia Supreme Court ruling, the company estimates a reasonably possible loss of up to **$400 million** for leases not at issue in the specific case but potentially impacted by the ruling[125](index=125&type=chunk)[126](index=126&type=chunk) - An immaterial error in the quarterly calculation of depletion expense for prior periods was identified and corrected, decreasing retained earnings as of December 31, 2023, by **$80 million** and revising the previously reported Q2 2024 net loss from **$65.7 million** to **$79.8 million**[144](index=144&type=chunk)[145](index=145&type=chunk)[147](index=147&type=chunk) [Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations](index=53&type=section&id=Item%202.%20Management%27s%20Discussion%20and%20Analysis%20of%20Financial%20Condition%20and%20Results%20of%20Operations) Management attributes the significant financial improvement in H1 2025 to higher realized natural gas prices, enabling continued capital returns via debt reduction and share repurchases, supported by strong operating cash flow and a revised downward capital budget, while acknowledging minimal hedge positions and ongoing commodity price and inflationary risks [Financing Highlights](index=53&type=section&id=Financing%20Highlights) In H1 2025, the company extended its Unsecured Credit Facility maturity to July 30, 2030, continued debt reduction by redeeming $97 million of 2026 Notes and repurchasing $42 million of 2029 Notes, and bought back $85 million in common stock - The maturity date of the Unsecured Credit Facility was extended by one year to **July 30, 2030**[153](index=153&type=chunk) - In H1 2025, the company redeemed the remaining **$97 million** of its 2026 Notes and repurchased **$42 million** of its 2029 Notes[154](index=154&type=chunk) - Under its share repurchase program, the company bought back approximately **2.5 million shares** for **$85 million** in H1 2025, with **$966 million** of capacity remaining as of June 30, 2025[155](index=155&type=chunk) [Results of Operations](index=56&type=section&id=Results%20of%20Operations) Q2 2025 revenue significantly increased due to a 77% rise in realized natural gas prices, leading to $205 million operating income (vs. $80 million loss in Q2 2024), with similar trends for H1 2025 showing a 72% natural gas price increase driving a shift to $476 million operating income (vs. $32 million loss in H1 2024), despite modest increases in operating costs Production and Realized Prices (Q2 2024 vs Q2 2025) | Metric | Q2 2024 | Q2 2025 | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Daily Production (MMcfe/d)** | 3,420 | 3,430 | * | | **Avg. Realized Gas Price ($/Mcf)** | $1.92 | $3.39 | 77% | | **Avg. Realized C3+ NGLs Price ($/Bbl)** | $40.27 | $37.92 | (6)% | | **Avg. Realized Oil Price ($/Bbl)** | $66.66 | $50.15 | (25)% | | **Weighted Avg. Price ($/Mcfe)** | $2.98 | $3.85 | 29% | - Natural gas sales revenue for Q2 2025 increased by **$314 million (84%)** year-over-year, primarily driven by higher commodity prices[173](index=173&type=chunk) - Gathering, compression, processing, and transportation expenses increased by **$39 million (6%)** in Q2 2025 compared to Q2 2024, mainly due to higher fuel costs from increased natural gas prices and annual CPI-based rate adjustments[181](index=181&type=chunk)[182](index=182&type=chunk) - A loss contingency of **$11 million** was recorded in Q2 2025, contributing to an increase in contract termination and settlement expenses[189](index=189&type=chunk) [Capital Resources and Liquidity](index=75&type=section&id=Capital%20Resources%20and%20Liquidity) The company's liquidity, primarily from operating cash flow and its credit facility, saw H1 2025 operating cash flow surge to $950 million from $405 million, funding $405 million in investing activities and $545 million net use in financing for debt and share repurchases, leading to a revised $725-$775 million 2025 net capital budget due to efficiencies Cash Flow Summary (Six Months Ended June 30, in thousands) | Cash Flow Activity | 2024 | 2025 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net cash provided by operating activities | $405,109 | $950,097 | | Net cash used in investing activities | ($414,125) | ($405,380) | | Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | $9,016 | ($544,717) | - The revised 2025 net capital budget is **$725 million to $775 million**, a decrease reflecting drilling and completion efficiencies, with a plan to complete **60 to 65 net horizontal wells**[240](index=240&type=chunk) - Total consolidated capital expenditures for H1 2025 were **$387 million**, including **$328 million** for drilling and completion[241](index=241&type=chunk) [Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk](index=79&type=section&id=Item%203.%20Quantitative%20and%20Qualitative%20Disclosures%20about%20Market%20Risk) The company's primary market risk is commodity price volatility for natural gas, NGLs, and oil, with minimal hedging at 4% of production for H1 2025, alongside interest rate risk on its variable-rate credit facility and credit risk from counterparties, where sensitivity analyses indicate a $0.10/MMBtu gas price decrease would reduce revenue by $74 million and a 1% interest rate increase would raise interest expense by $1 million for H1 2025 - The company's production is largely unhedged, with only **4%** of production hedged for the six months ended June 30, 2025[251](index=251&type=chunk) - A hypothetical **$0.10 decrease per MMBtu** in natural gas prices and a **$1.00 decrease per Bbl** in oil and NGLs prices would have decreased revenues by **$74 million** for the six months ended June 30, 2025[253](index=253&type=chunk) - The company is exposed to interest rate risk on its Credit Facility, where a **1.0% increase** in average interest rates for H1 2025 would have increased interest expense by an estimated **$1 million**[260](index=260&type=chunk) - Credit risk exposure includes **$368 million** in receivables from the sale of production and **$2 million** in derivative assets as of June 30, 2025[256](index=256&type=chunk) [Controls and Procedures](index=82&type=section&id=Item%204.%20Controls%20and%20Procedures) Management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that the company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level as of June 30, 2025, with no material changes to internal control over financial reporting during Q2 2025 - The principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of **June 30, 2025**[261](index=261&type=chunk) - No changes in internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended **June 30, 2025**, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal controls[262](index=262&type=chunk) [PART II—OTHER INFORMATION](index=82&type=section&id=PART%20II%E2%80%94OTHER%20INFORMATION) [Legal Proceedings](index=82&type=section&id=Item%201.%20Legal%20Proceedings) The company is involved in various legal proceedings, with details on environmental matters and significant royalty underpayment lawsuits incorporated by reference from Note 14 of the financial statements - Information regarding legal proceedings is detailed in **Note 14—Contingencies** to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements[264](index=264&type=chunk) [Risk Factors](index=82&type=section&id=Item%201A.%20Risk%20Factors) No material changes have occurred to the risk factors previously disclosed in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 - No material changes have occurred to the risk factors described in the **2024 Form 10-K**[265](index=265&type=chunk) [Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds](index=83&type=section&id=Item%202.%20Unregistered%20Sales%20of%20Equity%20Securities) During Q2 2025, the company repurchased a total of 2,478,661 shares at an average price of $34.37 per share, encompassing shares under its publicly announced plan and those withheld for employee tax obligations Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities (Q2 2025) | Period | Total Shares Purchased | Avg. Price Paid | Shares Repurchased Under Plan | Approx. Value Remaining in Plan ($ in thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | April 2025 | 1,826,936 | $33.76 | 1,593,290 | $986,867 | | May 2025 | 486,570 | $35.70 | 415,077 | $972,034 | | June 2025 | 165,155 | $37.29 | 163,771 | $965,935 | | **Total** | **2,478,661** | **$34.37** | **2,172,138** | **N/A** | - The company's board has authorized a share repurchase program for up to **$2.0 billion** of its outstanding common stock[267](index=267&type=chunk) [Other Information](index=83&type=section&id=Item%205%20Other%20Information) Effective July 30, 2025, the company extended the maturity date of its Unsecured Credit Facility by one year from July 30, 2029, to July 30, 2030, utilizing the first of two available one-year extensions - Effective **July 30, 2025**, the maturity date of the Unsecured Credit Facility was extended by one year to **July 30, 2030**[268](index=268&type=chunk) [Exhibits](index=84&type=section&id=Item%206.%20Exhibits) This section lists the exhibits filed with the Form 10-Q, including CEO and CFO certifications required by Sarbanes-Oxley Sections 302 and 906, and financial statements formatted in iXBRL - The filing includes CEO and CFO certifications pursuant to **Sarbanes-Oxley Sections 302 and 906**, and iXBRL data files for the financial statements[270](index=270&type=chunk) [Signatures](index=85&type=section&id=SIGNATURES) - The report is duly authorized and signed on **July 30, 2025**, by **Michael N. Kennedy**, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President – Finance[272](index=272&type=chunk)[273](index=273&type=chunk)
Antero Resources Announces Second Quarter 2025 Financial and Operating Results
Prnewswire· 2025-07-30 20:15
Core Viewpoint - Antero Resources Corporation reported strong financial and operational results for Q2 2025, increasing production guidance while reducing capital expenditures, positioning itself favorably for future growth driven by rising natural gas demand and LNG export growth [3][4][7]. Financial Performance - Net income for Q2 2025 was $157 million, with adjusted net income of $110 million, reflecting significant increases of 151% and 243% compared to the prior year period respectively [7][35]. - Free Cash Flow for the quarter was $262 million, allowing the company to pay down nearly $200 million of debt and repurchase $85 million of stock [8][11]. - Total revenue for Q2 2025 reached $1.297 billion, up from $978 million in Q2 2024, driven by increased natural gas sales [44]. Production and Guidance - Antero increased its full-year 2025 production guidance to 3.4 to 3.45 Bcfe/d, attributed to strong well performance [4][6]. - The company decreased its drilling and completion capital budget to $650 to $675 million, reflecting ongoing capital efficiency improvements [4][6]. Capital Management - Antero has reduced its total debt by approximately $400 million, or 30%, in the first two quarters of 2025, bringing total debt down to $1.1 billion [11][27]. - The company repurchased 3.6 million shares for approximately $126 million from April 1 to July 30, 2025, at an average price of $34.49 per share, representing an 8% discount to the average market price [10][11]. Market Position and Outlook - The company is well-positioned to benefit from a projected 25% growth in natural gas demand by 2030, driven by LNG exports and increased power demand from AI data centers [3][4]. - Antero's strategic focus includes maintaining a return of capital strategy while continuing to reduce debt [3][11]. Operational Highlights - During Q2 2025, Antero placed 18 horizontal Marcellus wells into production, achieving an average rate of 24 MMcfe/d per well [18][19]. - The average realized natural gas price before hedges was $3.39 per Mcf, slightly below the benchmark index price [14][16]. Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) - Antero published its 2024 ESG report, highlighting significant progress in emissions reduction and local economic impacts [20][23].
Drill, Baby, Drill: 9 Stocks With Enough Firepower To Outperform For Decades
Seeking Alpha· 2025-07-26 11:30
Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of patience in investing, highlighting that making money requires time and a strategic approach, as illustrated by the Rule of 72 [1] Summary by Relevant Sections - The Rule of 72 is introduced as a method to estimate the time required for an investment to double, which underscores the necessity of patience in the investment process [1]
Antero Resources (AR) Reports Next Week: Wall Street Expects Earnings Growth
ZACKS· 2025-07-23 15:00
Core Viewpoint - Antero Resources (AR) is anticipated to report a significant year-over-year increase in earnings driven by higher revenues, with the actual results being crucial for its near-term stock price movement [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The upcoming earnings report is expected to be released on July 30, with a consensus EPS estimate of $0.48 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +352.6%. Revenues are projected to reach $1.29 billion, up 31.6% from the previous year [3]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised down by 12.83% over the last 30 days, indicating a reassessment by analysts [4]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that the Most Accurate Estimate matches the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of 0%, which complicates the prediction of an earnings beat [12]. Historical Performance - Antero Resources has only beaten consensus EPS estimates once in the last four quarters, with a recent surprise of -13.33% when it reported earnings of $0.78 per share against an expectation of $0.90 [13][14]. Investment Considerations - While the company does not appear to be a strong candidate for an earnings beat, investors are advised to consider other factors before making investment decisions [17].
Antero Resources: Natural Gas Prices Remain Rangebound, Maintain Buy
Seeking Alpha· 2025-07-17 04:06
Group 1 - Natural gas prices are currently range bound due to excessive production, with recent production levels reaching 112.5 billion cubic feet (bcf) per day, slightly above past daily highs of 111 bcf [1] - The increase in production has significantly impacted storage levels, indicating a potential oversupply in the market [1]
Antero Resources Announces Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release Date and Conference Call
Prnewswire· 2025-07-09 20:15
Core Viewpoint - Antero Resources plans to release its second quarter 2025 earnings on July 30, 2025, after market close, followed by a conference call on July 31, 2025, to discuss financial and operational results [1][2]. Group 1: Earnings Release and Conference Call - The second quarter 2025 earnings release will be issued on July 30, 2025, after the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange [1]. - A conference call is scheduled for July 31, 2025, at 9:00 am MT to discuss the results, with a Q&A session for analysts following the discussion [2]. - Participants can join the call by dialing specific numbers for U.S. and international callers, and a replay will be available until August 7, 2025 [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - Antero Resources is an independent company focused on natural gas and natural gas liquids, primarily operating in the Appalachian Basin in West Virginia and Ohio [3]. - The company is highly integrated with its affiliate, Antero Midstream, making it one of the most integrated natural gas producers in the U.S. [3].
What's Fueling Natural Gas Right Now? 3 Stocks to Follow
ZACKS· 2025-07-08 12:46
Industry Overview - The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a natural gas storage build of 55 billion cubic feet (Bcf) for the week ending June 27, bringing total inventories to 2,953 Bcf, which is above expert expectations and continues an 11-week trend of larger-than-average additions [1][8] - Current storage levels are 6.2% above the five-year average but nearly 6% below last year's levels, indicating potential for supply tightening if cooling demand remains strong [6] Demand Dynamics - Total natural gas usage, including LNG exports, is projected to exceed 106 Bcf per day, up from 103.7 Bcf per day the previous week, driven by hot weather and increased demand for cooling [4] - LNG exports are gradually recovering, averaging 15.4 Bcf per day in early July, despite some minor roadblocks due to softer global prices [4] Price Movements - Natural gas prices have been volatile, with U.S. natural gas futures for August delivery dropping 2.26% to $3.44 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) following the EIA's storage report, reflecting concerns over excess supply [5] - Spot prices recently reached a three-year high for June, averaging $3.02/MMBtu, indicating traders are closely monitoring weather patterns for potential demand increases [5] Investment Opportunities - Companies such as Expand Energy (EXE), Coterra Energy (CTRA), and Antero Resources (AR) are highlighted as potential investment opportunities due to their strong fundamentals and positioning in the natural gas market [3][8] - Expand Energy has become the largest natural gas producer in the U.S. and is well-positioned to benefit from increasing demand, with a projected 461.7% year-over-year surge in 2025 earnings per share [9][10] - Coterra Energy, with a significant share of natural gas in its production, has an expected earnings growth rate of 29.1% over the next three to five years, outperforming the industry average [11][12] - Antero Resources, a leading natural gas producer, has a strong production outlook with a projected 1,457.1% year-over-year growth in 2025 earnings per share [13][14]
10 Under-the-Radar Energy Stocks With Incredible Growth Potential
The Motley Fool· 2025-06-22 19:05
Core Viewpoint - The energy sector is undergoing significant transformation, with traditional fossil fuels remaining essential while transitioning to lower-carbon energy sources. This shift presents substantial growth opportunities for various energy companies in both traditional and emerging markets [1][2]. Group 1: Traditional Energy Companies - Antero Resources is a leading natural gas producer in the U.S., particularly in the Appalachian region, with the largest and lowest-cost inventory, positioning it well for a projected 116% increase in natural gas demand by the end of the decade [4][5]. - Diamondback Energy has established a significant resource base in the Permian Basin, with nearly 900,000 net acres and 8,400 remaining drilling locations that are economically viable at $50 per barrel of oil, ensuring a long growth runway [9][10]. - Kinetik Holdings focuses on the Permian Basin's natural gas gathering and pipeline systems, with expectations of robust growth driven by rising regional production and a high-yielding dividend exceeding 7% [13][14]. Group 2: Lower-Carbon Energy Companies - Bloom Energy provides resilient power solutions through its distributed generation platform, converting natural gas, biogas, or hydrogen into electricity, and is well-positioned to meet growing demand from AI and industrial electrification [6][7]. - Clearway Energy operates a portfolio of clean power assets and benefits from long-term power purchase agreements, allowing for predictable cash flow and a current dividend yield of 5.5% [8]. - Enphase Energy is the leading supplier of microinverter-based solar-plus storage systems, targeting a growing market opportunity estimated at $25.4 billion [11][12]. Group 3: Innovative Energy Technologies - NextDecade is constructing the Rio Grande LNG export facility, with Phase 1 expected to start service in 2027, and is exploring carbon-capture opportunities [15]. - NuScale Power is developing small modular reactor technology, aiming to meet the increasing power needs of data centers, with a significant market opportunity [16]. - QuantumScape is innovating in energy storage with solid-state lithium metal batteries, projecting demand to exceed 1 terawatt-hour per year by 2040, representing a substantial market opportunity [18].
Antero Resources(AR) - 2025 FY - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-06-04 14:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported on the voting results for the election of directors and the ratification of KPMG as the independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2025 [6][13] - The advisory vote on executive compensation was also discussed, indicating stockholder support for the current compensation program [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - No specific data on individual business lines was provided in the meeting [1][2] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - No specific market data or key metrics changes were mentioned during the meeting [1][2] Company Strategy and Development Direction and Industry Competition - The company emphasized the importance of stockholder feedback in shaping executive compensation, indicating a commitment to aligning with stockholder interests [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that stockholder feedback did not necessitate material changes to the compensation program, suggesting confidence in the current strategy [10] Other Important Information - The meeting included formalities such as the appointment of an inspector of election and confirmation of quorum [4][5] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company consider stockholder feedback when setting executive compensation? - The company values stockholder input and included a detailed response in the proxy statement regarding the advisory vote on executive compensation, indicating broad support for the compensation program [10]
Natural Gas Prices Tick Up Despite Another Triple-Digit Build
ZACKS· 2025-06-02 13:31
Industry Overview - Natural gas prices ended the week slightly higher at $3.447 per Mcf, despite ongoing supply-side pressures and bearish market sentiment [6][10] - The latest EIA report indicated a storage build of 101 billion cubic feet (Bcf), exceeding market expectations and marking the fifth consecutive week of triple-digit builds [4][10] - Total natural gas stocks reached 2,476 Bcf, which is 316 Bcf (11.3%) below the 2024 level but 93 Bcf (3.9%) above the five-year average [5] Demand and Supply Dynamics - The total supply of natural gas averaged 112.5 Bcf per day, an increase of 0.7 Bcf per day week-over-week, primarily due to higher shipments from Canada [5] - Daily natural gas consumption decreased to 97.3 Bcf from 98.1 Bcf the previous week, attributed to weakened power demand [5] - Forecasts predict cooler-than-normal conditions in key demand regions, which may continue to suppress gas usage from the power sector [7] Investment Opportunities - Recommended stocks include Expand Energy (EXE), Gulfport Energy (GPOR), and Antero Resources (AR), which are well-positioned amid the current market conditions [3][10] - Expand Energy has become the largest natural gas producer in the U.S. and is expected to benefit from increasing demand driven by LNG exports and electrification trends, with a projected 444.7% year-over-year earnings growth for 2025 [11][12] - Gulfport Energy, emerging from bankruptcy, focuses on free cash flow and debt reduction, with a forecasted 61.7% year-over-year earnings growth for 2025 [13][14] - Antero Resources, with a strong production outlook from its low-cost drilling inventory, anticipates a remarkable 1,485.7% year-over-year earnings growth for 2025 [15][16]