Antero Resources Moves Ahead With Strategic HG Energy Acquisition

Core Insights - Antero Resources Corporation (AR) is acquiring upstream assets from HG Energy II, LLC for $2.8 billion, expected to close in Q2 2026 [1][2] - Antero Midstream Corporation (AM) will acquire HG Energy's midstream assets for $1.1 billion, enhancing its existing infrastructure [3][7] - Both companies are divesting their Ohio Utica Shale assets for $1.2 billion to optimize their portfolios [4][7] Antero Resources' Acquisition Details - The acquisition will add 850 million cubic feet equivalent per day (MMcfe/d) of expected production in 2026 and 385,000 net acres in West Virginia [2][7] - It is projected to extend Antero's inventory life by approximately five years and generate synergies of about $950 million over 10 years [2] - The deal is expected to lower cash costs by nearly $0.25 per Mcfe and enhance margins by $0.15-$0.20 per Mcfe, excluding synergies [2] Antero Midstream's Acquisition Details - The acquisition will add around 900 MMcf/d of expected throughput in 2026 and includes over 400 undeveloped Marcellus drilling locations [3] - The assets are capital effective and will strengthen Antero Midstream's footprint in the Marcellus shale [3] - The deal is anticipated to be immediately accretive to AM's free cash flow after dividends [3] Divestiture of Ohio Utica Shale Assets - Antero Resources and Antero Midstream are selling their Ohio Utica Shale assets for a total of $1.2 billion [4] - Infinity Natural Resources will acquire a 51% interest for $612 million, while Northern Oil and Gas will acquire a 49% stake for $588 million [4] Financing Strategy - The acquisition is supported by Antero's near-term free cash flow generation and proceeds from the divestiture of Ohio Utica assets [5] - The financing plan includes hedged free cash flows from the acquired assets over the next three years [5] Industry Context - Rising U.S. natural gas demand, driven by winter heating needs and strong LNG exports, enhances the benefits of the acquisition [8] - The deal is expected to improve Antero's competitive position and revenue visibility in the future [8]