Benchmark and Barclays Maintain Neutral View on Antero Resources (AR)

Core Viewpoint - Antero Resources Corporation (NYSE:AR) is recognized as one of the 12 best American energy stocks to buy, with a recent debt issuance aimed at funding a significant acquisition [1]. Group 1: Debt Issuance and Acquisition - Antero Resources issued $750 million in 5.40% senior unsecured notes due 2036 to partially fund its $2.8 billion acquisition of HG Energy II [2]. - The company plans to finance half of the acquisition price through this debt issuance and the divestiture of its Ohio Utica Shale upstream assets for $800 million [2]. - The remaining purchase price will be covered by a three-year term loan of $1.5 billion, with expectations that Antero will repay this loan by the end of 2027, indicating a clear strategy for debt reduction post-acquisition [3]. Group 2: Analyst Ratings and Company Overview - Benchmark reiterated a Hold rating on Antero Resources, while Barclays also maintained a Hold rating with a price target of $46 for the stock [4]. - Antero Resources operates as an independent natural gas and natural gas liquids company in the Appalachian Basin, primarily supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the US [4].