Long-Term Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

Long-Term Debt.

Long-Term Debt

(7) Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following items (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2022		2023
Credit Facility (a)	$	34,800		417,200
8.375% senior notes due 2026 (e)		96,870		96,870
7.625% senior notes due 2029 (f)		407,115		407,115
5.375% senior notes due 2030 (g)		600,000		600,000
4.25% convertible senior notes due 2026 (h)		56,932		26,386
Total principal		1,195,717		1,547,571
Unamortized debt issuance costs		(12,241)		(9,975)
Long-term debt	$	1,183,476		1,537,596

(a) Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility

Antero Resources has a senior secured revolving credit facility with a consortium of bank lenders. On October 26, 2021, Antero Resources entered into an amended and restated Credit Facility. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are subject to borrowing base limitations based on the collateral value of Antero Resources’ assets and are subject to regular semi-annual redeterminations. As of December 31, 2022 and 2023, the Credit Facility had a borrowing base of $3.5 billion with lender commitments of $1.5 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively. The borrowing base was re-affirmed in the semi-annual redetermination in October 2023 and the next redetermination of the borrowing base is scheduled to occur in April 2024. The maturity date of the Credit Facility is the earlier of (i) October 26, 2026 and (ii) the date that is 180 days prior to the earliest stated redemption date of any series of the Company’s then outstanding Senior Notes. As of December 31, 2023, the Credit Facility had an available borrowing capacity of $692 million.

The Credit Facility contains requirements with respect to leverage and current ratios, and certain covenants, including restrictions on our ability to incur debt and limitations on our ability to pay dividends unless certain customary conditions are met, in each case, subject to customary carve-outs and exceptions. Antero Resources was in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2022 and 2023.

The Credit Facility in effect prior to October 26, 2021 provided for borrowing under either an Alternate Base Rate or as a Eurodollar Loan (as each term is defined in the agreement), and the Credit Facility in effect on and after October 26, 2021 provides for borrowing at either an Adjusted Term SOFR, an Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR or an Alternate Base Rate (each as defined in the Credit Facility). The Credit Facility provides for interest only payments until maturity at which time all outstanding borrowings are due. Interest was payable at a variable rate based on LIBOR or the Alternative Base Rate (as defined in the agreement), determined by election at the time of borrowing, plus an applicable margin rate under the Credit Facility in effect prior to October 26, 2021. Interest is payable at a variable rate based on SOFR or the Alternate Base Rate, determined by election at the time of borrowing, plus an applicable margin rate under the Credit Facility on or after October 26, 2021. Interest at the time of borrowing is determined with

reference to the Antero Resources’ then-current leverage ratio subject to certain exceptions. Commitment fees on the unused portion of the Credit Facility are due quarterly at rates ranging from 0.375% to 0.500% with respect to the Credit Facility, determined with reference to borrowing base utilization subject to certain exceptions based on the leverage ratio then in effect. The Credit Facility includes fall away covenants, lower interest rates and reduced collateral requirements that Antero Resources may elect if Antero Resources is assigned an Investment Grade Rating (as defined in the Credit Facility).

As of December 31, 2022, Antero Resources had an outstanding balance under the Credit Facility of $35 million, with a weighted average interest rate of 6.42%, and outstanding letters of credit of $504 million. As of December 31, 2023, Antero Resources had an outstanding balance under the Credit Facility of $417 million, with a weighted average interest rate of 7.71%, and outstanding letters of credit of $501 million.

(b) 5.125% Senior Notes Due 2022

On May 6, 2014, Antero Resources issued $600 million of 5.125% senior notes due December 1, 2022 (the “2022 Notes”) at par. On September 18, 2014, Antero Resources issued an additional $500 million of the 2022 Notes at 100.5% of par. The Company repurchased or otherwise fully redeemed all of the 2022 Notes between 2019 and the first quarter of 2021, and the 2022 Notes were fully retired as of February 10, 2021. Interest on the 2022 Notes was payable on June 1 and December 1 of each year. See “—Debt Repurchase Program” below for more information.

(c) 5.625% Senior Notes Due 2023

On March 17, 2015, Antero Resources issued $750 million of 5.625% senior notes due June 1, 2023 (the “2023 Notes”) at par. The Company repurchased or otherwise fully redeemed all of the 2023 Notes between 2020 and the second quarter of 2021, and the 2023 Notes were fully retired as of June 1, 2021. Interest on the 2023 Notes was payable on June 1 and December 1 of each year. See “—Debt Repurchase Program” below for more information.

(d) 5.00% Senior Notes Due 2025

On December 21, 2016, Antero Resources issued $600 million of 5.00% senior notes due March 1, 2025 (the “2025 Notes”) at par. The Company repurchased or otherwise redeemed all of the 2025 Notes between 2020 and the first quarter of 2022, and the 2025 Notes were fully retired as of March 1, 2022. Interest on the 2025 Notes was payable on March 1 and September 1 of each year. See “—Debt Repurchase Program” below for more information.

(e) 8.375% Senior Notes Due 2026

On January 4, 2021, Antero Resources issued $500 million of 8.375% senior notes due July 15, 2026 (the “2026 Notes”) at par. The Company redeemed $175 million principal amount of the 2026 Notes on July 1, 2021 and redeemed or otherwise repurchased $228 million principal amount of the 2026 Notes during the year ended December 31, 2022, and as of December 31, 2023, $97 million principal amount of the 2026 Notes remained outstanding. See “—Debt Repurchase Program” below for more information. The 2026 Notes are unsecured and effectively subordinated to the Credit Facility to the extent of the value of the collateral securing the Credit Facility. The 2026 Notes rank pari passu to Antero Resources’ other outstanding Senior Notes. The 2026 Notes are guaranteed on a full and unconditional and joint and several senior unsecured basis by Antero Resources’ existing subsidiaries that guarantee the Credit Facility and certain of its future restricted subsidiaries. Interest on the 2026 Notes is payable on January 15 and July 15 of each year. Antero Resources may redeem all or part of the 2026 Notes at any time on or after January 15, 2024 at redemption prices ranging from 104.188% on or after January 15, 2024 to 100.00% on or after January 15, 2026. At any time prior to January 15, 2024, Antero Resources may also redeem the 2026 Notes, in whole or in part, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2026 Notes plus a “make-whole” premium and accrued and unpaid interest. If Antero Resources undergoes a change of control followed by a rating decline, the holders of the 2026 Notes will have the right to require Antero Resources to repurchase all or a portion of the notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the 2026 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

(f) 7.625% Senior Notes Due 2029

On January 26, 2021, Antero Resources issued $700 million of 7.625% senior notes due February 1, 2029 (the “2029 Notes”) at par. The Company redeemed or otherwise repurchased $116 million principal amount of the 2029 Notes during the year ended December 31, 2021 and repurchased $177 million of the 2029 Notes during the year ended December 31, 2022, and as of December 31, 2023, $407 million principal amount of the 2029 Notes remained outstanding. See “—Debt Repurchase Program”

below for more information. The 2029 Notes are unsecured and effectively subordinated to the Credit Facility to the extent of the value of the collateral securing the Credit Facility. The 2029 Notes rank pari passu to Antero Resources’ other outstanding Senior Notes. The 2029 Notes are guaranteed on a full and unconditional and joint and several senior unsecured basis by Antero Resources’ existing subsidiaries that guarantee the Credit Facility and certain of its future restricted subsidiaries. Interest on the 2029 Notes is payable on February 1 and August 1 of each year. Antero Resources may redeem all or part of the 2029 Notes at any time on or after February 1, 2024 at redemption prices ranging from 103.813% on or after February 1, 2024 to 100.00% on or after February 1, 2027. In addition, on or before February 1, 2024, Antero Resources may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2029 Notes, but in an amount not greater than the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings, if certain conditions are met, at a redemption price of 107.625% of the principal amount of the 2029 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, which option the Company partially exercised on October 18, 2021 with its notice to redeem $116 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2029 Notes. At any time prior to February 1, 2024, Antero Resources may also redeem the 2029 Notes, in whole or in part, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2029 Notes plus a “make-whole” premium and accrued and unpaid interest. If Antero Resources undergoes a change of control followed by a rating decline, the holders of the 2029 Notes will have the right to require Antero Resources to repurchase all or a portion of the notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the 2029 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

(g) 5.375% Senior Notes Due 2030

On June 1, 2021, Antero Resources issued $600 million of 5.375% senior notes due March 1, 2030 (the “2030 Notes”) at par. The 2030 Notes are unsecured and effectively subordinated to the Credit Facility to the extent of the value of the collateral securing the Credit Facility. The 2030 Notes rank pari passu to Antero Resources’ other outstanding Senior Notes. The 2030 Notes are guaranteed on a full and unconditional and joint and several senior unsecured basis by Antero Resources’ existing subsidiaries that guarantee the Credit Facility and certain of its future restricted subsidiaries. Interest on the 2030 Notes is payable on March 1 and September 1 of each year. Antero Resources may redeem all or part of the 2030 Notes at any time on or after March 1, 2025 at redemption prices ranging from 102.688% on or after March 1, 2025 to 100.00% on or after March 1, 2028. In addition, on or before March 1, 2025, Antero Resources may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2030 Notes, but in an amount not greater than the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings, if certain conditions are met, at a redemption price of 105.375% of the principal amount of the 2030 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest. At any time prior to March 1, 2025, Antero Resources may also redeem the 2030 Notes, in whole or in part, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2030 Notes plus a “make-whole” premium and accrued and unpaid interest. If Antero Resources undergoes a change of control followed by a rating decline, the holders of the 2030 Notes will have the right to require Antero Resources to repurchase all or a portion of the notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the 2030 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

(h) 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2026

On August 21, 2020, Antero Resources issued $250 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.25% convertible senior notes due September 1, 2026 (the “2026 Convertible Notes”). On September 2, 2020, Antero Resources issued an additional $37.5 million of the 2026 Convertible Notes. Proceeds from the issuance of the 2026 Convertible Notes totaled $278.5 million, net of initial purchasers’ fees and issuance cost of $9 million. The Company extinguished $206 million principal amount of the 2026 Convertible Notes in 2021. In addition, during 2022 and 2023, $55 million aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Convertible Notes were converted pursuant to their terms or induced into conversion by the Company. See “—Equitizations, Conversions and Inducements,” for more information. As of December 31, 2023, $26 million principal amount of the 2026 Convertible Notes remained outstanding. The 2026 Convertible Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture and are senior, unsecured obligations of Antero Resources. The 2026 Convertible Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.25% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year, commencing on March 1, 2021. Each capitalized term used in this subsection but not otherwise defined in this Annual Report on Form 10-K has the meaning as set forth in the indenture governing the 2026 Convertible Notes.

The initial conversion rate is 230.2026 shares of Antero Resources’ common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2026 Convertible Notes, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of specified events. As of December 31, 2023, the if-converted value of the 2026 Convertible Notes was $138 million, which exceeded the principal amount of the 2026 Convertible Notes by $112 million. The 2026 Convertible Notes will mature on September 1, 2026, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. Before May 1, 2026, noteholders will have the right to convert their 2026 Convertible Notes only upon the occurrence of the following events:

● during any calendar quarter (and only during such calendar quarter) commencing after the calendar quarter ending on September 30, 2020, if the Last Reported Sale Price per share of Antero Resources’ common stock exceeds 130% of the Conversion Price for each of at least 20 Trading Days (whether or not consecutive) during the 30 consecutive Trading

Days ending on, and including, the last Trading Day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter (the “Stock Price Condition”);

● during the five consecutive Business Days immediately after any 10 consecutive Trading Day period (such 10 consecutive Trading Day period, the “Measurement Period”) if the Trading Price per $1,000 principal amount of 2026 Convertible Notes, as determined following a request by a noteholder in accordance with the procedures set forth below, for each Trading Day of the Measurement Period was less than 98% of the product of the Last Reported Sales Price per share of common stock on such Trading Day and the conversion rate on such Trading Day;

● if Antero Resources calls any or all of the 2026 Convertible Notes for redemption, at any time prior to the close of business on the scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the redemption date; or

● upon the occurrence of certain specified corporate events as set forth in the indenture governing the 2026 Convertible Notes.

From and after May 1, 2026, noteholders may convert their 2026 Convertible Notes at any time at their election until the close of business on the second scheduled Trading Day immediately before the maturity date.

Upon conversion, Antero Resources may satisfy its conversion obligation by paying and/or delivering, as the case may be, cash, shares of Antero Resources’ common stock or a combination of cash and shares of Antero Resources’ common stock, at Antero Resources’ election, in the manner and subject to the terms and conditions provided in the indenture governing the 2026 Convertible Notes. The 2026 Convertible Notes have met the Stock Price Condition allowing holders of the 2026 Convertible Notes to exercise their conversion right as of December 31, 2023.

The conversion rate is subject to adjustment under certain circumstances in accordance with the terms of the indenture governing the 2026 Convertible Notes. In addition, following certain corporate events, as described in the indenture governing the 2026 Convertible Notes, that occur prior to the maturity date, Antero Resources will increase the conversion rate for a holder who elects to convert its 2026 Convertible Notes in connection with such a corporate event.

If certain corporate events that constitute a Fundamental Change occur, then noteholders may require Antero Resources to repurchase their 2026 Convertible Notes at a cash repurchase price equal to the principal amount of the 2026 Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the Fundamental Change Repurchase Date. The definition of Fundamental Change includes certain business combination transactions involving Antero Resources and certain de-listing events with respect to Antero Resources’ common stock.

Upon issuance, the Company separately accounted for the liability and equity components of the 2026 Convertible Notes.  The liability component was recorded at the estimated fair value of a similar debt instrument without the conversion feature.  The difference between the principal amount of the 2026 Convertible Notes and the estimated fair value of the liability component was recorded as a debt discount and was amortized to interest expense, together with debt issuance costs, over the term of the 2026 Convertible Notes using the effective interest method, with an effective interest rate of 15.3% per annum.  As of the issuance date, the fair value of the 2026 Convertible Notes was estimated at $172 million, resulting in a debt discount at inception of $116 million.  The equity component, representing the value of the conversion option, was computed by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the initial proceeds of the 2026 Convertible Notes issuance.  This equity component was recorded, net of deferred income taxes and issuance costs, in additional paid-in capital within the consolidated balance sheet and statement of stockholders’ equity.

Transaction costs related to the 2026 Convertible Notes issuance were allocated to the liability and equity components based on their relative fair values.  Issuance costs attributable to the liability component were recorded within debt issuance costs on the consolidated balance sheet and were amortized over the term of the 2026 Convertible Notes using the effective interest method.  Issuance costs attributable to the equity component were recorded as a charge to additional paid-in capital within the consolidated balance sheet and statement of stockholders’ equity.

Effective January 1, 2022, the Company adopted ASU 2020-06 whereby the Company reclassified the equity component of the 2026 Convertible Notes outstanding on such date, net of deferred income taxes and equity issuance costs, from additional paid-in capital to long-term debt. See Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements.

The 2026 Convertible Notes consist of the following (in thousands):

	December 31,
	2022		2023
Principal	$	56,932		26,386
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs		(1,159)		(404)
Net carrying value	$	55,773		25,982

Interest expense recognized on the 2026 Convertible Notes related to the stated interest rate, amortization of the debt discount and debt issuance costs totaled $11 million, $3 million and $2 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Equitizations, Conversions and Inducements

Equitizations

On January 12, 2021, the Company completed a registered direct offering (the “January Share Offering”) of an aggregate of 31.4 million shares of its common stock at a price of $6.35 per share to certain holders of the 2026 Convertible Notes. The Company used the proceeds from the January Share Offering and $63 million of borrowings under the Credit Facility to repurchase from such holders $150 million aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Convertible Notes in privately negotiated transactions (the “January Convertible Note Repurchase,” and, collectively with the January Share Offering, the “January Equitization Transactions”). The 2026 Convertible Notes had a conversion rate of 230.2026 shares of the Company’s common stock per $1,000 principal amount, and the January Equitization Transactions had the effect of increasing this conversion rate to 275.3525 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount. The Company accounted for this transaction as an inducement of the 2026 Convertible Notes, and as a result, the Company recorded a $39 million loss on convertible note equitization in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2021 for the consideration paid in excess of the original terms of the 2026 Convertible Notes. Additionally, the January Equitization Transactions resulted in a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $41 million in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2021.

On May 13, 2021, the Company completed a registered direct offering (the “May Share Offering”) of an aggregate of 11.6 million shares of its common stock at a price of $11.01 per share to certain holders of the 2026 Convertible Notes. The Company used the proceeds from the May Share Offering and $26 million of borrowings under the Credit Facility to repurchase from such holders $56 million aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Convertible Notes in privately negotiated transactions (the “May Convertible Note Repurchase,” and, collectively with the May Share Offering, the “May Equitization Transactions”). The 2026 Convertible Notes had a conversion rate of 230.2026 shares of the Company’s common stock per $1,000 principal amount, and the May Equitization Transactions had the effect of increasing this conversion rate to 245.2802 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount. The Company accounted for this transaction as an inducement of the 2026 Convertible Notes, and as a result, the Company recorded a $12 million loss on convertible note equitization in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2021 for the consideration paid in excess of the original terms of the 2026 Convertible Notes. Additionally, the May Equitization Transactions resulted in a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $21 million in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Conversions and Inducements

During the year ended December 31, 2022, $20 million aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Convertible Notes were converted pursuant to their terms, and an additional $5 million aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Convertible Notes were induced into conversion by the Company. The Company elected to settle these conversions by issuing approximately 6 million shares of common stock to the noteholders together with a cash inducement premium of $0.2 million. During the year ended December 31, 2023, $9 million aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Convertible Notes were converted pursuant to their terms, and an additional $21 million aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Convertible Notes were induced into conversion by the Company. The Company elected to settle these conversions by issuing 7 million shares of common stock to the noteholders together with a cash inducement premium of $0.4 million.

(i) Debt Repurchase Program

During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company redeemed or repurchased through open market transactions (i) the remaining $661 million aggregate principal amount of its 2022 Notes at par, plus accrued and unpaid interest, (ii) the remaining $574 million aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes at par, plus accrued and unpaid interest, (iii) $5 million aggregate principal amount of its 2025 Notes at a weighted average redemption price of 102% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, (iv) $175 million aggregate principal amount of its 2026 Notes at a redemption price of 108.375% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and (v) $116 million aggregate principal amount of its 2029 Notes at a redemption price of 107.625% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest. For such redemptions and repurchases, the Company recognized a $31 million loss on early extinguishment of debt.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company redeemed or repurchased through its previously disclosed tender offer and open market transactions (i) the remaining $585 million aggregate principal amount of its 2025 Notes at a redemption price of 101.25% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, (ii) $228 million aggregate principal amount of its 2026 Notes at a weighted average redemption price of 109% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and (iii) $177 million aggregate principal amount of its 2029 Notes at a weighted average redemption price of 106% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest. For such redemptions and repurchases, the Company recognized a $46 million loss on early extinguishment of debt.

There were no debt redemptions or repurchases during the year ended December 31, 2023.