Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The following discussion contains “forward-looking statements” that reflect our future plans, estimates, beliefs and expected performance. We caution that assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions or beliefs about future events may, and often do, vary from actual results, and the differences can be material. Some of the key factors that could cause actual results to vary from our expectations include changes in natural gas, NGLs and oil prices, the timing of planned capital expenditures, our ability to fund our development programs, uncertainties in estimating proved reserves and forecasting production results, operational factors affecting the commencement or maintenance of producing wells, the condition of the capital markets generally, as well as our ability to access them, impacts of world health events and uncertainties regarding environmental regulations or litigation and other legal or regulatory developments affecting our business, as well as those factors discussed below, all of which are difficult to predict. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed may not occur. See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” Also, see the risk factors and other cautionary statements described under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law.
In this section, references to “Antero,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Antero Resources Corporation and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires.
Our Company
We are an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the development, production, exploration and acquisition of natural gas, NGLs and oil properties located in the Appalachian Basin. We focus on unconventional reservoirs, which can generally be characterized as fractured shale formations. Our management team has worked together for many years and has a successful track record of reserve and production growth as well as significant expertise in unconventional resource plays. Our strategy is to leverage our team’s experience delineating and developing natural gas resource plays to develop our reserves and production, primarily on our existing multi-year inventory of drilling locations.
We have assembled a portfolio of long-lived properties that are characterized by what we believe to be low geologic risk and repeatability. Our drilling opportunities are focused in the Appalachian Basin. As of June 30, 2023, we held approximately 516,000 net acres in the Appalachian Basin.
Market Conditions and Business Trends
Commodity Markets
Prices for natural gas, NGLs and oil that we produce significantly impact our revenues and cash flows. Natural gas, NGLs and oil benchmark prices decreased significantly during the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to the same periods of 2022. As a result, we experienced a decrease in price realizations during the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. We monitor the economic factors that impact natural gas, NGLs and oil prices, including domestic and foreign supply and demand indicators, domestic and foreign commodity inventories, the actions of Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and other large producing nations and the current Russia-Ukraine conflict, among others. In the current economic environment, we expect that commodity prices for some or all of the commodities we produce could remain volatile. This volatility is beyond our control and may adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and future cash flows.
The following table details the average benchmark natural gas and oil prices:
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2022
2023
2022
2023
Henry Hub (1) ($/Mcf)
$
7.17
2.10
$
6.06
2.76
West Texas Intermediate (2) ($/Bbl)
108.41
73.78
101.35
74.95
(1) NYMEX first of month average natural gas price.
(2) Energy Information Administration calendar month average settled futures price.
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Hedge Position
Antero Resources (Excluding Martica)
We are exposed to certain commodity price risks relating to our ongoing business operations, and we use derivative instruments as we deem necessary to manage such risks. In addition, we periodically enter into contracts that contain embedded features that are required to be bifurcated and accounted for separately as derivatives. Due to our improved liquidity and leverage position as compared to past levels, the percentage of our expected production that we hedge has decreased. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, 34% and 35%, respectively, of our production was hedged through fixed price commodity swaps as compared to 1% and 2% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively. Assuming our 2023 production is the same as our production in 2022, 1% of our production for 2023 will be hedged through fixed price commodity swaps. The tables and narrative below exclude derivative instruments attributable to Martica, our consolidated VIE, since all gains or losses from such contracts are fully attributable to the noncontrolling interests in Martica.
As of June 30, 2023, our fixed price natural gas swap positions excluding Martica were as follows:
Weighted
Average
Commodity / Settlement Period
Index
Contracted Volume
Price
Natural Gas
July-December 2023
Henry Hub
8
Bcf
$
2.37
/MMBtu
As of June 30, 2023, our natural gas basis swap positions settle on the pricing index to basis differential of the Columbia Gas Transmission pipeline (“TCO”) to the NYMEX Henry Hub natural gas price were as follows:
Weighted Average
Commodity / Settlement Period
Index to Basis Differential
Contracted Volume
Hedged Differential
Natural Gas
July-December 2023
NYMEX to TCO
9
Bcf
$
0.525
/MMBtu
January-December 2024
NYMEX to TCO
18
Bcf
0.530
/MMBtu
27
Bcf
0.528
/MMBtu
We have a call option and an embedded put option tied to NYMEX pricing for the production volumes associated with the Company’s retained interest in the VPP properties. As of June 30, 2023, our call option and embedded put option arrangements were as follows:
Embedded
Call Option
Put Option
Commodity / Settlement Period
Index
Contracted Volume
Strike Price
Strike Price
Natural Gas
July-December 2023
Henry Hub
10
Bcf
$
2.466
/MMBtu
$
2.466
/MMBtu
January-December 2024
Henry Hub
19
Bcf
2.477
/MMBtu
2.527
/MMBtu
January-December 2025
Henry Hub
16
Bcf
2.564
/MMBtu
2.614
/MMBtu
January-December 2026
Henry Hub
12
Bcf
2.629
/MMBtu
2.679
/MMBtu
57
Bcf
2.525
/MMBtu
2.563
/MMBtu
In addition, we had a swaption agreement, which entitled the counterparty the right, but not the obligation, to enter into a fixed price swap agreement for 156 Bcf at a price of $2.77 per MMBtu for the year ending December 31, 2024. In January 2023, we executed an early settlement of this swaption agreement and made a cash payment of $202 million, which was funded by cash flows from operations and borrowings under our Credit Facility.
As of June 30, 2023, the estimated fair value of our commodity derivative contracts, excluding Martica, was a net liability of $67 million. See Note 11—Derivative Instruments to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for more information.
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Martica
Our consolidated VIE, Martica, also maintains a portfolio of fixed swap natural gas, NGLs and oil derivatives for the benefit of the noncontrolling interests in Martica. As such, all gains and losses attributable to Martica’s derivative portfolio are fully attributable to the noncontrolling interests in Martica. As of June 30, 2023, Martica’s fixed price natural gas, NGLs and oil swap positions were as follows:
Weighted
Average
Commodity / Settlement Period
Index
Contracted Volume
Price
Natural Gas
July-December 2023
Henry Hub
6
Bcf
$
2.35
/MMBtu
January-December 2024
Henry Hub
9
Bcf
2.33
/MMBtu
January-March 2025
Henry Hub
1
Bcf
2.53
/MMBtu
16
Bcf
2.35
/MMBtu
Natural Gasoline
July-December 2023
Mont Belvieu Natural Gasoline-OPIS Non-TET
42
MBbl
40.74
/Bbl
Oil
July-December 2023
West Texas Intermediate
14
MBbl
44.72
/Bbl
January-December 2024
West Texas Intermediate
16
MBbl
44.02
/Bbl
January-March 2025
West Texas Intermediate
3
MBbl
45.06
/Bbl
33
MBbl
44.43
/Bbl
As of June 30, 2023, the estimated fair value of Martica’s commodity derivative contracts was a net liability of $17 million. See Note 11—Derivative Instruments to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for more information.
Economic Indicators
The economy experienced elevated inflation levels as a result of global supply and demand imbalances, where global demand outpaced supplies beginning in 2021 and continuing through the first half of 2023. For example, the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) for all urban consumers increased 9% from June 2021 to June 2022 and an additional 3% from June 2022 to June 2023 as compared to the Federal Reserve’s stated goal of 2%. In order to manage the inflation risk present in the United States’ economy, the Federal Reserve utilized monetary policy in the form of interest rate increases beginning in March 2022 in an effort to bring the inflation rate in line with its stated goal of 2% on a long-term basis. Between March 2022 and May 2023, the Federal Reserve increased the federal funds interest rate by 5.0%. While inflationary pressures in the United States’ economy have begun to subside, we continue to be impacted by the increased federal funds interest rate. See “—Results of Operations” for more information.
The economy also continues to be impacted by the effects of global events. These events have often caused global supply chain disruptions with additional pressure due to trade sanctions on Russia and other global trade restrictions, among others. However, our supply chain has not experienced any significant interruptions as a result of such events.
Inflationary pressures, particularly as they relate to certain of our long-term contracts with CPI-based adjustments, and supply chain disruptions have and could continue to result in increases to our operating and capital costs that are not fixed. For example, our 2023 capital budget reflects an approximate 10% increase in service cost inflation as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. These economic variables are beyond our control and may adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and future cash flows.
Results of Operations
We have three operating segments: (i) the exploration, development and production of natural gas, NGLs and oil; (ii) marketing and utilization of excess firm transportation capacity; and (iii) midstream services through our equity method investment in Antero Midstream. Revenues from Antero Midstream’s operations were primarily derived from intersegment transactions for services provided to our exploration and production operations by Antero Midstream . All intersegment transactions were eliminated upon consolidation, including revenues from water handling services provided by Antero Midstream , which we capitalized as proved property development costs. Marketing revenues are primarily derived from
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activities to purchase and sell third-party natural gas and NGLs and to market and utilize excess firm transportation capacity. See Note 16—Reportable Segments to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for more information.
Three Months Ended June 30, 2022 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2023
The operating results of our reportable segments were as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30, 2022
Equity Method
Exploration
Investment in
Elimination of
and
Antero
Unconsolidated
Consolidated
Production
Marketing
Midstream
Affiliate
Total
Revenue and other:
Natural gas sales
$
1,558,994
—
—
—
1,558,994
Natural gas liquids sales
702,388
—
—
—
702,388
Oil sales
89,185
—
—
—
89,185
Commodity derivative fair value losses
(265,662)
—
—
—
(265,662)
Gathering, compression and water handling
—
—
228,907
(228,907)
—
Marketing
—
106,150
—
—
106,150
Amortization of deferred revenue, VPP
9,375
—
—
—
9,375
Other revenue and income
1,255
—
—
—
1,255
Total revenue
2,095,535
106,150
228,907
(228,907)
2,201,685
Operating expenses:
Lease operating
25,253
—
—
—
25,253
Gathering and compression
223,650
—
19,343
(19,343)
223,650
Processing
219,100
—
—
—
219,100
Transportation
213,462
—
—
—
213,462
Water handling
—
—
23,956
(23,956)
—
Production and ad valorem taxes
81,842
—
—
—
81,842
Marketing
—
131,298
—
—
131,298
Exploration and mine expenses
1,394
—
—
—
1,394
General and administrative (excluding equity-based compensation)
36,268
—
10,438
(10,438)
36,268
Equity-based compensation
8,171
—
5,641
(5,641)
8,171
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
173,395
—
35,675
(35,675)
173,395
Impairment of property and equipment
23,363
—
3,702
(3,702)
23,363
Accretion of asset retirement obligations
804
—
64
(64)
804
Contract termination and other operating expenses
2,096
—
1,724
(1,724)
2,096
Loss (gain) on sale of assets
71
—
(32)
32
71
Total operating expenses
1,008,869
131,298
100,511
(100,511)
1,140,167
Operating income (loss)
$
1,086,666
(25,148)
128,396
(128,396)
1,061,518
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
$
14,713
—
22,824
(22,824)
14,713
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Three Months Ended June 30, 2023
Equity Method
Exploration
Investment in
Elimination of
and
Antero
Unconsolidated
Consolidated
Production
Marketing
Midstream
Affiliate
Total
Revenue and other:
Natural gas sales
$
437,130
—
—
—
437,130
Natural gas liquids sales
397,733
—
—
—
397,733
Oil sales
57,962
—
—
—
57,962
Commodity derivative fair value gains
8,284
—
—
—
8,284
Gathering, compression and water handling
—
—
258,287
(258,287)
—
Marketing
—
43,793
—
—
43,793
Amortization of deferred revenue, VPP
7,618
—
—
—
7,618
Other revenue and income
785
—
—
—
785
Total revenue
909,512
43,793
258,287
(258,287)
953,305
Operating expenses:
Lease operating
28,748
—
—
—
28,748
Gathering and compression
211,691
—
25,154
(25,154)
211,691
Processing
262,642
—
.
—
262,642
Transportation
189,642
—
—
—
189,642
Water handling
—
—
27,441
(27,441)
—
Production and ad valorem taxes
36,158
—
—
—
36,158
Marketing
—
66,175
—
—
66,175
Exploration and mine expenses
743
—
—
—
743
General and administrative (excluding equity-based compensation)
40,389
—
9,663
(9,663)
40,389
Equity-based compensation
13,512
—
8,499
(8,499)
13,512
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
171,406
—
35,233
(35,233)
171,406
Impairment of property and equipment
15,710
—
—
—
15,710
Accretion of asset retirement obligations
1,204
—
44
(44)
1,204
Loss (gain) on sale of assets
(220)
—
5,814
(5,814)
(220)
Contract termination and other operating expenses
4,441
—
916
(916)
4,441
Total operating expenses
976,066
66,175
112,764
(112,764)
1,042,241
Operating income (loss)
$
(66,554)
(22,382)
145,523
(145,523)
(88,936)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
$
19,098
—
25,972
(25,972)
19,098
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Exploration and Production Segment
The following table sets forth selected operating data of the exploration and production segment:
Three Months Ended
Amount of
June 30,
Increase
Percent
2022
2023
(Decrease)
Change
Production data (1) (2) :
Natural gas (Bcf)
203
204
1
*
C2 Ethane (MBbl)
4,025
6,414
2,389
59
%
C3+ NGLs (MBbl)
10,156
10,175
19
*
Oil (MBbl)
906
971
65
7
%
Combined (Bcfe)
294
309
15
5
%
Daily combined production (MMcfe/d)
3,228
3,400
172
5
%
Average prices before effects of derivative settlements (3) :
Natural gas (per Mcf)
$
7.67
2.14
(5.53)
(72)
%
C2 Ethane (per Bbl) (4)
$
22.42
7.82
(14.60)
(65)
%
C3+ NGLs (per Bbl)
$
60.28
34.16
(26.12)
(43)
%
Oil (per Bbl)
$
98.49
59.69
(38.80)
(39)
%
Weighted Average Combined (per Mcfe)
$
8.00
2.89
(5.11)
(64)
%
Average realized prices after effects of derivative settlements (3) :
Natural gas (per Mcf)
$
4.94
2.16
(2.78)
(56)
%
C2 Ethane (per Bbl) (4)
$
22.42
7.82
(14.60)
(65)
%
C3+ NGLs (per Bbl)
$
59.84
34.11
(25.73)
(43)
%
Oil (per Bbl)
$
97.73
59.40
(38.33)
(39)
%
Weighted Average Combined (per Mcfe)
$
6.10
2.90
(3.20)
(52)
%
Average costs (per Mcfe):
Lease operating
$
0.09
0.09
—
*
Gathering and compression
$
0.76
0.68
(0.08)
(11)
%
Processing
$
0.75
0.85
0.10
13
%
Transportation
$
0.73
0.61
(0.12)
(16)
%
Production and ad valorem taxes
$
0.28
0.12
(0.16)
(57)
%
Marketing expense, net
$
0.09
0.07
(0.02)
(22)
%
General and administrative (excluding equity-based compensation)
$
0.12
0.13
0.01
8
%
Depletion, depreciation, amortization and accretion
$
0.59
0.56
(0.03)
(5)
%
* Not meaningful.
(1) Production data excludes volumes related to the VPP.
(2) Oil and NGLs production was converted at 6 Mcf per Bbl to calculate total Bcfe production and per Mcfe amounts. This ratio is an estimate of the equivalent energy content of the products and may not reflect their relative economic value.
(3) Average prices reflect the before and after effects of our settled commodity derivatives. Our calculation of such after effects includes gains (losses) on settlements of commodity derivatives, which do not qualify for hedge accounting because we do not designate or document them as hedges for accounting purposes.
(4) The average realized price for the three months ended June 30, 2023 includes $1 million of proceeds related to a take-or-pay contract. Excluding the effect of these proceeds, the average realized price for ethane before and after the effects of derivatives would have been $7.65 per Bbl.
Natural gas sales . Revenues from sales of natural gas decreased from $1.6 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2022 to $437 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023, a decrease of $1.2 billion, or 72%. Lower commodity prices (excluding the effects of derivative settlements) during the three months ended June 30, 2023 accounted for an approximate $1.2 billion decrease in year-over-year natural gas sales revenue (calculated as the change in the year-to-year average price times current year production volumes). Higher natural gas production volumes accounted for an approximate $6 million increase in year-over-year natural gas sales revenue (calculated as the change in year-to-year volumes times the prior year average price).
NGLs sales . Revenues from sales of NGLs decreased from $702 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 to $398 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023, a decrease of $304 million, or 43%. Lower commodity prices (excluding the effects of derivative settlements) during the three months ended June 30, 2023 accounted for an approximate $359 million decrease in year-over-year revenues (calculated as the change in the year-to-year average price times current year production volumes). Higher NGLs production volumes accounted for an approximate $55 million increase in year-over-year NGLs revenues (calculated as the change in year-to-year volumes times the prior year average price).
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Oil sales . Revenues from sales of oil decreased from $89 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 to $58 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023, a decrease of $31 million, or 35%. Lower oil prices, excluding the effects of derivative settlements, accounted for an approximate $38 million decrease in year-over-year oil revenues (calculated as the change in the year-to-year average price times current year production volumes). Higher oil production volumes during the three months ended June 30, 2023 accounted for an approximate $7 million increase in year-over-year oil revenues (calculated as the change in year-to-year volumes times the prior year average price).
Commodity derivative fair value gains (losses). Our commodity derivatives included variable price swap contracts, basis swap contracts, call options and embedded put options. Because we do not designate these derivatives as accounting hedges, they do not receive hedge accounting treatment. Consequently, all mark-to-market gains or losses, as well as cash receipts or payments on settled derivative instruments, are recognized in our statements of operations. For the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2023, our commodity hedges resulted in derivative fair value losses of $266 million and fair value gains of $8 million, respectively. For the three months ended June 30, 2022, commodity derivative fair value losses included $559 million of cash payments on settled commodity derivatives losses. For the three months ended June 30, 2023, commodity derivative fair value gains included $3 million of cash proceeds on settled commodity derivative gains.
Commodity derivative fair value gains or losses vary based on future commodity prices and have no cash flow impact until the derivative contracts are settled or monetized prior to settlement. Derivative asset or liability positions at the end of any accounting period may reverse to the extent future commodity prices increase or decrease from their levels at the end of the accounting period, or as gains or losses are realized through settlement. We expect continued volatility in commodity prices and the related fair value of our derivative instruments in the future.
Amortization of deferred revenue, VPP. Amortization of deferred revenues associated with the VPP decreased from $9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 to $8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023, a decrease of $1 million, or 19%, primarily due to lower production volumes attributable to the VPP properties between periods. Amortization of the deferred revenues associated with the VPP are recognized as the production volumes are delivered at $1.61 per MMBtu over the contractual term.
Lease operating expense . Lease operating expense increased from $25 million, or $0.09 per Mcfe, for the three months ended June 30, 2022 to $29 million, or $0.09 per Mcfe, for the three months ended June 30, 2023, an increase of $4 million, primarily due to higher water disposal costs and workover expense. On a per unit basis, our higher costs during the three months ended June 30, 2023 were fully offset by increased production volumes during the period.
Gathering, compression, processing and transportation expense. Gathering, compression, processing and transportation expense increased from $656 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 to $664 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023, an increase of $8 million, or 1%. This fluctuation primarily resulted from the following:
● Gathering and compression costs decreased from $0.76 per Mcfe for the three months ended June 30, 2022 to $0.68 per Mcfe for the three months ended June 30, 2023, primarily due to due to lower fuel costs as a result of decreased commodity prices, partially offset by annual CPI-based adjustments between periods.
● Processing costs increased from $0.75 per Mcfe for the three months ended June 30, 2022 to $0.85 per Mcfe for the three months ended June 30, 2023, primarily due to increased costs for NGLs processing, which includes an annual CPI-based adjustment during the first quarter of 2023, and higher NGLs transportation fees.
● Transportation costs decreased from $0.73 per Mcfe for the three months ended June 30, 2022 to $0.61 per Mcfe for the three months ended June 30, 2023 primarily due to lower fuel costs as a result of lower commodity prices and demand fees between periods.
Production and ad valorem tax expense. Total production and ad valorem taxes decreased from $82 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 to $36 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023, a decrease of $46 million, or 56%, primarily due to lower commodity prices between periods. Production and ad valorem taxes as a percentage of natural gas revenues increased from 5% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 to 8% for the three months ended June 30, 2023, primarily as a result of higher ad valorem taxes, which 2023 West Virginia ad valorem taxes are based on commodity prices during 2021.
General and administrative expense . General and administrative expense (excluding equity-based compensation expense) increased from $36 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 to $40 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023, an increase of $4 million, or 11% , primarily due to higher salary and wage expense and software license costs
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between periods. We had 530 and 604 employees as of June 30, 2022 and 2023, respectively. General and administrative expense on a per unit basis (excluding equity-based compensation) increased from $0.12 per Mcfe for the three months ended June 30, 2022 to $0.13 per Mcfe for the three months ended June 30, 2023 as a result of our higher overall general and administrative costs, partially offset by increased production volumes between periods.
Equity-based compensation expense . Noncash equity-based compensation expense increased from $8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 to $14 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023, an increase of $6 million, or 65%, primarily due to an increase in the annual equity awards granted during the fourth quarter of 2022 and the first half of 2023 as compared to prior years, which were temporarily and significantly reduced during 2020 and supplemented by our cash awards program. Our equity awards vest over three or four year service periods, and our equity incentive program began returning to normal levels during 2021. See Note 9—Equity Based Compensation and Cash Awards to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for more information.
Depletion, depreciation, and amortization expense . DD&A expense remained relatively consistent at $173 million, or $0.59 per Mcfe, and $171 million, or $0.56 per Mcfe, for the three months ended June 30, 2022 and 2023, respectively. This decrease in DD&A expense per Mcfe between periods was primarily due to higher reserve volumes during the three months ended June 30, 2023.
Impairment of property and equipment . Impairment of oil and gas properties decreased from $23 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 to $16 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023, a decrease of $7 million, or 33%, primarily related to lower impairments of expiring leases between periods. During both periods, we recognized impairments primarily related to expiring leases as well as design and initial costs related to pads we no longer plan to place into service.
Marketing Segment
Where feasible, we purchase and sell third-party natural gas and NGLs and market our excess firm transportation capacity, or engage third parties to conduct these activities on our behalf, in order to optimize the revenues from these transportation agreements. We have entered into long-term firm transportation agreements for a significant portion of our current and expected future production in order to secure guaranteed capacity to favorable markets.
Net marketing expense decreased from $25 million, or $0.09 per Mcfe, for the three months ended June 30, 2022 to $22 million, or $0.07 per Mcfe, for the three months ended June 30, 2023, primarily due to lower firm transportation commitments, partially offset by lower marketing margins between periods.
Marketing revenue. Marketing revenue decreased from $106 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 to $44 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023, a decrease of $62 million, or 59%. This fluctuation primarily resulted from the following:
● Natural gas marketing revenue decreased by $41 million between periods primarily due to lower natural gas prices, partially offset by higher natural gas marketing volumes. Lower natural gas prices accounted for a $47 million decrease in year-over-year marketing revenues (calculated as the change in the year-to-year average price times current year marketing volumes), and higher natural gas marketing volumes accounted for an approximate $6 million increase in year-over-year marketing revenues (calculated as the change in year-to-year volumes times the prior year average price).
● Oil marketing revenue decreased by $1 million between periods primarily due to lower oil prices, partially offset by higher oil marketing volumes. Lower oil prices accounted for an approximate $8 million decrease in year-over-year marketing revenues (calculated as the change in the year-to-year average price times current year marketing volumes), and higher oil marketing volumes accounted for a $7 million increase in year-over-year marketing revenues (calculated as the change in year-to-year volumes times the prior year average price).
● Ethane marketing revenues were $20 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022. There were no ethane marketing revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2023.
Marketing expense. Marketing expense decreased from $131 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 to $66 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023, a decrease of $65 million, or 50%. Marketing expense includes the cost of third-party purchased natural gas, NGLs and oil as well as firm transportation costs, including costs related to current excess firm capacity. The cost of third-party natural gas, ethane and oil purchases decreased $44 million, $12 million and $1 million, respectively, between periods. The total cost of third-party commodity purchases decreased primarily due to lower commodity prices, partially offset by higher marketing volumes between periods. Firm transportation costs were $35 million for the three
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months ended June 30, 2022 and $27 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023, a decrease of $8 million due to the reduction in firm transportation commitments and higher third-party marketing volumes between periods.
Antero Midstream Segment
Antero Midstream revenue. Revenue from the Antero Midstream segment increased from $229 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 to $258 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023, an increase of $29 million, primarily due to higher low pressure gathering, compression and high pressure gathering delivery revenues due to annual CPI-based adjustments and increased throughput between periods.
Antero Midstream operating expense. Total operating expense related to the Antero Midstream segment increased from $101 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 to $113 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023, an increase of $12 million, primarily due to 12 compressor stations that were acquired during the fourth quarter of 2022 and higher wastewater trucking costs and equity-based compensation expense between periods.
Discussion of Items Not Allocated to Segments
Interest expense. Interest expense decreased from $34 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022 to $28 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023, a decrease of $6 million, or 18%, primarily due to the reduction in debt as a result of the repurchase of certain of our unsecured senior notes between periods and lower Credit Facility borrowings between periods, partially offset by higher benchmark interest rates during the three months ended June 30, 2023.
Loss on early extinguishment of debt. During the three months ended June 30, 2022, we repurchased $50 million of our 2029 Notes and $13 million of our 2026 Notes, which resulted in a loss on early debt extinguishment of $4 million. There were no debt redemptions or repurchases during the three months ended June 30, 2023. See Note 7—Long-Term Debt to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for more information.
Income tax benefit (expense) . For the three months ended June 30, 2022, we had an income tax expense of $226 million, with an effective tax rate of 22%, due to income before income taxes of $1.0 billion. For the three months ended June 30, 2023, we had an income tax benefit of $30 million, with an effective tax rate of 31%, due to a loss before income taxes of $98 million. The increase in the effective tax rate between periods was primarily due to the net loss before income taxes during the three months ended June 30, 2023 that when taken together with net income before taxes during the three months ended March 31, 2023 results in a 14% effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2023.
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Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2023
The operating results of our reportable segments were as follows (in thousands):
Six Months Ended June 30, 2022
Equity Method
Exploration
Investment in
Elimination of
and
Antero
Unconsolidated
Consolidated
Production
Marketing
Midstream
Affiliate
Total
Revenue and other:
Natural gas sales
$
2,554,786
—
—
—
2,554,786
Natural gas liquids sales
1,362,693
—
—
—
1,362,693
Oil sales
152,479
—
—
—
152,479
Commodity derivative fair value losses
(1,277,042)
—
—
—
(1,277,042)
Gathering, compression and water handling
—
—
447,398
(447,398)
—
Marketing
—
175,188
—
—
175,188
Amortization of deferred revenue, VPP
18,647
—
—
—
18,647
Other revenue and income
1,774
—
—
—
1,774
Total revenue
2,813,337
175,188
447,398
(447,398)
2,988,525
Operating expenses:
Lease operating
43,033
—
—
—
43,033
Gathering and compression
425,112
—
36,525
(36,525)
425,112
Processing
409,701
—
—
—
409,701
Transportation
411,677
—
—
—
411,677
Water handling
—
—
48,786
(48,786)
—
Production and ad valorem taxes
134,650
—
—
—
134,650
Marketing
—
230,194
—
—
230,194
Exploration and mine expenses
2,292
—
—
—
2,292
General and administrative (excluding equity-based compensation)
67,310
—
25,537
(25,537)
67,310
Equity-based compensation
12,820
—
8,473
(8,473)
12,820
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
341,783
—
63,975
(63,975)
341,783
Impairment of property and equipment
45,825
—
3,702
(3,702)
45,825
Accretion of asset retirement obligations
3,248
—
128
(128)
3,248
Contract termination and other operating expenses
2,104
—
(150)
150
2,104
Loss on sale of assets
1,857
—
2,872
(2,872)
1,857
Total operating expenses
1,901,412
230,194
189,848
(189,848)
2,131,606
Operating income (loss)
$
911,925
(55,006)
257,550
(257,550)
856,919
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
$
39,891
—
46,056
(46,056)
39,891
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Six Months Ended June 30, 2023
Equity Method
Exploration
Investment in
Elimination of
and
Antero
Unconsolidated
Consolidated
Production
Marketing
Midstream
Affiliate
Total
Revenue and other:
Natural gas sales
$
1,105,445
—
—
—
1,105,445
Natural gas liquids sales
893,168
—
—
—
893,168
Oil sales
109,773
—
—
—
109,773
Commodity derivative fair value losses
134,476
—
—
—
134,476
Gathering, compression and water handling
—
—
517,762
(517,762)
—
Marketing
—
102,322
—
—
102,322
Amortization of deferred revenue, VPP
15,151
—
—
—
15,151
Other revenue and income
1,318
—
—
—
1,318
Total revenue
2,259,331
102,322
517,762
(517,762)
2,361,653
Operating expenses:
Lease operating
58,069
—
—
—
58,069
Gathering and compression
424,295
—
49,272
(49,272)
424,295
Processing
499,910
—
—
—
499,910
Transportation
384,942
—
—
—
384,942
Water handling
—
—
61,196
(61,196)
—
Production and ad valorem taxes
85,434
—
—
—
85,434
Marketing
—
147,536
—
—
147,536
Exploration and mine expenses
1,506
—
—
—
1,506
General and administrative (excluding equity-based compensation)
84,632
—
20,683
(20,683)
84,632
Equity-based compensation
26,530
—
14,826
(14,826)
26,530
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
338,988
—
70,429
(70,429)
338,988
Impairment of property and equipment
31,270
—
—
—
31,270
Accretion of asset retirement obligations
2,082
—
88
(88)
2,082
Loss (gain) on sale of assets
(311)
—
5,569
(5,569)
(311)
Contract termination and other operating expenses
10,453
23,763
1,831
(1,831)
34,216
Total operating expenses
1,947,800
171,299
223,894
(223,894)
2,119,099
Operating income (loss)
$
311,531
(68,977)
293,868
(293,868)
242,554
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates
$
36,779
—
50,428
(50,428)
36,779
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Exploration and Production Segment
The following table sets forth selected operating data of the exploration and production segment:
Amount of
Six Months Ended June 30,
Increase
Percent
2022
2023
(Decrease)
Change
Production data (1) (2) :
Natural gas (Bcf)
402
398
(4)
(1)
%
C2 Ethane (MBbl)
8,030
12,555
4,525
56
%
C3+ NGLs (MBbl)
19,794
20,032
238
1
%
Oil (MBbl)
1,629
1,802
173
11
%
Combined (Bcfe)
579
604
25
4
%
Daily combined production (MMcfe/d)
3,197
3,337
140
4
%
Average prices before effects of derivative settlements (3) :
Natural gas (per Mcf)
$
6.36
2.78
(3.58)
(56)
%
C2 Ethane (per Bbl) (4)
$
19.59
9.73
(9.86)
(50)
%
C3+ NGLs (per Bbl)
$
60.90
38.49
(22.41)
(37)
%
Oil (per Bbl)
$
93.59
60.92
(32.67)
(35)
%
Weighted Average Combined (per Mcfe)
$
7.03
3.49
(3.54)
(50)
%
Average realized prices after effects of derivative settlements (3) :
Natural gas (per Mcf)
$
4.28
2.76
(1.52)
(36)
%
C2 Ethane (per Bbl) (4)
$
19.53
9.73
(9.80)
(50)
%
C3+ NGLs (per Bbl)
$
60.48
38.43
(22.05)
(36)
%
Oil (per Bbl)
$
92.86
60.55
(32.31)
(35)
%
Weighted Average Combined (per Mcfe)
$
5.57
3.47
(2.10)
(38)
%
Average costs (per Mcfe):
Lease operating
$
0.07
0.10
0.03
43
%
Gathering and compression
$
0.73
0.70
(0.03)
(4)
%
Processing
$
0.71
0.83
0.12
17
%
Transportation
$
0.71
0.64
(0.07)
(10)
%
Production and ad valorem taxes
$
0.23
0.14
(0.09)
(39)
%
Marketing expense, net
$
0.10
0.07
(0.03)
(30)
%
General and administrative (excluding equity-based compensation)
$
0.12
0.14
0.02
17
%
Depletion, depreciation, amortization and accretion
$
0.60
0.56
(0.04)
(7)
%
(1) Production data excludes volumes related to the VPP.
(2) Oil and NGLs production was converted at 6 Mcf per Bbl to calculate total Bcfe production and per Mcfe amounts. This ratio is an estimate of the equivalent energy content of the products and may not reflect their relative economic value.
(3) Average prices reflect the before and after effects of our settled commodity derivatives. Our calculation of such after effects includes gains (losses) on settlements of commodity derivatives, which do not qualify for hedge accounting because we do not designate or document them as hedges for accounting purposes.
(4) The average realized price for the six months ended June 30, 2023 includes $7 million of proceeds related to a take-or-pay contract. Excluding the effect of these proceeds, the average realized price for ethane before and after the effects of derivatives would have been $9.17 per Bbl.
Natural gas sales . Revenues from sales of natural gas decreased from $2.6 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2022 to $1.1 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2023, a decrease of $1.5 million, or 57%. Lower commodity prices (excluding the effects of derivative settlements) during the six months ended June 30, 2023 accounted for an approximate $1.4 billion decrease in year-over-year natural gas sales revenue (calculated as the change in the year-to-year average price times current year production volumes). Lower natural gas production volumes accounted for an approximate $27 million decrease in year-over-year natural gas sales revenue (calculated as the change in year-to-year volumes times the prior year average price).
NGLs sales . Revenues from sales of NGLs decreased from $1.4 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2022 to $893 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, a decrease of $470 million, or 34%. Lower commodity prices (excluding the effects of derivative settlements) during the six months ended June 30, 2023 accounted for an approximate $573 million decrease in year-over-year revenues (calculated as the change in the year-to-year average price times current year production volumes). Higher NGLs production volumes accounted for an approximate $103 million increase in year-over-year NGLs revenues (calculated as the change in year-to-year volumes times the prior year average price).
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Oil sales . Revenues from sales of oil decreased from $152 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 to $110 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, a decrease of $42 million, or 28%. Lower oil prices, excluding the effects of derivative settlements, accounted for an approximate $58 million decrease in year-over-year oil revenues (calculated as the change in the year-to-year average price times current year production volumes). Higher oil production volumes during the six months ended June 30, 2023 accounted for an approximate $16 million increase in year-over-year oil revenues (calculated as the change in year-to-year volumes times the prior year average price).
Commodity derivative fair value gains (losses). Our commodity derivatives included variable price swap contracts, swaptions, basis swap contracts, call options and embedded put options. Because we do not designate these derivatives as accounting hedges, they do not receive hedge accounting treatment. Consequently, all mark-to-market gains or losses, as well as cash receipts or payments on settled derivative instruments, are recognized in our statements of operations. For the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2023, our commodity hedges resulted in derivative fair value losses of $1.3 billion and fair value gains of $134 million, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2022, commodity derivative fair value losses included $845 million of cash payments on settled commodity derivative losses. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, commodity derivative fair value gains included $11 million of cash payments on settled commodity derivative losses and a $202 million cash payment for the early settlement of our swaption.
Commodity derivative fair value gains or losses vary based on future commodity prices and have no cash flow impact until the derivative contracts are settled or monetized prior to settlement. Derivative asset or liability positions at the end of any accounting period may reverse to the extent future commodity prices increase or decrease from their levels at the end of the accounting period, or as gains or losses are realized through settlement. Additionally, substantially all of our production is currently unhedged for 2023 and beyond, which limits our exposure to volatility in the fair value of our derivative instruments related to commodity price changes in the future.
Amortization of deferred revenue, VPP. Amortization of deferred revenues associated with the VPP decreased from $19 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 to $15 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, a decrease of $4 million or 19%, primarily due to lower production volumes attributable to the VPP properties between periods. Amortization of the deferred revenues associated with the VPP are recognized as the production volumes are delivered at $1.61 per MMBtu over the contractual term.
Lease operating expense . Lease operating expense increased from $43 million, or $0.07 per Mcfe, for the six months ended June 30, 2022 to $58 million, or $0.10 per Mcfe for the six months ended June 30, 2023, an increase of $15 million or $0.03 per Mcfe, primarily due to higher oilfield service and produced water handling costs.
Gathering, compression, processing and transportation expense. Gathering, compression, processing and transportation expense increased from $1.2 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2022 to $1.3 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2023, an increase of $0.1 billion, or 5%. This fluctuation primarily resulted from the following:
● Gathering and compression costs on a per unit basis decreased from $0.73 per Mcfe for the six months ended June 30, 2022 to $0.70 per Mcfe for the six months ended June 30, 2023, primarily due to lower fuel costs as a result of decreased commodity prices, partially offset by annual CPI-based based adjustments between periods.
● Processing costs on a per unit basis increased from $0.71 per Mcfe for the six months ended June 30, 2022 to $0.83 per Mcfe for the six months ended June 30, 2023, primarily due to increased costs for NGLs processing and transportation, which include annual CPI-based and commodity based adjustments, as well as higher terminal fees and ethane transportation.
● Transportation costs on a per unit basis decreased from $0.71 per Mcfe for the six months ended June 30, 2022 to $0.64 per Mcfe for the six months ended June 30, 2023 primarily due to lower fuel costs as a result of lower commodity prices between periods.
Production and ad valorem tax expense. Production and ad valorem taxes decreased from $135 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 to $85 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, a decrease of $50 million, or 37%, primarily due to lower commodity prices between periods, partially offset by higher production volumes between periods. Production and ad valorem taxes as a percentage of natural gas revenues increased from 5% for the six months ended June 30, 2022 to 8% for the six months ended June 30, 2023 primarily as a result of higher ad valorem taxes, which 2023 West Virginia ad valorem taxes are based on commodity prices during 2021.
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General and administrative expense . General and administrative expense (excluding equity-based compensation expense) increased from $67 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 to $85 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, an increase of $18 million, or 26%, primarily due to higher salary and wage expense, software license costs, office operating costs and professional service fees between periods. We had 530 and 604 employees as of June 30, 2022 and 2023, respectively. General and administrative expense on a per unit basis (excluding equity-based compensation) increased from $0.12 per Mcfe for the six months ended June 30, 2022 to $0.14 per Mcfe for the six months ended June 30, 2023 as a result of our higher overall general and administrative costs, partially offset by increased production volumes between periods.
Equity-based compensation expense . Noncash equity-based compensation expense increased from $13 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 to $27 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, an increase of $14 million, primarily due to an increase in the annual equity awards granted during the fourth quarter of 2022 and first half of 2023 as compared to prior years, which were temporarily and significantly reduced during 2020 and supplemented by our cash awards program. Our equity awards vest over three or four year service periods, and our equity incentive program began returning to normal levels in 2021. See Note 9—Equity Based Compensation and Cash Awards to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for more information on equity-based compensation awards.
Depletion, depreciation and amortization expense (“DD&A expense”) . DD&A expense remained relatively consistent at $342 million, or $0.60 per Mcfe, and $339 million, or $0.56 per Mcfe, for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2023, respectively. This decrease in DD&A expense per Mcfe between periods was primarily due to higher reserve volumes during the six months ended June 30, 2023.
Impairment of property and equipment . Impairment of oil and gas properties decreased from $46 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 to $31 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, a decrease of $15 million, or 32%, primarily related to lower impairments of expiring leases between periods. During both periods, we recognized impairments primarily related to expiring leases as well as design and initial costs related to pads we no longer plan to place into service.
Marketing Segment
Where feasible, we purchase and sell third-party natural gas and NGLs and market our excess firm transportation capacity, or engage third parties to conduct these activities on our behalf, in order to optimize the revenues from these transportation agreements. We have entered into long-term firm transportation agreements for a significant portion of our current and expected future production in order to secure guaranteed capacity to favorable markets.
Net marketing expense (calculated as marketing revenues less marketing expense) decreased from $55 million, or $0.10 per Mcfe, for the six months ended June 30, 2022 to $45 million, or $0.07 per Mcfe, for the six months ended June 30, 2023, primarily due to lower firm transportation commitments partially offset by lower marketing margins between periods.
M arketing revenue. Marketing revenue decreased from $175 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 to $102 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, a decrease of $73 million, or 42%. This fluctuation primarily resulted from the following:
● Natural gas marketing revenue decreased by $41 million between periods primarily due to lower natural gas prices, partially offset by higher natural gas marketing volumes. Lower natural gas prices accounted for an approximate $57 million decrease in year-over-year marketing revenues (calculated as the change in the year-to-year average price times current year marketing volumes), and higher natural gas marketing volumes accounted for a $16 million increase in year-over-year marketing revenues (calculated as the change in year-to-year volumes times the prior year average price).
● Oil marketing revenue increased by $2 million between periods primarily due to higher marketing volumes, partially offset by lower oil prices. Higher oil marketing volumes accounted for a $15 million increase in year-over-year marketing revenues (calculated as the change in year-to-year volumes times the prior year average price), and lower oil prices accounted for an approximate $13 million decrease in year-over-year marketing revenues (calculated as the change in the year-to-year average price times current year marketing volumes).
● Ethane marketing revenues were $34 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022. There were no third-party ethane marketing revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2023.
Marketing expense. Marketing expense decreased from $230 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 to $148 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, a decrease of $82 million, or 36%. Marketing expense includes the cost of third-party purchased natural gas, NGLs and oil as well as firm transportation costs, including costs related to current excess
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firm capacity. The cost of third-party natural gas and ethane purchases decreased $49 million and $19 million, respectively, partially offset by oil purchase increases of $4 million. The total cost of third-party commodity purchases decreased primarily due to lower commodity prices between periods, partially offset by higher third-party natural gas and oil marketing volumes. Firm transportation costs were $73 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and $55 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, a decrease of $18 million due to the reduction in firm transportation commitments and higher third-party marketing volumes between periods.
Contract termination and other operating expenses . Our marketing segment did not incur any contract termination and other operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2022. Contract termination and other operating expenses attributable to our marketing segment for the six months ended June 30, 2023, are due to a $24 million payment for the early termination of our firm transportation commitment of 200,000 MMBtu per day on the Equitrans pipeline.
Antero Midstream Segment
Antero Midstream revenue. Revenue from the Antero Midstream segment increased from $447 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 to $518 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, an increase of $71 million, primarily due to increased throughput and water handling volumes between periods as well as higher low pressure, compression, high pressure and fresh water handling fees primarily as a result of an annual CPI-based adjustments and higher water handling fees primarily due to increased costs.
Antero Midstream operating expense. Total operating expense related to the Antero Midstream segment increased from $190 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 to $224 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, an increase of $34 million, primarily due to increased direct operating costs, depreciation expense and equity-based compensation expense during the six months ended June 30, 2023, partially offset by lower general and administrative (excluding equity-based compensation) costs between periods Direct operating costs increased between periods primarily as a result of 12 compressors that were acquired during the fourth quarter of 2022, increased heavy maintenance expense and higher wastewater trucking expense between periods. The increase in depreciation expense is primarily a result of the 12 compressors that were acquired during the fourth quarter of 2022 and a phased early retirement of an underutilized compressor station, which allowed Antero Midstream to relocate and reuse the compressor units and equipment to (i) expand an existing compressor station and (ii) contribute to a new compressor station. There were certain costs associated with the underutilized compressor station that could not be relocated or reused that were fully depreciated over the first half of 2023. Antero Midstream also had incremental depreciation expense related to gathering and compression assets acquired or placed in service between periods.
Items Not Allocated to Segments
Interest expense. Interest expense decreased from $72 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 to $54 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, a decrease of $18 million or 25%, primarily due to the reduction in debt as a result of the repurchase of certain of our unsecured senior notes between periods and lower Credit Facility borrowings between periods, partially offset by higher benchmark interest rates during the six months ended June 30, 2023.
Loss on early extinguishment of debt. During the six months ended June 30, 2022 , we redeemed the remaining $585 million aggregate principal amount of our 2025 Notes at a redemption price of 101.25% of par, plus accrued and unpaid interest and (ii) repurchased $50 million of our 2029 notes and $13 million of our 2026 Notes, which resulted in a loss on early debt extinguishment of $15 million. There were no debt redemptions or repurchases during the six months ended June 30, 2023. See Note 7—Long-Term Debt to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for more information.
Income tax expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2022, we had an income tax expense of $172 million, with an effective tax rate of 21%, due to income before income taxes of $810 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, we had income tax expense of $32 million, with an effective tax rate of 14%, due to income before income taxes of $226 million. The decrease in the effective tax rate between periods was primarily due to lower income before income taxes and the effects of noncontrolling interests.
Capital Resources and Liquidity
Sources and Uses of Cash
Our primary sources of liquidity have been through net cash provided by operating activities, borrowings under our Credit Facility, issuances of debt and equity securities and additional contributions from our asset sales program, including our drilling partnership . Our primary use of cash has been for the exploration, development and acquisition of oil and natural gas properties. As we develop our reserves, we continually monitor what capital resources, including equity and debt financings,
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are available to meet our future financial obligations, planned capital expenditure activities and liquidity requirements. Our future success in growing our proved reserves and production will be highly dependent on net cash provided by operating activities and the capital resources available to us.
Based on strip prices as of June 30, 2023, we believe that net cash provided by operating activities and available borrowings under the Credit Facility will be sufficient to meet our cash requirements, including normal operating needs, debt service obligations, capital expenditures and commitments and contingencies for at least the next 12 months.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows (in thousands):
Six Months Ended June 30,
2022
2023
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
1,488,385
499,165
Net cash used in investing activities
(474,834)
(638,040)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(1,013,551)
138,875
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
$
—
—
Operating activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was $1.5 billion and $499 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2023, respectively. Net cash provided by operating activities decreased primarily due to lower commodity prices, a $202 million payment for early settlement of our swaption agreement and increased gathering compression, processing and transportation expenses, contract termination expense, general and administrative expenses (excluding equity-based compensation expense) and lease operating expenses, partially offset by increased production and decreased net marketing expense, production and ad valorem taxes and interest expense between periods.
Our net operating cash flows are sensitive to many variables, the most significant of which is the volatility of natural gas, NGLs and oil prices, as well as volatility in the cash flows attributable to settlement of our commodity derivatives. Prices for natural gas, NGLs and oil are primarily determined by prevailing market conditions. Regional and worldwide economic activity, weather, infrastructure capacity to reach markets, storage capacity and other variables influence the market conditions for these products. These factors are beyond our control and are difficult to predict.
Investing activities. Net cash used in investing activities increased from $475 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022 to $638 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023, primarily due to an increase in capital expenditures of $160 million between periods. The increase in capital expenditures between periods is primarily due to increased drilling and completions activity and land purchases, as well as higher drilling and water costs between periods.
Financing activities. Net cash flows used in financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2022 were $1.0 billion, as compared to $139 million in net cash flows provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2023. During the six months ended June 30, 2022, we redeemed $585 million aggregate principal amount of our 2025 Notes, repurchased $50 million of our 2029 Notes and $13 million of our 2026 Notes, repurchased approximately 9 million shares of our common stock at a total cost of approximately $293 million, distributed $67 million to the noncontrolling interest in Martica and paid $65 million in employee withholding taxes for vested equity-based awards. Additionally, we borrowed $71 million, net, on our Credit Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2022. During the six months ended June 30, 2023, we borrowed $325 million, net, on our Credit Facility, partially offset by distributions to the noncontrolling interests in Martica of $83 million, repurchases of approximately 3 million shares of our common stock at a total cost of $75 million and payments for employee withholding taxes for vested equity-based awards of $27 million.
2023 Capital Budget and Capital Spending
On February 15, 2023, we announced a net capital budget for 2023 of $1.025 billion to $1.075 billion. Our budget includes: a range of $875 million to $925 million for drilling and completion and $150 million for leasehold expenditures. We do not budget for acquisitions. During 2023, we plan to complete 60 to 65 net horizontal wells in the Appalachian Basin. We periodically review our capital expenditures and adjust our budget and its allocation based on liquidity, drilling results, leasehold acquisition opportunities and commodity prices.
For the three months ended June 30, 2023, our total consolidated capital expenditures were $287 million, including drilling and completion costs of $247 million, leasehold acquisitions of $36 million and other capital expenditures of $4 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, our total consolidated capital expenditures were $628 million, including
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drilling and completion costs of $514 million, leasehold acquisitions of $107 million and other capital expenditures of $7 million.
Debt Agreements
See Note 7—Long Term Debt to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and to “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in the 2022 Form 10-K for information on our senior notes.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Certain accounting policies involve judgments and uncertainties to such an extent that there is reasonable likelihood that materially different amounts could have been reported under different conditions, or if different assumptions had been used. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on a regular basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions used in preparation of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Our more significant accounting policies and estimates include the successful efforts method of accounting for our production activities, estimates of natural gas, NGLs and oil reserve quantities and standardized measure of future cash flows and impairment of proved properties. We provide an expanded discussion of our more significant accounting policies, estimates and judgments in the 2022 Form 10-K. We believe these accounting policies reflect our more significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Also, see Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements, included in the 2022 Form 10-K, for a discussion of additional accounting policies and estimates made by management.
We evaluate the carrying amount of our proved natural gas, NGLs and oil properties for impairment for the Utica and Marcellus Shale properties, by property, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that a property’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. Under GAAP for successful efforts accounting, if the carrying amount exceeds the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows (measured using future prices), we estimate the fair value of our proved properties and record an impairment charge for any excess of the carrying amount of the properties over the estimated fair value of the properties.
Based on future prices as of June 30, 2023, the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows exceeded the carrying amount and no further evaluation was required. We have not recorded any impairment expenses associated with our proved properties during the three and six months ended June 30, 2022 and 2023.
Estimated undiscounted future net cash flows are sensitive to commodity price swings and a decline in prices could result in the carrying amount exceeding the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows at the end of a future reporting period, which would require us to further evaluate if an impairment charge would be necessary. If future prices decline from June 30, 2023, the fair value of our properties may be below their carrying amounts and an impairment charge may be necessary. We are unable, however, to predict future commodity prices with any reasonable certainty.
New Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for information on new accounting pronouncements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
See Note 13—Commitments to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for further information on off balance sheet arrangements.
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Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.