Antero Resources Corporation’s AR shares have jumped 243.3% year to date (YTD) compared with 111.3% growth of the composite stocks belonging to the industry. The Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock has witnessed upward estimate revision in the past 60 days.

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Let’s delve into the factors behind the stock’s price appreciation.

What’s Favoring the Stock?

Antero Resources is among the fast-growing natural gas producers in the United States. As natural gas price have skyrocketed more than 50% so far this year, Antero Resources is well-positioned to capitalize on the rising commodity price.

The massive improvement in natural gas price is a boon for Antero Resources’ upstream operations. It is well poised for growth on the back of long reserve-life properties of Appalachian Basin acreages. AR’s core acreage position enables it to capitalize on significant long lateral drilling opportunities and capital efficiencies.

The upstream energy company boasts 451,000 and 91,000 net acres in Marcellus and Utica shales, respectively, which positions it well to boost production. Given the fact that it has an inventory of more than 2,000 premium, undeveloped drilling locations in the core of the Appalachian Basin, the company’s production outlook seems bright. It plans to drill a total of 80-85 gross wells, including 70 in the Marcellus and 10-15 in the Ohio Utica. This is expected to increase AR’s well cost savings and profitability.

Antero Resources is benefiting from declining well cost in the Marcellus play. Being a leading natural gas producer, the firm emits lower greenhouse gases as compared to major oil-producing companies. AR plans to complete 65-70 gross wells this year, with well costs amounting to $660 per lateral foot on average during the first half of 2021. The costs are likely to decline to $635 per lateral foot in the second half due to its sand and completion initiatives.

Antero Resources expects 2021 net drilling and completion capital to be $590 million, indicating a 20% decline from 2020 levels. This upside will be supported by its increasing operating efficiency. Moreover, it expects to generate more than $900 million in free cash flow this year.

Antero Resources, with a market cap of $5.9 billion, is engaged in creating long-term value for shareholders.

Drawbacks in Development Path

However, there are certain factors that are a concern.

Explorers and producers are not getting enough incentives to ramp up hydrocarbon production volumes as the pandemic is still affecting major economies in Asia. Antero Resources is facing great uncertainty as a new coronavirus variant is hitting major energy importers, which might keep its profits under pressure.