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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 5, 2015

Registration No. 333-          


UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549



FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933



Antero Resources Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
  80-0162034
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

1615 Wynkoop Street
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 357-7310
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of Registrant's principal executive offices)

Glen C. Warren, Jr.
President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
1615 Wynkoop Street
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 357-7310
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)

Copies to:
W. Matthew Strock
Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.
1001 Fannin, Suite 2500
Houston, Texas 77002 6760
(713) 758-2222

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

          If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.    o

          If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.    ý

          If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

          If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

          If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box:    ý

          If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box:    o

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ý   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a
smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company o

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

               
 
Title of Each Class of Securities
to be Registered

  Amount to be
Registered

  Proposed
Maximum Offering
Price per Share

  Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering Price

  Amount of
Registration
Fee(2)

 

Common Stock, par value $0.01(1)

               

 

(1)
There is being registered hereunder such indeterminate number of shares of common stock of the registrant as may be sold in an offering pursuant to this Registration Statement.

(2)
In reliance on Rule 456(b) and Rule 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant hereby defers payment of the registration fee required in connection with this Registration Statement.

   


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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MARCH 5, 2015

PROSPECTUS

11,500,000 Shares

GRAPHIC

Antero Resources Corporation

Common Stock



        We are offering 11,500,000 shares of our common stock.

        Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "AR." The last reported trading price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on March 4, 2015 was $38.45 per share.

        We have granted the underwriter an option to purchase a maximum of 1,725,000 additional shares of common stock at the price set forth below.

        Investing in our common stock involves risks. Please read "Risk Factors" beginning on page 7 of this prospectus.

        The underwriter has agreed to purchase the shares of common stock from us at a price of $             per share, which will result in approximately $             of net proceeds to us before offering expenses.

        The underwriter proposes to offer the shares of common stock from time to time for sale in one or more transactions on the New York Stock Exchange, in the over-the-counter market, through negotiated transactions or otherwise at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

        Delivery of the shares of common stock will be made on or about March              , 2015.

        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Credit Suisse

The date of this prospectus is March     , 2015


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
  Page

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

  1

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

  2

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

  3

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

  5

RISK FACTORS

  7

USE OF PROCEEDS

  10

CAPITALIZATION

  11

PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK

  12

DIVIDEND POLICY

  12

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

  13

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS FOR NON-U.S. HOLDERS

  17

UNDERWRITING

  21

LEGAL MATTERS

  29

EXPERTS

  29

        You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus. We have not authorized any dealer, salesman or other person to provide you with additional or different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the securities to which they relate and is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make an offer or solicitation in that jurisdiction. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front cover of this prospectus, or that the information contained in any document incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date of such document, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of a security.

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

        Additional information, including our financial statements and the notes thereto, is incorporated in this prospectus by reference to our reports filed with the SEC. Please read "Where You Can Find More Information" below. You are urged to read this prospectus carefully, including "Risk Factors," and the documents incorporated by reference in their entirety before investing in our securities.

        Unless the context requires otherwise or unless otherwise noted, all references in this prospectus to "Antero" and to the "Company," "we," "us" or "our" are to Antero Resources Corporation and its subsidiaries.

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC's public reference room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available to the public at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov. You may also access the information we file electronically with the SEC through our website at www.anteroresources.com. We have not incorporated by reference into this prospectus the information included on, or linked from, our website (other than to the extent specified elsewhere herein), and you should not consider it to be a part of this prospectus. You may also inspect reports, proxy statements and other information about Antero Resources Corporation at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), 20 Broad Street, New York, NY 10005.

        We "incorporate by reference" information into this prospectus, which means that we disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is deemed to be part of this prospectus, except for any information superseded by information contained expressly in this prospectus. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus is current as of any date other than the date on the cover page of this prospectus.

        Any information that we file under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), from the date of this prospectus until the termination of each offering under this prospectus, and that is deemed "filed" with the SEC, will automatically update and supersede this information. We also incorporate by reference the documents listed below:

        You can obtain copies of any of these documents without charge upon written or oral request by requesting them in writing or by telephone at:

Antero Resources Corporation
1615 Wynkoop Street
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 357-7310

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        The information in this prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference herein, includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this prospectus, regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used, the words "could," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "project" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements described under the heading "Risk Factors" in this prospectus and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, which is incorporated by reference herein.

        Forward-looking statements may include statements about our:

        We caution you that these forward-looking statements are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control, incident to the exploration for and development, production, gathering and sale of natural gas, NGLs, and oil. These risks include, but are not limited to, commodity price volatility, inflation, lack of availability of drilling and production equipment and services, environmental risks, drilling and other operating risks, marketing and transportation risks, regulatory changes, the uncertainty inherent in estimating natural

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gas, NGLs, and oil reserves and in projecting future rates of production, cash flow and access to capital, the timing of development expenditures, and the other risks described under the heading "Risk Factors" in this prospectus and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, which is incorporated by reference herein.

        Reserve engineering is a process of estimating underground accumulations of natural gas, NGLs, and oil that cannot be measured in an exact way. The accuracy of any reserve estimate depends on the quality of available data, the interpretation of such data and price and cost assumptions made by reservoir engineers. In addition, the results of drilling, testing and production activities, or changes in commodity prices, may justify revisions of estimates that were made previously. If significant, such revisions would change the schedule of any further production and development drilling. Accordingly, reserve estimates may differ significantly from the quantities of natural gas, NGLs, and oil that are ultimately recovered.

        Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described in this prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference herein occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements.

        All forward-looking statements, expressed or implied, included in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that we or persons acting on our behalf may issue.

        Except as otherwise required by applicable law, we disclaim any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this prospectus.

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

        This summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus and the documents we incorporate by reference. It does not contain all of the information you should consider before making an investment decision. You should read the entire prospectus, the documents incorporated by reference and the other documents to which we refer for a more complete understanding of our business and this offering. Please read the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus for more information about important factors you should consider before investing in our common stock in this offering.

        Except as the context otherwise indicates, the information in this prospectus assumes no exercise of the underwriter's option to purchase additional shares of common stock.

Our Company

        We are an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the exploration, development 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. As of December 31, 2014, we held approximately 543,000 net acres of oil and gas properties located in the Appalachian Basin in West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Recent Developments

        On March 3, 2015, we announced the pricing of a private placement of $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.625% senior notes due 2023 (the "2023 notes"). The 2023 notes will initially be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by certain of our subsidiaries. The indenture governing the 2023 notes will contain covenants that are substantially similar to those contained in the indenture governing our 5.125% senior notes due 2022. The issue price for the 2023 notes will be 100% of their principal amount. We expect to receive net proceeds from the issuance and sale of the 2023 notes of approximately $739.3 million, after discounts and estimated offering expenses. We intend to use the net proceeds from the 2023 notes offering to repay a portion of the outstanding borrowings under our credit facility. The offer and sale of the 2023 notes is expected to close on March 17, 2015, subject to customary closing conditions.

Corporate Information

        Our principal executive offices are located at 1615 Wynkoop Street, Denver, Colorado 80202, and our telephone number is (303) 357-7310. Our website address is www.anteroresources.com. Except for information specifically incorporated by reference into this prospectus that may be accessed from our website, the information on our website is not part of this prospectus, and you should rely only on information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus when making a decision as to whether or not to invest in our common stock.

 

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The Offering

Issuer

  Antero Resources Corporation.

Shares of Common Stock Offered

 

11,500,000 shares of common stock (13,225,000 shares of common stock if the underwriter exercises its option to purchase additional shares of common stock in full).

Common Stock Outstanding Following this Offering(1)

 

273,573,239 shares of common stock (275,298,239 shares of common stock if the underwriter exercises its option to purchase additional shares of common stock in full).

Option to Purchase Additional Shares

 

We have granted the underwriter a 30-day option to purchase up to 1,725,000 additional shares of common stock.

Use of Proceeds

 

We will use the estimated net proceeds from this offering of approximately $            million (or $            million if the underwriter exercise its option to purchase additional shares in full) to repay a portion of the outstanding borrowings under our credit facility. For more information about our use of proceeds from this offering, see "Use of Proceeds."

Risk factors

 

You should consider carefully the information under the heading "Risk Factors" beginning on page 7 of this prospectus and all other information contained or incorporated by reference herein before deciding to invest in our common stock.

Exchange Listing

 

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "AR."


(1)
Based on 262,073,239 shares outstanding as of March 4, 2015. Excludes common stock issuable upon vesting of outstanding restricted stock units or exercise of outstanding stock options.

 

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RISK FACTORS

        An investment in our common stock involves a significant degree of risk. Before you invest in our common stock, you should carefully consider those risk factors included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and any subsequently filed Current Reports on Form 8-K, which are incorporated herein by reference, and those risk factors that may be included herein, together with all of the other information included in this prospectus and the documents we incorporate by reference, in evaluating an investment in our common stock. If any of the risks discussed in the foregoing documents were to occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected. Please read "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements."

Risks Related to the Offering and Our Common Stock

Antero Resources Investment LLC holds a majority of our outstanding common stock.

        Prior to this offering, Antero Resources Investment LLC ("Antero Investment") held approximately 79% of our common stock. Accordingly, Antero Investment has the ability to elect all of the members of our board of directors and thereby control our management and affairs. In addition, Antero Investment has the ability to determine the outcome of all matters requiring stockholder approval, including mergers, amendments to our certificate of incorporation and other material transactions and to cause or prevent a change in control of our company that could deprive our stockholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their common stock as part of a sale of our company. The existence of significant stockholders may also have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers, delaying or preventing changes in control or changes in management, or limiting the ability of our other stockholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in the best interests of our company. So long as Antero Investment continues to own a significant amount of our common stock, even if such amount represents less than 50% of the aggregate voting power, it will continue to be able to strongly influence all matters requiring stockholder approval, regardless of whether or not other stockholders believe that a potential transaction is in their own best interests.

        In addition, the limited liability company agreement of Antero Investment (the "LLC Agreement") provides that Antero Investment and its members will agree to vote the shares of our common stock held by Antero Investment in favor of the election of the five directors of Antero Investment to our board.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, as well as Delaware law, contain provisions that could discourage acquisition bids or merger proposals, which may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval. If our board of directors elects to issue preferred stock, it could be more difficult for a third party to acquire us. In addition, some provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, even if the change of control would be beneficial to our stockholders, including:

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We do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock, and our credit facility and the indentures governing our senior notes place certain restrictions on our ability to do so. Consequently, your only opportunity to achieve a return on your investment is if the price of our common stock appreciates.

        We do not plan to declare dividends on shares of our common stock in the foreseeable future. Additionally, our credit facility and the indentures governing our senior notes place certain restrictions on our ability to pay cash dividends. Consequently, your only opportunity to achieve a return on your investment in us will be if you sell your common stock at a price greater than you paid for it. There is no guarantee that the price of our common stock that will prevail in the market will ever exceed the price that you pay in this offering.

Future sales of our common stock in the public market could reduce our stock price, and any additional capital raised by us through the sale of equity or convertible securities may dilute your ownership in us.

        We may sell additional shares of common stock in subsequent public offerings. We may also issue additional shares of common stock or convertible securities.

        On October 11, 2013, we filed a registration statement with the SEC on Form S-8 providing for the registration of an aggregate of 20,000,000 shares of our common stock issued or reserved for issuance under our stock incentive plan. Subject to the satisfaction of vesting conditions, Rule 144 restrictions applicable to our affiliates and the expiration of lock-up agreements, shares registered under the registration statement on Form S-8 will be available for resale immediately in the public market without restriction.

        We cannot predict the size of future issuances of our common stock or securities convertible into common stock or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of shares of our common stock will have on the market price of our common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock (including shares issued in connection with an acquisition), or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices of our common stock.

We are a "controlled company" within the meaning of the NYSE rules and, as a result, qualify for and rely on exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.

        Antero Investment controls a majority of the combined voting power of all classes of our outstanding voting stock, and we are a controlled company within the meaning of the NYSE corporate governance standards. Under the NYSE rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by another person or group of persons acting together is a controlled company and may elect not to comply with certain NYSE corporate governance requirements, including the requirements that:

        These requirements will not apply to us as long as we remain a controlled company. Accordingly, you may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of the NYSE.

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We may issue preferred stock whose terms could adversely affect the voting power or value of our common stock.

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue, without the approval of our stockholders, one or more classes or series of preferred stock having such designations, preferences, limitations and relative rights, including preferences over our common stock respecting dividends and distributions, as our board of directors may determine. The terms of one or more classes or series of preferred stock could adversely impact the voting power or value of our common stock. For example, we might grant holders of preferred stock the right to elect some number of our directors in all events or on the happening of specified events or the right to veto specified transactions. Similarly, the repurchase or redemption rights or liquidation preferences we might assign to holders of preferred stock could affect the residual value of the common stock.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

        We expect the net proceeds from this offering to be approximately $             million (or approximately $             million if the underwriter exercises its option to purchase additional shares in full), after deducting estimated fees and expenses. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to repay a portion of the outstanding borrowings under our credit facility.

        As of March 2, 2015, we had approximately $1.92 billion of outstanding borrowings and $355 million of letters of credit outstanding under our credit facility and the Antero Water LLC credit facility (the "water credit facility"), which bear interest at a variable rate, which was approximately 2.06% as of December 31, 2014. The borrowings to be repaid were incurred primarily for our drilling and development program and for general corporate purposes. We may at any time re-borrow amounts repaid under our credit facility.

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CAPITALIZATION

        The following table sets forth our cash and cash equivalents and capitalization as of December 31, 2014:

        This table should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, "Use of Proceeds" and our historical audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

 
  As of December 31, 2014  
(in thousands)
  Actual   As adjusted   As further
adjusted
 

Cash and cash equivalents(1)

  $ 245,979   $ 245,979   $    

Indebtedness:

                   

Senior secured revolving credit facilities(1)

  $ 1,730,000   $ 990,700   $    

6.0% senior notes due 2020

    525,000     525,000     525,000  

5.375% senior notes due 2021

    1,000,000     1,000,000     1,000,000  

5.125% senior notes due 2022

    1,100,000     1,100,000     1,100,000  

5.625% senior notes due 2023(2)

        750,000     750,000  

Net unamortized premium

    7,550     7,550     7,550  

Total indebtedness

    4,362,550     4,373,250        

Equity:

                   

Common stock, $1.00 par value; $0.01 par value; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 262,071,642 shares outstanding (actual and as adjusted; 273,571,642 shares outstanding as further adjusted)

    2,621     2,621        

Preferred stock; $0.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding

             

Additional paid in capital

    3,513,725     3,513,725        

Accumulated earnings

    867,447     867,447     867,447  

Total stockholders' equity

    4,383,793     4,383,793        

Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiary

    1,090,037     1,090,037     1,090,037  

Total equity

    5,473,830     5,473,830        

Total capitalization

  $ 9,836,380   $ 9,847,080   $    

(1)
As of March 2, 2015, we had $1.92 billion of borrowings and $355 million letters of credit outstanding under our credit facility and the water credit facility. As of March 2, 2015, our non-guarantor subsidiary Antero Midstream Partners LP had no borrowings outstanding under its credit facility.

(2)
On March 3, 2015, Antero announced the pricing of a private placement of $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.625% Senior Notes due 2023. The offering is expected to close on March 17, 2015, subject to customary closing conditions.

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PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK

        Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "AR." The following table shows, for the periods indicated, the high and low reported sale prices for our common stock, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.

 
  Sales Price  
 
  High   Low  

2013:

             

Fourth Quarter

  $ 63.57   $ 51.66  

2014:

             

First Quarter

  $ 68.43   $ 53.61  

Second Quarter

    67.92     56.28  

Third Quarter

    66.10     53.42  

Fourth Quarter

    56.81     37.85  

2015:

             

First Quarter (through March 4, 2015)

  $ 42.42   $ 33.25  

        On March 4, 2015, the last sales price of our common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange was $38.45 per share.

        As of March 4, 2015, there were three holders of record of our common stock.


DIVIDEND POLICY

        Our ability to pay dividends is governed by (i) the provisions of Delaware corporation law, (ii) our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated Bylaws, (iii) the indentures related to our senior notes and (iv) our credit facility. We have not paid or declared any dividends on our common stock. The future payment of cash dividends on our common stock, if any, is within the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, and other relevant factors. There is no assurance that we will pay any cash dividends on our common stock. We do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends to holders of our common stock in the foreseeable future.

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DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

        The following summary of our common stock, Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the "Certificate of Incorporation") and Amended and Restated Bylaws (the "Bylaws") does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of applicable law and to our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws.

Common Stock

        Our Certificate of Incorporation authorizes 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, for issuance. As of March 4, 2015, we had 262,073,239 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.

        Our common stock commenced trading on the NYSE under the symbol "AR" on October 16, 2013 in connection with our initial public offering. As of March 4, 2015, there were three holders of record of our common stock.

        Except as provided by law or in a preferred stock designation, holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders, will have the exclusive right to vote for the election of directors and do not have cumulative voting rights. Except as otherwise required by law, holders of common stock are not entitled to vote on any amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series of preferred stock) that relates solely to the terms of any outstanding series of preferred stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series of preferred stock) or pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL"). Subject to prior rights and preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding shares or series of preferred stock, holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably in proportion to the shares of common stock held by them such dividends (payable in cash, stock or otherwise), if any, as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors out of funds legally available for dividend payments. All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and non-assessable. The holders of common stock have no preferences or rights of conversion, exchange, pre-emption or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our affairs, holders of common stock will be entitled to share ratably in our assets in proportion to the shares of common stock held by them that are remaining after payment or provision for payment of all of our debts and obligations and after distribution in full of preferential amounts to be distributed to holders of outstanding shares of preferred stock, if any.

Anti-Takeover Provisions of Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

        Certain provisions of Delaware law, our Certificate of Incorporation and our Bylaws could make the following transactions more difficult: acquisitions of us by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise; or removal of our incumbent officers and directors. These provisions may also have the effect of preventing changes in our management. It is possible that these provisions could make it more difficult to accomplish or could deter transactions that stockholders may otherwise consider to be in their best interest or in our best interests, including transactions that might result in a premium over the market price for our shares.

        These provisions are expected to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with us. We believe that the benefits of increased protection and our potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure us

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outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging these proposals because, among other things, negotiation of these proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.

Delaware Law

        Section 203 of the DGCL prohibits a Delaware corporation, including those whose securities are listed for trading on the NYSE, from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:

        We may elect to not be subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL.

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws

        Provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws may delay or discourage transactions involving an actual or potential change in control or change in our management, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares, or transactions that our stockholders might otherwise deem to be in their best interests. Therefore, these provisions could adversely affect the price of our common stock.

        Among other things, our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws:

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Limitation of Liability and Indemnification Matters

        Our Certificate of Incorporation limits the liability of our directors for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duty as directors, except for liability that cannot be eliminated under the DGCL. Delaware law provides that directors of a company will not be personally liable for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duty as directors, except for liabilities:

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        Any amendment, repeal or modification of these provisions will be prospective only and would not affect any limitation on liability of a director for acts or omissions that occurred prior to any such amendment, repeal or modification.

        Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws also provide that we will indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws also permit us to purchase insurance on behalf of any officer, director, employee or other agent for any liability arising out of that person's actions as our officer, director, employee or agent, regardless of whether Delaware law would permit indemnification. We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our current and future directors and officers. These agreements will require us to indemnify these individuals to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law against liability that may arise by reason of their service to us, and to advance expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified. We believe that the limitation of liability provision in our Certificate of Incorporation and the indemnification agreements will facilitate our ability to continue to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve as directors and officers.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

        The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company.

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS FOR NON-U.S. HOLDERS

        The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations related to the purchase, ownership and disposition of our common stock by a non-U.S. holder (as defined below), that holds our common stock as a "capital asset" (generally property held for investment). This summary is based on the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative rulings and judicial decisions, all as in effect on the date hereof, and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. We have not sought any ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, with respect to the statements made and the conclusions reached in the following summary, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will agree with such statements and conclusions.

        This summary does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to non-U.S. holders in light of their personal circumstances. In addition, this summary does not address the Medicare tax on certain investment income, U.S. federal estate or gift tax laws, any state, local or non-U.S. tax laws or any tax treaties. This summary also does not address tax considerations applicable to investors that may be subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws, such as:

        YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO YOUR PARTICULAR SITUATION, AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR COMMON STOCK ARISING UNDER THE U.S. FEDERAL, ESTATE OR GIFT TAX LAWS OR UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. OR OTHER TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE INCOME TAX TREATY.

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Non-U.S. Holder Defined

        For purposes of this discussion, a non-U.S. holder is a beneficial owner of our common stock that is not for U.S. federal income tax purposes a partnership or any of the following:

        If a partnership (or an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner, upon the activities of the partnership and upon certain determinations made at the partner level. Accordingly, we urge partners in partnerships (including entities treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes) considering the purchase of our common stock to consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax considerations of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our common stock by such partnership.

Distributions

        We do not plan to make any distributions on our common stock for the foreseeable future. However, if we do make distributions of cash or other property on our common stock, such distributions will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. To the extent those distributions exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits, the distributions will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the non-U.S. holder's tax basis in our common stock and thereafter as capital gain from the sale or exchange of such common stock. Please read "—Gain on Disposition of Common Stock." Any distribution made to a non-U.S. holder on our common stock generally will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% of the gross amount of the distribution unless an applicable income tax treaty provides for a lower rate. To receive the benefit of a reduced treaty rate, a non-U.S. holder must provide the applicable withholding agent with an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or other applicable or successor form) certifying qualification for the reduced rate. A non-U.S. holder that does not timely furnish the required documentation, but that qualifies for a reduced treaty rate, may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS.

        Dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder that are effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by the non-U.S. holder in the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are treated as attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States) generally will be taxed on a net income basis at the rates and in the manner generally applicable to United States persons (as defined under the Code). Such effectively connected dividends will not be subject to U.S. withholding tax if the non-U.S. holder satisfies certain certification requirements by providing the applicable withholding agent a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI certifying eligibility for exemption. If the non-U.S. holder is a non-U.S. corporation, it may also be subject to a "branch profits tax" (at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on its effectively connected earnings and profits (as adjusted for certain items).

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Gain on Disposition of Common Stock

        Subject to the discussion below under "—Additional Withholding Requirements under FATCA," a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized upon the sale or other disposition of our common stock unless:

        A non-U.S. holder described in the first bullet point above will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on the amount of such gain, which generally may be offset by certain U.S. source capital losses.

        A non-U.S. holder whose gain is described in the second bullet point above generally will be taxed on a net income basis at the rates and in the manner generally applicable to United States persons (as defined under the Code) unless an applicable income tax treaty provides otherwise. If the non-U.S. holders is a corporation, it may also be subject to a branch profits tax (at a 30% rate or such lower rate as specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on its effectively connected earnings and profits (as adjusted), which will include such gain.

        Generally, a corporation is a USRPHC if the fair market value of its U.S. real property interests equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market value of its worldwide real property interests and its other assets used or held for use in a trade or business. We believe that we currently are, and expect to remain for the foreseeable future, a USRPHC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, as long as our common stock continues to be regularly traded on an established securities market, only a non-U.S. holder that actually or constructively owns, or owned at any time during the shorter of the five-year period ending on the date of the disposition or the non-U.S. holder's holding period for the common stock, more than 5% of our common stock will be taxable on gain recognized on the disposition of our common stock as a result of our status as a USRPHC. If our common stock ceased to be regularly traded on an established securities market prior to the calendar year in which the relevant disposition occurred, all non-U.S. holders generally would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a taxable disposition of our common stock, and a 10% withholding tax would apply to the gross proceeds from the sale of our common stock by such non-U.S. holders.

        Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors with respect to the application of the foregoing rules to their ownership and disposition of our common stock.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

        Any dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder must be reported annually to the IRS and to the non-U.S. holder. Copies of these information returns may be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides or is established.

        Payments of dividends to a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to backup withholding if the non-U.S. holder establishes an exemption by properly certifying its non-U.S. status on an IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or other appropriate version of IRS Form W-8.

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        Payments of the proceeds from a sale or other disposition by a non-U.S. holder of our common stock effected by or through a U.S. office of a broker generally will be subject to information reporting and backup withholding (at the applicable rate) unless the non-U.S. holder establishes an exemption by properly certifying its non-U.S. status on an IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or other appropriate version of IRS Form W-8 and certain other conditions are met. Information reporting and backup withholding generally will not apply to any payment of the proceeds from a sale or other disposition of our common stock effected outside the United States by a non-U.S. office of a broker. However, unless such broker has documentary evidence in its records that the holder is not a United States person and certain other conditions are met, or the non-U.S. holder otherwise establishes an exemption, information reporting will apply to a payment of the proceeds of the disposition of our common stock effected outside the United States by such a broker if it has certain relationships within the United States.

        Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the U.S. income tax liability (if any) of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained, provided that certain required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

Additional Withholding Requirements under FATCA

        Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, and the Treasury regulations and administrative guidance issued thereunder ("FATCA"), impose a 30% withholding tax on any dividends on our common stock and on the gross proceeds from a disposition of our common stock (if such disposition occurs after December 31, 2016), in each case if paid to a "foreign financial institution" or a "non-financial foreign entity" (each as defined in the Code) (including, in some cases, when such foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity is acting as an intermediary), unless (i) in the case of a foreign financial institution, such institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. government to withhold on certain payments, to collect and provide to the U.S. tax authorities substantial information regarding U.S. account holders of such institution (which includes certain equity and debt holders of such institution, as well as certain account holders that are non-U.S. entities with U.S. owners), and to withhold 30% on certain payments to non-compliant foreign financial institutions and certain other account holders, and (ii) in the case of a non-financial foreign entity, such entity certifies that it does not have any "substantial United States owners" (as defined in the Code) or provides the applicable withholding agent with a certification (generally on an IRS Form W-8BEN-E) identifying the direct and indirect substantial United States owners of the entity, or (iii) the foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity otherwise qualifies for an exemption from these rules and provides appropriate documentation (such as an IRS Form W-8BEN-E). Foreign financial institutions located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States governing these rules may be subject to different rules. Under certain circumstances, a holder might be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes.

        The rules under FATCA are new and complex. You are encouraged to consult with your own tax advisor regarding the implications of FATCA on an investment in our common stock.

        INVESTORS CONSIDERING THE PURCHASE OF OUR COMMON STOCK ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AND THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF U.S. FEDERAL ESTATE AND GIFT TAX LAWS AND ANY STATE, LOCAL OR NON.-U.S. TAX LAWS AND TAX TREATIES.

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UNDERWRITING

        Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC is acting as sole underwriter of this offering. Under the terms of an underwriting agreement, which we will file as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K, which will be incorporated by reference in this prospectus, we have agreed to sell to the underwriter, and the underwriter has agreed to purchase from us, 11,500,000 shares of our common stock. The underwriting agreement will provide that the underwriter's obligation to purchase shares of common stock depends on the satisfaction of the conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, including:

Commissions and Expenses

        The underwriter may receive from purchasers of the common stock normal brokerage commissions in amounts agreed with such purchasers. The underwriter may offer the common stock from time to time for sale in one or more transactions on the NYSE, in the over-the-counter market, through negotiated transactions or otherwise at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices, subject to receipt and acceptance by it and subject to its right to reject any order in whole or in part. In connection with the sale of the common stock offered hereby, the underwriter may be deemed to have received compensation in the form of underwriting discounts. The underwriter may effect such transactions by selling common stock to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriter and/or purchasers of common stock for whom they may act as agents or to whom they may sell as principal.

        We will pay the expenses incurred in connection with this offering. The expenses of this offering (other than the underwriting discounts and commissions) that are payable by us are estimated to be approximately $600,000.

Option to Purchase Additional Shares

        We have granted the underwriter an option exercisable for 30 days after the date of this prospectus, to purchase, from time to time, in whole or in part, up to an aggregate of 1,725,000 shares at the public offering price less underwriting discounts and commissions.

Lock-Up Agreements

        We and our largest stockholder, Antero Resources Investment LLC, have agreed that, subject to certain exceptions, without the prior written consent of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, we and it will not directly or indirectly, (1) offer for sale, sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of (or enter into any transaction or device that is designed to, or could be expected to, result in the disposition by any person at any time in the future of) any shares of common stock (other than common stock and shares issued pursuant to employee benefit plans, qualified stock option plans or other employee compensation plans existing on the date of this prospectus or described herein) or sell or grant options, rights or warrants with respect to any shares of common stock, (2) enter into any swap or other derivatives transaction that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic benefits or risks of ownership of the common stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or

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clause (2) is to be settled by delivery of the common stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise, (3) file or cause to be filed a registration statement, including any amendments thereto, with respect to the registration of any shares of common stock or securities convertible, exercisable or exchangeable into common stock or any of our other securities (other than any registration statement on Form S-8), or (4) publicly disclose the intention to do any of the foregoing for a period of 60 days after the date of this prospectus.

        Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, in its sole discretion, may release the common stock and other securities subject to the lock-up agreements described above in whole or in part at any time with or without notice. When determining whether or not to release common stock and other securities from lock-up agreements, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC will consider, among other factors, the holder's reasons for requesting the release, the number of shares of common stock and other securities for which the release is being requested and market conditions at the time.

Indemnification

        We have agreed to indemnify the underwriter against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to contribute to payments that the underwriter may be required to make for these liabilities.

Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids

        The underwriter may engage in stabilizing transactions, short sales and purchases to cover positions created by short sales, and penalty bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the common stock, in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act.

        These stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the common stock. As a result, the price of the common stock may be higher than

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the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. These transactions may be effected on the NYSE or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

        Neither we nor the underwriter make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the common stock. In addition, neither we nor the underwriter make any representation that the representatives will engage in these stabilizing transactions or that any transaction, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

Electronic Distribution

        A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the Internet sites or through other online services maintained by the underwriter, or by its affiliates. In those cases, prospective investors may view offering terms online and prospective investors may be allowed to place orders online. The underwriter may agree to allocate a specific number of shares for sale to online brokerage account holders. Any such allocation for online distributions will be made by the underwriter on the same basis as other allocations.

        Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on any underwriter's web site and any information contained in any other web site maintained by the underwriter is not part of the prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, has not been approved and/or endorsed by us or the underwriter in its capacity as underwriter and should not be relied upon by investors.

New York Stock Exchange

        Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "AR."

Stamp Taxes

        If you purchase shares of common stock offered in this prospectus, you may be required to pay stamp taxes and other charges under the laws and practices of the country of purchase, in addition to the offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus.

Other Relationships

        The underwriter and its affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. The underwriter and its affiliates have, from time to time, performed, and may in the future perform, various financial advisory and investment banking services for us, for which they received or will receive customary fees and expenses. In particular, an affiliate of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC is a lender under our credit facility and our water credit facility.

        In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriter and its affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments, including serving as counterparties to certain derivative and hedging arrangements, and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of us. The underwriter and its affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

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Selling Restrictions

European Economic Area

        This document is not a prospectus for the purposes of the Prospectus Directive (as defined below).

        In relation to each member state of the European Economic Area that has implemented the Prospectus Directive (as defined below) (each, a relevant member state) with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State (the relevant implementation date), an offer to the public of any shares of our common stock which are the subject of the offering contemplated by this prospectus, may not be made in that relevant member state other than:

provided that no such offer of our common stock shall result in a requirement for the publication by us or any underwriter of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.

        For purposes of this provision, the expression an "offer to the public" in relation to any shares of our common stock in any relevant member state means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and our common stock to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for our common stock, as the same may be varied in that relevant member state by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that relevant member state and the expression "Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments thereto, including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the relevant member state), and includes any relevant implementing measure in each relevant member state and the expression 2010 PD Amending Directive means Directive 2010/73/EU.

        The sellers of the shares of our common stock have not authorized and do not authorize the making of any offer of shares through any financial intermediary on their behalf, other than offers made by the underwriter with a view to the final placement of the shares as contemplated in this prospectus. Accordingly, no purchaser of the shares, other than the underwriter, is authorized to make any further offer of the shares on behalf of the sellers or the underwriter.

United Kingdom

        This prospectus is only being distributed to, and is only directed at, persons in the United Kingdom that are qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive, which we refer to as qualified investors, that are also (i) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, which we refer to as the Order, or (ii) high net worth entities, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order, and (iii) any other person to whom it may lawfully be communicated pursuant to the Order, all such persons which we refer to together as relevant persons. This prospectus and its contents are confidential and should not be distributed, published or reproduced (in whole or in part) or disclosed by recipients to any other persons in the United Kingdom. Any investment activity to which this prospectus relates will only be available to, and will only be engaged with, relevant persons. Any person in the United Kingdom that is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

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        All applicable provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended) must be complied with in respect to anything done by any person in relation to our common stock in, from or otherwise involving the United Kingdom.

France

        Neither this prospectus nor any other offering material relating to the shares described in this prospectus has been submitted to the clearance procedures of the Autorité des Marchés Financiers or of the competent authority of another member state of the European Economic Area and notified to the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. The shares have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, to the public in France. Neither this prospectus nor any other offering material relating to the shares has been or will be:

        The shares may be resold directly or indirectly, only in compliance with articles L.411-1, L.411-2, L.412-1 and L.621-8 through L.621-8-3 of the French Code monétaire et financier.

Switzerland

        This document, as well as any other material relating to the shares which are the subject of the offering contemplated by this prospectus, do not constitute an issue prospectus pursuant to Article 652a and/or 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations. The shares will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and, therefore, the documents relating to the shares, including, but not limited to, this document, do not claim to comply with the disclosure standards of the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange. The shares are being offered in Switzerland by way of a private placement, i.e., to a small number of selected investors only, without any public offer and only to investors who do not purchase the shares with the intention to distribute them to the public. The investors will be individually approached by the issuer from time to time. This document, as well as any other material relating to the shares, is personal and confidential and do not constitute an offer to any other person. This document may only be used by those investors to whom it has been handed out in connection with the offering described herein and may neither directly nor indirectly be distributed or made available to other persons without express consent of the issuer. It may not be used in connection with any other offer and shall in particular not be copied and/or distributed to the public in (or from) Switzerland.

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Hong Kong

        The shares of our common stock offered hereby may not be offered or sold in Hong Kong, by means of any document, other than (a) to "professional investors" as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made under that Ordinance, or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a "prospectus" as defined in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32, Laws of Hong Kong), or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of that Ordinance. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the shares of our common stock offered hereby may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of the issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to the shares of our common stock offered hereby which are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to "professional investors" as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) or any rules made under that Ordinance.

People's Republic of China

        The common stock may not be offered or sold directly or indirectly in the People's Republic of China, or the PRC (which, for such purposes, does not include the Hong Kong or Macau Special Administrative Regions or Taiwan), except pursuant to applicable laws and regulations of the PRC. Neither this prospectus nor any material or information contained herein relating to the common stock, which have not been and will not be submitted to or approved/verified by or registered with the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or CSRC, or other relevant governmental authorities in the PRC pursuant to relevant laws and regulations, may be supplied to the public in the PRC or used in connection with any offer for the subscription or sale of the common stock in the PRC. The material or information contained herein relating to the common stock does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the PRC. The common stock may only be offered or sold to the PRC investors that are authorized to engage in the purchase of securities of the type being offered or sold. PRC investors are responsible for obtaining all relevant government regulatory approvals/licenses, verification and/or registrations themselves, including, but not limited to, any which may be required from the CSRC, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange and/or the China Banking Regulatory Commission, and complying with all relevant PRC regulations, including, but not limited to, all relevant foreign exchange regulations and/or foreign investment regulations.

Japan

        The shares offered in this prospectus have not been registered under the Securities and Exchange Law of Japan. The shares have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to or for the account of any resident of Japan, except (i) pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities and Exchange Law and (ii) in compliance with any other applicable requirements of Japanese law.

Singapore

        This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the shares of our common stock offered hereby may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Future Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore, which we refer to as the SFA, (ii) to a "relevant person" as defined in Section 275(2) of the SFA, or any person pursuant to Section 275 (1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in

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Section 275 of the SFA or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

        Where the shares of our common stock offered hereby are subscribed and purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:

        By accepting this prospectus, the recipient hereof represents and warrants that he is entitled to receive it in accordance with the restrictions set forth above and agrees to be bound by limitations contained herein. Any failure to comply with these limitations may constitute a violation of law.

Australia

        No prospectus or other disclosure document (as defined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) of Australia, or the Corporations Act) in relation to the common stock has been or will be lodged with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission, or ASIC. This document has not been lodged with ASIC and is only directed to certain categories of exempt persons. Accordingly, if you receive this document in Australia:

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LEGAL MATTERS

        The validity of the common stock offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., Houston, Texas. Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the underwriter by Latham & Watkins LLP, Houston, Texas.


EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements of Antero Resources Corporation as of December 31, 2013 and 2014 and for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2014, and management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014 have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

        The information incorporated by reference into this prospectus regarding estimates of our natural gas and oil reserves, related future net cash flows and the present values thereof related to our Appalachian Basin properties as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was based in part upon reserve reports audited by independent petroleum engineers, DeGolyer and MacNaughton. We have included these estimates in reliance on the authority of such firm as experts in such matters.

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14.    Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

        Set forth below are the expenses (other than underwriting discounts and commissions) expected to be incurred in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities registered hereby:

Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee

  $ *  

FINRA filing fee

    225,500  

Legal fees and expenses

    200,000  

Accounting fees and expenses

    75,000  

Printing and engraving expenses

    50,000  

Miscellaneous

    **  

Total

  $ **  

*
The registrants are deferring payment of the registration fee in reliance on Rule 456(b) and Rule 457(r).

**
These fees are calculated based on the number of shares offered and accordingly cannot be estimated at this time.

ITEM 15.    Indemnification of Directors and Officers

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that a director will not be liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (1) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involved intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law, (3) under section 174 of the DGCL for unlawful payment of dividends or improper redemption of stock or (4) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. In addition, if the DGCL is amended to authorize the further elimination or limitation of the liability of directors, then the liability of a director of the corporation, in addition to the limitation on personal liability that will be provided by our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, will be limited to the fullest extent permitted by the amended DGCL. Our amended and restated bylaws provide that the corporation will indemnify, and advance expenses to, any officer or director to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL.

        Section 145 of the DGCL provides that a corporation may indemnify directors and officers as well as other employees and individuals against expenses, including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement in connection with specified actions, suits and proceedings whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, other than a derivative action by or in the right of the corporation, if they acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. A similar standard is applicable in the case of derivative actions, except that indemnification extends only to expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such action and the statute requires court approval before there can be any indemnification where the person seeking indemnification has been found liable to the corporation. The statute provides that it is not exclusive of other indemnification that may be granted by a corporation's certificate of incorporation, bylaws, disinterested director vote, stockholder vote, agreement or otherwise.

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        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation also contains indemnification rights for our directors and our officers. Specifically, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that we shall indemnify our officers and directors to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL.

        We have obtained directors' and officers' insurance to cover our directors, officers and some of our employees for certain liabilities.

        We have entered into written indemnification agreements with our directors and officers. Under these agreements, if an officer or director makes a claim of indemnification to us, either a majority of the independent directors or independent legal counsel selected by the independent directors must review the relevant facts and make a determination whether the officer or director has met the standards of conduct under Delaware law that would permit (under Delaware law) and require (under the indemnification agreement) us to indemnify the officer or director.

ITEM 16.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

        (a)   Exhibits.

        The exhibits listed on the accompanying Exhibit Index are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Registration Statement, and such Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 17.    Undertakings

        The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Denver, in the State of Colorado, on March 5, 2015.

    ANTERO RESOURCES CORPORATION

 

 

By:

 

/s/ GLEN C. WARREN, JR.

    Name:   Glen C. Warren, Jr.
    Title:   President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary


POWER OF ATTORNEY

        KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Glen C. Warren, Jr. and Paul M. Rady, and each of them, his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this registration statement (including pre and post-effective amendments and registration statements filed pursuant to Rule 462 or otherwise) and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and the other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and hereby grants to such attorneys-in-fact and agents and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or his or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons on March 5, 2015 in the capacities indicated.

Name   Title

 

 

 
/s/ PAUL M. RADY

Paul M. Rady
  Chairman of the Board, Director and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ GLEN C. WARREN, JR.

Glen C. Warren, Jr.

 

Director, President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
(Principal Financial Officer)

/s/ K. PHIL YOO

K. Phil Yoo

 

Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/ ROBERT J. CLARK

Robert J. Clark

 

Director

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Name   Title

 

 

 
/s/ RICHARD W. CONNOR

Richard W. Connor
  Director

/s/ BENJAMIN A. HARDESTY

Benjamin A. Hardesty

 

Director

/s/ PETER R. KAGAN

Peter R. Kagan

 

Director

/s/ W. HOWARD KEENAN, JR.

W. Howard Keenan, Jr.

 

Director

/s/ JAMES R. LEVY

James R. Levy

 

Director

/s/ CHRISTOPHER R. MANNING

Christopher R. Manning

 

Director

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Exhibit
Number
  Exhibit Title
  1.1 ** Underwriting Agreement.

 

3.1

 

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Antero Resources Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-36120) filed on October 17, 2013).

 

3.2

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Antero Resources Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-36120) filed on October 17, 2013).

 

4.1

 

Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 3 to Antero Resources Corporation's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Commission File No. 333-189284) filed on September 24, 2013).

 

5.1

*

Opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.

 

23.1

*

Consent of KPMG, LLP.

 

23.2

*

Consent of DeGolyer and MacNaughton, independent reserve engineers.

 

23.3

*

Consent of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. (contained in Exhibit 5.1 hereto).

 

24.1

*

Power of Attorney (included on the signature page to this Registration Statement).

*
Filed herewith.

**
To be filed as an exhibit to a report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or in a post-effective amendment to this registration statement.

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