UNITED STATES

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.    )

 

  Filed by the Registrant Filed by a Party other than the Registrant

Check the appropriate box:
Preliminary Proxy Statement
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
Definitive Proxy Statement
Definitive Additional Materials
Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12

 

 

ANTERO MIDSTREAM CORPORATION

 

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

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JUNE 17, 202016, 2021

 

8:00 A.M. Mountain Time

 

Antero Principal Executive Offices

1615 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202

NOTICE

of 20202021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

 

The 20202021 Annual Meeting of ShareholdersStockholders of Antero Midstream Corporation (“Antero Midstream”) will be held online on Wednesday, June 17, 2020,16, 2021, at 8:00 A.M. Mountain Time, at our principal executive offices at 1615 Wynkoop Street, Denver, CO 80202.Time. The Annual Meeting is being held for the following purposes:purposes listed below:

 

AGENDA

 

1.Elect the three Class III members of Antero Midstream Corporation’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) named in this Proxy Statement to serve until Antero Midstream’s 20232024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders;Stockholders,
2.Ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as Antero Midstream’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2020;2021,
3.Approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of Antero Midstream’s named executive officers;officers,
4.Approve, on an advisory basis, the frequency of future advisory votes on the compensation of Antero Midstream’s named executive officers; and
5.Transact other such business as may properly come before the meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof.

 

These proposals are described in the accompanying proxy materials.

 

RECORD DATE

 

April 22, 202020, 2021

 

By order of the Board of Directors,

 

 

Glen C. Warren, Jr.

President and Secretary

WHO MAY VOTE:

 

You will be able to vote at the Annual Meeting—either in person or by proxy—Meeting only if you were a shareholderstockholder of record at the close of business on April 22, 2020,20, 2021, the record date for the Annual Meeting. The Board requests your proxy for the Annual Meeting, which will authorize the individuals named in the proxy to represent you and vote your shares at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

 

HOW TO RECEIVE ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE ANNUAL MEETING MATERIALS:

 

Pursuant to rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, we have elected to provide access to our proxy solicitation materials electronically, rather than mailing paper copies of these materials to each shareholder.stockholder. Beginning on April 27, 2020,28, 2021, we will mail to each shareholderstockholder a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials with instructions on how to access the proxy materials, vote, or request paper copies.

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERSSTOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON JUNE 17, 2020:16, 2021:

 

This Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (the “Form 10-K”) are available on our website free of charge atwww.anteromidstream.comin the “SEC Filings” subsection of the “Investors” section.

 

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT

 

Your vote is important. We urge you to review the accompanying Proxy Statement carefully and to submit your proxy as soon as possible so that your shares will be represented at the meeting.


We intend to hold the Annual Meeting in person. However, we are actively monitoring the impacts of COVID-19. In the event we believe it is not possible or advisable to hold the Annual Meeting in person, we will announce alternative arrangements for the meeting as promptly as practicable, which may include holding the meeting partially or solely by means of remote communication. Please monitor our website atwww.anteromidstream.comfor updated information. If you are planning to attend the Annual Meeting, please check our website ten days prior to the meeting date. If we hold the Annual Meeting partially or solely by means of remote communication, it is currently our intent to resume in-person meetings with our 2021 Annual Meeting and thereafter, assuming normal circumstances. As always, we encourage you to vote your shares prior to the Annual Meeting.

 

REVIEW YOUR PROXY STATEMENT
AND VOTE IN ONE OF FOUR WAYS:
    
         
If you are a registered shareholderstockholder as of therecord date, you may vote your shares orsubmit a proxy to have your shares voted byone of the following methods: 

INTERNET


Use the website listed on the Notice of Internet Availability (the “Notice”)

 

BY
TELEPHONE


Use the toll-free number listed on the Notice

 

BY MAIL


Sign, date and return your proxy card in the provided pre-addressed envelope

 

IN PERSON

DURING THE
ANNUAL MEETING
Vote in person by completing a ballot atonline during the Annual Meeting. See page 58 of the Proxy Statement for instructions on how to attend

online
 

Table of Contents

 

PROXY STATEMENT54
2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders5
  
PROXY SUMMARY74
  
Corporate Responsibility4
2020 Business Performance Highlights6
Investor Outreach6
Corporate Governance Highlights6
Executive Compensation Highlights6
Current Directors and Board Nominees7
2019 Business Performance HighlightsSafety and Incentive Plan Results7
Corporate GovernanceEnvironmental Highlights8
Executive Compensation Highlights2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders8
  
ITEM ONE:ELECTION OF DIRECTORS911
  
DIRECTORS1012
  
Class I Directors Seeking Reelection1012
Class II Directors1214
Class III Directors1316
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS18
  
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE1519
  
Recent Corporate Governance Developments15
Corporate Governance Guidelines1519
Director Independence1619
Board Leadership Structure1620
Executive Sessions; Election of Lead Director1620
How Director Nominees are Selected1720
Majority Vote Director Resignation Policy1721
Board’s Role in Risk Oversight1822
Board and Committee Self-Evaluations1822
Meetings1923
Interested Party Communications1923
Available Governance Materials2024
  
BOARD COMMITTEES2024
  
General2024
Audit Committee2125
Compensation Committee2125
Nominating & Governance Committee2126
Conflicts Committee2226
Environment, Sustainability and Social Governance (ESG) Committee2226
  
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS2227
  
General2227
Annual Cash Retainers2327
Equity-Based Compensation and Stock Ownership Guidelines23
Responsiveness to Current Economic Environment2428
Total Non-Employee Director Compensation2428
  
ITEM TWO:TWO RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM2529

 - 2021 Proxy Statement2
 
AUDIT MATTERS2630
  
Audit Committee Report2630
Audit and Other Fees2731

- 2020 Proxy Statement3
 
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ITEM THREE:ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION2832
ITEM FOUR:ADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF FUTURE ADVISORY VOTES ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION29
  
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS3033
  
20192020 Named Executive Officers3033
2020 Say-on-Pay Advisory Vote33
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives of Our Compensation Program3034
Compensation Best Practices3134
Implementing Our Compensation Program Objectives3134
Elements of Direct Compensation3538
Other Benefits3941
Impact of Simplification Transaction40
20202021 Compensation Decisions4142
Other Matters4243
Compensation Committee Report4445
  
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES4546
  
Summary Compensation Table4546
Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal Year 201920204647
Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table47
Outstanding Equity Awards at 20192020 Fiscal Year-End4948
Option Exercises and Stock Vested in Fiscal Year 201920205049
Pension Benefits5049
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation5049
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control5149
Equity Compensation Plan Information5352
CEOChief Executive Officer Pay Ratio5352
  
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT5554
  
Beneficial Ownership5554
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE56
DELINQUENT SECTION 16(A) REPORTS56
  
RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS5756
  
General5756
Agreements with Antero Resources57
Employment6361
  
QUORUM AND VOTING6462
  
Voting Stock6462
Quorum6462
ShareholderStockholder List6462
Vote Required6562
Default Voting6563
Revoking Your Proxy66
Solicitation Expenses6663
Copies of the Annual Report6663
  
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION6764
  
Proxy Materials, Annual Report and Other Information6764
ShareholdersStockholders Sharing an Address6764
ShareholderStockholder Proposals and Director Nominations for the 20212022 Annual Meeting6764

 

 20202021 Proxy Statement3
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PROXY STATEMENT

PROXY SUMMARY

This summary highlights information contained in this Proxy Statement. This summary does not contain all of the information you should consider, and you should read this entire Proxy Statement before voting.

Corporate Responsibility

Human Capital

The largest contribution in making us a responsible and sustainable company comes from our talented and experienced employees. We encourage our employees to embrace the below values and work every day to make these values apparent in all that we do.

The safety and security of our people and the integrity of our operations are among our top priorities. When it comes to our health and safety compliance program, we seek to protect our workforce and the communities in which we operate by setting a goal of zero incidents, zero harm, and zero compromise. We have well-developed and thoughtful processes for identifying and mitigating safety risks:
Identification – behavior-based safety programs, job safety analysis, emergency response drills and contractor vetting through a reputable third-party vendor
Mitigation – contractor safety improvement plans, root cause analyses, risk ranking/mitigation reviews for every project, pre-job safety startup reviews, and a library of over 30 individual training courses
We seek to promote a culture of best-in-class ethical business practices. Doing the right thing is essential to our culture, and we communicate to our employees that it is essential to their, and our, long-term success.
We conduct an annual, company-wide ethics and compliance training program that covers, among other things, ethical business practices, insider trading, and anti-discrimination and anti-harassment
Our success as a company is not measured only by our financial results but also by how we treat our employees. We seek to help our people enjoy healthier lives, achieve educational goals, and pursue economic opportunities for themselves and their families by offering competitive compensation and benefits.
Healthcare coverage – medical and prescription, dental and vision
Financial assistance – health savings accounts, dependent care flexible spending account coverage and 401(k) plan with matching
Insurance – basic life, accidental death and disability, short-term disability and long-term disability coverage
Lifestyle – employee assistance program, holidays and personal choice days, paid vacation and sick leave, company-paid parental leave, subsidized gym memberships and free parking and public transportation
We respect human rights and promote them in our supply chain by, among other things, adhering to our internal policies, including:
Supplier Code of Conduct – promotes the fair and ethical treatment of suppliers, contractors, independent consultants and other parties that Antero Midstream works with through a set of guidelines focusing on equal opportunity, workplace safety, compensation and protection of proprietary information
Human, Labor and Indigenous Rights Policy – promotes respect of human rights through compliance with applicable national and local laws as well as material trends and norms with respect to compensation, discrimination, health and safety, community and indigenous peoples

 - 2021 Proxy Statement   4
 
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Diversity

24% of our workforce are women
Two out of seven independent directors (or 29%) are women
22% of directors, senior vice presidents, and vice presidents, including the Chief Accounting Officer, General Counsel, Senior Vice President of Operations and Vice President of Geology, are women
Adopted a Diversity and Inclusion Policy that promotes diversity and equal opportunity in selecting employees and candidates for Board service and prohibits all forms of unlawful discrimination based on, among other things, race, religion, sex and gender by requiring individuals of all backgrounds, skills and viewpoints to be considered for Board service and as candidates for employment

Governance

Independent lead director
Seven out of nine directors (or 78%) are independent
All committees are chaired by and composed entirely of independent directors
Formed the Environment, Sustainability and Social Governance (ESG) Committee of the Board to guide and govern ESG initiatives
Proactive engagement with stockholders regarding ESG performance and management compensation
Prohibition on hedging or pledging stock
Robust stock ownership guidelines for executives and directors
Directors will range from 46 to 70 years old when Michael N. Kennedy joins the Board on April 30, 2021

Safety and Sustainability(1)

100% of fresh water used was transported by pipeline
83% of total produced water generated was transported to Antero Resources Corporation (“Antero Resources”) for reuse in 2020
Reduced greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emission intensity as compared to third-party reported industry averages and prior years of operations
(1)Data retrieved from 2019 sustainability reports or calculated from 2019 sustainability and public disclosures. Antero Resources’ and Antero Midstream’s emission intensity is based on the total GHG emissions reported to the EPA under Subpart W of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule Program. Antero Resources’ and Antero Midstream’s methane leak loss rate performance is derived from average data derived from OneFuture. GHG intensity includes companies’ midstream and/or downstream operations.

PROXY STATEMENT

 - 2021 Proxy Statement5
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One of the lowest methane leak loss rates in the industry
Water pipeline use eliminated 471,000 truck trips in 2020
Antero Midstream recycles 31% of total water used by Antero Resources
One of the lowest lost time incident rates in the industry (no incidents in 2020)
4,366 employee safety training hours in 2020
We encourage you to visit https://www. anteromidstream.com/community-sustainability for more information regarding strides made with respect to sustainability and performance

Community Engagement

Through the Antero Foundation, Antero Midstream and Antero Resources:
Donated more than $680,000 in philanthropic and community giving in 2020
Logged 748 community service hours in 2020 (curtailed due to COVID-19) (3,287 in 2019)
Contributed meaningful regional employment opportunities
Provided regulatory compliance programs and workshops for contractors
Donated much-needed funds and equipment to healthcare providers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

 

2020 Business Performance Highlights

During 2020, we focused on our liquidity profile, our outstanding debt leverage and our rate of return:

We had $1.5 billion in liquidity at December 31, 2020 and an attractive debt maturity schedule.
Focused on corporate and project level rates of return.
Improved balance sheet strength.

Investor Outreach

Antero Midstream and the Board value input from Antero Midstream’s stockholders and we are committed to maintaining an open dialogue to receive feedback on important items. In 2020, we continued to maintain open dialogue with our stockholders with regard to governance-related issues, including environmental and social matters, and compensation.

Corporate Governance Highlights

In 2020, the Board, with guidance from the ESG committee, continued to focus on improving the Company’s social governance practices. For example, in 2020 we adopted the following new policies and codes of conduct, which are available on the Company’s website:

Diversity and Inclusion Policy
Supplier Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Human, Labor and Indigenous Rights Policy

Executive Compensation Highlights

Below is a summary of key components and decisions regarding our executive compensation program for 2020:

Long-term incentive compensation awards vest over periods of several years to reward sustained Antero Midstream performance over time.
Long-term incentive compensation awards for our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer were delayed from April 2020 to July 2020 due in part to the impact of COVID-19 on the market and the depressed stock price, but the Company has returned to the historic April grant cycles for 2021. The long-term incentive values for the Chief Executive Officer and President were significantly lower in 2020 relative to prior years to account for stockholder value loss resulting from COVID-19. This resulted in total compensation levels that are in the bottom quartile of the Company’s peers.

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No annual incentive plan metrics were approved in 2020 in light of unstable market conditions, largely due to COVID-19. Following the end of the year the Compensation Committee performed a subjective and fullsome assessment of our Named Executive Officers’ performance in 2020. The Compensation Committee determined that our Named Executive Officers made strategic financial and operational decisions that significantly improved our stock price during 2020, warranting a bonus of 115% of targeted levels. The annual incentive plan has been reinstated for 2021.
Base salary levels for the Named Executive Officers were not increased in 2020, as was the case in 2018 and 2019 for our Chief Executive Officer and President.
Each of the Named Executive Officers is employed at-will and none of the Named Executive Officers is party to an employment agreement, severance agreement or change in control agreement.

Current Directors and Board Nominees

Committee Memberships
Name and AgeDirector Class and OccupationDirector SinceIndependentAuditCompNom & GovConflictsESG
Peter A. Dea
Age: 67
Class I Director
Co-Founder and Executive Chairman
of Confluence Resources LP
2019
W. Howard Keenan, Jr.
Age: 70
Class I Director
Member of Yorktown Partners LLC
2019
Janine J. McArdle
Age: 60
Class I Director
Founder and CEO of Apex
Strategies, LLC
2020
Glen C. Warren, Jr.(1)
Age: 65
Class II Director
Antero Midstream President
and Secretary
2019
Michael N. Kennedy(2)
Age: 46
Class II Director Nominee
Chief Financial Officer of Antero
Midstream and SVP – Finance
2021
Brooks J. Klimley
Age: 64
Class II Director Nominee
Founder of Brooks J. Klimley &
Associates
2019
John C. Mollenkopf
Age: 59
Class II Director Nominee
Retired Chief Operating Officer
of MarkWest operations of MPLX
GP LLC
2019
Paul M. Rady
Age: 67
Class III Director
Chairman of the Board and Antero
Midstream Chief Executive Officer
2019
David H. Keyte
Age: 65
Class III Director, Lead Director
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of Caerus Oil and Gas LLC
2019
Rose M. Robeson
Age: 60
Class III Director
Retired Chief Financial Officer of
DCP Midstream GP, LLC
2019
Chairperson
(1)Effective April 30, 2021, Glen C. Warren, Jr. will retire from the Board and as an officer of Antero Midstream and Antero Resources.
(2)Effective April 30, 2021, Michael N. Kennedy, currently Chief Financial Officer of Antero Midstream, will be named Chief Financial Officer of Antero Resources Corporation, will cease to be the Chief Financial Officer of Antero Midstream Corporation and will continue to serve as Senior Vice President of Finance at Antero Midstream Corporation and as Senior Vice President of Finance at Antero Resources Corporation. Also, on April 30, 2021, Mr. Kennedy will be appointed to the Board to fill the vacancy that will be created upon Mr. Warren’s retirement, and Mr. Kennedy will stand for election at the Annual Meeting.

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Safety and Environmental Highlights(1)

We continue to be an industry leader with one of the lowest rates for both lost time injuries and Occupational Health and Safety Administration recordable injuries. For 2020, we and our contractors experienced no lost time incidents.

In 2020, we demonstrated peer-leading performance in our GHG intensity and methane leak loss rate, and we continue to have one of the lowest GHG intensities and methane leak loss rates in the industry.

We are an active member of the U.S. EPA Natural Gas STAR program, ONE Future, The Environmental Partnership, and the Colorado State University’s Methane Emissions Technology Evaluation Center. Our participation in these organizations and programs provides us with additional information and resources as we continue our efforts to reduce GHG emissions. As a result of our fresh water pipeline infrastructure, Antero Midstream eliminated 471,000 water truck trips in 2020, leading to reduced GHG emissions. Antero Resources and Antero Midstream recycled and reused 83% of flow-back and produced water in 2020 and decreased fresh water usage by 73% in 2020, compared to 55% in 2019.

(1)Data retrieved from 2019 sustainability reports or calculated from 2019 sustainability and public disclosures. Antero Resources’ and Antero Midstream’s intensity is based on the total GHG emissions reported to the EPA under Subpart W of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule Program. Antero Resources’ and Antero Midstream’s leak loss rate performance is derived from average data derived from OneFuture. GHG intensity includes companies’ midstream and/or downstream operations.

2021 Annual Meeting of ShareholdersStockholders

 

This Proxy Statement is being furnished to you in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Antero Midstream Corporation (“Antero Midstream” or the “Company”) for use at the 20202021 Annual Meeting of ShareholdersStockholders (the “Annual Meeting”). The Annual Meeting will be held online on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at 8:00 A.M. Mountain Time. The record date for the Annual Meeting is April 20, 2021.

Online Meeting

We are pleased this year to conduct the Annual Meeting solely online via the Internet through a live webcast and online stockholder tools. We are conducting the Annual Meeting virtually because we believe a virtual format facilitates stockholder attendance and participation. This format empowers stockholders around the world to participate at no cost. We have designed the virtual format to enhance stockholder access and participation and to protect stockholder rights. For example:

 

DATE:Wednesday, June 17, 2020We Encourage Questions.Stockholders have multiple opportunities to submit questions for the meeting. Stockholders may submit a question online in advance or live during the meeting, following the instructions below. During the meeting, we will answer as many appropriate stockholder-submitted questions as time permits. Following the Annual Meeting, we will publish an answer to each appropriate question we received on our Investor Relations website at www.anteromidstream.com/investors as soon as practical.
TIME:8:00 A.M. Mountain TimeWe Believe in Transparency.Although the live webcast is available only to stockholders at the time of the meeting, following completion of the Annual Meeting, a webcast replay, final report of the inspector of election, and answers to all appropriate questions asked by stockholders in connection with the Annual Meeting will be posted to our Investor Relations website at www.anteromidstream.com/investors.
LOCATION:1615 Wynkoop Street, Denver, CO 80202We Proactively Take Steps to Facilitate Your Participation. During the Annual Meeting, we will offer live technical support for all stockholders attending the meeting.
RECORD DATE:April 22, 2020

 

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HowMeeting Admission

You are entitled to Voteattend and participate in the virtual Annual Meeting only if you were a stockholder as of the close of business on April 20, 2021 or if you hold a valid proxy for the Annual Meeting. If you are not a stockholder, you may still view the meeting after the recording has been posted on our Investor Relations website.

Attending Online. If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting online, please be aware of what you will need to gain admission, as described below. If you do not comply with the procedures described here for attending the Annual Meeting online, you will not be able to participate in the Annual Meeting. Stockholders may participate in the Annual Meeting by visiting www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/AM2021.

To attend online and participate in the Annual Meeting, stockholders of record must use their control number on their Notice of Internet Availability (the “Notice”) or proxy card to log into www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/AM2021. For beneficial stockholders who do not have a control number, instructions to gain access to the meeting may be provided on the voting instruction card provided by their broker, bank, or other nominee.

Stockholders of record—those holding shares directly with American Stock Transfer and Trust Company LLC—will be on a list maintained by the inspector of elections.

“Beneficial” or “street name” stockholders—those holding shares through a broker, bank, or other nominee.

We encourage you to access the meeting prior to the start time. Please allow ample time for online check-in, which will begin at 7:45 A.M. Mountain Time. We will have technicians ready to assist if you have difficulties accessing the virtual meeting during the check-in time or during the Annual Meeting. If you encounter any difficulties accessing the virtual meeting during the check-in or course of the Annual Meeting, please call: if in the United States, toll-free at (844) 986-0822; or if international, (303) 562-9302.

Asking Questions.Stockholders who wish to submit a question in advance may do so on our Annual Meeting website, www.virtualshareholdermeeting. com/AM2021, which will be open 15 minutes prior to the start time of the Annual Meeting. Stockholders also may submit questions live during the meeting. We plan to reserve up to 20 minutes for appropriate stockholder questions to be read and answered by Company personnel during the meeting. Stockholders can also access copies of this Proxy Statement and annual report at our Annual Meeting website. In submitting questions, please note that we will only address questions that are germane to the matters being voted on at our Annual Meeting.

Voting Before or During the Meeting

Whether you are a stockholder of record or a beneficial stockholder, you may direct how your shares are voted without participating in the Annual Meeting. We encourage stockholders to vote well before the Annual Meeting, even if they plan to attend the virtual meeting, by completing proxies online or by telephone, or, if they received printed copies of these materials, by mailing their proxy cards. Stockholders can vote via the Internet in advance of or during the meeting. Stockholders who attend the virtual Annual Meeting should follow the instructions at www.virtualshareholdermeeting. com/AM2021 to vote during the meeting.

 

If you are a registered shareholderstockholder as of the record date, you may vote your shares or submit a proxy to have your shares voted by one of the following methods:

 

Online.Online. Submit a proxy electronically using the website listed on the Notice of Internet Availability (the “Notice”).Notice. Please have the Notice handy when you log on to the website. Internet voting facilities will be available until 11:59 p.m., Mountain Time, on Tuesday, June 16, 2020.15, 2021.
By Telephone.TelephoneAccess. Request the proxy materials and submit a proxy by telephone using the toll-free number listed on the Notice. Please have the Notice handy when you call. Telephone voting facilities will be available until 11:59 p.m., Mountain Time, on Tuesday, June 16, 2020.15, 2021.
By Mail. You may request a hard copy proxy card by following the instructions on the Notice. You can submit your proxy by signing, dating and returning your proxy card in the provided pre-addressed envelope.

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In Person.Person Online. If you are a registered shareholderstockholder and you attend the Annual Meeting online, you maycan vote in person by completing a ballot. If you are not present atvia the Internet during the meeting. Stockholders who attend the virtual Annual Meeting your shares may be voted only by a personshould follow the instructions at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/AM2021 to whom you have given a proper proxy. Attendingvote during the meeting without completing a ballot will not count as a vote.meeting.

 

If you are a beneficial shareholderstockholder (meaning your shares are held in “street name” by a broker or bank as of the record date), you will receive instructions from the holder of record that you must follow for your shares to be voted. Most banks and brokers offer Internet and telephone voting. If you do not give voting instructions, your broker will not be permitted to vote your shares on any matter that comes before the Annual Meeting except the ratification of our auditors.

 

As of the record date, 476,696,017477,357,880 shares of common stock were outstanding and entitled to be voted at the Annual Meeting. Holders of shares of our 5.5% Series A Non-Voting Perpetual Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) are not entitled to vote such shares at the Annual Meeting.

 

AttendingRevoking Your Proxy or Changing Your Vote. Stockholders of record may revoke their proxy at any time before the electronic polls close by submitting a later-dated vote via the Internet, by telephone or by mail; by delivering instructions to our Secretary before the Annual Meeting

All holders of our common stock as of the record date and individuals holding valid proxies from such shareholders are invited to attend commences; or by voting online in person during the Annual Meeting. To gain entranceBeneficial stockholders may revoke any prior voting instructions by contacting the broker, bank, or other nominee that holds their shares prior to the meeting, you must present valid, government-issued photo identification. If you are a registered holder, you also must have your proxy card (if you requested printed materials)Annual Meeting or your Notice. If you are a beneficial shareholder, you also must have a letter from your bank or broker or a brokerage statement evidencing ownership of Antero Midstream shares as ofby voting online during the record date. Anyone purporting to serve as a proxy will be required to present a valid written proxy from the registered holder. If you are a beneficialmeeting.

 

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shareholder and you would like to vote in person at the meeting, you must present a valid written proxy from your broker, bank, or other nominee. Holders of only shares of our Series A Preferred Stock are not entitled to attend the Annual Meeting.

We intend to hold the Annual Meeting in person. However, we are actively monitoring the impacts of COVID-19. In the event we believe it is not possible or advisable to hold the Annual Meeting in person, we will announce alternative arrangements for the meeting as promptly as practicable, which may include holding the meeting partially or solely by means of remote communication. Please monitor our website at www.anteromidstream.com for updated information. If you are planning to attend the Annual Meeting, please check our website ten days prior to the meeting date. If we hold the Annual Meeting partially or solely by means of remote communication, it is currently our intent to resume in-person meetings with our 2021 Annual Meeting and thereafter, assuming normal circumstances. As always, we encourage you to vote your shares prior to the Annual Meeting.

- 2020 Proxy Statement6
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PROXY SUMMARYITEM ONE:ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Current Directors and Board Nominees

Committee Memberships
Name and AgeDirector Class and OccupationDirector SinceIndependentAuditCompNom & GovConflictsESG*
Peter A. Dea
Age: 66
Class I Director Nominee
Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Confluence Resources LP
2019
W. Howard Keenan, Jr.
Age: 69
Class I Director Nominee
Member of Yorktown Partners LLC
2019
Janine J. McArdle
Age: 59
Class I Director Nominee
Founder and CEO of Apex Strategies, LLC
2020
Glen C. Warren, Jr.
Age: 64
Class II Director
Antero Midstream President and Secretary
2019
Brooks J. Klimley
Age: 63
Class II Director
Member of the Silverfern Group
2019
John C. Mollenkopf
Age: 58
Class II Director
Retired former Chief Operating Officer of MarkWest operations of MPLX GP LLC
2019
Paul M. Rady
Age: 66
Class III Director
Chairman of the Board and Antero Midstream Chief Executive Officer
2019
David H. Keyte
Age: 64
Class III Director, Lead Director
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Caerus Oil and Gas LLC
2019
Rose M. Robeson
Age: 59
Class III Director
Retired former Chief Financial Officer of DCP Midstream GP, LLC
2019

Chairperson
*Environment, Sustainability and Social Governance (ESG) Committee

2019 Business Performance Highlights and Incentive Plan Results

2019 was a year of significant accomplishment for Antero Midstream in which we delivered on our shareholder strategy, including:

Focused on corporate and project level rates of return
Maintained balance sheet strength
Achieved another year of double-digit throughtput growth
Returned $734 million of capital to shareholders through dividends and our share repurchase program
Continued to focus on operating safely with industry leading Total Recordable Incident Rate

Annual Incentive Plan Results.Our performance for 2019 resulted in a payout calculation of 105.146%. The Compensation Committee reduced the payouts for Messrs. Rady and Warren to 95.32% and 95.35%, respectively, to adjust for current market conditions. The full details of our annual incentive plan metrics, goals and results are shown on page 36 of this Proxy Statement.

- 2020 Proxy Statement7
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Corporate Governance Highlights

In connection with the closing of the Transactions (as defined in “Related Person Transactions—Agreements with Antero Resources Corporation—Simplification Agreement”) in March 2019, we, among other things, converted into a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware and empaneled the Board with individuals who were formerly directors of the general partner of Antero Midstream GP LP, our predecessor entity, and the general partner of Antero Midstream Partners LP. The Board continues to look for specific skill sets when identifying and evaluating prospective nominees, and also considers personal and professional diversity. David H. Keyte was added to the Board in April 2019, became the chair of our Compensation Committee at such time and currently also serves as the chair of our Conflicts Committee, as a member of our Nominating and Governance Committee, and as our Lead Director. Janine J. McArdle was added to the Board in March 2020. Ms. McArdle was appointed to serve on our Compensation Committee and our Environment, Sustainability and Social Governance (ESG) Committee, which the Board established in April 2020, with Mr. Klimley serving as the chair and Ms. McArdle and Mr. Mollenkopf serving as committee members.

Executive Compensation Highlights

In 2019, we adopted a compensation program that focuses on returns and value creation per share that will reward disciplined capital investment, efficient operations, and distributable cash flow generation. For calendar year 2019, we utilized an annual incentive program that focused on four key performance metrics, ensuring success is achieved across several different metrics before target bonus levels are paid. Additionally, through our long-term incentive program, we seek to balance the twin goals of retaining our Named Executive Officers and motivating performance focused on increased returns on our capital investments. We believe our compensation philosophy and practices promote a strong alignment between Named Executive Officer pay and Company performance and deliver substantial value to our shareholders.

- 2020 Proxy Statement8
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ITEM ONE:ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

The Board of Directors is divided into three classes. Directors in each class are elected to serve for three-year terms and until either they are re-elected or their successors are elected and qualified, or until their earlier resignation or removal. Each year, the directors of one class stand for re-election as their terms of office expire. As previously disclosed, Glen C. Warren, Jr. will retire from the Board effective April 30, 2021. Michael N. Kennedy has been designated to fill the resulting vacancy and will stand for election at the Annual Meeting as Antero Resources’ designee pursuant to the Stockholders’ Agreement. Based on recommendations from our Nominating & Governance Committee, the Board has nominated the following individuals for election as Class III directors of Antero Midstream with terms to expire at the 20232024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders,Stockholders, barring an earlier resignation or removal:

 

W. Howard Keenan, Jr.Michael N. Kennedy
Peter A. DeaBrooks J. Klimley
Janine J. McArdleJohn C. Mollenkopf

 

AllBiographical information for the nominees currently serve as Class I directors of Antero Midstream. Their biographical information is contained in “Directors” and “Executive Officers” below.

 

The Board has no reason to believe that any of its nominees will be unable or unwilling to serve if elected. If a nominee becomes unable or unwilling to accept nomination or election, either the size of the Board will be reduced or the individuals acting under your proxy will vote for the election of a substitute nominee recommended by the Board.

 

THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERSSTOCKHOLDERS VOTEFOR THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES.

 

 20202021 Proxy Statement   911
 
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DIRECTORS

 

We were originally formed in 2013 as Antero Resources Midstream Management LLC to become the general partner of Antero Midstream Partners LP. In 2017, Antero Resources Midstream Management LLC converted from a limited liability company to a limited partnership under the laws of the State of Delaware, and changed its name to Antero Midstream GP LP in connection with its initial public offering. In March 2019, Antero Midstream GP LP was converted from a limited partnership to a corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware and changed its name to Antero Midstream Corporation. Other than Mr. Keyte and Ms. McArdle, who were appointed to the Board in April 2019 and March 2020, respectively, each of our existing directors was appointed to the Board in connection with the closing of the Transactions (as described below).simplification transactions (the “Simplification Transactions”) in March 2019.

 

Set forth below is the background, business experience, attributes, qualifications and skills of each Antero Midstream director and director nominee.

 

Each of the Class II directors is up for reelection at the Annual Meeting, except for Glen C. Warren, Jr., who will retire from the Board, and as an officer, of Antero Midstream effective April 30, 2021. Also on April 30, 2021, Mr. Kennedy will be appointed to the Board to fill the vacancy that will be created upon Mr. Warren’s retirement, and Mr. Kennedy will stand for election at the Annual Meeting.

Class I Directors Seeking Reelection

 

Peter A. Dea

 

Age:66 67

Director Since:2019

Committee Memberships:Conflicts Committee

 

Key Skills, Attributes and Qualifications:

 

Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Confluence Resources LP, since the company’s inception in September 2016
Co-Founder, President and CEO of Cirque Resources LP since its inception in May 2007
Former President, CEO and Director of Western Gas Resources, Inc. from 2001 through their merger with Anadarko Petroleum Corporation in 2006
CEO and Chairman of the Board of Barrett Resources Corporation from 1999 and 2000, respectively, until its sale in 2001 to Williams Companies
Served as a director of the general partner of Antero Midstream GP LP from April 2018 through the closing of the Simplification Transactions

 

Has more than 3035 years of oil and gas exploration and production experience and involvement in national and state energy policies.policies

 

Other public company boards:Public Company Boards:

 

Ovintiv Corporation,Corporation; Liberty Oilfield Services

 

 20202021 Proxy Statement   1012
 
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W. Howard Keenan, Jr.

 

Age:69 70

Director Since:2019

Committee Memberships:Compensation Committee

 

Key Skills, Attributes and Qualifications:

 

Since 1997, has been a Member of Yorktown Partners LLC, a private investment manager focused on the energy industry
From 1975 to 1997, was in the Corporate Finance Department of Dillon, Read & Co. Inc. and active in the private equity and energy areas, including the founding of the first Yorktown Partners fund in 1991
Serves on the boards of directors of multiple Yorktown Partners portfolio companies
Serves on the Board of Directors of Antero Resources Corporation (“Antero Resources”)
Served as a director of the general partner of Antero Midstream GP LP beginning in April 2017 and as a director of the general partner of Antero Midstream Partners LP beginning in February 2014, in each case, through the closing of the Simplification Transactions

 

Has over forty40 years of experience with energy companies and investments and broad knowledge of the oil and gas industry.

 

Other Public Company Boards:

 

Solaris Oilfield Infrastructure, Inc.,; Brigham Minerals, Inc.,; Antero Resources,Resources; Ramaco Resources, Inc. (until June 2019),; Concho Resources (until 2013),; Geomet Inc. (until 2012)

 

Janine J. McArdle

 

Age:59 60

Director Since:2020

Committee Memberships:Compensation Committee, Environment, Sustainability and Social Governance (ESG) Committee

 

Key Skills, Attributes and Qualifications:

 

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Apex Strategies, LLC, a global consultancy company providing advisory services to midstream and downstream energy companies, since 2016
Former executiveExecutive of Apache Corporation from 2002 to 2015 serving most recently as Senior Vice President – Gas Monetization
Served as President and Managing Director for Aquila Europe Ltd. from 2001 to 2002 and served in various executive and trading roles prior thereto

 

Has over thirty30 years of experience as an executive in the oil and gas industry with extensive experiencebackground in engineering, marketing, business development, finance and risk management.

 

Other Public Company Boards:

 

Santos Ltd,Ltd; Halcon Resources Corporation (until 2019)

 

 20202021 Proxy Statement   1113
 
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Class II Directors

 

Glen C. Warren, Jr.

 

Age:64 65

Director Since:2019

President and Secretary

Committee Memberships:None

 

Key Skills, Attributes and Qualifications:

 

ServedUntil his retirement from Antero Midstream and Antero Resouces on April 30, 2021, served as President and Secretary since the closing of the Transaction s ,Simplification Transactions, prior to which Mr. Warren served as (i) President and Secretary of the general partner of Antero Midstream GP LP beginning in January 2017 and as a director beginning in April 2017 and (ii) President and Secretary and as a director of the general partner of Antero Midstream Partners LP beginning in January 2016, prior to which he served as President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary and as a director beginning in February 2014
Served as President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary and as a director of Antero Resources Corporation’s predecessor company from its founding in 2002 to its ultimate sale to XTO Energy, Inc. in 2005
Serves asCo-founder, President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary and as a member of the Board of Directors of Antero Resources
Served as EVP, CFO and Director of Pennaco Energy from 1998 until its sale to Marathon in 2001
Spent ten years as a natural resources investment banker focused on equity and debt financing and M&A advisory with Lehman Brothers, Dillon Read & Co. Inc., and Kidder, Peabody & Co.
Began his career as a landman in the Gulf Coast region with Amoco Corporation, where he spent six years

Has significant experience as a chief financial officer of oil and gas companies, together with his experience as an investment banker and broad industry knowledge.

 

Other Public Company Boards:

 

Antero Resources

 

Michael N. Kennedy

Age: 46

Director Since: 2021

Committee Memberships: None

Key Skills, Attributes and Qualifications:

Served as Antero Midstream’s Chief Financial Officer since the closing of the Simplification Transactions in March 2019 until April 30, 2021, in connection with Mr. Warren’s retirement
Served as Antero Resources’ Senior Vice President of Finance since the closing of the Simplification Transactions, and will serve as Antero Resources’ Chief Financial Officer beginning on April 30, 2021 following Mr. Warren’s retirement
Prior to the Simplification Transactions, served as Antero Midstream’s Chief Financial Officer and Antero Resources’ Senior Vice President of Finance beginning in January 2016, prior to which he served as Vice President of Finance beginning in August 2013
Served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Forest Oil Corporation from 2009 to 2013 and served in various financial positions prior thereto
Served as an auditor with Arthur Andersen, focusing on the Natural Resources industry

Has significant experience as Chief Financial Officer of Antero Midstream, together with his broad knowledge and experience in the industry.

Other Public Company Boards:

N/A

 - 2021 Proxy Statement14
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Brooks J. Klimley

 

Age:63 64

Director Since:2019

Committee Memberships:Nominating & Governance Committee (chair), Environment, Sustainability and Social Governance (ESG) Committee (chair), Audit Committee

 

Key Skills, Attributes and Qualifications:

 

President of Brooks J. Klimley & Associates, an energy advisory services firm focused on corporate strategy, governance and finance for public and private energy, power and infrastructure companies
Adjunct Professor of Finance and Economics at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs teaching “Energy and Power Financing Markets: The Quest for Sustainable Development”
From 2013 to 2019, served as Managing Director and Head of Energy & Natural Resources at The Silverfern Group
25Over 30 years of experience leading investment banking practices covering the energy and mining sectors
Former president of energy advisory services firmprivate equity practices focused on strategy and capital raising forthe energy and natural resources companies
Numerous years experience at various financial institutionssectors
Served as a director of the general partner of Antero Midstream GP LP beginning in 2017, and as a director of the general partner of Antero Midstream Partners LP from March 2015 to 2017, in each case, through the closing of the Simplification Transactions

 

Has significant experience in finance for the public and private upstream and midstream oil and gas industry.

 

Other public company boards:Public Company Boards:

 

N/A

 

- 2020 Proxy Statement12
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John C. Mollenkopf

 

Age:58 59

Director Since:2019

Committee Memberships:Audit Committee, Environment, Sustainability and Social Governance (ESG) Committee

 

Key Skills, Attributes and Qualifications:

 

Prior to his retirement in 2016, served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for MarkWest operations of MPLX GP LLC
In 2002, was one of five founders of MarkWest Energy Partners, L.P. (“MarkWest”), and until 2015, served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
From 1996 to 2002, worked in various senior management roles for MarkWest Hydrocarbon, Inc.
From 19831982 to 1996, worked for ARCO Oil and Gas Company in various roles in engineering and operations
Served as a director of the general partner of Antero Midstream GP LP beginning in April 2017 through the closing of the Simplification Transactions

 

Has significant experience in executive management, business development, marketing, engineering and operations in the oil and gas industry.

 

Other public company boards:Public Company Boards:

 

N/A

 

 - 2021 Proxy Statement15
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Class III Directors

 

Paul M. Rady

 

Age:66 67

Director Since:2019

Chief Executive Officer and Chairman

Committee Memberships:None

 

Key Skills, Attributes and Qualifications:

 

Served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Antero Midstream since the closing of the Transactions;Simplification Transactions, prior to which Mr. Rady served as (i) Chief Executive Officer of the general partner of Antero Midstream GP LP beginning in January 2017 and2017; (ii) as Chairman of the board of directors of such entity beginning in April 2017; Mr. Rady also previously servedand (iii) as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the board of directors of the general partner of Antero Midstream Partners LP beginning in February 2014
Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Antero Resources Corporation
Will also serve as President of Antero Resources Corporation and Antero Midstream Corporation beginning on April 30, 2021 following Mr. Warren’s retirement
Served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Antero Resources Corporation’s predecessor company from its founding in 2002 to its ultimate sale to XTO Energy, Inc. in 2005
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Antero Resources Corporation
Served as President, CEO and Chairman of Pennaco Energy from 1998 until its sale to Marathon in 2001
Worked with Barrett Resources Corporation from 1990 until 1998, moving from Chief GeologistGeologist; to Exploration Manager,Manager; EVP Exploration; President, COO and Director; and ultimately CEO
Began his career with Amoco Corporation, where he served ten years as a geologist focused on the Rockies and Mid-Continent

 

Has significant experience as a chief executive of oil and gas companies, together with his training as a geologist and broad industry knowledge.

 

Other Public Company Boards:

 

Antero Resources

 

- 2020 Proxy Statement13
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David H. Keyte (Lead Director)

 

Age:64 65

Director Since:2019

Committee Memberships:Compensation Committee (chair), Conflicts Committee (chair), Nominating & Governance Committee

 

Key Skills, Attributes and Qualifications:

 

Co-founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Caerus Oil and Gas LLC since 2009
Former executive of Forest Oil Corporation

 

Has significant experience in executive management and finance in the oil and gas industry.

 

Other public company boards:Public Company Boards:

 

N/ARegal Entertainment Group (until 2018)

 

 - 2021 Proxy Statement16
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Rose M. Robeson

 

Age:59 60

Director Since:2019

Committee Memberships:Audit Committee (chair), Nominating & Governance Committee, Conflicts Committee

 

Key Skills, Attributes and Qualifications:

 

From 2012 untilto 2014, served as Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of DCP Midstream GP, LLC
Previously served as Group Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of DCP Midstream LLC from 2002 to 2012
Served as a director of the general partner of Antero Midstream GP LP beginning in 2017 through the closing of the Simplification Transactions

 

Has more than 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, including exploration and production, midstream and marketing. Has significant financial management, risk management and accounting oversight experience.

 

Other public company boards:Public Company Boards:

 

SM Energy Company,Company; Newpark Resources Inc.; The Williams Companies; Tesco Corporation (until 2017); American Midstream Partners LP (until 2016)

 

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The table below sets forth the name, age and principal position of each of our executive officers as of December 31, 2020. Effective April 30, 2021, Glen C. Warren, Jr. will retire as President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of Antero Resources and President and Secretary of Antero Midstream. Mr. Warren will also step down from the board of directors of both companies as of the same date. Effective upon Mr. Warren’s retirement, (i) Paul M. Rady, currently Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Antero Resources and Antero Midstream, will also be named President of Antero Resources and Antero Midstream, (ii) Michael N. Kennedy, currently Senior Vice President of Finance at Antero Resources and Antero Midstream and Chief Financial Officer of Antero Midstream, will be named Chief Financial Officer of Antero Resources, will cease to be the Chief Financial Officer of Antero Midstream and will continue to serve as Senior Vice President of Finance of Antero Midstream and Senior Vice President of Finance of Antero Resources and (iii) Brendan E. Krueger, currently Vice President of Finance and Treasurer of Antero Resources and Antero Midstream, will be named Chief Financial Officer of Antero Midstream and will continue to serve as Treasurer and Vice President of Antero Resources and Antero Midstream. Also effective upon Mr. Warren’s retirement, Mr. Kennedy will be appointed to the Board and will stand for election at the Annual Meeting.

NameAgePrincipal Position
Paul M. Rady67Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Glen C. Warren, Jr.65Director, President and Secretary
Alvyn A. Schopp62Chief Administrative Officer and Regional Senior Vice President
Michael N. Kennedy46Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President—Finance
W. Patrick Ash42Senior Vice President—Reserves, Planning and Midstream

Biographical information for Messrs. Rady, Warren and Kennedy is set forth under “Directors” above. References to a position held by one of the below officers at“Antero” means that the person held such position at Antero Resources Corporation, Antero Midstream,the general partner of Antero Midstream GP LP, and the general partner at Antero Midstream Partners LP, as applicable.

Alvyn A. Schopp has served as Antero’s Chief Administrative Officer and Regional Senior Vice President since January 2020, prior to which he served as Antero’s Chief Administrative Officer, Regional Senior Vice President and Treasurer beginning in February 2014. Mr. Schopp has also served as Antero’s Vice President of Accounting and Administration and Treasurer from January 2005 to September 2013, as Antero’s Controller and Treasurer from 2003 to 2005 and as Vice President of Accounting and Administration and Treasurer of Antero’s predecessor company from January 2005 until its sale to XTO Energy, Inc. in April 2005. From 1993 to 2000, Mr. Schopp was CFO, Director and ultimately CEO of T-Netix, Inc. From 1980 to 1993 Mr. Schopp was with KPMG. As a Senior Manager with KPMG, he maintained an extensive energy and mining practice. Mr. Schopp holds a B.B.A. from Drake University.

W. Patrick Ash has served as Antero’s Senior Vice President – Reserves, Planning & Midstream, since June 2019, prior to which he served as Vice President of Reservoir Engineering and Planning beginning in December 2017. Prior to joining us, Mr. Ash was at Ultra Petroleum Corp. (“Ultra”) for six years in management positions of increasing responsibility, most recently serving as Vice President, Development, including during and after Ultra’s bankrtupcy proceedings in 2016, from which it emerged in 2017. In this position he led the reservoir engineering, geoscience, and corporate engineering groups. From 2001 to 2011, Mr. Ash served in engineering roles at Devon Energy Corporation, NFR Energy LLC and Encana Corporation. Mr. Ash holds a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering from Texas A&M University and a M.B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis.

 - 2021 Proxy Statement18
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Recent Corporate Governance Developments

In connection with the Transactions, Antero Midstream was converted from a Delaware limited partnership into a Delaware corporation. As a result of this conversion, Antero Midstream’s stockholders have enhanced governance rights, including the following:

1.Elected Directors: As a corporation, we are managed by the Board, which is composed of directors who are elected by stockholders. As a limited partnership, the directors of our general partner were not elected by unitholders.
2.Independent Board Committees. As a corporation, the Board must have a majority of independent directors and have an Audit Committee, a Nominating & Governance Committee and a Compensation Committee, with all of the members of each such committee being independent. As a limited partnership, we were only required to have an Audit Committee.
3.Enhanced Fiduciary Duties: The members of the Board have fiduciary duties under Delaware corporation law. As a limited partnership, our general partner had limited fiduciary duties.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

 

Antero Midstream’s sound governance practices and policies provide an important framework to assist the Board in fulfilling its duties to shareholders.stockholders. Antero Midstream’s Corporate Governance Guidelines include provisions concerning the following:

 

size of the Board;
qualifications, independence, responsibilities, tenure, and compensation of directors;
service on other boards;
director resignation process;
role of the Chairman of the Board and the Lead Director (if any);Director;
meetings of the Board and meetings of independent directors;
interaction of the Board with external constituencies;
annual performance reviews of the Board;
director orientation and continuing education;
attendance at meetings of the Board and the Annual Meeting;
shareholderstockholder communications with directors;
committee functions, committee charters, and independence of committee members;
director access to independent advisors and management; and
management evaluation and succession planning.

 

The Corporate Governance Guidelines are available on Antero Midstream’s website atwww.anteromidstream.comin the “Governance” subsection of the “Investors” section. The Nominating & Governance Committee reviews the Corporate Governance Guidelines periodically and as necessary, and any proposed additions to or amendments of the Corporate Governance Guidelines are presented to the Board for its approval.

 

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Director Independence

 

Rather than adopting categorical standards, the Board assesses director independence on a case-by-case basis, in each case consistent with applicable legal requirements and the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). After reviewing all relationships each director has with Antero Midstream, including the nature and extent of any business relationships, as well as any significant charitable contributions Antero Midstream makes to organizations where its directors serve as board members or executive officers, the Board has affirmatively determined that the following directors have no material relationships with Antero Midstream and are independent as defined by NYSE listing standards: Messrs. Dea, Keenan, Keyte, Klimley and Mollenkopf and Mmes. Robeson and McArdle. Neither Mr. Rady, Antero Midstream’s CEO,Chief Executive Officer, nor Mr. Warren, Antero Midstream’s President and Secretary, is considered by the Board to be an independent director. Messrs. Peters, Levy and Kagan were determined to be independent during their tenures as directors.

 

 - 2021 Proxy Statement19
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Board Leadership Structure

 

Antero Midstream does not have a formal policy addressing whether the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer should be separate or combined. The directors serving on the Board have considerable professional and industry experience, significant experience as directors of both public and private companies, and a unique knowledge of the challenges and opportunities Antero Midstream faces. Accordingly, the Board believes it is in the best position to evaluate Antero Midstream’s needs and to determine how best to organize Antero Midstream’s leadership structure to meet those needs at any given time.

 

At present, the Board has chosen to combine the positions of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The Board believes the current Chief Executive Officer is the individual with the necessary experience, commitment, and support of the other members of the Board to effectively carry out the role of Chairman. Mr. Rady brings valuable insight to the Board due to the perspective and experience he brings both as our Chief Executive Officer and as one of our founders. As the principal executive officer since our inception, Mr. Rady has unparalleled knowledge of our business and operations. As a significant stockholder, Mr. Rady is invested in our long-term success. In addition, the Board believes that combining the roles of Chairman and CEOChief Executive Officer at the present time promotes strong alignment of strategic development and execution, effective implementation of strategic initiatives, and clear accountability for Antero Midstream’s success or failure. Moreover, because seven of the nine directors are independent under NYSE rules, the Board believes this leadership structure does not impede independent oversight of Antero Midstream.

 

The Nominating & Governance Committee reviews this leadership structure every year. Subject to the terms of the Stockholders’ Agreement, the Board believes it is important to retain the flexibility to determine whether the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer should be separated or combined.

 

Executive Sessions; Election of Lead Director

 

To facilitate candid discussion among Antero Midstream’s directors, the non-management directors meet in regularly scheduledin executive sessions.

 

Pursuant to theThe Corporate Governance Guidelines permit the Board, based on the recommendation of the Nominating & Governance Committee, is permitted to choose a Lead Director to preside at these executive sessions. In April 2020, the Board elected Mr. Keyte to serve in this role. As the Lead Director, Mr. Keyte provides, in conjunction with the Chairman, leadership and guidance to the Board. He also chairs executive sessions of the non-management directors and establishes the agenda for these meetings.

 

- 2020 Proxy Statement16
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How Director Nominees are Selected

 

Renominating incumbent directors

 

Subject to the terms of the Stockholders’ Agreement, before recommending to the Board that an existing director be nominated for reelection at the annual meeting of shareholders,stockholders, the Nominating & Governance Committee will review and consider the director’s:

 

past Board and committee meeting attendance and performance;
length of Board service;
personal and professional integrity, including commitment to Antero Midstream’s core values;
relevant experience, skills, qualifications and contributions to the Board; and
independence under applicable standards.

 

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Appointing new directors and filling vacancies

 

The Board believes that all directors should have sound business judgment, personal and professional integrity, an ability to work as part of a team, willingness to commit the required time to serve as a Board member, business experience, and financial literacy. Although the Board does not have a formal policy on diversity, theThe Nominating & Governance Committee identifiesconsiders diversity as a factor it considers, along with other factors inwhen reviewing director candidates.

 

Currently,As of the date hereof, the Board embodies(which includes Mr. Warren but not Mr. Kennedy) embodied a diverse set of experiences, qualifications, attributes, and skills, as shown below:

 

 

The Nominating & Governance Committee will treat informal recommendations for directors that are received from Antero Midstream’s shareholdersstockholders in the same manner as recommendations received from any other source.

 

Majority Vote Director Resignation Policy

 

Directors are elected by a plurality of votes cast in an uncontested election. The Corporate Governance Guidelines require that an incumbent director who fails to receive the required number of votes for reelection must tender a resignation. The Nominating & Governance Committee will act on an expedited basis to determine whether to accept any such resignation, and will submit its recommendation

- 2020 Proxy Statement17
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for prompt consideration by the Board. The Board expects the director whose resignation is under consideration to abstain from participating in this decision. The Nominating & Governance Committee and the Board may consider any factors they deem relevant in deciding whether to accept a director’s resignation.

 

 - 2021 Proxy Statement21
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Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

 

In the normal course of its business, Antero Midstream is exposed to a variety of risks, including market risks relating to Antero Resources’ expected future growth, Antero Resources’ ability to meet its drilling and development plan, commodity price volatility, Antero Midstream’s ability to execute its business strategy, competition, governmental regulations, interest rate risks, and credit and investment risk. At least annually, our Board receives updates from management regarding information security, cyber security and data security risks in connection with Antero Midstream’s Enterprise Risk Management program. The Board and each of its committees has distinct responsibilities for monitoring those risks, as shown below.

 

The Board of Directors
The Board oversees Antero Midstream’s strategic direction. To that end, the Board considers the potential rewards and risks of Antero Midstream’s business opportunities and challenges, and it monitors the development and management of risks that impact our strategic goals.

Audit Committee

 

The Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities by monitoring the effectiveness of Antero Midstream’s systems of financial reporting, auditing and internal controls, as well as related legal and regulatory compliance matters.

Nominating &GovernanceCommittee& Governance
Committee

 

The Nominating & Governance Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to the management of risks associated with Board organization, membership and structure; succession planning for our directors and executive officers; and corporate governance.

CompensationCommitteeCompensation Committee

 

The Compensation Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities by overseeing Antero Midstream’s compensation policies and practices.

Environment,Sustainability and SocialGovernance(ESG)Social Governance (ESG) Committee

 

The Environment, Sustainability and Social Governance (ESG) Committee provides guidance to the Board on, mattersand oversees Antero Midstream’s risk management policies related to corporate citizenship, environmental sustainability, and social and political trends, issues and concerns.

ConflictsCommitteeConflicts Committee

 

The Conflicts Committee assists the Board in investigating, reviewing and evaluating potential conflicts of interest, including those between Antero Midstream and Antero Resources.

 

Board and Committee Self-Evaluations

 

The Board believes that a robust and constructive evaluation process is an essential component of Board effectiveness and good corporate governance. To that end, the Board and each of its standing committees conducts an annual self-assessment to evaluate their performance, composition, and effectiveness, and to identify areas for improvement.

 

These evaluations take the form of wide-ranging and candid discussions. The Lead Director facilitates discussions evaluating the full Board, and the committee chairs facilitate discussions regarding their respective committees. The Board and committee evaluations occasionally lead to changes in practices or procedures.

 

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Meetings

 

The Board held nineseven meetings in 2019.2020. The then-serving outside directors held four executive sessions. No director attended fewer than 75% of the meetings of the Board and of the committees of the Board on which that director served during the respective period he or she served.

 

Pursuant to Antero Midstream’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, directors are encouraged to attend the Annual Meetings of Shareholders.Stockholders. All of the then-serving members of the Board attended the 2020 Annual Meeting.

 

Interested Party Communications

 

General Communications

 

ShareholdersStockholders and other interested parties may communicate with us by writing to Antero Midstream Corporation, 1615 Wynkoop Street, Denver, Colorado 80202. ShareholdersStockholders may submit their thoughts to the Board, any committee of the Board, or individual directors on a confidential or anonymous basis by sending the communication in a sealed envelope marked “Shareholder“Stockholder Communication with Directors” and clearly identifying the intended recipient(s).

 

Antero Midstream’s Chief Administrative Officer will review and forward each communication, as expeditiously as reasonably practicable, to the addressee(s) if: (1) the communication complies with the requirements of any applicable policy adopted by the Board relating to the subject matter of the communication; and (2) the communication falls within the scope of matters generally considered by the Board. To the extent the subject matter of a communication is appropriate and relates to matters that have been delegated by the Board to a committee other than the addressee(s) or to an executive officer of Antero Midstream, the Chief Administrative Officer also may forward the communication to the executive officer or the chair of the applicable committee.

 

Legal or Compliance Concerns

 

Information regarding legal or compliance concerns may be submitted confidentially and anonymously, although Antero Midstream may be obligated by law to disclose the information or identity of the person providing the information in connection with government or private legal actions and in other circumstances. Antero Midstream’s policy is not to take any adverse action, and not to tolerate any retaliation, against any person for asking questions or making good faith reports of possible violations of law, Antero Midstream’s policies or our Corporate Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

 

Insider Trading Policy

 

Antero Midstream’s Insider Trading Policy, which applies to Antero Midstream’s employees, officers, and directors, prohibits hedging of Antero Midstream securities and engaging in any other transactions involving Antero Midstream-based derivative securities, regardless of whether the covered person is in possession of material, non-public information, except with regard to the vesting of securities acquired pursuant to Antero Midstream’s incentive, retirement, stock purchase, or dividend reinvestment plans, or other transactions involving purchases and sales of company securities between a covered person and Antero Midstream. Antero Midstream’s Insider Trading Policy also prohibits purchasing Antero Midstream common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Antero Midstream Common Stock”), on margin (e.g., borrowing money to fund the stock purchase) and pledging Antero Midstream securities.

 

 20202021 Proxy Statement   1923
 
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Available Governance Materials

 

The following materials are available on Antero Midstream’s website atwww.anteromidstream.comunder “Investors” and then “Governance—Governance Documents.”

 

Certificate of Incorporation of Antero Midstream
Bylaws of Antero Midstream
Charter of the Audit Committee of the Board;
Charter of the Compensation Committee of the Board;
Charter of the Nominating & Governance Committee of the Board;
Charter of the Environment, Sustainability and Social Governance (ESG) Committee of the Board;
Corporate Code of Business Conduct and Ethics;
Financial Code of Ethics;
Corporate Governance Guidelines;
Human, Labor and Indigenous Rights Policy;
Diversity and Inclusion Policy;
Supplier Code of Conduct; and
Whistleblower Policy.

 

ShareholdersStockholders may obtain a copy, free of charge, of any of these documents by sending a written request to Antero Midstream Corporation, 1615 Wynkoop Street, Denver, Colorado, 80202. Any amendments to Antero Midstream’s Corporate Code of Business Conduct and Ethics will be posted in the “Governance” subsection of Antero Midstream’s website.

 

BOARD COMMITTEES

 

General

 

The Board had fourfive standing committees in 2019:2020: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Nominating & Governance Committee, and the Conflicts Committee. In April 2020, the Company establishedCommittee and the Environment, Sustainability and Social Governance (ESG) Committee to, among other things, provide guidance to the Board on matters relating to corporate citizenship, environmental sustainability, and social and political trends, issues and concerns, as well as to advise the Board and management on significant public policy issues that are pertinent to the Company and its stakeholders.Committee. The charters of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Nominating & Governance Committee and Environment, Sustainability and Social Governance (ESG) Committee are available on Antero’sAntero Midstream’s website at www.anteromidstream.comwww.anteromidstream. com in the “Governance—Governance Documents” subsection of the “Investors” section.

 

The Board creates ad hoc committees on an as-needed basis. In connection with the closing of the Transactions, the Board established a Conflicts Committee to assist the BoardThere were no ad hoc committees in investigating, reviewing, evaluating and acting upon potential conflicts of interest, including those between Antero Midstream and Antero Resources.2020.

 

 20202021 Proxy Statement   2024
 
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Audit Committee

 

Current Members*: Members: Rose M. Robeson (chair), Brooks J. Klimley, John C. Mollenkopf

 

Number of meetings in 2019: 42020: 5

 

The Audit Committee oversees, reviews, acts on, and reports to the Board on various auditing and accounting matters, to the Board, including:

 

the selection of Antero Midstream’s independent accountants,
the scope of annual audits,
fees to be paid to the independent accountants,
the performance of Antero Midstream’s independent accountants, and
Antero Midstream’s accounting practices.

 

In addition, the Audit Committee oversees Antero Midstream’s compliance programs relating to certainwith legal and regulatory requirements.requirements relating to financial, accounting, auditing and related compliance matters.

 

Rules implemented by the NYSE and the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) require Antero Midstream to have an audit committee composed of at least three directors who meet particular independence and experience standards. The Board has determined that all members of the Audit Committee meet the heightened independence standards applicable to audit committee members. In addition, due to Ms. Robeson’s substantial financial experience (based on her extensive background in accounting and auditing matters as the former Chief Financial Officer of the general partner of DCP Midstream), Antero Midstreamthe Board believes Ms. Robeson is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in SEC rules.

 

*David A. Peters served on the Audit Committee through August 1, 2019.

Compensation Committee

 

Current Members*: David H. Keyte (chair), W. Howard Keenan, Jr., Janine J. McArdle

 

Number of meetings in 2019: 42020**: 12

 

The Compensation Committee establishes salaries, incentives and other forms of compensation for our executive officers. The Compensation Committee also administers Antero Midstream’s incentive compensation and benefit plans, as well asand reviews and recommends to the Board for approval the compensation of our non-employee directors.

 

Rules implemented by the NYSE require Antero Midstream to have a compensation committee composed of members who satisfy NYSE independence standards. All members of the Compensation Committee meet the NYSE’s independence standards, including the heightened requirements applicable to compensation committee members, and also meet the heightened independence requirements under SEC rules and the tax code. No Antero Midstream executive officer serves on the board of directors of a company that has an executive officer thatwho serves on the Board.

 

*Peter A. Dea served on the Compensation Committee until he was replaced by Mr. Keyte on April 5, 2019, and John C. Mollenkopf served on the Compensation Committee until he was replaced by Ms. McArdle on April 8, 2020.
**Includes joint meetings with the compensation committee of Antero Resources Corporation.

 

 - 2021 Proxy Statement25
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Nominating & Governance Committee

 

Current Members*: Brooks J. Klimley (chair), David H. Keyte, Rose M. Robeson

 

Number of meetings in 2019: 42020**: 6

 

The Nominating & Governance Committee identifies, evaluates and recommends qualified nominees to serve on the Board, develops and oversees Antero Midstream’s internal corporate governance processes, and directs all matters relating to the succession of Antero Midstream’s CEO.Chief Executive Officer.

 

Rules implemented by the NYSE require Antero Midstream to have a nominating & governance committee composed entirely of independent

- 2020 Proxy Statement21
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directors. All members of the Nominating & Governance C ommitteeCommittee meet the NYSE’s independence standards.

 

*John C. Mollenkopf served on the Nominating & Governance Committee through April 8, 2020.
**Includes joint meetings with the Nominating & Governance Committee of Antero Resources Corporation.

 

Conflicts Committee

 

Current Members*: David H. Keyte (chair), Peter A. Dea, Rose M. Robeson

 

Number of meetings in 2019: 162020: 1

 

The Conflicts Committee assists the Board in investigating, reviewing and evaluating certain potential conflicts of interest, including those between Antero Midstream and Antero Resources, as well as to carryand carries out any other duties delegated by the Board that relate to potential conflict matters.

 

The Board established a Conflicts Committee as a standing committee of the Board in connection with the closing of the Transactions in March 2019.

*Brooks J. Klimley served on the Conflicts Committee through April 8, 2020.

 

Environment, Sustainability and Social Governance (ESG) Committee

 

Current Members: Brooks J. Klimley (chair), Janine J. McArdle, John C. Mollenkopf

 

Number of meetings in 2019:*2020*: 3

 

The Environment, Sustainability and Social Governance (ESG) Committee provides guidance to the Board on, matters relatingand oversees Antero Midstream’s risk management policies related to corporate citizenship, environmental sustainability, and social and political trends, issues and concerns, as well asand advises the Board and management on significant public policy issues that are pertinent to the Company and its stakeholders.

 

During 2020, the Environment, Sustainability and Social Governance (ESG) Committee reviewed the Company’s ESG practices and procedures. Following such review, the Company published its 2020 Corporate Sustainability Report, which is available at www.anteromidstream.com/community-sustainability, and the Company adopted a Diversity and Inclusion Policy, a Supplier Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and a Human, Labor and Indigenous Rights Policy, all of which are available at https://www.anteromidstream. com/investors/corporate-governance/governance-documents. The Environment, Sustainability and Social Governance (ESG) Committee will continue to advise the Board on ESG matters.

*The Board established anthe Environment, Sustainability and Social Governance (ESG) Committee as a standing committee of the Board in April 2020.

 

 - 2021 Proxy Statement26
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COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

 

General

 

Our non-employee directors are entitled to receive compensation consisting of retainers, fees and equity awards as described below. The Compensation Committee reviews non-employee director compensation on a periodic basis and recommends it to the Board for approval.

 

Our employee directors, Messrs. Rady and Warren, do not receive additional compensation for their services as directors. All compensation that Messrs. Rady and Warren received from Antero Midstream as employees is disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table.

 

Prior to their resignations, Messrs. Kagan and Levy, agreed or were otherwise obligated to transfer all or a portion of the compensation they received for their service as directors during 2019 to the shareholders with which they were affiliated.

- 2020 Proxy Statement22
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Annual Cash Retainers

 

The non-employee directors received the following cash compensation for their services during the 20192020 fiscal year, includingprorated for the portiona partial year of the 2019 fiscal year preceding the closing of the Transactions:service:

 

Recipient Amount 
Non-employee director $90,000 
Lead Director $5,000 
Audit Committee:    
Chairperson $20,000 
Other members $7,500 
Compensation Committee:(1)    
Chairperson $15,000 
Other members $5,000 
Nominating & Governance Committee:(1)    
Chairperson $15,000 
Other members $5,000 
Conflicts Committee:    
Chairperson $5,000 
Other members $5,000 
(1)The Compensation Committee and the Nominating & Governance Committee were not formed until the closing of the Transactions; however, each member and the Chairperson of such committees received compensation for the full first quarter of 2019.
Recipient Amount 
Non-employee director $90,000 
Lead Director $25,000 
Audit Committee:    
Chairperson $20,000 
Other members $7,500 
Compensation Committee:    
Chairperson $15,000 
Other members $5,000 
Nominating & Governance Committee:    
Chairperson $15,000 
Other members $5,000 
Conflicts Committee:    
Chairperson $5,000 
Other members $5,000 
Environment, Sustainability & Social Governance (ESG) Committee:    
Chairperson $15,000 
Other members $5,000 

 

All retainers are paid in cash on a quarterly basis in arrears, but directors have the option to elect, on an annual basis, to receive all or a portion of their cash retainers in the form of shares of our common stock. For 2019,2020, the directors did notwho are members of committees of the Board were eligible to receive any meeting fees butof $1,500 for each director iscommittee meeting attended in excess of ten meetings for such committee per calendar year (up to a maximum of $22,500 per committee). Directors are also reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred (i) to attend meetings and activities of the Board or its committees, and (ii) to facilitate participation in general education and orientation programs for directors.

 

Effective April 15, 2021, members of all committees of the Board other than the Audit Committee will be paid a cash retainer of $7,500 per year (previously $5,000), members of the Audit Committee will be paid an annual retainer of $15,000 per year (previously $7,500) and the chairperson of the Audit Committee will be paid an annual retainer of $24,000 (previously $20,000). These modifications were made to ensure that our director compensation is competitive with that paid by our peers so that we can attract and retain qualified individuals to serve on our Board.

 - 2021 Proxy Statement27

Equity-Based Compensation and Stock Ownership Guidelines

 

In addition to cash compensation, our non-employee directors receive annual equity-based compensation consisting of fully-vested stock with an aggregate grant date value equal to $130,000, subject to the terms and conditions of the Antero Midstream Corporation Long Term Incentive Plan (“AM LTIP”) and the award agreements pursuant to which such awards are granted. These awards are granted in arrears on a quarterly basis such that each grant has a grant date fair value of approximately $32,500. Prior toIn light of market conditions, the closingBoard delayed the grant of the Transactions, thesefirst quarter installment until July 10, 2020, such that on July 10, 2020, our non-employee directors received a fully-vested awards were granted under the Antero Midstream GP LP Long-Term Incentive Plan (“AMGP LTIP”) and each quarterlystock award hadwith a grant date fair value of approximately $25,000.$65,000.

 

Following the closing of the Transactions in 2019, we adoptedUnder our stock ownership guidelines, pursuant to which each of our non-employee directors, other than Mr. Keenan, and prior to their resignations, Messrs. Kagan and Levy, is required to own shares of our common stock with a fair market value equal to at least five times the amount of their annual cash retainer within five years of being appointed to the Board.Board or five years from the adoption of the policy, whichever is later. These stock ownership guidelines are designed to align our directors’ interests more closely with those of our stockholders. The guidelines were adopted less than five years from the measurement date in 2020. As of June 30, 2019, a result,each of our non-employee directors still has several yearsadditional time remaining to achieve compliance with the stock ownership guidelines.

 

- 2020 Proxy Statement23

Responsiveness to Current Economic Environment

As a result of the unprecedented disruption the economy and our industry is currently facing and the market uncertainty and share price volatility since February of 2020, as of the filing of this Proxy Statement, the Board has deferred consideration of any potential changes to our director compensation program for 2020 until July 2020 and suspended the grant of our common stock to the non-employee members of the Board. For the time being, any non-employee director who had elected to receive his or her annual cash retainer in the form of shares of our common stock will instead receive those payments in cash. Quarterly equity awards will not be granted until further action is taken by the Board.

Total Non-Employee Director Compensation

 

The following table provides information concerning the compensation of our non-employee directors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.2020.

 

  Fees Earned    
  or Paid in Cash Stock Awards Total
Name ($)(1) ($)(2) ($)
Peter A. Dea  90,000   122,500   212,500 
Peter R. Kagan(3)  90,000   122,500   212,500 
W. Howard Keenan, Jr.  95,000   122,500   217,500 
David H. Keyte(4)  86,250   65,000   151,250 
Brooks J. Klimley(5)  172,500   122,500   295,000 
James R. Levy(3)(6)     25,000   25,000 
John C. Mollenkopf(5)(7)  152,500   97,500   250,000 
David A. Peters(5)(7)  123,125   97,500   220,625 
Rose M. Robeson(5)  170,000   122,500   292,500 
  Fees Earned    
  or Paid in Cash Stock Awards Total
Name ($)(1) ($)(2) ($)
Peter A. Dea 93,750 129,997 223,747
W. Howard Keenan, Jr. 95,000 129,997 224,997
David H. Keyte 140,000 129,997 269,997
Brooks J. Klimley 120,000 129,997 249,997
John C. Mollenkopf 107,500 129,997 237,497
Janine J. McArdle 97,500 67,165 164,665
Rose M. Robeson 120,000 129,997 249,997
(1)Includes annual cash retainer, committee fees, and committee chair fees forand meeting fees earned by each non-employee director during fiscal 2019,2020, as more fully explained above.
(2)Amounts in this column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of shares granted under the AMGP LTIP and the AM LTIP into each non-employee director during fiscal year 2019,2020, computed in accordance with the rules of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (“FASB ASC Topic 718”). See Note 1312 to our consolidated financial statements on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, for additional detail regarding assumptions underlying the value of these equity awards. The grant date fair value for stock awards is based on the closing price of our common stock on the grant date.
(3)Mr. Kagan elected to receive all of his retainer fees for the 2019 fiscal year in the form of common stock. Mr. Kagan resigned as a director on November 12, 2019 in connection with the divestiture of Warburg Pincus’ remaining interests in Antero Midstream.
(4)Mr. Keyte was appointed as a director effective April 5, 2019.
(5)Messrs. Klimley, Mollenkopt, Peters and Robeson each received an additional cash retainer of $50,000 in connection with their service on the special conflicts committee created for purposes of evaluating and reviewing the Transactions.
(6)Mr. Levy resigned as a director on March 12, 2019, in connection with the closing of the Transactions. He did not receive any fees for his service during fiscal year 2019 prior to his resignation; however, in January 2019, he received a grant under the AMGP LTIP for service during the fourth quarter of 2018.
(7)Messrs. Mollenkopf and Peters were appointed as directors effective on March 12, 2019, in connection with the closing of the Transactions. Mr. Peters subsequently resigned as a director on August 1, 2019 for personal reasons.

 

 20202021 Proxy Statement   2428
 
ITEM TWO:RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Audit Committee of the Board has selected KPMG LLP as Antero Midstream’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2020.2021. KPMG LLP has audited Antero Midstream’s and its predecessor’s financial statements since 2016 as well as the financial statements of Antero Midstream Partners LP since 2013. The Audit Committee annually evaluates the accounting firm’s qualifications to continue to serve Antero Midstream. In evaluating the accounting firm, the Audit Committee considers the reputation of the firm and the local office, the industry experience of the engagement partner and the engagement team, and the experience of the engagement team with clients of similar size, scope and complexity as Antero Midstream. The Audit Committee is directly involved in the selection of the new engagement partner when rotation is required every five years in accordance with SEC rules. KPMG LLP completed the audit of Antero Midstream’s annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, on February 12, 2020.17, 2021.

 

The Board is submitting the selection of KPMG LLP for ratification at the Annual Meeting. The submission of this matter for ratification by shareholdersstockholders is not legally required, but the Board and the Audit Committee believe the ratification proposal provides an opportunity for shareholdersstockholders to communicate their views about an important aspect of corporate governance. If our shareholdersstockholders do not ratify the selection of KPMG LLP, the Audit Committee will reconsider, but will not be required to rescind, the selection of that firm as Antero Midstream’s independent registered public accounting firm.

 

Representatives of KPMG LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting. They will have the opportunity to make a statement, and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.

 

The Audit Committee has the authority and responsibility to retain, evaluate and replace Antero Midstream’s independent registered public accounting firm. ShareholderStockholder ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP does not limit the authority of the Audit Committee to change Antero Midstream’s independent registered public accounting firm at any time.

 

THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERSSTOCKHOLDERS VOTEFOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF KPMG LLP AS ANTERO MIDSTREAM’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2020.2021.

 

 20202021 Proxy Statement   2529
 

AUDIT MATTERS

 

The material in this report is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed “filed” with the SEC, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, , as amended (the “Exchange Act”), whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in such filing.

 

Audit Committee Report

 

Pursuant to its charter, the Audit Committee’s principal functions include the duty to:include: (i) overseeoverseeing the accounting and financial reporting process of Antero Midstream and audits of Antero Midstream’s financial statements (ii) oversee the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the independent auditors hired for the purpose of issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for Antero Midstream; (iii) pre-approvepre-approving audit or non-audit services proposed to be rendered by Antero Midstream’s independent registered public accounting firm; (iv) annually reviewreviewing the qualifications and independence of the independent registered public accounting firm’s engagement partner and other senior personnel who are providing services to Antero Midstream; (v) reviewreviewing with management and the independent registered public accounting firm Antero Midstream’s annual and quarterly financial statements, earnings press releases, and financial information and earnings guidance provided to analysts and ratings agencies; (vi) ratifyapproving or ratifying certain related party transactions as set forth in Antero Midstream’s Related Persons Transactions Policy; (vii) reviewreviewing with management Antero Midstream’s major financial risk exposures; (viii) assistassisting the Board in monitoring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;requirements relating to financial, accounting, auditing and related compliance matters; (ix) preparepreparing the report of the Audit Committee for inclusion in Antero Midstream’s proxy statement; and (x) annually reviewreviewing and reassessreassessing its performance and the adequacy of its charter.

 

While the Audit Committee has the responsibilities and powers set forth in its charter, and Antero Midstream’s management and the independent registered public accounting firm are accountable to the Audit Committee, it is not the duty of the Audit Committee to plan or conduct audits or to determine that Antero Midstream’s financial statements and disclosures are complete and accurate and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable laws, rules and regulations.

 

In performing its oversight role, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed Antero Midstream’s audited financial statements with management and the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee also has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by the applicable standards and regulations of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”). The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the written statement from the independent registered public accounting firm required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence. The Audit Committee also has considered whether the provision of non-audit services by the independent registered public accounting firm to Antero Midstream is compatible with maintaining the firm’s independence, and has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm its independence.

 

Based on the reviews and discussions described in this Audit Committee Report, and subject to the limitations on the roles and responsibilities of the Audit Committee referred to herein and in its charter, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that Antero Midstream’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, be included in the Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on February 12, 2020. As recommended by the NYSE’s corporate governance rules, the Audit Committee also considered whether, to ensure continuing auditor independence, it would be advisable to

- 2020 Proxy Statement26

regularly rotate Antero Midstream’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has concluded that the current benefits to Antero Midstream from continued retention of KPMG LLP warrant retaining the accounting firm as Antero Midstream’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2020. The Audit Committee will continue to review this issue on an annual basis.17, 2021.

 

Members of the Audit Committee*:

 

Rose M. Robeson (Chairman)


Brooks J. Klimley


John C. Mollenkopf

 

*Includes all members of the Audit Committee as of the time the Audit Committee Report was approved for inclusion in this proxy statement.Proxy Statement.

 

 - 2021 Proxy Statement30

Audit and Other Fees

 

The table below sets forth the aggregate fees and expenses billed by KPMG LLP for the last two fiscal years to Antero Midstream (in thousands):

 

 For the Years Ended
 For the Years Ended
December 31,
 December 31,
 2018 2019 2019 2020
Audit Fees(1)           
Audit and Quarterly Reviews $283  $855  $855  $724
Other Filings           
SUBTOTAL  283   855   855   724
Audit-Related Fees(2)  48   575   575   200
Tax Fees           
All Other Fees           
TOTAL $331  $1,430  $1,430  $924
(1)Includes (a) the audit of Antero Midstream’s annual consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K and internal controls over financial reporting and review of Antero Midstream’s quarterly financial statements included in Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and (b) the audit of the financial statements of Antero Midstream Partners LP.
(2)Represents fees related to review of Antero Midstream’s other filings, including filings related to the Simplification Transactions, with the SEC, including review and preparation of registration statements, comfort letters and consents.

 

The charter of the Audit Committee and its pre-approval policy require that the Audit Committee to review and pre-approve the independent registered public accounting firm’s fees for audit, audit-related, tax and other services. The Chairman of the Audit Committee has the authority to grant pre-approvals up to a certain limit, provided such approvals are within the pre-approval policy and are ratified by the Audit Committee at a subsequent meeting. For the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, the Audit Committee approved 100%all of the services described above.

 

 20202021 Proxy Statement   2731
 
ITEM THREE:ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Our policies are conceived with the intention of attracting and retaining highly qualified individuals capable of contributing to the creation of value for our shareholders.stockholders. Our compensation program for 20192020 was designed to be competitive with market practices and to align the interests of our Named Executive Officers with those of Antero Midstream and its shareholders.stockholders.

 

ShareholdersStockholders are urged to read the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this Proxy Statement, which discusses how our compensation design and practices reflect our compensation philosophy for calendar year 2019.2020. The Compensation Committee and the Board believe that our compensation practices for 20192020 were effective in implementing our guiding principles.

 

Pursuant to Section 14A of the Exchange Act, we are submitting this annual proposal to our shareholdersstockholders for an advisory vote to approve the compensation of our Named Executive Officers. This proposal, commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal, gives shareholdersstockholders the opportunity to express their views on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers for 2019.2020. This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our Named Executive Officers for 20192020 and the principles, policies and practices described in this Proxy Statement. Accordingly, the following resolution is submitted for shareholderstockholder vote at the Annual Meeting:

 

“RESOLVED, that the shareholdersstockholders of Antero Midstream Corporation approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of its named executive officers during 2020 as disclosed in the proxy statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Summary Compensation Table and other related tables and disclosures.”

 

As this is an advisory vote, the result is not likely to affect previously granted compensation. The Compensation Committee will consider the outcome of the vote when evaluating our compensation practices going forward.

 

THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERSSTOCKHOLDERS VOTEFOR THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AS DISCLOSED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT.

 

 20202021 Proxy Statement   2832
 
ITEM FOUR:ADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF FUTURE ADVISORY VOTES ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act enables our stockholders to indicate how frequently we should seek a non-binding advisory vote on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers, as disclosed pursuant to the SEC’s compensation disclosure rules (commonly referred to as a “Say-on-Frequency” vote). By voting on this proposal, stockholders may indicate, on a non-binding advisory basis, whether the say-on-pay advisory vote should occur every year, every two years or every three years, or abstain on this matter.

Pursuant to Section 14A of the Exchange Act, we are submitting this proposal to our shareholders for an advisory vote. The Board has determined that an annual non-binding advisory vote on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers will allow shareholders to provide timely, direct input on our executive compensation principles, philosophy, policies and practices as disclosed in the proxy statement each year. The Board believes that an annual vote is therefore consistent with our efforts to engage in an ongoing dialogue with shareholders on executive compensation and corporate governance matters.

Shareholders may cast their vote on their preferred voting frequency by choosing among the following frequency options (not solely for or against the recommendation of the Board):

Choice 1—every year;
Choice 2—every two years;
Choice 3—every three years; or
Choice 4—abstain from voting.

As this is an advisory vote, the result of the vote is not binding on the Board. However, the Board will take into account the result of the vote when determining the frequency of future say-on-pay votes.

THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTEFOR THE FREQUENCY OF “EVERY YEAR” FOR FUTURE ADVISORY VOTES ON THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.

- 2020 Proxy Statement29

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis provides details on the following matters:

 

Our 20192020 say-on-pay advisory vote;
Our 2020 executive compensation program and the compensation awarded under that program;
Material actions taken with respect to our 20202021 executive compensation program; and
Pertinent executive compensation policies.

 

20192020 Named Executive Officers

The table below sets forth the name and principal position of each of our 2020 Named Executive Officers. Effective April 30, 2021, Glen C. Warren, Jr. will retire as President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of Antero Resources and President and Secretary of Antero Midstream. Mr. Warren will also step down from the boards of both companies as of the same date. Effective upon Mr. Warren’s retirement, (i) Paul M. Rady, currently Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Antero Resources and Antero Midstream, will also be named President of Antero Resources and Antero Midstream, (ii) Michael N. Kennedy, currently Senior Vice President of Finance at Antero Resources and Antero Midstream and Chief Financial Officer of Antero Midstream, will be named Chief Financial Officer of Antero Resources, will cease to be the Chief Financial Officer of Antero Midstream and will continue to serve as Senior Vice President of Finance of Antero Midstream and Senior Vice President of Finance of Antero Resources and (iii) Brendan E. Krueger, currently Vice President of Finance and Treasurer of Antero Resources and Antero Midstream, will be named Chief Financial Officer of Antero Midstream and will continue to serve as Treasurer and Vice President of Antero Resources and Antero Midstream. Also effective upon Mr. Warren’s retirement, Mr. Kennedy will be appointed to the Board and will stand for election at the Annual Meeting.

 

NamePrincipal Position
Paul M. RadyChairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Glen C. Warren, Jr.Director, President and Secretary
Alvyn A. SchoppChief Administrative Officer and Regional Senior Vice President and Treasurer
Michael N. KennedyChief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President—Finance
W. Patrick AshSenior Vice President—Reserves, Planning and Midstream(1)
Kevin J. KilstromFormer Senior Vice President—Production(2)

(1)Effective June 10, 2019, Mr. Ash was promoted from Vice President—Reservoir Engineering and Planning to Senior Vice President—Reserves, Planning and Midstream.
(2)Effective August 16, 2019, Mr. Kilstrom retired as Senior Vice President—Production.

 

2020 Say-on-Pay Advisory Vote

At the Company’s 2020 annual meeting, our stockholders were asked to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Named Executive Officers. Advisory votes in favor of our executive compensation program were cast by approximately 97% of the shares of common stock counted as present and entitled to vote at such meeting. The Compensation Committee considered the results of the “Say-on-Pay” vote when evaluating the compensation of the Named Executive Officers in 2020. We have continued, and plan to continue, seeking to engage in stockholder outreach regarding executive compensation programs.

 - 2021 Proxy Statement33

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives of Our Compensation Program

 

Following the transactions contemplatedWe seek to attract, retain, and motivate exceptional executive talent by the Simplification Agreement (as defined below under the heading “Related Party Transactions—Agreementsproviding our executives with Antero Resources Corporation—Simplification Agreement”)a competitive mix of fixed, time-based and the adoption of our separateperformance-based compensation. Our performance-based compensation program as described below under “Implementing Our Compensation Program Objectives,” we adopted a compensation program that seeks to focusfocuses on motivating returns and value creation per share, that will reward disciplined capital investment, efficient operations, and generation of distributable cash flow generation. For calendar year 2019, we determined that it was appropriate to target the market median for all elements of our Named Executive Officers’ compensation. We utilized an annual incentive program that focuses on four key performance metrics. Additionally, through our long-term incentive program, we looked to balance retention of our Named Executive Officers with performance focused on increased returns on our capital investments.flow. We believe our compensation philosophy and practices for 20192020 promote a strong alignment between Named Executive Officer pay and Company performance, and deliver greater valuewhile providing our Compensation Committee with the flexibility necessary to our shareholders.ensure that compensation was appropriate for this anomalous year.

 

- 2020 Proxy Statement30

Compensation Best Practices

 

Our Compensation Committee is committed to maintaining compensation best practices and employing methods that motivate our executives to create long-term value while minimizing risk to investors. The following table highlights the compensation best practices we followed during 20192020 with respect to our Named Executive Officers during the time that they served as an executive officer:Officers:

 

What We Do
Target the market median for all elements of Named Executive Officers’reasonable compensation levels relative to peers with a focus on performance-based and at-risk components
ApplyEnforce robust minimum stock ownership guidelines
Link annual incentive compensation to the achievement of objective pre-established performance goals tied to operational and strategic priorities
Evaluate the risk of our compensation programs
Use and review compensation tally sheets
UseEngage an independent compensation consultant
Maintain a clawback policy
What We Don’t Do
No tax gross ups for executive officers
No “single-trigger” change-in-control cash payments
No excessive perquisites
No severance arrangements for Named Executive Officers
No guaranteed bonuses for Named Executive Officers
No management contracts
No granting stock options with an exercise price less than the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant outside of transactional context (e.g., substitution of pre-existing target company awards for Company awards)awards in an acquisition)
No reduction of the exercise price of an outstanding stock option without shareholderstockholder approval outside of transactional context (e.g., substitution of pre-existing target company awards for Company awards)awards in an acquisition)
No hedging or pledging of Company stock
No separate benefit plans for Named Executive Officers
No excessive perquisites


 

Implementing Our Compensation Program Objectives

 

Role of the Compensation Committee

 

The Compensation Committee oversees all matterselements of our executive compensation program and has the final decision-making authority on all executive compensation matters. Each year, the Compensation Committee reviews, modifies (if necessary), and approves corporatethe goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the CEOChief Executive Officer and the other Named Executive Officers, andas well as the executive compensation program as a whole, including performance goals for the annual cash incentive program, if applicable, and long-term equity awards. In addition, the Compensation Committee

 - 2021 Proxy Statement34

is responsible for reviewing the performance of the CEOChief Executive Officer and the Company’s President and Secretary (“President”) within the framework of our executive compensation goals and objectives. Based on this evaluation, the Compensation Committee sets the compensation of the CEOChief Executive Officer and the President.

 

Actual compensation decisions for individual officers are the result of a subjective analysis of a number of factors, including the individual officer’s role within our organization, performance, experience, skills or tenure with us, changes to the individual’s position, and relevant trends in compensation practices.

 

The Compensation Committee also considers a Named Executive Officer’s current and prior aggregate compensation when setting future compensation. The Compensation Committee determines whether adjustments to compensation are necessary to adopt emerging best practices, reflect companyCompany performance, retain each executive or to provide additional or different performance incentives. Thus, the Compensation Committee’s decisions regarding compensation are the result of the exercise of judgment based on all reasonably available information.

 

- 2020 Proxy Statement31

Role of the Antero Resources Compensation Committee and Allocation of Compensation Expenses

 

In March of 2019, the transactions contemplated by the Simplification Agreement were consummated. Prior to the Closing, our Named Executive Officers provided services to Antero Resources Corporation (“Antero Resources”), Antero Midstream Partners LP, and Antero Midstream GP LP. The compensation committee of the board of directors of Antero Resources (the “AR Compensation Committee”) historically set the compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers for the services they provided to all three entities and each of Antero Midstream Partners LP and Antero Midstream GP LP reimbursed Antero Resources for the portion of that compensation attributable to the services provided to them. Following the Closing, ourOur Named Executive Officers provide services to us and to Antero Resources. However, as a result of the restructuring involved in the transactions contemplated by the Simplification Agreement, including the decreased ownership interest of Antero Resources in us, both the Board and the board of directors of Antero Resources determined that it was appropriate for us to take a more active role in setting the compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers for services provided to us and for the reporting of that compensation in each company’s 2020 Proxy Statement to reflect only the portion of our Named Executive Officer’s compensation attributable to each company. As a result, the ARAntero Resources Compensation Committee began to hold(the “AR Compensation Committee”) holds portions of theirits meetings jointly with the Compensation Committee. During these joint meetings in the Spring of 2019,2020, the Compensation Committee and the AR Compensation Committee discussed and established each Named Executive Officer’s aggregate total compensation for services provided to both companies, including base salary, aggregate total target annual cash incentive value, and aggregate total target long-term incentive value. Performance metrics for each company’s annual cash incentive program, if applicable, and the terms and provisions of all long-term incentive awards granted by each company are established separately by each of the Compensation Committee and the AR Compensation Committee.

 

The percentage of all non-compensation general and administrative (“G&A”) expenses we reimburse to Antero Resources is calculated quarterly based on gross property and equipment, capital expenditure and labor costs, the latterlast of which is calculated based on an estimate of how much time each of our employees spendsspend providing services to Antero Midstream, in the aggregate, during each quarter (the “Reimbursement Percentage”). As was the case prior to the Closing, Antero Resources pays all elements of cash compensation to, and provides all benefits for, our Named Executive Officers. The portion of each Named Executive Officer’s base salary that we reimbursed for 20192020 was calculated using the average Reimbursement Percentage for each of the four quarters in 2019,2020, which was 27.75%27.25% (the “2019“2020 NEO AM Reimbursement Percentage”).

 

The amount of the annual cash incentive payments and the portions thereof that we reimbursed to Antero Resources were calculated using a two-step process. First, each Named Executive Officer’s target annual cash incentive payment was multiplied by the 2019 NEO AM Reimbursement Percentage to calculate each Named Executive Officer’s target annual cash incentive payment forWhile our annual cash incentive program (the “AM Target Bonus”). The remainder of each Named Executive Officer’s target annual cash incentive payment was classified as the target annual cash incentive payment under the annual cash incentive program for Antero Resources (the “AR Target Bonus”). The performance levels achieved with respect to the performance metrics established by the Compensation Committee for our annual cash incentive program are then applied to the AM Target Bonus, resultingremained in the actual value of the annual cash incentive paid by Antero Resources on our behalf and for which we reimburse Antero Resources, as discussed below under “Elements of Direct Compensation—Annual Cash Incentive Awards”. The performance levels achievedcommunication with respect to the performance metrics established by the AR Compensation Committee for the Antero Resources annual cash incentive program are then applied to the AR Target Bonus, resulting in the actual value of the annual cash incentive paid by Antero Resources pursuant to its annual cash incentive program.

In 2019, for all of our Named Executive Officers other than Michael Kennedy, approximately 33% of the total targetregarding long-term incentive awards granted in 2020, each worked independently to determine the value was attributed to services provided to us and the remainder was attributed to services provided to Antero Resources. This allocation was determined based on an estimate of the anticipated 2019 NEO AM Reimbursement Percentage. Because Mr. Kennedy serves as our Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President—Finance and Antero Resources’ Senior Vice President—

- 2020 Proxy Statement32

Finance, he holds a position of greater responsibility at the Company than he does at Antero Resources. As a result, theappropriate for grant from each respective company. Our Compensation Committee and the AR Compensation Committee weighted Mr. Kennedy’s target long-term incentive value nearly equally betweenthen met to make sure the two companies, an allocation that more heavily favors the Company than the estimated 2019 NEO AM Reimbursement Percentage would have provided. A different process was used to allocate the long-term incentive compensation target value than was used to allocate the base salary or annual cash incentive target amounts for our Named Executive Officers because theindividual long-term incentive awards were grantedcombine to achieve an overall award level in the Spring of 2019, long before the 2019 NEO AM Reimbursement Percentage was known.line with each company’s compensation philosophy.

 

We also reimburse Antero Resources for the portion of the cost of all health and welfare benefits, employer 401(k) contributions, and the limited perquisites providedAntero Resources provides to our Named Executive Officers by Antero Resources that are attributable to services provided to us, whichus. This amount is calculated as the product of the total cost of such benefits and the 20192020 NEO AM Reimbursement Percentage.

 

Consistent with the allocation of compensation expense for our Named Executive Officers described above, unless otherwise indicated, the information included in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis, as well as the tables that follow, only pertains to the compensation paid by us for services our Named Executive Officers provided to us in 2019.2020. For information regarding compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers for services provided to Antero Resources in 2019,2020, please see the Proxy Statement filed by Antero Resources on April 27, 2020.28, 2021.

 

 - 2021 Proxy Statement35

Role of Management

 

The CEOChief Executive Officer and the President typically provide recommendations to the Compensation Committee and the AR Compensation Committee regarding the compensation levels for the other Named Executive Officers and for our executive compensation program as a whole. In making their recommendations, the CEOChief Executive Officer and the President consider each Named Executive Officer’s performance during the year, the Company’s performance during the year, compensation levels of similarly situated executives of companies with which we compete for executive talent, and independent oil and gas company compensation surveys. The Compensation Committee, in joint discussion with the AR Compensation Committee, considers these recommendations when reviewing the performance of, and setting compensation for, the other executive officers.

 

Role of External Advisors

 

The Compensation Committee has the authority to retain an independent executive compensation consultant. For 2019,2020, the Compensation Committee retained Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. (“F.W. Cook”). In compliance with the SEC and NYSE disclosure requirements, the Compensation Committee reviewed the independence of F.W. Cook under six independence factors. After its review, the Compensation Committee determined that F.W. Cook was independent.

 

In 2019,2020, F.W. Cook:

 

Collected and reviewed all relevant companyCompany information, including our historical compensation data and our organizational structure;
With input from management, confirmed the peer group of companies to use for executive compensation comparisons;
Assessed our compensation program’s position relative to market for our Named Executive Officers and other vice presidents and relative to our stated compensation philosophy;
Prepared a report of its analysis, findings and recommendations for our executive compensation program; and
Completed other ad hoc assignments, such as helping with the design of incentive arrangements.

 

F.W. Cook’s reports were provided to the Compensation Committee and the AR Compensation Committee in 20192020 and also used by Messrs. Rady and Warren in making their recommendations to the Compensation Committee and the AR Compensation Committee. In early 2021, the Compensation Committee engaged Longnecker & Associates (“Longnecker”) to replace F.W. Cook as its independent compensation consultant. Longnecker was involved in decisions related to the 2020 annual cash bonus as well as changes to the 2021 compensation programs.

 

- 2020 Proxy Statement33

Competitive Peer Analysis

 

When assessing the soundness of our compensation programs, the Compensation Committee compares the pay practices for our Named Executive Officers against the pay practices of other companies. This process recognizes our philosophy that our compensation practices should be competitive, though marketplace information is only one of the many factors we consider.

 

Messrs. Rady and Warren, the Compensation Committee and the AR Compensation Committee used market compensation data provided by F.W. Cook to assess the total compensation levels of our Named Executive Officers relative to market and to make recommendations to the Compensation Committee and the AR Compensation Committee.market. Market data is developed by comparing each executive officer’s compensation with that of similarly situated officers of companies in the Peer Group (described below) and of E&P companies in general. In determining whether an officer is similarly situated, we consider the specific responsibilities assumed by our executives and executives at other organizations, and give greater weight is given to Peer Group data if a position appears comparable to the position of one of our Named Executive Officers. Otherwise, we supplement Peer Group data with industry data from the 20192020 Oil and Gas E&P Industry Compensation Survey prepared by Effective Compensation, Incorporated.

 

 - 2021 Proxy Statement36

Peer Group

 

In 2019, F.W. Cook recommended, and after evaluation and discussion the AR Compensation Committee approved, a peer group for use in determining compensation for 2020 of onshore publicly traded oil and gas companies that are reasonably similar to Antero Resources in terms of size and operations, which was consistent with the 2018 peer group for Antero Resources.operations. Because aggregate total compensation for our Named Executive Officers is set jointly by both the Compensation Committee and the AR Compensation Committee, a single peer group is used for this joint analysis. Over two-thirds of the compensation our Named Executive Officers receivereceives is for services provided to Antero Resources. As a result, a peer group reflectivecomposed of peer companies of Antero Resources, rather than a peer group reflectivecomposed of our peer companies, is used to establish total target compensation for our Named Executive Officers. The peer group was modified during 2020 to more closely reflect the Company’s current market capitalization. We refer to the following 17 companies as the “Peer Group”:

 

2019-2020 APPROVED PEER GROUP

CompanyTicker
Cabot Oil &and Gas CorporationDiamondback Energy, Inc.Range Resources CorporationCOG
Chesapeake Energy CorporationCHK
Cimarex Energy Co.EQT CorporationSM Energy CompanyXEC
CNX Resources CorporationCNX
Continental Resources CorporationCLR
Devon Energy CorporationDVN
EQT CorporationEQT
Gulfport Energy CorporationGPOR.Q
Noble Energy, Inc.Southwestern Energy CompanyNBL
Concho ResourcesOasis Petroleum, Inc.OAS
Parsley Energy, Inc.Whiting Petroleum CorporationPE
Continental Resources CorporationPioneer Natural Resources CompanyWPX Energy, Inc.
Devon Energy CorporationQEP Resources, Inc.QEP
Range Resources CorporationRRC
SM Energy CompanySM
Southwestern Energy CompanySWN
Whiting Petroleum CorporationWLL
WPX Energy, Inc.WPX

In addition to referencing the Peer Group companies in structuring our 2020 compensation program, the Compensation Committee reviewed compensation paid by certain other midstream companies to confirm the reasonableness of our compensation program as compared to other companies in our sector, but did not benchmark compensation against this group of companies.

 

Positioning Versus Market

 

We determined that it was appropriate toWhile we generally target the median of the Peer Group for base salaries, target annual cash incentive awards,each compensation element for our Named Executive Officers, in 2020, the Compensation Committee weighed this data less heavily, instead focusing on the most effective way to motivate our Named Executive Officers to successfully navigate the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and long-term equity-based incentive awards for 2019. As noted throughout this Compensation Discussiondepressed oil and Analysis, targetgas prices. This approach resulted in some compensation elements that were significantly above and some that were significantly below the median of our Peer Group in 2020. It has always been the case that compensation paid by other members of our Peer Group is only one of many factors considered by the Compensation Committee and the AR Compensation Committee when setting compensation levels for our Named Executive Officers.

 

 20202021 Proxy Statement   3437
 

Elements of Direct Compensation

 

Our Named Executive Officers’ compensation for 20192020 included the key components described below with respect to the compensation awarded during the time they served as our executive officers.below.

 

Pay Component Form of Pay How Amount is Determined Objective
Base salary Cash Market-competitive amount that reflects the executive’s relative skills, responsibilities, experience and contributions Provide a minimum, fixed level of cash compensation
Annual incentive awardsDiscretionary cash bonus Cash Performance against four metricsDiscretion of Compensation Committee Encourage performance that is aligned with our business strategyshort-term financial and that should lead to long-term shareholder valueoperational performance
Long-term incentive awards 50% performance shareRestricted stock units Three-year return on invested capitalTwo, three or four-year vesting Encourage performance that should lead to long-term shareholder valueProvide an additional retention mechanism
  50% restricted stock unitsCash retention awards Four-year ratableTwo or three-year vesting Provide an additional retention mechanism

 

With respect to the compensation attributable to services provided to us by our Named Executive Officers, to the Company, the components of our Named Executive Officers’ compensation at target,for 2020, calculated based on amounts reported for 2020 in the Summary Compensation Table below, were distributed as shown below for our CEO and our other Named Executive Officers for 2019.follows:

 

CEO Actual CompensationOther NEOs Actual Compensation
(average)

 

Base Salaries

 

Base salaries are designed to provide a minimum, fixed level of cash compensation for services rendered during the year. In addition to providing a base salary that is competitive with salaries paid by other independent oil and gas exploration and production companies, the Compensation Committee, in discussion with the AR Compensation Committee, also considers whether our pay levels appropriately align each Named Executive Officer’s base salary level relative to the base salary levels of our other officers. Our objective is to have base salaries that accurately reflect each officer’s relative skills, experience and contributions to the Company. To that end, annual base salary adjustments are based on a subjective analysis of many individual factors, including:

 

the responsibilities of the officer;
the period over which the officer has performed thesethose responsibilities;
the scope of, and level of expertise and experience required for the officer’s position;
the strategic impact of the officer’s position; and
the potential future contribution and demonstrated individual performance of the officer.

 

In addition to the individual factors listed above, the Compensation Committee, in discussion with the AR Compensation Committee, considers our overall business performance and implementation of Company objectives when determining annual base salaries. While these metrics generally provide context for making salary decisions, base salary decisions do not depend on attainment of specific goals or performance levels, and no specific weighting is given to one factor over another.

 

- 2020 Proxy Statement35

Base salaries are reviewed annually, but are not necessarily increased if the Compensation Committee, in discussion with the AR Compensation Committee, believes that

 - 2021 Proxy Statement38

(1) our executives are currently compensated at proper levels in light of Company performance or external market factors, or (2) an increase or addition to other elements of compensation would be more appropriate in light of our stated objectives.

 

In March 2019, after comparingAs a result of external market factors, in February 2020, the Compensation Committee determined that no changes should be made to the Named Executive Officers’ base salaries for the 2020 fiscal year. Accordingly, each Named Executive Officer was paid the same base salary levels to those of similarly situated executives in the Peer Group, and considering the individual and business factors described above,2020 as he was paid in 2019. Messrs. Rady and Warren recommended to the AR Compensation Committee that the Named Executive Officers other than themselves receivehave not received an increase in their respective base salaries by 7% for Messrs. Schopp and Kilstrom and 4% for Mr. Kennedy. The AR Compensation Committee approved this recommendation, and such base salaries were subsequently approved by the Compensation Committee. Also in March 2019, prior to his promotion, Mr. Ash received a 3% increase in his base salary. Additionally, in connection with his promotion, Mr. Ash received a subsequent 9% increase in his base salary. salary since 2017.

The table below reflects the portion of the base salary following the previously described adjustments, for each Named Executive Officer allocated to the Company, as discussed above underCompany. For additional information, see “Implementing Our Compensation Program Objectives—Role of the Antero Resources Compensation Committee and Allocation of Compensation Expenses.”Expenses” above.

 

Executive OfficerAllocated
Base Salary
Paul M. Rady$ 238,095
Glen C. Warren, Jr.$ 178,988
Alvyn A. Schopp$ 131,813
Michael N. Kennedy$ 111,000
W. Patrick Ash$ 101,288
Kevin J. Kilstrom(1)$ 131,813

(1)Effective August 16, 2019, Mr. Kilstrom retired as Senior Vice President—Production.
  Allocated 
Executive Officer Base Salary 
Paul M. Rady $233,805 
Glen C. Warren, Jr. $175,763 
Alvyn A. Schopp $129,438 
Michael N. Kennedy $109,000 
W. Patrick Ash $99,463 

 

Annual Cash Incentive Awards

 

Purpose and Operation

Annual cash incentive payments,awards paid based on pre-established metrics selected by the Compensation Committee and the AR Compensation Committee, which we also refer to as cash bonuses, arehave historically been a key component of each Named Executive Officer’s annual compensation package. The annual incentive plan is based on a balanced scorecard that is used to measure our performance.

TheHowever, in 2020 the Compensation Committee, in discussion with the AR Compensation Committee, adopted bonus targetsdetermined that the global COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic downturn paired with a great deal of uncertainty in the oil and gas markets made the establishment of meaningful quantitative goals for each of the Named Executive Officers, expressed as a percentage of base salary.2020 annual cash incentive program impossible. The Compensation Committee in discussion withand the AR Compensation Committee also consideredfelt it would best serve our stockholders if they retained maximum flexibility to appropriately shape this element of compensation strategy of providing incentive compensation opportunities that are competitive with the market median in setting the 2019 bonus targets. Thefor our Named Executive Officers havefor 2020 following completion of this unprecedented year and the opportunity to earn up to 150% of their individual bonus targets. Thereview the Company’s allocated portion, as discussed above under “Implementing Our Compensation Program Objectives—Roleperformance, our Named Executive Officers’ performance, the economic landscape in the oil and gas industry, and the state of the Antero Resourcesglobal economy.

The following were 2020 achievements by the Company and our Named Executive Officers particularly noted by the Compensation Committee during its subjective performance assessment following the end of the year:

Strong liquidity and leverage figures;
Best relative TSR in 2020 as compared to U.S. independent (non-major) oil and gas companies with a market capitalization over $500 million (excluding companies currently in bankruptcy); and
Strong safety and environmental performance.

While no target bonuses were established for our Named Executive Officers in 2020, the Compensation Committee and Allocationthe AR Compensation Committee used each named Executive Officer’s 2019 target cash bonus as a point of Compensation Expenses,” ofreference, though they decided to increase the annualtarget bonus used for these purposes for Patrick Ash from 80% to 85%. The target incentive targetsbonuses used to determine the 2020 cash bonuses for each of theour Named Executive Officers is set forth below:were as follows:

 

Target
Bonus (as a %
Executive Officer 2019 Target
Bonus (as a %
of base salary)
Paul M. Rady  120%
Glen C. Warren, Jr.  100%
Alvyn A. Schopp  85%
Michael N. Kennedy  85%
W. Patrick Ash  80%
Kevin J. Kilstrom(1)85%

 

(1)Effective August 16, 2019, Mr. Kilstrom retired as Senior Vice President—Production.

 20202021 Proxy Statement   3639
 

Performance Metrics

For 2019,After considering the achievements noted above, our Compensation Committee adopted an annual incentive programand the AR Compensation Committee decided that provides objectively determinable payouts, which we believe promotes transparency and motivates oureach of the Named Executive Officers other than Mr. Warren should receive an annual cash bonus equal to accomplish specific objectives. This structure is intended to provide payout levels that are consistent with our shareholders’ investment experience.115% of their respective 2019 target bonus amounts. The Compensation Committee selected the four metrics described below for the 2019 fiscal year under our annual incentive plan. These metrics, which were specifically chosen for their importance in supporting the strategic initiatives we established for 2019, are weighted equally in calculating annual bonuses.

The following table shows the results of the 2019 annual incentive program:

Weighting Factor Selected Metrics Threshold
Performance
  Target
Performance
  Maximum
Performance
  Actual
Performance
  Performance
Score
(% of Target)
 Weighted
Score
 25% Distributable Cash Flow per Share(1) $1.30  $1.35  $1.45  $1.35   99%  24.75%
 25% Net Debt/EBITDA(2)  3.50x   3.25x   3.00x   3.49x   52%  13%
 25% Return on Invested Capital(3)  10%   11%   12%   13%   150%  37.5%
 25% Safety and Environmental(4)  0.650 TRIR   0.560 TRIR   0.475 TRIR   0.492 TRIR   140%  11.667%
       0.100 LTIR   0.070 LTIR   0.030 LTIR   0.055 LTIR   118.75%  9.896%
          0 Notices      0 Notices   100%  8.333%
 100%                    TOTAL  105.146%

(1)Distributable Cash Flow per Share
Definition.Total distributable cash flow divided by diluted shares outstanding of 508.1 million shares.
Rationale.Distributable cash flow is used as a performance metric to compare the cash available to pay out in the form of dividends to shareholders.
(2)Net Debt/EBITDA
Definition.Year-end 2019 net debt divided by 2019 full-year adjusted EBITDA.
Rationale.Managing the balance sheet leverage is essential for growing the business efficiently. Net Debt/EBITDA is a key debt coverage ratio that motivates management to minimize debt relative to cash flow.
(3)Return on Invested Capital
Definition.Adjusted net income plus income tax expense plus interest expense (EBIT), divided by the average total capitalization at year-end 2018 and year-end 2019. Total capitalization is equal to long-term debt plus shareholder’s equity. 2018 year end capitalization is pro forma for the Transactions, as outlined in the pro forma financials on the Form 8-K filed by the Company on March 12, 2019.
Rationale. ROIC is used as a performance metric that measures the efficiency of our capital investments and quality of our earnings. ROIC is a metric that many investors consider when assessing the performance of companies in our section and how much value is created for shareholders.
(4)Safety and Environmental
Definition.The Company measured performance in the Safety and Environmental performance category through several lagging indicators:

Lost Time Incident Rate (“LTIR”). This metric refers to the number of lost time injuries (i.e., work-related injuries that result in an employee being unable to perform normal work duties the work day following the injury event). LTIR is calculated first by multiplying the total number of lost time injuries by 200,000, and then dividing that product by the number of labor hours for the recording period.
Total Recordable Incident Rate (“TRIR”). This metric refers to the number of OSHA recordable injuries/illnesses (i.e., work-related injuries/ illnesses that result in medical intervention beyond first aid). TRIR is calculated first by multiplying the total number of recordable injuries/ illnesses by 200,000, and then dividing that product by the number of labor hours for the recording period.
Environmental. Performance with respect to this metric is attained if there are no major environmental related Notices of Violation (fines not exceeding $100,000) occurring during the measurement period.
In addition, the Company monitored several leading indicators in determining performance for the Safety and Environmental performance category. Leading indicators are proactive, preventative and predictive measures that provide current information regarding the effective performance, activities and processes of a Safety and Environmental system that may help identify, eliminate or control risks in the workplace. Management reviewed the progress of each leading indicator throughout 2019 and assessed if performance was adequate in light of the Company’s operation. These leading indicators include: HSSE training, Operational Safety Steering Team activities, Corrective Action/ Preventative Action closeout, Environmental Compliance Audit Score, Operational Risk Register Reviews, and Field Safety Committee meeting compliance.
Rationale.Maintaining a safe work environment and sustainable environmental record is critical to the success of the business and execution of our strategy. Measuring safety and environmental metrics motivates all participants to maintain focus on these metrics.

- 2020 Proxy Statement37

2019 Annual Incentive Program Payouts

The Compensation Committee evaluated the 2019 annual incentive scorecard and considered the factors noted above. Our performance for 2019 resulted in a payout calculation of 105.146%. We are aware that equity prices for midstream companies remain depressed, and in recognition of these market conditions, the Compensation Committee reduced the payouts for Messrs. Rady and Warren from 105.146% to approximately 95% of their target bonuses. No adjustments were made to the bonuses for the other Named Executive Officers, and there were no adjustments for individual performance. As adjusted, we believe that the results of our annual incentive program are appropriate and aligned with the performance of the Company. Payments under the annual incentive plan will help us to retain and reward the executive team that is responsible for our success. The Compensation Committee approved 2019 annual incentive bonuses paid in March 2020 in the amounts shown below for the Named Executive Officers.

Executive Officer 2019 Target
Bonus ($)
 Performance
Achievement Level
(Percentage of
Target)
 Adjusted
Performance
Achievement Level
(Percentage of
Target)
 Actual
2019
Bonus ($)
Paul M. Rady  285,714   105.146%  95.32%  272,335 
Glen C. Warren, Jr.  178,988   105.146%  95.35%  170,663 
Alvyn A. Schopp  112,041   105.146%  105.146%  117,806 
Michael N. Kennedy  94,350   105.146%  105.146%  99,205 
W. Patrick Ash  81,030   105.146%  105.146%  85,200 
Kevin J. Kilstrom  112,041          (1) 
(1)As a result of his retirement in August 2019, Mr. Kilstrom was not eligible to receive a payout under the 2019 annual incentive program.

Long-Term Equity-Based Incentive Awards

Target Value of Long-Term Incentive Awards

In 2019, the Compensation Committee, in discussion with the AR Compensation Committee determined that it was appropriate for theMr. Warren should receive a slightly higher bonus, equal to 122% of his 2019 target valuebonus, in recognition of the equity awards granted tosignificant role he played in the creation and execution of our financial plan for 2020. The 2020 annual cash bonus amounts reported below reflect the portion of the annual cash bonus for each Named Executive OfficersOfficer allocated to target the 50thpercentile of long-term incentive awards granted to executive officers of the members of the Peer Group. As discussed above underCompany. For additional information, see “Implementing Our Compensation Program Objectives—Role of the Antero Resources Compensation Committee and Allocation of Compensation Expenses,”Expenses” above. The amounts below are reported in the portion“Bonus” column of this target value that was allocatedthe Summary Compensation Table.

  Percentage of   
  2019 Target Bonus Allocated 2020
  Paid for 2020 Annual Cash Bonus
Executive Officer Performance Payments
Paul M. Rady  115% $322,651 
Glen C. Warren, Jr.  122% $215,112 
Alvyn A. Schopp  115% $126,525 
Michael N. Kennedy  115% $106,547 
W. Patrick Ash  115% $97,225 

Long-Term Incentive Awards

January 2020 Retention Awards

In January 2020, our Compensation Committee approved non-recurring retention awards to Messrs. Schopp, Kennedy and Ash, in the form of restricted stock units and cash awards pursuant to the Company determinedAM LTIP. These awards vest over the sizecourse of two years for Mr. Schopp and in equal installments over the course of three years for Messrs. Kennedy and Ash. The total value of the long-term incentivecash awards granted to our Named Executive OfficersMessrs. Schopp, Kennedy and Ash by us in 2019,2020 was as set forthfollows: $1,333,333, $533,333 and $333,333, respectively. Details regarding the restricted stock units granted can be found in the table below:entitled “Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal Year 2020,” below. The Compensation Committee believes these awards are imperative to help us succeed in implementing our short- and long-term business plans in the current environment of lower commodity prices and challenging capital markets because they help us retain these key executives. The Compensation Committee determined that restricted stock units and cash awards would generally have the strongest retentive effect.

 

Executive Officer 2019 Allocated
Target Long-Term
Incentive Value(1) 
Paul M. Rady $  2,200,000 
Glen C. Warren, Jr. $900,000 
Alvyn A. Schopp $450,000 
Michael N. Kennedy $650,000 
W. Patrick Ash $200,000 
Kevin J. Kilstrom(2) $450,000 
(1)The amounts set forth in this column differ from the amounts set forth under the “Summary Compensation Table” and the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal Year 2019” below, as these amounts were set by the Compensation Committee and then divided by the closing price on the applicable date of grant to determine the number of restricted stock units and target performance share units to be granted. The amounts set forth under “Summary Compensation Table” and the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal Year 2019” below reflect the grant date fair value of the number of restricted stock units and target performance share units granted, as computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, resulting in a higher value attributable to the grants under those tables.
(2)Effective August 16, 2019, Mr. Kilstrom retired as Senior Vice President—Production.

Messrs. Schopp, Kennedy and Ash are uniquely qualified to execute our goals due to their institutional knowledge, strategic insight and unique skill sets. We feel this retention program adds a level of assurance to achieve our corporate objectives and maintain continuity, which we deem critical at this time.

Mr. Schopp has been an integral member of our senior management team for over 17 years. We believe he is vital to our continued contract negotiations and regulatory and litigation management due to his experience and knowledge of ongoing matters and negotiations, the breadth of his industry contacts, and his past litigation success. The awards were designed to motivate Mr. Schopp to lead certain ongoing projects to a successful completion, as well as to prepare a succession team to seamlessly take over his work following his eventual retirement.

Mr. Kennedy is our Chief Financial Officer and a critical player in developing our financial plan and financial risk mitigation strategy for the next several years. Further, Mr. Kennedy continues to provide valuable tactical advice related to budget management, forecasting and finance.

The vast majority of our operations report to Mr. Ash, who is one of our chief architects of strategic and operational planning. He plays a critical role in developing our annual business outlook, upon which our financial and operational plans are built.

We strongly believe that our people are our greatest asset and that consistent leadership through challenging economic times is critical.

 

 20202021 Proxy Statement   3840
 

July 2020 Long-Term Incentive Awards Granted in 2019

 

Other than for Mr. Ash, who was not an executive officer atIn 2020, the time annual grants were made in 2019, one-halfCompensation Committee elected to grant solely restricted stock units (instead of the long-term incentive awards for our Named Executive Officers were in the forma mix of restricted stock units and performance share units, as was the case in 2019) to Messrs. Rady and one-half wereWarren pursuant to the AM LTIP. The Compensation Committee felt that establishing performance goals in the formmidst of restricted stock units. Mr. Ash received 100% of his awardsuch a tumultuous and uncertain time for the global economy, and the oil and gas sector in particular, would be highly speculative and would not provide the form of restricted stock units.motivation desired as the goals would likely be inappropriate in retrospect. The number of performance share units andCompensation Committee also felt that granting solely restricted stock units grantedcommunicated the importance of retention to our Named Executive Officerskey employees during unprecedented times and is in 2019 are described more fully under “Grants of Plan-Based Awardsline with market for Fiscal Year 2019 ” below.

midstream companies. The restricted stock units granted to our Named Executive OfficersMessrs. Rady and Warren in 20192020 vest ratably on the first four anniversaries of the date of grant, subject to continued service. All

Historically, the Compensation Committee establishes the number of long-term incentive awards granted to our Named Executive Officers by setting a target value and granting a number of awards equal to that value. In 2020, the Compensation Committee considered the overall value of long-term incentive awards granted to our Named Executive Officers but took a slightly different approach when determining the number of awards granted during the annual grant process. At the time restricted stock units were granted to Messrs. Rady and Warren in July 2020, our stock price was depressed and there was a great deal of uncertainty about the market generally (because of the performance shareCOVID-19 pandemic) and the oil and gas industry in particular (as a result of depressed oil and gas prices). In an effort to balance the twin goals of retaining our Named Executive Officers and maintaining a reasonable burn rate for the AM LTIP, the number of annual long-term incentive awards granted to our employee population in July 2020 was generally determined by establishing the desired duration of the AM LTIP, dividing the remaining pool of shares reserved for issuance thereunder by that figure, and then allocating approximately that number of restricted stock units (i.e., the number attributable to one year) among the recipients in proportions similar to those granted in 2019 vest based on return on invested capital, or “ROIC,” (the “ROIC PSUs”). 2019.

Due to market conditions in 2020 and to better align Messrs. Rady’s and Warren’s compensation packages with our stockholders’ investment experience, the total value of Messrs. Rady’s and Warren’s long-term incentive awards in 2020 was approximately 20% lower than the value of the long-term incentive awards granted to such Named Executive Officers in 2019.

The Compensation Committee selected ROICdid not grant annual long-term equity incentive awards to Messrs. Schopp, Kennedy and Ash in orderJuly 2020 because they received the non-recurring 2020 retention awards.

The number of restricted stock units granted to motivate theour Named Executive Officers to make decisions that result in efficient deployment2020 are described more fully under “Grants of capital in the business. Additionally, ROIC is a metric that many investors consider when assessing the performance of companies in our sector.Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal Year 2020” below.

 

In order to achieve payout of the ROIC PSUs, the Company’s ROIC must be at least 85% of the “Target ROIC” (which is equal to 15%) at the end of the three-year performance period on December 31, 2021, with the payout determined as follows:

Performance LevelROICPerformance
Payout %
Below Threshold< 85% of Target ROIC0%
Threshold85% of Target ROIC50%
TargetTarget ROIC100%
Maximum 115% of Target ROIC200%

Other Benefits

 

Health and Welfare Benefits

 

Our Named Executive Officers are eligible to participate in all of Antero Resources’ employee health and welfare benefit arrangements on the same basis as other employees of Antero Resources (subject to applicable law). These arrangements include medical, dental, vision and disability insurance, as well as health savings accounts.

 

These benefits are provided in order to ensure that we and Antero Resources can competitively attract and retain officers and other employees. This is a fixed component of compensation, and these benefits are provided on a non-discriminatory basis to all Antero Resources employees.

 

 - 2021 Proxy Statement41

Retirement Benefits

 

Antero Resources maintains an employee retirement savings plan through which employees may save for retirement or future events on a tax-advantaged basis. Participation in the 401(k) plan is at the discretion of each individual Antero Resources employee, and our Named Executive Officers participate in the plan on the same basis as all other employees. The plan permits Antero Resources to make discretionary matching and non-elective contributions.

 

During 2019,2020, Antero Resources matched 100% of the first 6% (reduced to 4% mid-year as a cost-saving measure) of eligible compensation that employees contributecontributed to the plan, as such contributions are limited by applicable laws and the terms of the 401(k) plan. These matching contributions are immediately fully vested. As part of our general and administrative expense, we reimbursed Antero Resources for a portion of these matching contributions.

 

- 2020 Proxy Statement39

Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits

 

We believe the total mix of compensation and benefits provided to our Named Executive Officers is currently competitive. Therefore, perquisites do not play a significant role in our Named Executive Officers’ total compensation.

 

Impact of Simplification Transaction2021 Compensation Decisions

 

As described below under “Related Person Transactions—Agreements with Antero Resources Corporation—Simplification Agreement,” onBase Salaries

In March 12, 2019, we completed2021, after comparing base salary levels to those of similarly situated executives in the transactions contemplated byPeer Group, reviewing the Simplification Agreement (the “Transactions”). In connection withCompany’s performance during 2020, and discussing the closingrecommendations of Messrs. Rady and Warren and its independent compensation consultant for 2021, Longnecker, the Transactions, outstanding phantom units underCompensation Committee approved the Antero Midstream Partners LP Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “AMLP LTIP”) and Series B Units in Antero IDR Holdings LLC (“IDR LLC”) held by certain Named Executive Officers were converted or exchanged as described below. The Transactions did not constitute a “change in control” transaction under the applicable compensation arrangements, thus there were no change in control payments paidfollowing increases to base salary for the Named Executive Officers in connection with the Transactions.Officers:

  2020 Allocated 2021 Allocated Percentage
Executive Officer Base Salary Base Salary(1) Increase
Paul M. Rady $233,805  $269,775   15%
Glen C. Warren, Jr. $175,763  $190,750   9%
Alvyn A. Schopp $129,438  $136,250   5%
Michael N. Kennedy $109,000  $122,625   13%
W. Patrick Ash $99,463  $113,088   14%
(1)Allocated base salary included here calculated based on the 2020 NEO AM Reimbursement Percentage. The actual percentage of base salary allocated to the Company for 2021 will not be determinable until the 2021 Reimbursement Percentage is calculated following the end of 2021.

Annual Cash Incentive Awards

 

AMLP Phantom Units

PriorDue to improving market conditions and relief from the global pandemic, in April 2021, the Compensation Committee approved an annual cash incentive plan for the 2021 fiscal year. For 2021, the Compensation Committee returned to the consummationstructure of the Transactions,our 2019 annual incentive program, which we believe motivates our Named Executive Officers spent a portionto accomplish specific objectives. In addition, the Compensation Committee modified the maximum payout opportunity from 150% of their time providing servicestarget, as was the case in 2019 (the most recent year during which target bonus amounts were established), to Antero Midstream Partners LP (“AMLP”),200% of target, and thus were entitledincorporated an additional qualitative performance metric tied to receive grants of equity-based awards under the AMLP LTIP. In November 2014, each of our Named Executive Officers was granted phantom units under the AMLP LTIP in connection with the initial public offering of AMLP . In April 2016 and 2017, each of our Named Executive Officers was granted additional phantom units under the AMLP LTIP as compensation for their additional services provided to AMLP . No phantom units under the AMLP LTIP were granted during 2018. Phantom units granted under the AMLP LTIP generally represented the right to receive common units of AMLP upon vesting.

At the effective timeESG, which will be reflective of the Transactions, each outstanding phantom unit under the AMLP LTIP, including those held bystrategy detailed in our Named Executive Officers, was converted into a restricted stock unit of the Companysustainability report. This structure is intended to provide payout levels that are consistent with substantially the same terms and conditions (includingour stockholders’ investment experience, while remaining competitive with respect to vesting) applicable to such phantom unit award immediately prior to the effective time of the Transactions, representing the right to receive a number of shares of common stock of the Company equal to (i) the number of common units of AMLP subject to such phantom unit award immediately prior to the effective time of the Transactions, multiplied by (ii) 1.8926. Additionally, all distribution equivalent rights granted in tandemcompanies with a corresponding phantom unit award were converted into a distribution equivalent right of the Company with substantially the same terms and conditions (including with respect to vesting) applicable to such distribution equivalent right immediately prior to the effective time of the Transactions, representing the right to receive (i) any balance accrued on such distribution equivalent right as of the effective time of the Transactions and (ii) any dividends paid or distributions made by the Company from and after the effective time of the Transactions with respect to the number of shares of common stock of the Company subject to the converted phantom unit award to which such converted distribution equivalent right relates.

Series B Units in IDR LLC

IDR LLC was formed to hold 100% of AMLP’s IDRs. To the extent vested, the Series B Units in IDR LLC entitled the holders thereof to receive, subject to the terms and provisions of the limited liability company agreement of IDR LLC (the “IDR LLC Agreement”) and the incentive unit award agreements pursuant to which the awards were granted, a proportionate amount of up to 6% of any future profits of IDR LLCwe compete for executive talent.

 

 20202021 Proxy Statement   4042
 

that resulted from any distributions on AMLP’s IDRs that were held by IDR LLC in excess of $7.5 million per quarter. Unvested Series B Units in IDR LLC were not entitled to receive any distributions; however, in connection with any subsequent distribution on AMLP’s IDRs following the date an unvested Series B Unit in IDR LLC became vested, the holder of such vested Series B Unit in IDR LLC was entitled to receive an additional distribution equal to the aggregate amount of distributions that would have been made with respect to such Series B Unit in IDR LLC during the period in which such Series B Unit was unvested if such Series B Unit had been vested.

The unvested Series B Units in IDR LLC issued to Messrs. Rady and Warren on December 31, 2016, were scheduled to become vested on December 31, 2019, so long as the applicable executive remained continuously employed by us or one of our affiliates through such date. The unvested Series B Units in IDR LLC issued to Mr. Kennedy on January 10, 2017 were scheduled to become vested on December 31, 2019, so long as Mr. Kennedy remained continuously employed by us or one of our affiliates through such date.

At the effective time of the Transactions, each holder of Series B Units in IDR LLC, including our Named Executive Officers, transferred each Series B Unit in IDR LLC it owned (vested and unvested) in exchange for (i) 176.0041 shares of common stock of the Company, all of which vested on December 31, 2019 in accordance with the applicable equity grant agreement pursuant to which the Series B Unit in IDR LLC was originally issued, (ii) an amount in cash equal to the unpaid distributions (other than tax distributions) declared with respect to vested Series B Units in IDR LLC, if any, pursuant to the distribution provisions of the IDR LLC Agreement, and (iii) an amount in cash deposited into an escrow account equal to the distributions declared with respect to unvested Series B Units in IDR LLC, excluding any amounts attributable to any distributions made with respect to unvested Series B Units in IDR LLC after December 31, 2018 but prior to the effective time of the Transactions (collectively, the “Series B Exchange”). The Named Executive Officers who held Series B Units were not entitled to receive any dividends paid by the Company during 2019 on any unvested shares of common stock of the Company received in exchange for such Series B Units.

2020 Compensation Decisions

Responsiveness to Current Economic Environment

This Proxy Statement relates to compensation and performance in 2019 and prior years, neither of which were affected by the unprecedented disruption the economy and our industry is currently facing. Given the market uncertainty and share price volatility since February of 2020, the Board and the Compensation Committee have done the following to be responsive to stockholders:

Approved no 2020 salary increases for our Named Executive Officers;
Deferred approval of the 2020 short-term incentive plan program, including performance targets and goals; and
Deferred 2020 long-term incentive plan annual grants to all AM LTIP participants, including our Named Executive Officers (other than to Messrs. Schopp, Kennedy and Ash, to whom the Compensation Committee does not plan to grant annual awards during 2020 as a result of their receipt of the retention awards described below in January 2020).

2020 Targeted Retention Actions

In January 2020, our Compensation Committee approved retention awards to Messrs. Schopp, Kennedy and Ash, which were comprised of restricted stock units and cash awards. For Mr. Schopp, these awards vest over the course of two years and for Mr. Kennedy and Ash they vest over three years. The Compensation Committee believes that these awards are imperative to help us succeed in implementing our short- and long-term business plans in the current environment of lower commodity prices and challenging capital markets by retaining these key executives. The retention awards were comprised of

- 2020 Proxy Statement41

restricted stock units and cash awards because they generally have the strongest retentive properties.

Messrs. Schopp, Kennedy and Ash are uniquely qualified to execute our goals due to their institutional knowledge, strategic insight and unique skill sets. We feel this retention program adds a level of assurance to achieve our corporate objectives and maintain continuity, which we deem critical at this time.

Mr. Schopp has been an integral member of our senior management team for over 16 years. We believe that he is vital to our continued contract negotiations and regulatory and litigation management as a result of his experience and knowledge of ongoing matters and negotiations, the breadth of his industry contacts, and his past litigation success. The awards were designed to motivate Mr. Schopp to lead certain ongoing projects to a successful completion as well as prepare a succession team to seamlessly take over his work following his eventual retirement.

Mr. Kennedy is our Chief Financial Officer and a critical player in developing our financial plan and financial risk mitigation strategy for the next several years. Further, Mr. Kennedy continues to provide valuable tactical advice related to budget management, forecasting and finance for the Company.

The vast majority of our operations report to Mr. Ash, who is one of our chief architects of strategic and operational planning. He plays a key role in development of our annual business outlook upon which our financial and operational plans are built.

We strongly believe that our people are our greatest asset and that consistent leadership through challenging economic times is critical.Long-Term Incentive Awards

 

The Compensation Committee does not plan to grant additional annualgranted solely time-based long-term equity incentive awards to Messrs. Schopp, Kennedyour Named Executive Officers in April 2021. These awards are subject to the terms and Ash during 2020 as a result of their receiptprovisions of the 2020 retention awards.AM LTIP and the award agreements pursuant to which they were granted.

 

Other Matters

 

Employment, Severance or Change-in-Control Agreements

 

We do not maintain any employment, severance or change-in-control agreements with any of our Named Executive Officers.

 

As discussed below under “Potential Payments Upon a Termination or a Change in Control,” anyeach of Messrs. Rady, Warren, Schopp, Kennedy orand Ash couldwould be entitled to receive accelerated vesting of his performance share units and restricted stock units in the Company that remain unvested upon his termination of employment with us under certain circumstances or upon the occurrence of certain corporate events.

 

Stock Ownership Guidelines

 

Following the closing of the Simplification Transactions, we adopted stock ownership guidelines, pursuant to which our executive officers are required to own a minimum number of shares of our common stock within five years of thebecoming an executive officer or five years after adoption of the guidelines, or within five years of becoming an executive officer.policy, whichever is later. In particular, each of our executive officers is required to own shares of our common stock having an aggregate fair market value equal to at least a designated multiple of the executive officer’s base salary. The guidelines for executive officers are set forth in the table below.

 

Officer LevelOwnership Guideline
Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chief Financial Officer5x annual base salary
Vice President3x annual base salary
Other Officers (if applicable)1x annual base salary

 

Compliance with these guidelines is measured as of June 30 of each year. If an individual covered by the ownership guidelines has satisfiedsatisfies the guidelines on a prior determination date, a subsequent decrease in our stock price without a sale of shares will not result in non-compliancecause that executive to be out of compliance on a subsequentlater determination date. As of June 30, 2019,2020, less than five years had passed since adoption of the policy and, as a result, each of our Named Executive Officers had not been executive officers for at least five years and had time remaining to achieve compliance with the stockrequisite ownership guidelines.levels.

 

- 2020 Proxy Statement42

Tax and Accounting Treatment of Executive Compensation Decisions

 

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), generally imposes a $1 million limit on the amount of compensation paid to “covered employees” (as defined in Section 162(m)) that a public corporation may deduct for federal income tax purposes in any year. The “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” enacted in 2017, repealed the performance-based compensation exception to the Section 162(m) deduction limitation for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. In addition, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act generally expanded the scope of who is considered a “covered employee.” With these changes, compensation paid to certain of our executives will be subject to the $1 million per year deduction limitation imposed by Section 162(m) unless such compensation qualifies for the transition relief applicable to certain compensation arrangements in place as of November 2, 2017. While we will continue to monitor our compensation programs in light of the deduction limitation imposed

 - 2021 Proxy Statement43

by Section 162(m), our Compensation Committee considers it important to retain the flexibility to design compensation programs that are in the best long-term interests of the Company and our shareholders.stockholders. As a result, we have not adopted a policy requiring that all compensation be fully deductible. The Compensation Committee may conclude that paying compensation at levels in excess of the limits under Section 162(m) is nevertheless in the best interests of the Company and our shareholders.stockholders. It is likely that the Company will not be able to deduct for federal income tax purposes a portion of the compensation paid to our Named Executive Officers in 2019.2020.

 

Many other Code provisions and accounting rules affect the payment of executive compensation and are generally taken into consideration as our compensation arrangements are developed. Our goal is to create and maintain compensation arrangements that are efficient, effective and in full compliance with these requirements.

 

Risk Assessment

 

We have reviewed our compensation policies and practices to determine ifwhether they create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our Company. In connection with this risk assessment, we reviewed the design of our compensation and benefits program and related policies and determined that certain features of our programs and corporate governance generally help mitigate risk. Among the factors considered were the mix of cash and equity compensation, the balance between short- and long-term objectives of our incentive compensation, the degree to which programs provide for discretion to determine payout amounts, and our general governance structure.

 

Our Compensation Committee believes that our approach of evaluating overall business performance and implementation of companyimplementing Company objectives assists in mitigating excessive risk-taking that could harm our value or reward poor judgment by our executives. Several features of our programs reflect sound risk-management practices.

 

The Compensation Committee believes our overall compensation program provides a reasonable balance between short- and long-term objectives, which helps mitigate the risk of excessive risk-taking in the short term.
The metrics that determine ultimate value awarded under our incentive compensation programs are associated with total companyCompany value. We do not believe these metrics create pressure to meet specific financial or individual performance goals.
The performance criteria reviewed by the Compensation Committee in determining cash bonuses are based on overall performance relative to continually evolving objectives, and the Compensation Committee uses its subjective judgment in setting bonus levels for our officers. This is consistent with the Compensation Committee’s belief that applying company-wide objectives encourages decision-making that is in the best long-term interests of our Company and our stakeholders as a whole.
The mix of time- and performance-based equity awards and multi-year vesting of our equity awards discourages excessive risk-taking and undue focus on short-term gains that may not be sustainable.

 

Due to the foregoing program features, the Compensation Committee concluded that our compensation policies and practices for all employees, including our Named Executive Officers, are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 

- 2020 Proxy Statement43

Tally Sheets

 

The Compensation Committee and the AR Compensation Committee use tally sheets as a reference point in reviewing and establishing our Named Executive Officers’ compensation. The tally sheets provide a holistic view of all material elements of our Named Executive Officers’ compensation, including base salary, annual cash incentive awards, long-term equity incentive awards and indirect compensation such as perquisites and retirement benefits, including the portions of such compensation that are paid for services provided to Antero Resources. Tally sheets also demonstrate the amounts each executive could potentially receive under various termination and change in control scenarios, as well asand include a summary of all shares beneficially owned.

 

 - 2021 Proxy Statement44

Hedging and Pledging Prohibitions

 

Our Insider Trading Policy prohibits our Named Executive Officers from engaging in speculative transactions involving our common stock, including buying or selling puts or calls, short sales, purchases ofpurchasing securities on margin, or otherwise hedging the risk of ownership of such securities. The Insider Trading Policy also prohibits our Named Executive Officers from pledging shares of such securities as collateral.

 

Clawback Policy

 

We have adopted a general clawback policy covering long-term incentive award plans and arrangements. The clawback policy applies to our current Named Executive Officers as well as certain of our former Named Executive Officers. Generally, recoupment of compensation would be triggered under the policy in the event of a financial restatement caused by fraud or intentional misconduct. In the event of such misconduct, we may recoup performance-based equity compensation that was granted, earned or vested based wholly or in part upon the attainment of any financial reporting measure during the period in which such misconduct took place. The clawback policy gives the policy administrator discretion to determine whether a clawback of compensation should be initiated in any given case, as well as the discretion to make other determinations, including whether a covered individual’s conduct meets a specified standard, the amount of compensation to be clawed back, and the form of reimbursement to the Company.reimbursement.

 

In order to comply with applicable law, the clawback policy may be updated or modified once the SEC adopts final clawback rules pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010. In addition, the AM LTIP generally provides that, to the extent required by applicable law or any applicable securities exchange listing standards, or as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, all awards under the AM LTIP are subject to the provisions of any clawback policy the Company implements.

 

Compensation Committee Report

 

The material in this report is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed “filed” with the SEC, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in such filing.

 

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the foregoing Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and discussion, the Board of Directors has determined that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis shallshould be included in this Proxy Statement and incorporated by reference into our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

Compensation Committee Members*:

David H. Keyte, Chairman
John C. Mollenkopf

W. Howard Keenan, Jr.

Janine J. McArdle

 

*Includes all members of the Compensation Committee as of the time the Compensation Committee Report was approved for inclusion in this Proxy Statement .Statement.

 

 20202021 Proxy Statement   4445
 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table summarizes, with respect to our Named Executive Officers, information relating to the compensation earned for services rendered in all capacities during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017.2018. Unlike in 2017 and 2018, for 2019 and 2020, the table reflects only the portion of the compensation earned by our Named Executive Officers attributable to their services to the Company, and does not include compensation earned for services provided to Antero Resources or its subsidiaries. As a result, the compensation included for 2019 and 2020 is lower than the compensation included for 2017 and 2018. See above under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Implementing Our Compensation Program Objectives—Role of the Antero Resources Compensation Committee and Allocation of Compensation Expenses” for further discussion of the allocation methodology used.

 

Name and
Principal Position
 Year Salary
($)(1)
 Bonus
($)(2)
 Stock
Awards
($)(3)
 Option
Awards
($)(4)
 Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(5)
 All Other
Compensation
($)(6)
 Total
($)
Paul M. Rady

(Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer)

 2019  238,095      2,690,973   15,200,000   272,335   4,662   18,406,065(4) 
 2018  858,000      7,520,882      753,140   11,000   9,143,022 
 2017  853,833   823,680   8,240,720         10,800   9,929,033 
Glen C. Warren, Jr.

(Director, President and Secretary)

 2019  178,988      1,100,860   10,133,650   170,663   4,662   11,588,823(4) 
 2018  645,000      3,076,725      471,810   11,000   4,204,534 
 2017  641,833   516,000   5,493,827         10,800   6,662,460 
Alvyn A. Schopp

(Chief Administrative Officer, Regional Sr. Vice President and Treasurer)

 2019  130,423      550,429      117,806   4,662   803,320 
 2018  442,800      1,538,352      276,661   11,000   2,268,813 
 2017  429,833   367,200   2,032,733         10,800   2,840,566 
Michael N. Kennedy

(Chief Financial Officer and Sr. Vice President—Finance)

 2019  110,364      795,057   1,266,350   99,205   4,662   2,275,638(4) 
 2018  384,375      1,538,352      240,157   11,000   2,173,884 
 2017  373,167   300,000   2,032,733         10,800   2,716,700 
W. Patrick Ash(7)

(Sr. Vice President—Reserves, Planning & Midstream)

 2019  96,993      199,996      85,200   4,662   386,851 
                              
Kevin J. Kilstrom(8)

(Former Sr. Vice President— Production)

 2019  83,875      450,004         4,662   538,541 
 2018  442,800      1,538,352      276,661   11,000   2,268,813 
 2017  429,833   367,200   2,032,733         10,800   2,840,566 

                    Non-Equity        
            Stock Option Incentive Plan All Other    
Name and   Salary Bonus Awards Awards Compensation Compensation Total
Principal Position Year ($) ($)(1) ($)(2) ($)(3) ($) ($)(4) ($)
Paul M. Rady
(Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer)
 2020  233,805   322,651   2,131,200         3,883   2,691,539 
 2019  238,095      2,690,973   15,200,000   272,335   4,662   18,406,065(3) 
                              
 2018  858,000      7,520,882      753,140   11,000   9,143,022 
Glen C. Warren, Jr.
(Director, President and Secretary)
 2020  175,763   215,112   852,480         3,883   1,247,238 
 2019  178,988      1,100,860   10,133,650   170,663   4,662   11,588,823(3) 
                              
 2018  645,000      3,076,725      471,810   11,000   4,204,535 
Alvyn A. Schopp
(Chief Administrative Officer and Regional Sr. Vice President)
 2020  129,438   126,525   3,333,339         3,883   3,593,185 
                              
 2019  130,423      550,429      117,806   4,662   803,320 
 2018  442,800      1,538,352      276,661   11,000   2,268,813 
Michael N. Kennedy
(Chief Financial Officer and Sr. Vice President—Finance)
 2020  109,000   106,547   2,133,338         3,883   2,352,768 
                              
 2019  110,364      795,057   1,266,350   99,205   4,662   2,275,638(3) 
 2018  384,375      1,538,352      240,157   11,000   2,173,884 
W. Patrick Ash
(Sr. Vice President—Reserves, Planning & Midstream)
 2020  99,463   97,225   1,666,670         3,883   1,867,241 
 2019  96,993      199,996      85,200   4,662   386,851 
(1)The amounts in this column may differ from those reported above under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Direct Compensation—Base Salaries” dueCompensation Committee did not approve an annual incentive program tied to the fact that adjustments to the base salariesspecific performance goals for 2020, but instead approved discretionary bonuses for each of our Named Executive Officers for the 2019 fiscal year took effect on March 1, 2019.2020 due to their superior performance despite unprecedented market conditions.
(2)The annual incentive program implemented in 2019 is intended to incentivize our Named Executive Officers to achieve specific performance goals throughout the year, and, as a result, such amounts earned under the annual incentive program for 2019 are reported in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column, rather than the “Bonus” column.
(3)The amounts in this column represent the grant date fair value of restricted stock unit awards and performance share unit awards granted to the Named Executive Officers in 2020 pursuant to the AM LTIP, each as computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Additionally, the amounts in this column for Messrs. Rady, Warren, Schopp and Kennedy represent the incremental fair value of the modification on December 17, 2019 of the performance share unit awards granted to the Named Executive Officers in 2019, as computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 and as described below under “Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table—Amendment to Performance Share Units.” See Note 1312 to our consolidated financial statements on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, for additional detail regarding assumptions underlying the value of these equity awards.
(4)(3)The unvested Series B Units in Antero IDR Holdings LLC (“IDR LLC”), originally granted in December 2016 and January 2017 prior to the initial public offering of Antero Midstream GP LP, our predecessor entity, were exchanged for restricted shares on March 12, 2019 in connection with the Simplification Transactions, which were approved by an overwhelming majority of the common shares held by disinterested shareholdersstockholders of Antero Midstream GP LP and an overwhelming majority of the common units held by disinterested unitholders of Antero Midstream GP LP. The exchange of the unvested Series B Units (the “Series B Exchange”) resulted in an accounting modification under FASB ASC Topic 718, and the amounts in the “Option Awards” column, which are also included in the “Total” column, represent the incremental fair value of the modification as computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Excluding the incremental fair value of the modification for accounting purposes, the total compensation of the Named Executive Officers for 2019 would instead be $3,206,065 for Mr. Rady, $1,455,173 for Mr. Warren and $1,009,288

- 2020 Proxy Statement45
for Mr. Kennedy. Absent the Simplification Transactions and the Series B Exchange, no value relating to the Series B Units in IDR LLC would be included in this column for 2019. For additional information regarding the Series B Exchange and a supplemental summary compensation table that excludes the impact of the accounting modification, please see “Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table—Series B Exchange.” See Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 for additional detail regarding assumptions underlying the value of unvested Series B Units in IDR LLC.
(5)The amounts in this column represent the cash bonus paid to each Named Executive Officer under our 2019 annual incentive program.
(6)(4)The amounts in this column represent the amount of the Company’s allocated portion of Antero Resource’s 401(k) match for fiscal 20192020 for each participating Named Executive Officer.
(7)Effective June 10, 2019, Mr. Ash was promoted from Vice President—Reservoir Engineering and Planning to Senior Vice President—Reserves, Planning and Midstream.
(8)Effective August 16, 2019, Mr. Kilstrom retired as Senior Vice President—Production.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal Year 2019

The table below sets forth the awards granted to our Named Executive Officers during 2019, including awards under the 2019 annual cash incentive plan and the performance share units and restricted stock units granted under the AM LTIP.

    Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards(1)
 Estimated Future Payouts Under
Incentive Plan Awards(2)
 All Other
Stock
Awards:
 Grant Date
Name Grant
Date
 Threshold
($)
 Target
($)
 Maximum
($)
 Threshold
(#)
 Target
(#)
 Maximum
(#)
 Number
of Shares
of Stock
or Units
(#)(3)
 Fair Value
of Stock
and Option
Awards
($)(4)
Paul M. Rady    142,857   285,714   428,571                     
Series B Units(5) 3/12/19                              15,200,000 
RSUs(6) 4/15/19                          77,684   1,100,005 
ROIC PSUs(7) 4/15/19              38,842   77,684   155,368       1,100,005 
ROIC PSUs(8) 12/17/19                              490,963 
Glen C. Warren, Jr.    89,494   178,988   268,481                     
Series B Units(5) 3/12/19                              10,133,650 
RSUs(6) 4/15/19                          31,780   450,005 
ROIC PSUs(7) 4/15/19              15,890   31,780   63,560       450,005 
ROIC PSUs(8) 12/17/19                              200,850 
Alvyn A. Schopp    56,020   112,041   168,061                     
RSUs(6) 4/15/19                          15,890   225,002 
ROIC PSUs(7) 4/15/19              7,945   15,890   31,780       225,002 
ROIC PSUs(8) 12/17/19                              100,425 
Michael N. Kennedy    47,175   94,350   141,525                     
Series B Units(5) 3/12/19                              1,266,350 
RSUs(6) 4/15/19                          22,952   325,000 
ROIC PSUs(7) 4/15/19              11,476   22,952   45,904       325,000 
ROIC PSUs(8) 12/17/19                              145,057 
W. Patrick Ash    40,515   81,030   121,545                     
RSUs(6) 4/15/19                          14,124   199,996 
Kevin J. Kilstrom    56,020   112,041   168,061                     
RSUs(6) 4/15/19                          15,890   225,002 
ROIC PSUs(7) 4/15/19              7,945   15,890   31,780       225,002 

(1)These columns reflect the threshold, target and maximum amount that may be earned under our 2019 annual incentive plan.
(2)These columns reflect the threshold, target and maximum number of shares of the Company that may be earned under performance share unit awards granted on April 15, 2019.
(3)This column reflects the number of restricted stock unit awards granted on April 15, 2019.

 

 20202021 Proxy Statement   46
 

Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal Year 2020

The table below sets forth the restricted stock unit awards granted under the AM LTIP to our Named Executive Officers during 2020.

                      All Other   
                      Stock   
                      Awards: Grant Date
    Estimated Future Payouts Under  Estimated Future Payouts Under  Number of Fair Value
    Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards  Incentive Plan Awards  Shares of of Stock
                      Stock and Option
  Grant Threshold  Target  Maximum  Threshold  Target  Maximum  or Units Awards
Name Date ($)  ($)  ($)  (#)  (#)  (#)  (#)(1) ($)(2)
Paul M. Rady                                                                                         
RSUs(3) 7/15/20                          370,000   2,131,200 
Glen C. Warren, Jr.                                  
RSUs(3) 7/15/20                          148,000   852,480 
Alvyn A. Schopp                                  
RSUs(3) 1/20/20                          460,406   3,333,339 
Michael N. Kennedy                                  
RSUs(3) 1/20/20                          294,660   2,133,338 
W. Patrick Ash                                  
RSUs(3) 1/20/20                          230,203   1,666,670 
(4)(1)This column reflects the number of restricted stock unit awards granted to each Named Executive Officer in 2020.
(2)The amounts in this column represent the grant date fair value of restricted stock unit awards and performance share unit awards granted to the Named Executive Officers pursuant to the AM LTIP, as computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Additionally, the amounts in this column represent (i) the incremental fair value of the modification on December 17, 2019 relating to the performance share unit awards granted to the Named Executive Officers in 2019 and (ii) the incremental fair value resulting from the Series B Exchange on March 2019 in connection with the Transactions, in each case, as computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For additional information regarding the Series B Exchange, please see “Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table—Series B Exchange.” See Note 1312 to our consolidated financial statements on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, for additional detail regarding assumptions underlying the value of these equity awards.
(5)(3)The unvested Series B Units in IDR LLC, originally granted in December 2016 and January 2017 prior to the initial public offering of Antero Midstream GP LP, our predecessor entity, were exchanged for restricted shares on March 12, 2019 in connection with the Transactions, which were approved by an overwhelming majority of the common shares held by disinterested shareholders of Antero Midstream GP LP and an overwhelming majority of the common units held by disinterested unitholders of Antero Midstream GP LP. The exchange of the unvested Series B Units resulted in an accounting modification under FASB ASC Topic 718, and the amounts in the column entitled “Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards” represent the incremental fair value of the modification as computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Absent the Transactions and the Series B Exchange, no value relating to the Series B Units in IDR LLC would be included in this row for 2019. For additional information regarding the Series B Exchange, please see “Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table—Series B Exchange.” See Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements for additional detail regarding assumptions underlying the value of unvested Series B Units in IDR LLC.
(6)These restricted stock units granted on April 15, 2019to Messrs. Rady and Warren are subject to ratable vesting on the first four anniversaries of the date of grant.
(7)These ROIC PSUs granted on April 15, 2019 are earned (or not) based upon our three-year ROIC performance. Pursuant2020, in each case, subject to the ROIC PSUs, oursuch Named Executive Officers are eligible to receive threshold, target and maximum payouts of 50%, 100% and 200%, respectively,Officer’s continued employment through such date. Fifty percent of the target amountrestricted stock units granted to Mr. Schopp vested on January 20, 2021, 25% of ROIC PSUs awarded. In ordersuch award will vest on July 20, 2021, and 25% of such award will vest on January 20, 2022, in each case, subject to achieve threshold, targetMr. Schopp’s continued employment through such date. The restricted stock units granted to each of Messrs. Kennedy and maximum payouts underAsh are subject to ratable vesting on the ROIC PSUs, the Company’s ROIC performance must be at or over 85%first three anniversaries of the Target ROIC, 100% of the Target ROIC or 200% of the Target ROIC, respectively.
(8)As described below under “Narrative DisclosureJanuary 20, 2020, in each case, subject to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table—Amendment to Performance Share Units,” the ROIC PSUs were amended on December 17, 2019, resulting in a share-based payment modification under FASB ASC Topic 718.such Named Executive Officer’s continued employment through such date.

 

Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table

 

The following is a discussion of material factors necessary to an understanding of the information disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal Year 20192020 table.

 

Series B Unit Exchange

In connection with the Transactions, each outstanding Series B Unit in IDR LLC, originally granted in December 2016 and January 2017 prior to the initial public offering of Antero Midstream GP LP, our predecessor entity, was exchanged for 176.0041 shares of common stock and certain cash amounts, in each case, subject to the same vesting restrictions as applicable to such exchanged Series B Unit in IDR LLC. For accounting purposes, the Series B Exchange was treated as a modification of the unvested Series B Units in IDR LLC under FASB ASC Topic 718 as of the date of the exchange. As a result, SEC rules require that the incremental fair value associated with such modification is required to be reflected in the “Summary Compensation Table” and the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal Year 2019” table, but this value is not reflective of any new compensation granted by the Compensation Committee to Messrs. Rady, Warren and Kennedy.

The Series B Exchange was originally described in the joint proxy statement/prospectus filed by Antero Midstream GP LP and Antero Midstream Partners LP on January 31, 2019 in connection with the special meetings of their shareholders and unitholders, respectively, on March 8, 2019. At the special meetings, an overwhelming majority of the common shares held by disinterested shareholders of Antero Midstream GP LP and an overwhelming majority of the common units held by disinterested unitholders of Antero Midstream GP LP approved the Transactions.

Because the incremental fair value of the accounting modification resulting from the Series B Unit Exchange included in the “Summary Compensation Table” and the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal Year 2019” table above is not reflective of any compensatory decisions made by the Compensation Committee, the table below sets forth the total compensation of Messrs. Rady, Warren and Kennedy for the fiscal year ending 2019, excluding the incremental fair value of the accounting modification associated with the Series B Exchange. As a result of the exclusion of the incremental fair value of the accounting modification associated with the Series

- 2020 Proxy Statement47

B Exchange and excluding non-effected fiscal years and Named Executive Officers, the information presented in the table below does not meet SEC requirements for the Summary Compensation Table. This table is supplemental to, and not a substitute for, the compensation information reported in the Summary Compensation Table. For additional information regarding the Series B Exchange, please see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Impact of the Simplification Transaction—Series B Units in IDR LLC.”

2019 Summary Compensation Table Excluding the Series B Exchange

Name Year Salary
($)(1)
 Bonus
($)(2)
 Stock
Awards
($)(3)
 Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(4)
 All Other
Compensation
($)(5)
 Total
($)
Paul M. Rady  2019   238,095      2,690,973   272,335   4,662   3,206,065 
Glen C. Warren, Jr.  2019   178,988      1,100,860   170,663   4,662   1,455,173 
Michael N. Kennedy  2019   110,364      795,057   99,205   4,662   1,009,288 

(1)The amounts in this column may differ from those reported above under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Direct Compensation—Base Salaries” due to the fact that adjustments to the base salaries of our Named Executive Officers for the 2019 fiscal year took effect on March 1, 2019.
(2)The annual incentive program implemented in 2019 is intended to incentivize our Named Executive Officers to achieve specific performance goals throughout the year, and, as a result, such amounts earned under the annual incentive program for 2019 are reported in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column, rather than the “Bonus” column.
(3)The amounts in this column represent the grant date fair value of restricted stock unit awards and performance share unit awards granted to the Named Executive Officers pursuant to the AM LTIP, each as computed in accordance FASB ASC Topic 718. Additionally, the amounts in this column represent the incremental fair value of the modification on December 17, 2019 of the performance share unit awards granted to the Named Executive Officers in 2019, as computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, and described in more detail above.
(4)The amounts in this column represent the cash bonus paid to each Named Executive Officer under our 2019 annual incentive program.
(5)The amounts in this column represent the amount of the Company’s allocated portion of Antero Resource’s 401(k) match for fiscal 2019 for each participating Named Executive Officer.

Performance Share Units

The Compensation Committee granted performance share unit awards to each of our Named Executive Officers, other than Mr. Ash, in April 2019. The performance share unit awards will be earned based upon our three-year ROIC. The applicable Named Executive Officer must generally remain continuously employed by us from the grant date through April 15, 2022. The potential acceleration and forfeiture events related to these performance share units are described in greater detail under the heading “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” below.

Amendment to Performance Share Units

On December 17, 2019, the Compensation Committee amended the terms of the performance share unit awards originally granted to our Named Executive Officers in April 2019 to (i) revise the method for calculating the Company’s ROIC and (ii) adjust the Target ROIC, in each case, to adjust for the change in the accounting method for the Transactions and the impairment of the Clearwater Facility. As a result of the amendment, the Company revalued the awards as of the amendment date under FASB ASC Topic 718. The incremental value of this modification is reflected above in the “Summary Compensation Table” and the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards for Fiscal Year 2019” table.

- 2020 Proxy Statement48

Restricted Stock Units

 

The Compensation Committee granted restricted stock unit awards to each of our Named Executive Officers in April 2019.2020. The restricted stock units vest ratably on the first four anniversaries of the date of grant,over a two-, three- or four-year period, if the Named Executive Officer remainssuch employees remain continuously employed by us from the grant date through the applicable vesting date. The potential acceleration and forfeiture events related to these restricted stock units are described in greater detail under the heading “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” below.

 

 - 2021 Proxy Statement47

Outstanding Equity Awards at 20192020 Fiscal Year-End

 

The following table provides information concerning equity awards granted by the Company to our Named Executive Officers that had not vested as of December 31, 2019.2020.

 

  Stock Awards
Name Number of
Units That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
 Market Value
of Units That
Have Not
Vested
($)(1)
 Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other Rights
That Have Not
Vested
(#)
 Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or Payout
Value of Unearned
Shares, Units or
Other Rights That
Have Not Vested
($)(2)
Paul M. Rady                
Restricted Stock Units(3)  176,753   1,341,555         
Performance Share Units(4)          155,368   1,179,243 
Glen C. Warren, Jr.                
Restricted Stock Units(3)  97,827   742,507         
Performance Share Units(4)          63,560   482,420 
Alvyn A. Schopp                
Restricted Stock Units(3)  39,883   302,712         
Performance Share Units(4)          31,780   241,210 
Michael N. Kennedy                
Restricted Stock Units(3)  46,945   356,313         
Performance Share Units(4)          45,904   348,411 
W. Patrick Ash                
Restricted Stock Units(3)  23,067   175,079         
Kevin J. Kilstrom(5)            

  Stock Awards
        Equity Incentive   
        Plan Awards: Equity Incentive
        Number of Plan Awards:
        Unearned Market or Payout
  Number of Market Value Shares, Units Value of Unearned
  Units That of Units That or Other Rights Shares, Units or
  Have Not Have Not That Have Not Other Rights That
  Vested Vested Vested Have Not Vested
Name (#) ($)(1) (#) ($)(2)
Paul M. Rady                
Restricted Stock Units(3)  461,090   3,555,004         
Performance Share Units(4)          155,368   1,197,887 
Glen C. Warren, Jr.                
Restricted Stock Units(3)  193,720   1,493,581         
Performance Share Units(4)          63,560   490,048 
Alvyn A. Schopp                
Restricted Stock Units(3)  480,422   3,704,054         
Performance Share Units(4)          31,780   245,024 
Michael N. Kennedy                
Restricted Stock Units(3)  319,972   2,466,984         
Performance Share Units(4)          45,904   353,920 
W. Patrick Ash                
Restricted Stock Units(3)  246,758   1,902,504         
(1)The amounts reflected in this column represent the market value of our common stock underlying the unvested restricted stock unit awards held by the Named Executive Officers, computed based on the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2019,2020, which was $7.59$7.71 per share.
(2)The amounts reflected in this column represent the market value of our common stock underlying the performance share units reported in the preceding column, computed based on the closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2019,2020, which was $7.59$7.71 per share.
(3)Except as otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, with respect to the amounts reported in these rows (i) the unvested restricted stock unit awards reflecting converted phantom units that were granted in 2016 vested on April 15, 2020, (ii) the unvested restricted stock unit awards reflecting converted phantom units that were granted in 2017 vested or will vest ratably on April 15, of each of 2020 and 2021, (iii)(ii) the unvested restricted stock unit awards reflecting converted phantom units that were granted to Mr. Ash in 2018 vested or will vest ratably on January 15 of each of 2020, 2021 and 2022, and (iv)(iii) the unvested restricted stock units awards granted in 2019 vested or will vest ratably on April 15 of each of 2021, 2022 and 2023, (iv) the restricted stock unit awards granted to Messrs. Rady and Warren in 2020 vested or will vest ratably on April 15 of each of 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, (v) 50% of the restricted stock unit award granted to Mr. Schopp in 2020 vested on January 20, 2021, and 25% of the unvested restricted stock unit award granted to Mr. Schopp in 2020 will vest on each of July 20, 2021 and January 20, 2022, and (vi) the restricted stock unit awards granted to Messrs. Kennedy and Ash in 2020 vested or will vest ratably on January 20 of each of 2021, 2022 and 2023, in each case, so long as the applicable Named Executive Officer remains continuously employed by us from the grant date through the applicable vesting date.
(4)The amounts reflected in this row represent the maximum number of performance share units granted in 2019 because performance as of December 31, 20192020 was trending at maximum for payout of these awards. The actual number of shares earned pursuant to performance share units may vary substantially from the amounts set forth above based on actual performance through the end of the applicable performance period. TheAll of the outstanding performance share units granted to our Named Executive Officers were granted in 2019 and will vest following the Compensation Committee’s determination in April 2022 of our ROIC achievement for the performance period ending December 31, 2021, so long as the applicable Named Executive Officer remains continuously employed by us from the grant date through the Compensation Committee’s determination.
(5)Mr. Kilstrom held no outstanding equity awards as of December 31, 2019.

 

 20202021 Proxy Statement   4948
 

Option Exercises and Stock Vested in Fiscal Year 20192020

 

The following table provides information concerning equity awards that vested or were exercised by our Named Executive Officers during the 20192020 fiscal year.

 

  Option Awards Stock Awards
Name Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise
(#)(1)
 Value Realized
on Exercise
($)(2)
 Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting
(#)(3)
 Value Realized
on Vesting
($)(4)
Paul M. Rady  32,000   64,262,615   2,882,307   22,227,130 
Glen C. Warren, Jr.  21,333   42,843,067   1,921,422   14,817,205 
Alvyn A. Schopp        15,893   204,702 
Michael N. Kennedy  2,667   5,355,888   250,506   1,985,415 
W. Patrick Ash            
Kevin J. Kilstrom(5)        15,893   204,702 

  Option Awards Stock Awards
  Number of Shares Value Realized Number of Shares Value Realized
  Acquired on Exercise on Exercise Acquired on Vesting on Vesting
Name (#) ($) (#)(1) ($)(2)
Paul M. Rady                                  85,663             190,172       
Glen C. Warren, Jr.        52,107   115,678 
Alvyn A. Schopp        19,867   44,105 
Michael N. Kennedy        21,633   48,025 
W. Patrick Ash        6,512   25,158 
(1)This column reflects the number of vested Series B Units in IDR LLC that were exchanged for (i) 5,632,131 shares of common stock for Mr. Rady, 3,754,754 shares of common stock for Mr. Warren, and 469,344 shares of common stock for Mr. Kennedy, and (ii) an amount in cash reflecting accrued but unpaid distributions with respect to the vested Series B Units, as described above under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Impact of Simplification Transaction—Series B Units in IDR LLC.” The Series B Units in IDR LLC were intended to constitute profits interests for federal tax purposes, rather than traditional option awards.
(2)This column reflects the value of the (i) shares of common stock each executive received in exchange for the vested Series B Units in IDR LLC, described in more detail in the preceding footnote, computed based on the adjusted closing price of our common stock on the date of the exchange of the Series B Units in IDR LLC, which exchange is described above under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Impact of Simplification Transaction—Series B Units in IDR LLC” and (ii) cash reflecting accrued but unpaid distributions with respect to the vested Series B Units.
(3)This column reflects the (i) number of restricted stock units held by each Named Executive Officer that vested during the 20192020 fiscal year and (ii) number of shares of restricted stock receivedyear. No performance share unit awards held by Messrs. Rady, Warren and Kennedy in exchange for unvested Series B Units in IDR LLC, as described above under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Impact of Simplification Transaction—Series B Units in IDR LLC,” whichany Named Executive Officer vested on December 31, 2019.during the 2020 fiscal year.
(4)(2)The amounts reflected in this column represent the aggregate market value realized by each Named Executive Officer upon vesting of the restricted stock unit awards and shares of restricted stock held by such Named Executive Officer, computed based on the adjusted closing price of our common stock on the applicable vesting date.
(5)Effective August 16, 2019, Mr. Kilstrom retired as Senior Vice President—Production.

 

Pension Benefits

 

We do not provide pension benefits to our employees.

 

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

 

We do not provide nonqualified deferred compensation benefits to our employees.

 

- 2020 Proxy Statement50

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

 

Restricted Stock Units and Performance Share Units

 

Any unvested restricted stock units and cash retention awards subject to time-based vesting criteria granted to our Named Executive Officers under the AM LTIP will become immediately fully vested if the applicable Named Executive Officer’s employment with us terminates due to his death or “disability” or in the event of a “change in control” (as such terms are defined in the AM LTIP). For performance share unit awards, any continued employment conditions will be deemed satisfied on the date of the applicable Named Executive Officer’s termination due to his death or “disability” or upon the occurrence of a “change in control,” the performance period will end on the date of such termination or “change in control,” and such performance share unit awards will be settled based on the actual level of performance achieved as of such date.

 

In addition, any continued employment conditions will be deemed satisfied for a prorated portion of any performance share units granted in 2019 will vest uponon the date of a Named Executive Officer’s termination of employment for any reason other than for “cause,”“cause” that occurs after April 15, 2020, and prior to the end of the applicable performance period, based on the number of completed 12-month periods duringfrom the date of grant through the date of termination. Such prorated portion will remain outstanding and eligible to vest at the end of the applicable performance period.period based on the actual level of performance achieved as of such date.

 

 - 2021 Proxy Statement49

For purposes of these awards, a Named Executive Officer will be considered to have incurred a “disability” if the executive is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or whichthat has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months.

 

For purposes of these awards, a “change in control” generally means the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

A person or group of persons acquires beneficial ownership of 50% or more of either (a) the outstanding shares of our common stock or (b) the combined voting power of our voting securities entitled to vote in the election of directors, in each case with the exception of (i) any acquisition directly from us, (ii) any acquisition by us or any of our subsidiaries, or (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by us or any entity controlled by us;
The incumbent members of the Board cease for any reason (other than death or disability) to constitute at least a majority of the Board;provided, however, that any individual becoming a director thatwho is approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the incumbent members of the Board shall be considered an incumbent member of the Board for these purposes;
The consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation, or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets, or an acquisition of assets of another entity (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, (A) our outstanding common stock immediately prior to such Business Combination represents more than 50% of the outstanding common equity interests and the outstanding voting securities entitled to vote in the election of directors of the surviving entity, (B) no person or group of persons beneficially owns 20% or more of the common equity interests of the surviving entity or the combined voting power of the voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of such surviving entity, and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the surviving entity were members of the incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or corporate action providing for such Business Combination; or
Approval by our shareholdersstockholders of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

 

For purposes of the 2019 performance share unit awards, “cause” shall mean a finding by the Compensation Committee of the executive’s: (i) final conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a crime that constitutes a felony (or state law equivalent); (ii) gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of the executive’s duties that would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse economic effect on us or any of our affiliates; (iii) willful failure without proper legal reason to perform the executive’s duties; or (iv) a material breach of any material provision of the applicable award agreement or any other written agreement or corporate policy or code of conduct established by us or any of our affiliates that would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse economic effect on us or any of our affiliates.

 

 20202021 Proxy Statement   5150
 

Quantification of Benefits

 

The following table summarizes the compensation and other benefits that would have become payable to each Named Executive Officer assuming such Named Executive Officer was terminated either (i) as a result of his death or disability or (ii) for any reason other than cause or a change in control of the Company, occurred, in each case, on December 31, 2019.2020. The restricted stock units and performance share units and, once exercised, the stock options represent a direct interest in shares of our common stock, which had a closing price on December 31, 2019,2020, of $7.59$7.71 per share.

 

 Cash Retention Restricted Performance   
 Awards Stock Units Share Units Total
Name Restricted
Stock Units
($)
 Performance
Share Units
($)
 Total
($)
 ($)        ($)        ($)        ($)
Paul M. Rady                            
Death; Disability  1,341,555   1,179,243(1)   2,520,798   N/A   3,555,004   1,197,887(1)      4,752,891 
Termination Other Than For Cause  N/A   N/A(2)   N/A   N/A   N/A   399,296(2)   399,296 
Change in Control  1,341,555   1,179,243(3)   2,520,798   N/A   3,555,004   1,197,887(3)   4,752,891 
Glen C. Warren, Jr.                            
Death; Disability  742,507   482,420(1)   1,224,927   N/A   1,493,581   490,048(1)   1,983,629 
Termination Other Than For Cause  N/A   N/A(2)   N/A   N/A   N/A   163,349(2)   163,349 
Change in Control  742,507   482,420(3)   1,224,927   N/A   1,493,581   490,048(3)   1,983,629 
Alvyn A. Schopp                            
Death; Disability  302,712   241,210(1)   543,922   1,333,333   3,704,054   245,024(1)   5,282,411 
Termination Other Than For Cause  N/A   N/A(2)   N/A   N/A   N/A   81,675(2)   81,675 
Change in Control  302,712   241,210(3)   543,922   1,333,333   3,704,054   245,024(3)   5,282,411 
Michael N. Kennedy                            
Death; Disability  356,313   348,411(1)   704,724   533,333   2,466,984   353,920(1)   3,354,237 
Termination Other Than For Cause  N/A   N/A(2)   N/A   N/A   N/A   117,973(2)   117,973 
Change in Control  356,313   348,411(3)   704,724   533,333   2,466,984   353,920(3)   3,354,237 
W. Patrick Ash                            
Death; Disability  175,079   N/A   175,079   333,333   1,902,504   N/A   2,235,837 
Termination Other Than For Cause  N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A   N/A 
Change in Control  175,079   N/A   175,079   333,333   1,902,504   N/A   2,235,837 
(1)Acceleration of the performance share unit awards granted in 2019 is based upon actual performance as of the date of the termination of employment as a result of the Named Executive Officer’s death or disability. As of December 31, 2019,2020, all such awards were trending at maximum, so the value reflected in this column represents settlement at each award’s maximum value.
(2)Upon a Named Executive Officer’s termination other than for cause on December 31, 2019, none2020, one-third of the performance share units granted on April 15, 2019 would have remained outstanding.outstanding, subject to achievement of the applicable performance goals through the remainder of the performance period. As of December 31, 2020, all such awards were trending at maximum, so the value reflected in this column represents one-third of each award’s maximum value.
(3)Acceleration of the performance share unit awards granted in 2019 is based upon actual performance as of the date of the change in control. As of December 31, 2019,2020, all such awards were trending at 200% of target,maximum, so the value reflected in this column represents settlement at 200% of each award’s targetmaximum value.

 

 20202021 Proxy Statement   5251
 

Retirement of Mr. Kilstrom

Effective August 16, 2019, Mr. Kilstrom retired as Senior Vice President—Production. In connection with his retirement, Mr. Kilstrom forfeited all outstanding and unvested equity awards.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

The following table sets forth information about securities that may be issued under the existing equity compensation plans of the Company as of December 31, 2019.2020.

 

     Number of securities
     remaining available for
 Number of securities to   future issuance under
 be issued upon exercise of Weighted – average exercise equity compensation
 outstanding options, warrants price of outstanding options, plans (excluding securities
Plan Category Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise of
outstanding options, warrants
and rights (a)(1)
 Weighted – average exercise
price of outstanding options,
warrants and rights (b)
 Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding securities
reflected in column (a)) (c)
 and rights (a)(1)       warrants and rights (b)       reflected in column (a)) (c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders                                                                                                                                                                            
Antero Midstream Corporation Long Term Incentive Plan(2)  1,424,296   N/A(3)   13,596,444   3,463,261   N/A(3)   11,313,949 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders                  
TOTAL                        
(1)This column reflects the maximum number of shares of our common stock subject to performance share unit awards and the number of shares of our common stock subject to restricted stock unit awards and options granted under the AM LTIP, outstanding and unvested as of December 31, 2019.2020. Because the number of shares of common stock to be issued upon settlement of outstanding performance share unit awards is subject to performance conditions, the number of shares of common stock actually issued may be substantially less than the number reflected in this column.
(2)The AM LTIP was approved by our shareholdersstockholders in connection with the approval of the Simplification Transactions at the special meeting of Antero Midstream GP LP and Antero Midstream Partners LP in March 2019.
(3)Only restricted stock units and performance share units have been granted under the AM LTIP; there is no weighted average exercise price associated with these awards.

 

CEOChief Executive Officer Pay Ratio

 

Pursuant to Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K, this section provides information regarding the relationship of the annual total compensation of all of our employees to the annual total compensation of our CEO,Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Rady. For 2019,2020, the median of the annual total compensation of all Company employees (other than our CEO)Chief Executive Officer), calculated in accordance with paragraph (c)(2)(x) of Item 402 of Regulation S-K, was $27,097,$35,017, and the annual total compensation of our CEO,Chief Executive Officer, as reported in the Summary Compensation Table, was $18,406,065.$2,691,539.

 

Based on this information, for 2019,2020, the ratio of the annual total compensation of Mr. Rady to the median of the annual total compensation of all of our employees was 67977 to 1.

 

Impact of Series B Exchange

As a result of the requirements of paragraph (c) (2)(vi) of Item 402 of Regulation S-K, the 2019 annual total compensation of our CEO includes the incremental fair value associated with the exchange of the unvested Series B Units in IDR LLC held by our CEO in connection with the Transactions, even though the exchange did not result in any additional incremental grants to our CEO, as discussed above under “Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table—Series B Exchange.” Although not intended as a substitute for the above

 20202021 Proxy Statement   5352
 

disclosed pay ratio, for informational purposes, the table below indicates the ratio of the annual total compensation of Mr. Rady to the median of the annual total compensation of all of our employees, without taking into account the incremental fair value associated with the Series B Exchange:

The median of the annual total compensation of all of our empoyees, other than Mr. Rady, was $27,097, which was determined utilizing the methods and assumptions described below.
Mr. Rady’s annual total compensation, as reported in the Summary Compensation Table, excluding the incremental fair value associated with the Series B Exchange, was $3,206,065.
Based on this information, the adjusted ratio of the annual total compensation of Mr. Rady to the median of the annual total compensation of all of our employees is estimated to be 118 to 1.

Methodology and Assumptions

 

When identifying our median employee in 2019, weWe selected December 31, 2019,2020, as the date on which to determine our employee population for purposes of identifying the median of the annual total compensation of all of our employees (other than the CEO),Chief Executive Officer) because it was efficient to collect payroll data and other necessary information as of that date. As of December 31, 2019,2020, our employee population consisted of 547521 individuals, including all individuals employed by the Company or any of its consolidated subsidiaries, whether as full-time, part-time, seasonal or temporary workers. This population does not include independent contractors engaged by the Company.contractors. All of our employees are located in the United States.

 

In identifying our median employee in 2019,2020, we utilizedused the annual total compensation as reported in Box 1 of each employee’s Form W-2 for 20192020 provided to the Internal Revenue Service, (“IRS”), lessminus the amount of each employee’s compensation that we did not reimburse Antero Resources for, calculated using the same methodology used to determine the 20192020 NEO AM Reimbursement Percentage, as described above under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Implementing Our Compensation Program Objectives—Role of the Antero Resources Compensation Committee and Allocation of Compensation Expenses.” We believe this methodology provides a reasonable basis for determining each employee’sthe allocated portion of theireach employee’s total annual compensation, and is an economical method of evaluating our employee population’sthe total annual compensation of our employees and identifying our median employee. For the 3623 employees hired during 2019,2020, we utilized the annual total compensation reported on each such employee’s Form W-2 for 20192020 without annualization adjustments, less the amount of such employee’s compensation that we did not reimburse Antero Resources for. No cost-of-living adjustments were made in identifying our median employee, as all of our employees (including our CEO)Chief Executive Officer) are located in the United States. This calculation methodology was consistently applied to our entire employee population, determined as of December 31, 2019, in order2020, to identify our median employee in 2019.2020. After we identified our median employee, we calculated each element of our median employee’s annual compensation for 20192020 in accordance with paragraph (c)(2)(x) of Item 402 of Regulation S-K using the allocation methodology described above, which resulted in annual total compensation of $27,097.$35,017. The difference between our median employee’s total compensation reported on Form W-2 and our median employee’s annual total compensation calculated in accordance with paragraph (c)(2)(x) of Item 402 of Regulation S-K was $2,861.$9,097. This amount reflects the Company’s 401(k) match and non-cash imputed earnings offset by benefits deductible from gross income. Similarly, the 20192020 annual total compensation of our CEOChief Executive Officer was calculated in accordance with paragraph (c)(2)(x) of Item 402 of Regulation S-K, as reported in the “Total” column of the Summary Compensation Table.

 

 20202021 Proxy Statement   5453
 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

Beneficial Ownership

 

The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of April 22, 2020,2021, by:

 

each of our N amed E xecutive O fficers;Named Executive Officers;
each of our directors and nominees;
all of our directors, director nominees and executive officers as a group; and
each person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding common stock.

 

Except as otherwise noted, the personpersons or entities listed below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of our common stock beneficially owned by them, except to the extent this power may be shared with a spouse. All information with respect to beneficial ownership has been furnished by the respective directors, officers or more than 5% shareholders,stockholders, as the case may be. Unless otherwise noted, the mailing address of each person or entity named in the table is 1615 Wynkoop Street, Denver, Colorado, 80202.

 

  Common Stock Beneficially Owned
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Number of
Shares
 Percentage of
Class
Antero Resources(1)(2)  139,042,345        29.2%       
BlackRock, Inc.(3)(4)  25,694,944   5.4%
Invesco Ltd.(5)(6)  63,743,081   13.4%
The Vanguard Group, Inc.(7)(8)  25,910,468   5.4%
Paul M. Rady(9)(10)  28,761,748   6.0%
Glen C. Warren, Jr.(11)(12)  20,807,807   4.4%
W. Howard Keenan, Jr.(13)(14)  49,422    *
Peter A. Dea  18,676    *
Brooks J. Klimley  39,594    *
John C. Mollenkopf  25,668    *
Rose M. Robeson  23,809    *
David H. Keyte  11,825    *
Janine J. McArdle      *
Alvyn A. Schopp(15)  1,464,025    *
W. Patrick Ash(16)  6,156    *
Michael N. Kennedy(17)  579,173    *
Kevin Kilstrom(18)  980,169    *
Directors and executive officers as a group (12 persons)(10)(12)  51,787,903   10.9%
  Common Stock Beneficially Owned
  Number of Percentage of
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Shares Class
Antero Resources(1)  139,042,345   29.13% 
The Vanguard Group, Inc.(2)  29,049,749   6.09% 
Invesco Ltd.(3)  27,918,737   5.85% 
BlackRock, Inc.(4)  25,754,652   5.40% 
Paul M. Rady(5)  2,242,834   * 
Glen C. Warren, Jr.(6)  10,848,730   2.27% 
Peter A. Dea  44,216   * 
W. Howard Keenan, Jr.(7)  78,304   * 
David H. Keyte  37,365   * 
Brooks J. Klimley  55,346   * 
Janine J. McArdle  19,881   * 
John C. Mollenkopf  51,208   * 
Rose M. Robeson  49,349   * 
W. Patrick Ash(8)  51,812   * 
Michael N. Kennedy(9)  640,975   * 
Alvyn A. Schopp(10)  1,598,792   * 
Directors and executive officers as a group (12 persons)(11)  15,718,812   3.29% 
*Less than one percent.
(1)Based upon its Schedule 13D/A filed on December 16, 2019.
(2)May 6, 2020. Includes 107,000,001 shares of common stock held by Antero Subsidiary Holdings LLC (“AR Sub”). Antero Resources owns 100% of the limited liability company interests in AR Sub. Because AR Sub is a party to the Stockholders’ Agreement with Messrs. Rady and Warren, AR Sub and Messrs. Rady and Warren may be deemed to have formed a Section 13(d) group. If such persons are deemed to have formed a Section 13(d) group, such group may be deemed to beneficially own an aggregate of 156,471,715152,475,150 shares of common stock for purposes of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act. The number of shares of common stock shown in the table above as beneficially owned by Antero Resources excludes shares of common stock owned by Messrs. Rady and Warren. Antero Resources and AR Sub disclaim beneficial ownership of these shares of common stock except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein.
(2)Based upon its Schedule 13G/A filed on February 10, 2021, with the SEC, The Vanguard Group, Inc. has a mailing address of 100 Vanguard Boulevard, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355.
(3)Based solely upon a Schedule 13G13G/A filed by Invesco Ltd. on February 9, 2021. The principal address for Invesco Ltd. is 1555 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1800, Atlanta, GA 30309. Invesco Ltd., a Bermuda corporation, is the parent company of Invesco Advisers, Inc., Invesco Investment Advisers, LLC and Invesco Capital Management LLC, each an investment adviser, and Invesco Ltd. may be deemed to beneficially own the shares held by these investment advisers.
(4)Based solely upon a Schedule 13G/A filed by BlackRock, Inc. on February 7, 2020.January 29, 2021. BlackRock, Inc.’s address is 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055.

- 2020 Proxy Statement55
(4)The registered holders of the referenced shares are funds and accounts under management by investment adviser subsidiaries of BlackRock, Inc. (or wholly owned subsidiaries of such funds and accounts). BlackRock, Inc. is the ultimate parent holding company of such investment adviser entities. On behalf of such investment adviser entities, the applicable portfolio managers, as managing directors (or in other

 - 2021 Proxy Statement54
capacities) of such entities, and/or the applicable investment committee members of such funds and accounts, have voting and investment power over the shares held by the funds and accounts (or the wholly owned subsidiaries of such funds and accounts) which are the registered holders of the referenced shares. Such portfolio managers and/or investment committee members expressly disclaim beneficial ownership of all shares held by such funds and accounts (or such wholly owned subsidiaries). The address of such funds and accounts (and such wholly owned subsidiaries), such investment adviser subsidiaries and such portfolio managers and/or investment committee members is 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055. The information in this footnote is based solely upon a Schedule 13G filed by BlackRock, Inc. on February 7, 2020.
(5)Based solely upon a Schedule 13G/A filed by Invesco Ltd. on February 11, 2020. The principal address for Invesco Ltd. is 1555 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1800, Atlanta, GA 30309.
(6)Invesco Ltd., a Bermuda corporation, is the parent company of Invesco Advisers, Inc., Invesco Investment Advisers, LLC and Invesco Capital Management LLC, each an investment adviser, and Invesco Ltd. may be deemed to beneficially own the shares held by these investment advisers. The information in this footnote is based solely upon a Schedule 13G/A filed by Invesco Ltd. on February 11, 2020.
(7)Based upon its Schedule 13G filed on February 11, 2020, with the SEC, The Vanguard Group, Inc. has a mailing address of 100 Vanguard Boulevard, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355.
(8)Based upon its Schedule 13G filed on February 11, 2020, with the SEC, Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Vanguard Group, Inc., is the beneficial owner of 105,711 shares, which is less than one percent, of the outstanding common stock of Antero Midstream as a result of serving as investment manager of collective trust accounts. Vanguard Investments Australia, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Vanguard Group, Inc., is the beneficial owner of 73,344 shares, which is less than one percent, of the outstanding common stock of Antero Midstream as a result of serving as investment manager of Australian investment offerings.
(9)Includes 19,180,8211,180,821 shares of common stock held by Mockingbird Investment, LLC (“Mockingbird”). Mr. Rady owns a 3.68% limited liability company interest in Mockingbird, and a trust under his control owns the remaining 96.32%. Mr. Rady disclaims beneficial ownership of all securities held by Mockingbird except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.
(10)Does not include 91,090832,989 shares of common stock that remain subject to vesting. Further, as a result of the Stockholders’ Agreement, AR Sub and Messrs. Rady and Warren may be deemed to have formed a Section 13(d) group. If such persons are deemed to have formed a Section 13(d) group, such group may be deemed to beneficially own an aggregate of 156,471,715152,475,150 shares of common stock for the purpose of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act. The number of shares of common stock shown in the table above as beneficially owned by Mr. Rady excludes shares of common stock owned by AR Sub and Mr. Warren. Mr. Rady disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares of common stock except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.
(11)(6)Includes 3,996,8043,966,804 shares of common stock held by Canton Investment Holdings LLC (“Canton”). Mr. Warren is the managingsole member and 50% owner of Canton. Mr. Warren disclaims beneficial ownership of all shares held by Canton to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.
(12)Does not include 45,720126,890 shares of common stock that remain subject to vesting. Because Mr. Warren is a trustee of the Warren Family 2020 Trust, he may be deemed to beneficially own an additional 817,000 shares of common stock. Further, as a result of the Stockholders’ Agreement, AR Sub and Messrs. Rady and Warren may be deemed to have formed a Section 13(d) group. If such persons are deemed to have formed a Section 13(d) group, such group may be deemed to beneficially own an aggregate of 156,471,715152,475,150 shares of common stock for the purpose of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act. The number of shares of common stock shown in the table above as beneficially owned by Mr. Warren excludes shares of common stock owned by AR Sub and Mr. Rady. Mr. Warren disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares of common stock except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.
(13)(7)Has a mailing address of 410 Park Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, New York 10022.
(14)Mr. Keenan is a member and manager of the direct or indirect general partner of each of Yorktown Energy Partners VII, L.P. and Yorktown Energy Partners VIII, L.P., which own 2,232,9272,009,634 shares of common stock and 3,445,6363,169,985 shares of common stock, respectively. Mr. Keenan does not have sole or shared voting or investment power within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act with respect to the shares of common stock held by such investment funds and disclaims beneficial ownership of such securities except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.
(15)(8)Does not include 480,422278,322 shares of common stock that remain subject to vesting.
(16)(9)Does not include 246,758322,726 shares of common stock that remain subject to vesting.
(17)(10)Does not include 319,972398,882 shares of common stock that remain subject to vesting.
(18)(11)Amounts disclosed forDoes not include Mr. Kilstrom areKrueger, currently Vice President of Finance and Treasurer of Antero Midstream, who will be named Chief Financial Officer of Antero Midstream and will continue to serve as Treasurer and Vice President of August 16, 2019, his last dayFinance of employment.Antero Midstream effective April 30, 2021.

 

 20202021 Proxy Statement   5655
 

SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and related rules of the SEC require our directors and Section 16 officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities, to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership with the SEC. These persons are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) reports that they file. We assist our directors and executive officers in making their Section 16(a) filings, pursuant to powers of attorney granted by our insiders, based on information obtained from them and our records.

DELINQUENT SECTION 16(A) REPORTS

Based solely upon a review of Forms 3 and 4 and amendments thereto furnished to Antero Midstream during 2020, including those reports we have filed on behalf of our directors and Section 16 officers pursuant to powers of attorney, no person subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act failed to file on a timely basis during 2020, except that Forms 4 filed with respect to the quarterly awards granted to each of our non-employee directors on October 10, 2020 were not timely.

RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

 

General

 

The (i) Audit Committee is charged with reviewing the material facts of related person transactions that do not involve Antero Resources or its subsidiaries (other than the Company and its subsidiaries) and (ii) the. The Board, or, if so delegated by the Board, the Conflicts Committee, is charged with reviewing the material facts of related person transactions involving Antero Resources and its subsidiaries (other than the Company and its subsidiaries), and such body. The Audit Committee, the Board, or the Conflicts Committee, as applicable, either approves or disapproves of Antero Midstream’s participation in such transactions under Antero Midstream’s Related Persons Transaction Policy adopted by the Board (“RPT Policy”), which pre-approves certain transactions that are not deemed to be related person transactions pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K.

 

The Audit Committee Chairman may approve any related person transaction not involving Antero Resources or its subsidiaries (other than the Company and its subsidiaries) in which the aggregate amount involved is expected to be less than $120,000 in any calendar year. A summary of such approved transactions and each new related person transaction deemed pre-approved under the RPT Policy is provided to the Audit Committee for its review. The Audit Committee has the authority to modify the RPT Policy regarding pre-approved transactions or to impose conditions upon the ability ofestablish guidelines for Antero Midstream to participate in any ongoing related person transaction.

 

For all related person transactions during 20192020 that were required to be reported in “Related Persons Transactions,” the procedures described above were followed unless the RPT Policy did not require review, approval or ratification of the transaction. References in this section to “Antero Midstream,” “we,” “us,” “our” or like terms refer to Antero Midstream Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

 - 2021 Proxy Statement56

Agreements with Antero Resources

 

SimplificationStockholders’ Agreement

 

On March 12, 2019, Antero Midstream closedOctober 9, 2018, concurrently with the transactions contemplated by that certainexecution of the Simplification Agreement, dated as of October 9, 2018 (the “Simplification Agreement”), by and among Antero Resources, Antero Midstream (f/k/a Antero Midstream GP LP), Antero Midstream Partners LP (“Antero Midstream Partners”) and certain of their affiliates pursuant to which, among other things, (1) Antero Midstream GP LP was converted from a limited partnership to a corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware and changed its name to Antero Midstream Corporation ( the “Conversion”); (2) an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Antero Midstream merged with and into Antero Midstream Partners, with Antero Midstream Partners surviving the merger as an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Antero Midstream (the “Merger”) and (3) all the issued and outstanding Series B Units representing limited liability company interests of Antero IDR Holdings LLC (“IDR Holdings”“Simplification Agreement”), a subsidiary of Antero Midstream GP LP (“AMGP”) and the holder of all of Antero Midstream’s incentive distribution rights, were exchanged for an aggregate of approximately 17.35 million shares of Antero Midstream’s common stock (the “Series B Exchange”). The Conversion, the Merger, the Series B Exchange and the other transactions contemplated by the Simplification Agreement are collectively referred to as the “Transactions.” In connection with the closing of the Transactions (the “Closing”), Antero Resources received $297 million and 158,419,937 shares of common stock of Antero Midstream, resulting in Antero Resources owning approximately 31% of Antero Midstream’s common stock as of the closing of the Transactions.

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Stockholders’ Agreement

On October 9, 2018, concurrently with the execution of the Simplification Agreement, certain affiliates of Warburg Pincus LLC and Yorktown Partners LLC (collectively, the “Sponsor Holders”); AMGP;Antero Midstream GP LP; AR Sub, a wholly owned subsidiary of Antero Resources; and Paul M. Rady, Glen C. Warren, Jr. and certain of their respective affiliates (collectively, the “Management Stockholders”) entered into a Stockholders’ Agreement (the “Stockholders’ Agreement”), which became effective as of the Closing and which governs certain rights and obligations of the parties following the consummation of the Simplification Transactions. The Sponsor Holders and the Management Stockholders no longer have rights under the Stockholders’ Agreement because they no longer hold the requisite number of shares of Antero Midstream Common Stock.

 

Under the Stockholders’ Agreement, and subject to additional limitations in the event of a Fundamental Change (as defined in the Stockholders’ Agreement), AR Sub is entitled to designate two directors, who initially were initially Mr. Rady and Mr. Warren, for nomination and election to the Board for so long as, together with its affiliates, AR Sub owns an amount of shares equal to at least 8% of the qualifying common stock of Antero Midstream Common Stock and one director so long as it owns an amount of shares equal to at least 5% of the qualifying Antero Midstream Common Stock. Effective April 30, 2021, Mr. Warren will be retiring from the Board and, in connection with his retirement, AR Sub has designated Michael N. Kennedy as its replacement director to serve on the Board to fill the resulting vacancy. Mr. Kennedy will also stand for election at the Annual Meeting as AR Sub’s director nominee.

 

To the extent that either Mr. Rady or Mr. Warren are not designated for election to the Board by AR Sub pursuant to the Stockholders’ Agreement,The Sponsor Holders and the Management Stockholders will be entitled to collectively designate two directors (or one director for so long as either Mr. Rady or Mr. Warren is designated by AR Sub) for election for so long as the Management Stockholders and their affiliates (other than Antero Resources and its subsidiaries) collectively own an amount of shares equal to at least 8% of the qualifying Antero Midstream Common Stock and one director for election for so long as they collectively own an amount of shares equal to at least 5% of the qualifying Antero Midstream Common Stock. The Sponsor Holders were previously entitled to certain director designation rights, but they no longer hold the requisite numberamount of Antero Midstream Common Stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the occurrence of a Fundamental Change, AR Sub and the Management Stockholders will each be entitled to designate one director so long as they ownit owns an amount of shares equal to at least 5% of the qualifying Antero Midstream Common Stock, except to the extent that AR Sub designates either Mr. Rady or Mr. Warren, in which case the Management Stockholders will not be entitled to designate a director.Stock.

 

Each of the partiesPursuant to the Stockholders’ Agreement, AR Sub agreed to vote all of theirits shares of Antero Midstream Common Stock, in favor of the directors designated by the other parties in accordance with the Stockholders’ Agreement and, at such party’sAR Sub’s election, either (i) in favor of any other nominees nominated by the Nominating and& Governance Committee of the Board or (ii) in proportion to the votes cast by the public stockholders of Antero Midstream in favor of such nominees. In calculating the 8% and 5% ownership thresholds for purposes of the Stockholders’ Agreement, qualifying Antero Midstream Common Stock is determined by dividing the Antero Midstream Common Stock ownership for each stockholder or group of stockholdersAR Sub as of the applicable measurement date by (i) the total number of outstanding shares of Antero Midstream Common Stock at the Closing or (ii) the total number of outstanding shares on the applicable measurement date, whichever is less. Pursuant to the terms of the Stockholders’ Agreement, no more than 45% of the shares of Antero Midstream Common Stock outstanding as of closing of the MergerSimplification Transactions will be subject to the obligations of the Stockholders’ Agreement.

 

In addition, under the Stockholders’ Agreement, for so long as AR Sub has the right to designate at least one director, (i) if Mr. Rady is an executive officer of Antero Resources, he shall serve as Chief Executive Officer at Antero Midstream and (ii) if Mr. Warren is an executive officer of Antero Resources, he shall serve as President at Antero Midstream, and both Mr. Rady and Mr. Warren shall be subject to removal from such officer positions at Antero Midstream only for cause. For so long as Mr. Rady is a member of the Board and is an executive officer of Antero Resources and/or Antero Midstream, the parties have agreed that he shall serve as Chairman of the Board, subject to his removal as Chief Executive Officer of Antero Midstream for cause. The Stockholders’ Agreement will terminateterminates as to each stockholder upon the time at which such stockholder no longer has the right to designate an individual for nomination to the Board pursuant to the Stockholders’ Agreement.

 

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Registration Rights Agreement

 

In connection with the completion of the Transactions, Antero Midstream entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), dated as of March 12, 2019, with Antero Resources, pursuant to which Antero Midstream agreed to register the resale of certain shares of Antero Midstream Common Stock receivedheld by among others, Antero Resources and its subsidiaries, in the Transactions, under certain circumstances.

 

Specifically, pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, Antero Midstream took effective a registration statement under the Securities Act that permits the resale of the Registrable Securities (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) from time to time as permitted by Rule 415 of the Securities Act (or any similar provision adopted by the SEC then in effect) (the “Resale Registration Statement”). Except in certain circumstances, Sponsor Holders (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement), which includes Antero Resources and its subsidiaries, Paul M. Rady and Glen C. Warren, owning at least 3% of the issued and outstanding shares of Antero Midstream Common Stock have the right to require Antero Midstream to facilitate an underwritten offering. Antero Midstream is not obligated to effect any demand registration in which the anticipated aggregate offering price included in such offering is less than $50.0 million. Sponsor Holders will also have customary piggyback registration rights to participate in underwritten offerings.

 

Gathering and Compression Agreement

 

Pursuant to a gas gathering and compression agreement with Antero Midstream, Antero Resources has agreed to dedicate all of its current and future acreage in West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania to Antero Midstream (other than the existing third-party commitments), so long as such production is not otherwise subject to a pre-existing dedication to third-party gathering systems. Antero Resources’ production subject to a pre-existing dedication will be dedicated to Antero Midstream at the expiration of such pre-existing dedication. In addition, if Antero Resources acquires any gathering facilities, it is required to offer such gathering facilities to Antero Midstream at its cost.

 

Under the gathering and compression agreement, Antero Midstream was initially entitled to receive a low pressurelow-pressure gathering fee of $0.30 per Mcf, a high pressurehigh-pressure gathering fee of $0.18 per Mcf, and a compression fee of $0.18 per Mcf, and a condensate gathering fee of $4.00 per Bbl, which, in each case, has been subject to CPI-based adjustments. If and to the extent Antero Resources requests that Antero Midstream construct new high pressurehigh-pressure lines and compressor stations, requested by Antero Resources, the gathering and compression agreement contains minimum volume commitments that require Antero Resources to utilize or pay for 75% and 70%, respectively, of the capacity of such new construction. Additional high pressurehigh-pressure lines and compressor stations installed on Antero Midstream’s own initiative are not subject to such volume commitments. These minimum volume commitments on new infrastructure, as well as price adjustment mechanisms, are intended to support the stability of Antero Midstream’s cash flows.

 

Antero Midstream also has an option to gather and compress natural gas produced by Antero Resources on any acreage Antero MidstreamResources acquires in the future outside of West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania on the same terms and conditions. In the event that Antero Midstream does not exercise this option, Antero Resources will be entitled to obtain gathering and compression services and dedicate production from limited areas to such third-party agreements from third parties.

 

In return for Antero Resources’ acreage dedication, Antero Midstream has agreed to gather, compress, dehydrate and redeliver all of Antero Resources’ dedicated natural gas on a firm commitment, first-priority basis. Antero Midstream may perform all services under the gathering and compression agreement or it may perform such services through third parties. In the event that Antero Midstream does not perform its obligations under the gathering and compression agreement, Antero Resources will be entitled to certain rights and procedural remedies thereunder. In addition to the foregoing, Antero Midstream has the right to elect to be paid for certain services under the gas and gathering agreement on a cost of service basis designed to generate a specified rate of return.

 

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Pursuant to the gathering and compression agreement, Antero Midstream has also agreed to build to and connect all of Antero Resources’ wells producing dedicated natural gas, subject to certain exceptions, upon 180 days’ notice by Antero Resources. In the event of late connections, Antero Resources natural gas will temporarily not be subject

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to the dedication. Antero Midstream is entitled to compensation under the gathering and compression agreement for capital costs incurred if a well does not commence production within 30 days following the target completion date for the well set forth in the notice from Antero Resources.

 

Antero Midstream has agreed to install compressor stations at Antero Resources’ direction, but will not be responsible for inlet pressures or for pressuring natural gas to enter downstream facilities if Antero Resources has not directed Antero Midstream to install sufficient compression. Additionally, Antero Midstream will provide high pressurehigh-pressure gathering pursuant to the gathering and compression agreement.

 

Under the gathering and compression agreement, Antero Resources may sell, transfer, convey, assign, grant, or otherwise dispose of dedicated properties free of the dedication, provided that the number of net acres of dedicated properties so disposed of, when added to the number of net acres of dedicated properties previously disposed of free of the dedication since the effective date of the agreement, does not exceed the aggregate number of net acres of dedicated properties acquired by Antero Resources since such effective date. Accordingly, under certain circumstances, Antero Resources may dispose of a significant number of net acres of dedicated properties free from dedication without Antero Midstream’s consent.

 

After the completion of the initial term, which, as described below, was extended to November 2038, the gathering and compression agreement will continue in effect from year to year until such time as the agreement is terminated, effective upon an anniversary of the effective date of the agreement, by either Antero Midstream or Antero Resources on or before the 180thday prior to the anniversary of such effective date.

 

On February 23, 2018, the gathering and compression agreement was amended to make clarifying changes with respect to the consumer price index (“CPI”) and other associated fee adjustments.

 

On December 8, 2019, the gathering and compression agreement was amended to providesuch that, Antero Midstream will rebate Antero ResourcesResources: (i) $12.0$12 million for each quarter in 2020 that Antero Midstream receives gathering fees on average daily volumes in excess of certain thresholds, which thresholds increase from 2,700 MMcfe/d for the first and second quarters, up to 2,800 MMcfe/d for the third quarter and up to 2,900 MMcfe/d for the fourth quarter andthresholds; and; (ii) for each quarter in 2021, 2022 and 2023 (a) $12.0 million for each quarter that the Antero Midstream receives gathering fees on average daily volumes between 2,900 MMcfe/d and 3,150 MMcfe/d, (b) $15.5 million for each quarter that Antero Midstream receives gathering fees on average daily volumes between 3,150 MMcfe/d and 3,400 MMcfe/d, and (c) $19.0 million for each quarter that Antero Midstream receives gathering fees on average daily volumes exceeding 3,400 MMcfe/d. Such amendment also extended the original 20-year initial term by four years to 2038. Antero Resources achieved all such thresholds in 2020 and the first quarter of 2021 and received $48 million and $12 million, respectively, in such periods from Antero Midstream.

 

Processing

 

On February 6, 2017, a joint venture was formed between Antero Midstream and MarkWest Energy Partners, L.P. (“MarkWest”), a wholly owned subsidiary of MPLX, LP (the “Joint Venture”), to develop processing and fractionation assets in Appalachia. Antero Midstream and MarkWest each own a 50% interest in the Joint Venture and MarkWest operates the Joint Venture assets. The Joint Venture assets consist of processing plants in West Virginia and a one-third interest in a recently commissioned MarkWest fractionator in Ohio.

 

Pursuant to a gas processing agreement between Antero Resources and MarkWest, MarkWest has agreed to process gas from acreage dedicated by Antero Resources for a fee. MarkWest has entered into a separate agreement with the Joint Venture whereby the Joint Venture has agreed to perform gas processing services with respect to certain volumes on behalf of MarkWest in exchange for the gas processing fees that MarkWest receives from Antero Resources in connection with such

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volumes (the “MW-JV Arrangement”). During the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, the Joint Venture derived approximately $166$228 million of revenues from Antero Resources under the MW-JV Arrangement. In addition, on February 6, 2018, Antero Resources and MarkWest entered into an agreement pursuant to which MarkWest agreed to address certain regulatory matters related to expansions at one of MarkWest’s processing sites, and if certain conditions are not met, Antero Resources has agreed to make reimbursement payments for such work directly to the Joint Venture.

 

 - 2021 Proxy Statement59

Right of First Offer Agreement

 

On November 10, 2014, Antero Resources entered into a right of first offer agreement with Antero Midstream for gas processing services pursuant to which Antero Resources agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to procure any gas processing or NGLs fractionation services with respect to Antero Resources’ production (other than production subject to a pre-existing dedication) without first offering Antero Midstream the right to provide such services. On February 6, 2017, in connection with the formation of the Joint Venture, Antero Resources and Antero Midstream amended and restated the right of first offer agreement to, among other things, amend the list of conflicting dedications set forth in such agreement to include the gas processing arrangement between Antero Resources and MarkWest. On February 13, 2018, Antero Resources and Antero Midstream further amended and restated the right of first offer agreement to make certain clarifying changes to reflect the original intent of the agreement.

 

Water Services Agreement

 

On September 23, 2015, Antero Resources entered into a water services agreement with Antero Midstream, pursuant to which Antero Midstream agreed to provide through certain of its subsidiaries certain water handling and treatment services to Antero Resources within an area of dedication in defined service areas in Ohio and West Virginia, and Antero Resources has agreed to pay monthly fees for those services.services on a monthly basis. The initial term of the water services agreement is twenty years, automatically renewable from year to year thereafter.

 

Under the water services agreement, Antero Resources committed to pay a fee on a minimum volume of fresh water deliveries through 2019, which commitments have since expired in accordance with the terms of 90,000 barrels per day in 2016, 100,000 barrels per day in 2017, 120,000 barrels per day in 2018the water services agreement. Fees payable to Antero Midstream under the water services agreement are based on the volume of fresh water delivered thereunder and 120,000 barrels per day in 2019.the services provided by Antero Midstream thereunder. Antero Resources also agreed to pay Antero Midstream a fixed fee per barrel for wastewater treatment at Antero Midstream’s wastewater treatment facility, which was idled in the third quarter of 2019, and a fee per barrel for wastewater collected in trucks owned by Antero Midstream, in each case subject to annual CPI-based adjustments. In addition, Antero Midstream contracts with third partythird-party service providers to provide Antero Resources other fluid handling services including flow back and produced water services and Antero Resources will reimburse Antero Midstream for its third partythird-party out-of-pocket costs plus 3%. In addition to the foregoing, Antero Midstream has the right to elect to be paid for certain services under the water services agreement on a cost of service basis designed to generate a specified rate of return. For the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, Antero Midstream received approximately $400$260 million in fees under the water services agreement, which amount does not include $125 million that Antero Resources received from Antero Midstream for the year ended December 31, 2019 following Antero Resources’ satisfaction of certain fresh water delivery obligations.agreement.

 

Under the water services agreement, Antero Resources may sell, transfer, convey, assign, grant, or otherwise dispose of dedicated properties free of the dedication, provided that the number of net acres of dedicated properties so disposed of, when added to the number of net acres of dedicated properties previously disposed of free of the dedication since the effective date of the agreement, does not exceed the aggregate number of net acres of dedicated properties acquired by Antero Resources since such effective date. Accordingly, under certain circumstances, Antero Resources may dispose of a significant number of net acres of dedicated properties free from dedication without Antero Midstream’s consent.

 

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On February 12, 2019, Antero Resources and Antero Midstream amended and restated the water services agreement to, among other things, make certain clarifying changes with respect to the CPI and the associated adjustments to the fees Antero Midstream will receive from Antero Resources under the water services agreement.

 

 - 2021 Proxy Statement60

Secondment Agreement

 

In 2019, Antero Midstream entered into the Amended and Restated Secondment Agreement with Antero Resources. Under this agreement, Antero Resources agreed to provide seconded employees to us or one of our respective direct or indirect subsidiaries to perform certain operational services with respect to the gathering and compression, processing, and NGLs fractionation facilities and water assets, including serving as common paymaster with respect to the seconded employees, and we agreed to reimburse Antero Resources for expenditures Antero Resources incurs performing those operational services. The initial term of the agreement runs through November 2034, automatically renewable from year to year thereafter. For the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, Antero Midstream reimbursed Antero Resources for approximately $8$7 million of direct and indirect costs and expenses incurred on theirour behalf pursuant to the secondment agreement.

 

Services Agreement

 

In 2019, Antero Midstream entered into the Second Amended and Restated Services Agreement with Antero Resources, pursuant to which Antero Resources agreed to provide certain corporate, general and administrative services to Antero Midstream, including serving as common paymaster, in exchange for reimbursement of any direct and indirect costs and expenses associated with providing such services. The initial term of this agreement runs through November 2034, automatically renewable from year to year thereafter. For the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, Antero Midstream reimbursed Antero Resources for approximately $33$25 million of direct and indirect costs and expenses incurred on itsour behalf pursuant to the services agreement.

In connection with AMGP’s initial public offering, Antero Resources was party to a services agreement with AMGP, pursuant to which Antero Resources provided certain corporate, general and administrative services to AMGP in exchange for an annual fee, reimbursement of any direct expenses, and an allocation of any indirect expenses attributable to Antero Resources’ performance of such services. For the period from January 1, 2019 through March 12, 2019 (the Closing of the Transactions), AMGP reimbursed Antero Resources for approximately $0.1 million of its direct and allocated indirect expenses under such services agreement.

 

License

 

Pursuant to a license agreement with Antero Resources, Antero Midstream has the right to use certain Antero Resources-related names and trademarks in connection with the operation of its midstream business.

 

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Other Agreements

 

From time to time, in the ordinary course of business, Antero Midstream participates in transactions with Antero Resources and other third parties in which Antero Midstream may be deemed to have a direct or indirect material interest. These transactions include, among other things, agreements that address the provision of midstream services and receipt of contract operating services; the purchase of fuel for use in Antero Midstream’s operations; the release of midstream service dedications in connection with acquisitions, dispositions or exchanges of acreage; the construction of certain pipelines and facilities; and the acquisition of assets and the assumption of liabilities by us, our subsidiaries and our unconsolidated affiliates. While certain of these transactions are not the result of arm’s-length negotiations, we believe that the terms of each of the transactions are, and specifically intend the terms to be, generally no more or less favorable to either party than those that could have been negotiated with unaffiliated parties with respect to similar transactions. During the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, Antero Midstream paid approximately $3$8 million in expenses and received approximately $3 millionno payments in connection with such transactions.

 

Additionally, on December 16, 2019, we repurchased 19,377,592 shares of our common stock from Antero Resources at a price of $5.1606 per share, which resulted in us paying Antero Resources approximately $100 million.

Employment

 

Timothy Rady, the son of Paul M. Rady, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Antero Midstream, provided services to us in 2019.2020. Total compensation paid to Timothy Rady and allocated to Antero Midstream in 20192020 consisted of base salary, bonus and other benefits totaling $100,091$96,638 and award grants under the AM LTIP having an aggregate grant date fair value of $200,000,$248,458, which are subject to certain time-based and performance-based vesting conditions.

 

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QUORUM AND VOTING

 

Voting Stock

 

Antero Midstream’s common stock is the only outstanding class of securities that entitles holders to vote generally at meetings of Antero Midstream’s shareholders.stockholders. Each share of common stock outstanding on the record date entitles the holder to one vote at the Annual Meeting. ShareholdersStockholders do not have the right to cumulate their votes for election of Directors. Holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock are not entitled to vote such shares at the Annual Meeting.

 

Quorum

 

The presence, in person online or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the votes eligible to be cast at the Annual Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes (described below) will be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting. If a quorum is not present, the chairman has the power to adjourn the Annual Meeting from time to time, without notice other than an announcement at the Annual Meeting, until a quorum is present. At any annual meeting reconvened following an adjournment at which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the annual meeting as originally scheduled.

 

ShareholderStockholder List

 

Antero Midstream will maintain at its corporate offices in Denver, Colorado a list of the shareholdersstockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. The list will be open to the examination of any shareholder,stockholder, for purposes germane to the Annual Meeting, during ordinary business hours for ten days before the Annual Meeting. In addition, the list of stockholders will be available during the Annual Meeting through the meeting website.

 

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Vote Required

 

Only shareholdersstockholders of record at the close of business on April 22, 2020,20, 2021, have the right to vote at the Annual Meeting. The proposals at the Annual Meeting will require the following votes:

 

Can brokers vote withoutEffect of abstentions and
Proposal Vote required Voting options Can brokers vote without
instructions?
 Effect of abstentions and
broker non-votes
Election of directors Each nominee must receive a plurality of the votes cast For all nominees Withhold authority for all nominees For all except No None.
Ratification of the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm Affirmative vote of a majority of the shares counted as present and entitled to vote For Against Abstain Yes Abstentions will have the effect of a vote “against.” There should not be broker non-votes.
Advisory approval of the compensation of the Named Executive Officers Affirmative vote of a majority of the shares counted as present and entitled to vote For Against Abstain No Abstentions will have the effect of a vote “against.” Broker non-votes will not have any effect.
Advisory approval of the frequency of future advisory votes on the compensation of the Named Executive OfficersOption receiving the plurality of the shares counted as present and entitled to voteEvery Year Every Two Years Every Three Years AbstainNoNone.

 

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An automated system that Broadridge Investor Communications Services administers will tabulate the votes.

 

Brokers who hold shares in street name for customers are required to vote those shares in accordance with instructions received from the beneficial owners.

NYSE Rule 452 restricts when brokers that are record holders of shares may exercise discretionary authority to vote those shares in the absence of instructions from beneficial owners. When brokers are not permitted to vote on a matter without instructions from the beneficial owner, and do not receive such instructions, the result is a “broker non-vote.”

 

Default Voting

 

A proxy that is properly completed and returned will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the instructions on the proxy. If you properly complete and return a proxy, but do not indicate any contrary voting instructions, your shares will be voted in accordance with the Board’s recommendations, which are as follows:

 

FOR the election of the three persons named in this Proxy Statement as the Board’s nominees for election as Class III directors;
FOR the ratification of the selection of KPMG LLP as Antero Midstream’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2020;
FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of Antero Midstream’s Named Executive Officers;2021; and
FOR the approval, on an advisory basis, of the frequency of “every year” for future advisory votes on the compensation of Antero Midstream’s Named Executive Officers.

 

If any other business properly comes before the shareholdersstockholders for a vote at the Annual Meeting, your shares will be voted at the discretion of the holders of the proxy. The Board knows of no matters, other than those previously stated herein, to be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting.

 

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Revoking Your Proxy

 

YouStockholders of record may revoke yourtheir proxy in writing at any time before it is exercised at the Annual Meeting by: (i)electronic polls close by submitting a later-dated vote online via the Internet, by telephone or by mail; by delivering instructions to theAntero’s Secretary of Antero Midstream a written notice of the revocation; (ii) signing, dating and delivering to the Secretary of Antero Midstream a proxy with a later date; or (iii) attending the Annual Meeting and voting your shares in person. Your attendance at the Annual Meeting will not revoke your proxy unless you give written notice of revocation to the Secretary of Antero Midstream before the Annual Meeting commences; or unless you vote your sharesby voting online in person atduring the Annual Meeting beforeMeeting. Beneficial stockholders may revoke any prior voting instructions by contacting the polls are closed. If you hold your shares in “street name” you should follow the instructions provided to you by your broker, bank, or other nominee that holds their shares prior to revoke your proxy.the Annual Meeting or by voting online during the meeting.

 

Solicitation Expenses

We will bear all costs incurred in the solicitation of proxies, including the preparation, printing and mailing of the Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement and the related materials. In addition to solicitation by mail, our directors, officers and employees may solicit proxies personally or by telephone, e-mail, facsimile or other means, without additional compensation. We have retained MacKenzie Partners, Inc. (“MacKenzie”) to aid in the solicitation of proxies for an estimated fee of approximately $20,000 and the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses. We have also agreed to indemnify MacKenzie and its representative against certain losses that arise or relate to MacKenzie’s engagement for the solicitation of proxies.

Copies of the Annual Report

 

Upon written request, we will provide any shareholder,stockholder, without charge, a copy of the Form 10-K, but without exhibits. ShareholdersStockholders should direct requests to Antero Midstream Corporation, 1615 Wynkoop Street, Denver, Colorado 80202. Our Form 10-K and the exhibits filed or furnished therewith are available on our website,www.anteromidstream.com, in the “SEC Filings” subsection of the “Investors” section.

 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Proxy Materials, Annual Report and Other Information

 

The Notice of 2020 Annual Meeting of ShareholdersStockholders and Proxy Statement, along with Antero Midstream’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, filed with the SEC on February 12, 2020,17, 2021, and Antero Midstream’s 20192020 Annual Report to ShareholdersStockholders are available free of charge atwww.anteromidstream.comin the “SEC Filings” subsection under the “Investors” section. These materials do not constitute a part of the proxy solicitation material.

 

We intend to hold the Annual Meeting in person. However, we are actively monitoring the impacts of COVID-19. In the event we believe it is not possible or advisable to hold the Annual Meeting in person, we will announce alternative arrangements for the meeting as promptly as practicable, which may include holding the meeting partially or solely by means of remote communication. Please monitor our website atwww.anteromidstream.comfor updated information. If you are planning to attend the Annual Meeting, please check our website ten days prior to the meeting date. If we hold the Annual Meeting partially or solely by means of remote communication, it is currently our intent to resume in-person meetings with our 2021 Annual Meeting and thereafter, assuming normal circumstances. As always, we encourage you to vote your shares prior to the Annual Meeting.

ShareholdersStockholders Sharing an Address

 

Each registered shareholderstockholder (meaning you own shares in your own name on the books of our transfer agent, American Stock Transfer and Trust Company LLC) will receive one Notice of Internet Availability (the “Notice”) per account, regardless of whether you have the same address as another registered shareholder.stockholder.

 

If your shares are held in “street name” (that is, in the name of a bank, broker or other holder of record), applicable rules permit brokerage firms and Antero Midstream, under certain circumstances, to send one Notice to multiple shareholdersstockholders who share the same address. This practice is known as “householding.” Householding saves printing and postage costs by reducing duplicate mailings. If you hold your shares through a broker, you may have consented to reducing the number of copies of materials delivered to your address. In the event thatIf you wish to revoke a previously granted “householding” consent, you must contact your broker. If your household is receiving multiple copies of the Notice and you wish to request delivery of a single copy, you should contact your broker directly.

 

ShareholderStockholder Proposals and Director Nominations for the 20212022 Annual Meeting

 

Any shareholderstockholder desiring to present a proposal at Antero Midstream’s 20212022 Annual Meeting of ShareholdersStockholders and to have the proposal included in Antero Midstream’s related proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 must send the proposal to Antero Midstream, c/o Glen Warren,Yvette K. Schultz, at 1615 Wynkoop Street, Denver, Colorado, 80202, so that it is received no later than December 28, 2020.2021. All such proposals should be in compliance with SEC rules and regulations. Antero Midstream will only include in its proxy materials those shareholderstockholder proposals that it receives before the deadline and that are proper for shareholderstockholder action.

 

In addition, any shareholderstockholder entitled to vote at Antero Midstream’s 20212022 Annual Meeting of ShareholdersStockholders may propose business (other than proposals to be included in Antero Midstream’s proxy materials) to be included on the agenda of, and properly presented for action at, the 20212022 Annual Meeting of ShareholdersStockholders if written notice of such shareholder’sstockholder’s intent is given in accordance with the requirements of Antero Midstream’s bylaws and SEC rules and regulations. Any such proposal must be submitted in writing at the address shown above so that it is received between February 17, 2021,2022, and March 19, 2021.2022.

 

 20202021 Proxy Statement   6764