Continental Resources Reports Third Quarter 2014 Results

OKLAHOMA CITY, Nov. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Continental Resources, Inc. (NYSE: CLR) ("Continental" or the "Company") today announced third quarter 2014 operating and financial results.  Net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 was $534 million, or $1.44 per diluted share.  Excluding items typically excluded from published analyst estimates, adjusted net income for third quarter 2014 was $301 million, or $0.81 per diluted share. 

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EBITDAX for third quarter 2014 was $948 million, a 9% increase over EBITDAX of $868 million for second quarter 2014 and 19% above EBITDAX for third quarter 2013.  Definitions and reconciliations of adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per share and EBITDAX to the most directly comparable U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") financial measures can be found in the supporting tables at the conclusion of this press release. 

Harold G. Hamm, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are well positioned with a world-class asset portfolio, strong balance sheet and a track record of operational execution. In the third quarter, our teams delivered yet another solid quarter of production growth, and delineation and development in our two key assets, the Bakken and SCOOP."

Mr. Hamm added, "We view the recent downdraft in oil prices as unsustainable given the lack of fundamental change in supply and demand. Accordingly, we have elected to monetize nearly all of our outstanding oil hedges, allowing us to fully participate in what we anticipate will be an oil price recovery.  While awaiting this recovery, we have elected to maintain our current level of activity and plan to defer adding rigs in 2015.  This translates to a $600 million reduction in our 2015 capex budget, resulting in a revised 2015 capex budget of $4.6 billion, with 23% to 29% production growth."

Third Quarter 2014 Production

Third quarter 2014 net production totaled 16.8 million barrels of oil equivalent ("Boe"), or 182,335 Boe per day, a sequential increase of 9% from second quarter 2014 and 29% higher than third quarter 2013.  Third quarter 2014 net production included 127,788 barrels of oil per day (70% of production) and approximately 327 million cubic feet of natural gas ("MMcf") per day (30% of production).  Continental's October production averaged in excess of 187,000 Boe per day.

The following table provides the Company's average daily production by region for the periods presented. 

Jack H. Stark, President and Chief Operating Officer, commented, "This is our second consecutive quarter to grow production over 14,000 Boe per day.  This sustained growth underscores our high-quality assets and the excellent execution by our teams."

SCOOP Production Continues to Climb

Continental's South Central Oklahoma Oil Province ("SCOOP") position has expanded vertically to include its most recent discovery, the Springer oil play.  Located in the heart of SCOOP, the Company's Springer position augments its Woodford leasehold and expands the Company's net resource potential and inventory.  Continental's SCOOP leasehold position of approximately 471,000 net acres has productive potential in multiple formations. 

In third quarter 2014, SCOOP net production averaged 36,346 Boe per day, an increase of 6% sequentially from the second quarter of 2014 and 81% above third quarter 2013.  The Company completed a total of 18 net (23 gross) operated and 2 net (27 gross) non-operated wells during third quarter 2014 in SCOOP. The Company is currently running 27 operated rigs in SCOOP, with 10 in the Springer formation and 17 in the Woodford formation.  The Company concluded third quarter 2014 with an inventory of approximately 18 net (28 gross) operated SCOOP (Springer and Woodford) wells drilled, but not yet producing.

Springer Discovery Delivering Strong Results in SCOOP

Continental has announced 15 producing wells in the oil fairway of the Springer with an average 24-hour initial production (IP) rate of 1,230 Boe per day and an average 30-day IP of 830 Boe per day.  These are all approximately 4,500' lateral wells. The Company's estimated ultimate recovery ("EUR") model for a 4,500' lateral Springer well is 940,000 Boe, with 67% oil and 17% natural gas liquids, at an average completed well cost of $9.7 million.  To further improve recoveries and enhance economics per well, the Company will begin drilling its first 7,500' extended lateral in the Springer in fourth quarter 2014.  Continental estimates a 7,500' extended lateral well will recover 1.6 million Boe with a cost of approximately $12.1 million.

Bakken Development: EUR Increasing With Enhanced Completions   

Continental's Bakken production totaled 121,604 Boe per day in third quarter 2014, an increase of 12% compared to second quarter 2014 and an increase of 29% compared to third quarter 2013.  The Company completed 77 net (256 gross) wells in the Bakken during third quarter 2014.  The Company concluded third quarter 2014 with an inventory of approximately 71 net (99 gross) operated Bakken wells drilled, but not yet producing.

The Company has been testing various enhanced completion technologies and monitoring results throughout its Bakken leasehold seeking the optimal method for future development.  Recently the Company expanded its assessment to include industrywide enhanced completion results.  The combined results show that the early time uplift in production can be sustained in certain areas which translates to a higher EUR per well. In particular, where the Company has its most complete data set, an average production uplift of approximately 45% over the first 90 days and an average EUR increase of approximately 30% has been observed. The Company plans to focus a majority of its 2015 Bakken capital expenditures in areas where improved recoveries are anticipated.  The Company's average projected EUR per well for its 2015 Bakken drilling program now stands at approximately 700,000 Boe.  Average anticipated well costs have been reduced by $400,000 from $10 million to $9.6 million. 

Financial Update

Continental's average realized sales price excluding the effects of derivative positions was $85.49 per barrel of oil and $5.10 per thousand cubic feet of natural gas ("Mcf"), or $69.08 per Boe for third quarter 2014.  Settlements of matured commodity derivative positions generated a $0.37 loss per barrel of oil and $0.15 gain per Mcf of natural gas, resulting in a net gain on matured derivatives of $0.2 million, or $0.01 per Boe for the third quarter 2014.  Based on realizations without the effect of derivatives, the Company's third quarter 2014 oil differential was $11.77 per barrel below the NYMEX daily average for the period.  The realized natural gas price differential for third quarter 2014 was a positive $1.04 per Mcf.

The cash margin for third quarter 2014 totaled 74% or $51.26 per Boe. Production expense per Boe was $5.80 for third quarter 2014.  Other select operating costs and expenses for third quarter 2014 included production taxes of 8.3% of oil and natural gas sales; DD&A of $21.65 per Boe; and G&A (cash and non-cash) of $2.62 per Boe. 

Non-acquisition capital expenditures for third quarter 2014 totaled approximately $1.3 billion, including approximately $1.2 billion in exploration and development drilling, $66 million in leasehold and seismic and $55 million in facilities, workovers, recompletions and other.  Acquisition capital expenditures totaled approximately $72 million for third quarter 2014. 

As of September 30, 2014, Continental's balance sheet included approximately $152 million in cash and cash equivalents and no borrowings outstanding on the Company's $1.75 billion revolving credit facility.  In third quarter 2014 the Company booked a $24.5 million loss due to the early redemption of $300 million of 8.25% senior notes.

Hedge Position and Guidance Update

Recently the Company monetized substantially all of its crude oil hedge positions for 2014, 2015 and 2016, generating proceeds of $433 million.  The Company has approximately one-third of its natural gas production hedged in 2015 at an average price of $4.34.  A complete listing of the Company's hedge positions can be found in the Company's quarterly filing for the third quarter of 2014 with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

The Company has reduced its 2015 non-acquisition capital expenditures to $4.6 billion, 12% lower than the previous forecast of $5.2 billion and flat with current 2014 activity levels.  This level of capital expenditures is projected to yield 23% to 29% production growth in 2015 compared to estimated 2014 levels.  This budget is based on approximately 245 net wells in the Bakken at $9.6 million per well and approximately 105 net wells for the SCOOP area at an average well cost of $11 million. An updated table of the Company's guidance can be found at the conclusion of this release. 

John D. Hart, Chief Financial Officer, commented, "Our portfolio and capital structure allow us to be nimble and adapt to market conditions.  We are choosing not to accelerate development next year and will instead maintain our current pace.  This change better aligns our development efforts with our cash flow generation capabilities.  Our balance sheet remains very strong, bolstered by approximately $520 million of cash from our recent NW Cana transaction and monetization of hedge positions.  We remain committed to capital discipline and protecting our investment grade rating."

The following table provides the Company's production results, average sales prices, per-unit operating costs, results of operations and certain non-GAAP financial measures for the periods presented. Average sales prices exclude any effect of derivative transactions. Per-unit expenses have been calculated using sales volumes. 

Conference Call Information and Summary Presentation

Continental Resources plans to host a conference call to discuss third quarter 2014 results on Thursday, November 6, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. CT). Those wishing to listen to the conference call may do so via the Company's website at www.CLR.com or by phone:

A replay of the call will be available for 30 days on the Company's website or by dialing:

Upcoming Conferences

Members of Continental's management team will be participating in the following upcoming investment conferences:

Conference materials for both of the above-referenced conferences will be available on the Company's website at www.CLR.com on or prior to the day of the presentation at each conference.  The Company's presentation at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2014 Global Energy Conference will be available to the public via internet webcast at www.CLR.com.  A link to the webcast will be accessible from the Company's website on the date of the event.

About Continental Resources

Continental Resources (NYSE: CLR) is a Top 10 independent oil producer in the United States. Based in Oklahoma City, Continental is the largest leaseholder and producer in the nation's premier oil field, the Bakken play of North Dakota and Montana. The Company also has significant positions in Oklahoma, including its SCOOP discovery and the Northwest Cana play. With a focus on the exploration and production of oil, Continental is on a mission to unlock the technology and resources vital to American energy independence. In 2014, the Company celebrated 47 years of operation. For more information, please visit www.CLR.com.

Cautionary Statement for the Purpose of the "Safe Harbor" Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements included in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, but not limited to, statements or information concerning the Company's future operations, performance, financial condition, production and reserves, schedules, plans, timing of development, returns, budgets, costs, business strategy, objectives, and cash flow, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words "could," "may," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "project," "budget," "plan," "continue," "potential," "guidance," "strategy," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations and assumptions about future events and currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable and based on reasonable assumptions, no assurance can be given that such expectations will be correct or achieved or that the assumptions are accurate. When considering forward-looking statements, readers should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements described under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, registration statements and other reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and other announcements the Company makes from time to time.

The Company cautions readers these forward-looking statements are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company's control, incident to the exploration for, and development, production, and sale of, crude oil and natural gas. These risks include, but are not limited to, commodity price volatility, inflation, lack of availability of drilling, completion and production equipment and services and transportation infrastructure, environmental risks, drilling and other operating risks, lack of availability and security of computer-based systems, regulatory changes, the uncertainty inherent in estimating crude oil and natural gas reserves and in projecting future rates of production, cash flows and access to capital, the timing of development expenditures, and the other risks described under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, registration statements and other reports filed from time to time with the SEC, and other announcements the Company makes from time to time.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described in this press release occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, the Company's actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that the Company, or persons acting on its behalf, may make.

Except as otherwise required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

EBITDAX

We use a variety of financial and operational measures to assess our performance. Among these measures is EBITDAX. EBITDAX represents earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion, property impairments, exploration expenses, non-cash gains and losses resulting from the requirements of accounting for derivatives, non-cash equity compensation expense, and losses on extinguishment of debt. EBITDAX is not a measure of net income or operating cash flows as determined by U.S. GAAP.

Management believes EBITDAX is useful because it allows us to more effectively evaluate our operating performance and compare the results of our operations from period to period without regard to our financing methods or capital structure. Further, we believe EBITDAX is a widely followed measure of operating performance and may also be used by investors to measure our ability to meet future debt service requirements, if any. We exclude the items listed above from net income and operating cash flows in arriving at EBITDAX because these amounts can vary substantially from company to company within our industry depending upon accounting methods and book values of assets, capital structures and the method by which the assets were acquired.

EBITDAX should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income or operating cash flows as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP or as an indicator of a company's operating performance or liquidity. Certain items excluded from EBITDAX are significant components in understanding and assessing a company's financial performance, such as a company's cost of capital and tax structure, as well as the historic costs of depreciable assets, none of which are components of EBITDAX. Our computations of EBITDAX may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

The following table provides a reconciliation of our net income to EBITDAX for the periods presented.

Adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share

Our presentation of adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share that exclude the effect of certain items are non-GAAP financial measures. Adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share represent earnings and diluted earnings per share determined under U.S. GAAP without regard to non-cash gains and losses on derivative instruments, property impairments, gains and losses on asset sales, corporate relocation expenses, and losses on extinguishment of debt. Management believes these measures provide useful information to analysts and investors for analysis of our operating results on a recurring, comparable basis from period to period. In addition, management believes these measures are used by analysts and others in valuation, comparison and investment recommendations of companies in the oil and gas industry to allow for analysis without regard to an entity's specific derivative portfolio, impairment methodologies, and nonrecurring transactions. Adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for earnings or diluted earnings per share as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. The following table reconciles earnings and diluted earnings per share as determined under U.S. GAAP to adjusted earnings and adjusted diluted earnings per share for the periods presented. Net income per share amounts for the second quarter of 2014 and third quarter of 2013 have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the Company's 2-for-1 stock split in September 2014.

SOURCE Continental Resources

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