Continental Resources Announces Full-Year 2019 And 4Q19 Results; 2020 Capital Budget And Guidance

OKLAHOMA CITY, Feb. 26, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --

Full-Year 2019 Results

$775.6 Million (MM) in Net Income, or $2.08 per Diluted Share
-- $838.7 MM Adjusted Net Income, or $2.25 per Diluted Share (Non-GAAP)

340,395 Boepd Average Daily Production, up 14% Year-over-Year (YoY)
-- 197,991 Bopd Average Daily Oil Production; up 18% YoY

$3.1 Billion (B) of Cash Flow from Operations; $608 MM of Free Cash Flow (non-GAAP)

$406 MM in Shareholder Capital Return
-- $190 MM Share Repurchases and $18 MM Quarterly Dividend
-- $442 MM Total Debt Reduction; $198 MM Net Debt Reduction (Non-GAAP)

No. 1 Oil Producer in Both the Bakken and Oklahoma
-- Bakken: 148,416 Average Daily Oil Production up 14% YoY
-- South: 41,695 Average Daily Oil Production up 43% YoY

4Q19 Results

$193.9 MM in Net Income, or $0.53 per Diluted Share
-- $203.6 MM Adjusted Net Income, or $0.55 per Diluted Share

365,341 Boepd Average Daily Production; up 13% YoY
-- 206,249 Bopd Average Daily Oil Production; up 10% over 4Q18

2020 Capital Budget & Guidance

$2.9 B to $3.0 B of Cash Flow from Operations; $350 MM to $400 MM of Free Cash Flow
-- Budgeted at $55 WTI and $2.50 HH; $5 Change in WTI = Approx. $300 MM in Cash Flow

Targeting 4% to 6% Production Growth YoY Delivers Average Approx. 10% CAGR for 2019-2020
-- Large Projects in 2020 Projected to Drive Double Digit Growth from FY 2020 to 4Q21

$2.65 B Capital Spend in 2020; Flat Capital Spend YoY
-- $2.2 B Drilling & Completions; $125 MM for Mineral Acquisitions ($100 MM Funded by FNV)
-- Approx. 20% Lower Capital Spend in 2020 than Original Five Year Vision Estimate
-- Approx. $700 MM Capital Spend in 2020 with First Production Expected in 2021

Expect to Continue Delivering Lowest Cost Operations Amongst Oil-Weighted Peers
-- $3.50 to $4.00 LOE per Boe | $1.60 to $2.00 Total G&A per Boe

Continental Resources, Inc. (NYSE: CLR) (the "Company") today announced its full-year 2019 and fourth quarter 2019 operating and financial results, as well as its 2020 capital expenditures budget and operating plan.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/95419/continental_resources_logo.jpg

The Company reported full-year 2019 net income of $775.6 million, or $2.08 per diluted share. The Company's net income includes certain items typically excluded by the investment community in published estimates, the result of which is referred to as "adjusted net income." For full-year 2019, typically excluded items in aggregate represented $63.1 million, or $0.17 per diluted share. Adjusted net income for full-year 2019 was $838.7 million, or $2.25 per diluted share (non-GAAP). Net cash provided by operating activities for full-year 2019 was $3.12 billion and EBITDAX was $3.45 billion (non-GAAP).

The Company reported net income of $193.9 million, or $0.53 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2019. In fourth quarter 2019, typically excluded items in aggregate represented $9.7 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, of Continental's reported net income. Adjusted net income for fourth quarter 2019 was $203.6 million, or $0.55 per diluted share (non-GAAP). Net cash provided by operating activities for fourth quarter 2019 was $803.8 million and EBITDAX was $905.5 million (non-GAAP).

Adjusted net income, adjusted net income per share, EBITDAX, free cash flow, net debt, net sales prices and cash general and administrative (G&A) expenses per barrel of oil equivalent (Boe) presented herein are non-GAAP financial measures. Definitions and explanations for how these measures relate to the most directly comparable U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) financial measures are provided at the conclusion of this press release.

2019 Production Update

Full-year 2019 production increased 14% over full-year 2018, averaging 340,395 barrels of oil equivalent per day (Boepd). 2019 oil production increased 18% over 2018, averaging 197,991 barrels of oil per day (Bopd). 2019 natural gas production increased 10% over 2018, averaging 854.4 million cubic feet per day (MMcfpd).

Fourth quarter 2019 total production increased 13% over fourth quarter 2018, averaging 365,341 Boepd. Fourth quarter 2019 oil production increased 10% over fourth quarter 2018, averaging 206,249 Bopd. Fourth quarter 2019 natural gas production increased 16% over fourth quarter 2018, averaging 954.6 MMcfpd.

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

                              
     4Q      
     4Q        
     FY         
     FY


                  Boe per day      2019        2018         2019         2018

    ---


       Bakken                  194,156     183,836      194,691      167,800



       South                   163,552     131,088      137,579      121,265



       All other                 7,633       9,077        8,125        9,125




       Total                   365,341     324,001      340,395      298,190

2019 Operations Update

"Operationally, 2019 was an exceptional year. We met or exceeded all of our guidance and delivered 18% oil production growth year-over-year. We also consummated strategic trades, bolt-on acquisitions and leasing in Continental-dominated core areas for approximately $165 million, adding up to 370 gross operated locations to our deep inventory position," said Harold Hamm, Executive Chairman.

CLR Bakken: #1 Bakken Oil Producer; 148,416 Average Daily 2019 Oil Production up 14% over 2018

In 2019, Bakken oil production increased 14% over 2018, averaging 148,416 Bopd. Bakken total production increased 16% over 2018, averaging 194,691 Boepd. During the year, the Company completed 172 gross (119 net) operated wells with first production. These 2019 Bakken program wells are performing in line with wells completed in the Company's 2017 and 2018 Bakken programs, each of which paid out in approximately one year. The 2019 program wells are approximately 75% paid out, as of January 2020. The 2020 Bakken program is projected to continue this performance trend.

CLR South: #1 OK Oil Producer; 41,695 Average Daily 2019 Oil Production up 43% over 2018

In 2019, South oil production increased 43% over 2018, averaging 41,695 Bopd. South total production increased 13% over 2018, averaging 137,579 Boepd. During the year, the Company completed 140 gross (98 net) operated wells with first production in the South. In SCOOP, Project SpringBoard produced an average 25,006 net Bopd, outperforming the Company's expectations announced in third quarter 2018 by 50%.

Year-End 2019 Proved Reserves

The Company's year-end 2019 proved reserves grew 6% year-over-year to 1,619 MMBoe, as of December 31, 2019. These additions equate to a reserve replacement ratio of 178% for 2019 (defined as total change in proved reserves, excluding production, divided by production). SEC prices used for calculating proved reserves were approximately $10.00 less per barrel WTI and $0.50 less per Mcf gas than the SEC prices used in the prior year. The Company's proved reserves have grown by 32% since December 31, 2015 and these additions equate to a four year reserve replacement ratio of 198%.

2019 Financial Update

"In 2019, Continental maintained capital discipline and generated strong corporate returns with an 11% return on capital employed (ROCE). The Company also delivered $190 million in share repurchases, approximately $200 million in net debt reduction and the initiation of the Company's quarterly dividend," said John Hart, Chief Financial Officer.

                                                        
         Three Months Ended                         
         Year Ended



       2019 Financial Update                            
         December 31, 2019 
     December 31, 2019

    ---


       Cash and Cash Equivalents                                                                     
         $39.4 million



       Total Debt                                                                                    
         $5.33 billion



       Net Debt (non-GAAP)(1)                                                                        
         $5.29 billion



       Average Net Sales Price (non-GAAP)(1)



       Per Barrel of Oil                                                 $51.33                                    $51.82



       Per Mcf of Gas                                                     $1.73                                     $1.77



       Per Boe                                                           $33.49                                    $34.56



       Production Expense per Boe                                         $3.31                                     $3.58



       Total G&A Expenses per Boe                                         $1.59                                     $1.57



       Crude Oil Differential per Barrel                                ($5.52)                                  ($5.15)



       Natural Gas Differential per Mcf                                 ($0.77)                                  ($0.86)



       Non-Acquisition Capital Expenditures               
          $541.3 million                      
         $2.66 billion



       Exploration & Development Drilling & Completion    
          $467.8 million                       
         $2.2 billion



       Leasehold                                           
          $18.1 million                      
         $86.8 million



       Minerals, of which 80% was Recouped from FNV        
          $10.3 million                     
         $130.0 million



       Workovers, Recompletions and Other                  
          $45.1 million                     
         $198.3 million



               (1) Net debt and net sales prices
                represent non-GAAP financial
                measures. Further information
                about these non-GAAP financial
                measures as well as
                reconciliations to the most
                directly comparable U.S. GAAP
                financial measures are provided
                subsequently under the header Non-
                GAAP Financial Measures.

2020 Capital Budget & Guidance

"In 2020, Continental will prioritize maximizing shareholder capital return in the form of share repurchases, debt reduction and dividends. With our strong portfolio and disciplined approach to value creation, we will continue to increase capital and corporate returns for our shareholders," said Bill Berry, Chief Executive Officer.

The 2020 capital budget is projected to generate $2.9 to $3.0 billion of cash flow from operations and $350 to $400 million of free cash flow for full-year 2020 at $55 per barrel WTI and $2.50 per Mcf Henry Hub. A $5 change per barrel WTI is estimated to impact annual cash flow by approximately $300 million.

Annual crude oil production is projected to range between 198,000 to 201,000 Bopd. Annual natural gas production is projected to range between 935,000 to 960,000 Mcfpd. The Company is targeting 4% to 6% annual production growth year-over-year, which is expected to average an approximately 10% CAGR for 2019 and 2020. The Company believes the projected growth range is appropriate given prevailing market conditions and outperformance in 2019. Cumulative volumes are projected to be on track with the Company's original Five Year Vision estimates for 2019 and 2020.

The Company's 2020 capital expenditures budget is flat year-over-year at $2.65 billion. Estimated Capex spend is approximately 20% lower than the Company's original Five Year Vision estimate for 2020. An estimated $700 million of capital to be spent in 2020 will not realize first production until 2021 as the Company prioritizes large scale multi-pad development projects in SCOOP and Bakken Long Creek.

Consequently, at year-end 2020, the Company expects to have a working backlog of approximately 242 gross operated wells in progress in various stages of completion, which is 12% higher than year-end 2019. This includes 188 gross operated wells in the Bakken, which is 42% higher than year-end 2019.

The Company is allocating approximately $2.2 billion to drilling and completion (D&C) activities, of which approximately 60% is allocated to the Bakken and approximately 40% to Oklahoma. The non-D&C capital is planned to be primarily focused on leasehold, mineral acquisitions, workovers and facilities.

The Company is allocating approximately $125 million to the previously announced mineral royalty agreement. With a carry structure in place, $100 million of capital costs will be funded by Franco-Nevada and the Company expects to earn 50% of total revenue generated from this strategic relationship in 2020.

In 2020, the Company plans to deliver approximately 8% ROCE at $55 WTI.

"Looking to 2020 and beyond, Continental expects to continue to be the low cost leader among our oil-weighted peers as we maximize performance and returns from our growing, high quality assets," said Jack Stark, President and Chief Operating Officer.

The Company's full 2020 guidance, capital expenditures budget and operating details can be found at the conclusion of this press release.

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

                                Three months ended December 31,          Year ended December 31,



                              2019                            2018       2019                          2018



     Average daily
      production:


     Crude oil (Bbl per
      day)                 206,249                         186,934    197,991                       168,177


     Natural gas (Mcf per
      day)                 954,556                         822,402    854,424                       780,083


     Crude oil
      equivalents (Boe
      per day)             365,341                         324,001    340,395                       298,190


     Average net sales
      prices (non-GAAP),
      excluding effect
      from derivatives:
      (1)


     Crude oil ($/Bbl)      $51.33                          $50.06     $51.82                        $59.19


     Natural gas ($/Mcf)     $1.73                           $3.26      $1.77                         $3.01


     Crude oil
      equivalents ($/Boe)   $33.49                          $37.13     $34.56                        $41.25


     Production expenses
      ($/Boe)                $3.31                           $3.50      $3.58                         $3.59


     Production taxes (%
      of net crude oil
      and gas sales)          8.1%                           8.2%      8.3%                         7.9%


     DD&A ($/Boe)           $16.45                          $16.41     $16.25                        $17.09


     Total general and
      administrative
      expenses ($/Boe)
      (2)                   $1.59                           $1.65      $1.57                         $1.69


     Net income
      attributable to
      Continental
      Resources (in
      thousands)          $193,946                        $197,738   $775,641                      $988,317


     Diluted net income
      per share
      attributable to
      Continental
      Resources              $0.53                           $0.53      $2.08                         $2.64


     Adjusted net income
      (non-GAAP) (in
      thousands) (1)      $203,589                        $201,686   $838,723                    $1,066,237


     Adjusted diluted net
      income per share
      (non-GAAP) (1)         $0.55                           $0.54      $2.25                         $2.84


     Net cash provided by
      operating
      activities (in
      thousands)          $803,812                        $955,267 $3,115,688                    $3,456,008


     EBITDAX (non-GAAP)
      (in thousands) (1)  $905,525                        $850,640 $3,447,033                    $3,623,373



               (1) Net sales prices, adjusted net
                income, adjusted diluted net
                income per share, and EBITDAX
                represent non-GAAP financial
                measures. Further information
                about these non-GAAP financial
                measures as well as
                reconciliations to the most
                directly comparable U.S. GAAP
                financial measures are provided
                subsequently under the header Non-
                GAAP Financial Measures.




               (2) Total general and
                administrative expense is
                comprised of cash general and
                administrative expense and non-
                cash equity compensation expense.
                Cash general and administrative
                expense per Boe was $1.15, $1.18,
                $1.15, and $1.25 for 4Q 2019, 4Q
                2018, FY 2019 and FY 2018,
                respectively. Non-cash equity
                compensation expense per Boe was
                $0.44, $0.47, $0.42, and $0.44 for
                4Q 2019, 4Q 2018, FY 2019 and FY
                2018, respectively.

Fourth Quarter Earnings Conference Call

The Company plans to host a conference call to discuss full-year 2019 and 4Q19 results on Thursday, February 27, 2020 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:


              Time and date:                    12 p.m. ET, Thursday,
                                                  February 27, 2020



              Dial-in:               
              1-888-317-6003



              Intl. dial-in:         
              1-412-317-6061



              Conference ID:                                  8554062

A replay of the call will be available for 14 days on the Company's website or by dialing:


              Replay number:         
              1-877-344-7529



              Intl. replay:          
              1-412-317-0088



              Conference ID:                            10138250



The Company plans to publish a full-year 2019 and 4Q19 summary presentation to its website at www.CLR.com prior to the start of its conference call on Thursday, February 27, 2020.

About Continental Resources

Continental Resources (NYSE: CLR) is a top 10 independent oil producer in the U.S. Lower 48 and a leader in America's energy renaissance. Based in Oklahoma City, Continental is the largest leaseholder and the largest 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 Woodford and SCOOP Springer discoveries and the STACK plays. With a focus on the exploration and production of oil, Continental has unlocked the technology and resources vital to American energy independence and our nation's leadership in the new world oil market. In 2020, the Company will celebrate 53 years of operations. 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, forecasts or expectations regarding the Company's business and statements or information concerning the Company's future operations, performance, financial condition, production and reserves, schedules, plans, timing of development, rates of return, budgets, costs, business strategy, objectives, and cash flows are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words "could," "may," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "project," "budget," "target," "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 these assumptions and expectations are reasonable, they are inherently subject to numerous business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company's control. No assurance can be given that such expectations will be correct or achieved or that the assumptions are accurate. The risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, commodity price volatility; the geographic concentration of our operations; financial market and economic volatility; the effects of any national or international health crisis; the inability to access needed capital; the risks and potential liabilities inherent in crude oil and natural gas drilling and production and the availability of insurance to cover any losses resulting therefrom; difficulties in estimating proved reserves and other reserves-based measures; declines in the values of our crude oil and natural gas properties resulting in impairment charges; our ability to replace proved reserves and sustain production; our ability to pay future dividends or complete share repurchases; the availability or cost of equipment and oilfield services; leasehold terms expiring on undeveloped acreage before production can be established; our ability to project future production, achieve targeted results in drilling and well operations and predict the amount and timing of development expenditures; the availability and cost of transportation, processing and refining facilities; legislative and regulatory changes adversely affecting our industry and our business, including initiatives related to hydraulic fracturing; increased market and industry competition, including from alternative fuels and other energy sources; and the other risks described under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors and elsewhere in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, and once filed, for the year ended December 31, 2019, 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 on which such statement is made. 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. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly correct or update any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances after the date of this report, or otherwise.

Readers are cautioned that initial production rates are subject to decline over time and should not be regarded as reflective of sustained production levels. In particular, production from horizontal drilling in shale oil and natural gas resource plays and tight natural gas plays that are stimulated with extensive pressure fracturing are typically characterized by significant early declines in production rates.

We use the term "EUR" or "estimated ultimate recovery" to describe potentially recoverable oil and natural gas hydrocarbon quantities. We include these estimates to demonstrate what we believe to be the potential for future drilling and production on our properties. These estimates are by their nature much more speculative than estimates of proved reserves and require substantial capital spending to implement recovery. Actual locations drilled and quantities that may be ultimately recovered from our properties will differ substantially. EUR data included herein remain subject to change as more well data is analyzed.


     
                Investor Contact:         
     
                Media Contact:



     Rory Sabino                            
     Kristin Thomas



     Vice President, Investor Relations     
     Senior Vice President, Public Relations



     405-234-9620                           
     405-234-9480



     
                Rory.sabino@clr.com       
     
                Kristin.thomas@clr.com





     Lucy Guttenberger



     Investor Relations Analyst



     405-774-5878



     
                Lucy.guttenberger@clr.com

                                      
              Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                                            
              Consolidated Statements of Income




                                                                                Three months ended December 31,                               Year ended December 31,

                                                                                                                                          ---

                                                                               2019                          2018                        2019                                 2018

                                                                                                                                                                            ---


     Revenues:                                                        
              
                In thousands, except per share data


      Crude oil and natural gas
       sales                                                             $1,185,980                    $1,154,104                  $4,514,389                           $4,678,722


      Gain (loss) on natural gas
       derivatives, net                                                     (4,436)                     (19,394)                     49,083                             (23,930)


      Crude oil and natural gas
       service operations                                                    13,590                        14,584                      68,475                               54,794

                                                                                                                                                                            ---


     Total revenues                                                      1,195,134                     1,149,294                   4,631,947                            4,709,586





     Operating costs and expenses:


      Production expenses                                                   111,203                       104,258                     444,649                              390,423



     Production taxes                                                       90,751                        90,393                     357,988                              353,140


      Transportation expenses                                                61,080                        49,028                     225,649                              191,587


      Exploration expenses                                                    7,268                         3,295                      14,667                                7,642


      Crude oil and natural gas
       service operations                                                     6,614                         4,205                      33,230                               21,639


      Depreciation, depletion,
       amortization and accretion                                           552,711                       488,416                   2,017,383                            1,859,327


      Property impairments                                                   19,348                        38,494                      86,202                              125,210


      General and administrative
       expenses                                                              53,465                        49,201                     195,302                              183,569


      Net gain on sale of assets
       and other                                                            (1,182)                      (8,410)                      (535)                            (16,671)

                                                                                                                                                                            ---

      Total operating costs and
       expenses                                                             901,258                       818,880                   3,374,535                            3,115,866

                                                                                                                                                                            ---

      Income from operations                                                293,876                       330,414                   1,257,412                            1,593,720



     Other income (expense):



     Interest expense                                                     (64,981)                     (69,441)                  (269,379)                           (293,032)


      Loss on extinguishment of
       debt                                                                                                                         (4,584)                             (7,133)



     Other                                                                     516                         1,016                       3,713                                3,247


                                                                           (64,465)                     (68,425)                  (270,250)                           (296,918)

                                                                                                                                                                            ---

      Income before income taxes                                            229,411                       261,989                     987,162                            1,296,802


      Provision for income taxes                                           (35,303)                     (62,868)                  (212,689)                           (307,102)

                                                                                                                                                                            ---


     Net income                                                            194,108                       199,121                     774,473                              989,700


      Net income (loss)
       attributable to
       noncontrolling interests                                                 162                         1,383                     (1,168)                               1,383

                                                                                                                                                                            ---

      Net income attributable to
       Continental Resources                                               $193,946                      $197,738                    $775,641                             $988,317





      Net income per share attributable to Continental Resources:



     Basic                                                                   $0.53                         $0.53                       $2.09                                $2.66



     Diluted                                                                 $0.53                         $0.53                       $2.08                                $2.64

                                            
       Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                                              
              Consolidated Balance Sheets




                     In thousands                
              December 31, 2019                
     December 31, 2018

    ---

                     Assets


        Cash and cash equivalents                                              $39,400                            $282,749


        Other current assets                                                 1,167,615                           1,129,612


        Net property and equipment
         (1)                                                               14,497,726                          13,869,800


        Other noncurrent assets                                                 23,166                              15,786




       Total assets                                                       $15,727,907                         $15,297,947





                     Liabilities and equity


        Current liabilities                                                 $1,336,026                          $1,387,509


        Long-term debt, net of
         current portion                                                     5,324,079                           5,765,989


        Other noncurrent
         liabilities                                                         1,959,451                           1,722,588


        Equity attributable to
         Continental Resources                                               6,741,667                           6,145,133


        Equity attributable to
         noncontrolling interests                                              366,684                             276,728



        Total liabilities and
         equity                                                            $15,727,907                         $15,297,947




               (1) Balance is net of
                accumulated depreciation,
                depletion and amortization of
                $12.77 billion and $10.81
                billion as of December 31, 2019
                and December 31, 2018,
                respectively.

                             
         Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                                 
         Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows




                                                Three months ended December 31,                Year ended December 31,



                     In thousands             2019                          2018          2019                      2018

    ---


       Net income                        $194,108                      $199,121      $774,473                  $989,700


        Adjustments to reconcile
         net income to net cash
         provided by operating
         activities:


        Non-cash expenses                  641,495                       576,033     2,400,708                 2,340,600


        Changes in assets and
         liabilities                      (31,791)                      180,113      (59,493)                  125,708



        Net cash provided by
         operating activities              803,812                       955,267     3,115,688                 3,456,008


        Net cash used in investing
         activities                      (518,029)                    (756,689)  (2,771,956)              (2,860,172)


        Net cash (used in)
         provided by financing
         activities                      (281,650)                       71,319     (587,108)                (356,934)


        Effect of exchange rate
         changes on cash                         7                          (44)           27                      (55)



        Net change in cash and
         cash equivalents                    4,140                       269,853     (243,349)                  238,847


        Cash and cash equivalents
         at beginning of period             35,260                        12,896       282,749                    43,902



        Cash and cash equivalents
         at end of period                  $39,400                      $282,749       $39,400                  $282,749

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Non-GAAP adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share attributable to Continental

Our presentation of adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share that exclude the effect of certain items are non-GAAP financial measures. Adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share represent net income and diluted net income 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, and losses on extinguishment of debt as applicable. Management believes these measures provide useful information to analysts and investors for analysis of our operating results. 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 property dispositions. Adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income or diluted net income 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 tables reconcile net income and diluted net income per share as determined under U.S. GAAP to adjusted net income and adjusted diluted net income per share for the periods presented.

                                                                
     Three months ended December 31,



                                                                              2019                              2018




       
                In thousands, except per share data              
              $                
     Diluted EPS      
            $   
     Diluted EPS

    ---


       Net income attributable to Continental Resources (GAAP)           $193,946                             $0.53     $197,738               $0.53



       Adjustments:



       Non-cash (gain) loss on derivatives                                 16,915                                      (25,022)



       Property impairments                                                19,348                                        38,494



       Gain on sale of assets, net                                        (1,182)                                      (8,410)



       Total tax effect of adjustments (1)                                (8,578)                                      (1,114)



       Tax benefit from sale of Canadian subsidiary                      (16,860)



       Total adjustments, net of tax                                        9,643                              0.02        3,948                0.01




       Adjusted net income (non-GAAP)                                    $203,589                             $0.55     $201,686               $0.54



       Weighted average diluted shares outstanding                        368,825                                       374,525




       Adjusted diluted net income per share (non-GAAP)                     $0.55                                         $0.54




                                                                
     Year ended December 31,



                                                                              2019                              2018




       
                In thousands, except per share data              
              $                
     Diluted EPS      
            $   
     Diluted EPS

    ---


       Net income attributable to Continental Resources (GAAP)           $775,641                             $2.08     $988,317               $2.64



       Adjustments:



       Non-cash (gain) loss on derivatives                                 15,612                                      (13,009)



       Property impairments                                                86,202                                       125,210



       Gain on sale of assets, net                                          (535)                                     (16,671)



       Loss on extinguishment of debt                                       4,584                                         7,133



       Total tax effect of adjustments (1)                               (25,921)                                     (24,743)



       Tax benefit from sale of Canadian subsidiary                      (16,860)



       Total adjustments, net of tax                                       63,082                              0.17       77,920                0.20




       Adjusted net income (non-GAAP)                                    $838,723                             $2.25   $1,066,237               $2.84



       Weighted average diluted shares outstanding                        372,538                                       374,838




       Adjusted diluted net income per share (non-GAAP)                     $2.25                                         $2.84



               (1) Computed by applying a
                combined federal and state
                statutory tax rate of 24.5% in
                effect for 2019 and 2018 to
                the pre-tax amount of
                adjustments associated with
                our operations in the United
                States.

Non-GAAP Net Debt

Net debt is a non-GAAP measure. We define net debt as total debt less cash and cash equivalents as determined under U.S. GAAP. Net debt should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, total debt, the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Management uses net debt to determine the Company's outstanding debt obligations that would not be readily satisfied by its cash and cash equivalents on hand. We believe this metric is useful to analysts and investors in determining the Company's leverage position since the Company has the ability to, and may decide to, use a portion of its cash and cash equivalents to reduce debt. This metric is sometimes presented as a ratio with EBITDAX in order to provide investors with another means of evaluating the Company's ability to service its existing debt obligations as well as any future increase in the amount of such obligations. At December 31, 2019, the Company's total debt was $5.33 billion and its net debt amounted to $5.29 billion, representing total debt of $5.33 billion less cash and cash equivalents of $39.4 million. At December 31, 2018, the Company's total debt was $5.77 billion and its net debt amounted to $5.49 billion, representing total debt of $5.77 billion less cash and cash equivalents of $282.7 million. From time to time the Company provides forward-looking net debt forecasts; however, the Company is unable to provide a quantitative reconciliation of the forward-looking non-GAAP measure to the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP measure of total debt because management cannot reliably quantify certain of the necessary components of such forward-looking GAAP measure. The reconciling items in future periods could be significant.

Non-GAAP EBITDAX

We use a variety of financial and operational measures to assess our performance. Among these measures is EBITDAX, a non-GAAP measure. We define EBITDAX as 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 as applicable. EBITDAX is not a measure of net income or net cash provided by operating activities 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/loss and net cash provided by operating activities 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/loss or net cash provided by operating activities 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.

                                       Three months ended December 31,             Year ended December 31,



                     In thousands     2019                          2018       2019                        2018

    ---


       Net income                $194,108                      $199,121   $774,473                    $989,700


        Interest expense            64,981                        69,441    269,379                     293,032


        Provision for income
         taxes                      35,303                        62,868    212,689                     307,102


        Depreciation,
         depletion,
         amortization and
         accretion                 552,711                       488,416  2,017,383                   1,859,327


        Property impairments        19,348                        38,494     86,202                     125,210


        Exploration expenses         7,268                         3,295     14,667                       7,642


        Impact from derivative
         instruments:


        Total (gain) loss on
         derivatives, net            4,436                        19,394   (49,083)                     23,930


        Total cash (paid)
         received on
         derivatives, net           12,479                      (44,416)    64,695                    (36,939)



        Non-cash (gain) loss
         on derivatives, net        16,915                      (25,022)    15,612                    (13,009)


        Non-cash equity
         compensation               14,891                        14,027     52,044                      47,236


        Loss on extinguishment
         of debt                                                            4,584                       7,133



        EBITDAX (non-GAAP)        $905,525                      $850,640 $3,447,033                  $3,623,373



The following table provides a reconciliation of our net cash provided by operating activities to EBITDAX for the periods presented.

                                       Three months ended December 31,            Year ended December 31,



                     In thousands     2019                          2018       2019                       2018

    ---

        Net cash
         provided by
         operating
         activities               $803,812                      $955,267 $3,115,688                 $3,456,008


        Current income
         tax provision                                                2                              (7,776)


        Interest
         expense                    64,981                        69,441    269,379                    293,032


        Exploration
         expenses,
         excluding dry
         hole costs                  7,268                         3,149     14,667                      7,495


        Gain on sale
         of assets,
         net                         1,182                         8,410        535                     16,671


        Other, net                 (3,509)                      (5,516)  (12,729)                  (16,349)


        Changes in
         assets and
         liabilities                31,791                     (180,113)    59,493                  (125,708)



        EBITDAX (non-
         GAAP)                    $905,525                      $850,640 $3,447,033                 $3,623,373

Non-GAAP Net Sales Prices

Revenues and transportation expenses associated with production from our operated properties are reported separately. For non-operated properties, we receive a net payment from the operator for our share of sales proceeds which is net of costs incurred by the operator, if any. Such non-operated revenues are recognized at the net amount of proceeds received. As a result, the separate presentation of revenues and transportation expenses from our operated properties differs from the net presentation from non-operated properties. This impacts the comparability of certain operating metrics, such as per-unit sales prices, when such metrics are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP using gross presentation for some revenues and net presentation for others.

In order to provide metrics prepared in a manner consistent with how management assesses the Company's operating results and to achieve comparability between operated and non-operated revenues, we may present crude oil and natural gas sales net of transportation expenses, which we refer to as "net crude oil and natural gas sales," a non-GAAP measure. Average sales prices calculated using net crude oil and natural gas sales are referred to as "net sales prices," a non-GAAP measure, and are calculated by taking revenues less transportation expenses divided by sales volumes, whether for crude oil or natural gas, as applicable. Management believes presenting our revenues and sales prices net of transportation expenses is useful because it normalizes the presentation differences between operated and non-operated revenues and allows for a useful comparison of net realized prices to NYMEX benchmark prices on a Company-wide basis.

The following tables present a reconciliation of crude oil and natural gas sales (GAAP) to net crude oil and natural gas sales and related net sales prices (non-GAAP) for the periods presented.

                                          Three months ended December 31, 2019                            Three months ended December 31, 2018



                     In thousands       
          Crude oil                       
     Natural gas                 
              Total                  
     Crude oil         
     Natural gas         
     Total

    ---

        Crude oil and natural gas
         sales (GAAP)                              $1,024,432                            $161,548                           $1,185,980                    $900,872              $253,232          $1,154,104


        Less: Transportation expenses                (51,332)                            (9,748)                            (61,080)                   (42,373)              (6,655)           (49,028)



        Net crude oil and natural gas
         sales (non-GAAP)                            $973,100                            $151,800                           $1,124,900                    $858,499              $246,577          $1,105,076


        Sales volumes (MBbl/MMcf/
         MBoe)                                         18,956                              87,819                               33,593                      17,149                75,661              29,759



        Net sales price (non-GAAP)                     $51.33                               $1.73                               $33.49                      $50.06                 $3.26              $37.13








                                      
       Year ended December 31, 2019                           
     Year ended December 31, 2018



                     In thousands       
          Crude oil                       
     Natural gas                 
              Total                  
     Crude oil         
     Natural gas         
     Total

    ---

        Crude oil and natural gas
         sales (GAAP)                              $3,929,994                            $584,395                           $4,514,389                  $3,792,594              $886,128          $4,678,722


        Less: Transportation expenses               (191,998)                           (33,651)                           (225,649)                  (162,312)             (29,275)          (191,587)



        Net crude oil and natural gas
         sales (non-GAAP)                          $3,737,996                            $550,744                           $4,288,740                  $3,630,282              $856,853          $4,487,135


        Sales volumes (MBbl/MMcf/
         MBoe)                                         72,136                             311,865                              124,113                      61,332               284,730             108,787



        Net sales price (non-GAAP)                     $51.82                               $1.77                               $34.56                      $59.19                 $3.01              $41.25

Non-GAAP Cash General and Administrative Expenses per Boe

Our presentation of cash general and administrative ("G&A") expenses per Boe is a non-GAAP measure. We define cash G&A per Boe as total G&A determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP less non-cash equity compensation expenses, expressed on a per-Boe basis. We report and provide guidance on cash G&A per Boe because we believe this measure is commonly used by management, analysts and investors as an indicator of cost management and operating efficiency on a comparable basis from period to period. In addition, management believes cash G&A per Boe is used by analysts and others in valuation, comparison and investment recommendations of companies in the oil and gas industry to allow for analysis of G&A spend without regard to stock-based compensation programs which can vary substantially from company to company. Cash G&A per Boe should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, total G&A per Boe 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 total G&A per Boe as determined under U.S. GAAP to cash G&A per Boe for the periods presented.

                              Three months ended December 31,             Year ended December 31,



                            2019                             2018     2019                       2018



     Total G&A per Boe
      (GAAP)               $1.59                            $1.65    $1.57                      $1.69


     Less: Non-cash
      equity compensation
      per Boe             (0.44)                          (0.47)  (0.42)                    (0.44)



     Cash G&A per Boe
      (non-GAAP)           $1.15                            $1.18    $1.15                      $1.25

Non-GAAP Free Cash Flow

Our presentation of free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure. We define free cash flow as cash flows from operations before changes in working capital items, less capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions, plus noncontrolling interest capital contributions, less distributions to noncontrolling interests. Noncontrolling interest capital contributions and distributions primarily relate to our relationship formed with Franco-Nevada in 2018 to fund a portion of certain mineral acquisitions which are included in our capital expenditures and operating results. Free cash flow is not a measure of net income or operating cash flows as determined by U.S. GAAP and should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, the comparable GAAP measure, and free cash flow does not represent residual cash flows available for discretionary expenditures. Management believes that this measure is useful to management and investors as a measure of a company's ability to internally fund its capital expenditures and to service or incur additional debt. From time to time the Company provides forward-looking free cash flow estimates or targets; however, the Company is unable to provide a quantitative reconciliation of the forward-looking non-GAAP measure to its most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP measure because management cannot reliably quantify certain of the necessary components of such forward-looking GAAP measure. The reconciling items in future periods could be significant.

The following table reconciles net cash provided by operating activities as determined under U.S. GAAP to free cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2019.


       
                In thousands                                   2019

    ---


       Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP)      $3,115,688



       Exclude: Changes in working capital items                 59,493



       Less: Capital expenditures (1)                       (2,661,794)



       Plus: Contributions from noncontrolling interest         109,137



       Less: Distributions to noncontrolling interest          (14,164)




       Free cash flow (non-GAAP)                               $608,360





       (1) Capital expenditures are calculated as follows:



       
                In thousands                                   2019

    ---


       Cash paid for capital expenditures                    $2,860,690



       Less: Total acquisitions                               (147,398)



       Plus: Change in accrued capital expenditures & other    (54,761)



       Plus: Exploratory seismic costs                            3,263




       Capital expenditures                                  $2,661,794

Calculation of Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)

The following table shows the calculation of ROCE for 2019.


     
                In thousands                  2019





      Net income attributable to
       Continental Resources                 $775,641


      Impact from derivative instruments:


      Total gain on derivatives, net         (49,083)



     Total cash received, net                 64,695



      Non-cash loss on derivatives, net        15,612





     Provision for income taxes              212,689


      Non-cash equity compensation             52,044



     Interest expense                        269,379


      Loss on extinguishment of debt            4,584




     Adjusted EBIT                        $1,329,949







      Equity attributable to Continental
       Resources -beginning of period      $6,145,133


      Total debt -beginning of period       5,768,349



      Capital employed -beginning of
       period                              11,913,482




      Equity attributable to Continental
       Resources -end of period             6,741,667



     Total debt - end of period            5,326,514



      Capital employed -end of period      12,068,181





     Average capital employed            $11,990,832






     ROCE                                      11.1%

                        
              Continental Resources, Inc.


                               
              2020 Guidance


                          
              As of February 26, 2020




                                                                                     2020




        Full-year
         average oil
         production
         (Bopd)                             
              198,000 to 201,000


        Full-year
         average
         natural gas
         production
         (Mcfpd)                            
              935,000 to 960,000


        Capital
         expenditures
         budget                                                  
              $2.65 Billion




                     Operating
                      Expenses:

    ---

             Production
              expense per
              Boe                                               
              $3.50 to $4.00


             Production
              tax (% of
              net oil &
              gas
              revenue)                                                      8.3% to $8.5%


             Cash G&A
              expense per
              Boe(1)                                            
              $1.10 to $1.40


             Non-cash
              equity
              compensation
              per Boe                                           
              $0.50 to $0.60


             DD&A per Boe                                     
              $15.00 to $17.00




                     Average
                      Price
                      Differentials:

    ---

             NYMEX WTI
              crude oil
              (per barrel
              of oil)                       
              ($4.50) to ($5.50)


             Henry Hub
              natural gas
              (per Mcf)                     
              ($0.50) to ($1.00)



               (1) Cash G&A is a non-GAAP measure
                and excludes the range of values
                shown for non-cash equity
                compensation per Boe in the item
                appearing immediately below.
                Guidance for total G&A (cash and
                non-cash) is a projected range of
                $1.60 to $2.00 per Boe.

                                                         
              Continental Resources, Inc.


                                                          
              2020 Capital Expenditures





       The following table provides the breakout of budgeted capital expenditures:




        ($ in
         Millions)            
              North D&C            
              South D&C              
     Leasehold, Facilities, Other(1)

    ---                                                                                                                           ---

        Capex                                   $1,368                              $843                                           $439

    ---


               1.     Includes $125 million
                allocated to minerals royalty
                acquisitions, of which $100
                million will be recouped from
                Franco-Nevada.

                                                                            
              Continental Resources, Inc.


                                                                              
              2020 Operational Detail





       The following table provides additional operational detail for wells expected to have first production in 2020:




        Asset        
              Average Rigs               
              Gross Operated Wells                      
           Net Operated Wells     
     Total Net Wells(1)

    ---                                                                                                                                                             ---

        North                               9                                                     177                                      122                         154

    ---

        South                            10.5                                                     126                                       84                          91

    ---

        Total                            19.5                                                     303                                      206                         245

    ---


               1.     Represents projected
                net operated and non-
                operated wells.

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/continental-resources-announces-full-year-2019-and-4q19-results-2020-capital-budget-and-guidance-301012059.html

SOURCE Continental Resources