CLR FY2015 Q2
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_______________________________
FORM 10-Q
_______________________________
(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2015
or
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission File Number: 001-32886
 _______________________________
 CONTINENTAL RESOURCES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 _______________________________
Oklahoma
 
73-0767549
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
 
20 N. Broadway, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
 
73102
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(405) 234-9000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 _______________________________
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes x    No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes x    No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
 
x
  
Accelerated filer
  
¨
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  
Smaller reporting company
  
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes ¨    No x
373,104,530 shares of our $0.01 par value common stock were outstanding on July 31, 2015.




Table of Contents
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.
 
When we refer to “us,” “we,” “our,” “Company,” or “Continental” we are describing Continental Resources, Inc. and our subsidiaries.




Glossary of Crude Oil and Natural Gas Terms

The terms defined in this section may be used throughout this report:
“Bbl” One stock tank barrel, of 42 U.S. gallons liquid volume, used herein in reference to crude oil, condensate or natural gas liquids.
“Boe” Barrels of crude oil equivalent, with six thousand cubic feet of natural gas being equivalent to one barrel of crude oil based on the average equivalent energy content of the two commodities.
“Btu” British thermal unit, which represents the amount of energy needed to heat one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit and can be used to describe the energy content of fuels.
“completion” The process of treating a drilled well followed by the installation of permanent equipment for the production of crude oil and/or natural gas.
“DD&A” Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion.
“developed acreage” The number of acres allocated or assignable to productive wells or wells capable of production.
“development well” A well drilled within the proved area of a crude oil or natural gas reservoir to the depth of a stratigraphic horizon known to be productive.
“dry hole” Exploratory or development well that does not produce crude oil and/or natural gas in economically producible quantities.
“enhanced recovery” The recovery of crude oil and natural gas through the injection of liquids or gases into the reservoir, supplementing its natural energy. Enhanced recovery methods are sometimes applied when production slows due to depletion of the natural pressure.
“exploratory well” A well drilled to find a new field or to find a new reservoir in a field previously found to be productive of crude oil or natural gas in another reservoir.
“field” An area consisting of a single reservoir or multiple reservoirs all grouped on, or related to, the same individual geological structural feature or stratigraphic condition. The field name refers to the surface area, although it may refer to both the surface and the underground productive formations.
“formation” A layer of rock which has distinct characteristics that differs from nearby rock.
"gross acres" or "gross wells" Refers to the total acres or wells in which a working interest is owned.
“horizontal drilling” A drilling technique used in certain formations where a well is drilled vertically to a certain depth and then drilled horizontally within a specified interval.
“MBbl” One thousand barrels of crude oil, condensate or natural gas liquids.
“MBoe” One thousand Boe.
“Mcf” One thousand cubic feet of natural gas.
“MMBoe” One million Boe.
“MMBtu” One million British thermal units.
“MMcf” One million cubic feet of natural gas.
net acres” or "net wells" Refers to the sum of the fractional working interests owned in gross acres or gross wells.
“NYMEX” The New York Mercantile Exchange.
“play” A portion of the exploration and production cycle following the identification by geologists and geophysicists of areas with potential crude oil and natural gas reserves.

i



“productive well” A well found to be capable of producing hydrocarbons in sufficient quantities such that proceeds from the sale of the production exceed production expenses and taxes.
“proved reserves” The quantities of crude oil and natural gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible from a given date forward, from known reservoirs and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates renewal is reasonably certain.
“reservoir” A porous and permeable underground formation containing a natural accumulation of producible crude oil and/or natural gas that is confined by impermeable rock or water barriers and is separate from other reservoirs.
“royalty interest” Refers to the ownership of a percentage of the resources or revenues produced from a crude oil or natural gas property. A royalty interest owner does not bear exploration, development, or operating expenses associated with drilling and producing a crude oil or natural gas property.
“SCOOP” Refers to the South Central Oklahoma Oil Province, a term we use to describe an area of crude oil and liquids-rich natural gas properties located in the Anadarko basin of south central Oklahoma.
“undeveloped acreage” Lease acreage on which wells have not been drilled or completed to a point that would permit the production of commercial quantities of crude oil and/or natural gas.
“unit” The joining of all or substantially all interests in a reservoir or field, rather than a single tract, to provide for development and operation without regard to separate property interests. Also, the area covered by a unitization agreement.
“working interest” The right granted to the lessee of a property to explore for and to produce and own crude oil, natural gas, or other minerals. The working interest owners bear the exploration, development, and operating costs on either a cash, penalty, or carried basis.
 


ii


Cautionary Statement for the Purpose of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This report and information incorporated by reference in this report include “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 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, included in this report are forward-looking statements. 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 may include, but are not limited to, statements about:
our business and financial strategy;
our future operations;
our crude oil and natural gas reserves and related development plans;
our technology;
crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas prices and differentials;
the timing and amount of future production of crude oil and natural gas and flaring activities;
the amount, nature and timing of capital expenditures;
estimated revenues, expenses and results of operations;
drilling and completing of wells;
competition;
marketing of crude oil and natural gas;
transportation of crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas to markets;
property exploitation or property acquisitions and dispositions;
costs of exploiting and developing our properties and conducting other operations;
our financial position;
general economic conditions;
credit markets;
our liquidity and access to capital;
the impact of governmental policies, laws and regulations, as well as regulatory and legal proceedings involving us and of scheduled or potential regulatory or legal changes;
our future operating results;
our commodity or other hedging arrangements; and
the ability and willingness of current or potential lenders, hedging contract counterparties, customers, and working interest owners to fulfill their obligations to us or to enter into transactions with us in the future on terms that are acceptable to us.
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 considers these expectations to be reasonable and based on reasonable assumptions, 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 our control. No assurance can be given that such expectations will be correct or achieved or that the assumptions are accurate. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance and results of the business and forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those risk factors and other cautionary statements described under Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors and elsewhere in this report, if any, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, registration statements filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other announcements we make 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 report occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
Except as otherwise required by applicable law, we do not intend, and disclaim any duty, to 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.

iii


PART I. Financial Information
ITEM 1.
Financial Statements
Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
In thousands, except par values and share data
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
25,458

 
$
24,381

Receivables:
 
 
 
 
Crude oil and natural gas sales
 
545,860

 
552,476

Affiliated parties
 
96

 
13,360

Joint interest and other, net
 
450,534

 
567,476

Derivative assets
 
50,214

 
52,423

Inventories
 
100,173

 
102,179

Deferred and prepaid taxes
 
13,283

 
63,266

Prepaid expenses and other
 
14,695

 
14,040

Total current assets
 
1,200,313

 
1,389,601

Net property and equipment, based on successful efforts method of accounting
 
14,169,202

 
13,635,852

Noncurrent derivative assets
 
22,015

 
31,992

Other noncurrent assets
 
18,321

 
18,588

Total assets
 
$
15,409,851

 
$
15,076,033

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable trade
 
$
776,966

 
$
1,263,724

Revenues and royalties payable
 
255,166

 
272,755

Payables to affiliated parties
 
757

 
7,305

Accrued liabilities and other
 
280,231

 
404,506

Derivative liabilities
 
339

 
1,645

Current portion of long-term debt
 
2,110

 
2,078

Total current liabilities
 
1,315,569

 
1,952,013

Long-term debt, net of current portion
 
6,988,046

 
5,926,800

Other noncurrent liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Deferred income tax liabilities
 
2,156,268

 
2,141,447

Asset retirement obligations, net of current portion
 
82,069

 
75,462

Noncurrent derivative liabilities
 
828

 
3,109

Other noncurrent liabilities
 
11,044

 
9,358

Total other noncurrent liabilities
 
2,250,209

 
2,229,376

Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
 
 
 


Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding
 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 373,074,092 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2015; 372,005,502 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2014
 
3,731

 
3,720

Additional paid-in capital
 
1,310,161

 
1,287,941

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(2,865
)
 
(385
)
Retained earnings
 
3,545,000

 
3,676,568

Total shareholders’ equity
 
4,856,027

 
4,967,844

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
15,409,851

 
$
15,076,033



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
1



Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
In thousands, except per share data
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude oil and natural gas sales
 
$
790,102

 
$
1,112,998

 
$
1,371,294

 
$
2,085,145

Crude oil and natural gas sales to affiliates
 

 
25,087

 
1,400

 
55,273

Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net
 
(4,737
)
 
(262,524
)
 
28,018

 
(302,198
)
Crude oil and natural gas service operations
 
11,009

 
10,534

 
21,306

 
20,370

Total revenues
 
796,374

 
886,095

 
1,422,018

 
1,858,590

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating costs and expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production expenses
 
91,667

 
84,236

 
183,021

 
160,211

Production expenses to affiliates
 
68

 
285

 
1,654

 
1,196

Production taxes and other expenses
 
61,545

 
97,025

 
109,908

 
175,327

Exploration expenses
 
109

 
11,205

 
14,449

 
16,018

Crude oil and natural gas service operations
 
7,092

 
5,979

 
10,986

 
14,053

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion
 
452,957

 
326,871

 
839,469

 
599,732

Property impairments
 
76,872

 
79,316

 
224,432

 
137,524

General and administrative expenses
 
44,190

 
46,919

 
89,571

 
90,455

(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net
 
(20,573
)
 
(2,135
)
 
(22,643
)
 
6,363

Total operating costs and expenses
 
713,927

 
649,701

 
1,450,847

 
1,200,879

Income (loss) from operations
 
82,447

 
236,394

 
(28,829
)
 
657,711

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
(78,442
)
 
(72,841
)
 
(153,505
)
 
(135,816
)
Other
 
540

 
793

 
886

 
1,552


 
(77,902
)
 
(72,048
)
 
(152,619
)
 
(134,264
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
4,545

 
164,346

 
(181,448
)
 
523,447

Provision (benefit) for income taxes
 
4,142

 
60,808

 
(49,880
)
 
193,675

Net income (loss)
 
$
403

 
$
103,538

 
$
(131,568
)
 
$
329,772

Basic net income (loss) per share
 
$

 
$
0.28

 
$
(0.36
)
 
$
0.89

Diluted net income (loss) per share
 
$

 
$
0.28

 
$
(0.36
)
 
$
0.89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
403

 
$
103,538

 
$
(131,568
)
 
$
329,772

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
625

 

 
(2,480
)
 

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
625

 

 
(2,480
)
 

Comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
1,028

 
$
103,538

 
$
(134,048
)
 
$
329,772

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
2



Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity
 
In thousands, except share data
 
Shares
outstanding
 
Common
stock
 
Additional
paid-in
capital
 
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss
 
Retained
earnings
 
Total
shareholders’
equity
Balance at December 31, 2014
 
372,005,502

 
$
3,720

 
$
1,287,941

 
$
(385
)
 
$
3,676,568

 
$
4,967,844

Net loss (unaudited)
 

 

 

 

 
(131,568
)
 
(131,568
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax (unaudited)
 

 

 

 
(2,480
)
 

 
(2,480
)
Stock-based compensation (unaudited)
 

 

 
27,411

 

 

 
27,411

Restricted stock:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Granted (unaudited)
 
1,338,699

 
13

 

 

 

 
13

Repurchased and canceled (unaudited)
 
(109,462
)
 
(1
)
 
(5,191
)
 

 

 
(5,192
)
Forfeited (unaudited)
 
(160,647
)
 
(1
)
 

 

 

 
(1
)
Balance at June 30, 2015 (unaudited)
 
373,074,092

 
$
3,731

 
$
1,310,161

 
$
(2,865
)
 
$
3,545,000

 
$
4,856,027



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
3



Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
 
Six months ended June 30,
In thousands
 
2015
 
2014
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(131,568
)
 
$
329,772

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion
 
838,216

 
606,638

Property impairments
 
224,432

 
137,524

Non-cash (gain) loss on derivatives, net
 
8,599

 
204,791

Stock-based compensation
 
27,429

 
26,017

Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes
 
(49,890
)
 
190,571

Dry hole costs
 
8,003

 
4,383

(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net
 
(22,643
)
 
6,363

Other, net
 
5,388

 
4,411

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
138,882

 
(144,821
)
Inventories
 
1,938

 
(23,519
)
Other current assets
 
50,561

 
(7,938
)
Accounts payable trade
 
(106,174
)
 
44,505

Revenues and royalties payable
 
(17,589
)
 
42,051

Accrued liabilities and other
 
(60,162
)
 
9,186

Other noncurrent assets and liabilities
 
1,390

 
2,519

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
916,812

 
1,432,453

 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
 
Exploration and development
 
(1,972,887
)
 
(2,052,870
)
Purchase of producing crude oil and natural gas properties
 
(557
)
 
(33,606
)
Purchase of other property and equipment
 
(22,449
)
 
(29,829
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
 
32,590

 
39,018

Net cash used in investing activities
 
(1,963,303
)
 
(2,077,287
)
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
 
Credit facility borrowings
 
1,375,000

 
1,105,000

Repayment of credit facility
 
(315,000
)
 
(1,380,000
)
Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes
 

 
1,681,834

Repayment of other debt
 
(1,032
)
 
(999
)
Debt issuance costs
 
(2,110
)
 
(7,874
)
Repurchase of restricted stock for tax withholdings
 
(5,192
)
 
(4,646
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
1,051,666

 
1,393,315

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
(4,098
)
 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents
 
1,077

 
748,481

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
24,381

 
28,482

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
25,458

 
$
776,963



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
4


Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1. Organization and Nature of Business
Continental Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) was originally formed in 1967 and is incorporated under the laws of the State of Oklahoma. The Company's principal business is crude oil and natural gas exploration, development and production with properties primarily located in the North, South, and East regions of the United States. The North region consists of properties north of Kansas and west of the Mississippi River and includes North Dakota Bakken, Montana Bakken and the Red River units. The South region includes Kansas and all properties south of Kansas and west of the Mississippi River including various plays in the South Central Oklahoma Oil Province (“SCOOP”), Northwest Cana, and Arkoma areas of Oklahoma. The East region is comprised of undeveloped leasehold acreage east of the Mississippi River with no current drilling or production operations.
The Company’s operations are geographically concentrated in the North region, with that region comprising 70% of the Company’s crude oil and natural gas production and 79% of its crude oil and natural gas revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2015. The Company's principal producing properties in the North region are located in the Bakken field of North Dakota and Montana. In recent years, the Company has significantly expanded its activity in the South region with its discovery and announcement of the SCOOP play in Oklahoma. The South region now comprises 30% of the Company's crude oil and natural gas production and 21% of its crude oil and natural gas revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2015.
The Company has focused its operations on the exploration and development of crude oil since the 1980s. For the six months ended June 30, 2015, crude oil accounted for 68% of the Company’s total production and 86% of its crude oil and natural gas revenues.    
Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of presentation
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are 100% owned. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.
On August 18, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors declared a 2-for-1 stock split of the Company's common stock to be effected in the form of a stock dividend. The stock dividend was distributed on September 10, 2014 to shareholders of record as of September 3, 2014. Previously reported common stock and earnings per share amounts for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 have been retroactively adjusted in the accompanying financial statements and related notes to reflect the stock split.
This report has been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) applicable to interim financial information. Because this is an interim period filing presented using a condensed format, it does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”), although the Company believes the disclosures are adequate to make the information not misleading. You should read this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q ("Form 10-Q") together with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (“2014 Form 10-K”), which includes a summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies and other disclosures.
The condensed consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2015 and for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 are unaudited. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 was derived from the audited balance sheet included in the 2014 Form 10-K. The Company has evaluated events or transactions through the date this report on Form 10-Q was filed with the SEC in conjunction with its preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure and estimation of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may differ from those estimates. The most significant of the estimates and assumptions that affect reported results are the estimates of the Company’s crude oil and natural gas reserves, which are used to compute depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment of proved crude oil and natural gas properties. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been included in these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for any other interim period or for an entire year.

5

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Earnings per share
Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution of non-vested restricted stock awards, which are calculated using the treasury stock method. The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding and net income (loss) per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014.
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
In thousands, except per share data
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Income (loss) (numerator):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) - basic and diluted
 
$
403

 
$
103,538

 
$
(131,568
)
 
$
329,772

Weighted average shares (denominator):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares - basic
 
369,510

 
368,746

 
369,448

 
368,702

Non-vested restricted stock (1)
 
1,363

 
1,588

 

 
1,686

Weighted average shares - diluted
 
370,873

 
370,334

 
369,448

 
370,388

Net income (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$

 
$
0.28

 
$
(0.36
)
 
$
0.89

Diluted
 
$

 
$
0.28

 
$
(0.36
)
 
$
0.89

(1)
The potential dilutive effect of 1,472,300 weighted average restricted shares were not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share for the six months ended June 30, 2015 because to do so would have been anti-dilutive.
Inventories
Inventory is comprised of crude oil held in storage or as line fill in pipelines and tubular goods and equipment to be used in the Company's exploration and development activities. Crude oil inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market primarily using the first-in, first-out inventory method. Tubular goods and equipment are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined primarily using a weighted average cost method applied to specific classes of inventory items.
The components of inventory as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consisted of the following:
In thousands
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Tubular goods and equipment
 
$
16,690

 
$
15,659

Crude oil
 
83,483

 
86,520

Total
 
$
100,173

 
$
102,179

Income taxes
Income taxes are accounted for using the liability method under which deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax effects of temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities using the enacted statutory tax rates in effect at period-end. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is recorded when it is more likely than not that the benefit from the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company recorded valuation allowances of $1.3 million and $12.4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, against deferred tax assets associated with operating loss carryforwards generated by its Canadian subsidiary in 2015 for which the Company does not expect to realize a benefit.
Affiliate transactions
The affiliate transactions reflected in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) include transactions between the Company and Hiland Partners, LP and its subsidiaries ("Hiland"). Hiland was controlled by the Company's principal shareholder through February 13, 2015, at which time it was sold to an unaffiliated third party. As a result of the sale, the related party relationship that existed previously between the Company and Hiland terminated as of February 13, 2015, which resulted in a reduction in affiliate transactions recognized in the Company's financial statements at June 30, 2015 and for the three and six months then ended.

6

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Adoption of new accounting pronouncement
In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ("ASU 2015-03"). The new standard requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized term debt liability, such as the Company's senior notes and note payable, be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that term debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. Under previous guidance, debt issuance costs were required to be presented in the balance sheet as an asset. The new standard does not affect the existing recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs. The new standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted.
The Company early adopted ASU 2015-03 as of June 30, 2015 on a retrospective basis to all prior balance sheet periods presented. As a result of the adoption, the Company reclassified unamortized debt issuance costs associated with its senior notes and note payable, which totaled $65.7 million and $69.0 million as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, from "Other noncurrent assets" to a reduction of "Long-term debt, net of current portion" on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Adoption of ASU 2015-03 had no impact on the Company's current and previously reported shareholders' equity, results of operations, or cash flows. The December 31, 2014 carrying amounts for the Company's senior notes and note payable presented throughout this report on Form 10-Q have been adjusted to reflect the retroactive adoption of ASU 2015-03. Unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the Company's credit facility, which amounted to $8.1 million and $7.0 million as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, were not reclassified and remain reflected in "Other noncurrent assets" on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Note 3. Supplemental Cash Flow Information
The following table discloses supplemental cash flow information about cash paid for interest and income tax payments and refunds. Also disclosed is information about investing activities that affects recognized assets and liabilities but does not result in cash receipts or payments. 
 
 
Six months ended June 30,
In thousands
 
2015
 
2014
Supplemental cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
Cash paid for interest
 
$
148,454

 
$
122,879

Cash paid for income taxes
 
27

 
2,012

Cash received for income tax refunds
 
50,000

 
5

Non-cash investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) in accrued capital expenditures
 
(387,113
)
 
115,956

Asset retirement obligation additions and revisions, net
 
4,945

 
3,710


Note 4. Derivative Instruments
The Company recognizes all derivative instruments on the balance sheet as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value. The Company has not designated its derivative instruments as hedges for accounting purposes and, as a result, marks its derivative instruments to fair value and recognizes the changes in fair value in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) under the caption “Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net.”
The Company may utilize swap and collar derivative contracts to economically hedge against the variability in cash flows associated with the sale of future crude oil and natural gas production. While the use of these derivative instruments limits the downside risk of adverse price movements, their use also limits future revenues from upward price movements.
With respect to a fixed price swap contract, the counterparty is required to make a payment to the Company if the settlement price for any settlement period is less than the swap price, and the Company is required to make a payment to the counterparty if the settlement price for any settlement period is greater than the swap price. For a collar contract, the counterparty is required to make a payment to the Company if the settlement price for any settlement period is below the floor price, the Company is required to make a payment to the counterparty if the settlement price for any settlement period is above the ceiling price, and neither party is required to make a payment to the other party if the settlement price for any settlement period is between the floor price and the ceiling price.

7

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

The Company’s derivative contracts are settled based upon reported settlement prices on commodity exchanges, with crude oil derivative settlements based on NYMEX West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) pricing or Inter-Continental Exchange (“ICE”) pricing for Brent crude oil and natural gas derivative settlements based on NYMEX Henry Hub pricing. The estimated fair value of derivative contracts is based upon various factors, including commodity exchange prices, over-the-counter quotations, and, in the case of collars and written call options, volatility, the risk-free interest rate, and the time to expiration. The calculation of the fair value of collars and written call options requires the use of an option-pricing model. See Note 5. Fair Value Measurements.
At June 30, 2015, the Company had outstanding derivative contracts with respect to future production as set forth in the tables below. 
Crude Oil - NYMEX WTI
 
 
 
Ceilings
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average
Price
Period and Type of Contract
 
Bbls
 
Range
 
July 2015 - December 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Written call options - WTI (1)
 
2,208,000

 
$95.85 - $103.75
 
$
98.36

Crude Oil - ICE Brent
 
 
 
Ceilings
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average
Price
Period and Type of Contract
 
Bbls
 
Range
 
July 2015 - December 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Written call options - ICE Brent (1)
 
368,000

 
$
107.40

 
$
107.40

January 2016 - December 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Written call options - ICE Brent (1)
 
1,464,000

 
$
107.70

 
$
107.70

 
 
 
 
 
 
Collars
Natural Gas - NYMEX Henry Hub
 
Swaps Weighted Average Price
 
Floors
 
Ceilings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Price
 
 
 
Weighted Average Price
Period and Type of Contract
 
MMBtus
 
 
Range
 
 
Range
 
July 2015 - December 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Swaps - Henry Hub
 
7,360,000

 
$
4.16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collars - Henry Hub
 
14,720,000

 

 
$3.50 - $3.75
 
$
3.69

 
$4.89 - $5.48
 
$
5.04

January 2016 - December 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Swaps - Henry Hub
 
75,930,000

 
$
3.85

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
January 2017 - December 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Swaps - Henry Hub
 
25,550,000

 
$
3.35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1) Written call options represent the ceiling positions remaining from the Company's previous crude oil collar contracts. The floor positions of the collars were liquidated in the fourth quarter of 2014. For these written call options, the Company is required to make a payment to the counterparty if the settlement price for any settlement period is above the ceiling price.


8

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Derivative gains and losses
The following table presents cash settlements on matured derivative instruments and non-cash gains and losses on open derivative instruments for the periods presented. Cash receipts and payments below reflect the gain or loss on derivative contracts which matured during the period, calculated as the difference between the contract price and the market settlement price of matured contracts. Non-cash gains and losses below represent the change in fair value of derivative instruments which continue to be held at period end and the reversal of previously recognized non-cash gains or losses on derivative contracts that matured during the period.
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
In thousands
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Cash received (paid) on derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude oil fixed price swaps
 
$

 
$
(50,499
)
 
$

 
$
(73,022
)
Crude oil collars
 

 
(1,453
)
 

 
(2,037
)
Natural gas fixed price swaps
 
5,551

 
(12,191
)
 
23,942

 
(22,348
)
Natural gas collars
 
7,631

 

 
12,675

 

Cash received (paid) on derivatives, net
 
13,182

 
(64,143
)
 
36,617

 
(97,407
)
Non-cash gain (loss) on derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude oil fixed price swaps
 

 
(201,482
)
 

 
(187,792
)
Crude oil collars
 

 
(4,369
)
 

 
914

Crude oil written call options
 
3

 

 
3,927

 

Natural gas fixed price swaps
 
(9,296
)
 
7,494

 
(2,804
)
 
(17,907
)
Natural gas collars
 
(8,626
)
 
(24
)
 
(9,722
)
 
(6
)
Non-cash gain (loss) on derivatives, net
 
(17,919
)
 
(198,381
)
 
(8,599
)
 
(204,791
)
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net
 
$
(4,737
)
 
$
(262,524
)
 
$
28,018

 
$
(302,198
)
Balance sheet offsetting of derivative assets and liabilities
All of the Company’s derivative contracts are recorded at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets under the captions “Derivative assets”, “Noncurrent derivative assets”, “Derivative liabilities”, and “Noncurrent derivative liabilities”. Derivative assets and liabilities with the same counterparty that are subject to contractual terms which provide for net settlement are reported on a net basis in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
The following table presents the gross amounts of recognized derivative assets and liabilities, the amounts offset under netting arrangements with counterparties, and the resulting net amounts presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets for the periods presented, all at fair value. 
In thousands
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Commodity derivative assets:
 
 
 
 
Gross amounts of recognized assets
 
$
72,275

 
$
84,415

Gross amounts offset on balance sheet
 
(46
)
 

Net amounts of assets on balance sheet
 
72,229

 
84,415

Commodity derivative liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities
 
(1,167
)
 
(4,770
)
Gross amounts offset on balance sheet
 

 
16

Net amounts of liabilities on balance sheet
 
$
(1,167
)
 
$
(4,754
)
 

9

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

The following table reconciles the net amounts disclosed above to the individual financial statement line items in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. 
In thousands
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Derivative assets
 
$
50,214

 
$
52,423

Noncurrent derivative assets
 
22,015

 
31,992

Net amounts of assets on balance sheet
 
72,229

 
84,415

Derivative liabilities
 
(339
)
 
(1,645
)
Noncurrent derivative liabilities
 
(828
)
 
(3,109
)
Net amounts of liabilities on balance sheet
 
(1,167
)
 
(4,754
)
Total derivative assets, net
 
$
71,062

 
$
79,661


Note 5. Fair Value Measurements
The Company follows a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy categorizes assets and liabilities measured at fair value into one of three different levels depending on the observability of the inputs employed in the measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:
Level 1: Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets as of the reporting date.
Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. These are inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data and may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value.
A financial instrument’s categorization within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Level 1 inputs are given the highest priority in the fair value hierarchy while Level 3 inputs are given the lowest priority. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the placement of assets and liabilities within the levels of the hierarchy. As Level 1 inputs generally provide the most reliable evidence of fair value, the Company uses Level 1 inputs when available. The Company’s policy is to recognize transfers between the hierarchy levels as of the beginning of the reporting period in which the event or change in circumstances caused the transfer.
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The Company's derivative instruments are reported at fair value on a recurring basis. In determining the fair values of fixed price swaps, a discounted cash flow method is used due to the unavailability of relevant comparable market data for the Company’s exact contracts. The discounted cash flow method estimates future cash flows based on quoted market prices for forward commodity prices and a risk-adjusted discount rate. The fair values of fixed price swaps are calculated mainly using significant observable inputs (Level 2). Calculation of the fair values of collars and written call options requires the use of an industry-standard option pricing model that considers various inputs including quoted forward commodity prices, time value, volatility factors, and current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. These assumptions are observable in the marketplace or can be corroborated by active markets or broker quotes and are therefore designated as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy. The Company’s calculation of fair value for each of its derivative positions is compared to the counterparty valuation for reasonableness.

10

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

The following tables summarize the valuation of financial instruments by pricing levels that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. 
 
 
Fair value measurements at June 30, 2015 using:
 
 
In thousands
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Derivative assets (liabilities):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed price swaps
 
$

 
$
59,795

 
$

 
$
59,795

Collars
 

 
12,094

 

 
12,094

Written call options
 

 
(827
)
 

 
(827
)
Total
 
$

 
$
71,062

 
$

 
$
71,062

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value measurements at December 31, 2014 using:
 
 
In thousands
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Derivative assets (liabilities):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed price swaps
 
$

 
$
62,599

 
$

 
$
62,599

Collars
 

 
21,816

 

 
21,816

Written call options
 

 
(4,754
)
 

 
(4,754
)
Total
 
$

 
$
79,661

 
$

 
$
79,661

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Certain assets are reported at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in the condensed consolidated financial statements. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values for those assets.
Asset Impairments – Proved crude oil and natural gas properties are reviewed for impairment on a field-by-field basis each quarter. The estimated future cash flows expected in connection with the field are compared to the carrying amount of the field to determine if the carrying amount is recoverable. If the carrying amount of the field exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, the carrying amount of the field is reduced to its estimated fair value. Due to the unavailability of relevant comparable market data, a discounted cash flow method is used to determine the fair value of proved properties. The discounted cash flow method estimates future cash flows based on management’s estimates of future crude oil and natural gas production, commodity prices based on commodity futures price strips, operating and development costs, and a risk-adjusted discount rate. The fair value of proved crude oil and natural gas properties is calculated using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). The following table sets forth quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used by the Company to calculate the fair value of proved crude oil and natural gas properties using a discounted cash flow method. 
Unobservable Input
  
Assumption
Future production
  
Future production estimates for each property
Forward commodity prices
  
Forward NYMEX strip prices through 2019 (adjusted for differentials), escalating 3% per year thereafter
Operating and development costs
  
Estimated costs for the current year, escalating 3% per year thereafter
Productive life of field
  
Ranging from 0 to 50 years
Discount rate
  
10%
Unobservable inputs to the fair value assessment are reviewed quarterly and are revised as warranted based on a number of factors, including reservoir performance, new drilling, crude oil and natural gas prices, changes in costs, technological advances, new geological or geophysical data, or other economic factors. Fair value measurements of proved properties are reviewed and approved by certain members of the Company’s management.
During the periods ended June 30, 2015 and June 30, 2014, the Company determined the carrying amounts of certain proved properties were not recoverable from future cash flows and, therefore, were impaired. Impairments of proved properties amounted to $5.0 million and $75.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, resulting from depressed commodity prices that indicated the carrying amounts for certain fields were not recoverable. The 2015 year to date impairments reflect fair value adjustments primarily concentrated in an emerging area with limited production history and costly reserve additions ($41.2 million, including $5.0 million in the second quarter), the Medicine Pole Hills units ($14.7 million), various non-core areas in the South region ($11.0 million), and non-Bakken areas of North Dakota and Montana ($8.1 million). The impaired properties were written down to their estimated fair value totaling approximately $38.2 million.

11

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Impairments of proved properties totaled $27.5 million and $31.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respectively, which primarily reflect fair value adjustments made for certain properties in non-core areas of the South region. The impaired properties were written down to their estimated fair value totaling approximately $10.2 million as of June 30, 2014.
Certain unproved crude oil and natural gas properties were impaired during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, reflecting recurring amortization of undeveloped leasehold costs on properties that management expects will not be transferred to proved properties over the lives of the leases based on drilling plans, experience of successful drilling, and the average holding period.
The following table sets forth the non-cash impairments of both proved and unproved properties for the indicated periods. Proved and unproved property impairments are recorded under the caption “Property impairments” in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
In thousands
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Proved property impairments
 
$
5,028

 
$
27,529

 
$
75,043

 
$
31,291

Unproved property impairments
 
71,844

 
51,787

 
149,389

 
106,233

Total
 
$
76,872

 
$
79,316

 
$
224,432

 
$
137,524

Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value
The following table sets forth the fair values of financial instruments that are not recorded at fair value in the condensed consolidated financial statements. 
 
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
In thousands
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair Value
Debt:
 
 
Credit facility
 
$
1,225,000

 
$
1,225,000

 
$
165,000

 
$
165,000

Note payable
 
15,349

 
13,600

 
16,375

 
14,900

7.375% Senior Notes due 2020
 
196,278

 
211,200

 
195,997

 
213,000

7.125% Senior Notes due 2021
 
395,007

 
426,000

 
394,668

 
421,000

5% Senior Notes due 2022
 
1,996,664

 
1,970,000

 
1,996,507

 
1,857,900

4.5% Senior Notes due 2023
 
1,481,446

 
1,439,800

 
1,480,479

 
1,372,800

3.8% Senior Notes due 2024
 
989,431

 
910,800

 
988,940

 
868,700

4.9% Senior Notes due 2044
 
690,981

 
589,300

 
690,912

 
572,400

Total debt
 
$
6,990,156

 
$
6,785,700

 
$
5,928,878

 
$
5,485,700

The fair value of credit facility borrowings approximates carrying value based on borrowing rates available to the Company for bank loans with similar terms and maturities and is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
The fair value of the note payable is determined using a discounted cash flow approach based on the interest rate and payment terms of the note payable and an assumed discount rate. The fair value of the note payable is significantly influenced by the discount rate assumption, which is derived by the Company and is unobservable. Accordingly, the fair value of the note payable is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
The fair values of the 7.375% Senior Notes due 2020 (“2020 Notes”), the 7.125% Senior Notes due 2021 (“2021 Notes”), the 5% Senior Notes due 2022 (“2022 Notes”), the 4.5% Senior Notes due 2023 ("2023 Notes"), the 3.8% Senior Notes due 2024 ("2024 Notes"), and the 4.9% Senior Notes due 2044 ("2044 Notes") are based on quoted market prices and, accordingly, are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
The carrying values of all classes of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, and trade payables are considered to be representative of their respective fair values due to the short term maturities of those instruments.

12

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 6. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt, net of unamortized discounts, premiums, and debt issuance costs totaling $50.3 million and $52.6 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, consists of the following. See Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies—Adoption of new accounting pronouncement for a discussion of the impact on long-term debt from the Company's June 30, 2015 adoption of ASU 2015-03.
In thousands
 
June 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Credit facility
 
$
1,225,000

 
$
165,000

Note payable
 
15,349

 
16,375

7.375% Senior Notes due 2020
 
196,278

 
195,997

7.125% Senior Notes due 2021
 
395,007

 
394,668

5% Senior Notes due 2022
 
1,996,664

 
1,996,507

4.5% Senior Notes due 2023
 
1,481,446

 
1,480,479

3.8% Senior Notes due 2024
 
989,431

 
988,940

4.9% Senior Notes due 2044
 
690,981

 
690,912

Total debt
 
$
6,990,156

 
$
5,928,878

Less: Current portion of long-term debt
 
2,110

 
2,078

Long-term debt, net of current portion
 
$
6,988,046

 
$
5,926,800

 
Credit Facility
The Company has an unsecured credit facility, maturing on May 16, 2019, with aggregate commitments totaling $2.5 billion, which may be increased up to a total of $4.0 billion upon agreement between the Company and participating lenders.
The Company had $1.23 billion and $165 million of outstanding borrowings on its credit facility at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. Borrowings bear interest at market-based interest rates plus a margin that is based on the terms of the borrowing and the credit ratings assigned to the Company's senior unsecured debt. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings at June 30, 2015 was 1.7%.
The Company had approximately $1.27 billion of borrowing availability on its credit facility at June 30, 2015 and incurs commitment fees based on currently assigned credit ratings of 0.225% per annum on the daily average amount of unused borrowing availability.
The credit facility contains certain restrictive covenants including a requirement that the Company maintain a consolidated net debt to total capitalization ratio of no greater than 0.65 to 1.00. This ratio represents the ratio of net debt (total debt less cash and cash equivalents) divided by the sum of net debt plus total shareholders' equity plus, to the extent resulting in a reduction of total shareholders’ equity, the amount of any non-cash impairment charges incurred, net of any tax effect, after June 30, 2014. The Company was in compliance with this covenant at June 30, 2015.

13

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Senior Notes
The following table summarizes the face values, maturity dates, semi-annual interest payment dates, and optional redemption periods related to the Company’s outstanding senior note obligations at June 30, 2015. 
 
 
2020 Notes
  
2021 Notes
  
2022 Notes
 
2023 Notes
 
2024 Notes
 
2044 Notes
Face value (in thousands)
 
$200,000
 
$400,000
 
$2,000,000
 
$1,500,000
 
$1,000,000
 
$700,000
Maturity date
  
Oct 1, 2020
  
April 1, 2021
  
Sep 15, 2022
 
April 15, 2023
 
June 1, 2024
 
June 1, 2044
Interest payment dates
  
April 1, Oct 1
  
April 1, Oct 1
  
March 15, Sep 15
 
April 15, Oct 15
 
June 1, Dec 1
 
June 1, Dec 1
Call premium redemption period (1)
  
Oct 1, 2015
  
April 1, 2016
  
March 15, 2017
 
 
 
Make-whole redemption period (2)
  
Oct 1, 2015
  
April 1, 2016
  
March 15, 2017
 
Jan 15, 2023
 
Mar 1, 2024
 
Dec 1, 2043

(1)
On or after these dates, the Company has the option to redeem all or a portion of its senior notes of the applicable series at the decreasing redemption prices specified in the respective senior note indentures (together, the “Indentures”) plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.
(2)
At any time prior to these dates, the Company has the option to redeem all or a portion of its senior notes of the applicable series at the “make-whole” redemption prices or amounts specified in the Indentures plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.
The Company’s senior notes are not subject to any mandatory redemption or sinking fund requirements.
The indentures governing the Company's senior notes contain covenants that, among other things, limit the Company's ability to create liens securing certain indebtedness, enter into certain sale and leaseback transactions, and consolidate, merge or transfer certain assets. The senior note covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications. The Company was in compliance with these covenants at June 30, 2015. Two of the Company’s subsidiaries, Banner Pipeline Company, L.L.C. and CLR Asset Holdings, LLC, which have no material assets or operations, fully and unconditionally guarantee the senior notes. The Company’s other subsidiaries, the value of whose assets and operations are minor, do not guarantee the senior notes.
Note Payable
In February 2012, 20 Broadway Associates LLC, a 100% owned subsidiary of the Company, borrowed $22 million under a 10-year amortizing term loan secured by the Company’s corporate office building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 3.14% per annum. Principal and interest are payable monthly through the loan’s maturity date of February 26, 2022. Accordingly, approximately $2.1 million is reflected as a current liability under the caption “Current portion of long-term debt” in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2015.
Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies
Included below is a discussion of various future commitments of the Company as of June 30, 2015. The commitments under these arrangements are not recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Drilling commitments – As of June 30, 2015, the Company had drilling rig contracts with various terms extending through March 2019. These contracts were entered into in the ordinary course of business to ensure rig availability to allow the Company to execute its business objectives in its strategic plays. Future commitments as of June 30, 2015 total approximately $536 million, of which $121 million is expected to be incurred in the remainder of 2015, $220 million in 2016, $129 million in 2017, $61 million in 2018, and $5 million in 2019.
Pipeline transportation commitments – The Company has entered into firm transportation commitments to guarantee pipeline access capacity on operational crude oil and natural gas pipelines. The commitments, which have varying terms extending as far as 2027, require the Company to pay per-unit transportation charges regardless of the amount of pipeline capacity used. Future commitments remaining as of June 30, 2015 under the operational pipeline transportation arrangements amount to approximately $1.1 billion, of which $104 million is expected to be incurred in the remainder of 2015, $213 million in 2016, $210 million in 2017, $205 million in 2018, $170 million in 2019, and $217 million thereafter.

14

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Further, the Company was a party to a five year firm transportation commitment (the "Agreement") for a future crude oil pipeline project being considered for development that is not yet operational. The project requires the granting of regulatory approvals and requires additional construction efforts by the counterparty before being completed. The project has faced significant delays and has failed to gain the necessary permits and approvals. As a result of the persistent delays and continuous uncertainty, the Agreement’s basic assumptions and purpose have become commercially impracticable. Accordingly, in 2015 the Company provided a shipper termination notice pursuant to the Agreement and formally provided the counterparty with the Company’s termination of the Agreement in its entirety. The Company's previously disclosed commitments under the Agreement totaled approximately $260 million, which is no longer expected to be incurred.
The Company’s pipeline commitments are for production primarily in the North region where the Company allocates a significant portion of its capital expenditures. The Company is not committed under these contracts to deliver fixed and determinable quantities of crude oil or natural gas in the future.
Fuel purchase commitment The Company has entered into a forward purchase contract with a third party to purchase specified quantities of diesel fuel at specified prices each month through June 2016 for use in the normal course of drilling operations. Over the remaining contract term, the Company has committed to purchase approximately 21 million gallons of diesel fuel at varying prices depending on the grade of diesel fuel purchased and the timing and location of delivery. The contract satisfies a significant portion of the Company's anticipated diesel fuel needs and provides for physical delivery to desired locations. Future commitments under the arrangement as of June 30, 2015 total approximately $61 million, of which $30 million is expected to be incurred in the remainder of 2015 and $31 million is expected to be incurred in 2016.
Litigation In November 2010, a putative class action was filed in the District Court of Blaine County, Oklahoma by Billy J. Strack and Daniela A. Renner as trustees of certain named trusts and on behalf of other similarly situated parties against the Company alleging the Company improperly deducted post-production costs from royalties paid to plaintiffs and other royalty interest owners as categorized in the Petition from crude oil and natural gas wells located in Oklahoma. The plaintiffs alleged a number of claims, including breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, and other claims and seek recovery of compensatory damages, interest, punitive damages and attorney fees on behalf of the proposed class. In addition, plaintiffs filed an Amended Petition that did not add any substantive claims, but sought a “hybrid class action” in which they sought certification of certain claims for injunctive relief, reserving the right to seek a further class certification on money damages in the future. Plaintiffs also filed an Amended Motion for Class Certification that modified the proposed class to royalty owners in Oklahoma production from July 1, 1993, to the present (instead of 1980 to the present) and sought certification of over 45 separate “issues” for injunctive or declaratory relief, again, reserving the right to seek a further class certification of money damages in the future. The Company responded to the petition, its amendment, and the motions for class certification denying the allegations and raising a number of affirmative defenses to each of the claims and filings. Certain discovery was undertaken and the “hybrid” motion was briefed by plaintiffs and the Company. A hearing on the “hybrid” class certification was held on June 1st and 2nd, 2015. On June 11, 2015, the trial court certified a “hybrid” class as requested by plaintiffs. The Company appealed the trial court’s class certification order, which will be reviewed de novo by the appellate court. The Company is not currently able to estimate a reasonably possible loss or range of loss or what impact, if any, the action will have on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows due to the preliminary status of the matter, the complexity and number of legal and factual issues presented by the matter and uncertainties with respect to, among other things, the nature of the claims and defenses, the potential size of the class, the scope and types of the properties and agreements involved, the production years involved, and the ultimate potential outcome of the matter. Although not currently at issue in the “hybrid” certification, plaintiffs have alleged underpayments in excess of $200 million that they may claim as damages, which may increase with the passage of time, a majority of which would be comprised of interest. The Company disputes plaintiffs’ claims, disputes that the case meets the requirements for a class action and is vigorously defending the case. The Company will continue to assert its defenses to the case as certified as well as any future attempt to certify a money damages class.
The Company is involved in various other legal proceedings including, but not limited to, commercial disputes, claims from royalty and surface owners, property damage claims, personal injury claims and other matters. While the outcome of these legal matters cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not expect them to have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. As of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had recorded a liability in the condensed consolidated balance sheets under the caption “Other noncurrent liabilities” of $3.7 million and $2.9 million, respectively, for various matters, none of which are believed to be individually significant.
Environmental risk – Due to the nature of the crude oil and natural gas business, the Company is exposed to possible environmental risks. The Company is not aware of any material environmental issues or claims.

15

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 8. Stock-Based Compensation
The Company has granted restricted stock to employees and directors pursuant to the Continental Resources, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2005 Plan”) and 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan ("2013 Plan") as discussed below. The Company’s associated compensation expense, which is included in the caption “General and administrative expenses” in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), was $16.2 million and $15.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $27.4 million and $26.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
In May 2013, the Company adopted the 2013 Plan and reserved a maximum of 19,680,072 shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to the plan. The 2013 Plan replaced the Company's 2005 Plan as the instrument used to grant long-term incentive awards and no further awards will be granted under the 2005 Plan. However, restricted stock awards granted under the 2005 Plan prior to the adoption of the 2013 Plan will remain outstanding in accordance with their terms. As of June 30, 2015, the Company had a maximum of 16,958,144 shares of restricted stock available to grant to officers, directors and select employees under the 2013 Plan.
Restricted stock is awarded in the name of the recipient and constitutes issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock for all corporate purposes during the period of restriction and, except as otherwise provided under the 2013 Plan or agreement relevant to a given award, includes the right to vote the restricted stock or to receive dividends, subject to forfeiture. Restricted stock grants generally vest over periods ranging from one to three years.
A summary of changes in non-vested restricted shares outstanding for the six months ended June 30, 2015 is presented below: 
 
 
Number of
non-vested
shares
 
Weighted
average
grant-date
fair value
Non-vested restricted shares outstanding at December 31, 2014
 
2,678,764

 
$
49.40

Granted
 
1,338,699

 
47.77

Vested
 
(360,172
)
 
45.95

Forfeited
 
(160,647
)
 
52.69

Non-vested restricted shares outstanding at June 30, 2015
 
3,496,644

 
$
48.98

The grant date fair value of restricted stock represents the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense for a restricted stock grant is a fixed amount determined at the grant date fair value and is recognized ratably over the vesting period as services are rendered by employees and directors. The expected life of restricted stock is based on the non-vested period that remains subsequent to the date of grant. There are no post-vesting restrictions related to the Company’s restricted stock. The fair value of restricted stock that vested during the six months ended June 30, 2015 at the vesting date was approximately $17.0 million. As of June 30, 2015, there was approximately $98 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock. This expense is expected to be recognized ratably over a weighted average period of 1.6 years.

16

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Adjustments resulting from the process of translating foreign functional currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are included in "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" within shareholders’ equity on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The following table summarizes the change in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015:
In thousands
 
Three months ended June 30, 2015
 
Six months ended June 30, 2015
Beginning accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
$
(3,490
)
 
$
(385
)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
625

 
(2,480
)
Income tax (expense) benefit (1)
 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 
625

 
(2,480
)
Ending accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
$
(2,865
)
 
$
(2,865
)
(1)
A valuation allowance has been recognized against deferred tax assets associated with losses generated by the Company's Canadian operations, thereby resulting in no income taxes on other comprehensive income (loss) for the period.
Note 10. Property Dispositions
In May 2015, the Company assigned certain non-producing leasehold acreage in Oklahoma to a third party for $25.9 million and recognized a pre-tax gain on the transaction of $20.5 million. The assigned properties represented an immaterial portion of the Company’s leasehold acreage.
During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company sold certain non-strategic properties in various areas to third parties for proceeds totaling $39.0 million. In connection with the transactions, the Company recognized pre-tax losses totaling $6.4 million. The disposed properties represented an immaterial portion of the Company’s total proved reserves, production, and revenues.

17



ITEM 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this report and our historical consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. Our operating results for the periods discussed below may not be indicative of future performance. The following discussion and analysis includes forward-looking statements and should be read in conjunction with the risk factors described in Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors included in this report, if any, and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, along with Cautionary Statement for the Purpose of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 at the beginning of this report, for information about the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to be materially different than our forward-looking statements.
Overview
We are an independent crude oil and natural gas company engaged in the exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas. We derive the majority of our operating income and cash flows from the sale of crude oil and natural gas and expect this to continue in the future. Our operations are primarily focused on exploration and development activities in the Bakken field of North Dakota and Montana and the SCOOP play in Oklahoma.
Business Environment and Outlook
Commodity prices have remained depressed through June 30, 2015 and continue to be volatile and unpredictable. Management's plans and related capital projections for the remainder of 2015 are reflective of the depressed commodity price environment. Our 2015 capital budget has been established based on an expectation of available cash flows from operations and availability under our credit facility. We will continue to monitor our capital spending closely based on actual and projected cash flows and could scale back our remaining 2015 spending should commodity prices remain at current levels or decrease. Conversely, a significant improvement in crude oil prices could result in an increase in our capital expenditures.
Under our current capital plan, we are seeking to generally align our capital expenditures with operating cash flows for the remainder of 2015, which we expect will slow our rate of capital spending, credit facility borrowings, and production growth in the third and fourth quarters compared to levels achieved through June 30, 2015. Accordingly, our results achieved through June 30, 2015 may not be indicative of the results to be achieved for the remainder of 2015.
Management believes we are positioned to withstand the current weakness in commodity prices and remains confident in the Company's underlying financial strength to manage the challenges presented in this price environment. We believe the depth and quality of our asset base coupled with our financial strength allow us to be adaptable in a variety of price environments. We will continue to manage through this downturn focusing on operating efficiencies, reducing costs, and maintaining our financial strength.
2015 Highlights
Production
Production for the second quarter of 2015 averaged 226,547 Boe per day, an increase of 10% from the first quarter of 2015 and 35% higher than the second quarter of 2014. Year to date production averaged 216,742 Boe per day, a 35% increase over the comparable 2014 period.
North Dakota Bakken production averaged 127,872 Boe per day for the second quarter of 2015, a 6% increase over the first quarter of 2015 and 35% higher than the second quarter of 2014. Year to date, North Dakota Bakken production averaged 124,434 Boe per day, a 39% increase over the comparable 2014 period.
SCOOP production averaged 62,546 Boe per day for the second quarter of 2015, a 25% increase over the first quarter of 2015 and 83% higher than the second quarter of 2014. Year to date, SCOOP production averaged 56,249 Boe per day, a 77% increase over the comparable 2014 period.
SCOOP comprised 28% of our total production for the 2015 second quarter compared to 24% for the 2015 first quarter and 20% for the 2014 second quarter. SCOOP comprised 26% of our total production for year to date 2015 compared to 20% for the comparable 2014 period.

18



Revenues
Crude oil and natural gas revenues for the 2015 second quarter decreased 31% compared to the 2014 second quarter driven by a 49% decrease in realized commodity prices, the effect of which was partially offset by a 36% increase in total sales volumes.
Year to date crude oil and natural gas revenues decreased 36% from the comparable 2014 period driven by a 53% decrease in realized commodity prices, the effect of which was partially offset by a 37% increase in total sales volumes.
Average crude oil sales prices for the second quarter and year to date periods of 2015 decreased 46% and 51%, respectively, from the comparable 2014 periods.
Crude oil sales volumes for the second quarter and year to date periods of 2015 increased 30% and 34%, respectively, from the comparable 2014 periods.
Average natural gas sales prices for the second quarter and year to date periods of 2015 decreased 57% and 60%, respectively, from the comparable 2014 periods.
Natural gas sales volumes for the second quarter and year to date periods of 2015 increased 49% and 43%, respectively, from the comparable 2014 periods.
Proved property impairments
Depressed commodity prices and downward revisions to proved reserves in the second quarter of 2015 adversely impacted the recoverability of capitalized costs in certain operating areas and contributed to the recognition of non-cash impairment charges for proved properties totaling $5.0 million for the second quarter, bringing year to date proved property impairments to $75.0 million through June 30, 2015. These impairments were primarily concentrated in non-core areas of our North and South regions.
Capital expenditures and drilling activity
We invested approximately $585.5 million in our capital program in the second quarter of 2015, excluding $6.4 million of unbudgeted acquisitions, bringing our year to date non-acquisition capital expenditures to $1.57 billion through June 30, 2015.
For the second quarter and year to date periods of 2015 we participated in the completion of the following number of wells by area:
 
 
Three months ended June 30, 2015
 
Six months ended June 30, 2015
 
 
Gross
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Net
North Dakota Bakken
 
158

 
56

 
367

 
116

Montana Bakken
 
1

 

 
9

 
6

SCOOP
 
55

 
18

 
131

 
54

Northwest Cana
 
5

 
2

 
5

 
2

Other
 
4

 

 
16

 
6

Total wells
 
223

 
76

 
528

 
184

As of June 30, 2015, we operated 27 rigs on our properties, down from 49 operated rigs at December 31, 2014.
Credit facility and liquidity
At June 30, 2015, we had $25.5 million of cash and cash equivalents and $1.27 billion of borrowing availability on our credit facility after considering outstanding borrowings and letters of credit. We had $1.23 billion of outstanding borrowings on our credit facility at June 30, 2015 compared to $955 million at March 31, 2015 and $165 million at December 31, 2014. At July 31, 2015, we continued to have $1.23 billion of outstanding borrowings and $1.27 billion of borrowing availability on our credit facility.
Credit facility borrowings, net of repayments, totaled $270 million for the 2015 second quarter compared to $790 million for the 2015 first quarter, the decrease of which resulted from higher crude oil market prices compared to the first quarter and a reduced level of capital expenditures from our efforts to align capital expenditures with operating cash flows in the second quarter.

19



Financial and operating highlights
We use a variety of financial and operating measures to assess our performance. Among these measures are:
Volumes of crude oil and natural gas produced,
Crude oil and natural gas prices realized,
Per unit operating and administrative costs, and
EBITDAX (a non-GAAP financial measure).
The following table contains financial and operating highlights for the periods presented. Average sales prices exclude any effect of derivative transactions. Per-unit expenses have been calculated using sales volumes. 
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Six months ended June 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Average daily production:
 

 

 

 

Crude oil (Bbl per day)
 
149,897

 
116,441

 
146,722

 
111,447

Natural gas (Mcf per day)
 
459,898

 
309,074

 
420,123

 
292,847

Crude oil equivalents (Boe per day)
 
226,547

 
167,953

 
216,742

 
160,255

Average sales prices:
 

 

 

 

Crude oil ($/Bbl)
 
$
49.84

 
$
92.31

 
$
44.46

 
$
91.12

Natural gas ($/Mcf)
 
$
2.31

 
$
5.43

 
$
2.48

 
$
6.20

Crude oil equivalents ($/Boe)
 
$
37.82

 
$
74.09

 
$
34.93

 
$
74.53

Crude oil sales price differential to NYMEX ($/Bbl)
 
$
(8.18
)
 
$
(10.69
)
 
$
(9.05
)
 
$
(9.90
)
Natural gas sales price premium (differential) to NYMEX ($/Mcf)
 
$
(0.33
)
 
$
0.76

 
$
(0.31
)
 
$
1.41

Production expenses ($/Boe)
 
$
4.39

 
$
5.50

 
$
4.70

 
$
5.62

Production taxes (% of oil and gas revenues)
 
7.8
%
 
8.3
%
 
8.0
%
 
8.0
%
DD&A ($/Boe)
 
$
21.68

 
$
21.28

 
$
21.36

 
$
20.88

General and administrative expenses ($/Boe) (1)
 
$
1.34

 
$
2.08

 
$
1.58

 
$
2.24

Non-cash equity compensation ($/Boe)
 
$
0.77

 
$
0.98

 
$
0.70

 
$
0.91

Net income (loss) (in thousands)
 
$
403

 
$
103,538

 
$
(131,568
)
 
$
329,772

Diluted net income (loss) per share
 
$

 
$
0.28

 
$
(0.36
)
 
$
0.89

EBITDAX (in thousands) (2)
 
$
647,009

 
$
867,938

 
$
1,086,435

 
$
1,643,345

 
(1)
Excludes non-cash equity compensation expense.
(2)
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. EBITDAX is not a measure of net income or operating cash flows as determined by U.S. GAAP. Reconciliations of net income and operating cash flows to EBITDAX are provided below under the heading Non-GAAP Financial Measures.

20



Three months ended June 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2014
Results of Operations
The following table presents selected financial and operating information for the periods presented. 
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
In thousands, except sales price data
 
2015
 
2014
Crude oil and natural gas sales
 
$
790,102

 
$
1,138,085

Loss on derivative instruments, net
 
(4,737
)
 
(262,524
)
Crude oil and natural gas service operations
 
11,009

 
10,534

Total revenues
 
796,374

 
886,095

Operating costs and expenses
 
(713,927
)
 
(649,701
)
Other expenses, net
 
(77,902
)
 
(72,048
)
Income before income taxes
 
4,545

 
164,346

Provision for income taxes
 
(4,142
)
 
(60,808
)
Net income
 
$
403

 
$
103,538

Production volumes:
 

 

Crude oil (MBbl)
 
13,641

 
10,596

Natural gas (MMcf)
 
41,851

 
28,126

Crude oil equivalents (MBoe)
 
20,616

 
15,284

Sales volumes:
 

 

Crude oil (MBbl)
 
13,917

 
10,674

Natural gas (MMcf)
 
41,851

 
28,126

Crude oil equivalents (MBoe)
 
20,892

 
15,362

Average sales prices:
 

 

Crude oil ($/Bbl)
 
$
49.84

 
$
92.31

Natural gas ($/Mcf)
 
2.31

 
5.43

Crude oil equivalents ($/Boe)
 
37.82

 
74.09

Production
The following tables reflect our production by product and region for the periods presented. 
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Volume
increase
 
Volume
percent
increase
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
Volume
 
Percent
 
Volume
 
Percent
 
Crude oil (MBbl)
 
13,641

 
66
%
 
10,596

 
69
%
 
3,045

 
29
%
Natural gas (MMcf)
 
41,851

 
34
%
 
28,126

 
31
%
 
13,725

 
49
%
Total (MBoe)
 
20,616

 
100
%
 
15,284

 
100
%
 
5,332

 
35
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
 
Volume
increase
 
Volume
percent
increase
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
MBoe
 
Percent
 
MBoe
 
Percent
 
North Region
 
14,150

 
69
%
 
11,253

 
74
%
 
2,897

 
26
%
South Region
 
6,466

 
31
%
 
4,031

 
26
%
 
2,435

 
60
%
Total
 
20,616

 
100
%
 
15,284

 
100
%
 
5,332

 
35
%
The 29% increase in crude oil production for the second quarter was driven by increased production from our properties in the Bakken field and SCOOP play. Production in the Bakken field increased 2,172 MBbls, or 26%, over the prior year second quarter, while SCOOP production increased 959 MBbls, or 118%. Production growth in these areas was primarily due to additional drilling and completion activity resulting from our drilling program. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in production from our properties in the Red River units totaling 124 MBbls, or 10%, compared to the prior year second quarter due to a combination of natural declines in production and reduced drilling activity.

21



The 49% increase in natural gas production for the second quarter was driven by increased production from our properties in the Bakken field and SCOOP play due to additional wells being completed and producing and gas from existing wells being connected to natural gas processing plants subsequent to June 30, 2014. Natural gas production in the Bakken field increased 4,663 MMcf, or 55%, over the prior year second quarter, while SCOOP production increased 9,690 MMcf, or 70%. These increases were partially offset by decreases in production from various areas in our North and South regions primarily due to natural declines in production.
Our 35% quarter-over-quarter growth in total production is not expected to be sustained for the remainder of 2015. Our ongoing reduction in capital spending for 2015 is expected to have a more significant impact on our year-over-year production growth in the third and fourth quarters and we expect our production for the second half of 2015 will generally be flat compared to production for the first half of 2015.
Revenues
Our total revenues consist of sales of crude oil and natural gas, gains and losses resulting from changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments and revenues associated with crude oil and natural gas service operations.
Crude Oil and Natural Gas Sales. Crude oil and natural gas sales for the second quarter of 2015 were $790.1 million, a 31% decrease from sales of $1,138.1 million for the same period in 2014 primarily due to a significant decrease in commodity prices.
Our crude oil sales prices averaged $49.84 per barrel in the 2015 second quarter compared to $92.31 for the 2014 second quarter. Market prices for crude oil remained depressed in the 2015 second quarter, resulting in significantly lower realized sales prices compared to the prior year. The differential between NYMEX WTI calendar month average crude oil prices and our realized crude oil price per barrel was $8.18 for the 2015 second quarter compared to $10.69 for the 2014 second quarter. The improved differential was due in part to increased availability and use of pipeline transportation to move our crude oil to market with less dependence on more costly rail transportation.
Our average natural gas sales price for the 2015 second quarter decreased to $2.31 per Mcf compared to $5.43 for the 2014 second quarter due to lower market prices for natural gas and natural gas liquids ("NGLs"). Our natural gas production is primarily sold at the wellhead with price realizations being impacted by the volume and value of NGLs that purchasers retrieve from our sales stream. The difference between our realized natural gas sales prices and NYMEX Henry Hub calendar month natural gas prices was a differential of $0.33 per Mcf for the 2015 second quarter compared to a premium of $0.76 for the 2014 second quarter. NGL prices remained depressed in the 2015 second quarter in conjunction with low crude oil prices, which reduced the value of our natural gas sales stream and unfavorably impacted the difference between our realized prices and Henry Hub benchmark pricing.
Crude oil, natural gas and NGL prices remain volatile and we are unable to predict the impact future price changes may have on our full year 2015 revenues and differentials.
Our sales volumes for the second quarter of 2015 increased 5,530 MBoe, or 36%, over the comparable period in 2014 primarily due to an increase in producing wells due to the success of our drilling programs in the Bakken field and SCOOP play. At various times we have stored crude oil due to pipeline line fill requirements, low commodity prices, or marketing disruptions or we have sold crude oil from inventory. These actions result in differences between produced and sold crude oil volumes. Operating efficiencies achieved during the second quarter on new third party pipeline systems provided for improved transportation of our crude oil to market, which resulted in the sale of crude oil previously stored in inventory at March 31, 2015 and caused crude oil sales volumes to be higher than crude oil production by 276 MBbls for the second quarter of 2015.
Derivatives. Changes in commodity prices during the second quarter of 2015 had a negative impact on the fair value of our derivatives, which resulted in negative revenue adjustments of $4.7 million for the period. Our revenues may continue to be significantly impacted, either positively or negatively, by changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments as a result of volatility in commodity prices.

22



The following table presents cash settlements on matured derivative instruments and non-cash gains and losses on open derivative instruments for the periods presented.
 
 
Three months ended June 30,
In thousands
 
2015

2014
Cash received (paid) on derivatives:
 
 
 
 
Crude oil derivatives
 
$

 
$
(51,952
)
Natural gas derivatives
 
13,182

 
(12,191
)
Cash received (paid) on derivatives, net
 
13,182

 
(64,143
)
Non-cash gain (loss) on derivatives:
 
 
 
 
Crude oil derivatives
 
3

 
(205,851
)
Natural gas derivatives
 
(17,922
)
 
7,470

Non-cash gain (loss) on derivatives, net
 
(17,919
)
 
(198,381
)
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net
 
$
(4,737
)
 
$
(262,524
)
Operating Costs and Expenses
Production Expenses. Production expenses increased 9% to $91.7 million for the second quarter of 2015 from $84.5 million for the second quarter of 2014. This increase was primarily the result of an increase in the number of producing wells and resulting 36% increase in sales volumes over the prior year period.
Production expense per Boe decreased to $4.39 for the 2015 second quarter compared to $5.50 for the 2014 second quarter. This per-Boe decrease resulted from curtailed spending and reduced service costs being realized in response to depressed commodity prices, a higher portion of our production coming from natural gas wells in the SCOOP area which typically have lower operating costs compared to other areas, and a 36% increase in sales volumes from new well completions.
Production Taxes and Other Expenses. Production taxes and other expenses decreased $35.5 million, or 37%, to $61.5 million for the second quarter of 2015 compared to $97.0 million for the second quarter of 2014 primarily due to lower crude oil and natural gas revenues resulting from the significant decrease in commodity prices over the prior year period. Production taxes as a percentage of crude oil and natural gas revenues were 7.8% for the second quarter of 2015 compared to 8.3% for the second quarter of 2014, the difference of which resulted from changes in the mix of crude oil and natural gas sales volumes and values and the proportion of taxable revenues coming from North Dakota and Oklahoma between periods.
Production taxes are generally based on the wellhead values of production and vary by state. Some states offer exemptions or reduced production tax rates for wells that produce less than a certain quantity of crude oil or natural gas and to encourage certain activities, such as horizontal drilling and enhanced recovery projects. In Montana and Oklahoma, certain horizontal wells are taxed at a lower rate during their initial months of production which subsequently increases after a specified period of time or when specified production volumes are achieved.
Through June 30, 2015, revenues from new wells in Oklahoma were taxed at 1% for the first 48 months of production, after which the tax rate increases to 7%. Effective July 1, 2015, the tax rate on new Oklahoma wells spud after that date was changed to 2% for the first 36 months of production and 7% thereafter.
At June 30, 2015, North Dakota had a crude oil tax structure based on a 5% production tax and a 6.5% oil extraction tax for a combined tax of 11.5% of crude oil revenues. In April 2015, new legislation was signed into law in North Dakota that eliminated the then-existing price-based oil extraction tax incentives and set a lower oil extraction tax rate. The new law reduces the oil extraction tax from 6.5% to 5% effective January 1, 2016, resulting in a total tax of 10% on crude oil revenues when combined with the 5% production tax which was not changed by the new law. Under the new law, the oil extraction tax will increase from 5% to 6%, for a total tax rate of 11%, if the average WTI oil price is above $90 per barrel (indexed for inflation) for three consecutive months. The oil extraction tax will revert back to 5% if the average WTI oil price falls below $90 per barrel for three consecutive months.

23



Exploration Expenses. Exploration expenses consist primarily of dry hole costs and exploratory geological and geophysical costs that are expensed as incurred. The following table shows the components of exploration expenses for the periods presented.
 

Three months ended June 30,
In thousands

2015

2014
Geological and geophysical costs
 
$
109

 
$
6,732

Exploratory dry hole costs
 

 
4,473

Exploration expenses
 
$
109

 
$
11,205

The decrease in geological and geophysical expenses in the second quarter of 2015 was due to changes in the timing and amount of costs incurred by the Company and recouped from joint interest partners between periods.
Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Accretion (“DD&A”). Total DD&A increased $126.1 million, or 39%, to $453.0 million for the second quarter of 2015 compared to $326.9 million for the second quarter of 2014 primarily due to a 36% increase in sales volumes. The following table shows the components of our DD&A on a unit of sales basis for the periods presented. 
 

Three months ended June 30,
$/Boe

2015
 
2014
Crude oil and natural gas
 
$
21.32

 
$
20.93

Other equipment
 
0.31

 
0.30

Asset retirement obligation accretion
 
0.05

 
0.05

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion
 
$
21.68

 
$
21.28

Estimated proved reserves are a key component in our computation of DD&A expense. Holding all other factors constant, if proved reserves are revised downward, the rate at which we record DD&A expense would increase. The increase in our DD&A rate for crude oil and natural gas properties in the current period resulted from downward revisions of proved reserves in 2015 prompted by depressed commodity prices.
If commodity prices remain at current levels or decline further, additional revisions of proved reserves may occur in the future, which may be significant and could result in a further increase in our DD&A rate in the second half of 2015. We are unable to predict the timing and amount of future reserve revisions, nor the impact such revisions may have on our future DD&A rate.
Property Impairments. Total property impairments decreased $2.4 million, or 3%, to $76.9 million for the second quarter of 2015 compared to $79.3 million for the 2014 second quarter.
Impairments of proved properties totaled $5.0 million for the second quarter of 2015 compared to $27.5 million for the second quarter of 2014. The 2015 second quarter impairments reflect fair value adjustments prompted by depressed commodity prices in an emerging area with limited production history and costly reserve additions.
Estimated proved reserves are a key component in assessing proved properties for impairment. If commodity prices remain at current levels or decline further, downward revisions of proved reserves may be significant in the future and could result in additional impairments of proved properties in the second half of 2015. We are unable to predict the timing and amount of future reserve revisions, nor the impact such revisions may have on future impairments, if any.
Impairments of non-producing properties increased $20.0 million for the second quarter of 2015 to $71.8 million compared to $51.8 million for the second quarter of 2014. The increase was primarily due to higher rates of amortization being applied to undeveloped leasehold costs resulting from changes in management’s estimates of undeveloped properties not expected to be developed before lease expiration, particularly in response to decreased commodity prices which have altered our drilling plans. Our rates of amortization may continue to increase in future periods if commodity prices remain at current levels or decline further and additional changes are made to drilling plans.