UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 20102011

or

 

¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period fromto

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.)

302 N. Independence, Suite 1500, Enid, Oklahoma 73701
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (580) 233-8955

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report: Not applicable

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d)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

169,967,432180,533,094 shares of our $0.01 par value common stock were outstanding on April 30, 2010.May 2, 2011.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

 

PART I. Financial Information

  

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements

  47
  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

  47
  

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

  58
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

  69
  

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

  710
  

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

  811

Item 2.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

  1722

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

  2433

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

  2534

PART II. Other Information

  

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

  2634

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

  2634

Item 2.

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

  2634

Item 3.

  

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

  2635

Item 4.

  

(Removed and Reserved)

  2635

Item 5.

  

Other Information

  2635

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

  26
35
  

Signature

  2736

When we refer to “us,” “we,” “ours,“our,” “Company,” or “Continental” we are describing Continental Resources, Inc. and / and/or our subsidiary.subsidiaries.

Glossary of Crude oilOil and Natural Gas Terms

The terms defined in this section are used throughout this report: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.

Bcf.” One billion cubic feet of natural gas.

Boe.” Barrels of crude oil equivalent, with six thousand cubic feet of natural gas being equivalent to one barrel of crude oil.oil based on the average equivalent energy content of the two commodities.

“Boepd” Barrels of crude oil equivalent per day.

“Bopd” Barrels of crude oil per day.

Completion.” The process of treating a drilled well followed by the installation of permanent equipment for the production of crude oil or natural gas, or crude oil, or in the case of a dry hole, the reporting of abandonment to the appropriate agency.

“Conventional play” An area that is believed to be capable of producing crude oil and natural gas occurring in discrete accumulations in structural and stratigraphic traps.

DD&A.” Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion.

Developed acreage.” The number of acres that are 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.” AExploratory or development well found to be incapable of producing hydrocarbonsthat does not produce crude oil and/or natural gas in sufficient quantities such that proceeds from the sale of such production exceed production expenses and taxes.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.reservoir. Enhanced recovery methods are often 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.

FIF0.” (First in/First out) A cost flow assumption where the first (oldest) costs are assumed to flow out first. This means the latest (recent) costs remain on hand.

Formation.” A layer of rock which has distinct characteristics that differsdiffer from nearby rock.

Horizontal drilling.” A drilling technique used in certain formations where a well is drilled vertically to a certain depth and then drilled at a right angle within a specified interval.

Injection well” A well into which liquids or gases are injected in order to “push” additional crude oil or natural gas out of underground reservoirs and into the wellbores of producing wells. Typically considered an enhanced recovery process.

MBbl.” One thousand barrels of crude oil, condensate or natural gas liquids.

MBoe” One thousand Boe.

Mcf.” One thousand cubic feet of natural gas.

MBoeMcfd”.” One thousand Boe.

MMBoe.” One million Boe. Mcf per day.

MMBtu.” One million British thermal units.

MMcf.” One million cubic feet of natural gas.

MMMBtu.” One billion British thermal units.

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.

“Productive well” A well that is found to be capable of producing hydrocarbons in sufficient quantities such that proceeds from the sale of the production exceed production expenses and taxes.

“Prospect” A potential geological feature or formation which geologists and geophysicists believe may contain hydrocarbons. A prospect can be in various stages of evaluation, ranging from a prospect that has been fully evaluated and is ready to drill to a prospect that will require substantial additional seismic data processing and interpretation.

“Proved developed reserves” Reserves that can be expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods.

Proved reserves.” TheseThe 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 that renewal is reasonably certain.

Proved undeveloped reservesorPUD.” Proved reserves that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion.

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 that are produced from a crude oil or natural gas property. A royalty interest owner does not bear any of the exploration, development, or operating expenses associated with drilling and producing a crude oil or natural gas property.

“Unconventional play” An area that is believed to be capable of producing crude oil and/or natural gas occurring in accumulations that are regionally extensive, but require recently developed technologies to achieve profitability. These areas tend to have low permeability and may be closely associated with source rock as is the case with gas shale, tight oil and gas sands and coalbed methane.

“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.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements and information in this report may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this report are forward-looking statements. When used in this report, the words “could,” “may,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. 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. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements described under the headingItem 1A. Risk Factors included in this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, certain statements incorporated by reference, if any, or included in this report constitute forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements may include statements about:

our business strategy;

our future operations;

our reserves;

our technology;

our financial strategy;

crude oil and natural gas prices;

the timing and amount of future production of crude oil and natural gas;

the amount, nature and timing of capital expenditures;

estimated revenues and results of operations;

drilling of wells;

competition and government regulations;

marketing of crude oil and natural gas;

exploitation or property acquisitions;

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 regulatory and legal proceedings involving us and of scheduled or potential regulatory changes;

uncertainty regarding our future operating results; and

plans, objectives, expectations and intentions contained in this report that are not historical.

We caution you that these forward-looking statements are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control, incident to the exploration for, and development, production, and sale of, crude oil and natural gas. These risks include, but are not limited to, commodity price volatility, inflation, lack of availability of drilling and production equipment and services, environmental risks, drilling and other operating risks, regulatory changes, the uncertainty inherent in estimating crude oil and natural gas reserves and in projecting future rates of production, cash flows and access to capital, the timing of development expenditures, and the other risks described underPart II,Item 1A. Risk Factors in this report, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, registration statements filed from time to time with the SEC, 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 hereof.

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. This cautionary statement should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that we or persons acting on our behalf may issue.

Except as otherwise required by applicable law, we disclaim any duty to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report.

PART I. Financial Information

 

ITEM 1.Financial Statements

Continental Resources, Inc. and SubsidiarySubsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

  March 31,
2010
  December  31,
2009
  March 31,
2011
   December 31,
2010
 
  (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)     
  In thousands, except par values and share data  In thousands, except par values and share data 

Assets

      

Current assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

  $14,658  $14,222  $477,440    $7,916  

Receivables:

        

Crude oil and natural gas sales

   148,390   119,565   260,570     208,211  

Affiliated parties

   8,966   7,823   17,038     20,156  

Joint interest and other, net

   87,046   55,970   282,861     254,471  

Derivatives

   16,590   2,218

Derivative assets

   17,360     21,365  

Inventories

   27,074   26,711   52,248     38,362  

Deferred and prepaid taxes

   —     4,575   84,004     22,672  

Prepaid expenses and other

   4,082   4,944   9,724     9,173  
              

Total current assets

   306,806   236,028   1,201,245     582,326  

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

   2,187,068   2,068,055   3,285,824     2,981,991  

Debt issuance costs, net

   10,043   10,844   26,342     27,468  

Noncurrent derivatives receivable

   3,917   —  

Noncurrent derivative assets

   49     —    
              

Total assets

  $2,507,834  $2,314,927  $4,513,460    $3,591,785  
              

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

        

Current liabilities:

        

Accounts payable trade

  $177,876  $91,248  $425,812    $390,892  

Accounts payable trade to affiliated parties

   15,873   9,612

Revenues and royalties payable

   174,620     133,051  

Payables to affiliated parties

   4,263     4,438  

Accrued liabilities and other

   62,175   49,601   106,357     94,829  

Revenues and royalties payable

   74,363   66,789

Current portion of asset retirement obligation

   2,721   2,460

Derivative liabilities

   232,884     76,771  

Current portion of asset retirement obligations

   2,270     2,241  
              

Total current liabilities

   333,008   219,710   946,206     702,222  

Long-term debt

   495,565   523,524   896,065     925,991  

Other noncurrent liabilities:

        

Deferred tax liability

   521,351   489,241

Asset retirement obligation, net of current portion

   47,920   47,707

Deferred income tax liabilities

   559,929     582,841  

Asset retirement obligations, net of current portion

   55,141     54,079  

Noncurrent derivative liabilities

   316,958     112,940  

Other noncurrent liabilities

   4,504   4,466   5,468     5,557  
              

Total other noncurrent liabilities

   573,775   541,414   937,496     755,417  

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; 500,000,000 shares authorized, 169,972,597 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2010; 169,968,471 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2009

   1,700   1,700

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

   —       —    

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 180,535,512 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2011; 170,408,652 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010

   1,805     1,704  

Additional paid-in-capital

   433,025   430,283   1,102,538     439,900  

Retained earnings

   670,761   598,296   629,350     766,551  
              

Total shareholders’ equity

   1,105,486   1,030,279   1,733,693     1,208,155  
              

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $2,507,834  $2,314,927  $4,513,460    $3,591,785  
              

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

Continental Resources, Inc. and SubsidiarySubsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

  Three Months Ended March 31,   Three months ended March 31, 
  2010 2009   2011 2010 
  In thousands, except per share data   In thousands, except per share data 

Revenues:

     

Oil and natural gas sales

  $208,059   $85,817  

Oil and natural gas sales to affiliates

   9,065    6,751  

Gain on mark-to-market derivative instruments

   26,344    —    

Oil and natural gas service operations

   4,800    4,040  

Crude oil and natural gas sales

  $316,740   $208,059  

Crude oil and natural gas sales to affiliates

   9,727    9,065  

Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net

   (369,303  26,344  

Crude oil and natural gas service operations

   6,626    4,800  
              

Total revenues

   248,268    96,608     (36,210  248,268  

Operating costs and expenses:

      

Production expenses

   19,159    17,274     28,398    19,159  

Production expense to affiliates

   3,442    5,152  

Production tax and other expenses

   16,007    6,822  

Exploration expense

   1,786    7,119  

Oil and natural gas service operations

   3,956    2,403  

Production expenses to affiliates

   872    3,442  

Production taxes and other expenses

   27,562    16,007  

Exploration expenses

   6,812    1,786  

Crude oil and natural gas service operations

   5,451    3,956  

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion

   52,587    50,697     75,650    52,587  

Property impairments

   15,175    35,425     20,848    15,175  

General and administrative

   11,849    10,284  

General and administrative expenses

   16,347    11,849  

Gain on sale of assets

   (222  (136   (15,257  (222
              

Total operating costs and expenses

   123,739    135,040     166,683    123,739  
              

Income (loss) from operations

   124,529    (38,432   (202,893  124,529  

Other income (expense):

      

Interest expense

   (8,360  (4,587   (18,971  (8,360

Other

   706    147     509    706  
              

Net other income (expense)

   (7,654  (4,440
   (18,462  (7,654
              

Income (loss) before income taxes

   116,875    (42,872   (221,355  116,875  

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

   44,410    (16,259   (84,154  44,410  
              

Net income (loss)

  $72,465   $(26,613  $(137,201 $72,465  
              

Basic net income (loss) per share

  $0.43   $(0.16  $(0.80 $0.43  

Diluted net income (loss) per share

  $0.43   $(0.16  $(0.80 $0.43  

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

Continental Resources, Inc. and SubsidiarySubsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

 

  Shares
outstanding
 Common
stock
 Additional
paid-in
capital
 Retained
earnings
  Total
shareholders’
equity
   Shares
outstanding
 Common
stock
 Additional
paid-in
capital
 Retained
earnings
 Total
shareholders’
equity
 
  In thousands, except share data   In thousands, except share data 

Balance, January 1, 2009

  169,558,129   $1,696   $420,054   $526,958  $948,708  

Balance, December 31, 2009

   169,968,471   $1,700   $430,283   $598,296   $1,030,279  

Net income

  —      —      —      71,338   71,338     —      —      —      168,255    168,255  

Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation

   —      —      5,230    —      5,230  

Stock-based compensation

  —      —      11,408    —     11,408     —      —      11,691    —      11,691  

Tax benefit on stock-based compensation plan

  —      —      2,872    —     2,872  

Stock options:

             

Exercised

  138,010    1    244    —     245     207,220    2    255    —      257  

Repurchased and canceled

  (29,924  —      (1,223  —     (1,223   (59,877  (1  (2,661  —      (2,662

Restricted stock:

             

Issued

  411,217    4    —      —     4     449,114    4    —      —      4  

Repurchased and canceled

  (83,457  (1  (3,072  —     (3,073   (100,561  (1  (4,898  —      (4,899

Forfeited

  (25,504  —      —      —     —       (55,715  —      —      —      —    
                                

Balance, December 31, 2009

  169,968,471   $1,700   $430,283   $598,296  $1,030,279  

Net income (unaudited)

  —      —      —      72,465   72,465  

Balance, December 31, 2010

   170,408,652   $1,704   $439,900   $766,551   $1,208,155  

Net income (loss) (unaudited)

   —      —      —      (137,201  (137,201

Public offering of common stock (unaudited)

   10,080,000    101    659,200    —      659,301  

Stock-based compensation (unaudited)

  —      —      2,852    —     2,852     —      —      3,642    —      3,642  

Stock options:

             

Exercised (unaudited)

  4,500    —      3    —     3     4,500    —      3    —      3  

Restricted stock:

             

Issued (unaudited)

  21,723    —      —      —     —       47,480    —      —      —      —    

Repurchased and canceled (unaudited)

  (2,690  —      (113  —     (113   (3,172  —      (207  —      (207

Forfeited (unaudited)

  (19,407  —      —      —     —       (1,948  —      —      —      —    
                                

Balance, March 31, 2010 (unaudited)

  169,972,597   $1,700   $433,025   $670,761  $1,105,486  

Balance, March 31, 2011 (unaudited)

   180,535,512   $1,805   $1,102,538   $629,350   $1,733,693  

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

Continental Resources, Inc. and SubsidiarySubsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

  Three months ended March 31,   Three months ended March 31, 
  2010 2009   2011 2010 
  In thousands   In thousands 

Cash flows from operating activities:

     

Net income (loss)

  $72,465   $(26,613  $(137,201 $72,465  

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion

   52,179    54,257     76,762    52,179  

Property impairments

   15,175    35,425     20,848    15,175  

Change in derivative fair value

   (22,052  —    

Change in fair value of derivatives

   364,087    (22,052

Stock-based compensation

   2,852    2,717     3,642    2,852  

Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes

   40,416    (16,259   (84,154  40,416  

Dry hole costs

   33    4,763     1,504    33  

Gain on sale of assets

   (15,257  (222

Other, net

   734    344     929    956  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

      

Accounts receivable

   (61,044  54,140     (77,631  (61,044

Inventories

   (363  (16,458   (13,886  (363

Prepaid expenses and other

   4,030    1,884     (513  4,030  

Accounts payable trade

   69,719    (19,518   3,648    69,719  

Revenues and royalties payable

   7,574    (25,785   41,569    7,574  

Accrued liabilities and other

   8,932    (10,182   11,340    8,932  

Other noncurrent liabilities

   38    1,388     (52  38  
              

Net cash provided by operating activities

   190,688    40,103     195,635    190,688  

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Exploration and development

   (156,625  (206,308   (348,011  (156,625

Purchase of oil and natural gas properties

   (128  (350

Purchase of crude oil and natural gas properties

   —      (128

Purchase of other property and equipment

   (6,263  (440   (29,443  (6,263

Proceeds from sale of assets

   1,106    765     22,131    1,106  
              

Net cash used in investing activities

   (161,910  (206,333   (355,323  (161,910

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Revolving credit facility borrowings

   44,000    191,600     135,000    44,000  

Repayment of revolving credit facility

   (72,000  (24,000   (165,000  (72,000

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

   659,736    —    

Debt issuance costs

   (232  (1,220   (21  (232

Equity issuance costs

   (299  —    

Repurchase of equity grants

   (113  (67   (207  (113

Dividends to shareholders

   —      (2

Exercise of options

   3    5  

Exercise of stock options

   3    3  
              

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

   (28,342  166,316  

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

   629,212    (28,342

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

   436    86     469,524    436  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   14,222    5,229     7,916    14,222  
              

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $14,658   $5,315    $477,440   $14,658  

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

Continental Resources, Inc. and SubsidiarySubsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1. Organization and Nature of Business

Description of Company

Continental Resources, Inc.’sContinental’s principal business is crude oil and natural gas exploration, development and production. Continental’sproduction with operations are primarily 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, the Red River units and the Niobrara play in Colorado and Wyoming. The South region includes Kansas and all properties south of Kansas and west of the Mississippi river including the Anadarko Woodford and Arkoma Woodford plays in Oklahoma. The East region consists of properties east of the Mississippi river including the Illinois Basin and the state of Michigan.

Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Continental and its wholly owned subsidiaries after all significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

This report has been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) applicable to interim financial information. Because this is an interim period filing presented using a condensed format, it does not include all of the disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”), although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information not misleading. You should read this Form 10-Q along with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20092010 (“20092010 Form 10-K”), which includes a summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies and other disclosures.

The financial statements as of March 31, 20102011 and for the three month periods ended March 31, 20102011 and 20092010 are unaudited. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheetcondensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 20092010 was derived from the audited balance sheet filed in the 20092010 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 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 of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant of the estimates and assumptions that affect reported results is the estimate of the Company’s crude oil and natural gas reserves, which is used to compute depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment on producing 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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of AmericaU.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 the entire year.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventoriesmarket and consist of the following:

 

In thousands  March 31, 2010  December 31, 2009  March 31, 2011   December 31, 2010 

Tubular goods and equipment

  $12,364  $12,044  $23,533    $16,306  

Crude oil

   14,710   14,667   28,715     22,056  
              
  $27,074  $26,711  $52,248    $38,362  

As of March 31, 2010, our total crudeCrude oil inventory of 347,000 barrels valued at $14.7 million consisted of approximately 267,000 barrels of line fill requirements and 80,000 barrels of temporarily stored crude oil. As of December 31, 2009, our total crude oil inventory of 398,000 barrels valued at $14.7 million consisted of approximately 253,000 barrels of line fill requirements and 145,000 barrels of temporarily stored crude oil. Inventories,inventories, including line fill, are valued at the lower of cost or market using the FIFOfirst-in, first-out inventory method. Crude oil inventories consist of the following volumes:

In barrels

  March 31, 2011   December 31, 2010 

Crude oil line fill requirements

   272,000     257,000  

Temporarily stored crude oil

   205,000     148,000  
          
   477,000     405,000  

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – continued

Earnings per common share

Basic earningsnet income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earningsnet income (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution of non-vested restricted stock awards and dilutive stock options, which are calculated using the treasury stock method as if thesethe awards and options were exercised. The following is the calculation of basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding and income (loss) per share computations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009:

   Three months ended March 31, 
   2010  2009 
In thousands, except per share data       

Income (loss) (numerator):

    

Net income (loss) - basic and diluted

  $72,465  $(26,613
         

Weighted average shares (denominator):

    

Weighted average shares - basic

   168,855   168,467  

Restricted shares

   662   —    

Employee stock options

   303   —    
         

Weighted average shares - diluted

   169,820   168,467  

Income (loss) per share:

    

Basic

  $0.43  $(0.16

Diluted

  $0.43  $(0.16

The potential dilutive effect of 316,000 weighted average restricted shares and 420,000 weighted average stock options were not considered in dilutednet income (loss) per share for the three months ended March 31, 2009,2011 and 2010:

   Three months ended March 31, 
   2011   2010 
   In thousands, except per share data 

Income (loss) (numerator):

    

Net income (loss) - basic and diluted

  $(137,201  $72,465  
          

Weighted average shares (denominator):

    

Weighted average shares - basic

   171,729     168,855  

Restricted shares

   —       662  

Employee stock options

   —       303  
          

Weighted average shares - diluted

   171,729     169,820  

Net income (loss) per share:

    

Basic

  $(0.80  $0.43  

Diluted

  $(0.80  $0.43  

The potential dilutive effect of 678,000 weighted average restricted shares and 103,000 weighted average stock options were not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2011 because to do so would have been anti-dilutive.

New accounting standardsReclassification

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06,Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820)–Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements, which requires new disclosures and clarifies existing disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. The new standard requires additional disclosures related to (i) the amounts of significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and the reasons for the transfers, (ii) the reasons for any transfers in or out of Level 3 measurements, and (iii) the presentation of information in the rollforward of recurring Level 3 measurements about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements on a gross basis. The new standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosure requirements related to the gross presentation of purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the Level 3 rollforward. Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. The Company adopted the applicable provisions of this new standard on January 1, 2010 and has included the required disclosures inNote 5–Fair Value Measurements.

Reclassifications

CertainA prior year amounts haveamount has been reclassified on the condensed consolidated financial statements to conform to the 20102011 presentation. On the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets asstatements of Decembercash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2009,2010, the line item “Derivatives”“Gain on sale of assets” was included in “Joint interest and other,“Other, net” and has been shown separately in this report to conform to the 20102011 presentation.

Note 3. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

NetThe following table discloses supplemental cash provided by operating activities reflectsflow information about cash paid for interest payments of $2.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and $4.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009. During the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Company received cash payments of $1.3 million for refunds of income taxes paid. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, the Company received cash payments of $1.9 million for refunds of income taxes paid. Non-cashtaxes. Also disclosed is information about investing activities include asset retirement obligations of $0.5 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.that affects recognized liabilities but does not result in cash receipts or payments.

   Three months ended March 31, 
   2011   2010 
   In thousands 

Supplemental cash flow information:

    

Cash paid for interest

  $15,908    $2,263  

Cash paid for income taxes

  $90    $14  

Cash received for income tax refunds

  $—      $(1,285

Non-cash investing activities:

    

Asset retirement obligations

  $513    $456  

Note 4. Derivative ContractsInstruments

The Company is required to recognize all derivative instruments on the balance sheet as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value. The Company electedhas not to designatedesignated its derivativesderivative instruments as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes and, as a result, markedmarks its derivative instruments to fair value and recognizedrecognizes the realized and unrealized changechanges in fair value on derivative instruments in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations under the caption “Gain (loss) on mark-to-market derivative instruments.instruments, net.

We haveThe Company has utilized swap and collar derivative contracts to hedge against the variability in cash flows associated with the forecasted sale of our 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 may limitlimits future revenues from favorable price movements.

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – continued

During the three months ended March 31, 2010, we2011, the Company entered into several new swap and collar derivative contracts covering a portion of ourits crude oil and natural gas production for 20102011, 2012 and 2011.2013. The new contracts were entered into in the normalordinary course of business and we expect tothe Company may enter into additional similar contracts during the year. None of the new contracts have been designated for hedge accounting.

With respect to a fixed price swap contract, the counterparty is required to make a payment to usthe Company if the settlement price for any settlement period is less than the swap price, and we arethe 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 basis swap contract, which guarantees a price differential between the NYMEX posted prices and those of ourthe Company’s physical pricing points, we receivethe Company receives a payment from the counterparty if the settled price differential is greater than the stated terms of the contract and we paythe Company pays the counterparty if the settled price differential is less than the stated terms of the contract. For a collar contract, the counterparty is required to make a payment to usthe Company if the settlement price for any settlement period is below the floor price, we arethe Company is required to make 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 equal to or greater thanbetween the floor price and equal to or less than the ceiling price.

All of ourthe Company’s derivative contracts are carried at their fair value on ourthe condensed consolidated balance sheets under the captions “Receivables, Derivatives”“Derivative assets”, “Noncurrent derivatives receivable”derivative assets”, “Derivative liabilities”, and “Accrued liabilities and other.”“Noncurrent derivative liabilities”. Derivative assets and liabilities with the same counterparty and subject to contractual terms which provide for net settlement are reported on a net basis on ourthe condensed consolidated balance sheets. Substantially all of ourthe crude oil and natural gas derivative contracts are settled based upon reported prices on the NYMEX. The estimated fair value of these contracts is based upon various factors, including closing exchange prices on the NYMEX, over-the-counter quotations, and, in the case of collars, volatility and the time value of options. The calculation of the fair value of collars requires the use of an option-pricing model. SeeNote 5. Fair Value Measurements.

At March 31, 2010, we2011, the Company had outstanding contracts with respect to our future production as set forth in the tables below that include the new swap and collar contracts entered into during the first quarter of 2010.below.

Crude Oil

 

  Volume in
MBbls
  Swaps
Weighted
Average
  Collars
  Floors  Ceilings

Period and Type of Contract

  Range  Weighted
Average
  Range  Weighted
Average
  Bbls   Swaps
Weighted
Average
   Collars 

April 2010 - June 2010

            

Period and Type of Contract

  Floors   Ceilings 
Bbls   Swaps
Weighted
Average
   Range   Weighted
Average
   Range   Weighted
Average
 
        

Swaps

  865  $82.26                

Collars

  910   —    $70-$78  $75.25  $88.75-$96.40  $92.23   2,593,500      $75-$80    $79.39    $89.00-$97.25    $91.27  

July 2010 - December 2010

            

July 2011 - September 2011

            

Swaps

  828   84.22           460,000    $85.64          

Collars

  2,760   —    $75-$78   76.00  $88.75-$96.75   93.43   2,622,000     ��$75-$80    $79.39    $89.00-$97.25    $91.27  

January 2011 - March 2011

            

October 2011 - December 2011

            

Swaps

  225   84.55           644,000    $86.25          

Collars

  765   —    $75-$80   76.47  $88.65-$95.00   90.66   2,622,000      $75-$80    $79.39    $89.00-$97.25    $91.27  

April 2011 - December 2011

            

January 2012 - December 2012

            

Swaps

   8,235,000    $88.36          

Collars

  2,338   —    $75-$80   77.94  $89.00-$89.35   89.21   5,332,620      $80    $80.00    $93.25-$97.00    $94.71  

January 2013 - December 2013

            

Swaps

   5,110,000    $88.63          

Collars

   7,847,500      $80-$95    $85.98    $92.30-$101.70    $98.20  

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – continued

Natural Gas

 

Period and Type of Contract

  Volume in
MMMBtus
  Swaps
Weighted
Average

April 2010 - June 2010

    

Swaps

  3,757  $6.09

July 2010 - September 2010

    

Swaps

  3,778   6.09

October 2010 - December 2010

    

Swaps

  3,778   6.09

January 2011 - December 2011

    

Swaps

  11,863   6.36

Natural Gas Basis Centerpoint East

Period and Type of Contract

  Volume in
MMMBtus
  Swaps
Weighted
Average
 

April 2010 - December 2010

    

Basis swaps

  5,400  $(0.62

Period and Type of Contract

  MMBtus   Swaps
Weighted
Average
 

April 2011 - June 2011

    

Swaps

   6,597,500    $5.44  

July 2011 - September 2011

    

Swaps

   6,900,000    $5.42  

October 2011 - December 2011

    

Swaps

   7,222,000    $5.40  

January 2012 - December 2012

    

Swaps

   3,660,000    $5.07  

Derivative Fair Value Gain (Loss)

The following table presents information about the components of derivative fair value gain (loss) for the following periods presented. The Company did not have any derivative contracts at March 31, 2009 or for the three months ended March 31, 2009.

 

  Three months ended March 31,   Three months ended March 31, 
In thousands  2010 
  2011 2010 
  In thousands 

Realized gain (loss) on derivatives:

     

Crude oil fixed price swaps

  $2,531    $(3,095 $2,531  

Crude oil collars

   (10,247  —    

Natural gas fixed price swaps

   2,722     8,126    2,722  

Natural gas basis swaps

   (961   —      (961

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:

  

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives

   

Crude oil fixed price swaps

   (6,762   (165,043  (2,213

Crude oil collars

   (195,088  (4,549

Natural gas fixed price swaps

   28,326     (3,956  28,326  

Natural gas basis swaps

   488     —      488  
           

Gain on mark-to-market derivative instruments

  $26,344  

Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net

  $(369,303 $26,344  

The table below provides data about the fair value of derivatives that are not accounted for using hedge accounting. Our derivative contracts are carried at their fair value on our consolidated balance sheets under the captions “Receivables, Derivatives”, “Noncurrent derivatives receivable” and “Accrued liabilities and other.”

 

  March 31, 2010  December 31, 2009   March 31, 2011 December 31, 2010 
  Assets  (Liabilities) Net  Assets  (Liabilities) Net   Assets   (Liabilities) Net Assets   (Liabilities) Net 

In thousands

  Fair
Value
  Fair
Value
 Fair
Value
  Fair
Value
  Fair
Value
 Fair
Value
   Fair
Value
   Fair
Value
 Fair
Value
 Fair
Value
   Fair
Value
 Fair
Value
 

Commodity swaps and collars

  $20,507  $(544 $19,963  $2,218  $(4,307 $(2,089  $17,409    $(549,842 $(532,433 $21,365    $(189,711 $(168,346

Note 5. Fair Value Measurements

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06,Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820)–Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements, which requires new disclosures and clarifies existing disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. The Company adopted the applicable provisions of this new standard on January 1, 2010 and has included the required disclosures below, as applicable.

The Company is required to calculate fair value based on a hierarchy which prioritizes the inputinputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted market prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, which are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. As Level 1 inputs generally provide the most reliable evidence of fair value, the Company uses Level 1 inputs when available.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Certain assets and liabilities are reported at fair value on a recurring basis. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the fair

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – continued

value of our assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. In determining the fair value of our fixed price swaps and basis swaps, due to the unavailability of relevant comparable market data for ourthe Company’s exact contracts, a discounted cash flow method is used. The discounted cash flow method estimates future cash flows based on quoted market prices for future commodity prices, observable inputs relating to basis differentials and a risk-adjusted discount rate. The fair value of fixed price swaps and basis swap derivatives is calculated using mainly significant observable inputs (Level 2). The calculation of the fair value of our collar contracts requires the use of an option-pricing model with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). The valuation modelsmodel for option derivative contracts are primarilyis an industry-standard modelsmodel that considerconsiders various inputs including: (a) quoted forward prices for commodities, (b) time value, (c) volatility factors, and (d) current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. The Company’s calculation for each position is then compared to the counterparty valuation for reasonableness.

The following table summarizestables summarize the valuation of financial instruments by pricing levels that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2010.2011. Further, there were no transfers in and/or out of Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2010.

2011.

  Fair value measurements at March 31, 2010 using     Fair value measurements at March 31, 2011 using:   

Description

  Level 1  Level 2 Level 3 Total   Level 1   Level 2 Level 3 Total 
In thousands           
  in thousands 

Derivative assets (liabilities):

        

Fixed price swaps

  $—    $29,894   $—     $29,894    $—      $(233,927 $—     $(233,927

Basis swaps

   —     (2,107  —      (2,107

Collars

   —     —      (7,824  (7,824   —       —      (298,506  (298,506
                           

Total

  $—    $27,787   $(7,824 $19,963    $—      $(233,927 $(298,506 $(532,433

   Fair value measurements at December 31, 2010 using:    

Description

  Level 1   Level 2  Level 3  Total 
   in thousands 

Derivative assets (liabilities):

  

Fixed price swaps

  $—      $(64,928 $—     $(64,928

Collars

   —       —      (103,418  (103,418
                  

Total

  $—      $(64,928 $(103,418 $(168,346

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the indicated period:periods:

 

In thousands

  2010 

Balance at December 31, 2009

  $(3,275

Total realized or unrealized gains (losses):

  

Included in earnings

   (4,549

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

   —    

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, net

   —    

Transfers into Level 3

   —    

Transfers out of Level 3

   —    
     

Balance at March 31, 2010

  $(7,824

Change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to derivatives still held at March 31, 2010

  $(4,549
   2011  2010 
   In thousands 

Balance at January 1

  $(103,418 $(3,275

Total realized or unrealized losses:

   

Included in earnings

   (195,088  (4,549

Included in other comprehensive income

   —      —    

Purchases

   —      —    

Sales

   —      —    

Issuances

   —      —    

Settlements

   —      —    

Transfers into Level 3

   —      —    

Transfers out of Level 3

   —      —    
         

Balance at March 31

  $(298,506 $(7,824

Change in unrealized losses relating to derivatives still held at March 31

  $(196,675 $(4,549

Gains and losses (realized and unrealized) included in earnings for the three monthsmonth periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 attributable to the change in unrealized gains and losses relating to derivatives held at March 31, 2011 and 2010 are reported in revenues.“Revenues – Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net”.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Certain assets and liabilities 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.values for those assets and liabilities.

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – continued

Asset Impairments – Proved crude oil and natural gas properties are reviewed for impairment when events and circumstances indicate a possible decline in the recoverability of the carrying value of such property. The estimated future cash flows expected in connection with the property are compared to the carrying amount of the property to determine if the carrying amount is recoverable. If the carrying amount of the property exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, the carrying amount of the property is reduced to its estimated fair value. Due to the unavailability of relevant comparable market data, a discounted cash flow method is used.used to determine the fair value of proved properties. The discounted cash flow method estimates future cash flows based on management’s expectations for the future and includes 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). Higher amortization

Non-producing crude oil and natural gas properties, which primarily consist of undeveloped leasehold costs and costs associated with the purchase of proved undeveloped reserves, are assessed for impairment on a property-by-property basis for individually significant balances, if any, and on an aggregate basis by prospect for individually insignificant balances. If the assessment indicates an impairment, a loss is recognized by providing a valuation allowance at the level consistent with the level at which impairment was assessed. The impairment assessment is affected by economic factors such as the results of exploration activities, commodity price outlooks, remaining lease terms, and potential shifts in business strategy employed by management. For individually insignificant non-producing properties, the amount of the impairment loss recognized is determined by amortizing the portion of the properties’ costs in our existing fields, capital constraints,which management estimates will not be transferred to proved properties over the life of the lease based on experience of successful drilling and amortization of new fields resulted in impairmentthe average holding period. The fair value of non-producing properties of $14.2 million and $9.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.is calculated using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

As a result of changes in reserves and the forwardcommodity futures price strip, developed crude oil and natural gasstrips, proved properties were reviewed for impairment at March 31, 20102011. No impairment provisions were recorded for the Company’s proved crude oil and 2009 and the Company determined that the carrying amount of certain fields were not recoverable from future cash flows and, therefore, were impaired. The affected fields had no fair value at March 31, 2010, resulting in $1.0 million of developed property impairmentsnatural gas properties for the three months ended March 31, 2010, which2011. For that period, future cash flows were determined to be in excess of cost basis, therefore no impairment was necessary. Certain non-producing properties were impaired at March 31, 2011, reflecting amortization of leasehold costs. The following table sets forth the pre-tax non-cash impairments of both proved and non-producing properties for the indicated periods. Proved and non-producing property impairments are recorded under the caption “Property impairments” in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. The affected fields at March 31, 2009, had fair value of $13.1 million, resulting in $26.0 million of developed property impairments for the first quarter of 2009.

   Three months ended March 31, 
   2011   2010 
   In thousands 

Proved property impairments

  $—      $976  

Non-producing property impairments

   20,848     14,199  
          

Total

  $20,848    $15,175  

Asset Retirement Obligations – The fair value of asset retirement obligations (AROs) is estimated based on discounted cash flow projections using numerous estimates, assumptions and judgments regarding such factors as the existence of a legal obligation for an ARO;ARO, estimated probabilities, amounts and timing of settlements;settlements, the credit-adjusted risk-free rate to be used;used, and inflation rates. The fair valuevalues of ARO additions were $0.6 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, was $0.4 million,respectively, which isare reflected in the caption “Asset retirement obligation,obligations, net of current portion” in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The fair values of AROs are calculated using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value

The following table sets forth the fair valuevalues of financial instruments that are not recorded at fair value in ourthe condensed consolidated financial statements.

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries

   March 31, 2010  December 31, 2009
In thousands  Carrying
Amount
  Fair Value  Carrying
Amount
  Fair Value

Long-term debt

        

Revolving credit facility

  $198,000  $198,000  $226,000  $226,000

8 1/4% Senior Notes due 2019

   297,565   318,870   297,524   315,750
                

Total

  $495,565  $516,870  $523,524  $541,750
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – continued

   March 31, 2011   December 31, 2010 

In thousands

  Carrying
Amount
   Fair Value   Carrying
Amount
   Fair Value 

Long-term debt

        

Revolving credit facility

  $—      $—      $30,000    $30,000  

8 1/4% Senior Notes due 2019(1)

   297,740     329,380     297,696     331,500  

7 3/8% Senior Notes due 2020(2)

   198,325     215,750     198,295     213,000  

7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2021(3)

   400,000     426,173     400,000     419,333  
                    

Total

  $896,065    $971,303    $925,991    $993,833  

(1)The carrying amount is net of discounts of $2.3 million at both March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
(2)The carrying amount is net of discounts of $1.7 million at both March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
(3)The notes were sold at par and are recorded at 100% of face value.

The fair value of the revolving credit facility approximates its carrying value based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for bank loans with similar terms and maturities. The fair valuevalues of the 8 1/4% Senior Notes due 2019, isthe 7 3/8% Senior Notes due 2020 and the 7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2021 are based on quoted market prices.

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 thesethose instruments.

Note 6. Long-termLong-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

  March 31,
2010
  December 31,
2009
In thousands        March 31, 2011   December 31, 2010 

Revolving credit facility

  $198,000  $226,000  $—      $30,000  

8 1/4% Senior Notes due 2019(1)

   297,565   297,524   297,740     297,696  

7 3/8% Senior Notes due 2020(2)

   198,325     198,295  

7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2021(3)

   400,000     400,000  
              

Total long-term debt

  $495,565  $523,524  $896,065    $925,991  

 

(1)ThisThe carrying amount is net of discounts on long-term debt of ($2.4) million and ($2.5)$2.3 million at both March 31, 20102011 and December 31, 2009, respectively.2010.
(2)The carrying amount is net of discounts of $1.7 million at both March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
(3)The notes were sold at par and are recorded at 100% of face value.

Revolving credit facility

The Company had $198.0 million and $226.0 million in long-termno debt outstanding at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively,2011 on its revolving credit facility due April 11, 2011.July 1, 2015. At December 31, 2010, the Company had $30.0 million of outstanding borrowings on its revolving credit facility. The credit facility has aggregate commitments of $750 million and a borrowing base of $1.5 billion, subject to semi-annual redetermination. The terms of the facility provide that the commitment level can be increased up to the lesser of the borrowing base then in effect or $2.5 billion. Borrowings under the facility bear interest, payable quarterly, at a rate per annum equal to the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) for one, two, three or six months, as elected by the Company, plus a margin ranging from 175 to 250275 basis points, depending on the percentage of itsthe borrowing base utilized, or the lead bank’s reference rate (prime). The revolving credit facility has plus a maximum facility amountmargin ranging from 75 to 175 basis points. Borrowings are secured by the Company’s interest in at least 85% (by value) of $750.0 millionall of its proved reserves and a borrowing base of $1.0 billion, subject to semi-annual re-determination. The commitment level was increased from $672.5 million to $750.0 million in June 2009. Under the terms of the revolving credit facility, the commitment level can be increased up to the lesser of the borrowing base or the note amount subject to bank agreement. The Company’s weighted average interest rate on this debt was 2.15% at March 31, 2010.associated crude oil and natural gas properties.

The Company had $551.1$747.6 million of unused commitments (after considering outstanding letters of credit) under theits revolving credit facility at March 31, 20102011 and incurs commitment fees of 0.25% to 0.375%0.50% per annum of the daily average excessamount of the commitment amount over the outstandingunused borrowing availability. The credit balance. The revolving credit facilityagreement contains certain restrictive covenants including a requirement that the Company maintain a Current Ratiocurrent ratio of not less than 1.0 to 1.0 (inclusive of availability under the revolving credit facility) and a Total Funded Debtratio of total funded debt to EBITDAX as such terms are defined in the credit agreement, of no greater than 3.75 to 1.0. As defined by the credit agreement, the current ratio represents the ratio of current assets to current liabilities, inclusive of available borrowing capacity under the credit agreement and exclusive of current balances associated with derivative contracts and asset retirement obligations. EBITDAX represents earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion, property impairments, exploration expenses, unrealized derivative gains

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – continued

and losses and non-cash equity compensation expense. EBITDAX is not a measure of net income or cash flows as determined by GAAP. A reconciliation of net income to EBITDAX is provided inPart I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Non-GAAP Financial Measures. The total funded debt to EBITDAX ratio represents the sum of outstanding borrowings and letters of credit on the revolving credit facility plus the Company’s senior note obligations, divided by total EBITDAX for the most recent four quarters. The Company was in compliance with theseall covenants at March 31, 2010.2011.

Senior Notes

The 8 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2019 – On September 23, 2009, the Company issued Senior Notes due 2019 (the “Notes”“2019 Notes”), which carry a coupon rate of 8.25%the 7 3/8% Senior Notes due 2020 (the “2020 Notes”), and were sold at a discount (99.16% of par), which equates to an effective yield to maturity of approximately 8.375%. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $289.7 million after deducting the underwriters’ discounts and offering expenses. The net proceeds were used to repay a portion of7 1/8% Senior Notes due 2021 (the “2021 Notes”) (collectively, the borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility.

The Notes“Notes”) will mature on October 1, 2019, October 1, 2020, and interest is payableApril 1, 2021, respectively. Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually on each April 1 and October 1 beginningof each year, with interest on the 2021 Notes having commenced on April 1, 2010.2011. The Company has the option to redeem all or a portion of the 2019 Notes, 2020 Notes, and 2021 Notes at any time on or after October 1, 2014, October 1, 2015, and April 1, 2016, respectively, at the redemption priceprices specified in the Indenture dated September 23, 2009 (the “Indenture”Notes’ respective indentures (together, the “Indentures”) plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company may also redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at athe “make-whole” redemption priceprices specified in the Indenture,Indentures plus accrued and unpaid interest at any time prior to October 1, 2014.2014, October 1, 2015, and April 1, 2016 for the 2019 Notes, 2020 Notes, and 2021 Notes, respectively. In addition, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the 2019 Notes, 2020 Notes, and 2021 Notes prior to October 1, 2012, October 1, 2013, and April 1, 2014, respectively, under certain circumstances with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings. The Indenture containsNotes are not subject to any mandatory redemption or sinking fund requirements.

The Indentures contain certain restrictions on ourthe Company’s ability to incur additional debt, pay dividends on our common stock, make certain investments, create certain liens on our assets, engage in certain transactions with our affiliates, transfer or sell certain assets, consolidate or merge, or sell substantially all of ourthe Company’s assets. These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as ofat March 31, 2010. The Notes are not subject to any sinking fund requirements. Our subsidiary,2011. One of the Company’s subsidiaries, Banner Pipeline Company, L.L.C., which currently has no independent assets or operations, fully and unconditionally guarantees this debt.the Notes. The Company’s other subsidiary, whose assets and operations are minor, does not guarantee the Notes.

Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies

Drilling Commitments.commitments – As of March 31, 2010,2011, the Company had onevarious drilling contract that expiresrig contracts with various terms extending through June 2012. These contracts were entered into in August 2011. This commitment isthe ordinary course of business to ensure rig availability to allow the Company to execute its business objectives in its key strategic plays. These drilling commitments are not recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Future commitments as of March 31, 2011 total approximately $65 million, of which $57 million is for contracts that expire in 2011 and $8 million is for contracts that expire in 2012.

Fracturing and well stimulation services arrangement – In August 2010, the Company entered into an agreement with a third party whereby the third party will provide, on a take-or-pay basis, hydraulic fracturing services and related equipment to service certain of the Company’s properties in North Dakota and Montana. The arrangement has a term of three years, beginning in October 2010, with two one-year extensions available to the Company at its discretion. Pursuant to the take-or-pay arrangement, the Company is to pay a fixed rate per day for a minimum number of days per calendar quarter over the three-year term regardless of whether or not the services are $12.3provided. The arrangement also stipulates that the Company will bear the cost of certain products and materials used. Fixed commitments amount to $4.9 million per quarter, or $19.5 million annually, for total future commitments of $58.5 million over the three-year term. Future commitments remaining as of March 31, 2011 amount to $48.7 million. The commitments under this arrangement are not recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Delivery commitments –In 2010, the Company signed a throughput and deficiency agreement with a third party crude oil pipeline company committing to ship 10,000 barrels of crude oil per day for five years at a tariff of $1.85 per barrel. The third party system is scheduled to commence operations late in the second quarter of 2011. The Company will use this system to move some of its North region crude oil to market.

Employee retirement plan.plan – The Company maintains a defined contribution retirement plan for its employees and makes discretionary contributions to the plan, up to the contribution limits established by the Internal Revenue Service, based on a percentage of each eligible employee’s compensation. During the three months ended March 31, 2010, and the year ended December 31, 2009, contributions to the plan were 5% of eligible employees’ compensation, excluding bonuses. ExpenseEffective January 1, 2011, the Company’s contributions to the plan represent 3% of eligible employees’ compensation, including bonuses, in addition to matching 50% of eligible employees’ contributions up to 6%. Expenses associated with the plan amounted to $0.9 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Continental Resources, Inc. and 2009 was $0.3 million.Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – continued

Employee health claims.claims – The Company self insuresself-insures employee health claims up to the first $125,000 per employee.employee per year. The Company self insuresself-insures employee workers’ compensation claims up to the first $250,000 per employee.employee per claim. Any amounts paid above these levels are reinsured through third-party providers. The Company accrues for claims that have been incurred but not yet reported based on a review of claims filed versus expected claims based on claims history. At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, theThe accrued liability for health and worker’sworkers’ compensation claims was $1.2$2.1 million and $1.3$1.9 million at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

Litigation.Litigation – In November 2010, a putative class action was filed against the Company alleging the Company improperly deducted post-production costs from royalties paid to plaintiffs and other royalty interest owners from crude oil and natural gas wells located in Oklahoma. The plaintiffs seek recovery of compensatory damages, interest, punitive damages and attorney fees on behalf of the putative class. The Company has responded to the petition, denied the allegations and raised a number of affirmative defenses. The action is in very preliminary stages and discovery has recently commenced. As such, the Company is not able to estimate what impact, if any, the action will have on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company is involved in various other legal proceedings insuch as commercial disputes, claims from royalty and surface owners, property damage claims, personal injury claims and similar matters. While the normal courseoutcome of business, none of which, inthese legal matters cannot be predicted with certainty, the opinion of management, will individually or collectivelyCompany does not expect them to have a material adverse effect on theits financial position orcondition, results of operations of the Company.or cash flows. As of March 31, 20102011 and December 31, 2009,2010, the Company has providedrecorded a reserveliability in “Other noncurrent liabilities” of $2.7$4.5 million and $4.6 million, respectively, for various matters, none of which are believed to be individually significant.

Environmental Risk.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.

Note 8. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has granted stock options and restricted stock to employees and directors pursuant to the Continental Resources, Inc. 2000 Stock Option Plan (“2000 Plan”) and the Continental Resources, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2005 Plan”) as discussed below. The Company’s associated compensation expense, which is included in generalthe caption “General and administrative expense was $2.9 millionexpenses” in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations, is reflected in the table below for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009.periods presented.

   Three months ended March 31, 
   2011   2010 
   In thousands 

Non-cash equity compensation

  $3,642    $2,852  

Stock Options

Effective October 1, 2000, the Company adopted the 2000 Plan and granted stock options to certain eligible employees. These grants consisted of either incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options or a combination of both. The granted stock options vest ratably over either a three or five-year period commencing on the first anniversary of the grant date and expire ten years from the date of grant. On November 10, 2005, the 2000 Plan was terminated. As of March 31, 2010,2011, options covering 2,005,9732,213,193 shares had been exercised and 478,496535,893 had been cancelled.canceled.

The Company’s stock option activity under the 2000 Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was as follows:2011 is presented below:

 

   Outstanding  Exercisable
   Number
of options
  Weighted
average
exercise
price
  Number
of options
  Weighted
average
exercise
price

Outstanding December 31, 2009

  312,190   $1.06  312,190   $1.06

Exercised

  (4,500  0.71  (4,500  0.71
          

Outstanding March 31, 2010

  307,690    1.06  307,690    1.06
   Outstanding   Exercisable 
   Number of
stock options
  Weighted
average
exercise
price
   Number of
stock options
 ��Weighted
average
exercise
price
 

Outstanding at December 31, 2010

   104,970   $0.71     104,970   $0.71  

Exercised

   (4,500  0.71     (4,500  0.71  
            

Outstanding at March 31, 2011

   100,470    0.71     100,470    0.71  

The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – continued

price of the stock option at its exercise date. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 20102011 was approximately $0.2$0.3 million. At March 31, 2010,2011, all stock options were exercisable and had a weighted average remaining life of 1.1 years1.0 year with an aggregate intrinsic value of $12.8$7.1 million.

Restricted Stock

On October 3, 2005, the Company adopted the 2005 Plan and reserved a maximum of 5,500,000 shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to the 2005 Plan. As of March 31, 2010,2011, the Company had 3,291,5602,955,988 shares of restricted stock available to grant to directors, officers and key employees under the 2005 Plan. Restricted stock is awarded in the name of the recipient and except for the right of disposal, constitutes issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock for all corporate purposes during the period of restriction including the right to receive dividends, subject to forfeiture. Restricted stock grants generally vest over periods ranging from one to three years.

The Company began issuing shares of restricted common stock to employees and non-employee directors in October 2005. A summary of changes in the non-vested shares of restricted stock for the three months ended March 31, 2010,2011 is presented below:

 

  Number of
non-vested
shares
 Weighted
average
grant-date
fair value
  Number of
non-vested
shares
 Weighted
average
grant-date
fair value
 

Non-vested restricted shares at December 31, 2009

  1,126,821   $26.55

Non-vested restricted shares at December 31, 2010

   1,108,077   $35.72  

Granted

  21,723    38.21   47,480    68.31  

Vested

  (21,006  25.40   (21,036  29.36  

Forfeited

  (19,407  28.28   (1,948  35.51  
          

Non-vested restricted shares at March 31, 2010

  1,108,131    26.77

Non-vested restricted shares at March 31, 2011

   1,132,573    37.21  

The fair value of restricted stock represents the average of the high and low intraday market prices 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. 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 the restricted sharesstock that vested during the three months ended March 31, 20102011 at theirthe vesting date was $0.9$1.3 million. As of March 31, 2010,2011, there was $16.9$27.4 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted shares.stock. The expense is expected to be recognized ratably over a weighted average period of 1.41.5 years.

Note 9. Subsequent EventSale of Common Stock

On April 5, 2010,March 9, 2011, the Company and certain selling shareholders completed a public offering of an aggregate of 10,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, including 9,170,000 shares issued $200 millionand sold by the Company and 830,000 shares sold by the selling shareholders, at a price of  3/8% Senior Notes due 2020 (the “2020 Notes”)$68.00 per share ($65.45 per share, net of the underwriting discount). The 2020 Notes, which carrynet proceeds to the Company from the offering amounted to approximately $599.8 million after deducting the underwriting discount and offering-related expenses. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling shareholders. In connection with the offering, the Company granted the underwriters a coupon rate30-day overallotment option to purchase up to an additional 1,500,000 shares of 7.375%, were soldcommon stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount, to cover overallotments, if any.

On March 25, 2011, the Company completed the sale of an additional 910,000 shares of its common stock at a discount (99.105%price of par), which equates to an effective yield to maturity$68.00 per share ($65.45 per share, net of approximately 7.5%.the underwriting discount) in connection with the underwriters’ partial exercise of the overallotment option granted by the Company. The Company received additional net proceeds of approximately $194.2$59.5 million, after deducting the initial purchasers’ discountsunderwriting discount, from the partial exercise of approximately $1.8 million and initial purchasers’ feesthe overallotment option. The selling shareholders did not participate in the partial exercise of approximately $4.0 million. the overallotment option.

The net proceeds wereCompany used to repay a portion of the borrowingstotal net proceeds from the offering to repay all amounts outstanding under ourits revolving credit facility.facility and expects to use the remaining net proceeds to accelerate the Company’s multi-year drilling program by funding its increased 2011 capital budget.

Note 10. Asset Disposition

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – continued

In March 2011, the Company assigned certain non-strategic leaseholds located in the state of Michigan to a third party for cash proceeds of $22.0 million. In connection with the transaction, the Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $15.3 million. The 2020 Notes will mature on October 1, 2020,assignment involved undeveloped acreage with no proved reserves and interestno production or revenues.

Note 11. Commercial Property Transaction with Related Party

On March 18, 2011, the Company executed an agreement to acquire ownership of 20 Broadway Associates LLC (“20 Broadway”), an entity wholly owned by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and principal shareholder. 20 Broadway’s sole asset is payable onan office building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where the 2020 Notes semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing on October 1, 2010.Company intends to locate its corporate headquarters in 2012. The Company has the option to redeem all or a portion of the 2020 Notes at any time on or after October 1, 2015 at the redemption prices specified in the Indenture dated April 5, 2010 (the “2010 Indenture”) plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company may also redeem the 2020 Notes, in whole or in part, at a “make-whole” redemption price specified in the 2010 Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, at any time prior to October 1, 2015. In addition, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the 2020 Notes prior to October 1, 2013 under certain circumstances with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings.

The 2010 Indenture contains certain restrictions on our ability to incur additional debt, pay dividends on our common stock, make certain investments, create certain liens on our assets, engage in certain transactions with our affiliates, transfer or sell certain assets, consolidate or merge, or sell substantially all of our assets. These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications. The 2020 Notes are not subject to any sinking fund requirements. Our sole subsidiary,paid approximately $22.9 million for 20 Broadway, which currently has no independent assets or operations, fully and unconditionally guarantees this debt.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements and information in this report may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this report, regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used in this report, the words “could,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements described under the heading “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current belief, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, certain statements incorporated by reference or included in this report constitute forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements may include statements about our:

business strategy;

reserves;

technology;

financial strategy;

crude oil and natural gas prices;

timing and amount of future production of crude oil and natural gas;

is the amount naturethe Company’s principal shareholder initially paid to acquire the office building in Oklahoma City, including the related commissions and timing of capital expenditures;

drilling of wells;

competition and government regulations;

marketing of crude oil and natural gas;

exploitation or property acquisitions;

costs of exploiting and developing our properties and conducting other operations;

general economic conditions;

credit markets;

liquidity and access to capital;

uncertainty regarding our future operating results; and

plans, objectives, expectations and intentions contained in this report that are not historical.

We caution you that these forward-looking statements are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control, incident to the exploration for and development, production, and sale of crude oil and natural gas. These risks include, but are not limited to, commodity price volatility, inflation, lack of availability of drilling and production equipment and services, environmental risks, drilling and other operating risks, regulatory changes, the uncertainty inherent in estimating crude oil and natural gas reserves and in projecting future rates of production, cash flows and access to capital, the timing of development expenditures, and the other risks described under “Risk Factors” in this report, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, registration statements filed from time to time with the SEC, 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 hereof. 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. This cautionary statement should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that we or persons acting on our behalf may issue.

Except as otherwise required by applicable law, we disclaim any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualifiedclosing costs. The transaction was approved by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the dateCompany’s Board of this report.

Directors.

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 our historical consolidated financial statements and the notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.2010. Our operating results for the periods discussed may not be indicative of future performance. Statements concerning futureThe following discussion and analysis includes forward-looking statements and should be read in conjunction with “Risk Factors” under Part II, Item 1A of this report, along with “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” at the beginning of this report, for information about the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results areto be materially different than our forward-looking statements.

Overview

We are engaged in crude oil and natural gas exploration, exploitation and production activities 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, the Red River units and the Niobrara play in Colorado and Wyoming. The South region includes Kansas and all properties south of Kansas and west of the Mississippi river including the Anadarko Woodford and Arkoma Woodford plays in Oklahoma. The East region contains properties east of the Mississippi river including the Illinois Basin and the state of Michigan.

We focus our exploration activities in large new or developing plays that provide us the opportunity to acquire undeveloped acreage positions for future drilling operations. We have been successful in targeting large repeatable resource plays where horizontal drilling, advanced fracture stimulation and enhanced recovery technologies provide the means to economically develop and produce crude oil and natural gas reserves from unconventional formations. We derive the majority of our operating income and cash flows from the sale of crude oil and natural gas. We expect that growth in our revenues and operating income and revenues will primarily depend on product prices and our ability to increase our crude oil and natural gas production. In recent months and years, there has been significant volatility in crude oil and natural gas prices due to a variety of factors we cannot control or predict, including political and economic events, weather conditions, and competition from other energy sources. These factors impact supply and demand for crude oil and natural gas, which affects crude oil and natural gas prices. In addition, the prices we realize for our crude oil and natural gas production are affected by location differences in market prices.

For the first three months of 2010,2011, our crude oil and natural gas production increased to 3,4594,650 MBoe (38,428(51,663 Boe per day), up 1461,191 MBoe, or 4%34%, from the first three months of 2009.2010. The increase in 20102011 production was primarily driven by an increase in production from our North Dakota Bakken field.field and Anadarko Woodford play in Oklahoma. Our crude oil and natural gas revenues for the first three months of 20102011 increased 134%50% to $217.1$326.5 million due to a 108%15% increase in realized commodity prices along with increased production compared to the same period in 2009.2010. Our realized price per Boe increased $32.17$9.07 to $62.07$71.14 for the three months ended March 31, 20102011 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2009. We experienced increases in production expense and production tax and other expenses of a combined total of $9.4 million, or 32%, due to an increase in production taxes as a result of increased commodity prices and an increase in workover expense.2010. At various times, we have stored crude oil due to pipeline line fill requirements, low commodity prices, or because of low pricestransportation constraints or we have sold crude oil from inventory. These actions result in differences between our produced and sold crude oil volumes. For the three months ended March 31, 2010,2011, crude oil sales volumes were 60 MBbls less than crude oil production, and crude oil sales volumes were 40 MBbls more than crude oil production and crude oil sales volumes were 216 MBbls less than crude oil production for the same period in 2009.2010. Our cash flows from operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2010,2011 were $190.7$195.6 million, an increase of $150.6$4.9 million from $40.1$190.7 million provided by our operating activities during the comparable 20092010 period. The increase in operating cash flows was primarily due to the increases inincreased crude oil and natural gas revenues as a result of higher commodity prices.prices and sales volumes. During the three months ended March 31, 2010,2011, we invested $187.1$412.8 million (excluding(including increased accruals for capital expenditures of $23.2$31.1 million and including $1.0$4.3 million of seismic costs) in our capital program, concentrating mainly in the North Dakota Bakken field and the Arkoma and Anadarko Woodford play in Oklahoma.

In March 2011, our Board of Directors increased our 2011 capital expenditures budget to $1.75 billion to further accelerate our drilling program and increase our acreage positions in strategic plays andin the Red River units.

United States. Our 2010previous 2011 capital expenditures budget was $1.36 billion. Our revised 2011 capital expenditures budget of $850.0 million$1.75 billion will focus primarily focus on increased development in the North Dakota Bakken field and the Arkoma and Anadarko Woodford shaleplay in western Oklahoma. Due to the volatility of crude oil and natural gas plays in Oklahomaprices and the Red River units, with total operated drilling rigs increasingour desire to as many as 23 by mid-year 2010.diligently develop our substantial inventory of undeveloped reserves, we have hedged a substantial portion of our forecasted production from our estimated proved reserves through 2013. We expect our cash flows from operations, our remaining cash balance, and the availability under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to meet our capital expenditure needs. Continued strength in commodity prices may result in an increase in our actual capital expenditures during 2010; conversely, a significant decline in product prices could result in a decrease in our capital expenditures.needs for the next 12 months.

How We Evaluate Our Operations

We use a variety of financial and operationaloperating 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.EBITDAX (a non-GAAP financial measure).

The following table contains financial and operationaloperating highlights for the periods presented.

   Three Months ended March 31, 
   2010  2009 

Average daily production:

    

Crude oil (Bopd)

   29,121   26,578  

Natural gas (Mcfd)

   55,839   61,382  

Crude oil equivalents (Boepd)

   38,428   36,808  

Average prices:(1)

    

Crude oil ($/Bbl)

  $71.41  $34.99  

Natural gas ($/Mcf)

   5.40   2.98  

Crude oil equivalents ($/Boe)

   62.07   29.90  

Production expense ($/Boe)(1)

   6.46   7.24  

General and administrative expense ($/Boe)(1)

   3.39   3.32  

EBITDAX (in thousands)(2)

   177,959   57,673  

Net income (loss) (in thousands)

   72,465   (26,613

Diluted net income (loss) per share

   0.43   (0.16
   Three months ended March 31, 
   2011  2010 

Average daily production:

   

Crude oil (Bbl per day)

   38,446    29,121  

Natural gas (Mcf per day)

   79,297    55,839  

Crude oil equivalents (Boe per day)

   51,663    38,428  

Average sales prices:(1)

   

Crude oil ($/Bbl)

  $85.34   $71.41  

Natural gas ($/Mcf)

   5.09    5.40  

Crude oil equivalents ($/Boe)

   71.14    62.07  

Production expenses ($/Boe)(1)

   6.38    6.46  

General and administrative expenses ($/Boe)(1) (2)

   3.56    3.39  

Net income (loss) (in thousands)

   (137,201  72,465  

Diluted net income (loss) per share

   (0.80  0.43  

EBITDAX (in thousands)(3)

   268,655    175,583  

 

(1)At various times, we have stored crude oil due to pipeline line fill requirements or because of low prices or we have sold crude oil from inventory. These actions result in differences between our produced and sold crude oil volumes. Crude oilAverage sales volumes were 40 MBbls more than crude oil production for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 216 MBbls less than crude oil production for the three months ended March 31, 2009. Average prices and per unit expenses have been calculated using sales volumes and excludingexclude any effect of derivative transactions.
(2)General and administrative expense ($/Boe) includes non-cash equity compensation expense of $0.79 per Boe and $0.82 per Boe for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
(3)EBITDAX represents earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion, property impairments, exploration expense,expenses, unrealized derivative gains and losses and non-cash equity compensation expense. EBITDAX is not a measure of net income or cash flows as determined by U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of net income to EBITDAX is provided subsequently under the headerheadingNon-GAAP Financial Measures.

Three months ended March 31, 20102011 compared to the three months ended March 31, 20092010

Results of Operations

The following table presents selected financial and operating information for each of the periods presented.

  March 31,   Three months ended March 31, 

In thousands, except volume price data

  2010  2009 
  2011 2010 
  In thousands, except sales price data 

Crude oil and natural gas sales

  $217,124  $92,568    $326,467   $217,124  

Gain on mark-to-market derivative instruments

   26,344   —    

Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net(1)

   (369,303  26,344  

Total revenues

   248,268   96,608     (36,210  248,268  

Operating costs and expenses

   123,739   135,040  

Other expense

   7,654   4,440  

Operating costs and expenses(2)

   166,683    123,739  

Other expenses, net

   18,462    7,654  
              

Income (loss) before income taxes

   116,875   (42,872   (221,355  116,875  

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

   44,410   (16,259   (84,154  44,410  
              

Net income (loss)

  $72,465  $(26,613  $(137,201 $72,465  

Production Volumes:

    

Crude oil (MBbl)

   2,621   2,392  

Production volumes:

   

Crude oil (MBbl)(3)

   3,460    2,621  

Natural gas (MMcf)

   5,026   5,524     7,137    5,026  

Crude oil equivalents (MBoe)

   3,459   3,313     4,650    3,459  

Sales Volumes:

    

Crude oil (MBbl)

   2,661   2,176  

Sales volumes:

   

Crude oil (MBbl)(3)

   3,400    2,661  

Natural gas (MMcf)

   5,026   5,524     7,137    5,026  

Crude oil equivalents (MBoe)

   3,499   3,096     4,589    3,499  

Average Prices:(1)

    

Average sales prices:(4)

   

Crude oil ($/Bbl)

  $71.41  $34.99    $85.34   $71.41  

Natural gas ($/Mcf)

   5.40   2.98    $5.09   $5.40  

Crude oil equivalents ($/Boe)

   62.07   29.90    $71.14   $62.07  

 

(1)Amounts include an unrealized non-cash mark-to-market loss on derivative instruments of $364.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and an unrealized non-cash mark-to-market gain on derivative instruments of $22.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010.
(2)Net of gain on sale of assets of $15.3 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. In March 2011, we assigned certain non-strategic leaseholds in the state of Michigan to a third party for cash proceeds of $22.0 million. In connection with the transaction, we recognized a pre-tax gain of $15.3 million. The assignment involved undeveloped acreage with no proved reserves and no production or revenues.
(3)At various times we have stored crude oil due to pipeline line fill requirements, low commodity prices, or transportation constraints or we have sold crude oil from inventory. These actions result in differences between our produced and sold crude oil volumes. Crude oil sales volumes were 60 MBbls less than crude oil production for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 40 MBbls more than crude oil production for the three months ended March 31, 2010.
(4)Average sales prices have been calculated using sales volumes and excludingexclude any effect of derivative transactions.

Production

The following tables reflect our production by product and region for the periods presented.

 

  Three Months Ended March 31, Volume
increase
(decrease)
  Percent
increase
(decrease)
   Three months ended March 31,   
  2010 2009   2011 2010 Volume
increase
  Percent
increase
 
  Volume  Percent Volume  Percent   Volume   Percent Volume   Percent 

Crude oil (MBbl)

  2,621  76 2,392  72 229   10   3,460     74  2,621     76  839    32

Natural Gas (MMcf)

  5,026  24 5,524  28 (498 (9)%    7,137     26  5,026     24  2,111    42
                                    

Total (MBoe)

  3,459  100 3,313  100 146   4   4,650     100  3,459     100  1,191    34
  Three Months Ended March 31, Volume
increase
(decrease)
  Percent
increase
(decrease)
   Three months ended March 31, Volume
increase
(decrease)
  Percent
increase
(decrease)
 
  2010 2009   2011 2010 
  MBoe  Percent MBoe  Percent   MBoe   Percent MBoe   Percent 

North Region

  2,707  78 2,441  74 266   11   3,660     79  2,707     78  953    35

South Region

  628  18 752  23 (124 (16)%    886     19  628     18  258    41

East Region

  124  4 120  3 4   3   104     2  124     4  (20  (16)% 
                                    

Total (MBoe)

  3,459  100 3,313  100 146   4

Total

   4,650     100  3,459     100  1,191    34

Crude oil production volumes increased 10%32% during the three months ended March 31, 20102011 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2009.2010. Production increases in the North Dakota Bakken field, Red River units, and the Oklahoma Woodford play contributed incremental production volumes in 20102011 of 360850 MBbls, in excess ofa 43% increase over production for the first quarter of 2009.2010. Favorable drilling results from drilling have been the primary contributors to production growth in these areas. This increase was partially offset by decreases in other areas. Natural gas production volumes decreased 498increased 2,111 MMcf, or 9%42%, during the three months ended March 31, 20102011 compared to the same period in 2009.2010. Natural gas production in the Bakken field in the North region was up 460635 MMcf, or 62%, for the three months ended March 31, 20102011 compared to the same period in 20092010 due to additional natural gas being connected and sold in North Dakota. These additional sales in North Dakota were offset by a decrease in naturalNatural gas volumes of 326 MMcfproduction in the Red River unitsOklahoma Woodford area increased 1,196 MMcf, or 52%, due to the Badlands plantadditional wells being down for repairs. The South region natural gas volumes decreased mostly due to natural declinescompleted and producing in the Arkoma Woodford play.three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.

Revenues

Our total revenues are comprised of sales of crude oil and natural gas, revenues associated with crude oil and natural gas service operations, and realized and unrealized changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments. Throughout 2010 and 2011 we entered into a series of derivative instruments, including fixed price swaps and zero-cost collars, to reduce the uncertainty of future cash flows in order to underpin our capital expenditures and accelerated drilling program over the next three years. The significant increase in the price of crude oil during the three months ended March 31, 2011 had an adverse impact on the fair value of our derivative instruments, which resulted in negative revenue adjustments of $369.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The adverse impact of the changes in our derivative instruments resulted in our total revenues being a negative $36.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The $369.3 million negative adjustment to revenue for the 2011 first quarter includes $5.2 million of net cash paid to our counterparties to settle derivatives and $364.1 million of unrealized non-cash mark-to-market losses on open derivative instruments. Excluding the unrealized non-cash components resulting from mark-to-market changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments, our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2011 would have been a positive $327.9 million. The unrealized mark-to-market loss relates to derivative instruments with various terms that are scheduled to be realized over the period from April 2011 through December 2013. Over this period, actual realized derivative settlements may differ significantly from the unrealized mark-to-market valuation at March 31, 2011. We expect that our revenues will 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 crude oil and natural gas prices. While the existence of historically high commodity prices over a prolonged period could continue to have an adverse impact on the fair value of our derivative instruments and derivative settlements, such an adverse impact would be partially mitigated by increased revenues from higher realized sales prices of crude oil and natural gas at the wellhead.

Crude Oil and Natural Gas Sales.Crude oil and natural gas sales for the three months ended March 31, 20102011 were $217.1$326.5 million, a 134%50% increase from sales of $92.6$217.1 million for the same period in 2009.2010. Our sales volumes increased 4031,090 MBoe, or 13%31%, over the same period in 20092010 due to the continuing success of our enhanced crude oil recoverydrilling programs in the Bakken field and drilling programs.Anadarko Woodford play. Our realized price per Boe increased $32.17$9.07 to $71.14 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 from $62.07 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $29.90 for the three months ended March 31, 2009.2010. The differential between NYMEX calendar month average crude oil prices and our realized crude oil price per barrel for the three months ended March 31, 20102011 was $7.42$9.21 compared to $8.32$7.42 for the three months ended March 31, 2009, $9.30 for the fourth quarter 2009,2010 and $8.29$9.02 for the year ended December 31, 2009.2010. Factors contributing to the changing differentials included disruptions in Canadian crude oil delivery systems and other circumstances that impacted Canadian crude oil imports, and increases in production in the North region, coupled with downstream transportation capacity constraints and seasonal demand fluctuations for gasoline.fluctuations.

Derivatives. The Company isWe are required to recognize all derivative instruments on the balance sheet as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value. We electedhave not to designatedesignated our derivativesderivative instruments as cash flow hedges.hedges for accounting purposes. As a result, we markedmark our derivative instruments to fair value and recognizedrecognize the realized and unrealized changechanges in fair value on derivative instruments in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations under the caption “Gain (loss) on mark-to-market derivative instruments.instruments, net.

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we realized losses on crude oil derivatives of $13.3 million and realized gains on natural gas derivatives of $8.1 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we reported an unrealized non-cash mark-to-market loss on crude oil derivatives of $360.1 million and an unrealized non-cash mark-to-market loss on natural gas derivatives of $4.0 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2010, we realized gains on crude oil derivatives of $2.5 million and realized gains on natural gas derivatives of $1.8 million and realized gainsmillion. During the three months ended March 31, 2010, we reported an unrealized non-cash mark-to-market loss on crude oil derivatives of $2.5 million. We reported$6.8 million and an unrealized non-cash mark-to-market gain on natural gas derivatives of $28.8 million and an unrealized non-cash mark-to-market loss on crude oil derivatives of $6.8 million.

Crude Oil and Natural Gas Service Operations. Our crude oil and natural gas service operations consist primarily of the treatment and sale of lower quality crude oil, or reclaimed crude oil. The table below shows the volumes and prices for the sale of reclaimed crude oil for the periods presented.

   Three months ended March 31,     

Reclaimed crude oil sales

  2011   2010   Variance 

Average sales price ($/Bbl)

  $79.67    $68.25    $11.42  

Sales volumes (barrels)

   52,138     55,361     (3,223

Prices for reclaimed crude oil sold from our central treating units were $11.42 per barrel higher for the three months ended March 31, 20102011 than the comparable 2009 period. The price increased $36.03 per barrel2010 period, which increasedcontributed to an increase in reclaimed crude oil income by $1.8revenue of $0.5 million to $4.7 million, contributing to an overall increase in crude oil and natural gas service operations revenue of $0.8$1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010.2011. Also contributing to the increase in crude oil and natural gas service operations revenue was a $1.0 million increase in saltwater disposal income resulting from increased activity. Associated crude oil and natural gas service operations expenses increased $1.6$1.5 million to $5.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2011 from $4.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $2.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2009 due mainly to an increase in the costs of purchasing and treating reclaimed crude oil for resale compared to the same periodand in 2009. We sold high-pressure air from our Red River units to a third party and recorded revenues of $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009. Beginning January 2010, we no longer sell high-pressure air to a third party.

providing saltwater disposal services.

Operating Costs and Expenses

Production ExpenseExpenses and Production TaxTaxes and Other Expenses. Production expenseexpenses increased 1%30% to $29.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2011 from $22.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $22.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2009.due primarily to higher production volumes. Production expense per Boe decreased to $6.46$6.38 for the three months ended March 31, 20102011 from $7.24$6.46 per Boe for the three months ended March 31, 2009 due to an increase2010. The per unit decrease was driven by longer natural production periods on certain North Dakota Bakken wells that resulted in sales volumes as a result of drillinglower artificial lifting costs, positive secondary recovery efforts in the Bakken field.Cedar Hills field that have resulted in lower-cost improvements in production, and the conversion of certain high pressure air injection units to less costly waterflood units. We plan to convert some waterflood units to high pressure air injection units on certain fields during 2011, which may result in increased production expenses compared to 2010.

Production taxtaxes and other expenses increased $9.2$11.6 million, or 135%72%, to $27.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 20102011 compared to the three months ended March 31, 20092010 as a result of higher crude oil and natural gas revenues resulting from increased salescommodity prices and sales volumes along with the expiration of various tax incentives. Production taxtaxes and other expenses on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations includesinclude other charges for marketing, gathering, dehydration and compression fees primarily related to natural gas sales in the Arkoma areaOklahoma Woodford and North Dakota Bakken areas of $1.1$2.2 million and $1.3$1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 20102011 and 2009,2010, respectively. Production tax,taxes, excluding other charges, as a percentage of crude oil and natural gas sales waswere 7.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to 7.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared2010. The increase is due to 6.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2009.expiration of various tax incentives coupled with higher taxable revenues in North Dakota, our most active area, which has production tax rates of up to 11.5% of crude oil revenues. Production taxes are based on the wellhead values of production and vary by state. Additionally, 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 North Dakota and Oklahoma, new horizontal wells qualify for a tax incentive and are taxed at a lower rate during their initial months of production. After the incentive period expires, the tax rate increases to the statutory rates. Our overall production tax rate is expected to increase as production tax incentives we currently receive for horizontal wells reach the end of their incentive period.periods.

On a unit of sales basis, production expenseexpenses and production taxtaxes and other expenses were as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended March 31,  Increase
(Decrease)
 

$/Boe

  2010  2009  

Production expense

  $6.46  $7.24  (11)% 

Production tax and other expenses

   4.58   2.20  108
          

Production expense, production tax and other expenses

  $11.04  $9.44  17
   Three months ended March 31,   Percent
increase

(decrease)
 

$/Boe

      2011           2010       

Production expenses

  $6.38    $6.46     (1)% 

Production taxes and other expenses

   6.01     4.58     31
            

Production expenses, production taxes and other expenses

  $12.39    $11.04     12

Exploration ExpenseExpenses. Exploration expense consistsexpenses consist primarily of dry hole costs and exploratory geological and geophysical costs that are expensed as incurred. Exploration expense decreased $5.3expenses increased $5.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 20102011 to $1.8$6.8 million due primarily to a decrease$1.5 million increase in dry hole expenseexpenses and a $3.3 million increase in seismic expenses resulting from higher acquisitions of $4.7 million and geological research expense of $0.6 million.seismic data in the current year in connection with our increased capital budget for 2011.

Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Accretion (“DD&A”). Total DD&A increased $1.9$23.1 million, or 4%44%, in the first quarter of 20102011 compared to the first quarter of 2009,2010, primarily due to thean increase in production.production volumes. The following table shows the components of our DD&A rate per Boe.

 

  Three Months Ended March 31,  Three months ended March 31, 

$/Boe

  2010  2009  2011   2010 

Crude oil and natural gas

  $14.62  $15.95  $16.07    $14.62  

Other equipment

   0.23   0.25   0.25     0.23  

Asset retirement obligation accretion

   0.18   0.18   0.17     0.18  
              

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion

  $15.03  $16.38  $16.49    $15.03  

The increase in DD&A per Boe is partially the result of a gradual shift in our production base from our historic production base of the Red River units in the Cedar Hills field to our new production base in the Bakken field. Our producing properties in the Bakken field typically carry a higher DD&A rate due to the existence of higher cost reserves in that field compared to other areas in which we operate.

Property Impairments. Property impairments, both proved and non-producing, and developed, decreasedincreased in the three months ended March 31, 20102011 by $20.2$5.6 million to $20.8 million compared to $15.2 million compared to $35.4for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

Impairment of non-producing properties increased $6.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2009. Impairment of non-producing properties increased $4.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 20102011 to $14.2$20.8 million compared to $9.4$14.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 20092010 reflecting higher amortization of leaseleasehold costs in our existing fields resulting from further defining likely drilling locations, capital constraints, and amortizationa larger base of new fields.amortizable costs. Non-producing properties consist of undeveloped leasehold costs and costs associated with the purchase of certain proved undeveloped reserves. Non-producing properties are amortized on a composite method based on our estimated experience of successful drilling and the average holding period.

Impairment provisions for developed crude oil and natural gas properties were approximately $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to approximately $26.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, a decrease of $25.0 million, or 96%. We evaluate our developedproved crude oil and natural gas properties for impairment by comparing their cost basis to the estimated future cash flows on a field basis. If the cost basis is in excess of estimated future cash flows, then we impair it based on an estimate of fair market value based on discounted cash flows. We did not record any impairment provisions for proved oil and gas properties for the three months ended March 31, 2011. For that period, future cash flows were determined to be in excess of cost basis, therefore no impairment was necessary. Impairment provisions for proved crude oil and natural gas properties were $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Impairments of proved properties in 2010 reflect uneconomic operating results in a non-Bakken Montana field in the North region, which resultedregion.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased $4.5 million to $16.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2011 from $11.8 million during the comparable period in impairments2010. General and administrative expenses include non-cash charges for stock-based compensation of $1.0$3.6 million and $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Impairments in 2009 reflect uneconomic drilling results in two single well fields completed in the first quarter of 2009 in our South region which resulted in impairments of $14.1 million. The remaining impairments were the result of decreases in reserves2011 and prices.

General and Administrative Expense.2010, respectively. General and administrative expense increased $1.5 million to $11.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $10.3 million during the comparable period in 2009. The majority of the increase was in personnel and office expenses. General and administrative expense includes non-cash charges forexpenses excluding stock-based compensation of $2.9 million and $2.7increased $3.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 20102011 compared to the same period in 2010. The increase was primarily related to an increase in personnel costs and 2009, respectively. Generaloffice related expenses associated with the growth of our Company. On a volumetric basis, general and administrative expense excluding stock-based compensationexpenses increased $1.3 million$0.17 to $3.56 per Boe for the three months ended March 31, 20102011 compared to the same period in 2009. On a volumetric basis, general and administrative expense increased $0.07 to $3.39 per Boe for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to $3.32 per Boe2010.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased $10.6 million, or 127%, for the three months ended March 31, 2009.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased 82%, or $3.8 million, for the three months ended March 31, 20102011 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2009,2010 due to increasedan increase in our outstanding debt balance and higher rates of interest on our senior notes in the current year compared to lower interest rates and debt balanceson our credit facility borrowings in 2010. On September 23, 2009, we issued $300.0 million of 8  1/4% Senior Notes due 2019 (the “Notes”). The Notes, which carry a coupon rate of 8.25%, were sold at a discount (99.16% of par), which equates to an effective yield to maturity of approximately 8.375%.the prior year. We recorded $6.1$17.2 million in interest expense on the Notesoutstanding senior notes for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared with $6.3 million for the same period in 2010. Including the effect ofinterest on both the Notes,senior notes and revolving credit facility borrowings, our weighted average interest rate for the three months ended March 31, 20102011 was 6.05% while at March 31, 2010 our7.3% with a weighted average outstanding long-term debt balance of $971.9 million compared to a weighted average interest rate was 5.90%.of 6.1% with a weighted average outstanding long-term debt balance of $511.7 million for the same period in 2010.

Our weighted average outstanding revolving credit facility balance decreased to $71.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to $211.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to $473.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009, and the2010. The weighted average interest rate on our revolving credit facility borrowings was lower at 2.75%2.65% for the three months ended March 31, 20102011 compared to 3.52%2.75% for the same period in 2009.2010. At March 31, 20102011, we had no outstanding borrowings on our outstanding revolving credit facility balance was $198.0 million with a weighted average interest rate of 2.15%.facility.

Income Taxes. We recorded an income tax expensebenefit for the three months ended March 31, 20102011 of $44.4$84.2 million compared to anwith income tax benefitexpense of $16.3$44.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009.2010. We provide for income taxes at a combined federal and state tax rate of approximately 38% after taking into account permanent taxable differences.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of liquidity have been cash flows generated from operating activities, financing provided by our revolving credit facility and the issuance of the Notes in September 2009.debt and equity securities. During the second quarterfirst three months of 2009, we began to see increases in crude oil prices to levels double2011, our average realized sales price was $9.07 per Boe higher than the first quarter 2009 lows; however, natural gas prices remained depressed. Crude oil prices have continued tothree months of 2010. The increase in 2010, while natural gasrealized commodity prices lag behind. Since crude oil accounts for more than 70% ofin the current year, coupled with our production, the price31% increase in sales volumes, resulted in improved cash flows from operations and better liquidity.

Our current Further, our liquidity has improved at March 31, 2011 as we have more borrowing availability on our revolving credit facility is backedas a result of refinancing our credit facility borrowings through the issuance and sale of common stock in March 2011 as discussed below under the headingSale of Common Stock.

At March 31, 2011, we had approximately $477.4 million of cash and cash equivalents and approximately $747.6 million of net available liquidity under our revolving credit facility (after considering outstanding letters of credit).

Cash Flows

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Our net cash provided by operating activities was $195.6 million and $190.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The increase in operating cash flows was primarily due to higher crude oil and natural gas revenues as a syndicateresult of 15 banks. The banks reaffirmed our borrowing basehigher commodity prices and sales volumes in the current period.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

During the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, we had cash flows used in investing activities (excluding asset sales) of $1.0 billion in December 2009$377.5 million and our commitment level is $750.0 million. We believe that our current syndicate of banks has the capability to fund up$163.0 million, respectively, related to our commitment. If one or more banks should not be ablecapital program, inclusive of dry hole costs. The increase in our cash flows used in investing activities in 2011 was due to fund up tothe continued acceleration of our commitment, we may not havedrilling program, primarily in the full availabilityNorth Dakota Bakken field and the Anadarko Woodford play in Oklahoma.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $629.2 million and was mainly the result of the $750.0 million commitment. On September 23, 2009, we issued $300.0 millionissuance and sale of the Notes and receivedan aggregate 10,080,000 shares of our common stock in March 2011 for total net proceeds of approximately $289.7$659.3 million, after deducting underwriters’underwriting discounts and otheroffering-related expenses, and after giving effect to the discount at which the Notes were issued. The net proceeds were used to repay a portion of thealong with borrowings outstandingon our credit facility, partially offset by amounts repaid under our revolving credit facility. AsNet cash used in financing activities of $28.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 we had $551.1 million availablewas mainly the result of amounts repaid under our revolving credit facility. On April 5, 2010, we issued $200.0 million

Future Sources of  3/8% Senior Notes due 2020 and received net proceeds of approximately $194.2 million after deducting the initial purchasers’ discounts and fees. The net proceeds were used to repay a portion of the borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility. As of April 30, 2010, we had $709.5 million available under our revolving credit facility. We currently only have one rig committed through August 2011. Our current plan is to expand capital expenditures without long-term rig commitments. This will allow us to adapt rapidly to commodity price changes or other external factors.Financing

We believe that funds from operating cash flows, our remaining cash balance, and our revolving credit facility should be sufficient to meet our cash requirements inclusive of, but not limited to, normal operating needs, debt service obligations, planned capital expenditures, and commitments and contingencies for the next 12 months.

WeBased on our planned production growth and the existence of derivative contracts in place to limit the downside risk of adverse price movements associated with the forecasted sale of future production, we currently anticipate that we will be able to generate or obtain funds sufficient to meet our short-term and long-term cash requirements. We intend to finance our future capital expenditures primarily through cash flows from operations and through borrowings under our revolving credit facility; however, our financing needsfacility, but may require us to alter or increase our capitalization substantially throughalso include the issuance of debt or equity securities or the sale of assets. Furthermore, theThe issuance of additional debt may require that a portion of our cash flows from operations be used for the payment of interest and principal on our debt, thereby reducing our ability to use cash flows to fund working capital, capital expenditures and acquisitions. The issuance of additional equity securities could have a dilutive effect on the value of our common stock.

Sale of Common Stock

On March 9, 2011, we and certain selling shareholders completed a public offering of an aggregate of 10,000,000 shares of our common stock, including 9,170,000 shares issued and sold by us and 830,000 shares sold by the selling

shareholders, at a price of $68.00 per share ($65.45 per share, net of the underwriting discount). Our net proceeds from the offering amounted to approximately $599.8 million after deducting the underwriting discount and offering-related expenses. We did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling shareholders. In connection with the offering, we granted the underwriters a 30-day overallotment option to purchase up to an additional 1,500,000 shares of common stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount, to cover overallotments, if any.

On March 25, 2011, we completed the sale of an additional 910,000 shares of our common stock at a price of $68.00 per share ($65.45 per share, net of the underwriting discount) in connection with the underwriters’ partial exercise of the overallotment option. We received additional net proceeds of approximately $59.5 million, after deducting the underwriting discount, from the partial exercise of the overallotment option. The selling shareholders did not participate in the partial exercise of the overallotment option.

After deducting underwriting discounts and offering-related expenses, we received total net proceeds from the offering of approximately $659.3 million, a portion of which was used to repay all amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility. The remaining net proceeds, the remaining portion of which is reflected in “Cash and cash equivalents” in the condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2011, are expected to be used to accelerate our multi-year drilling program by funding our increased 2011 capital budget.

Revolving Credit Facility

We have an existing revolving credit facility with aggregate lender commitments totaling $750 million and a current borrowing base of $1.5 billion, subject to semi-annual redetermination. The aggregate commitment level may be increased at our option from time to time (provided no default exists) up to the lesser of $2.5 billion or the borrowing base then in effect. Borrowings under the facility bear interest, payable quarterly, at a rate per annum equal to the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) for one, two, three or six months, as elected by the Company, plus a margin ranging from 175 to 275 basis points, depending on the percentage of the borrowing base utilized, or the lead bank’s reference rate (prime) plus a margin ranging from 75 to 175 basis points.

The commitments under our credit facility, which matures on July 1, 2015, are from a syndicate of 14 banks and financial institutions. We believe that each member of the current syndicate has the capability to fund its commitment. If one or more lenders cannot fund its commitment, we would not have the full availability of the $750 million commitment.

We had no outstanding borrowings under our credit facility at March 31, 2011 and $30.0 million outstanding at December 31, 2010. As of March 31, 2011, we had $747.6 million of borrowing availability under our credit facility (after considering outstanding letters of credit). As previously discussed, we issued and sold an aggregate 10,080,000 shares of our common stock in March 2011 and received total net proceeds of approximately $659.3 million after deducting underwriting discounts and offering-related expenses. The net proceeds were used to repay all borrowings then outstanding under our credit facility, which had a balance prior to payoff of $155 million. As of May 2, 2011, we continued to have no outstanding borrowings and $747.6 million of borrowing availability under our credit facility.

Our credit facility contains restrictive covenants that may limit our ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, sell assets, make loans to others, make investments, enter into mergers, change material contracts, incur liens and engage in certain other transactions without the prior consent of the lenders. Our credit agreement also contains requirements that we maintain a current ratio of not less than 1.0 to 1.0 and a ratio of total funded debt to EBITDAX of no greater than 3.75 to 1.0. As defined by our credit agreement, the current ratio represents our ratio of current assets to current liabilities, inclusive of available borrowing capacity under the credit agreement and exclusive of current balances associated with derivative contracts and asset retirement obligations. EBITDAX represents earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion, property impairments, exploration expenses, unrealized derivative gains and losses and non-cash equity compensation expense. EBITDAX is not a measure of net income or cash flows as determined by U.S. GAAP. A reconciliation of net income to EBITDAX is provided subsequently under the captionNon-GAAP Financial Measures. The total funded debt to EBITDAX ratio represents the sum of outstanding borrowings and letters of credit under our revolving credit facility plus our senior note obligations, divided by total EBITDAX for the most recent four quarters. We were in compliance with these covenants at March 31, 2011 and we expect to maintain compliance for at least the next 12 months. We do not believe the restrictive covenants will limit, or are reasonably likely to limit, our ability to undertake additional debt or equity financing to a material extent.

In the future, we may not be able to access adequate funding under our revolving credit facility as a result of (i) a decrease in our borrowing base due to the outcome of a subsequent borrowing base redetermination, or (ii) an unwillingness or inability

on the part of our lending counterparties to meet their funding obligations. We expect the next borrowing base redetermination to occur in the second quarter of 2011. Declines in commodity prices could result in a determination to lower the borrowing base in the future and, in such case, we could be required to repay any indebtedness in excess of the borrowing base.

If we are unable to access funding when needed on acceptable terms, we may not be able to fully implement our business plans, complete new property acquisitions to replace our reserves, take advantage of business opportunities, respond to competitive pressures, or refinance our debt obligations as they come due, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial results.

Cash Flows from OperatingDerivative Activities

Our net cash provided by operating activities was $190.7 million and $40.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The increase in operating cash flows was mainly due to increases in revenue as a resultAs part of higher commodity prices as explained above.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

During the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009our risk management program, we had cash flows used in investing activities (excluding asset sales) of $163.0 million and $207.1 million, respectively, related to our capital program, inclusive of dry hole costs. The decrease in our cash flows used in investing activities was primarily due to cash flows used in investing activities in the first quarter of 2009 included amounts paid related to expenditures that were incurred prior to January 1, 2009.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities of $28.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was mainly the result of amounts repaid under our revolving credit facility. Net cash provided by financing activities of $166.3 million for the three months ended March 31,

2009 was mainly the result of amounts borrowed under our revolving credit facility to fund capital expenditures. On April 5, 2010, we issued $200.0 million of 7  3/8% Senior Notes due 2020 and received net proceeds of approximately $194.2 million, which were used to repay a portion of the borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility as discussed further below.

Revolving Credit Facility

We had $198.0 million and $226.0 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. We used the net proceeds of $194.2 million from our April 5, 2010 issuance of 7  3/8% Senior Notes to repayhedge a portion of our outstanding revolving credit facility borrowings. As of April 30, 2010, we had $39.0 million of outstanding borrowings underanticipated future crude oil and natural gas production to achieve more predictable cash flows and to reduce our revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility currently has a borrowing base of $1.0 billion, which is subjectexposure to semi-annual redetermination. We expect the next redeterminationfluctuations in crude oil and natural gas prices. Reducing our exposure to occur in the second quarter of 2010. The terms of the revolving credit facility provide for the commitment level to be increased up to the lesser of the borrowing base or note amount subject to bank agreement. The commitment level was increased in June 2009 to $750.0 million from $672.5 million, which equals the maximum note amount. We anticipateprice volatility helps ensure that we will negotiate a new revolving credit facility during the second quarter of 2010 ashave adequate funds available for our current revolving credit facility matures in April 2011.

 1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2019

On September 23, 2009, the Company issued $300 million of the Notes. The Notes, which carry a coupon rate of 8.25%, were sold at a discount (99.16% of par), which equates to an effective yield to maturity of approximately 8.375%. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $289.7 million after deducting the underwriters’ discounts and offering expenses. The net proceeds were used to repay a portion of the borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility.

The Notes will mature on October 1, 2019, and interest is payablecapital program. Our decision on the Notes on each April 1quantity and October 1, commencing April 1, 2010. The Company has the optionprice at which we choose to redeem all or a portion of the Notes at any time on or after October 1, 2014 at the redemption price specified in the Indenture dated September 23, 2009 (the “Indenture”) plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company may also redeem the Notes, in whole orhedge our future production is based in part at a “make-whole” redemption price specified in the Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, at any time prior to October 1, 2014. In addition, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the Notes prior to October 1, 2012 under certain circumstances with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings. The Indenture contains certain restrictions on our abilityview of current and future market conditions and our desire to incur additional debt, pay dividends onhave the cash flows needed to fund the development of our common stock, make investments, create liens on our assets, engageinventory of undeveloped crude oil and natural gas reserves in transactionsconjunction with our affiliates, transfer or sell assets, consolidate or merge, or sell substantiallygrowth strategy. While the use of hedging arrangements limits the downside risk of adverse price movements, their use also limits future revenues from favorable price movements. Substantially all of our assets. These covenantshedging transactions are subjectsettled based upon reported settlement prices on the NYMEX.

We have hedged a significant portion of our forecasted production through 2013. Please seeNote 4. Derivative InstrumentsinNotes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the accounting applicable to our derivative instruments, a numberlisting of important exceptionsopen contracts at March 31, 2011 and qualifications. The Company was in compliance with these covenantsthe estimated fair value of those contracts as of March 31, 2010. The Notes are not subject to any sinking fund requirements. Our subsidiary, which currently has no independent assets or operations, fully and unconditionally guarantees this debt.

 3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2020that date.

On April 5, 2010, the Company issued $200 million of 7  3Future Capital Requirements/8% Senior Notes due 2020 (the “2020 Notes”). The 2020 Notes, which carry a coupon rate of 7.375%, were sold at a discount (99.105% of par), which equates to an effective yield to maturity of approximately 7.5%. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $194.2 million, after deducting the initial purchasers’ discounts and fees. The net proceeds were used to repay a portion of the borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility.

The 2020 Notes will mature on October 1, 2020, and interest is payable on the 2020 Notes semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing on October 1, 2010. The Company has the option to redeem all or a portion of the 2020 Notes at any time on or after October 1, 2015 at the redemption prices specified in the Indenture dated April 5, 2010 (the “2010 Indenture”) plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company may also redeem the 2020 Notes, in whole or in part, at a “make-whole” redemption price specified in the 2010 Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, at any time prior to October 1, 2015. In addition, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the 2020 Notes prior to October 1, 2013 under certain circumstances with the net cash proceeds from certain equity offerings.

The 2010 Indenture contains certain restrictions on our ability to incur additional debt, pay dividends on our common stock, make certain investments, create certain liens on our assets, engage in certain transactions with our affiliates, transfer or sell certain assets, consolidate or merge, or sell substantially all of our assets. These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications. The 2020 Notes are not subject to any sinking fund requirements. Our sole subsidiary, which currently has no independent assets or operations, fully and unconditionally guarantees this debt.

Capital Expenditures and Commitments

We evaluate opportunities to purchase or sell crude oil and natural gas properties in the marketplace and could participate as a buyer or seller of properties at various times. We seek acquisitions that utilize our technical expertise or offer opportunities to expand our existing core areas. Acquisition expenditures are not budgeted.

In March 2011, our Board of Directors increased our 2011 capital expenditures budget to $1.75 billion to further accelerate our drilling program and to increase our acreage positions in strategic resource plays. Our previous 2011 capital expenditures budget was $1.36 billion.

Our 2011 planned capital expenditures are expected to be allocated as follows:

   Amount 
   in millions 

Exploration and development drilling

  $1,521.5  

Land costs

   114.1  

Capital facilities, workovers and re-completions

   91.8  

Seismic

   15.0  

Vehicles, computers and other equipment

   7.6  
     

Total

  $1,750.0  

During the first three months of 2010,2011, we participated in the completion of 5292 gross (21.7(31.1 net) wells and invested a total of $187.1$412.8 million (excluding(including increases in accruals for capital expenditures of $23.2$31.1 million and including seismic) for$4.3 million of seismic costs) in our capital expenditures.program as shown in the following table.

in millions  Amount
  Amount 
  in millions 

Exploration and development drilling

  $108.8  $327.8  

Land costs

   44.4  

Capital facilities, workovers and re-completions

   5.4  

Buildings, vehicles, computers and other equipment

   29.4  

Acquisition of producing properties

   —    

Seismic

   4.3  

Dry holes

   —     1.5  

Acquisition of producing properties

   0.1

Capital facilities, workovers and re-completions

   7.1

Land costs

   63.8

Seismic

   1.0

Vehicles, computers and other equipment

   6.3
       

Total

  $187.1  $412.8  

We plan to increase the number of operated drilling rigs deployed by mid-2010 to 23. The 2010Our 2011 capital expenditures budget of $850 million$1.75 billion will focus primarily focus on increased development in the North Dakota Bakken field and the Arkoma and Anadarko Woodford shale natural gas playsplay in Oklahoma and the Red River Units.western Oklahoma.

Although we cannot provide any assurance, assuming successful implementation of our strategy, including the future development of our proved reserves and realization of our cash flows as anticipated, we believe that our remaining cash balance, cash flows from operations and borrowings available borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to fund our current 20102011 capital budget. The actual amount and timing of our capital expenditures may differ materially from our estimates as a result of, among other things, available cash flows, actual drilling results, the availability of drilling rigs and other services and equipment, and regulatory, technological and competitive developments.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet AdoptedCommitments

For a descriptionAs of the accounting standards that we adopted during the three months ended March 31, 2011, we had various drilling rig contracts with various terms extending through June 2012. These contracts were entered into in the ordinary course of business to ensure rig availability to allow us to execute our business objectives in our key strategic plays. These drilling commitments are not recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Future drilling commitments as of March 31, 2011 total approximately $65 million, of which $57 million is for contracts that expire in 2011 and $8 million is for contracts that expire in 2012.

In August 2010, please seeNote 2–Basiswe entered into an agreement with a third party whereby the third party will provide, on a take-or-pay basis, hydraulic fracturing services and related equipment to service certain of Presentationour properties in North Dakota and Significant Accounting Policies–New Accounting Standards.Montana. The arrangement has a term of three years, beginning in October 2010, with two one-year extensions available to us at our discretion. Pursuant to the take-or-pay arrangement, we will pay a fixed rate per day for a minimum number of days per calendar quarter over the three-year term regardless of whether or not the services are provided. Fixed commitments amount to $4.9 million per quarter, or $19.5 million annually, for total future commitments of $58.5 million over the three-year term. Future commitments remaining at March 31, 2011 amount to $48.7 million. The commitments under this arrangement are not recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

In 2010, the Company signed a throughput and deficiency agreement with a third party crude oil pipeline company committing to ship 10,000 barrels of crude oil per day for five years at a tariff of $1.85 per barrel. The third party system is scheduled to commence operations late in the second quarter of 2011. The Company will use this system to move some of its North region crude oil to market.

We believe that our cash flows from operations, our remaining cash balance, and available borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to satisfy the above commitments.

Corporate Relocation

In JanuaryOn March 21, 2011, we announced plans to relocate our corporate headquarters from Enid, Oklahoma to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The move is a key element of our growth strategy of tripling our production and reserves between 2009 the SEC issued Release No. 33-9002, Interactive Data to Improve Financial Reporting. This final rule requires registrantsand 2014. The relocation is expected to provide their financial statementsmore convenient access to our operations across the country, to our business partners and financial statement schedules to an expanded pool of technical talent. The transition is expected to be completed during 2012. In connection with the SECrelocation, we acquired an office building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in March 2011 for approximately $22.9 million to serve as our new headquarters. Currently, the relocation is in the preliminary stages and on their corporate websites in interactive data format using the eXtensible Business Reporting Language (“XBRL”). The rule was adopted by the SEC to improve the abilityno significant restructuring costs or liabilities have been incurred or recognized as of financial statement users to access and analyze financial data. The SEC adopted a phase-in schedule indicating when registrants must furnish interactive data. Under this schedule, we will be required to submit filings with financial statement information using XBRL commencing with our June 30, 2010 quarterly report on Form 10-Q.March 31, 2011. We are not currently evaluatingable to reasonably estimate the impact of XBRL reportingcosts to be incurred in 2011 or 2012 in connection with the relocation, but we do not expect such costs to have a material adverse effect on our financial reporting process.condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Critical Accounting Policies

There has been no change in our critical accounting policies from those disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.2010.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Various accounting standards and interpretations have been issued with effective dates in 2011. We have evaluated the recently issued accounting pronouncements that are effective in 2011 and believe that none of them will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows when adopted.

Further, we are closely monitoring the joint standard-setting efforts of the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the International Accounting Standards Board. There are a large number of pending accounting standards that are being targeted for completion in 2011 and beyond, including, but not limited to, standards relating to revenue recognition, accounting for leases, fair value measurements, accounting for financial instruments, balance sheet offsetting, disclosure of loss contingencies and financial statement presentation. Because these pending standards have not yet been finalized, at this time we are not able to determine the potential future impact that these standards will have, if any, on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

EBITDAX represents earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion, property impairments, exploration expense,expenses, unrealized derivative gains and losses, and non-cash equity compensation expense. EBITDAX is not a measure of net income or cash flows as determined by U.S. GAAP. Management believes EBITDAX is useful because it allows them to more effectively evaluate our operating performance and compare the results of itsour operations from period to period without regard to itsour financing methods or capital structure. We exclude the items listed above from net income in arriving at EBITDAX because these amounts can vary substantially from company to company within itsour industry depending upon accounting methods and book values of assets, capital structures and the method by which the assets were acquired. EBITDAX should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income or cash flows as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP or as an indicator of a company’s operating performance or liquidity. Certain items excluded from EBITDAX are significant components in understanding and assessing a company’s financial performance, such as a company’s cost of capital and tax structure, as well as the historic costs of depreciable assets, none of which are components of EBITDAX. Our computations of EBITDAX may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. We believe that EBITDAX is a widely followed measure of operating performance and may also be used by investors to measure our ability to meet future debt service requirements, if any. Our revolving credit facility requires that we maintain a total funded debt to EBITDAX ratio of no greater than 3.75 to 11.0 on a rolling four-quarter basis. This ratio represents the sum of outstanding borrowings and letters of credit under our revolving credit facility plus our senior note obligations, divided by total EBITDAX for the most recent four quarters. We were in compliance with this covenant at March 31, 2010.2011. A violation of this covenant in the future could result in a default under our revolving credit facility. In the event of such default, the lenders under our revolving credit facility could elect to terminate their commitments thereunder, cease making further loans, and could declare all outstanding amounts, together with accrued interest, to be due and payable. If the indebtedness under our revolving credit facility were to

be accelerated, our assets may not be sufficient to repay in full such indebtedness. Our revolving credit facility defines EBITDAX consistently with the definition of EBITDAX utilized and presented by us. The following table isprovides a reconciliation of our net income to EBITDAX.EBITDAX for the periods presented.

 

  Three months ended March 31,   Three months ended March 31, 
in thousands  2010 2009 
  2011 2010 
  in thousands 

Net income (loss)

  $72,465   $(26,613  $(137,201 $72,465  

Interest expense

   8,360    4,587     18,971    8,360  

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

   44,410    (16,259   (84,154  44,410  

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion

   52,587    50,697     75,650    52,587  

Property impairments

   15,175    35,425     20,848    15,175  

Exploration expense

   1,786    7,119  

Unrealized derivative gain

   (19,676  —    

Equity compensation

   2,852    2,717  

Exploration expenses

   6,812    1,786  

Unrealized losses (gains) on derivatives

   364,087    (22,052

Non-cash equity compensation

   3,642    2,852  
              

EBITDAX

  $177,959   $57,673    $268,655   $175,583  

ITEM 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

GeneralGeneral.

We are exposed to a variety of market risks including creditcommodity price risk, commodity pricecredit risk and interest rate risk. We address these risks through a program of risk management which may include the use of derivative instruments.

Commodity Price Risk. Our primary market risk exposure is in the pricing applicable to our crude oil and natural gas production. Realized pricing is primarily driven by the prevailing worldwide price for crude oil and spot market prices applicable to our U.S. natural gas production. Pricing for crude oil and natural gas and crude oil production has been volatile and unpredictable for several years, and we expect this volatility to continue in the future. The prices we receive for production depend on many factors outside of our control, including volatility in the differences between product prices at sales points and the applicable index price.prices. Based on our average daily production for the three months ended March 31, 2010,2011, and excluding any effect of our derivative instruments in place, our annual revenue would increase or decrease by approximately $106.3$140.3 million for each $10.00 per barrel change in crude oil prices and $20.4$28.9 million for each $1.00 per MMBtuMcf change in natural gas prices.

To partially reduce price risk caused by these market fluctuations, we periodically hedge a portion of our anticipated crude oil and natural gas prices through the utilizationproduction as part of derivatives, including zero-cost collarsour risk management program and fixed price contracts.to provide greater certainty in our internally generated cash flows to support our capital expenditure program.

DuringFor the three months ended March 31, 2010,2011, we entered into several new swap and collar derivative contracts coveringrealized a portion of ournet loss on crude oil and natural gas productionderivatives of $5.2 million and reported an unrealized non-cash mark-to-market loss on derivatives of $364.1 million. The fair value of our derivative instruments at March 31, 2011 was a net liability of $532.4 million. An assumed increase in the forward commodity prices used in the March 31, 2011 valuation of our derivative instruments of $10.00 per barrel for crude oil and $1.00 per MMBtu for natural gas would increase our net derivative liability to approximately $892 million at March 31, 2011. Conversely, an assumed decrease in forward commodity prices of $10.00 per barrel for crude oil and $1.00 per MMBtu for natural gas would decrease our net derivative liability to approximately $188 million at March 31, 2011.

Throughout 2010 and 2011 we entered into a series of derivative instruments, including fixed price swaps and zero-cost collars, to reduce the uncertainty of future cash flows in order to underpin our capital expenditures and accelerated drilling program over the next three years. The significant increase in the price of crude oil during the three months ended March 31, 2011 had an adverse impact on the fair value of our derivative instruments, which resulted in the recognition of a $364.1 million unrealized mark-to-market loss on derivative instruments at March 31, 2011. The new contracts were entered into inunrealized mark-to-market loss relates to derivative instruments with various terms that are scheduled to be realized over the normal courseperiod from April 2011 through December 2013. Over this period, actual realized derivative settlements may differ significantly, either positively or negatively, from the unrealized mark-to-market valuation at March 31, 2011. While the existence of businesshistorically high commodity prices over a prolonged period could continue to have an adverse impact on the fair value of our derivative instruments and we expect to enter into additional similar contracts duringderivative settlements, such an adverse impact would be partially mitigated by increased cash flows from higher realized sales prices of crude oil and natural gas at the year. None of the new contracts have been designated for hedge accounting. SeePart I, Item 1. Financial Statements, Note 4 – Derivative Contracts for additional information regarding our swap and collar derivative contracts.wellhead.

Credit Risk. We monitor our risk of loss due to non-performance by counterparties of their contractual obligations. Our principal exposure to credit risk is through the sale of our crude oil and natural gas production, which we market to energy marketing companies, refineries and affiliates ($154.7266.6 million in receivables at March 31, 2010) and2011), our joint interest receivables ($89.8293.9 million at March 31, 2010)2011), and counterparty credit risk associated with our derivative instrument receivables ($17.4 million at March 31, 2011).

We monitor our exposure to counterparties on crude oil and natural gas sales primarily by reviewing credit ratings, financial statements and payment history. We extend credit terms based on our evaluation of each counterparties’counterparty’s credit worthiness. We have not generally required our counterparties to provide collateral to support crude oil and natural gas sales receivables owed to us. Historically, our credit losses on crude oil and natural gas sales receivables have been immaterial.

Joint interest receivables arise from billing entities who own a partial interest in the wells we operate. These entities participate in our wells primarily based on their ownership in leases included in units on which we wish to drill. We can do very little to choose who participates in our wells. In order to minimize our exposure to credit risk we request prepayment of drilling costs where it is allowed by contract or state law. For such prepayments, a liability is recorded and subsequently reduced as the associated work is performed. This liability was $57.6 million at March 31, 2011, which will be used to offset future capital costs when billed. In this manner, we reduce credit risk. We also have the right to place a lien on our co-owners interest in the well to redirect production proceeds in order to secure payment or, if necessary, foreclose on the interest. Historically, our credit losses on joint interest receivables have been immaterial.

Our use of derivative instruments involves the risk that our counterparties will be unable to meet their commitments under the arrangements. We manage this risk by using multiple counterparties who we consider to be financially strong in order to minimize our exposure to credit risk with any individual counterparty. Currently, all of our derivative contracts are with parties that are lenders (or affiliates of lenders) under our revolving credit agreement.

Interest Rate Risk. Our exposure to changes in interest rates relates primarily to long-term debt obligations.variable-rate borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility. We manage our interest rate exposure by limiting our variable-rate debt to a certain percentage of total capitalization and by monitoring both the effects of market changes in interest rates.rates and the proportion of our debt portfolio that is variable-rate versus fixed-rate debt. We may utilize interest rate derivatives to alter interest rate exposure in an attempt to reduce interest rate expense related to existing debt issues. Interest rate derivatives aremay be used solely to modify interest rate exposure and not to modify the overall leverage of the debt portfolio. We are exposed to changes incurrently have no interest rates as a result of our credit facility.rate derivatives. We had revolving credit facility debt of $39.0 millionno outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility at April 30, 2010. The impact of a 1% increase in interest rates on this amount of debt would increase interest expense by approximately $0.4 million per year. Our revolving credit facility debt matures in AprilMarch 31, 2011 and the weighted-average interest rate at April 30, 2010 was 2.17%.or May 2, 2011.

ITEM 4.Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Based on management’s evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (which are defined in rulesRules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) were effective as of March 31, 2010.2011. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period in the rules and forms of the SEC.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the quarter ended March 31, 2010,2011, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that hadhave materially affected, or isare reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Inherent Limitations on Controls and Procedures

A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Accordingly, even an effective system of internal control will provide only reasonable assurance that the objectives of the internal control system are met.

PART II. Other Information

 

ITEM 1.Legal Proceedings

From timeDuring the three months ended March 31, 2011, there have been no material changes with respect to time, we are a party to litigation or otherthe legal proceedings that we consider to be a part of the ordinary course ofpreviously disclosed in our business. We are currently involved in various legal proceedings which we do not expect to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.2010 Form 10-K. SeeNote 7. Commitments and ContingenciesinNotes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. of this Form 10-Q.

 

ITEM 1A.Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on2010 Form 10-K forthat was filed with the year ended December 31, 2009.SEC on February 25, 2011.

In addition to the other information set forth in this Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed inPart I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our 20092010 Form 10-K, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in this Form 10-Q and in our 20092010 Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our company.Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or future results.

 

ITEM 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

 (a)Not applicable.

 (b)Not applicable.

 

 (c)Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers.

The following table provides information about purchases of equity securities that are registered by us pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act during the quarter ended March 31, 2010:2011:

 

Period

  (a) Total
number  of
shares
purchased (1)
  (b)
Average price
paid per
share (2)
  (c) Total number of
shares purchased as
part of publicly
announced plans or
programs
  (d) Maximum number
of shares that may yet
be purchased under the
plans or program (3)

January 1, 2010 to January 31, 2010

  1,287  $46.18  —    —  

February 1, 2010 to February 28, 2010

  0  $0.00  —    —  

March 1, 2010 to March 31, 2010

  1,403  $38.15  —    —  
             

Total

  2,690  $41.99  —    —  

Period

  Total
number of shares
purchased(1)
   Average price
paid per share (2)
   Total number of shares
purchased as part of
publicly announced
plans or programs
   Maximum number of
shares that may yet be
purchased under
the plans or program (3)
 

January 1, 2011 to January 31, 2011

   1,016    $57.40     —       —    

February 1, 2011 to February 28, 2011

   842    $66.65     —       —    

March 1, 2011 to March 31, 2011

   1,314    $70.91     —       —    
                    

Total

   3,172    $65.45     —       —    

 

(1)In connection with stock option exercises or restricted stock grants under ourthe Continental Resources, Inc. 2000 Stock Option Plan (“2000 Plan”) and ourthe Continental Resources, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2005 Plan”), we adopted a policy that enables employees to surrender shares to cover their tax liability. SeeNote 8. Stock Compensation inNotes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The 2000 Plan was adopted in October 2000 and was terminated in November 2005. The 2005 Plan was adopted in October 2005 and expires in October 2015. All shares purchased above represent shares surrendered to cover tax liabilities. We paid the associated taxes to the Internal Revenue Service.

 

(2)The price paid per share was the closing price of our common stock on the date of exercise or the date the restrictions lapsed on such shares, as applicable.

 

(3)We are unable to determine at this time the total amount of securities or approximate dollar value of those securities that could potentially be surrendered to us pursuant to our policy that enables employees to surrender shares to cover their tax liability associated with the exercise of options or vesting of restrictions on shares under the 2000 Plan and 2005 Plan.

 

ITEM 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4.(Removed and Reserved)

 

ITEM 5.Other Information

Not applicable.

ITEM 6.Exhibits

The exhibits required to be filed pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K are set forth in the Index to Exhibits accompanying this report and are incorporated herein by reference.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 Continental Resources, Inc.CONTINENTAL RESOURCES, INC.
Date: May 6, 20105, 2011 By: 

/s/ John D. Hart

  John D. Hart
  

Sr. Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)

Index to Exhibits

The exhibits marked with the asterisk symbol (*) are filed or furnished (in the case of Exhibit 32) with this Form 10-Q.

 

  1.1Underwriting Agreement dated March 3, 2011 among Continental Resources, Inc., the Selling Shareholders and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as representatives of the underwriters named therein, filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-32886) filed March 9, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference.
  3.1 Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Continental Resources, Inc. filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-328861)001-32886) filed May 22, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
  3.2 Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Continental Resources, Inc. filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-328861)001-32886) filed May 22, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
  4.1Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 18, 2007 among Continental Resources, Inc. and the Principal Shareholders named therein, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-328861) filed May 22, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
  4.2Specimen Common Stock Certificate filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (Commission File No. 333-132257) filed April 14, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
  4.3Indenture dated as of September 23, 2009 among Continental Resources, Inc., Banner Pipeline Company, L.L.C. and Wilmington Trust FSB, as trustee, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-32886) filed September 24, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.
  4.4Registration Rights Agreement dated as of September 23, 2009 among Continental Resources, Inc., Banner Pipeline Company, L.L.C. and the Initial Purchasers named therein, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-32886) filed September 24, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.
  4.5Indenture dated as of April 5, 2010 among Continental Resources, Inc., Banner Pipeline Company, L.L.C. and Wilmington Trust FSB, as trustee, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-32886) filed April 7, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference.
  4.6Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April 5, 2010 among Continental Resources, Inc., Banner Pipeline Company, L.L.C. and the Initial Purchasers named therein, filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-32886) filed April 7, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.1 Purchase AgreementAssignment of Membership Interest dated as of March 30, 2010 among18, 2011 between Harold Hamm and Continental Resources, Inc., Banner Pipeline Company, L.L.C. and the Initial Purchasers named therein, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-32886) filed April 5, 2010March 23, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.2*†Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation as of March 31, 2011.
21*Subsidiaries of Continental Resources, Inc.
31.1* Certification of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18(15 U.S.C. Section 7241).
31.2* Certification of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18(15 U.S.C. Section 7241).
32** Certification of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350).
101.INS**XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH**XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL**XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF**XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB**XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE**XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

*Filed herewith
**Furnished herewith
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement filed pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iii) of Regulation S-K.

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