The Company reported a net loss of $79.4 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. In third quarter 2020, typically excluded items in aggregate represented $20.5 million, or $0.06 per diluted share of Continental’s reported net loss. Adjusted net loss for third quarter 2020 was $58.9 million, or $0.16 per diluted share (non-GAAP). Net cash provided by operating activities for third quarter 2020 was $291.2 million and free cash flow was $258.3 million. EBITDAX was $473.3 million (non-GAAP).
Adjusted net income (loss), adjusted net income (loss) per share, free cash flow, free cash flow yield, EBITDAX, net debt, net sales prices and cash general and administrative (G&A) expenses per barrel of oil equivalent (Boe) presented herein are non-GAAP financial measures. Definitions and explanations for how these measures relate to the most directly comparable U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) financial measures are provided at the conclusion of this press release.
“The production we voluntarily curtailed was back on line in the third quarter 2020, performing well as anticipated. As we look to year end 2020 and into 2021, we will continue our track record of delivering sustainable free cash flow alongside ongoing debt reduction, low cost leadership and unmatched shareholder alignment, while responsibly fueling a better world through our ESG stewardship,” said Bill Berry, Chief Executive Officer.
Production & Operations Update
Third quarter 2020 total production averaged 297,001 Boepd. Third quarter 2020 oil production averaged 169,265 Bopd. Third quarter 2020 natural gas production averaged 766.4 MMcfpd. The Company maintains its full-year 2020 production guidance of 155,000 to 165,000 Bopd and 800,000 to 820,000 Mcfpd. The Company expects exit rate production of 315,000 to 325,000 Boepd in December 2020.
Technical innovations and operating efficiencies in the Bakken and Oklahoma continue to reduce cycle times and CWC, which include drilling and completion, full facilities costs and artificial lift. In the Bakken, CWC have improved 12% year-over-year to $7.2 million per well, with a $6.9 million target by year-end 2020. Approximately 70% of cost savings are structural. In Oklahoma, CWC have improved 14% year-over-year to $9.0 million per well, with an $8.9 million target by year-end 2020. Approximately 80% of cost savings are structural.
“The capital efficiency of our operations continues to improve through our teams’ innovation and consistent performance from our assets. At the same time, our teams are constantly seeking strategic opportunities to cost-effectively grow our assets. We recently closed on a bolt-on acquisition in SCOOP that added 19,500 net acres and up to 185 high quality, oil-weighted operated wells to our inventory,” said Jack Stark, President and Chief Operating Officer.
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