Continental Resources (CLR) Tops Q2 EPS by 2c

Continental Resources (NYSE: CLR) reported Q2 EPS of $0.73, $0.02 better than the analyst estimate of $0.71. Revenue for the quarter came in at $1.14 billion versus the consensus estimate of $1.14 billion.

GUIDANCE:

The Company is increasing its 2018 annual production guidance to 290,000 to 300,000 Boe per day and is increasing its projected exit rate by 10,000 Boe per day to 315,000 to 325,000 Boe per day. This increase is driven primarily by Bakken outperformance, realized operational efficiencies and the reallocation of rigs to higher, non-carried working interest wells in SCOOP and STACK.

The Company also updated its 2018 Capex guidance from $2.3 billion to $2.7 billion. Approximately $275 million of this increase is associated with an investment in minerals within our existing leasehold, which is expected to be partially funded by mineral divestiture proceeds of approximately $220 million in fourth quarter 2018. New capital of $125 million and reallocated capital of $75 million will be used for additional drilling and completions (D&C) activity, including the addition of three rigs by year end, focused on high rate of return, oil-weighted assets. One-third of the D&C Capex increase is associated with higher value, 60-stage Bakken completions and two-thirds is associated with activity in Oklahoma.

Included within the updated 2018 Capex guidance is approximately $600 million for wells that will not have first production until 2019, providing a catalyst for continued oil-weighted production growth. The Company expects to exit 2018 with a wells in progress (WIP) inventory in the Bakken of approximately 130 gross operated wells, including approximately 50 already stimulated, with first production expected in 2019. In Oklahoma, the Company expects to exit 2018 with a WIP inventory of approximately 55 gross operated wells, including approximately 5 already stimulated, with first production expected in 2019. These wells will further prompt oil-focused growth in 2019.

\"Continental is in an advantaged position in the current market, with high rate of return oil plays benefitting from existing infrastructure,\" said Harold Hamm, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. \"As we look into the second half of 2018 and beyond, Continental and its shareholders have an exciting opportunity to accelerate capital-efficient, oil-focused production growth while remaining disciplined in achieving our targets for free cash flow and debt reduction.\"

In the Bakken, the Company is projected to average 5 completion crews and 6 rigs in the second half of the year, ramping up to 7 rigs by year end. The Company expects to complete approximately 125 additional Bakken wells with first production by year end, with more than half of these in fourth quarter 2018. In Oklahoma, the Company is projected to average 4 completion crews and 18 rigs in the second half of the year, ramping up to 19 rigs at year end. Over 95% of our drilling activity in 2018 will be focused on oil and liquids-rich prospects.

The Company also improved guidance for select 2018 operating expenses. Total G&A expense, which is comprised of cash and non-cash G&A expense, is expected to be $1.60 to $2.15 per Boe in 2018. Of this total, cash G&A expense is expected to be $1.20 to $1.65 per Boe, a reduction from the previous $1.25 to $1.75 per Boe. Non-cash equity compensation is expected to be $0.40 to $0.50 per Boe, a reduction from the previous $0.45 to $0.55 per Boe. Continental also reduced 2018 guidance for DD&A to $17.00 to $18.00 per Boe for the year, down from the previous range of $17.00 to $19.00 due to strong well productivity and capital efficiency.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Continental Resources (CLR) click here.

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