Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 


(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2007

OR

 

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

For the transition period from              to             

Commission File Number: 001-32886

 


CONTINENTAL RESOURCES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Oklahoma   73-0767549

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

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) 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  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  ¨    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. 168,013,136 common shares were outstanding on July 31, 2007.

 



Table of Contents

CONTINENTAL RESOURCES, INC.

FORM 10-Q

Quarter Ended June 30, 2007

Unless the context otherwise indicates, all references in this report to “Continental”, “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our” are to Continental Resources, Inc. and its subsidiary.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     PART I. Financial Information

  
ITEM 1.   Financial Statements    3
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets    4
  Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations    5
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity    6
  Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows    7
  Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements    8
ITEM 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    15
ITEM 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    25
ITEM 4.   Controls and Procedures    25
     PART II. Other Information   
ITEM 1.   Legal Proceedings    26
ITEM 1A.   Risk Factors    26
ITEM 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    26
ITEM 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities    26
ITEM 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    26
ITEM 5.   Other Information    26
ITEM 6.   Exhibits    26
Signature    27
Index to Exhibits    28
Certifications Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002    30
Certifications Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002   

32

 

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Table of Contents

PART I. Financial Information

 

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

The following condensed balance sheet as of December 31, 2006, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiary have been prepared by the Company in accordance with the accounting policies stated in the Historical Consolidated Financial Statements contained in the Company’s S-1/A filed May 10, 2007 and are based in part on approximations. It is suggested that these condensed financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in such S-1 filing. 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 America have been included in these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements. The following unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have also been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information not misleading.

The Company filed its Historical Consolidated Financial Statements as part of its S-1/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 10, 2007. As described in more detail in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Restatement, the Company restated its consolidated balance sheet, its consolidated statements of income, of changes in shareholders’ equity and of cash flows as of December 31, 2006 and for the year ended December 31, 2006. The restatement corrected the application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123(R) which requires that after the Company became a public entity, as defined in SFAS 123(R), (March 7, 2006, the date on which the Company first filed a registration statement) the amount of stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock and stock options should be adjusted to reflect fair value. For calculating stock-based compensation expense for financial reporting purposes as of June 30, 2006 and for the six months then ended, the Company adjusted the fair value for restricted stock and stock options. As a result, the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of June 30, 2006 and for the six months then ended, have been restated from the amounts previously reported to reflect the changes in stock-based compensation expense. The change resulted in net income being reduced by $4.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies – Restatement for a complete discussion of the effects of the restatement on the Company’s financial statements as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2006.

On May 14, 2007, the Company completed its initial public offering. In conjunction therewith, the Company effected an 11 for 1 stock split by means of a stock dividend. All prior period share and per share information contained in this report have been retroactively restated to give effect to the stock split. On May 14, 2007, the Company amended its certificate of incorporation to, among other things, increase the number of authorized preferred shares to 25 million and common shares to 500 million. Prior to completion of the public offering, the Company was a subchapter S corporation and income taxes were payable by its shareholders. In connection with the public offering, the Company converted to a subchapter C corporation and recorded a charge to earnings in the second quarter of $198.4 million to recognize deferred taxes at May 14, 2007. Thereafter, the Company has provided for income taxes on income. See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies – Shareholders’ Equity, Income Taxes and Pro forma information (unaudited) for a complete discussion of the accounting for the various transactions resulting from the initial public offering and of the pro forma information presented.

 

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Table of Contents

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiary

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

    

June 30,

2007

   December 31,
2006
 
     (Unaudited)       
     (in thousands, except share amounts)  

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 6,393    $ 7,018  

Receivables:

     

Oil and gas sales

     70,930      55,037  

Affiliated parties

     8,483      7,698  

Joint interest and other, net

     39,268      26,351  

Inventories

     10,364      7,831  

Prepaid expenses and other

     3,371      1,046  
               

Total current assets

     138,809      104,981  

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

     955,931      751,747  

Debt issuance costs, net

     2,000      2,201  
               

Total assets

   $ 1,096,740    $ 858,929  
               

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:

     

Current liabilities:

     

Accounts payable trade

   $ 117,124    $ 100,414  

Accounts payable to affiliated parties

     14,509      13,727  

Accrued liabilities and other

     22,439      43,230  

Revenues and royalties payable

     37,423      28,738  

Current portion of asset retirement obligation

     2,569      2,528  
               

Total current liabilities

     194,064      188,637  

Long-term debt

     137,500      140,000  

Other noncurrent liabilities:

     

Deferred tax liability

     216,453      —    

Asset retirement obligation, net of current portion

     40,058      38,745  

Other noncurrent liabilities

     3,796      1,086  
               

Total other noncurrent liabilities

     260,307      39,831  

Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)

     

Shareholders’ equity:

     

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

     —        —    

Common stock, $.01 par value: 500,000,000 shares authorized, 159,106,244 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2006, 168,013,136 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2007

     1,680      144  

Additional paid-in-capital

     414,369      27,087  

Retained earnings

     88,744      463,255  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     76      (25 )
               

Total shareholders’ equity

     504,869      490,461  
               

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 1,096,740    $ 858,929  
               

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

 

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Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiary

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2007     2006     2007     2006  
                      

(as restated,

see Note 2)

 
     (In thousands, except per share data)  

Revenues:

        

Oil and natural gas sales

   $ 132,282     $ 113,773     $ 240,794     $ 141,554  

Oil and natural gas sales to affiliates

     7,764       7,182       15,236       79,169  

Oil and natural gas service operations

     5,280       4,146       10,419       8,143  
                                

Total revenues

     145,326       125,101       266,449       228,866  

Operating costs and expenses:

        

Production expense

     16,591       10,660       28,615       21,138  

Production expense to affiliates

     5,064       4,084       9,025       9,168  

Production tax

     7,437       5,625       13,600       9,992  

Exploration expense

     1,602       2,985       3,906       5,067  

Oil and natural gas service operations

     3,134       2,663       6,353       4,781  

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion

     23,330       14,689       43,738       27,981  

Property impairments

     5,923       6,318       8,893       7,733  

General and administrative

     8,450       9,458       21,423       22,151  

Gain on sale of assets

     (339 )     15       (400 )     (207 )
                                

Total operating costs and expenses

     71,192       56,497       135,153       107,804  
                                

Income from operations

     74,134       68,604       131,296       121,062  

Other income (expense):

        

Interest expense

     (3,427 )     (2,936 )     (7,080 )     (5,421 )

Other

     584       393       889       713  
                                
     (2,843 )     (2,543 )     (6,191 )     (4,708 )
                                

Net income before income taxes

     71,291       66,061       125,105       116,354  

Provision for income taxes

     213,789       —         213,789       —    
                                

Net income (loss)

   $ (142,498 )   $ 66,061     $ (88,684 )   $ 116,354  
                                

Basic net income (loss) per share

   $ (0.87 )   $ 0.42     $ (0.55 )   $ 0.74  

Diluted net income (loss) per share

     (0.87 )     0.41       (0.55 )     0.73  

Dividends per share

     —         0.38       0.33       0.38  

Weighted average shares:

        

Basic

     162,933       158,058       160,651       158,058  

Diluted

     162,933       159,685       160,651       159,685  

Pro forma:

        

Net income before income taxes

   $ 71,291     $ 66,061     $ 125,105     $ 116,354  

Pro forma provision for income taxes

     27,091       25,103       47,540       44,215  
                                

Pro forma net income

   $ 44,200     $ 40,958     $ 77,565     $ 72,139  
                                

Pro forma basic net income per share

   $ 0.27     $ 0.26     $ 0.48     $ 0.46  

Pro forma diluted net income per share

     0.27       0.26       0.48       0.45  

Pro forma weighted average shares:

        

Basic

     162,933       158,058       160,651       158,058  

Diluted

     164,484       159,685       162,153       159,685  

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

 

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Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiary

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

 

     Shares
outstanding
    Common
stock
   Additional
paid-in
capital
    Retained
earnings
    Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
    Total
shareholders’
Equity
 
     (in thousands, except share data)  

Balance, January 1, 2006

   159,048,626     $ 144    $ 27,087     $ 297,461     $ 38     $ 324,730  

Comprehensive income:

             

Net income

   —         —        —         253,088       —         253,088  

Other comprehensive loss

   —         —        —         —         (63 )     (63 )
                   

Total comprehensive income

                253,025  

Stock options exercised

   22,660       —        —         —         —         —    

Restricted stock:

             

Issuance

   200,772       —        —         —         —         —    

Repurchased and canceled

   (23,309 )     —        —         —         —         —    

Stock withheld for taxes

   (37,356 )     —        —         —         —         —    

Forfeited

   (105,149 )     —        —         —         —         —    

Cash dividends

   —         —        —         (87,294 )     —         (87,294 )
                                             

Balance, December 31, 2006

   159,106,244       144      27,087       463,255       (25 )     490,461  

Comprehensive income (loss):

             

Net loss (unaudited)

   —         —        —         (88,684 )     —         (88,684 )

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (unaudited)

   —         —        —         —         101       101  
                   

Total comprehensive income (unaudited)

                (88,583 )

Public offering of common stock (unaudited)

   8,850,000       89      124,406       —         —         124,495  

Reclass for stock split (unaudited)

   —         1,447      (1,447 )     —         —         —    

Adjust for undistributed earnings from conversion to C corporation (unaudited)

   —         —        234,099       (234,099 )     —         —    

Reclass stock compensation liability to equity (unaudited)

   —         —        29,828       —         —         29,828  

Stock based compensation (unaudited)

   —         —        396       —         —         396  

Stock options:

             

Exercised (unaudited)

   174,163       —        —         —         —         —    

Repurchased and canceled (unaudited)

   (146,663 )     —        —         —         —         —    

Restricted stock:

             

Issued (unaudited)

   77,484       —        —         —         —         —    

Repurchased and canceled (unaudited)

   (6,457 )     —        —         —         —         —    

Forfeited (unaudited)

   (41,635 )     —        —         —         —         —    

Cash dividends (unaudited)

   —         —        —         (51,728 )     —         (51,728 )
                                             

Balance, June 30, 2007 (unaudited)

   168,013,136     $ 1,680    $ 414,369     $ 88,744     $ 76     $ 504,869  
                                             

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

 

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Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiary

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

     Six months ended June 30,  
     2007     2006  
           (as restated, see Note 2)  
     (in thousands)  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income (loss)

   $ (88,684 )   $ 116,354  

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

    

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     43,227       27,361  

Accretion of asset retirement obligation

     965       844  

Property impairments

     8,893       7,733  

Amortization of debt issuance costs and other

     328       575  

(Gain) on sale of assets

     (400 )     (207 )

Dry hole costs

     1,230       2,504  

Equity compensation

     10,933       11,950  

Provision for income tax

     213,789       —    

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     (29,595 )     (8,116 )

Inventories

     (2,533 )     (4,658 )

Prepaid expenses and other

     331       366  

Accounts payable

     (5,182 )     13,827  

Revenues and royalties payable

     8,685       1,555  

Accrued liabilities and other

     1,134       1,243  

Other noncurrent liabilities

     388       307  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     163,509       171,638  

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Exploration and development

     (232,494 )     (122,984 )

Purchase of other property and equipment

     (2,460 )     (3,049 )

Purchase of oil and gas properties

     (145 )     (6,394 )

Proceeds from sale of assets

     1,244       1,445  
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (233,855 )     (130,982 )

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Line of credit and other borrowings

     185,500       122,000  

Repayment of line of credit and other borrowings

     (188,000 )     (89,500 )

Proceeds from initial public offering, net

     124,495       —    

Exercise and repurchase of equity grants

     (518 )     —    

Dividends to shareholders

     (51,833 )     (59,631 )

Exercise of options

     20       —    

Debt issuance costs

     (45 )     (896 )
                

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     69,619       (28,027 )

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     102       41  
                

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (625 )     12,670  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     7,018       6,014  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 6,393     $ 18,684  
                

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

 

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Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiary

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1. Organization and Nature of Business

Description of Company

Continental Resources, Inc.’s (Continental or the Company) principal business is oil and natural gas exploration, development and production. Continental’s operations are primarily in the Rocky Mountain, Mid-Continent and Gulf Coast regions of the United States.

Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2006, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Continental have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial statements. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

The preparation of these interim financial statements 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 oil and natural gas reserves, which is used to compute depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment on producing oil and 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 America 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 for the entire year. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes for the year ended December 31, 2006 included in the Company’s S-1/A filed May 10, 2007. Dividends payable of $218,000 at December 31, 2006 have been reclassified to accrued liabilities and other in the accompanying balance sheets to conform to the current year presentation.

Restatement

Subsequent to March 7, 2006, the date on which the Company first filed the registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission, management determined for financial reporting purposes, the amount of stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock and stock options issued to employees should be adjusted to reflect the fair value of restricted stock and stock options in accordance with SFAS No.123(R). In calculating stock-based compensation expense for financial reporting purposes as of June 30, 2006 and for the six months ended June 30, 2006, the Company adjusted the fair value of restricted stock and stock options from the historical value based on the price provided for in the plan documents to a probability weighted value that considered the probability of an initial public offering. As a result, the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of June 30, 2006 and for the six months ended June 30, 2006, have been restated from the amounts previously reported to reflect the changes in stock-based compensation expense. The changes resulted in net income being reduced by $4.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. A summary of the significant effects of the restatement follows:

 

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     As of June 30, 2006
    

As

Previously

Reported

  

As

Restated

     (in thousands)

Consolidated balance sheet:

     

Accrued liabilities

   $ 37,936    $ 42,693

Total current liabilities

     123,119      127,876

Retained earnings

     358,570      353,813

Total shareholder’s equity

     385,879      381,122

 

    

For the six months ended

June 30, 2006

    

As

Previously

Reported

  

As

Restated

     (in thousands, except per share data)

Consolidated statements of operations:

     

General and administrative expense

   $ 17,394    $ 22,151

Total operating costs and expenses

     103,047      107,804

Income from operations

     125,819      121,062

Net income

     121,111      116,354

Basic net income per share

     0.77      0.74

Diluted net income per share

     0.76      0.73

Pro forma

     

Net income

   $ 121,111    $ 116,354

Pro forma provision for income taxes

     46,022      44,215
             

Pro forma net income

   $ 75,089    $ 72,139
             

Pro forma basic net income per share

   $ 0.48    $ 0.46

Pro forma diluted net income per share

   $ 0.47    $ 0.45

Shareholders’ Equity

On May 14, 2007, the Company announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 29,500,000 shares of its common stock at $15.00 per share. The shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CLR. The Company sold 8,850,000 shares of common stock in the offering and Harold G. Hamm, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and principal shareholder of the Company, sold 20,650,000 shares of common stock in the offering. The offering closed on May 18, 2007. The offering generated gross proceeds of $132.8 million to the Company. The Company incurred underwriters’ discounts of approximately $8.0 million and other expenses of approximately $2.3 million. The Company netted $290,000, representing 30% of the costs incurred after the Company decided to participate in the offering, against the proceeds of the offering. The balance of the offering costs were expensed as incurred. After the payment of offering expenses the net proceeds were used to repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under the credit facility.

On May 14, 2007, the Company effected an 11 for 1 stock split by means of a stock dividend. All prior period share and per share information contained in this report has been retroactively restated to give effect to the stock split. On May 14, 2007, the Company amended its certificate of incorporation to, among other things, increase the number of authorized preferred shares to 25 million and common shares to 500 million.

On May 14, 2007 the Company converted from a subchapter S corporation to a subchapter C corporation. As a result, the Company recorded an adjustment in the amount of $234.1 million to reduce retained earnings to $65.1 million as of the conversion date, which represents the retained earnings balance of the Company when it originally converted from a subchapter C corporation to a subchapter S corporation in May 1997. The amount of the adjustment represents undistributed earnings of $432.5 million, net of the related provision for deferred income taxes of $198.4 million (which was included in the determination of net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2007).

 

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The Company accounts for stock option grants and restricted stock grants in accordance with SFAS 123(R). The terms of the restricted stock grants and stock option grants stipulate that, until the Company became a reporting company under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, it was required to purchase the vested restricted stock and stock acquired from stock option exercises at each employee’s request based upon the purchase price as determined by a formula specified in each award agreement. Additionally, the Company had the right to purchase vested restricted stock and stock acquired from stock option exercises at the same price upon termination of employment for any reason and for a period of two years subsequent to termination of employment. Therefore, the awards were accounted for as liability awards in accordance with SFAS 123(R). The right to sell and requirement to purchase lapsed when the Company became a reporting company under Section 12 of the Exchange Act. Therefore, the liability for equity compensation of approximately $29.8 million was reclassified to additional paid-in capital upon becoming a public reporting company on May 14, 2007. On a prospective basis, the Company will recognize compensation expense for existing stock option and restricted stock grants based on their fair value at May 14, 2007 over the remaining requisite service period. New stock options and restricted stock grants will be valued at fair value at their date of grant and compensation expense recognized over the requisite service period.

Income Taxes

Prior to completion of the public offering on May 14, 2007, the Company was a subchapter S corporation and income taxes were payable by its shareholders. In connection with the public offering, the Company converted to a subchapter C corporation and became a taxable entity. As a result of the conversion from a subchapter S corporation to a subchapter C corporation on May 14, 2007, the Company recorded a provision of $198.4 million to initially recognize deferred income taxes. As a result of the termination of the Company’s subchapter S corporation status, the Company will be subject to federal and certain state income taxes at the corporate level at statutory rates which the Company believes to be approximately 38 percent.

Income taxes are accounted for using the liability method under which deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities using the enacted statutory tax rates in effect at year-end. The effect on deferred taxes for a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is recorded when it is more likely than not that the benefit from the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Temporary differences arise primarily due to the deductibility for tax purposes of intangible drilling costs and differences in depreciation and depletion rates.

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”). The interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. The interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Pro forma information (unaudited)

Pro forma adjustments are reflected on the consolidated statements of operations to provide for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, as if the Company had been a subchapter C corporation for all periods presented. A statutory Federal tax rate of 35% and effective state tax rate of 3% (net of Federal income tax effects) were used for the pro forma enacted tax rate for all periods. The pro forma tax effects are based upon currently available information. Management believes that these assumptions provide a reasonable basis for representing the pro forma tax effects.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the FASB finalized SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements which will become effective in 2008. This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements; however, it does not require any new fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 will be applied prospectively to fair value measurements and disclosures in the Company’s consolidated financial statements beginning in the first quarter of 2008. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No, 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This statement provides entities with an option to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. If elected,

 

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an entity must report unrealized gains and losses on the item in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The fair value option may be applied instrument by instrument, with a few exceptions, such as investments otherwise accounted for by the equity method; is irrevocable (unless a new election date occurs); and is applied only to entire instruments and not to portions of instruments. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Management does not believe that the implementation of SFAS No. 159 will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 3. Long-term Debt

Long-term debt as of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, consisted of the following:

 

     June 30,
2007
   December 31,
2006
     (in thousands)

Credit Facility due April 12, 2011

   $ 137,500    $ 140,000
             

The credit facility matures on April 12, 2011. At the Company’s election, the maturity date can be extended for up to two one-year periods. Borrowings under the facility bear interest, payable quarterly, at a rate per annum equal to the London Interbank Offered Rate for one, two, three or six months, as elected by the Company, plus a margin ranging from 100 to 175 basis points, depending on the percentage of its borrowing base utilized, or the lead banks reference rate. The credit facility has a note amount of $750 million, a borrowing base of $600 million (effective April 17, 2007), subject to semi-annual re-determination, and a commitment level of $300 million. Under the terms of the credit facility, the Company is allowed to set the commitment level up to the borrowing base.

The Company had $162.5 million available under the Credit Agreement at June 30, 2007 and incurs commitment fees of 0.2% of the daily average excess of the commitment amount over the outstanding credit balance. The credit facility contains certain covenants including that the Company maintain a current ratio of not less than 1.0 to 1.0 (inclusive of availability under the Credit Agreement) and a Total Funded Debt to EBITDAX, as defined, of no greater than 3.75 to 1.0. The Company was in compliance with these covenants at June 30, 2007.

Note 4. Net Income Per Common Share

Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income 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 the awards were vested and the options were exercised. Potentially dilutive non-vested restricted shares and stock options were not considered in the calculation of the diluted weighted average shares outstanding used in computing diluted net income per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, because the effect was anti-dilutive.

Note 5. Income Taxes

The following is an analysis of the Company’s consolidated income tax provision (benefit) in conjunction with and subsequent to the conversion to a subchapter C corporation on May 14, 2007. Prior to this date, the Company was a subchapter S corporation and income taxes were payable by its shareholders. Therefore, no provision for income taxes was recorded in 2006.

 

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     Three months
ended
June 30, 2007
    Six months
ended
June 30, 2007
 
     (in thousands)  

Current:

    

Federal

   $ (1,300 )   $ (1,300 )

State

     (202 )     (202 )
                

Total current benefit

     (1,502 )     (1,502 )

Deferred:

    

Federal

     186,387       186,387  

State

     28,904       28,904  
                

Total deferred provision

     215,291       215,291  
                

Income tax provision

   $ 213,789     $ 213,789  
                

The following table reconciles income tax provision (benefit) with income tax at the Federal statutory rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007.

 

     Three months
ended
June 30, 2007
    Six months
ended
June 30, 2007
 
     (in thousands)  

Tax at statutory rate

   $ 24,952     $ 43,787  

State income taxes, net of federal benefit

     2,386       4,188  

Eliminate taxes on earnings prior to subchapter C corporation conversion (1)

     (12,388 )     (33,025 )

Non-deductible stock-based compensation

     314       314  

Other, net

     121       121  

Deferred taxes recorded upon conversion to a subchapter C corporation

     198,404       198,404  
                

Income tax provision

   $ 213,789     $ 213,789  
                

(1) Tax at statutory rate and state income taxes have been calculated based upon the full net income before tax for the period. However, the Company converted from a subchapter S corporation to a subchapter C corporation on May 14, 2007 and deferred taxes were provided for timing differences that existed on that date. This line item eliminates the tax effect related to the net income before tax from the beginning of the period presented through the date of conversion to a subchapter C corporation, which tax effects are already included in the line item deferred taxes recorded upon conversion to a subchapter C corporation.

 

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Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2007 are as follows:

 

     June 30, 2007
     (in thousands)

Current:

  

Deferred tax assets

  

Accrued expenses

   $ 1,040

Other expenses

     74
      

Total current deferred tax assets

     1,114
      

Non-current:

  

Deferred tax assets

  

Deferred compensation

     6,417

Accrued expenses

     329

Other

     48
      

Total non-current deferred tax assets

     6,794

Deferred tax liabilities

  

Property and equipment

     223,199
      

Total non-current deferred tax liabilities

     216,405
      

Net deferred tax liabilities

   $ 215,291
      

Note 6. Cash Flow Information

Net cash provided by operating activities reflects cash interest payments of $4.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and $5.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. Non-cash investing and financing activities include asset retirement obligations of $774,000 and $868,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Company paid cash income taxes of $1.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2006.

Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is involved in various legal proceedings in the normal course of business, none of which, in the opinion of management, will have a material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Company. As of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the Company has provided a reserve of $857,500 and $670,000, respectively, for various matters none of which are believed to be individually significant. Due to the nature of the oil and 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 Compensation

Effective October 1, 2000, the Company adopted the Continental Resources, Inc. 2000 Stock Option Plan (2000 Plan) and granted options to certain eligible employees. These options were 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 date of grant. The maximum number of shares covered consisted of 11,220,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share. On November 10, 2005, the 2000 Plan was terminated and 1,672,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, remained reserved for unexercised stock options previously granted under the 2000 Plan. As of June 30, 2007, options covering 787,820 shares had been exercised.

 

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The Company’s stock option grants under the 2000 plan are as follows:

 

     Outstanding    Exercisable
    

Number

of options

    Weighted
average
exercise
price
  

Number

of options

   Weighted
average
exercise
price

Outstanding January 1, 2007

   1,576,003     $ 2.06    1,370,666    $ 1.59

Exercised

   (174,163 )     3.45      
              

Outstanding June 30, 2007

   1,401,840     $ 1.89    1,299,166    $ 1.63
              

The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the formula derived value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2007 was approximately $0.6 million. At June 30, 2007, the exercisable options had a weighted average life of 5.2 years. There was $0.1 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested options. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.8 years.

Restricted Stock

On October 3, 2005, the Company adopted the Continental Resources, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (2005 Plan) and reserved a maximum of 5,500,000 shares of non-voting common stock that may be issued pursuant to the 2005 Plan. As of June 30, 2007, the Company had outstanding 1,054,867 shares of restricted stock granted 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 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 the status of the unvested shares of restricted stock as of June 30, 2007, and changes during the six months ended June 30, 2007, is presented below:

 

     Unvested
Restricted
Shares
    Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value

Unvested restricted shares at January 1, 2007

   781,407     $ 12.92

Granted

   77,484       10.58

Vested

   (20,702 )     11.82

Forfeited

   (41,635 )     12.53
        

Unvested restricted shares at June 30, 2007

   796,554       12.71
        

The fair value of the restricted shares that vested during the six months ended June 30, 2007 at their vesting dates was $0.3 million. As of June 30, 2007, there was $5.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted shares. The expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.3 years.

Historically, the restricted stock and stock option awards required the Company to purchase vested restricted shares and shares acquired by option exercise at the holder’s request. As such, the awards were accounted for as liability awards and included in accrued liabilities and other on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2006, in the amount of $22.5 million. The requirement to purchase lapsed in connection with the Company’s initial public offering. Therefore, the liability for equity compensation of approximately $29.8 million was reclassified to additional paid-in capital during the three months ended June 30, 2007.

Note 9. Recent Events

In July 2007, the Company entered into fixed-price swap contracts covering 10,000 barrels of oil per day for the period from August 2007 through April 2008. During each month of the contract, the Company will receive a fixed-price of $72.90 per barrel

 

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and will pay to the counterparties the average of the prompt NYMEX crude oil futures contract settlement prices for such month. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” requires recognition of all derivative instruments on the balance sheet as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value. The Company has elected not to designate its derivatives as cash flow hedges under the provisions of SFAS No. 133. As a result, the Company will mark its derivative instruments to fair value in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 133 and recognize the realized and unrealized change in fair value on derivative instruments in the statements of operations.

 

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 registration statement on Form S-1/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 10, 2007. Our operating results for the periods discussed may not be indicative of future performance. Statements concerning future results are forward-looking statements. In the text below, financial statement numbers have been rounded; however, the percentage changes are based on amounts that have not been rounded.

Overview

Continental Resources, Inc. is an independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company with operations in the Rocky Mountain, Mid-Continent and Gulf Coast regions of the United States. 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 oil and natural gas reserves from unconventional formations. As a result of these efforts, we have grown substantially through the drill bit.

We principally derive our operating income and cash flow from the sale of oil and natural gas. We expect that growth in our operating income and revenues will primarily depend on our ability to increase our oil and natural gas production and on product prices. In recent years, there has been significant volatility in oil and natural gas prices due to a variety of factors we can not control or predict. These factors, which include weather conditions, political and economic events, and competition from other energy sources, impact supply and demand for oil and natural gas, which affects prices. In addition, the prices we realize for our oil and natural gas production are affected by location differences in market prices. See Liquidity and Capital Resources Contractual Commitments for a discussion of derivative activity.

In the first six months of 2007, our oil and gas production increased to 5,116 MBoe (28,265 Boepd), up 21% from the first six months of 2006. The increase in 2007 production primarily resulted from an increase in production from our Red River units and Bakken field. Oil and natural gas revenues for the first six months of 2007 increased by 16% to $256.0 million as volume increases were partially offset by a decrease in prices. Our realized price per Boe decreased $2.40 to $50.52 for the first six months of 2007 compared to the first six months of 2006. While we experienced increases in production expense and production tax of a combined total of $10.9 million, or 27%, our increase in combined per unit cost was only 5%, or $0.44 per Boe, due to the increase in sales volumes of 897 MBoe, or 22%. Oil sales volumes were 47 MBbls less than oil production for the first six months of 2007 and 51 MBbls less for the same period in 2006, due to barrels of oil put in storage. Our cash flow from operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2007, was $163.5 million, a decrease of $8.1 million from $171.6 million provided by our operating activities during the comparable 2006 period. The decrease in operating cash flows was mainly due to changes in working capital items including an increase in accounts receivables, both revenue and joint interest, and reduction of trade accounts payable. During the six months ended June 30, 2007, we invested $257.7 million (inclusive of non-cash accruals of $22.6 million) in our capital program primarily in the Red River units, the Bakken field and the Woodford Shale play.

How We Evaluate Our Operations

We use a variety of financial and operational measures to assess our performance. Among these measures are (1) volumes of oil and natural gas produced, (2) oil and natural gas prices realized, (3) per unit operating and administrative costs and (4) EBITDAX. The following table contains unaudited financial and operational highlights for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year.

 

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     Three months ended June 30,    Six months ended June 30,
     2007     2006    2007     2006

Average daily production:

         

Crude oil (Bopd)

     23,674       19,921      23,391       19,278

Natural gas (Mcfd)

     29,618       23,159      29,229       24,274

Crude oil equivalent (Boepd)

     28,610       23,781      28,262       23,323

Average prices: (1)

         

Crude oil ($/Bbl)

   $ 58.25     $ 58.60    $ 53.44     $ 55.93

Natural gas ($/Mcf)

   $ 6.07     $ 5.74    $ 6.11     $ 6.46

Crude oil equivalent ($/Boe)

   $ 54.44     $ 54.75    $ 50.52     $ 52.92

Production expense ($/Boe) (1)

   $ 8.42     $ 6.67    $ 7.43     $ 7.27

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

   $ 3.28     $ 4.28    $ 4.23     $ 5.31

EBITDAX (in thousands) (2)

   $ 108,659     $ 96,889    $ 199,655     $ 174,506

Net income (loss) (in thousands) (3)

   $ (142,498 )   $ 66,061    $ (88,684 )   $ 116,354

Diluted net income (loss) per share

   $ (0.87 )   $ 0.41    $ (0.55 )   $ 0.73

(1) Oil sales volumes were 31 MBbls less than oil production for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 45 MBbls more than oil production for the three months ended June 30, 2006. For the six months ended June 30, 2007 oil sales volumes were 47 MBbls less than oil production and 51 MBbls less than oil production for the six months ended June 30, 2006. Average prices and per unit expenses have been calculated using sales volumes.
(2) EBITDAX represents earnings before interest expense, income taxes (when applicable), depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion, property impairments, exploration expense and non-cash compensation expense. EBITDAX is not a measure of net income or cash flow as determined by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). A reconciliation of net income to EBITDAX is provided in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
(3) Prior to the public offering, the Company was a subchapter S corporation and income taxes were payable by its shareholders. In connection with the public offering, the Company converted to a subchapter C corporation and recorded a charge to earnings in the second quarter of 2007 of $198.4 million to recognize deferred taxes relating to the timing differences that existed at May 14, 2007, the date we converted to a subchapter C corporation.

 

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Results of Operations

The three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2006

 

     2nd Quarter

(in thousands, except price data)

   2007     2006

Oil and natural gas sales

   $ 140,046     $ 120,955

Revenues

     145,326       125,101

Operating expenses

     71,192       56,497
              

Income from operations

     74,134       68,604

Net income before income taxes

     71,291       66,061

Provision for income taxes

     213,789       —  
              

Net income (loss)

   $ (142,498 )   $ 66,061
              

Production Volumes:

    

Oil and condensate (MBbl)

     2,154       1,813

Natural gas (MMcf)

     2,695       2,107

Oil equivalents (MBoe)

     2,603       2,164

Sales Volumes:

    

Oil and condensate (MBbl)

     2,123       1,858

Natural gas (MMcf)

     2,695       2,107

Oil equivalents (MBoe)

     2,572       2,209

Average Prices:

    

Oil and condensate ($/Bbl)

   $ 58.25     $ 58.60

Natural gas ($/Mcf)

   $ 6.07     $ 5.74

Oil equivalents ($/Boe)

   $ 54.44     $ 54.75

Production

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

 

     2nd Quarter              
     2007     2006     Volume
Increase
    Percent
Increase
 
     Volume    Percent     Volume    Percent      

Oil and condensate (MBbl) (1)

   2,154    83 %   1,813    84 %   341     19 %

Natural gas (MMcf)

   2,695    17 %   2,107    16 %   588     28 %
                              

Total oil equivalents (MBoe)

   2,603    100 %   2,164    100 %   439     20 %
                              
     2nd Quarter     Volume
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percent
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     2007     2006      
     MBoe    Percent     MBoe    Percent      

Rocky Mountain (1)

   2,117    81 %   1,715    79 %   402     23 %

Mid-Continent

   446    17 %   361    17 %   85     24 %

Gulf Coast

   40    2 %   88    4 %   (48 )   (55 )%
                              

Total oil equivalents (MBoe)

   2,603    100 %   2,164    100 %   439     20 %
                              

(1) Oil sales volumes were 31 MBbls less than oil production volumes for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 45 MBbls more than oil production volumes for the three months ended June 30, 2006.

Oil production volumes increased 19% during the three months ended June 30, 2007 in comparison to the three months ended June 30, 2006. Production increases in the Bakken Field units contributed incremental volumes in excess of 2006 levels of 182 MBbls, and the Red River contributed 180 MBbls of incremental production. Initial production commenced in the Bakken field in August 2003 and has increased thereafter, as we have continued exploration and development activities within the field. Favorable results from the enhanced recovery program and additional field development have been the primary contributors to production growth in the Red River units. Gas volumes increased 588 MMcf during the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the same time period in 2006. The majority of the increase, 510 MMcf, or 87% was from the Mid-Continent region reflecting the successful drilling in the Woodford Shale play and other Mid-Continent areas. We have invested a minimal amount of capital in our Gulf

 

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Coast region resulting in a decline in production in this area. Delays in completion of the new Hiland Partners Badlands Plant limited natural gas sales in the Red River Units to less than 200 net Mcfd during the second quarter of 2007. The new plant is expected to be operational in August 2007.

Revenues

Oil and Natural Gas Sales. Oil and natural gas sales for the three months ended June 30, 2007 were $140.0 million, a 16% increase from sales of $121.0 million for the comparable period in 2006. Our sales volumes increased 363 MBoe or 16% over the 2006 volumes due to the continuing success of our secondary recovery and drilling programs. Our realized price per Boe decreased $0.31 to $54.44 for the three months ended June 30, 2007 from $54.75 for the three months ended June 30, 2006. During 2007, the differential between West Texas intermediate crude oil prices and our realized crude oil prices narrowed. The differential per barrel for the three months ended June 30, 2007 was $4.86 as compared to $10.35 for the comparable period in 2006. The differential for the month of June 2007 was $2.52 per barrel. Factors contributing to the higher differentials in 2006 included Canadian oil imports, increases in production in the Rocky Mountain region, refinery downtime in the Rocky Mountain region, downstream transportation capacity constraints, and reduced seasonal demand for gasoline. Crude oil differentials are better during 2007 due to additional transportation capacity and efforts by us to move crude oil to more favorable markets.

Oil and Natural Gas Service Operations. Our oil and natural gas service operations consist primarily of sales of high-pressure air and the treatment and sale of lower quality crude oil, or reclaimed oil. We initiated the sale of high-pressure air from our Red River units to a third party in 2004 and recorded revenues of $0.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $0.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006. Prices for reclaimed oil sold from our central treating unit were lower for the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the same 2006 period, however, the number of barrels sold increased approximately 18,300 which increased reclaimed oil income by $1.0 million contributing to an overall increase in oil and gas service operations revenue of $1.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. Associated oil and natural gas service operations expenses increased $0.4 million to $3.1 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007 from $2.7 million during the three months ended June 30, 2006 due mainly to an increase in the number of treated barrels.

Operating Costs and Expenses

Production Expense and Tax. Production expense increased $6.9 million, or 47% during the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $21.7 million from $14.8 million during the three months ended June 30, 2006. The increase is a result of new wells being drilled and workovers and repairs on existing wells. The majority of the increase was due to an increase in repairs done in the second quarter of 2007 and an increase in energy costs in the Rocky Mountain region. Production expense in the Mid-Continent region increased 23% due to increased repairs and labor costs. Production expense per Boe increased to $8.42 per Boe for the three months ended June 30, 2007 from $6.67 per Boe for the three months ended June 30, 2006.

Production taxes increased $1.8 million, or 32% during the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2006 primarily as a result of increased sales. Production tax as a percentage of oil and natural gas sales was 5.3% for the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to 4.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2006. 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 oil or gas and to encourage certain activities, such as horizontal drilling and enhanced recovery projects. In Montana, new horizontal wells qualify for a tax incentive and are taxed at 0.76% during the first 18 months of production. After the 18 month incentive period expires, the tax rate increases to 9.26%. During the twelve month period from June 30, 2006 to June 30, 2007, 34 wells had reached the end of the 18 month incentive period and the tax rate increased from 0.76% to 9.26%. Our overall rate is expected to increase as production tax incentives received for horizontal wells in Montana reach the end of the 18 month incentive period.

On a unit of sales basis, production expense and production taxes were as follows:

 

     2nd Quarter    Percent
Increase
 

On a Boe Basis

   2007    2006   

Production expense ($/Boe)

   $ 8.42    $ 6.67    26 %

Production tax ($/Boe)

     2.89      2.55    13 %
                

Production expense and tax ($/Boe)

   $ 11.31    $ 9.22    23 %
                

 

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Exploration Expense. Exploration expenses consist primarily of dry hole costs and exploratory geological and geophysical costs that are expensed as incurred. Exploration expenses decreased $1.4 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007 to $1.6 million. The decrease is due primarily to a decrease in dry hole expense. The majority of the dry hole costs in the 2006 period were in the Mid-Continent region and in the 2007 period, the majority of the dry hole costs were in the Rocky Mountain region. Exploration capital expenditures were $32.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $13.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006. The Mid-Continent region made up 60%, or $19.3 million of the 2007 exploration capital expenditures and the Rocky Mountain region made up the remaining balance of $13.1 million.

Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Accretion (DD&A.) DD&A on oil and gas properties increased $8.5 million in 2007 due to increased production and additional properties being added through our drilling program. The DD&A rate on oil and gas properties for the three months ended June 30, 2007 was $8.69 per Boe compared to $6.27 per Boe for the three months ended June 30, 2006 reflecting additional costs incurred to develop proved undeveloped reserves and higher costs for drilling and completing wells. Accretion expense increased approximately $87,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2006.

Property Impairments. Property impairments decreased during the three months ended June 30, 2007 by $0.4 million to $5.9 million compared to $6.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2006. Impairment provisions for developed oil and gas properties were approximately $2.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $5.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006. Impairment of non-producing properties increased $2.1 million during the quarter ended June 30, 2007 to $3.1 million compared to $1.0 million for the same period in 2006, due to lease expirations in the Bakken field. Non-producing properties consist of undeveloped leasehold costs and costs associated with the purchase of certain proved undeveloped reserves. Individually significant non-producing properties are periodically assessed for impairment of value and a loss is recognized at the time of impairment by providing an impairment allowance. Other non-producing properties are amortized on a composite method based on our estimated experience of successful drilling and the average holding period.

General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative expense decreased $1.0 million to $8.4 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. General and administrative expense includes non-cash charges for stock-based compensation which decreased $0.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006 due to a decrease in grants. General and administrative expenses excluding equity compensation decreased $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2006. On a volumetric basis, general and administrative expense was $3.28 per Boe for the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $4.28 per Boe for the three months ended June 30, 2006.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased 17%, or $0.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2006, due to a higher average outstanding debt balance on our credit facility of $196.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $183.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and a higher weighted average interest rate on our credit facility of 6.50% for the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to 6.19% for the three months ended June 30, 2006. During the month of May 2007 we reduced our outstanding debt on our credit facility by $122.9 million, utilizing proceeds received from our public offering. At June 30, 2007, our outstanding balance was $137.5 million.

 

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Six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2006

 

     June 30,

(in thousands, except price data)

   2007     2006

Oil and natural gas sales

   $ 256,030     $ 220,723

Revenues

     266,449       228,866

Operating expenses

     135,153       107,804
              

Income from operations

     131,296       121,062

Net income before income taxes

     125,105       116,354

Provision for income taxes

     213,789       —  
              

Net income (loss)

   $ (88,684 )   $ 116,354
              

Production Volumes:

    

Oil and condensate (MBbl)

     4,234       3,489

Natural gas (MMcf)

     5,290       4,394

Oil equivalents (MBoe)

     5,116       4,221

Sales Volumes:

    

Oil and condensate (MBbl)

     4,187       3,438

Natural gas (MMcf)

     5,290       4,394

Oil equivalents (MBoe)

     5,068       4,170

Average Prices:

    

Oil and condensate ($/Bbl)

   $ 53.44     $ 55.93

Natural gas ($/Mcf)

   $ 6.11     $ 6.46

Oil equivalents ($/Boe)

   $ 50.52     $ 52.92

Production

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

 

     Six Months ended June 30,              
     2007     2006     Volume
increase
    Percent
increase
 
     Volume    Percent     Volume    Percent      

Oil and condensate (MBbl) (1)

   4,234    83 %   3,489    83 %   745     21 %

Natural gas (MMcf)

   5,290    17 %   4,394    17 %   896     20 %
                              

Total oil equivalents (MBoe)

   5,116    100 %   4,221    100 %   895     21 %
                              
     Six Months ended June 30,     Volume
increase
(decrease)
    Percent
increase
(decrease)
 
     2007     2006      
     MBoe    Percent     MBoe    Percent      

Rocky Mountain (1)

   4,137    81 %   3,301    78 %   836     25 %

Mid-Continent

   874    17 %   713    17 %   161     23 %

Gulf Coast

   105    2 %   207    5 %   (102 )   (49 )%
                              

Total oil equivalents (MBoe)

   5,116    100 %   4,221    100 %   895     21 %
                              

(1) Oil sales volumes were 47 MBbls less than oil production volumes for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 51 MBbls less than oil production volumes for the six months ended June 30, 2006

Oil production volumes increased 21% during the six months ended June 30, 2007 in comparison to the six months ended June 30, 2006. Production increases in the Red River units contributed incremental volumes in excess of 2006 levels of 456 MBbls, and the Bakken field contributed 303 MBbls of incremental production. Initial production commenced in the Bakken field in August 2003 and has increased thereafter, as we have continued exploration and development activities within the field. Favorable results from the enhanced recovery program and additional field development have been the primary contributors to production growth in the Red River units. We have invested a minimal amount of capital in our Gulf Coast region resulting in a significant decline in production in this area.

 

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Table of Contents

Revenues

Oil and Natural Gas Sales. Oil and natural gas sales for the six months ended June 30, 2007 were $256.0 million, a 16% increase from sales of $220.7 million for the comparable period in 2006. Our sales volumes increased 897 MBoe or 22% over the 2006 volumes due to the continuing success of our enhanced oil recovery and drilling programs. Our realized price per Boe decreased $2.40 to $50.52 for the six months ended June 30, 2007 from $52.92 for the six months ended June 30, 2006. During 2007, the differential between West Texas intermediate crude oil prices and our realized crude oil prices narrowed. The differential per barrel for the six months ended June 30, 2007 was $6.79 as compared to $10.06 for the comparable period in 2006. Factors contributing to the higher differentials in 2006 included Canadian oil imports, increases in production in the Rocky Mountain region, refinery downtime in the Rocky Mountain region, downstream transportation capacity constraints, and reduced seasonal demand for gasoline. Crude oil differentials are better during 2007 due to additional transportation capacity and efforts by us to move crude oil to more favorable markets.

Oil and Natural Gas Service Operations. Our oil and natural gas service operations consist primarily of sales of high-pressure air and the treatment and sale of lower quality crude oil, or reclaimed oil. We initiated the sale of high-pressure air from our Red River units to a third party in 2004 and recorded revenues of $1.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and $1.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. Prices for reclaimed oil sold from our central treating unit were lower for the six months ended June 30, 2007 than the comparable 2006 period, however, the number of barrels sold increased approximately 48,000 which increased reclaimed oil income by $2.5 million contributing to an overall increase in oil and gas service operations revenue of $2.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Associated oil and natural gas service operations expenses increased $1.6 million to $6.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007 from $4.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2006 due mainly to an increase in the number of barrels treated.

Operating Costs and Expenses

Production Expense and Tax. Production expense increased $7.3 million, or 24% during the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $37.6 million from $30.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2006. The increase is a result of new wells drilled, repairs, and increased energy costs. Production expenses in the Rocky Mountain region increased 75% for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2006. The majority of the increase was due to repairs and increased energy costs. Production expenses in the Mid-Continent region increased 25% for the 2007 period due to increased repairs and labor costs. Production expense per Boe increased to $7.43 per Boe for the six months ended June 30, 2007 from $7.27 per Boe for the six months ended June 30, 2006.

Production taxes increased $3.6 million, or 36% during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2006 due primarily to an increase in sales. Production tax as a percentage of oil and natural gas sales was 5.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to 4.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2006. 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 oil or gas and to encourage certain activities, such as horizontal drilling and enhanced recovery projects. In Montana, new horizontal wells qualify for a tax incentive and are taxed at 0.76% during the first 18 months of production. After the 18 month incentive period expires, the tax rate increases to 9.26%. During the twelve month period from June 30, 2006 to June 30, 2007, 34 wells had reached the end of the 18 month incentive period and the tax rate increased from 0.76% to 9.26%. Our overall rate is expected to increase as production tax incentives received for horizontal wells in Montana reach the end of the 18 month incentive period.

On a unit of sales basis, production expense and production taxes were as follows:

 

     Six Months ended
June 30,
   Percent
Increase
 

On a Boe Basis

   2007    2006   

Production expense ($/Boe)

   $ 7.43    $ 7.27    2 %

Production tax ($/Boe)

     2.68      2.40    12 %
                

Production expense and tax ($/Boe)

   $ 10.11    $ 9.67    5 %
                

Exploration Expense. Exploration expenses consist primarily of dry hole costs and exploratory geological and geophysical costs that are expensed as incurred. Exploration expenses decreased $1.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $3.9 million. Exploration capital expenditures were $55.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $21.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. The Mid-Continent region made up 56%, or $30.8 million of 2007 exploration capital expenditures, and the Rocky Mountain region made up the remaining balance.

 

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Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Accretion (DD&A.) DD&A on oil and gas properties increased $15.5 million in 2007 due to increased production and additional properties being added through our drilling program. The DD&A rate on oil and gas properties for the six months ended June 30, 2007 was $8.26 per Boe compared to $6.32 per Boe for the six months ended June 30, 2006 reflecting additional costs incurred to develop proved undeveloped reserves and higher costs for drilling and completing wells. Accretion expense increased approximately $121,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2006.

Property Impairments. Property impairments increased in the six months ended June 30, 2007 by $1.2 million to $8.9 million compared to $7.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2006 reflecting higher lease expirations in the Bakken field. Impairment of non-producing properties increased $3.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007 to $6.0 million compared to $2.4 million for the same period in 2006. Non-producing properties consist of undeveloped leasehold costs and costs associated with the purchase of certain proved undeveloped reserves. Individually significant non-producing properties are periodically assessed for impairment of value and a loss is recognized at the time of impairment by providing an impairment allowance. Other 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 oil and gas properties were approximately $2.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to approximately $5.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006.

General and Administrative Expense. General and administrative expense decreased $0.7 million to $21.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007 from $22.1 million during the comparable period of 2006. General and administrative expense includes non-cash charges for stock-based compensation of $10.9 million and $11.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. On a volumetric basis, general and administrative expense was $4.23 per Boe for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $5.31 per Boe for the six months ended June 30, 2006.

Gain on Sale of Assets. Gains for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 totaled approximately $400,000 and $200,000, respectively, on miscellaneous asset sales.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased 31% for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2006, due to a higher average outstanding debt balance on our credit facility of $198.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $155.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. The weighted average interest rate on our credit facility was 6.54% for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 6.16% for the same period in 2006. During May 2007 we reduced our outstanding debt on the credit facility by $122.9 million, utilizing proceeds received from our public offering. At June 30, 2007, our outstanding balance was $137.5 million.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Historically, our primary sources of liquidity have been cash flows generated from operating activities and financing provided by our bank credit facility. On May 14, 2007, we completed an initial public offering in which we generated net proceeds of $122.5 million. We believe that funds from operating cash flows and the bank 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. We intend to fund our longer term cash requirements beyond 12 months through operating cash flows, commercial bank borrowings and access to equity and debt capital markets. Although our longer term needs may be impacted by factors such as declines in oil and natural gas prices, drilling results, ability to obtain needed capital on satisfactory terms, and other risks which could negatively impact production and our results of operations, we currently anticipate that we will be able to generate or obtain funds sufficient to meet our long-term cash requirements. On January 10, 2007 and March 6, 2007, we declared cash dividends of approximately $18.8 million and $33.3 million to our shareholders for tax purposes and, subject to forfeiture, to holders of unvested restricted stock. On May 14, 2007, we completed our initial public offering and in conjunction therewith, converted from a subchapter S corporation to a subchapter C corporation and we do not anticipate paying any additional cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. At June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, we had cash and cash equivalents of $6.4 million and $7.0 million, respectively and available borrowing capacity on our credit facility of $162.5 million and $160.0 million, respectively. On April 17, 2007, the credit facility was amended to increase the borrowing base to $600.0 million. On May 18, 2007, we paid down the debt outstanding under our credit facility by $122.9 million primarily utilizing proceeds from our initial public offering. The balance of the credit facility at July 31, 2007 was $149.5 million. We have elected to have a commitment level of $300.0 million to reduce our commitment fees and, therefore, as of July 31, 2007, have an available borrowing capacity of $150.5 million.

 

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Table of Contents

Cash Flow From Operating Activities

Our net cash provided by our operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2007, was $163.5 million, a decrease of $8.1 million from $171.6 million provided by our operating activities during the comparable 2006 period. The decrease in operating cash flows was mainly due to changes in working capital items including an increase in accounts receivables and a reduction of trade accounts payable.

Cash Flow From Investing Activities

During the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 we had cash flows used in investing activities (excluding asset sales) of $235.1 million and $132.4 million, respectively in our capital program, inclusive of dry hole and seismic costs. The increase in our capital program was due to increased drilling in our Rocky Mountain region and Oklahoma Woodford Shale play.

Cash Flow From Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities of $69.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 was mainly the result of the proceeds of our initial public offering net of amounts used for capital expenditures and to pay cash dividends. Net cash used in financing activities was $28.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and was attributable to the repayment of long-term debt and cash dividends paid.

Capital Expenditures

We evaluate opportunities to purchase or sell 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. Expenditures for exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties are the primary use of our capital resources. We have budgeted $437.0 million for capital expenditures in 2007. During the first half of 2007, the Company participated in the completion of 107 gross (55.5 net) wells and invested a total of $257.7 million including $236.0 million in drilling and capital facilities and $21.7 million for undeveloped acreage.

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 under our credit facility will be sufficient to satisfy our 2007 capital budget.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the FASB finalized SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements which will become effective in 2008. This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements; however, it does not require any new fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 will be applied prospectively to fair value measurements and disclosures in our consolidated financial statements beginning in the first quarter of 2008. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No, 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This statement provides entities with an option to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. If elected, an entity must report unrealized gains and losses on the item in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The fair value option may be applied instrument by instrument, with a few exceptions, such as investments otherwise accounted for by the equity method; is irrevocable (unless a new election date occurs); and is applied only to entire instruments and not to portions of instruments. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Management does not believe that the implementation of SFAS No. 159 will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

Contractual Commitments

In July 2007, the Company entered into fixed-price swap contracts covering 10,000 barrels of oil per day for the period from August 2007 through April 2008. During each month of the contract, the Company will receive a fixed-price of $72.90 per barrel and will pay to the counterparties the average of the prompt NYMEX crude oil futures contract settlement prices for such month.

Critical Accounting Policies

There has been no change in our critical accounting policies from those disclosed in our Prospectus dated May 14, 2007 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 16, 2007.

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report includes forward-looking information that is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. All information, other than historical facts included in this report, regarding our strategy, future operations, drilling plans, estimated reserves, future production, estimated capital expenditures, projected costs, the potential of drilling prospects and other plans and objectives of management are forward-looking information. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report. Although the Company believes that the plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there is no assurance that these plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated due to many factors, including oil and natural gas prices, industry conditions, drilling results, uncertainties in estimating reserves, uncertainties in estimating future production from enhanced recovery operations, availability of drilling rigs and other services, availability of crude oil and natural gas transportation capacity, availability of capital resources and other factors listed in reports we have filed or may file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

EBITDAX represents earnings before interest expense, income taxes (when applicable), depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion, property impairments, exploration expense and non-cash compensation expense. EBITDAX is not a measure of net income or cash flow as determined by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). EBITDAX should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income or cash flow as determined in accordance with 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. The Company’s computations of EBITDAX may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. The Company believes that EBITDAX is a widely followed measure of operating performance and may also be used by investors to measure its ability to meet future debt service requirements, if any. The Company’s credit facility requires that it maintain a total debt to EBITDAX ratio of no greater than 3.75 to 1 on a rolling four-quarter basis. The credit facility defines EBITDAX consistently with the definition of EBITDAX utilized and presented by the Company. The following table is a reconciliation of the Company’s net income to EBITDAX.

 

     Three months ended June 30,    Six months ended June 30,
     2007     2006    2007     2006
                      (as restated)

Net income (loss)

   $ (142,498 )   $ 66,061    $ (88,684 )   $ 116,354

Income taxes

     213,789       —        213,789       —  

Interest expense

     3,427       2,936      7,080       5,421

Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion expense

     23,330       14,689      43,738       27,981

Property impairments

     5,923       6,318      8,893       7,733

Exploration expense

     1,602       2,985      3,906       5,067

Equity compensation expense

     3,086       3,900      10,933       11,950
                             

EBITDAX

   $ 108,659     $ 96,889    $ 199,655     $ 174,506
                             

 

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Table of Contents
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

General

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

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 oil and gas production, which we market to energy marketing companies, refineries and affiliates. We monitor our exposure to these counterparties primarily by reviewing credit ratings, financial statements and payment history. We extend credit terms based on our evaluation of each counterparty’s credit worthiness. Although we have not generally required our counterparties to provide collateral to support trade receivables owed to us, we routinely require prepayment of working interest holders’ proportionate share of drilling costs. A liability is recorded for such prepayments and subsequently reduced as the associated work is performed. In this manner, we reduce credit risk.

Commodity Price Risk. We are exposed to market risk as the prices of crude oil and natural gas are subject to fluctuations resulting from changes in supply and demand. To partially reduce price risk caused by these market fluctuations, we have hedged in the past, through the utilization of derivatives, including zero-cost collars and fixed price contracts. We had no hedging contracts in place during 2006 or through June 30, 2007. In July 2007, the Company entered into fixed-price swap contracts covering 10,000 barrels of oil per day for the period from August 2007 through April 2008. During each month of the contract, the Company will receive a fixed-price of $72.90 per barrel and will pay to the counterparties the average of the prompt NYMEX crude oil futures contract settlement prices for such month. SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” requires recognition of all derivative instruments on the balance sheet as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value. The Company has elected not to designate its derivatives as cash flow hedges under the provisions of SFAS No. 133. As a result, the Company will mark its derivative instruments to fair value in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 133 and recognize the realized and unrealized change in fair value as a gain (loss) on derivative instruments in the statements of operations. A one dollar increase or decrease in the NYMEX crude futures price would result in approximately $2.7 million loss or gain over the life of our derivatives.

Interest Rate Risk. Our exposure to changes in interest rates relates primarily to long-term debt obligations. We manage our interest rate exposure by limiting our variable-rate debt to a certain percentage of total capitalization and by monitoring the effects of market changes in interest rates. 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 are used solely to modify interest rate exposure and not to modify the overall leverage of the debt portfolio. We are exposed to changes in interest rates as a result of our credit facility. We had total indebtedness of $149.5 million outstanding under our credit facility at July 31, 2007. The impact of a 1% increase in interest rates on this amount of debt would result in increased interest expense of approximately $1.5 million per year. Our long-term debt matures in 2011 and the weighted-average interest rate at June 30, 2007 is 6.43%.

 

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 240.13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act are accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to make timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our current disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2007 that have materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially effect our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

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Table of Contents

PART II. Other Information

 

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are a party to litigation or other legal proceedings that we consider to be a part of the ordinary course of our business. We are not involved in any legal proceedings nor are we a party to any pending or threatened claims that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in our prospectus dated May 14, 2007 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 16, 2007 relating to our initial public offering of common stock (the “Prospectus”) (except for the additional risk factor shown below). The risk factors listed on pages 11 through 22 under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Prospectus are incorporated herein by reference.

Our derivative activities could result in financial losses or could reduce our earnings.

To achieve a more predictable cash flow and to reduce our exposure to adverse fluctuations in the prices of oil and natural gas, we on occasion, enter into derivative instruments for a portion of our oil and/or natural gas production, including collars and price-fix swaps. In July 2007, we entered into fixed price swaps covering 10,000 barrels of oil per day for August 2007 through April 2008 at a price of $72.90 per barrel. We have not designated any of our derivative instruments as hedges for accounting purposes and will record all derivative instruments on our balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments will be recognized in current earnings. Accordingly, our earnings may fluctuate significantly as a result of changes in fair value of our derivative instruments. Derivative instruments also expose us to the risk of financial loss in some circumstances, including when:

 

   

production is less than the volume covered by the derivative instruments;

 

   

the counter-party to the derivative instrument defaults on its contract obligations; or

 

   

there is an increase in the differential between the underlying price in the derivative instrument and actual prices received.

In addition, these types of derivative arrangements limit the benefit we would receive from increases in the prices for oil and natural gas.

 

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

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

On May 16, 2007, the shareholders of Continental by unanimous consent, representing 718,446 shares (pre-split) of company common stock (all of the voting shares of Continental), elected Harold G. Hamm and George S. Littell to serve as members of the Board of Directors of Continental until the annual meeting of shareholders of Continental to be held in 2010.

 

ITEM 5. Other Information

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 6. Exhibits

See the Exhibit Index accompanying this report.

 

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Table of Contents

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.
Date: August 10, 2007     By:  

/s/ John D. Hart

      John D. Hart
      Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

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Table of Contents

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

  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 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 filed May 22, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
  4.1   Registration Rights Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 22, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
  4.2   Specimen Common Stock Certificate filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (file No. 333-132257) filed April 14, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.1   Sixth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among Union Bank of California, N.A., Guaranty Bank, FSB, Fortis Capital Corp., The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, other financial institutions and banks and Continental Resources, Inc. dated April 12, 2006 filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (file No. 333-132257) filed April 14, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.2   Omnibus Agreement among Continental Resources, Inc., Hiland Partners, LLC, Harold Hamm, Hiland Partners GP, LLC, Continental Gas Holdings, Inc. and Hiland Partners, LP effective as of the closing of Hiland Partners, LP’s initial public offering of common units (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Hiland Partners, LP filed on March 30, 2005, Commission File No. 000-51120).
10.3   Compression Services Agreement among Hiland Partners, LP and Continental Resources, Inc. effective as of January 28, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Hiland Partners, LP filed on March 30, 2005, Commission File No. 000-51120).
10.4   Gas Purchase Contract between Continental Resources, Inc. and Hiland Partners, LP dated November 8, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Hiland Partners, LP filed on November 10, 2005, Commission File No. 000-51120).
10.5   Strategic Customer Relationship Agreement among Complete Energy Services, Inc., CES Mid-Continent Hamm, Inc. and Continental Resources, Inc. dated October 14, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Complete Production Services, Inc. filed on November 15, 2005, Commission File No. 333-128750).
10.6   Continental Resources, Inc. 2000 Stock Option Plan filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (file No. 333-132257) filed April 14, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.7   First Amendment to Continental Resources, Inc. 2000 Stock Option Plan filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (file No. 333-132257) filed April 14, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.8   Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (file No. 333-132257) filed April 14, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.9   Amended and Restated Continental Resources, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan effective as of April 3, 2006 filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (file No. 333-132257) filed April 14, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.10   Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (file No. 333-132257) filed April 14, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.11   Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Continental Resources, Inc. and Mark E. Monroe dated April 3, 2006 filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (file No. 333-132257) filed April 14, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.12   Form of Indemnification Agreement between Continental Resources, Inc. and each of the directors and executive officers thereof filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (file No. 333-132257) filed April 14, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

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10.13   Membership Interest Assignment Agreement by and between Continental Resources, Inc., the Harold Hamm Revocable Inter Vivos Trust, the Harold Hamm HJ Trust and the Harold Hamm DST Trust dated March 30, 2006 filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (file No. 333-132257) filed April 14, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
10.14   Crude oil gathering agreement between Banner Pipeline Company, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Continental Resources, Inc. and Banner Transportation Company dated July 11, 2007 filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 11, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
31.1 *   Certification of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 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 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)

* Filed herewith

 

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