UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 20202021
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
 ____________________________________
clr-20210331_g1.jpg
 CONTINENTAL RESOURCES, INC
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 ____________________________________
Oklahoma73-0767549
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
20 N. Broadway,Oklahoma City,Oklahoma73102
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
(405(405) 234-9000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Trading symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par valueCLRNew York Stock Exchange
 ____________________________________
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes x    No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes x    No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerxAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes     No x
365,152,819367,534,598 shares of our $0.01 par value common stock were outstanding on April 30, 202021, 2021.
.





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





Glossary of Crude Oil and Natural Gas Terms

The terms defined in this section may be used throughout this report:
“Bbl” One stock tank barrel, of 42 U.S. gallons liquid volume, used herein in reference to crude oil, condensate or natural gas liquids.
“Boe” Barrels of crude oil equivalent, with six thousand cubic feet of natural gas being equivalent to one barrel of crude oil based on the average equivalent energy content of the two commodities.
“Btu” British thermal unit, which represents the amount of energy needed to heat one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit and can be used to describe the energy content of fuels.
“completion” The process of treating a drilled well followed by the installation of permanent equipment for the production of crude oil and/or natural gas.
“developed acreage” The number of acres allocated or assignable to productive wells or wells capable of production.
“development well” A well drilled within the proved area of a crude oil or natural gas reservoir to the depth of a stratigraphic horizon known to be productive.
“dry hole” Exploratory or development well that does not produce crude oil and/or natural gas in economically producible quantities.
“exploratory well” A well drilled to find crude oil or natural gas in an unproved area, to find a new reservoir in an existing field previously found to be productive of crude oil or natural gas in another reservoir, or to extend a known reservoir beyond the proved area.
“field” An area consisting of a single reservoir or multiple reservoirs all grouped on, or related to, the same individual geological structural feature or stratigraphic condition. The field name refers to the surface area, although it may refer to both the surface and the underground productive formations.
“formation” A layer of rock which has distinct characteristics that differs from nearby rock.
"gross acres" or "gross wells" Refers to the total acres or wells in which a working interest is owned.
“MBbl” One thousand barrels of crude oil, condensate or natural gas liquids.
“MBoe” One thousand Boe.
“Mcf” One thousand cubic feet of natural gas.
“MMBoe” One million Boe.
“MMBtu” One million British thermal units.
“MMcf” One million cubic feet of natural gas.
net acres” or "net wells" Refers to the sum of the fractional working interests owned in gross acres or gross wells.
"Net crude oil and natural gas sales" Represents total crude oil and natural gas sales less total transportation expenses. Net crude oil and natural gas sales presented herein are non-GAAP measures. See Part I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Non-GAAP Financial Measures for a discussion and calculation of this measure.
"Net sales price" Represents the average net wellhead sales price received by the Company for its crude oil or natural gas sales after deducting transportation expenses. AmountNet sales price is calculated by taking revenues less transportation expenses divided by sales volumes for a period, whether for crude oil or natural gas, as applicable. Net sales prices presented herein are non-GAAP measures. See Part I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Non-GAAP Financial Measures for a discussion and calculation of this measure.
“NYMEX” The New York Mercantile Exchange.

i



“play” A portion of the exploration and production cycle following the identification by geologists and geophysicists of areas with potential crude oil and natural gas reserves.
“proved reserves” The quantities of crude oil and natural gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible from a given date forward, from known reservoirs and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates renewal is reasonably certain.
“reservoir” A porous and permeable underground formation containing a natural accumulation of producible crude oil and/or natural gas that is confined by impermeable rock or water barriers and is separate from other reservoirs.
“royalty interest” Refers to the ownership of a percentage of the resources or revenues produced from a crude oil or natural gas property. A royalty interest owner does not bear exploration, development, or operating expenses associated with drilling and producing a crude oil or natural gas property.
“SCOOP” Refers to the South Central Oklahoma Oil Province, a term used to describe properties located in the Anadarko basin of Oklahoma in which we operate. Our SCOOP acreage extends across portions of Garvin, Grady, Stephens, Carter, McClain and Love counties of Oklahoma and has the potential to contain hydrocarbons from a variety of conventional and unconventional reservoirs overlying and underlying the Woodford formation.
"STACK" Refers to Sooner Trend Anadarko Canadian Kingfisher, a term used to describe a resource play located in the Anadarko Basin of Oklahoma characterized by stacked geologic formations with major targets in the Meramec, Osage and Woodford formations. A significant portion of our STACK acreage is located in over-pressured portions of Blaine, Dewey and Custer counties of Oklahoma.
“undeveloped acreage” Lease acreage on which wells have not been drilled or completed to a point that would permit the production of commercial quantities of crude oil and/or natural gas.
“unit” The joining of all or substantially all interests in a reservoir or field, rather than a single tract, to provide for development and operation without regard to separate property interests. Also, the area covered by a unitization agreement.
“working interest” The right granted to the lessee of a property to explore for and to produce and own crude oil, natural gas, or other minerals. The working interest owners bear the exploration, development, and operating costs on either a cash, penalty, or carried basis.
 


ii



Cautionary Statement for the Purpose of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This report and information incorporated by reference in this report include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including, but not limited to, forecasts or expectations regarding the Company's business and statements or information concerning the Company’s future operations, performance, financial condition, production and reserves, schedules, plans, timing of development, rates of return, budgets, costs, business strategy, objectives, and cash flows, included in this report are forward-looking statements. The words “could,” “may,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “budget,” “target,” “plan,” “continue,” “potential,” “guidance,” “strategy” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words.
Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about:
our strategy;
our business and financial plans;
our future operations;
our crude oil and natural gas reserves and related development plans;
technology;
future crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas prices and differentials;
the timing and amount of future production of crude oil and natural gas and flaring activities;
the amount, nature and timing of capital expenditures;
estimated revenues, expenses and results of operations;
drilling and completing of wells;
shutting in of production and the resumption of production activities;
competition;
marketing of crude oil and natural gas;
transportation of crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas to markets;
property exploitation, property acquisitions and dispositions, or joint development opportunities;
costs of exploiting and developing our properties and conducting other operations;
our financial position, dividend payments, bond repurchases, debt reduction plans, or share repurchases;
the impact of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic on economic conditions, the demand for crude oil, the Company's operations and the operations of its customers, suppliers, and service providers;
credit markets;
our liquidity and access to capital;
the impact of governmental policies, laws and regulations, as well as regulatory and legal proceedings involving us and of scheduled or potential regulatory or legal changes;
our future operating and financial results;
our future commodity or other hedging arrangements; and
the ability and willingness of current or potential lenders, hedging contract counterparties, customers, and working interest owners to fulfill their obligations to us or to enter into transactions with us in the future on terms that are acceptable to us.
Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and assumptions about future events and currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. Although the Company believes these assumptions and expectations are reasonable, they are inherently subject to numerous business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company's control. No assurance can be given that such expectations will be correct or achieved or that the assumptions are accurate or will not change over time. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance and results of the business and forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those risk factors and other cautionary statements described under Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors and elsewhere in this report, if any, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, registration statements we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other announcements we make from time to time.
Many of the foregoing risks and uncertainties are,have been, and willmay further be, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and any consequent worsening of the global economic environment. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all such factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which such statement is made. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described in this report or our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, the Company's actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

iii


Except as expressly stated above or otherwise required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly correct or update any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances after the date of this report, or otherwise.

iii
iv



PART I. Financial Information
ITEM 1.Financial Statements
ITEM 1.    Financial Statements
Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
In thousands, except par values and share data(Unaudited) 
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$96,057 $47,470 
Receivables:
Crude oil and natural gas sales690,619 561,127 
Joint interest and other171,465 143,829 
Allowance for credit losses(2,700)(2,462)
Receivables, net859,384 702,494 
Derivative assets11,275 15,303 
Inventories76,008 72,157 
Prepaid expenses and other19,097 15,121 
Total current assets1,061,821 852,545 
Net property and equipment, based on successful efforts method of accounting13,724,418 13,737,292 
Operating lease right-of-use assets22,863 8,557 
Other noncurrent assets11,825 34,704 
Total assets$14,820,927 $14,633,098 
Liabilities and equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable trade$509,490 $361,704 
Revenues and royalties payable501,013 327,029 
Accrued liabilities and other203,675 167,013 
Derivative liabilities10,659 227 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities5,140 2,588 
Current portion of long-term debt2,265 2,245 
Total current liabilities1,232,242 860,806 
Long-term debt, net of current portion4,971,055 5,530,173 
Other noncurrent liabilities:
Deferred income tax liabilities, net1,700,682 1,620,154 
Asset retirement obligations, net of current portion186,014 177,194 
Derivative liabilities, noncurrent1,194 1,584 
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion17,559 5,839 
Other noncurrent liabilities14,975 14,623 
Total other noncurrent liabilities1,920,424 1,819,394 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)0
Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 367,491,013 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2021; 365,220,435 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 20203,675 3,652 
Additional paid-in capital1,213,115 1,205,148 
Retained earnings5,107,288 4,847,646 
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to Continental Resources6,324,078 6,056,446 
Noncontrolling interests373,128 366,279 
Total equity6,697,206 6,422,725 
Total liabilities and equity$14,820,927 $14,633,098 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
1
  March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
In thousands, except par values and share data (Unaudited)  
Assets    
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $517,571
 $39,400
Receivables:    
Crude oil and natural gas sales 389,203
 726,876
Joint interest and other 305,519
 317,018
Allowance for credit losses (2,694) (2,407)
Receivables, net 692,028
 1,041,487
Inventories 62,600
 109,536
Prepaid expenses and other 22,973
 16,592
Total current assets 1,295,172
 1,207,015
Net property and equipment, based on successful efforts method of accounting 14,436,112
 14,497,726
Operating lease right-of-use assets 12,684
 9,128
Other noncurrent assets 12,743
 14,038
Total assets $15,756,711
 $15,727,907
     
Liabilities and equity    
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable trade $673,669
 $629,264
Revenues and royalties payable 239,245
 470,264
Accrued liabilities and other 160,596
 230,368
Current portion of operating lease liabilities 6,243
 3,695
Current portion of long-term debt 2,455
 2,435
Total current liabilities 1,082,208
 1,336,026
Long-term debt, net of current portion 5,964,589
 5,324,079
Other noncurrent liabilities:    
Deferred income tax liabilities, net 1,737,112
 1,787,125
Asset retirement obligations, net of current portion 156,126
 151,774
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion 6,340
 5,433
Other noncurrent liabilities 13,078
 15,119
Total other noncurrent liabilities 1,912,656
 1,959,451
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)   


Equity:    
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding 
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 365,117,003 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2020; 371,074,036 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 3,651
 3,711
Additional paid-in capital 1,157,866
 1,274,732
Retained earnings 5,258,845
 5,463,224
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to Continental Resources 6,420,362
 6,741,667
Noncontrolling interests 376,896
 366,684
Total equity 6,797,258
 7,108,351
Total liabilities and equity $15,756,711
 $15,727,907



Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)Operations
 Three months ended March 31,
In thousands, except per share data20212020
Revenues:
Crude oil and natural gas sales$1,247,533 $862,743 
Loss on derivative instruments, net(43,507)
Crude oil and natural gas service operations11,789 18,058 
Total revenues1,215,815 880,801 
Operating costs and expenses:
Production expenses93,065 118,478 
Production taxes83,976 71,224 
Transportation expenses50,256 60,502 
Exploration expenses4,645 11,637 
Crude oil and natural gas service operations4,490 5,910 
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion509,608 536,696 
Property impairments11,436 222,529 
General and administrative expenses52,848 42,911 
Net (gain) loss on sale of assets and other(207)4,502 
Total operating costs and expenses810,117 1,074,389 
Income (loss) from operations405,698 (193,588)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense(64,951)(63,594)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt(196)17,631 
Other252 532 
(64,895)(45,431)
Income (loss) before income taxes340,803 (239,019)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes(80,528)52,235 
Net income (loss)260,275 (186,784)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests633 (1,120)
Net income (loss) attributable to Continental Resources$259,642 $(185,664)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Continental Resources:
Basic$0.72 $(0.51)
Diluted$0.72 $(0.51)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
  Three months ended March 31,
In thousands, except per share data 2020 2019
Revenues:    
Crude oil and natural gas sales $862,743
 $1,109,584
Loss on natural gas derivatives, net 
 (1,124)
Crude oil and natural gas service operations 18,058
 15,774
Total revenues 880,801
 1,124,234
     
Operating costs and expenses:    
Production expenses 118,478
 106,966
Production taxes 71,224
 86,441
Transportation expenses 60,502
 49,139
Exploration expenses 11,637
 1,837
Crude oil and natural gas service operations 5,910
 7,186
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion 536,696
 495,019
Property impairments 222,529
 25,316
General and administrative expenses 42,911
 47,617
Net (gain) loss on sale of assets and other 4,502
 (252)
Total operating costs and expenses 1,074,389
 819,269
Income (loss) from operations (193,588) 304,965
Other income (expense):    
Interest expense (63,594) (67,837)
Gain on extinguishment of debt 17,631
 
Other 532
 1,355

 (45,431) (66,482)
Income (loss) before income taxes (239,019) 238,483
(Provision) benefit for income taxes 52,235
 (51,990)
Net income (loss) (186,784) 186,493
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (1,120) (483)
Net income (loss) attributable to Continental Resources $(185,664) $186,976
     
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Continental Resources:    
Basic $(0.51) $0.50
Diluted $(0.51) $0.50
     
Comprehensive income (loss):    
Net income (loss) $(186,784) $186,493
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:    
Foreign currency translation adjustments 
 116
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax 
 116
Comprehensive income (loss) (186,784) 186,609
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (1,120) (483)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Continental Resources $(185,664) $187,092


Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity


Three months ended March 31, 2021Shareholders’ equity attributable to Continental Resources
In thousands, except share dataShares
outstanding
Common
stock
Additional
paid-in
capital
Treasury
stock
Retained
earnings
Total shareholders’ equity of Continental ResourcesNoncontrolling
interests
Total equity
Balance at December 31, 2020365,220,435 $3,652 $1,205,148 $— $4,847,646 $6,056,446 $366,279 $6,422,725 
Net income— — — — 259,642 259,642 633 260,275 
Stock-based compensation— — 16,900 — — 16,900 — 16,900 
Restricted stock:
Granted2,726,442 27 — — — 27 — 27 
Repurchased and canceled(390,484)(3)(8,933)— — (8,936)— (8,936)
Forfeited(65,380)(1)— — — (1)— (1)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests— — — — — — 11,463 11,463 
Distributions to noncontrolling interests— — — — — — (5,247)(5,247)
Balance at March 31, 2021367,491,013 $3,675 $1,213,115 $— $5,107,288 $6,324,078 $373,128 $6,697,206 

Three months ended March 31, 2020Shareholders’ equity attributable to Continental Resources
In thousands, except share dataShares
outstanding
Common
stock
Additional
paid-in
capital
Treasury
stock
Retained
earnings
Total shareholders’ equity of Continental ResourcesNoncontrolling
interests
Total equity
Balance at December 31, 2019371,074,036 $3,711 $1,274,732 $— $5,463,224 $6,741,667 $366,684 $7,108,351 
Net income (loss)��� — — — (185,664)(185,664)(1,120)(186,784)
Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of ASU 2016-13— — — — (137)(137)— (137)
Cash dividends declared ($0.05 per share)— — — — (18,580)(18,580)— (18,580)
Change in dividends payable— — — — — 
Common stock repurchased— — — (126,906)— (126,906)— (126,906)
Common stock retired(8,122,104)(81)(126,825)126,906 — — — — 
Stock-based compensation— — 16,411 — — 16,411 — 16,411 
Restricted stock:
Granted2,454,235 24 — — — 24 — 24 
Repurchased and canceled(246,346)(2)(6,452)— — (6,454)— (6,454)
Forfeited(42,818)(1)— — — (1)— (1)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests— — — — — — 16,950 16,950 
Distributions to noncontrolling interests— — — — — — (5,618)(5,618)
Balance at March 31, 2020365,117,003 $3,651 $1,157,866 $— $5,258,845 $6,420,362 $376,896 $6,797,258 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
Three months ended March 31, 2020 Shareholders’ equity attributable to Continental Resources    
In thousands, except share data Shares
outstanding
 Common
stock
 Additional
paid-in
capital
 Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
 Treasury
stock
 Retained
earnings
 Total shareholders’ equity of Continental Resources Noncontrolling
interests
 Total equity
Balance at December 31, 2019 371,074,036
 $3,711
 $1,274,732
 $
 $
 $5,463,224
 $6,741,667
 $366,684
 $7,108,351
Net income (loss) 
 
 
 
 
 (185,664) (185,664) (1,120) (186,784)
Cumulative effect adjustment from adoption of ASU 2016-13 
 
 
 
 
 (137) (137) 
 (137)
Cash dividends declared ($0.05 per share) 
 
 
 
 
 (18,580) (18,580) 
 (18,580)
Change in dividends payable 
 
 
 
 
 2
 2
 
 2
Common stock repurchased 
 
 
 
 (126,906) 
 (126,906) 
 (126,906)
Common stock retired (8,122,104) (81) (126,825) 
 126,906
 
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation 
 
 16,411
 
 
 
 16,411
 
 16,411
Restricted stock:                  
Granted 2,454,235
 24
 
 
 
 
 24
 
 24
Repurchased and canceled (246,346) (2) (6,452) 
 
 
 (6,454) 
 (6,454)
Forfeited (42,818) (1) 
 
 
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 16,950
 16,950
Distributions to noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (5,618) (5,618)
Balance at March 31, 2020 365,117,003
 $3,651
 $1,157,866
 $
 $
 $5,258,845
 $6,420,362
 $376,896
 $6,797,258



Three months ended March 30, 2019 Shareholders’ equity attributable to Continental Resources    
In thousands, except share data Shares
outstanding
 Common
stock
 Additional
paid-in
capital
 Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
 Treasury
stock
 Retained
earnings
 Total shareholders’ equity of Continental Resources Noncontrolling
interests
 Total equity
Balance at December 31, 2018 376,021,575
 $3,760
 $1,434,823
 $415
 $
 $4,706,135
 $6,145,133
 $276,728
 $6,421,861
Net income (loss) 
 
 
 
 
 186,976
 186,976
 (483) 186,493
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 
 
 
 116
 
 
 116
 
 116
Stock-based compensation 
 
 12,095
 
 
 
 12,095
 
 12,095
Restricted stock:                  
Granted 1,333,602
 13
 
 
 
 
 13
 
 13
Repurchased and canceled (439,419) (4) (20,618) 
 
 
 (20,622) 
 (20,622)
Forfeited (147,074) (1) 
 
 
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 42,204
 42,204
Distributions to noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (3,856) (3,856)
Balance at March 31, 2019 376,768,684
 $3,768
 $1,426,300
 $531
 $
 $4,893,111
 $6,323,710
 $314,593
 $6,638,303



Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 Three months ended March 31,
In thousands20212020
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)$260,275 $(186,784)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion508,327 536,786 
Property impairments11,436 222,529 
Non-cash loss on derivatives14,070 
Stock-based compensation16,927 16,441 
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes80,528 (50,012)
Dry hole costs6,259 
Net (gain) loss on sale of assets and other(207)4,502 
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt196 (17,631)
Other, net2,664 2,911 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable(156,860)344,845 
Inventories(3,851)22,417 
Other current assets(2,336)(4,848)
Accounts payable trade98,521 70,084 
Revenues and royalties payable173,648 (231,990)
Accrued liabilities and other36,149 (70,274)
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities773 (1,417)
Net cash provided by operating activities1,040,260 663,818 
Cash flows from investing activities
Exploration and development(258,758)(673,191)
Purchase of producing crude oil and natural gas properties(161,764)(19,258)
Purchase of other property and equipment(7,660)(14,923)
Proceeds from sale of assets98 633 
Net cash used in investing activities(428,084)(706,739)
Cash flows from financing activities
Credit facility borrowings685,000 1,130,000 
Repayment of credit facility(845,000)(450,000)
Redemption of Senior Notes(400,000)(22,527)
Repayment of other debt(552)(603)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests10,937 21,254 
Distributions to noncontrolling interests(4,927)(5,212)
Repurchase of common stock(126,906)
Repurchase of restricted stock for tax withholdings(8,936)(6,454)
Dividends paid on common stock(111)(18,460)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(563,589)521,092 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents48,587 478,171 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period47,470 39,400 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$96,057 $517,571 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
  Three months ended March 31,
In thousands 2020 2019
Cash flows from operating activities  
Net income (loss) $(186,784) $186,493
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion 536,786
 496,561
Property impairments 222,529
 25,316
Non-cash loss on derivatives 
 14,186
Stock-based compensation 16,441
 12,107
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes (50,012) 51,990
Dry hole costs 6,259
 
Net (gain) loss on sale of assets and other 4,502
 (252)
Gain on extinguishment of debt (17,631) 
Other, net 2,911
 3,683
Changes in assets and liabilities:    
Accounts receivable 344,845
 (78,027)
Inventories 22,417
 (14,742)
Other current assets (4,848) (5,786)
Accounts payable trade 70,084
 24,341
Revenues and royalties payable (231,990) 6,282
Accrued liabilities and other (70,274) (563)
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities (1,417) (81)
Net cash provided by operating activities 663,818
 721,508
     
Cash flows from investing activities    
Exploration and development (673,191) (732,770)
Purchase of producing crude oil and natural gas properties (19,258) (15,849)
Purchase of other property and equipment (14,923) (4,951)
Proceeds from sale of assets 633
 499
Net cash used in investing activities (706,739) (753,071)
     
Cash flows from financing activities    
Credit facility borrowings 1,130,000
 100,000
Repayment of credit facility (450,000) (100,000)
Repurchase of senior notes (22,527) 
Repayment of other debt (603) (576)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests 21,254
 38,242
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (5,212) (3,874)
Repurchase of common stock (126,906) 
Repurchase of restricted stock for tax withholdings (6,454) (20,622)
Dividends paid on common stock (18,460) 
Net cash provided by financing activities 521,092
 13,170
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 
 15
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 478,171
 (18,378)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 39,400
 282,749
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $517,571
 $264,371



Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1. Organization and Nature of Business
Continental Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) was formed in 1967 and is incorporated under the laws of the State of Oklahoma. The Company’s principal business is crude oil and natural gas exploration, development and production with properties primarily located in the North, South, and East regions of the United States. Additionally, the Company pursues the acquisition and management of perpetually owned minerals located in certain of its key operating areas. The North region consists of properties north of Kansas and west of the Mississippi River and includes North Dakota Bakken, Montana Bakken, Wyoming Powder River Basin, and the Red River units. The South region includes all properties south of Nebraska and west of the Mississippi River including various plays in the SCOOP and STACK areas of Oklahoma. The East region is primarily comprised of undeveloped leasehold acreage east of the Mississippi River with no significant drilling or production operations.
The Company's operations in the North region comprised 58%55% of its crude oil and natural gas production and 69%55% of its crude oil and natural gas revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2020.2021. The Company's principal producing properties in the North region are located in the Bakken field of North Dakota and Montana. The Company's operations in the South region comprised 42%45% of its crude oil and natural gas production and 31% 45%of its crude oil and natural gas revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2020.2021. The Company's principal producing properties in the South region are located in the SCOOP and STACK areas of Oklahoma.
For the three months ended March 31, 2020,2021, crude oil accounted for 56%49% of the Company’s total production and 90% 62%of its crude oil and natural gas revenues.    
Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of presentation
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. Noncontrolling interests reflected herein represent third party ownership in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries. The portions of consolidated net income (loss) and equity attributable to the noncontrolling interests are presented separately in the Company’s financial statements.
This report has been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) applicable to interim financial information. Because this is an interim period filing presented using a condensed format, it does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”), although the Company believes the disclosures are adequate to make the information not misleading. You should read this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Form 10-Q”) together with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20192020 (“20192020 Form 10-K”), which includes a summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies and other disclosures.
The condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 20202021 and for the three month periods ended March 31, 20202021 and 20192020 are unaudited. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 20192020 was derived from the audited balance sheet included in the 20192020 Form 10-K. The Company has evaluated events or transactions through the date this report on Form 10-Q was filed with the SEC in conjunction with its preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure and estimation of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates and assumptions impacting reported results are estimates of the Company’s crude oil and natural gas reserves, which are used to compute depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment of proved crude oil and natural gas properties. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been included in these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for any other interim period or for an entire year.


5

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Earnings per share
Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to the Company by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the period. In periods where the Company has net income, diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution of non-vested restricted stock awards, which are calculated using the treasury stock method. The
Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding and net income (loss) per share attributable to the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
 Three months ended March 31,
In thousands, except per share data20212020
Net income (loss) attributable to Continental Resources (numerator)$259,642 $(185,664)
Weighted average shares (denominator):
Weighted average shares - basic360,789 365,403 
Non-vested restricted stock (1)1,884 
Weighted average shares - diluted362,673 365,403 
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Continental Resources:
Basic$0.72 $(0.51)
Diluted$0.72 $(0.51)
(1)     For the three months ended March 31, 2020 the Company had a net loss and 2019.therefore the potential dilutive effect of approximately 594,000 weighted average non-vested restricted shares were not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive to the computation.
Credit risk
The Company's principal exposure to credit risk is through receivables associated with the sale of its crude oil and natural gas production and receivables associated with billings to joint interest owners. Accordingly, the Company classifies its receivables into two portfolio segments as depicted on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as "Receivables
  Three months ended March 31,
In thousands, except per share data 2020 2019
Net income (loss) attributable to Continental Resources (numerator) $(185,664) $186,976
Weighted average shares (denominator):    
Weighted average shares - basic 365,403
 372,563
Non-vested restricted stock (1) 
 1,911
Weighted average shares - diluted 365,403
 374,474
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Continental Resources:    
Basic $(0.51) $0.50
Diluted $(0.51) $0.50

Crude oil and natural gas sales” and "Receivables
Joint interest and other.” The Company determines its credit loss allowance for each portfolio segment by considering a number of factors, primarily including the Company’s history of credit losses with adjustment as needed to reflect current conditions, the length of time accounts are past due, whether amounts relate to operated properties or non-operated properties, the ability to recoup amounts owed through netting of production proceeds, the balance of co-owner prepayments if any, and a party's ability to pay. Historically, the Company's credit losses have been immaterial. There were no significant write-offs, recoveries, or changes in the Company's allowance for credit losses during the three month periods ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
(1)For the three months ended March 31, 2020 the Company had a net loss and therefore the potential dilutive effect of approximately 594,000 weighted average non-vested restricted shares were not included in the calculation of diluted net loss per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive to the computation.
Inventories
Inventory is comprised of crude oil held in storage or as line fill in pipelines, pipeline imbalances, and tubular goods and equipment to be used in the Company's exploration and development activities. Crude oil and natural gas inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value primarily using the first-in, first-out inventory method. Tubular goods and equipment are valued primarily using a weighted average cost method applied to specific classes of inventory items.
The components of inventory as of March 31, 20202021 and December 31, 20192020 consisted of the following:
In thousands March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Tubular goods and equipment $15,853
 $14,880
Crude oil 46,747
 94,656
Total $62,600
 $109,536

In thousandsMarch 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Tubular goods and equipment$13,341 $13,671 
Crude oil and natural gas62,667 58,486 
Total$76,008 $72,157 
ForIn the three months ended March 31,first quarter of 2020 the Company recognized a $24.5 million impairment to reduce its crude oil inventory to estimated net realizable value at March 31, 2020. The impairment is included in the caption “Property impairments” in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).operations for the three month period ended March 31, 2020.
Adoption of new accounting pronouncement
On January 1, 20202021 the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, Financial InstrumentsCredit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. See Note 5. Allowance for Credit Losses for discussion of the adoption impact and the applicable disclosures required by the new standard.
New accounting pronouncement not yet adopted
In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. This standard eliminates certain exceptions to the guidance in Topic 740 related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period, and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. The new guidance also clarifies certain aspects of the existing guidance, among other things. The standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020 and shall be applied on either a prospective basis, a retrospective basis for all periods presented, or a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings depending on which aspects of the new standard are applicable to an entity. The Company continues to evaluate the new standard and is unable to estimate its financial statement impact at this time; however, the impact is not expected to be material.

6

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

existing guidance, among other things. The Company adopted the standard on a prospective basis, which did not have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Note 3. Supplemental Cash Flow Information
The following table discloses supplemental cash flow information about cash paid for interest and income tax payments and refunds. Also disclosed is information about investing activities that affects recognized assets and liabilities but does not result in cash receipts or payments. 
  Three months ended March 31,
In thousands 2020 2019
Supplemental cash flow information:    
Cash paid for interest $51,111
 $61,964
Cash paid for income taxes 8
 9
Cash received for income tax refunds (1) 9,485
 4
Non-cash investing activities:    
Asset retirement obligation additions and revisions, net 2,508
 2,570

 Three months ended March 31,
In thousands20212020
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest$42,554 $51,111 
Cash paid for income taxes
Cash received for income tax refunds (1)9,485 
Non-cash investing activities:
Asset retirement obligation additions and revisions, net6,802 2,508 
(1) Amount received in the 2020 period primarily represents alternative minimum tax refunds.

As of March 31, 20202021 and December 31, 2019,2020, the Company had $232.2had $178.2 million a and $262.7nd $128.8 million, respectively, of accrued capital expenditures included in “Net property and equipment” andwith an offsetting amount in “Accounts payable trade” in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
As of March 31, 20202021 and December 31, 2019,2020, the Company had $1.3$0.6 million and $5.6$0.1 million, respectively, of accrued contributions from noncontrolling interests included in "ReceivablesJoint interest and other" andwith an offsetting amount in "EquityNoncontrolling interests" in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
As of March 31, 20202021 and December 31, 2019,2020, the Company had $1.9$1.3 million and $1.5$1.0 million, respectively, of accrued distributions to noncontrolling interests included in "Revenues and royalties payable" andwith an offsetting amount in "EquityNoncontrolling interests" in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Note 4. Revenues
Below is a discussion of the nature, timing, and presentation of revenues arising from the Company's major revenue-generating arrangements.
Operated crude oil revenues – The Company pays third parties to transport the majority of its operated crude oil production from lease locations to downstream market centers, at which time the Company's customers take title and custody of the product in exchange for prices based on the particular market where the product was delivered. Operated crude oil revenues are recognized during the month in which control transfers to the customer and it is probable the Company will collect the consideration it is entitled to receive. Crude oil sales proceeds from operated properties are generally received by the Company within one month after the month in which a sale has occurred. Operated crude oil revenues are presented separately from transportation expenses as the Company controls the operated production prior to its transfer to customers. Transportation expenses associated with the Company's operated crude oil production totaled $50.4$40.1 millionand $41.6$50.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively.
Operated natural gas revenues – The Company sells the majority of its operated natural gas production to midstream customers at its lease locations based on market prices in the field where the sales occur. Under these arrangements, the midstream customers obtain control of the unprocessed gas stream at the lease location and the Company's revenues from each sale are determined using contractually agreed pricing formulas which contain multiple components, including the volume and Btu content of the natural gas sold, the midstream customer's proceeds from the sale of residue gas and natural gas liquids ("NGLs") at secondary downstream markets, and contractual pricing adjustments reflecting the midstream customer's estimated recoupment of its investment over time. Such revenues are recognized net of pricing adjustments applied by the midstream customer during the month in which control transfers to the customer at the delivery point and it is probable the Company will collect the consideration it is entitled to receive. Natural gas sales proceeds from operated properties are generally received by the Company within one month after the month in which a sale has occurred.
Under certain arrangements, the Company has the right to take a volume of processed residue gas and/or NGLs in-kind at the tailgate of the midstream customer's processing plant in lieu of a monetary settlement for the sale of the Company's operated natural gas production. The Company currently takes certain processed residue gas volumes in kind in lieu of monetary
7

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
settlement, but does not currently take NGL volumes. When the Company elects to take volumes in kind, it pays third parties to
Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

transport the processed products it took in-kind to downstream delivery points, where it then sells to customers at prices applicable to those downstream markets. In such situations, operated revenues are recognized during the month in which control transfers to the customer at the delivery point and it is probable the Company will collect the consideration it is entitled to receive. Operated sales proceeds are generally received by the Company within one month after the month in which a sale has occurred. In these scenarios, the Company's revenues include the pricing adjustments applied by the midstream processing entity according to the applicable contractual pricing formula, but exclude the transportation expenses the Company incurs to transport the processed products to downstream customers. Transportation expenses associated with these arrangements totaled $10.110.2 millionand $7.5$10.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively.
Non-operated crude oil and natural gas revenues – The Company's proportionate share of production from non-operated properties is generally marketed at the discretion of the operators. For non-operated properties, the Company receives a net payment from the operator representing its proportionate share of sales proceeds which is net of costs incurred by the operator, if any. Such non-operated revenues are recognized at the net amount of proceeds to be received by the Company during the month in which production occurs and it is probable the Company will collect the consideration it is entitled to receive. Proceeds are generally received by the Company within two to three months after the month in which production occurs.
Revenues from derivative instruments – See Note 6.5. Derivative Instruments for discussion of the Company's accounting for its derivative instruments.
Revenues from service operations – Revenues from the Company's crude oil and natural gas service operations consist primarily of revenues associated with water gathering, recycling, and disposal activities and the treatment and sale of crude oil reclaimed from waste products. Revenues associated with such activities, which are derived using market-based rates or rates commensurate with industry guidelines, are recognized during the month in which services are performed, the Company has an unconditional right to receive payment, and collectability is probable. Payment is generally received by the Company within one month after the month in which services are provided.
Disaggregation of crude oil and natural gas revenues
The following tables present the disaggregation of the Company's crude oil and natural gas revenues for the three months ended March 31, 20202021 and 2019.2020.
  Three months ended March 31, 2020 Three months ended March 31, 2019
In thousands North Region South Region Total North Region South Region Total
Crude oil revenues:            
Operated properties $448,930
 $179,176
 $628,106
 $585,605
 $136,547
 $722,152
Non-operated properties 132,939
 12,725
 145,664
 178,728
 10,238
 188,966
Total crude oil revenues 581,869
 191,901
 773,770
 764,333
 146,785
 911,118
Natural gas revenues:            
Operated properties 11,588
 72,306
 83,894
 51,461
 124,698
 176,159
Non-operated properties 1,720
 3,359
 5,079
 10,866
 11,441
 22,307
Total natural gas revenues 13,308
 75,665
 88,973
 62,327
 136,139
 198,466
Crude oil and natural gas sales $595,177
 $267,566
 $862,743
 $826,660
 $282,924
 $1,109,584
      
      
Timing of revenue recognition            
Goods transferred at a point in time $595,177
 $267,566
 $862,743
 $826,660
 $282,924
 $1,109,584
Goods transferred over time 
 
 
 
 
 
  $595,177
 $267,566
 $862,743
 $826,660
 $282,924
 $1,109,584


Three months ended March 31, 2021Three months ended March 31, 2020
In thousandsNorth RegionSouth RegionTotalNorth RegionSouth RegionTotal
Crude oil revenues:
Operated properties$444,665 $166,430 $611,095 $448,930 $179,176 $628,106 
Non-operated properties143,552 14,121 157,673 132,939 12,725 145,664 
Total crude oil revenues588,217 180,551 768,768 581,869 191,901 773,770 
Natural gas revenues:
Operated properties82,933 371,761 454,694 11,588 72,306 83,894 
Non-operated properties12,600 11,471 24,071 1,720 3,359 5,079 
Total natural gas revenues95,533 383,232 478,765 13,308 75,665 88,973 
Crude oil and natural gas sales$683,750 $563,783 $1,247,533 $595,177 $267,566 $862,743 
Timing of revenue recognition
Goods transferred at a point in time$683,750 $563,783 $1,247,533 $595,177 $267,566 $862,743 
Goods transferred over time
$683,750 $563,783 $1,247,533 $595,177 $267,566 $862,743 
Performance obligations
The Company satisfies the performance obligations under its crude oil and natural gas sales contracts upon delivery of its production and related transfer of control to customers. Judgment may be required in determining the point in time when control transfers to customers. Upon delivery of production, the Company has a right to receive consideration from its customers in amounts determined by the sales contracts.
8

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

All of the Company's outstanding crude oil sales contracts at March 31, 20202021 are short-term in nature with contract terms of less than one year. For such contracts, the Company has utilized the practical expedient in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606-10-50-14 exempting the Company from disclosure of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations, if any, if the performance obligation is part of a contract that has an original expected duration of one year or less.
The majority of the Company's operated natural gas production is sold at lease locations to midstream customers under multi-year term contracts. For such contracts having a term greater than one year, the Company has utilized the practical expedient in ASC 606-10-50-14A which indicates an entity is not required to disclose the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations, if any, if variable consideration is allocated entirely to a wholly unsatisfied performance obligation. Under the Company's sales contracts, whether for crude oil or natural gas, each unit of production delivered to a customer represents a separate performance obligation; therefore, future volumes to be delivered are wholly unsatisfied at period-end and disclosure of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations is not applicable.
Contract balances
Under the Company’s crude oil and natural gas sales contracts or activities that give rise to service revenues, the Company recognizes revenue after its performance obligations have been satisfied, at which point the Company has an unconditional right to receive payment. Accordingly, the Company’s commodity sales contracts and service activities generally do not give rise to contract assets or contract liabilities under ASC Topic 606. Instead, the Company's unconditional rights to receive consideration are presented as a receivable within "ReceivablesCrude oil and natural gas sales" or "ReceivablesJoint interest and other", as applicable, in its condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Revenues from previously satisfied performance obligations
To record revenues for commodity sales, at the end of each month the Company estimates the amount of production delivered and sold to customers and the prices to be received for such sales. Differences between estimated revenues and actual amounts received for all prior months are recorded in the month payment is received from the customer and are reflected in the financial statements within the caption "Crude oil and natural gas sales". Revenues recognized during the three months ended March 31, 20202021 and 20192020 related to performance obligations satisfied in prior reporting periods were not material.
Note 5. Allowance for Credit Losses
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial InstrumentsCredit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This standard changes how entities measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The standard replaced the previously required incurred loss approach with a forward-looking expected credit loss model for accounts receivable and other financial instruments measured at amortized cost. The standard became effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted the new standard on January 1, 2020 using a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the effective date. The Company's cumulative effect adjustment resulted in a $0.1 million decrease in retained earnings and corresponding decrease in receivables via the recognition of an incremental allowance for credit losses at January 1, 2020.
The Company's principal exposure to credit risk is through the sale of its crude oil and natural gas production and its receivables associated with billings to joint interest owners. Accordingly, the Company classifies its receivables into two portfolio segments as depicted on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as "ReceivablesCrude oil and natural gas sales” and "ReceivablesJoint interest and other.” Presented below are applicable disclosures required by ASU 2016-13 for each portfolio segment.

Historically, the Company's credit losses on receivables have been immaterial. The Company’s aggregate allowance for credit losses totaled $2.7 million and $2.4 million at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, which is reported as "Allowance for credit losses" in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Aggregate credit loss expenses totaled $0.7 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, which is included in “General and administrative expenses” in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
Receivables—Crude oil and natural gas sales
The Company's crude oil and natural gas production from operated properties is generally sold to energy marketing companies, crude oil refining companies, and natural gas gathering and processing companies. The Company monitors its credit loss exposure to these counterparties primarily by reviewing credit ratings, financial statements, and payment history. Credit terms are extended based on an evaluation of each counterparty’s credit worthiness. The Company has not generally required its counterparties to provide collateral to secure its crude oil and natural gas sales receivables.
Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Receivables associated with crude oil and natural gas sales are short term in nature. Receivables from the sale of crude oil and natural gas from operated properties are generally collected within one month after the month in which a sale has occurred, while receivables associated with non-operated properties are generally collected within two to three months after the month in which production occurs.
The Company’s allowance for credit losses on crude oil and natural gas sales was less than $0.1 millionat both March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The allowance was determined by considering a number of factors, primarily including the Company’s history of credit losses with adjustment as needed to reflect current conditions, the length of time accounts are past due, whether amounts relate to operated properties or non-operated properties, and the counterparty's ability to pay. There were no significant write-offs, recoveries, or changes in the provision for credit losses on this portfolio segment during the three months ended March 31, 2020.
Receivables—Joint interest and other
Joint interest and other receivables primarily arise from billing the individuals and entities who own a partial interest in the wells we operate. Joint interest receivables are due within 30 days and are considered delinquent after 60 days. In order to minimize our exposure to credit risk with these counterparties we generally request prepayment of drilling costs where it is allowed by contract or state law. Such prepayments are used to offset future capital costs when billed, thereby reducing the Company's credit risk. We may have the right to place a lien on a co-owner's interest in the well, to net production proceeds against amounts owed in order to secure payment or, if necessary, foreclose on the co-owner's interest.
The Company’s allowance for credit losses on joint interest receivables totaled $2.7 million and $2.4 million at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The allowance was determined by considering a number of factors, primarily including the Company’s history of credit losses with adjustment as needed to reflect current conditions, the length of time accounts are past due, the ability to recoup amounts owed through netting of production proceeds, the balance of co-owner prepayments if any, and the co-owner's ability to pay. There were no significant write-offs, recoveries, or changes in the provision for credit losses on this portfolio segment during the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Note 6.5. Derivative Instruments
Natural gas derivatives
As of and for the three months ended March 31, 2019From time to time the Company had outstandingenters into crude oil and natural gas swap and collar derivative contracts to economically hedge against the variability in cash flows associated with future sales of natural gas production. Such contracts matured in 2019 and the Company had no commodity derivative contracts outstanding at December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2020.
The Company recognizes its derivative instruments if any, on the balance sheet as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value. The Company has not designated its derivatives as hedges for accounting purposes and, as a result, marks such derivative instruments to fair value and recognizes the changes in fair value in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations under the caption "Loss on derivative instruments, net".
The Company's derivative contracts are settled based upon reported settlement prices on commodity exchanges, with crude oil derivative settlements based on NYMEX West Texas Intermediate ("WTI") pricing and natural gas derivative settlements based on NYMEX Henry Hub pricing. The estimated fair value of derivativesderivative contracts is based upon various factors, including commodity exchange prices, over-the-counter quotations, and, in the case of collars, volatility, the risk-free interest rate, and the time to expiration. Historically,The calculation of the Company has not designated its derivatives as hedges for accounting purposes and, as a result, marked its derivative instruments to fair value and recognizedof collars requires the changes in fair value in the unaudited condensed consolidated statementsuse of comprehensive income (loss) under the caption “Loss on natural gas derivatives, net”an option-pricing model. See Note 6. Fair Value Measurements.
9


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

Natural gasAt March 31, 2021 the Company had outstanding derivative contracts as set forth in the tables below. 
Collars
Natural gas derivativesFloorsCeilings
Swaps Weighted Average PriceRangeWeighted Average PriceRangeWeighted Average Price
Period and Type of ContractMMBtus
April 2021 - December 2021
Swaps - Henry Hub45,178,000 $2.94 
Collars - Henry Hub27,450,000 $2.50 - $2.60$2.58 $3.06 - $3.43$3.24 
Collars
Crude oil derivativesFloorsCeilings
Swaps Weighted Average PriceRangeWeighted Average PriceRangeWeighted Average Price
Period and Type of ContractBbls
April 2021 - December 2021
NYMEX Roll Swaps8,250,000 $0.47 
April 2021 - May 2021
Swaps - WTI1,815,000 $54.64 
Collars - WTI1,132,000 $50.00 - $53.00$51.81 $55.10 - $63.05$59.89 
January 2022 - March 2022
NYMEX Roll Swaps675,000 $0.50 
Derivative gains and losses
Cash receipts and payments in the following table reflect the gaingains or losses on derivative contracts which matured during the applicable period, calculated as the difference between the contract price and the market settlement price of matured contracts. The Company's 2019 natural gas derivatives were settled based upon reported NYMEX Henry Hub settlement prices. Non-cash gains and losses below represent the change in fair value of derivative instruments which continued to be held at period end if any, and the reversal of previously recognized non-cash gains or losses on derivative contracts that matured during the period. The Company had no outstanding commodity derivative instruments as of March 31, 2020 and for the three months then ended.
 Three months ended March 31,
In thousands20212020
Cash received (paid) on derivatives:
Crude oil fixed price swaps$(30,033)$
Crude oil collars(4,956)
Crude oil NYMEX roll swaps159 
Natural gas fixed price swaps2,210 
Natural gas collars3,183 
Cash received (paid) on derivatives, net(29,437)
Non-cash gain (loss) on derivatives:
Crude oil fixed price swaps(8,206)
Crude oil collars(2,076)
Crude oil NYMEX roll swaps175 
Natural gas fixed price swaps6,086 
Natural gas collars(10,049)
Non-cash gain (loss) on derivatives, net(14,070)
Loss on derivative instruments, net$(43,507)$
10

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Balance sheet offsetting of derivative assets and liabilities
The Company’s derivative contracts are recorded at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets under the captions “Derivative assets,” “Derivative assets, noncurrent,” “Derivative liabilities,” and “Derivative liabilities, noncurrent” as applicable. Derivative assets and liabilities with the same counterparty that are subject to contractual terms which provide for net settlement are reported on a net basis in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
The following table presents the gross amounts of recognized derivative assets and liabilities, as applicable, the amounts offset under netting arrangements with counterparties, and the resulting net amounts presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets for the periods presented, all at fair value.
  Three months ended March 31,
In thousands 2020 2019
Cash received on derivatives:    
Natural gas fixed price swaps $
 $7,645
Natural gas collars 
 5,417
Cash received on derivatives, net 
 13,062
Non-cash loss on derivatives:    
Natural gas fixed price swaps 
 (8,704)
Natural gas collars 
 (5,482)
Non-cash loss on derivatives, net 
 (14,186)
Loss on natural gas derivatives, net $
 $(1,124)

In thousandsMarch 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Commodity derivative assets:
Gross amounts of recognized assets$14,362 $15,900 
Gross amounts offset on balance sheet(3,087)(597)
Net amounts of assets on balance sheet11,275 15,303 
Commodity derivative liabilities:
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities(14,940)(2,408)
Gross amounts offset on balance sheet3,087 597 
Net amounts of liabilities on balance sheet$(11,853)$(1,811)

The following table reconciles the net amounts disclosed above to the individual financial statement line items in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

In thousandsMarch 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Derivative assets$11,275 $15,303 
Derivative assets, noncurrent
Net amounts of assets on balance sheet11,275 15,303 
Derivative liabilities(10,659)(227)
Derivative liabilities, noncurrent(1,194)(1,584)
Net amounts of liabilities on balance sheet(11,853)(1,811)
Total derivative assets (liabilities), net$(578)$13,492 
Note 7.6. Fair Value Measurements
The Company follows a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy categorizes assets and liabilities measured at fair value into one of three different levels depending on the observability of the inputs employed in the measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:
Level 1: Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets as of the reporting date.
Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs corroborated by market data. These are inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs not corroborated by market data and may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value.
A financial instrument’s categorization within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Level 1 inputs are given the highest priority in the fair value hierarchy while Level 3 inputs are given the lowest priority. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the placement of assets and liabilities within the levels of the hierarchy. As Level 1 inputs generally provide the most reliable evidence of fair value, the Company uses Level 1 inputs when available.
11

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

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The Company's derivative instruments if any, are reported at fair value on a recurring basis. In determining the fair values of swap contracts, a discounted cash flow method is used due to the unavailability of relevant comparable market data for the Company’s exact contracts. The discounted cash flow method estimates future cash flows based on quoted market prices for forward commodity prices and a risk-adjusted discount rate. The fair values of swap contracts are calculated mainly using significant observable inputs (Level 2). Calculation of the fair values of collars requires the use of an industry-standard option pricing model that considers various inputs including quoted forward prices for commodities, time value, volatility factors, and current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. These assumptions are observable in the marketplace or can be corroborated by active markets or broker quotes and are therefore designated as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy. The Company’s calculation of fair value for each of its derivative positions is compared to the counterparty valuation for reasonableness.
Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

The Company had no outstanding commodityfollowing table summarizes the valuation of derivative instruments by pricing levels that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 20202021 and December 31, 2019.2020. 
 Fair value measurements at March 31, 2021 using: 
In thousandsLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
Derivative assets (liabilities):
Swaps$$(77)$$(77)
Collars(676)(676)
NYMEX roll swaps$175 $175 
Total$$(578)$$(578)

 Fair value measurements at December 31, 2020 using: 
In thousandsLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
Derivative assets (liabilities):
Swaps$$2,043 $$2,043 
Collars11,449 $11,449 
Total$$13,492 $$13,492 
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Certain assets are reported at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in the condensed consolidated financial statements. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values for those assets.
Asset impairments – Proved crude oil and natural gas properties are reviewed for impairment on a field-by-field basis each quarter. The estimated future cash flows expected in connection with the field are compared to the carrying amount of the field to determine if the carrying amount is recoverable. If the carrying amount of the field exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, the carrying amount of the field is reduced to its estimated fair value. Risk-adjusted probable and possible reserves may be taken into consideration when determining estimated future net cash flows and fair value when such reserves exist and are economically recoverable. Due to the unavailability of relevant comparable market data, a discounted cash flow method is used to determine the fair value of proved properties. Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) utilized in the determination of discounted future net cash flows include future commodity prices adjusted for differentials, forecasted production based on decline curve analysis, estimated future operating and development costs, property ownership interests, and a 10% discount rate. At March 31, 2020,2021, the Company's commodity price assumptions were based on forward NYMEX strip prices through year-end 20242025 and were then escalated at 3% per year thereafter. Operating cost assumptions were based on current costs escalated at 3% per year beginning in 2022.
Unobservable inputs to the Company's fair value assessments are reviewed and revised as warranted based on a number of factors, including reservoir performance, new drilling, crude oil and natural gas prices, changes in costs, technological advances, new geological or geophysical data, or other economic factors. Fair value measurements of proved properties are reviewed and approved by certain members of the Company’s management.
For the three months ended March 31, 2021, estimated future net cash flows were determined to be in excess of cost basis, and therefore no impairment was recorded for the Company's proved crude oil and natural gas properties for the 2021 period.
12

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

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, given the significant declines in commodity prices during the quarter the Company determined the carrying amounts of certain proved properties were not recoverable from future cash flows and therefore were impaired. Such impairments totaledImpairments of proved properties amounted to $181.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, which reflect fair value adjustments on legacy properties in the Red River Units ($166.5 million)totaling $166.5 million and various non-core properties in the North and South regions ($14.5 million).totaling $14.5 million. The impaired properties were written down to their estimated fair value at the time of impairment of $145.6 million. Impairments for the three months ended March 31, 2020 also include a $24.5 millionimpairment to reduce the Company's crude oil inventory to estimated net realizable value at March 31, 2020.
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, estimated future net cash flows were determined to be in excesstime of cost basis, therefore no impairment was recorded for the Company’s proved crude oil and natural gas properties for that period.impairment.
Certain unproved crude oil and natural gas properties were impaired during the three months ended March 31, 20202021 and 2019,2020, reflecting recurring amortization of undeveloped leasehold costs on properties the Company expects will not be transferred to proved properties over the lives of the leases based on drilling plans, experience of successful drilling, and the average holding period.
The following table sets forth the non-cash impairments of both proved and unproved properties for the indicated periods. Proved and unproved property impairments are recorded under the caption “Property impairments” in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).operations.
  Three months ended March 31,
In thousands 2020 2019
Proved property impairments $205,545
 $
Unproved property impairments 16,984
 25,316
Total $222,529
 $25,316

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

 Three months ended March 31,
In thousands20212020
Proved property and inventory impairments$$205,545 
Unproved property impairments11,436 16,984 
Total$11,436 $222,529 
Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value
The following table sets forth the estimated fair values of financial instruments that are not recorded at fair value in the condensed consolidated financial statements. 
 March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 March 31, 2021December 31, 2020
In thousands Carrying
Amount
 Estimated Fair Value Carrying
Amount
 Estimated Fair ValueIn thousandsCarrying
Amount
Estimated Fair ValueCarrying
Amount
Estimated Fair Value
Debt:  Debt:
Credit facility $735,000
 $735,000
 $55,000
 $55,000
Credit facility$$$160,000 $160,000 
Note payable 4,753
 4,800
 5,351
 5,400
Notes payableNotes payable24,036 23,400 24,590 24,700 
5% Senior Notes due 2022 1,099,234
 692,400
 1,099,165
 1,108,700
5% Senior Notes due 2022230,684 230,600 630,470 632,900 
4.5% Senior Notes due 2023 1,458,753
 812,200
 1,491,339
 1,571,400
4.5% Senior Notes due 2023647,222 672,300 646,943 669,900 
3.8% Senior Notes due 2024 987,644
 507,700
 994,310
 1,034,200
3.8% Senior Notes due 2024907,203 933,900 906,922 939,500 
4.375% Senior Notes due 2028 989,928
 463,700
 989,661
 1,063,700
4.375% Senior Notes due 2028991,024 1,051,700 990,746 1,024,400 
5.75% Senior Notes due 20315.75% Senior Notes due 20311,481,237 1,685,200 1,480,879 1,651,900 
4.9% Senior Notes due 2044 691,732
 298,600
 691,688
 742,000
4.9% Senior Notes due 2044691,914 696,500 691,868 689,600 
Total debt $5,967,044
 $3,514,400
 $5,326,514
 $5,580,400
Total debt$4,973,320 $5,293,600 $5,532,418 $5,792,900 
The fair value of credit facility borrowings approximate carrying value based on borrowing rates available to the Company for bank loans with similar terms and maturities and are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
The fair value of the notenotes payable is determined using a discounted cash flow approach based on the interest rate and payment terms of the notenotes payable and an assumed discount rate. The fair value of the notenotes payable is significantly influenced by the discount rate assumption, which is derived by the Company and is unobservable. Accordingly, the fair value of the notenotes payable is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
The fair values of the 5% Senior Notes due 2022 (“2022 Notes”), the 4.5% Senior Notes due 2023 (“2023 Notes”), the 3.8% Senior Notes due 2024 (“2024 Notes”), the 4.375% Senior Notes due 2028 (“2028 Notes”), the 5.75% Senior Notes due 2031 (“2031 Notes”), and the 4.9% Senior Notes due 2044 (“2044 Notes”) are based on quoted market prices and, accordingly, are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
The carrying values of all classes of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, and trade payables are considered to be representative of their respective fair values due to the short term maturities of those instruments.
13
Note 8. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt, net of unamortized discounts, premiums, and debt issuance costs totaling $32.4 million and $33.9 million at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, consists of the following.
In thousands March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Credit facility $735,000
 $55,000
Note payable 4,753
 5,351
5% Senior Notes due 2022 1,099,234
 1,099,165
4.5% Senior Notes due 2023 1,458,753
 1,491,339
3.8% Senior Notes due 2024 987,644
 994,310
4.375% Senior Notes due 2028 989,928
 989,661
4.9% Senior Notes due 2044 691,732
 691,688
Total debt $5,967,044
 $5,326,514
Less: Current portion of long-term debt 2,455
 2,435
Long-term debt, net of current portion $5,964,589
 $5,324,079
Credit Facility
The Company has an unsecured credit facility, maturing on April 9, 2023, with aggregate lender commitments totaling $1.5 billion. The Company had $735 million of outstanding borrowings on its credit facility at March 31, 2020. In March 2020, the Company elected to draw $500 million on its credit facility to increase its cash on hand. At March 31, 2020, the Company's cash on hand totaled $517.6 million.

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

Note 7. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt, net of unamortized discounts, premiums, and debt issuance costs totaling $42.2 million and $43.7 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, consists of the following.
In thousandsMarch 31, 2021December 31, 2020
Credit facility$$160,000 
Notes payable24,036 24,590 
5% Senior Notes due 2022230,684 630,470 
4.5% Senior Notes due 2023647,222 646,943 
3.8% Senior Notes due 2024907,203 906,922 
4.375% Senior Notes due 2028991,024 990,746 
5.75% Senior Notes due 20311,481,237 1,480,879 
4.9% Senior Notes due 2044691,914 691,868 
Total debt$4,973,320 $5,532,418 
Less: Current portion of long-term debt2,265 2,245 
Long-term debt, net of current portion$4,971,055 $5,530,173 
Credit Facility
The Company has an unsecured credit facility, maturing on April 9, 2023, with aggregate lender commitments totaling $1.5 billion. The Company had 0 outstanding borrowings on its credit facility at March 31, 2021.
Credit facility borrowings, if any, bear interest at market-based interest rates plus a margin based on the terms of the borrowing and the credit ratings assigned to the Company's senior, unsecured, long-term indebtedness. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding credit facility borrowings at March 31, 2020 was 2.6%.
The Company had approximately $762 million of borrowing availability on its credit facility at March 31, 2020 after considering outstanding borrowings and letters of credit. The Company incurs commitment fees based on currently assigned credit ratings of 0.25% per annum on the daily average amount of unused borrowing availability.
The credit facility contains certain restrictive covenants including a requirement that the Company maintain a consolidated net debt to total capitalization ratio of no greater than 0.65 to 1.00. This ratio represents the ratio of net debt (calculated as total face value of debt plus outstanding letters of credit less cash and cash equivalents) divided by the sum of net debt plus total shareholders' equity plus, to the extent resulting in a reduction of total shareholders’ equity, the amount of any non-cash impairment charges incurred, net of any tax effect, after June 30, 2014. The Company was in compliance with the credit facility covenants at March 31, 2020.2021.
Senior Notes
The following table summarizes the face values, maturity dates, semi-annual interest payment dates, and optional redemption periods related to the Company’s outstanding senior note obligations at March 31, 2020. In March 20202021. 
 2022 Notes2023 Notes2024 Notes2028 Notes2031 Notes2044 Notes
Face value (in thousands)$230,782$649,625$911,000$1,000,000$1,500,000$700,000
Maturity date  Sep 15, 2022April 15, 2023June 1, 2024January 15, 2028January 15, 2031June 1, 2044
Interest payment dates  Mar 15, Sep 15April 15, Oct 15June 1, Dec 1Jan 15, July 15Jan 15, Jul 15June 1, Dec 1
Make-whole redemption period (1)  Jan 15, 2023Mar 1, 2024Oct 15, 2027Jul 15, 2030Dec 1, 2043
(1)At any time prior to the indicated dates, the Company repurchasedhas the option to redeem all or a portion of its 2023 Notessenior notes of the applicable series at the “make-whole” redemption amounts specified in the respective senior note indentures plus any accrued and 2024 Notes in open market transactions as further discussed below underunpaid interest to the heading Repurchasedate of Senior Notes.redemption. On or after the indicated dates, the Company may redeem all or a portion of its senior notes at a redemption amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of the senior notes being redeemed plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.
  2022 Notes (1) 2023 Notes 2024 Notes 2028 Notes 2044 Notes
Face value (in thousands) $1,100,000 $1,466,625 $993,000 $1,000,000 $700,000
Maturity date  
Sep 15, 2022
 
April 15, 2023
 
June 1, 2024
 
January 15, 2028
 
June 1, 2044
Interest payment dates  March 15, Sep 15 April 15, Oct 15 June 1, Dec 1 Jan 15, July 15 June 1, Dec 1
Make-whole redemption period (2)   
Jan 15, 2023
 
Mar 1, 2024
 
Oct 15, 2027
 
Dec 1, 2043

(1)The Company has the option to redeem all or a portion of its remaining 2022 Notes at the decreasing redemption prices specified in the indenture related to the 2022 Notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.
(2)At any time prior to the indicated dates, the Company has the option to redeem all or a portion of its senior notes of the applicable series at the “make-whole” redemption amounts specified in the respective senior note indentures plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. On or after the indicated dates, the Company may redeem all or a portion of its senior notes at a redemption amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of the senior notes being redeemed plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.
The Company’s senior notes are not subject to any mandatory redemption or sinking fund requirements.
The indentures governing the Company’s senior notes contain covenants that, among other things, limit the Company’s ability to create liens securing certain indebtedness, enter into certain sale-leaseback transactions, or consolidate, merge or transfer
14

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
certain assets. The senior noteThese covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications. The Company was in compliance with these covenants at March 31, 2020.2021.
ThreeThe senior notes are obligations of Continental Resources, Inc. Additionally, three of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Banner Pipeline Company, L.L.C., CLR Asset Holdings, LLC, and The Mineral Resources Company, the value of whose assets, equity, and results of operations are not material, fully and unconditionally guarantee the senior notes on a joint and several basis. The Company’s other subsidiaries, the value of whose assets, equity, and results of operations attributable to the Company are not material, do not guarantee the senior notes.
RepurchaseRetirement of Senior Notes
2021
In January 2021, the Company redeemed $400 million principal amount of its outstanding 2022 Notes using proceeds from lower-rate borrowings on its credit facility. The Company recorded a pre-tax loss on extinguishment of debt related to the redemption of $0.2 million, which included the pro-rata write-off of deferred financing costs and unamortized debt premium associated with the redeemed notes. The loss is reflected in the caption “Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt” in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Subsequent to March 31, 2021, the Company redeemed the remaining principal balance of its 2022 Notes as discussed in Note 13. Subsequent Events.
2020
In March 2020, the Company repurchased a portion of its 2023 Notes and 2024 Notes in open market transactions at a substantial discount to the face value of the notes, including $33.4 million face value of its 2023 Notes at an aggregate cost of $19.5 million and $7.0 million face value of its 2024 Notes at an aggregate cost of $3.8 million, in each case, including accrued and unpaid interest to the repurchase dates.
The repurchased notes were subsequently canceled by the Company. The Company recognized pre-tax gains on extinguishment of debt in the 2020 first quarter related to the March 2020 repurchases totaling $17.6 million, which included the pro-rata write-off of deferred financing costs and unamortized debt discount associated with the repurchased notes. The gains are reflected in the caption “Gain on extinguishment of debt” in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
payable

Subsequent to March 31,In June 2020, the Company repurchased and canceled additional amountsborrowed an aggregate of its 2023 Notes and 2024 Notes. See Note 14. Subsequent Events for further information.
Note payable
In February 2012, 20 Broadway Associates LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, borrowed $22$26.0 million under atwo 10-year amortizing term loanloans secured by the Company’s corporate office building and its interest in parking facilities in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The loan bearsloans mature in May 2030 and bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.14%3.50% per annum.annum through June 9, 2025, at which time the interest rate will be reset and fixed through the maturity date. Principal and interest are payable monthly through the loan’s maturity date of February 26, 2022. Accordingly, approximately $2.5and, accordingly, $2.3 million is reflected as a current liability under the caption “Current portion of long-term debt” in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2020.
Note 9. Leases
The Company’s lease liabilities recognized on the balance sheet as a lessee totaled $12.6 million as of March 31, 2020 at discounted present value, which is comprised of the asset classes reflected in the table below. All leases recognized on the Company's balance sheet are classified as operating leases. The amounts disclosed herein primarily represent costs2021 associated with properties operated by the Company that are presented on a gross basis and do not reflect the Company's net proportionate share of such amounts. A portion of these costs have been or will be billed to other working interest owners. Once paid, the Company's share of these costs are included in property and equipment, production expenses, or general and administrative expenses, as applicable. The Company's leasing activities as a lessor are negligible.
In thousands Amount
Drilling rig commitments $6,048
Surface use agreements 5,091
Field equipment 1,105
Other 339
Total $12,583

loans.
Drilling rig commitments reflected above represent minimum payment obligations expected to be incurred on enforceable commitments with durations in excess of one year at the inception of the lease.
Minimum future commitments by year for the Company's operating leases as of March 31, 2020 are presented in the table below. Such commitments are reflected at undiscounted values and are reconciled to the discounted present value recognized on the balance sheet.
In thousands Amount
Remainder of 2020 $4,954
2021 2,574
2022 782
2023 729
2024 456
Thereafter 6,676
Total operating lease liabilities, at undiscounted value $16,171
Less: Imputed interest (3,588)
Total operating lease liabilities, at discounted present value $12,583
Less: Current portion of operating lease liabilities (6,243)
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion $6,340

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

Additional information for the Company's operating leases is presented below. Lease costs are reflected at gross amounts and primarily represent costs incurred for drilling rigs, most of which are short term contracts that are not recognized as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet. Variable lease costs primarily represent differences between minimum payment obligations and actual operating day-rate charges incurred by the Company for its long term drilling rig contracts. Short-term lease costs primarily represent operating day-rate charges for drilling rig contracts with durations of one year or less and month-to-month field equipment rentals.
In thousands, except weighted average data Three months ended March 31, 2020
Lease costs:  
Operating lease costs $1,260
Variable lease costs 3,223
Short-term lease costs 51,348
Total lease costs $55,831
   
Other information:  
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $7,002
Operating cash flows from operating leases included in lease liabilities 228
Weighted average remaining lease term as of March 31, 2020 (in years) 9.8
Weighted average discount rate as of March 31, 2020 4.1%

Note 10.8. Commitments and Contingencies
Included below is a discussion of certain future commitments and contingencies of the Company as of March 31, 2020.2021.
Drilling rig commitments – As of March 31, 2020,2021, the Company has drilling rig contracts with various terms extending to AprilNovember 2021. Future operating day-rate commitments as of March 31, 20202021 total approximately $36$8 million, of which $33 million is expected towill be incurred in the remainder of 2020 and $3 million will be incurred in 2021. A portion of these future costs will be borne by other interest owners. Such future commitments include minimum payment obligations with a discounted present value totaling $6.0 million that are required to be recognized on the Company's balance sheet at March 31, 2020 in accordance with ASC Topic 842 as discussed in Note 9. Leases.
Other lease commitments – The Company has various other lease commitments primarily associated with surface use agreements and field equipment. See Note 9. Leases for additional information.
Transportation, gathering, and processing commitments – The Company has entered into transportation, gathering, and processing commitments to guarantee capacity on crude oil and natural gas pipelines and natural gas processing facilities. The commitments, which have varying terms extending as far as 2031, require the Company to pay per-unit transportation, gathering, or processing charges regardless of the amount of capacity used. Future commitments remaining as of March 31, 20202021 under the arrangements amount to approximately $2.11$1.46 billion, of which $210$192 million is expected to be incurred in the remainder of 2020, $326 million in 2021, $329$272 million in 2022, $331$272 million in 2023, $298$234 million in 2024, $143 million in 2025, and $615$346 million thereafter. A portion of these future costs will be borne by other interest owners. The Company is not committed under the above contracts to deliver fixed and determinable quantities of crude oil or natural gas in the future. These commitments do not qualify as leases under ASC Topic 842 and are not recognized on the Company's balance sheet.
Senior note redemption – On March 22, 2021, the Company announced its intention to redeem the remaining outstanding principal balance of its 2022 Notes subsequent to March 31, 2021. See Note 13. Subsequent Events for further discussion.
15

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Litigation – The Company is involved in various legal proceedings including, but not limited to, commercial disputes, claims from royalty and surface owners, property damage claims, personal injury claims, regulatory compliance matters, disputes with tax authorities and other matters. While the outcome of these legal matters cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not expect them to have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. As of March 31, 20202021 and December 31, 2019,2020, the Company had recognized a liability within “Other noncurrent liabilities” of $7.5$7.7 million and$8.7 $7.7 million, respectively, for various matters, none of which are believed to be individually significant. See Note 14. Subsequent Events for discussion of a new legal matter involving the Company that was initiated subsequent to March 31, 2020.
Environmental risk – Due to the nature of the crude oil and natural gas business, the Company is exposed to possible environmental risks. The Company is not aware of any material environmental issues or claims.
Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 11.9. Stock-Based Compensation
The Company has granted restricted stock to employees and directors pursuant to the Continental Resources, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended ("2013 Plan"). The Company’s associated compensation expense, which is included in the caption “General and administrative expenses” in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss),operations, was $16.4$16.9 million and $12.1$16.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 20202021 and 2019,2020, respectively.
In March 2019, the Company amended and restated its 2013 Plan and reservedspecified 12,983,543 shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to the amended plan. TheSubject to limited exceptions, the 2013 Plan allows previously issued shares to be reissued if such shares are subsequently forfeited after issuance.or withheld to satisfy tax withholdings. As of March 31, 2020,2021, the Company had 10,871,7338,497,723 shares of common stock available for long-term incentive awards to employees and directors under the 2013 Plan.
Restricted stock is awarded in the name of the recipient and constitutes issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock for all corporate purposes during the period of restriction and, except as otherwise provided under the 2013 Plan or agreement relevant to a given award, includes the right to vote the restricted stock and to receive dividends if any, subject to forfeiture. Restricted stock grants generally vest over periods ranging from 1 to 3 years.
A summary of changes in non-vested restricted shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 20202021 is presented below. 
  Number of
non-vested
shares
 Weighted average
grant-date
fair value
Non-vested restricted shares outstanding at December 31, 2019 3,461,908
 $46.82
Granted 2,454,235
 28.41
Vested (925,568) 46.19
Forfeited (42,818) 39.88
Non-vested restricted shares outstanding at March 31, 2020 4,947,757
 $37.87

Number of
non-vested
shares
Weighted average
grant-date
fair value
Non-vested restricted shares outstanding at December 31, 20204,890,638 $36.26 
Granted2,726,442 22.99 
Vested(1,278,334)46.54 
Forfeited(65,380)27.80 
Non-vested restricted shares outstanding at March 31, 20216,273,366 $28.49 
The grant date fair value of restricted stock represents the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Compensation expense for a restricted stock grant is determined at the grant date fair value and is recognized over the vesting period as services are rendered by employees and directors. The Company estimates the number of forfeitures expected to occur in determining the amount of stock-based compensation expense to recognize. There are no post-vesting restrictions related to the Company’s restricted stock. The fair value at the vesting date of restricted stock that vested during the three months ended March 31, 20202021 was approximately $24$29 million. As of March 31, 2020,2021, there was approximately $117$111 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock. This expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.92.0 years.
Note 12.10. Shareholders' Equity
Share repurchases
ForDuring the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company repurchased and retired approximately 8.1 million shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $126.9 million. ThroughNo share repurchases have been made subsequent to March 31, 2020, the2020. The Company hadhas repurchased and retired a cumulative total of approximately 13.8 million shares at an aggregate cost of $317.1 million since the inception of its $1 billion share repurchase program in June 2019.
The timing and amount of the Company's share repurchases are subject to market conditions and management discretion. The share repurchase program does not require the Company to repurchase a specific number of shares and may be modified, suspended, or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time. 
16

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Dividend payment
On January 27, 2020 the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share on its outstanding common stock, which amounted to $18.4 million and was paid on February 21, 2020 to shareholders of record as of February 7, 2020.
To preserve cash in response to the significant reduction in crude oil prices and economic turmoil resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, in April 2020 the Company’s quarterlySee Note 13. Subsequent Events for discussion of a dividend was suspendeddeclaration made by the Board of Directors until further notice.Company subsequent to March 31, 2021.

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

Note 13.11. Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method under which deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax effects of temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities using the enacted statutory tax rates in effect at period-end. The effect on deferred taxes for a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company’s policy is to recognize penalties and interest related to unrecognized tax benefits, if any, in income tax expense.
The Company's provision (benefit) for income taxes and resulting effective tax rates were as follows for the periods presented.
  Three months ended March 31,
  2020 2019
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (in thousands) $(52,235) $51,990
Effective tax rate 21.9% 21.8%

 Three months ended March 31,
20212020
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (in thousands)$80,528 $(52,235)
Effective tax rate23.6 %21.9 %
The Company computes its quarterly income tax provision (benefit) under the effective tax rate method based on applying an anticipated annual effective tax rate to year-to-date pre-tax income (loss), except for discrete items. Income taxes for discrete items are computed and recorded in the period in which the specific transaction occurs.
The Company's effective tax rate differs from the United States federal statutory tax rate due to the effect of state income taxes, equity compensation, changes in valuation allowances, and other tax items as reflected in the table below.
  Three months ended March 31,
In thousands, except tax rates 2020 2019
Income (loss) before income taxes $(239,019) $238,483
U.S. federal statutory tax rate 21.0% 21.0%
Expected income tax provision (benefit) based on U.S. federal statutory tax rate (50,194) 50,081
Items impacting the effective tax rate:    
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit (7,603) 7,798
Equity compensation 3,886
 (8,318)
Other, net (3,189) 2,429
Valuation allowance 4,865
 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes $(52,235) $51,990
Effective tax rate 21.9% 21.8%

The Company reduces its
 Three months ended March 31,
In thousands, except tax rates20212020
Income (loss) before income taxes$340,803 $(239,019)
U.S. federal statutory tax rate21.0 %21.0 %
Expected income tax provision (benefit) based on U.S. federal statutory tax rate71,569 (50,194)
Items impacting the effective tax rate:
State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit12,895 (7,603)
Equity compensation5,990 3,886 
Other, net(5,031)(3,189)
Change in valuation allowance(4,895)4,865 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes$80,528 $(52,235)
Effective tax rate23.6 %21.9 %
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if, based upon the weight of available evidence,Company must consider whether it is more-likely-than-notmore likely than not that the Company will not realize some portion or all of the deferred tax assets.assets will not be realized. The Company considers relevant evidence,applies judgment to determine the weight of both positive and negative evidence in order to determine the need forconclude whether a valuation allowance. Information evaluated includesallowance is necessary for its deferred tax assets. In determining whether a valuation allowance is required, the Company considers, among other factors, the Company's financial position, and results of operations, for the current and preceding years, the availabilityprojected future taxable income, reversal of existing deferred tax liabilities against deferred tax assets, and tax carrybacks, as well as an evaluation of currently available information about future years. The Company determined it was more-likely-than-not that a portion of its Oklahoma NOL carryforwards would not be able to be utilized before expiration, andplanning strategies. During 2020, a valuation allowance of approximately $4.9$14.5 million washad been established for the deferred tax assetsasset associated with a portion of the Company's Oklahoma state net operating loss carryforwards. In the first quarter of 2021, the Company reassessed the realizability of the deferred tax asset related to Oklahoma state net operating loss carryforwards and determined it was more likely than not that such NOL carryforwards.assets would be realized. Therefore, it was determined that the previously recorded valuation allowance in 2020 should be released throughout 2021, with $4.9 million of the release being recognized during the first quarter of 2021.
The Company will continue to evaluate both the positive and negative evidence on a quarterly basis in determining the need for a valuation allowance with respect to its deferred tax assets. Changes in positive and negative evidence, including differences between estimated and actual results, could result in changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets that could have a
17

Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Changes in existing tax laws could also affect actual tax results and the realization of deferred tax assets over time.
Note 12. Property Acquisition
On March 4, 2021, the Company acquired undeveloped leasehold and producing properties in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming for $206.6 million, consisting of a $21.5 million escrow deposit paid in December 2020 upon execution of a definitive purchase agreement and a $185.1 million payment made at closing in March 2021. The acquisition included approximately 130,000 net acres and producing properties with production totaling approximately 7,200 net barrels of oil equivalent per day at the time of closing. The $21.5 million escrow deposit paid in December 2020 is included in the caption "Other noncurrent assets" on the Company's balance sheet at December 31, 2020, which was subsequently reclassified to "Net property and equipment" on the closing date. The Company recognized approximately $4.9 million of asset retirement obligations and $12.4 million of right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities as of March 31, 2021 associated with the acquired properties.
Note 14.13. Subsequent Events
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic related to the proliferationFull redemption of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). The adverse economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve as of the filing of this report. The catastrophe caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has materially decreased global and domestic demand for crude oil based on changes in consumer behavior and restrictions implemented by governments to mitigate the pandemic. This destruction of2022 Notes
Continental Resources, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

demand has led to an unprecedented decline in crude oil prices. In response to these developments,On April 22, 2021, the Company began shutting in production in April 2020 and currently has approximately 70%redeemed the remaining $230.8 million principal amount of its operated crude oil production and associated natural gas shut-in. The duration and extent of our production shut-ins are being evaluated on an ongoing basis and are subject to change as market conditions evolve. Given the uncertain duration of the catastrophe caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential for a longer-term impact on consumer behaviors, the Company is not able to estimate the effects of the pandemicoutstanding 2022 Notes using proceeds from lower-rate borrowings on its resultscredit facility.
Dividend declaration
On April 27, 2021, the Company's Board of operations, financial condition, or cash flows forDirectors approved the remainderreinstatement of 2020. Nevertheless, a near term material negative impactquarterly dividend of $0.11 per share on the Company's production, revenues, cash flows, and earnings is certainoutstanding common stock, payable on May 24, 2021 to occur for the second quartershareholders of 2020.record as of May 10, 2021.

On April 15, 2020, Casillas Petroleum Resource Partners II, LLC filed a petition against the Company in the District Court of Tulsa County, State of Oklahoma. In its petition Casillas alleges the Company breached a Purchase and Sale Agreement (“PSA”) to purchase oil and gas interests in Oklahoma for $200 million. Casillas seeks specific performance.  The Company terminated the PSA due to Casillas’ breach of the agreement and denies the allegations and will vigorously defend the claims.  The Company will also seek affirmative relief. The Company is not currently able to estimate what impact, if any, the ultimate resolution of the action will have on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows due to the preliminary status of the matter.
In April 2020, the Company repurchased and canceled an additional $17.0 million face value of its 2023 Notes at an aggregate cost of $9.8 million and an additional $82.0 million face value of its 2024 Notes at an aggregate cost of $43.1 million, in each case, including accrued and unpaid interest to the repurchase dates. The Company estimates it will recognize pre-tax gains on extinguishment of debt related to the April 2020 repurchases totaling $47.0 million, which include the pro-rata write-off of deferred financing costs and unamortized debt discount associated with the notes. The reduction in debt and associated extinguishment gains from the April 2020 repurchases will be reflected in the Company's second quarter 2020 results.



18


ITEM 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results 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 the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this report and our historical consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
As a result of the catastrophic impact from the COVID-19 pandemic on global and domestic demand for crude oil, our operating results for the first quarter of 2020 discussed below are not indicative of the Company’s expected results for the remainder of 2020. While a material negative impact is expected for the second quarter of 2020, given the uncertainty around the progression of the pandemic, it is difficult to predict the extent to which it will continue to have a significant impact on the Company’s performance during the remainder of 2020 and beyond.
The following discussion and analysis includes forward-looking statements and should be read in conjunction with the risk factors described in Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors included in this report, if any, and in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, along with Cautionary Statement for the Purpose of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 at the beginning of this report, for information about the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to be materially different than our forward-looking statements.
Our crude oil and natural gas production and revenues for the first quarter of 2021 were impacted by severe winter weather and freezing temperatures in the southern United States in February 2021 as further discussed below and may not be indicative of future results.
Overview
We are an independent crude oil and natural gas company engaged in the exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas. Additionally, we pursue the acquisition and management of perpetually owned minerals located in certain of our key operating areas. We derive the majority of our operating income and cash flows from the sale of crude oil and natural gas and expect this to continue in the future. Our operations are primarily focused on exploration and development activities in the Bakken field of North Dakota and Montana, the Powder River Basin of Wyoming, and the SCOOP and STACK areas of Oklahoma. Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CLR” and our corporate internet website is www.clr.com.
Business EnvironmentFirst Quarter 2021 Highlights
Financial and Outlookoperating highlights for the first quarter of 2021 are summarized below. Our first quarter results underscore our continued focus on maximizing cash flow generation, reducing debt, maintaining low-cost capital efficient operations, achieving consistent asset performance, and delivering shareholder capital returns.
Crude oil prices decreased significantlyGenerated $1.04 billion in Marchcash flows from operations, a 57% increase over the 2020 first quarter;
Reduced outstanding debt by $560 million, or 10%, in the first quarter;
Continued to maintain low cost operations, with production expenses averaging $3.35 per Boe for the quarter;
Completed acquisition of Powder River Basin properties in Wyoming for $207 million, adding 130,000 net acres and continued to decreaseproduction of approximately 7,200 Boe per day as of the closing date; and
Reinstated quarterly dividend in April 2020 to historically low levels. This decline is attributable to a number2021 at $0.11 per share of factors, most notably the reduced global and domestic demand for crude oil caused by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting changes in consumer behavior and restrictions implemented by governments to mitigate the pandemic. Additionally, in March 2020 the alliance between the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries ("OPEC") and Russia on production cuts broke down as both sides were unable to reach an agreement on how much to restrict production in order to stabilize crude oil prices. As a result, Saudi Arabia subsequently announced it would significantly increase production and cut the prices at which it sells crude oil. These actions, coupled with the economic impact and uncertainty from COVID-19, resulted in simultaneous supply and demand shocks that triggered a sudden and drastic decrease in crude oil prices in March 2020. In April 2020, the alliance between OPEC and Russia reached an agreement to reduce production and will reconvene in June 2020 to determine whether further reductions are necessary. It is uncertain what impact these production cuts, along with production cuts in the United States and elsewhere, will have on crude oil prices and whether such cuts will be sufficient to offset the demand destruction caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the significant uncertainty around the timing and path of recovery from the pandemic, we have withdrawn our financial and operational guidance for 2020.
Company management is actively evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on its operations, financial condition, suppliers, industry, and workforce. In light of the challenges facing our business and industry, we have acted to implement cost saving initiatives in order to preserve financial flexibility, liquidity, and the strength of our balance sheet. We have significantly reduced our capital spending and continue to diligently evaluate and adjust our spending plans on an ongoing basis based on market conditions. As of April 30, 2020, we have reduced our operated rig count by 70% since the beginning of the year. Further, we currently have zero completion crews running in the Bakken and plan to average one completion crew in the South for the remainder of 2020. We are committed to the responsible stewardship of our assets and, with minimal long-term service or supply contracts in place, have the ability to reduce our spending in response to changes in market conditions to preserve our assets and better align our spending with expected available cash flows.
In response to the significant reduction in crude oil prices and expectations for crude oil transportation and storage limitations, we began shutting in production in April and currently have approximately 70% of our operated crude oil production and associated natural gas shut-in. The duration and extent of our production shut-ins are being evaluated on an ongoing basis and are subject to change as market conditions evolve. Other operators are also shutting in production, which will adversely impact production originating from our non-operated properties. These actions, coupled with historically low crude oil prices, are expected to result in a material reduction in our revenues and cash flows, the amount of which is uncertain due to ongoing


volatility in commodity prices and uncertainty regarding the extent and duration of production shut-ins. The duration and magnitude of the effects from the COVID-19 pandemic are unknown and we are unable to predict with certainty when production shut-ins and other business impacts may end.
Our leadership team has significant experience with operating in challenging commodity price environments. The depth and quality of our asset base, the optionality provided by our predominant amount of acreage held by production, and our financial strength allow uscommon stock to be adaptable in a variety of price environments. We will remain flexible as we monitor and adapt to market conditions and plan to be well-positioned when market conditions improve. See the subsequent section titled Liquidity and Capital Resources for additional discussion of our financial condition.paid on May 24, 2021.

Financial and Operating Metrics
The following table contains financial and operating metrics for the periods presented. Average net sales prices exclude any effect of derivative transactions. Per-unit expenses have been calculated using sales volumes.
  Three months ended March 31,
  2020 2019
Average daily production:    
Crude oil (Bbl per day) 200,671
 193,921
Natural gas (Mcf per day) 961,022
 829,891
Crude oil equivalents (Boe per day) 360,841
 332,236
Average net sales prices (1): 
 
Crude oil ($/Bbl) $39.64
 $50.05
Natural gas ($/Mcf) $0.90
 $2.56
Crude oil equivalents ($/Boe) $24.44
 $35.56
Crude oil net sales price discount to NYMEX ($/Bbl) $(6.26) $(4.77)
Natural gas net sales price discount to NYMEX ($/Mcf) $(1.05) $(0.60)
Production expenses ($/Boe) $3.61
 $3.59
Production taxes (% of net crude oil and natural gas sales) 8.9% 8.2%
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion ($/Boe) $16.35
 $16.60
Total general and administrative expenses ($/Boe) $1.31
 $1.60
19


 Three months ended March 31,
 20212020
Average daily production:
Crude oil (Bbl per day)151,852 200,671 
Natural gas (Mcf per day)936,540 961,022 
Crude oil equivalents (Boe per day)307,942 360,841 
Average net sales prices (1):
Crude oil ($/Bbl)$53.09 $39.64 
Natural gas ($/Mcf)$5.56 $0.90 
Crude oil equivalents ($/Boe)$43.11 $24.44 
Crude oil net sales price discount to NYMEX ($/Bbl)$(4.52)$(6.26)
Natural gas net sales price premium (discount) to NYMEX ($/Mcf)$2.87 $(1.05)
Production expenses ($/Boe)$3.35 $3.61 
Production taxes (% of net crude oil and natural gas sales)7.0 %8.9 %
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion ($/Boe)$18.35 $16.35 
Total general and administrative expenses ($/Boe)$1.90 $1.31 
 
(1)
(1)     See the subsequent section titled Non-GAAP Financial Measures for a discussion and calculation of net sales prices, which are non-GAAP measures.


Three months ended March 31, 20202021 compared to the three months ended March 31, 20192020
Results of Operations
The following table presents selected financial and operating information for the periods presented. 
 Three months ended March 31, Three months ended March 31,
In thousands 2020 2019In thousands20212020
Crude oil and natural gas sales $862,743
 $1,109,584
Crude oil and natural gas sales$1,247,533 $862,743 
Loss on natural gas derivatives, net 
 (1,124)
Loss on derivative instruments, netLoss on derivative instruments, net(43,507)— 
Crude oil and natural gas service operations 18,058
 15,774
Crude oil and natural gas service operations11,789 18,058 
Total revenues 880,801
 1,124,234
Total revenues1,215,815 880,801 
Operating costs and expenses (1,074,389) (819,269)Operating costs and expenses(810,117)(1,074,389)
Other expenses, net (45,431) (66,482)Other expenses, net(64,895)(45,431)
Income (loss) before income taxes (239,019) 238,483
Income (loss) before income taxes340,803 (239,019)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes 52,235
 (51,990)(Provision) benefit for income taxes(80,528)52,235 
Net income (loss) (186,784) 186,493
Net income (loss)260,275 (186,784)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (1,120) (483)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interestsNet income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests633 (1,120)
Net income (loss) attributable to Continental Resources $(185,664) $186,976
Net income (loss) attributable to Continental Resources$259,642 $(185,664)
Production volumes:    Production volumes:
Crude oil (MBbl) 18,261
 17,453
Crude oil (MBbl)13,667 18,261 
Natural gas (MMcf) 87,453
 74,690
Natural gas (MMcf)84,289 87,453 
Crude oil equivalents (MBoe) 32,836
 29,901
Crude oil equivalents (MBoe)27,715 32,836 
Sales volumes:    Sales volumes:
Crude oil (MBbl) 18,251
 17,373
Crude oil (MBbl)13,726 18,251 
Natural gas (MMcf) 87,453
 74,690
Natural gas (MMcf)84,289 87,453 
Crude oil equivalents (MBoe) 32,826
 29,821
Crude oil equivalents (MBoe)27,774 32,826 
Production
The following table summarizes the changes in our average daily Boe production by major operating area for the first quarter period.
20


Boe production per day 1Q 2020 1Q 2019 % Change Boe production per day1Q 20211Q 2020% Change
Bakken 201,502
 199,423
 1% Bakken160,577 201,502 (20 %)
SCOOP 107,817
 67,659
 59% SCOOP101,984 107,817 (5 %)
STACK 44,155
 56,513
 (22%) STACK36,402 44,155 (18 %)
All other 7,367
 8,641
 (15%) All other8,979 7,367 22 %
Total 360,841
 332,236
 9% Total307,942 360,841 (15 %)


In mid-February 2021, severe winter weather and freezing temperatures in the southern United States impacted our operations in Oklahoma, resulting in the curtailment of a portion of our production, delays in drilling and completion of wells, and other operational constraints, which adversely impacted our first quarter 2021 production by approximately 6,000 Boe per day (60% of which was crude oil). We have restored our curtailed production and estimate our production for the second quarter of 2021 will average between 160,000 and 165,000 barrels of oil per day and between 920,000 and 940,000 Mcf of natural gas per day.
The following tables reflect our production by product and region for the periods presented. 
 Three months ended March 31, Volume
increase
 Volume
percent
increase
Three months ended March 31,Volume
decrease
Volume
percent
decrease
 2020 2019   20212020
 Volume Percent Volume Percent  VolumePercentVolumePercent
Crude oil (MBbl) 18,261
 56% 17,453
 58% 808
 5%Crude oil (MBbl)13,667 49 %18,261 56 %(4,594)(25 %)
Natural gas (MMcf) 87,453
 44% 74,690
 42% 12,763
 17%Natural gas (MMcf)84,289 51 %87,453 44 %(3,164)(4 %)
Total (MBoe) 32,836
 100% 29,901
 100% 2,935
 10%Total (MBoe)27,715 100 %32,836 100 %(5,121)(16 %)
            
 Three months ended March 31, Volume
increase
 Volume
percent
increase
Three months ended March 31,Volume
decrease
Volume
percent
decrease
 2020 2019   20212020
 MBoe Percent MBoe Percent  MBoePercentMBoePercent
North Region 19,003
 58% 18,711
 63% 292
 2%North Region15,259 55 %19,003 58 %(3,744)(20 %)
South Region 13,833
 42% 11,190
 37% 2,643
 24%South Region12,456 45 %13,833 42 %(1,377)(10 %)
Total 32,836
 100% 29,901
 100% 2,935
 10%Total27,715 100 %32,836 100 %(5,121)(16 %)
The increase25% decrease in crude oil production for the 2021 first quarter compared to the 2020 first quarter was primarily driven by reduced drilling and completion activities over the past year in response to the economic turmoil from the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with the previously described weather-related production curtailments in February 2021, which led to a 1,6723,514 MBbls, or 83%, increase in SCOOP production due to new well completions in our oil-weighted Project SpringBoard. This increase was partially offset by a 729 MBbls, or 5%27%, decrease in Bakken crude oil production, duea 985 MBbls, or 27%, decrease in SCOOP crude oil production, and a 183 MBbls, or 27%, decrease in STACK crude oil production compared to variations in the timing of new well completions and well ownership changes between periods. First quarter 2019 production in the Bakken benefitted from initial production on large pad projects and additional production from increased ownership interests with no amounts of a similar magnitude in the 2020 first quarter.
The increaseFebruary 2021 production curtailments and limited drilling and completion activities over the past year also impacted our natural gas production, leading to a 4% decrease in natural gas production for the 2021 first quarter compared to the 2020 first quarter was driven by a 12,302 MMcf, or 50%, increase in SCOOPquarter. Natural gas production in conjunction with the aforementioned increaseBakken decreased 2,222 MMcf, or 7%, and natural gas production in SCOOP crude oil production overSTACK decreased 3,351 MMcf, or 17%, from the prior year first quarter. Additionally, natural gas production from the Bakken play increased 6,705 MMcf, or 28%, due to an increase in gas capture and resulting increase in volumes delivered to market compared to the prior period. These increasesdecreases were partially offset by a 5,9242,115 MMcf, or 23%6%, decreaseincrease in STACKSCOOP natural gas production.
In the second quarter of 2020 we shifted our rigs to gas-weighted areas in Oklahoma to capitalize on improvements in market prices for natural gas. These actions contributed to an increase in our natural gas production from natural declines and limited natural gas drilling activitiesas a percentage of total production in the play.
Our level of production achieved in2021 first quarter compared to the 2020 first quarter is not indicativequarter. Based on drilling and completion plans, we project our production will become more oil-weighted in the second half of results expected for the remainder of 2020 due2021 compared to the aforementioned shut-in of our production. Other operators are also shutting in production. The duration and magnitudefirst half of the economic effects from COVID-19 are unknown and we are unable to predict with certainty when the production shut-ins and other business impacts may end.year.
Revenues
Net crude oil and natural gas sales and related net sales prices presented below are non-GAAP measures. See the subsequent section titled Non-GAAP Financial Measures for a discussion and calculation of these measures.
Net crude oil and natural gas sales. Net crude oil and natural gas sales totaled $802.2 million$1.20 billion for the first quarter of 2020,2021, a 24% decrease49% increase compared to net sales of $1.06 billion$802.2 million for the 20192020 first quarter due to a significant decreaseincreases in net sales prices partially offset by higherdecreases in sales volumes as discussed below.
Total sales volumes for the first quarter of 2020 increased 3,0052021 decreased 5,052 MBoe, or 10%15%, compared to the 20192020 first quarter, reflecting new well completionsthe impact of reduced drilling and completion activities over the past year.year in response to economic turmoil from the COVID-19
21


pandemic and the previously described production curtailments in February 2021. For the first quarter of 2020,2021, our crude oil sales volumes increased 5% fromdecreased 25% compared to the comparable 2019 period,2020 first quarter, while our natural gas sales volumes increased 17%decreased 4%.
Our crude oil net sales prices averaged $39.64$53.09 per barrel in the 20202021 first quarter, a decreasean increase of 21%34% compared to $50.05$39.64 per barrel for the 20192020 first quarter due to loweran increase in market prices and widerimproved price differentials. The differential between NYMEX West Texas Intermediate ("WTI") calendar month prices and our realized crude oil net sales prices averaged $4.52 per barrel for the 2021 first quarter compared to $6.26 per barrel for the 2020 first quarter compared to $4.77 per barrel for the 2019 first quarter. The increased2020 first quarter price differential reflectswas impacted by adverse changes in supply and demand fundamentals andfrom the early economic effects fromof COVID-19 and OPEC actions taken by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and Russia that negatively impacted location differentials and price realizations compared toin the prior year period.first quarter.
Our natural gas net sales prices averaged $5.56 per Mcf for the 2021 first quarter compared to $0.90 per Mcf for the 2020 first quarter a decrease of 65% compared to $2.56 per Mcf for the 2019 first quarter due to loweran increase in market prices and reducedimproved price realizations.differentials. The discountdifference between our net sales prices and NYMEX Henry Hub calendar month natural gas prices weakenedwas a premium of $2.87 per Mcf for the 2021 first quarter compared to a discount of $1.05 per Mcf for the 2020 first quarter comparedquarter. The effects of the previously described winter storm in February 2021 led to $0.60 per Mcfa period of increased spot prices for the 2019 first quarter. We sell the majority of our operatedresidue natural gas production to midstream customers at lease locations based on market pricesthat resulted in a significant improvement in our price realizations in the field where the sales occur. The field markets are impacted by


residue gas2021 first quarter relative to benchmark prices and prior periods. Additionally, prices for natural gas liquids ("NGLs") prices at secondary, downstream markets. NGL prices in 2020 have decreased significantlyincreased compared to 2019first quarter 2020 levels in conjunction with decreasedincreased crude oil prices and other factors, resulting in reducedimproved price realizations for our natural gas sales stream relativestream. For the remainder of 2021 we project our natural gas net sales prices will be a discount to Henry Hub benchmark prices.prices of between zero and $0.50 per Mcf.
Derivatives. Changes in market prices during the first quarter of 2021 had an overall unfavorable impact on the fair value of our derivatives, which resulted in negative revenue adjustments of $43.5 million for the period, representing $29.4 million of cash losses and $14.1 million of unsettled non-cash losses. We had no outstanding derivative instruments during the first quarter of 2020.
Crude oil and natural gas service operations. Our crude oil and natural gas service operations consist primarily of revenues associated with water gathering, recycling, and disposal activities, which are impacted by our production volumes and the timing and extent of our drilling and completion projects. Revenues associated with such activities decreased $6.3 million, or 35%, from $18.1 million for the first quarter of 2020 are not indicative of results expectedto $11.8 million for the remainderfirst quarter of 20202021 due to the significant declinereduced water handling activities resulting from a decrease in crude oil prices beginning in Marchproduction and the aforementioned shut-in of production. We expect these factors will have a significant adverse impact on future revenues in 2020; however, we are unable to estimate such impact duereduced completion activities compared to the uncertain duration and magnitude of2020 first quarter. The decreased activities also resulted in a reduction in service-related expenses compared to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing volatility in commodity prices.prior period.
Operating Costs and Expenses
Production Expenses. Production expenses increased $11.5decreased $25.4 million, or 11%21%, from $107.0 million for the first quarter of 2019 to $118.5 million for the first quarter of 2020 primarily due to an increase$93.1 million for the first quarter of 2021. This decrease resulted from reduced service costs being incurred in conjunction with lower sales volumes, cost control efforts, operating efficiency gains, and a higher portion of our production coming from wells in Oklahoma which typically have lower operating costs compared to wells in the numberBakken, all of producing wells and related 10% increasewhich led to a decrease in sales volumes. Productionour production expenses on a per-Boe basis averagedto $3.35 per Boe for the 2021 first quarter compared to $3.61 per Boe for the 2020 first quarter, consistent with $3.59 per Boe recognized for the 2019 first quarter.
We are unable to estimate what impact the aforementioned production shut-ins will have on our production expenses for the remainder of 2020. The expected decrease in our production volumes may not result in a corresponding decrease in production expenses as certain operating costs are fixed in nature and may continue to be incurred in the absence of production. Additionally, we cannot estimate the timing or magnitude of expenses that will be incurred to restart some or all of our shut-in wells.
Production Taxes. Production taxes decreased $15.2increased $12.8 million, or 18%, to $84.0 million for the first quarter of 2021 compared to $71.2 million for the first quarter of 2020 compared to $86.4 million for the first quarter of 2019 primarily due to a 22% decrease45% increase in crude oil and natural gas sales.sales partially offset by a decrease in our average production tax rate. Our production taxes as a percentage of net crude oil and natural gas sales increaseddecreased from 8.2% for the first quarter of 2019 to 8.9% for the first quarter of 2020 primarily resulting from the aforementioned increase in natural gas production volumes in North Dakota Bakken compared to the prior period. Natural gas production taxes in North Dakota are based on a per-Mcf rate applied to the quantity of volumes produced rather than being derived from the wellhead value of sales, which resulted in higher natural gas production taxes from increased North Dakota production despite lower revenues, thereby increasing our average production tax rate. Our production taxes for the 2020 second quarter are expected to be lower than the 2020 first quarter due to an expected decline in production and revenues as discussed above, the impact of which is uncertain.
Exploration expenses. Exploration expenses, which consist primarily of exploratory geological and geophysical costs and dry hole costs that are expensed as incurred, increased $9.8 million to $11.6 million7.0% for the first quarter of 20202021 primarily resulting from an increase in the proportion of our revenues being generated in Oklahoma in the current period, which has lower production tax rates compared to $1.8 million for the first quarter of 2019 due to changes in the timing and extent of our exploration-related activities compared to the prior year period. The 2020 first quarter includes $6.3 million of dry hole costs associated with an unsuccessful exploratory well with no comparable dry hole costs incurred in the prior year period.North Dakota.
Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Accretion. Total DD&A increased $41.7decreased $27.1 million, or 8%5%, to $509.6 million for the first quarter of 2021 compared to $536.7 million for the first quarter of 2020 compared to $495.0 million for the first quarter of 2019 primarily due to a 10% increase15% decrease in total sales volumes.volumes, the impact of which was partially offset by an increase in our DD&A rate per Boe as further discussed below. The following table shows the components of our DD&A on a unit of sales basis for the periods presented. 
22



Three months ended March 31, Three months ended March 31,
$/Boe
2020 2019$/Boe20212020
Crude oil and natural gas $16.12
 $16.37
Crude oil and natural gas$18.03 $16.12 
Other equipment 0.16
 0.16
Other equipment0.22 0.16 
Asset retirement obligation accretion 0.07
 0.07
Asset retirement obligation accretion0.10 0.07 
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion $16.35
 $16.60
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion$18.35 $16.35 
Estimated proved reserves are a key component in our computation of DD&A expense. Proved reserves are determined using the unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month commodity prices for the preceding twelve months as required by SEC rules. Holding all other factors constant, if proved reserves are revised downward due to commodity price declines or for other reasons, the rate at which we record DD&A expense increases. Conversely, if proved reserves are revised upward, the rate at which we record DD&A expense decreases.
IfDownward revisions of proved reserves at year-end 2020 prompted by a significant decrease in average commodity prices remain at current levels or decline further, downward revisions of our proved reserves are expected to occur later in 2020, which may be significant and would resultother factors resulted in an increase in our DD&A rate for subsequent periods ascrude oil and natural gas properties in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the 2020first quarter of 2020.
NYMEX WTI crude oil and Henry Hub natural gas first-day-of-the-month commodity prices in 2021 have been higher than average prices for the full year of 2020. If commodity prices remain at current levels for an extended period, upward price-related revisions of proved reserves may occur in the future, which may be significant and could result in a decrease in our DD&A rate relative to the 2021 first quarter. We are unable to predict the timing and amount of future reserve revisions noror the impact such revisions may have on our future DD&A rate.


Property Impairments. PropertyTotal property impairments increased $197.2decreased $211.1 million to $11.4 million for the first quarter of 2021 compared to $222.5 million for the first quarter of 2020, compared to $25.3 million for the first quarter of 2019,primarily reflecting higherlower proved property impairments in the current period. No proved property impairments were recognized in the 2021 first quarter as described below.
Impairmentsestimated future net cash flows were determined to be in excess of cost basis due to improved commodity prices, while proved oil and gasproperty impairments totaled $205.5 million in the 2020 first quarter. Additionally, impairments of unproved properties totaled $181.0decreased $5.5 million forin the 2021 first quarter compared to the 2020 first quarter, which resulted from the significant decreasereflecting changes in commodity prices during the 2020 first quarter that indicated the carrying values for certain fields were not recoverable. The impairments were recognized on legacy properties in the Red River Units ($166.5 million) and various non-core properties in the North and South regions ($14.5 million). Additionally, in response to decreased crude oil prices we recognized a $24.5 millionimpairment in the 2020 first quarter to reduce the value of our crude oil inventory to estimated net realizable value at March 31, 2020. There were no proved property impairments recognized in the first quarter of 2019.
Commodity price assumptions used for the March 31, 2020 impairment calculations were based on publicly available average annual forward commodity strip prices through year-end 2024 and were then escalated at 3% per year thereafter. At March 31, 2020, strip prices averaged $38.15 per barrel for crude oil and $2.35 per Mcf for natural gas over the period from the present through year-end 2024. Further, at March 31, 2020 the strip prices for the individual year of 2024 averaged $43.17 per barrel and $2.44 per Mcf. If forward commodity prices materially decrease from these levels for an extended period, additional impairments of proved properties may be recognized in the future. Because of the uncertainty inherent in the numerous factors utilized in determining fair value, we cannot predict the timing and amount of future impairment charges, if any.
Impairmentsmanagement's estimates of unproved properties decreased $8.3 million, or 33%,not expected to $17.0 million for the 2020 first quarter comparedbe transferred to$25.3 million for the 2019 first quarter due to a reduction in the balance of unamortized leasehold costs proved properties over the past year. lives of the leases.
General and Administrative Expenses. Total G&A expenses decreased $4.7increased $9.9 million, or 10%23%, to $52.8 million for the first quarter of 2021 compared to $42.9 million for the first quarter of 2020 compared to $47.6 million for the first quarter of 2019. 2020.
Total G&A expenses include non-cash charges for equity compensation of $16.4 million and $12.1$16.9 million for the first quartersquarter of 2020 and 2019, respectively.2021, consistent with $16.4 million for the first quarter of 2020. G&A expenses other than equity compensation totaled $35.9 million for the 2021 first quarter, an increase of $9.4 million, or 35%, compared to $26.5 million for the 2020 first quarter, a decrease of $9.0 million, or 25%,quarter. This increase was primarily due to an increase in employee benefits coupled with lower overhead recoveries from joint interest owners driven by reduced drilling, completion, and production activities compared to $35.5 million for the 20192020 first quarter.
The following table shows the components of G&A expenses on a unit of sales basis for the periods presented. 
 
Three months ended March 31,
$/Boe
2020 2019
General and administrative expenses $0.81
 $1.19
Non-cash equity compensation 0.50
 0.41
Total general and administrative expenses $1.31
 $1.60
The decrease in G&A expenses other than equity compensation in 2020 was primarily due to a reduction in employee benefits and other efforts to reduce spending in response to significantly reduced commodity prices and economic turmoil from the COVID-19 pandemic. This decrease, coupled with the 10% increase in our sales volumes, resulted in lower G&A expenses on a per-Boe basis compared to the prior year period.
The increase in equity compensation expense in 2020 was due to additional grants of restricted stock awards coupled with higher forfeitures of unvested restricted stock in the 2019 first quarter that resulted in lower equity compensation expense for that period.
Net (gain) loss on sale of assets and other. In the first quarter of 2020, we paid a deposit and transaction fees totaling $5.3 million associated with a potential property acquisition that was terminated by the Company. Such amounts were expensed and are included in the caption "Net (gain) loss on sale of assets and other."
 Three months ended March 31,
$/Boe20212020
General and administrative expenses$1.29 $0.81 
Non-cash equity compensation0.61 0.50 
Total general and administrative expenses$1.90 $1.31 
Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $4.2totaled $65.0 million or 6%, tofor the first quarter of 2021, consistent with $63.6 million for the first quarter of 2020 compared2020. We reduced our outstanding debt by $560 million during the 2021 first quarter and expect our interest expense for the remaining quarterly periods of 2021 to $67.8 million forbe lower than the first quarter of 2019 due to a decrease in total outstanding debt. Our weighted average outstanding debt balance was $5.5 billion for the 2020amount. The 2021 first quarter compared to $5.8 billion for the 2019 first quarter. We expect our average outstanding debt balance to increase for the 2020 second quarter relative to the 2020 first quarter as a consequenceincludes $3.2 million of the COVID-19 pandemic that has led to reduced cash flows and higher credit facility borrowings. This increase is expected to result in higher interest expense the amountassociated with our 2022 Notes that were redeemed as discussed in Note 7. Long-Term Debt and duration of which are uncertain. Our total debt amountedNote 13. Subsequent Events in Notes to $6.07 billion at April 30, 2020 with a weighted average interest rate of 4.2%.Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income Taxes. For the first quarters of 20202021 and 20192020 we provided for income taxes at a combined federal and state tax rate of 24.5% of our pre-tax income/loss generated by our operations inloss. We recorded an income tax provision of $80.5 million for the United States. We recorded2021 first quarter and an income tax benefit of $52.2 million for the 2020 first quarter, and an income tax provision of $52.0 million for the 2019 first quarter, which resulted in effective tax rates of 21.9%23.6% and 21.8%21.9%, respectively, after taking into account statutory tax rates, permanent taxable differences, tax effects from equity compensation, changes in valuation allowances, and other items. See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated


Financial Statements–Note 13.11. Income Taxes for a summary of the sources and tax effects of items comprising our effective tax rates.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity have historically been cash flows generated from operating activities, financing provided by our credit facility and the issuance of debt securities. Additionally, in recent years asset dispositions and joint development arrangements have provided a source of cash flow for use in reducing debt and enhancing liquidity.In light of the challenges facing our business and industry, we will remain committed to operating in a responsible manner to preserve financial flexibility, liquidity, and the strength of our balance sheet. We intend to continue reducing our long-term debt using available cash flows from operations and/or proceeds from potential sales of assets or through joint development arrangements; however, no assurance can be given that such transactions will occur.

At April 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, we had approximately $500 million of cash and cash equivalents and $562 million$1.5 billion of borrowing availability under our credit facility after considering outstanding borrowings and letters of credit.facility. Our credit facility, which is unsecured and has no borrowing base subject to redetermination, does not mature until April 2023. Further,In April 2021, we redeemed the remaining $230.8 million principal amount of our outstanding 2022 Notes. After this redemption, we have no near-term senior note maturities, with our earliest scheduled maturity being our $1.1 billion$649.6 million of 20222023 Notes due in September 2022.April 2023. 
Based on our planned capital spending, our forecasted cash flows and projected levels of indebtedness, we expect to maintain compliance with the covenants under our credit facility and senior note indentures. Further, based on current market indications, we expect to meet in the ordinary course of business other contractual cash commitments to third parties as of March 31, 2020,2021, including those described in Note 10.8. Commitments and Contingencies in Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, recognizing we may be required to meet such commitments even if our business plan assumptions were to change. We monitor our capital spending closely based on actual and projected cash flows and have the ability to reduce spending or dispose of assets if needed to preserve liquidity and financial flexibility to fund our operations.    
Cash Flows
Cash flows provided byfrom operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $663.8increased $376 million, and $721.5or 57%, to $1.04 billion for the first quarter of 2021 compared to $664 million for the three months ended March 31,first quarter of 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decrease in operating cash flows was primarily due to a decrease$385 million increase in crude oil and natural gas revenues due to the previously described increases in commodity prices coupled with increases in production expenses and transportation expenses from higher sales volumes and lower cash gains on matured natural gas derivatives. The reduced cash flows from these factors werethe current period. This increase was partially offset by lower production taxes and interest expensesa $29 million increase in realized cash losses on matured commodity derivatives in the 2021 first quarter compared to the 2019 period.2020 first quarter.
OurBased on current market indications, we expect our operating cash flows for the remainder of 2021 will continue to be higher than 2020 levels, as our 2020 results were significantly impacted by the economic effects from the COVID-19 pandemic on crude oil demand and prices which led to material reductions in our production, revenues, and operating cash flows in 2020.
Cash flows from investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities decreased $279 million, or 39%, to $428 million for the first quarter of 2021 compared to $707 million for the first quarter of 2020, are not indicative of results expectedreflecting our focus on maintaining capital spending discipline to maximize cash flow generation for the remainder of 2020 due to an expected decline in production and revenues as discussed above. We expect these factors will have a significant adverse impact on futuredebt reduction. Our cash flows in 2020; however, we are unable to estimate such impact due to the uncertain duration of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing volatility in commodity prices, and uncertainty regarding the extent and duration of production shut-ins.
Cash flows used in investing activities for the 2021 first quarter include $185.1 million paid in March 2021 to acquire properties in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming as discussed in Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements–Note 12. Property Acquisition. Our non-acquisition capital expenditures for full year 2021 are budgeted to be $1.4 billion compared to $1.2 billion of non-acquisition capital spending for full year 2020.
Cash flows from financing activities
Net cash used in investingfinancing activities totaled $706.7 million and $753.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decrease in spending resulted from changes in the timing of our allocation of annual capital spending between periods, along with spending reductions initiated toward the end of the 2020 first quarter in response to decreased crude oil prices and economic uncertainty from the COVID-19 pandemic. Our level of capital spending for the first quarter of 2020 is not expected2021 totaled $564 million, primarily consisting of $400 million of cash used to redeem a portion of our 2022 Notes in January 2021 and $160 million of net repayments on our credit facility. We intend to continue due to the aforementioned decreasereducing our long-term debt in our drilling2021 and completion activities. Other operators have scaled back their capital spending as well, resulting in reduced spending on our non-operated properties. As a result of these actions, we expect our non-acquisition capital expenditures to trend down significantly for the remainder of 2020.
Cash flows provided by financing activitiesbeyond.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31,first quarter of 2020 totaled $521.1$521 million, driven by $680 million of net borrowings incurred on our credit facility of $680 million and $21.3 million ofto increase cash inflows for contributions receivedon hand during 2020 due to economic uncertainties from Franco-Nevada Corporation for the funding of its share of mineral acquisition costs incurred by The Mineral Resources Company II, LLC as described below under the heading "Mineral acquisition relationship." These cash inflows wereCOVID-19 pandemic, which was partially offset by $126.9$127 million of cash used to repurchase shares of our common stock, $18.5$19 million of cash dividends paid on common stock, and $22.5$23 million of cash used to repurchase senior notes in open market transactions.
In March 2020, we elected to draw $500 million on our credit facility to increase our cash on hand. At March 31, 2020, our cash on hand totaled $517.6 million. Given this amount of available cash and our reduction in capital spending, our amount of incremental credit facility borrowings incurred in the 2020 first quarter is not expected to recur in the second quarter.


Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2019 totaled $13.2 million, which included $38.2 million of contributions received from Franco-Nevada Corporation for the funding of its share of mineral acquisition costs incurred by The Mineral Resources Company II. Partially offsetting these cash inflows was $20.6 million of cash paid to taxing authorities to satisfy tax withholdings associated with restricted stock awards that vested during the period.
Future Sources of Financing
Although we cannot provide any assurance, we believe funds from operating cash flows our remaining cash balance, and availability under our 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, dividend payments, and commitments for at least the next 12 months.
24


OurBased on current market indications, our 2021 capital spending plans for the remainder of 2020 have been adjustedplan is expected to be reflective of the adverse commodity price environment and will be guided by our expectation of availablefunded from operating cash flows. Any cash flow deficiencies are expected to be funded by borrowings under our credit facility. If cash flows are materially impacted by further declines in commodity prices, we have the ability to reduce our capital expenditures or utilize the availability of our credit facility if needed to fund our operations and business plans. We may choose to access banking or capital markets for additional financing or capital to fund our operations or take advantage of business opportunities that may arise, although uncertainties existing in the financial markets as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic may increase the expense and difficulty of completing a bank or capital markets financing. Additionally, the terms available to the Company in connection with such a financing transaction will likely be less favorable than those enjoyed by the Company prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, although the degree, if any, by which such terms may change cannot be predicted at this time.arise. Further, we may sell assets or enter into strategic joint development opportunities in order to obtain funding if such transactions can be executed on satisfactory terms. However, no assurance can be given that such transactions will occur.

In March 2020, our corporate credit rating was downgraded by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P") in response to weakened oil and gas industry conditions and resulting revisions made to rating agency commodity price assumptions. Such downgrade negatively impacted our cost of capital and increased our borrowing costs under our credit facility. Also in March 2020, our corporate credit ratings were reaffirmed by both Moody's Investor Services and Fitch Ratings; however, such ratings are subject to ongoing review and adjustment.
Credit facility
We have an unsecured credit facility, maturing in April 2023, with aggregate lender commitments totaling $1.5 billion. The commitments are from a syndicate of 14 banks and financial institutions. We believe each member of the current syndicate has the capability to fund its commitment.
As of April 30, 2020,March 31, 2021, we had $935 million ofno outstanding borrowings and approximately $562 million of borrowing availability on our credit facility. In March 2020, we elected to draw $500 million on our credit facility to increase our cash on hand. At April 30, 2020, our estimated cash on hand totaled approximately $500 million.
The commitments under our credit facility are not dependent on a borrowing base calculation subject to periodic redetermination based on changes in commodity prices and proved reserves. Additionally, downgrades or other negative rating actions with respect to our credit rating such as the downgrade by S&P that occurred in March 2020 in response to weakened oil and gas industry conditions, do not trigger a reduction in our current credit facility commitments, nor do such actions trigger a security requirement or change in covenants. The downgradeDowngrades of our credit rating did,will, however, trigger a 0.25% increaseincreases in our credit facility's interest raterates and prompted a 0.05% increase in the rate of commitment fees paid on unused borrowing availability.availability under certain circumstances.
Our credit facility contains restrictive covenants that may limit our ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, incur liens, engage in sale and leaseback transactions, or merge, consolidate or sell all or substantially all of our assets. Our credit facility also contains a requirement that we maintain a consolidated net debt to total capitalization ratio of no greater than 0.65 to 1.00. See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements–Note 8. Long Term7. Long-Term Debt for a discussion of how this ratio is calculated pursuant to our credit agreement.
We were in compliance with our credit facility covenants at March 31, 20202021 and expect to maintain such compliance. At March 31, 2020,2021, our consolidated net debt to total capitalization ratio was 0.410.39 to 1.00. We do not believe the credit facility covenants are reasonably likely to limit our ability to undertake additional debt financing if needed to support our business. At March 31, 2020,2021, our total debt would have needed to independently increase by approximately $8.9$9.5 billion above the existing level at that date (with no corresponding increase in cash or reduction in refinanced debt) to reach the maximum covenant ratio of 0.65 to 1.00. Alternatively, our total shareholders' equity would have needed to independently decrease by approximately $4.8$5.1 billion (excluding the after-tax impact of any non-cash impairment charges) below the existing level at March 31, 20202021 to reach the


maximum covenant ratio. These independent point-in-time sensitivities do not take into account other factors that could arise to mitigate the impact of changes in debt and equity on our consolidated net debt to total capitalization ratio, such as disposing of assets or exploring alternative sources of capitalization.
Future Capital Requirements
Senior notes
In April 2021, we redeemed the remaining $230.8 million principal amount of our outstanding 2022 Notes using proceeds from lower-rate credit facility borrowings. Our debt includes outstanding senior note obligations totaling $5.3now total $4.76 billion at March 31, 2020.as of April 28, 2021. We have no near-term senior note maturities, with our earliest scheduled maturity being our $1.1 billion$649.6 million of 20222023 Notes due in September 2022.April 2023. Our senior notes are not subject to any mandatory redemption or sinking fund requirements. For further information on the face values, maturity dates, semi-annual interest payment dates, optional redemption periods and covenant restrictions related to our senior notes, refer to Note 8.7. Long-Term Debt in Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
We were in compliance with our senior note covenants at March 31, 20202021 and expect to maintain such compliance. We do not believe the senior note covenants will materially limit our ability to undertake additional debt financing. Downgrades or other negative rating actions with respect to the credit ratings assigned to our senior unsecured debt such as the downgrade by S&P that occurred in March 2020, do not trigger additional senior note covenants.
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Mineral acquisition relationship
In October 2018, Continental entered into a strategic relationship with Franco-Nevada Corporation to acquire oil and gas mineral interests within an area of mutual interest in the SCOOP and STACK plays through a minerals subsidiary named The Mineral Resources Company II, LLC ("TMRC II"). Under the relationship, the parties have committed, subjectagreed to satisfaction of agreed upon acreage development thresholds,spend up to spend a remaining aggregate total of approximately $157$139 million through year-end 2021 to acquire mineral interests. Continental isagreed to fund 20% of future mineral acquisitions and will be entitled to receive between 25% and 50% of total revenues generated by TMRC II based upon performance relative to predetermined production targets, while Franco-Nevada will fund 80% of future acquisitions and will be entitled to receive between 50% and 75% of TMRC II's revenues. Based upon production targets achieved to date, Continental is currently earning 50% of TMRC II's revenues and such allocation is expected to continue through at least year-end 2020. The timing and amount of future mineral acquisitions and resulting achievement of production targets are expected to be adversely impacted by Continental's aforementioned reduction in 2020 capital spending, which may impact the allocation of revenues between Continental and Franco-Nevada in periods beyond 2020, the extent of which cannot be estimated.2021.
Capital expenditures
We remain committed to operating in a disciplined, capital-efficient manner to maximize cash flow generation. Our capital expenditures budget for 2021 is $1.4 billion, which is expected to be allocated as reflected in lightthe table below. Based on current expectations of commodity prices and costs, our 2021 capital budget is expected to be funded from operating cash flows. Acquisition expenditures are not budgeted, with the exception of planned levels of spending for mineral acquisitions made in conjunction with our relationship with Franco-Nevada.
In millions2021 Budget
Exploration and development$1,112 
Land costs85 
Mineral acquisitions attributable to Continental (1)13 
Capital facilities, workovers, water infrastructure, and other corporate assets186 
Seismic
2021 capital budget attributable to Continental$1,400 
Mineral acquisitions attributable to Franco-Nevada (1)52 
Total 2021 capital budget (2)$1,452 
(1)    Represents planned spending for mineral acquisitions by TMRC II under our relationship with Franco-Nevada. Continental holds a controlling financial interest in TMRC II and therefore consolidates the financial results and capital expenditures of the current weakness and volatility in commodity prices. Our original capital budget for 2020 was $2.65 billion, which was reduced to $1.2 billion in March 2020 in response to the significant decrease in crude oil prices resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and OPEC actions.We are diligently evaluating and adjusting our spending plans on an ongoing basis based on market conditions.entity. With minimal long-term service or supply contractsa carry structure in place, we haveContinental will fund 20% of 2021 planned spending, or $13 million, and Franco-Nevada will fund the abilityremaining 80%, or $52 million.
(2)    Excludes our March 2021 acquisition of properties in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming discussed in Notes to reduce our spending in response to changes in market conditions to preserve our assets and better align our spending with expected available cash flows.Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements–Note 12. Property Acquisition.
For the three months ended March 31, 2020,2021, we invested $650.7$293.4 million in our capital program excluding $29.9$207.6 million of unbudgeted acquisitions and excluding $30.5including $49.4 million of capital costs associated with reducedincreased accruals for capital expenditures as compared to December 31, 2019.2020. Our pace of spending in the first quarter is not expected2021 year to continue into subsequent quarters of 2020 given the significant decrease in our planned spending as discussed above. Our 2020 first quarterdate capital expenditures were allocated as shown in the table below.
In millions1Q 2020
Exploration and development drilling$544.0
Land costs (1)39.9
Capital facilities, workovers and other corporate assets63.0
Seismic3.8
Capital expenditures, excluding unbudgeted acquisitions650.7
Acquisitions of producing properties19.3
Acquisitions of non-producing properties10.6
Total unbudgeted acquisitions29.9
Total capital expenditures$680.6


(1)In millionsAmount includes $21 million1Q 2021
Exploration and development drilling$255.6 
Land costs7.5 
Mineral acquisitions attributable to Continental0.2 
Capital facilities, workovers, water infrastructure, and other corporate assets27.4 
Seismic2.7 
Capital expenditures attributable to Continental, excluding unbudgeted acquisitions293.4 
Acquisitions of mineralproducing properties183.3 
Acquisitions of non-producing properties24.3 
Total unbudgeted acquisitions made by TMRC II during the three months ended March 31, 2020, of which $16 million was recouped from Franco-Nevada.207.6 
Total capital expenditures attributable to Continental$501.0 
Mineral acquisitions attributable to Franco-Nevada0.9 
Total capital expenditures$501.9 
Our drilling and completion activities and the actual amount and timing of our capital expenditures may differ materially from our budget as a result of, among other things, available cash flows, unbudgeted acquisitions, actual drilling and completion results, the availability of drilling and completion rigs and other services and equipment, the availability of transportation and
26


processing capacity, changes in commodity prices, and regulatory, technological and competitive developments. We monitor our capital spending closely based on actual and projected cash flows and may scale back our spending should commodity prices decrease from current levels. Conversely, an increase in commodity prices from current levels could result in increased capital expenditures. We expect to continue participating as a buyer of properties when and if we have the ability to increase our position in strategic plays at competitive terms.
Commitments and contingencies
Refer to Note 10.8. Commitments and Contingencies and Note 14. Subsequent Events in Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statementsfor discussion of certain future commitments and contingencies of the Company. Based on current market indications, we expect to meet in the ordinary course of business our contractual cash commitments to third parties as of March 31, 2020.2021.
On July 6, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (“Corps”), which had previously issued an easement near the Standing Rock Sioux tribal lands allowing the Dakota Access Pipeline (“DAPL”) to cross a water body, had failed to adequately consider the environmental impacts under the National Environmental Protection Act (“NEPA”) arising out of such pipeline crossing this water body, and directed the Corps to prepare a new environmental impact statement (“EIS”) as well as ordering the owners of DAPL to shut down the pipeline pending completion of the EIS. The DAPL is owned and operated by a third party and carries Bakken-produced crude oil from North Dakota to Illinois. The pipeline owner sought an emergency stay of the shut-down order from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (the “Appeals Court”). On July 14, 2020, the Appeals Court issued a temporary stay, followed by an August 5, 2020 administrative stay of such order, which has allowed the pipeline to continue operating. On January 26, 2021, the Appeals Court affirmed that part of the lower court decision vacating the Corps’ easement while it prepares a new EIS, but reversed the lower court’s order to shut down the pipeline because the lower court had not properly evaluated such action under an applicable NEPA factoring test established under case law. On April 23, 2021, the Appeals Court denied the pipeline owner’s request for rehearing. The Corps is currently conducting the court-ordered environmental review. Once this review is finished, which completion is anticipated by no later than early 2022, the Corps will determine whether the pipeline is safe to operate or must be permanently shut down. On April 9, 2021, the Biden Administration announced that the Corps will not take immediate action to shut down the DAPL while it conducts the environmental review. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, who is set to rule on the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's request for an injunction shutting down the DAPL while the environmental review is being conducted, granted a 10-day continuance following the Biden Administration’s announcement on April 9, 2021 and may render a decision as early as May 2021.
The Company utilizes DAPL to transport a portion of its North region crude oil production to ultimate markets on the U.S. gulf coast. Currently, the Company is committed to transport 3,550 barrels per day on the pipeline through February 2026 and has an additional commitment to transport an incremental 26,450 barrels per day for 7 years effective upon the pending completion of a DAPL expansion project which is estimated to occur in the second half of 2021. If transportation capacity on DAPL becomes restricted or unavailable, we have the ability to utilize other third party pipelines or rail facilities to transport our Bakken crude oil production to market, although such alternatives may be more costly. A restriction of DAPL’s takeaway capacity may have an impact on prices for Bakken-produced barrels and result in wider differentials relative to WTI benchmark prices in the future, the amount of which is uncertain.
Dividend paymentsdeclaration
To preserve cash in response toOn April 27, 2021, the significant reduction in crude oil prices and economic turmoil resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, in April 2020 the Company’s quarterly dividend was suspended by the Board of Directors until further notice.
Share repurchase program
In May 2019 ourCompany's Board of Directors approved the initiationreinstatement of a quarterly dividend of $0.11 per share repurchase program to acquire up to $1 billion of ouron the Company's outstanding common stock, beginning in June 2019. Through March 31, 2020, we had repurchased and retired a cumulative totalpayable on May 24, 2021 to shareholders of approximately 13.8 million shares at an aggregate costrecord as of $317.1 million since the inception of the program. The timing and amount of the Company's share repurchases are subject to market conditions and management discretion. The share repurchase program does not require the Company to repurchase a specific number of shares and may be modified, suspended, or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time. To preserve cash in the current environment, we do not expect to engage in significant share repurchase activity in the near term.May 10, 2021.
Senior note repurchasesredemptions
As discussed in Note 8.7. Long-Term Debt and Note 13. Subsequent Events in Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, in MarchJanuary 2021 and April 20202021 we repurchased a portionredeemed the remaining principal amount of our 2023 Notes and 2024 Notes in open market transactions at a substantial discount to face value. Through April 30, 2020, we had repurchased and canceled a combined total of $139.4 million face value of 2023 Notes and 2024 Notes at an aggregate cost of $74.0 million excluding accrued and unpaid interest, equating to 53% of face value on average.
outstanding 2022 Notes. From time to time, we may seek to execute additional redemptions or repurchases of our senior notes for cash in open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise. Such redemptions or repurchases will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity and prospects for future access to capital, and other factors. The amounts involved in any such transactions, individually or in the aggregate, may be material.
Legislative and Regulatory Developments
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act") was signed into law, which is aimed at supporting the U.S. economy and providing emergency assistance to individuals, families, and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, key income tax-related provisions of the CARES Act include (1) elimination of the 80% of taxable income limitation by allowing entities to utilize 100% of net operating losses ("NOLs") to offset taxable income in 2018, 2019, or 2020, (2) allowing NOLs originating in 2018, 2019, or 2020 to be carried back to each of the preceding five years to generate a refund, (3) increasing the net interest expense deduction limit from 30% to 50% of adjusted taxable income for tax years beginning in 2019 and 2020, and (4) allowing taxpayers with alternative minimum tax credits to claim a refund in 2020 for the entire amount of the credit instead of recovering the credit through refunds over a period of years.
We are continuing to evaluate the various aspects of the CARES Act, but do not expect it to have a material impact on our business.
Off-balance sheet arrangements
Currently, we do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements with unconsolidated entities to enhance liquidity and capital resources.
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Critical Accounting Policies
There have been no changes in our critical accounting policies from those disclosed in our 20192020 Form 10-K.


New Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies in Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of the new credit lossincome tax accounting standard adopted on January 1, 2021, which did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
Legislative and Regulatory Developments
The crude oil and natural gas industry in the United States is subject to various types of regulation at the federal, state and local levels. In January 2021 President Biden issued executive orders that, among other things, establish new greenhouse gas emission standards for the oil and gas sector. President Biden may continue to issue additional executive orders in pursuit of his regulatory agenda and, with control of Congress shifting in January 2021, there is the potential for the revision of existing laws and regulations or the adoption of new legislation that could adversely affect the oil and gas industry. See Part I, Item 1. Business—Regulation of the Crude Oil and Natural Gas Industry in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 along withfor a discussion of an accounting pronouncement not yet adopted.significant laws and regulations that have been enacted or are currently being considered by regulatory bodies that may affect us in the areas in which we operate.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Net crude oil and natural gas sales and net sales prices
Revenues and transportation expenses associated with production from our operated properties are reported separately as discussed in Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements–Note 4. Revenues. For non-operated properties, we receive a net payment from the operator for our share of sales proceeds which is net of costs incurred by the operator, if any. Such non-operated revenues are recognized at the net amount of proceeds received. As a result, the separate presentation of revenues and transportation expenses from our operated properties differs from the net presentation from non-operated properties. This impacts the comparability of certain operating metrics, such as per-unit sales prices, when such metrics are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP using gross presentation for some revenues and net presentation for others.
In order to provide metrics prepared in a manner consistent with how management assesses the Company's operating results and to achieve comparability between operated and non-operated revenues, we have presented crude oil and natural gas sales net of transportation expenses in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which we refer to as "net crude oil and natural gas sales," a non-GAAP measure. Average sales prices calculated using net crude oil and natural gas sales are referred to as "net sales prices," a non-GAAP measure, and are calculated by taking revenues less transportation expenses divided by sales volumes, whether for crude oil or natural gas, as applicable. Management believes presenting our revenues and sales prices net of transportation expenses is useful because it normalizes the presentation differences between operated and non-operated revenues and allows for a useful comparison of net realized prices to NYMEX benchmark prices on a Company-wide basis.
The following table presents a reconciliation of crude oil and natural gas sales (GAAP) to net crude oil and natural gas sales and related net sales prices (non-GAAP) for the three months ended March 31, 20202021 and 2019. 2020.
Three months ended March 31, 2021Three months ended March 31, 2020
In thousandsCrude oilNatural gasTotalCrude oilNatural gasTotal
Crude oil and natural gas sales (GAAP)$768,768 $478,765 $1,247,533 $773,770 $88,973 $862,743 
Less: Transportation expenses(40,079)(10,177)(50,256)(50,372)(10,130)(60,502)
Net crude oil and natural gas sales (non-GAAP)$728,689 $468,588 $1,197,277 $723,398 $78,843 $802,241 
Sales volumes (MBbl/MMcf/MBoe)13,726 84,289 27,774 18,251 87,453 32,826 
Net sales price (non-GAAP)$53.09 $5.56 $43.11 $39.64 $0.90 $24.44 


28
  Three months ended March 31, 2020 Three months ended March 31, 2019 
In thousands Crude oil Natural gas Total Crude oil Natural gas Total 
Crude oil and natural gas sales (GAAP) $773,770
 $88,973
 $862,743
 $911,118
 $198,466
 $1,109,584
 
Less: Transportation expenses (50,372) (10,130) (60,502) (41,648) (7,491) (49,139) 
Net crude oil and natural gas sales (non-GAAP) $723,398
 $78,843
 $802,241
 $869,470
 $190,975
 $1,060,445
 
Sales volumes (MBbl/MMcf/MBoe) 18,251
 87,453
 32,826
 17,373
 74,690
 29,821
 
Net sales price (non-GAAP) $39.64
 $0.90
 $24.44
 $50.05
 $2.56
 $35.56
 



ITEM 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    
General. We are exposed to a variety of market risks including commodity price risk, credit risk, and interest rate risk. We seek to address these risks through a program of risk management which may include the use of derivative instruments.
Commodity Price Risk. Our primary market risk exposure is in the prices we receive from sales of our crude oil and natural gas production.gas. Realized pricing is primarily driven by the prevailing worldwide price for crude oil and spot market prices applicable to our natural gas production. Pricing for crude oil and natural gas has been volatile and unpredictable for several years, and we expect this volatility to continue in the future. The prices we receive for production depend on many factors outside of our control, including volatility in the differences between product prices at sales points and the applicable index prices. Based on our average daily production for the three months ended March 31, 2020,2021, and excluding the effect of derivative instruments in place, if any, our annual revenue would increase or decrease by approximately $732$554 million for each $10.00 per barrel change in crude oil prices at March 31, 20202021 and $351$342 million for each $1.00 per Mcf change in natural gas prices at March 31, 2020.2021.
To reduce price risk caused by market fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas prices, from time to time we may economically hedge a portion of our anticipated crude oil and natural gas production as part of our risk management program. In addition, we may utilize basis contracts to hedge the differential between derivative contract index prices and those of our physical pricing points. Reducing our exposure to price volatility helps secure funds to be used for our capital program. Our decision on the quantity and price at which we choose to hedge our production is based in part on our view of current and future market conditions. We may choose not to hedge future production if the price environment for certain time periods is deemed to be unfavorable. Additionally, we may choose to liquidate existing derivative positions prior to the expiration of their contractual maturities in order to monetize gain positions for the purpose of funding our capital program. While hedging, if utilized, limits the downside risk of adverse price movements, it also limits future revenues from upward price movements. At
The fair value of our derivative instruments at March 31, 2020, the Company's future2021 was a net liability of $0.6 million, which is comprised of a $10.3 million net liability associated with our crude oil andderivatives nearly offset by a $9.7 million net asset associated with our natural gas production was unhedged and directly exposedderivatives. The following table shows how a hypothetical +/- 10% change in the underlying forward prices used to continued volatilitycalculate the fair value of our derivatives would impact the fair value estimates as of March 31, 2021.
Hypothetical Fair Value
In thousandsChange in Forward PriceAsset (Liability)
Crude Oil-10%$4,889
Crude Oil+10%($26,418)
Natural Gas-10%$24,298
Natural Gas+10%($3,891)
Changes in market prices, whether favorable or unfavorable.the fair value of our derivatives from the above price sensitivities would produce a corresponding change in our total revenues.
Credit Risk. We monitor our risk of loss due to non-performance by counterparties of their contractual obligations. Our principal exposure to credit risk is through the sale of our crude oil and natural gas production, which we market to energy marketing companies, crude oil refining companies, and natural gas gathering and processing companies ($389691 million in receivables at March 31, 2020)2021), and our joint interest and other receivables ($306171 million at March 31, 2020)2021).

We monitor our exposure to counterparties on crude oil and natural gas sales primarily by reviewing credit ratings, financial statements and payment history. We extend credit terms based on our evaluation of each counterparty’s credit worthiness. We have not generally required our counterparties to provide collateral to secure crude oil and natural gas sales receivables owed to us. Historically, our credit losses on crude oil and natural gas sales receivables have been immaterial; however, we could experience increased exposure to credit losses in the future, which may be material, if the adverse economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic persist for an extended period.
Joint interest receivables arise from billing the individuals and entities who own a partial interest in the wells we operate. These individuals and entities participate in our wells primarily based on their ownership in leases included in units on which we wish to drill. We can do very little to choose who participates in our wells. In order to minimize our exposure to this credit risk we generally request prepayment of drilling costs where it is allowed by contract or state law. For such prepayments, a liability is recorded and subsequently reduced as the associated work is performed. This liability was $41$24 million at March 31, 2020,2021, which will be used to offset future capital costs when billed. In this manner, we reduce credit risk. We may have the right to place a lien on a co-owner's interest in the well, to net production proceeds against amounts owed in order to secure payment or,
29


if necessary, foreclose on the co-owner's interest. Historically, our credit losses on joint interest receivables have been immaterial; however, we could experience increased exposure to credit losses in the future, which may be material, if the adverse economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic persist for an extended period.
Interest Rate Risk. Our exposure to changes in interest rates relates primarily to variable-rate borrowings we may have outstanding from time to time under our credit facility. Such borrowings bear interest at market-based interest rates plus a margin based on the terms of the borrowing and the credit ratings assigned to our senior, unsecured, long-term indebtedness. In March 2020, our corporate credit rating was downgraded by S&P in response to weakened oil and gas industry conditions and resulting revisions made to rating agency commodity price assumptions. The downgrade caused the interest rate on our credit facility borrowings to increase by 0.25% and also prompted a 0.05% increase in the rate of commitment fees paid on unused borrowing availability. All of our other long-term indebtedness is fixed rate and does not expose us to the risk of cash flow loss due to changes in market interest rates.

We had $935 million of variable rateno outstanding borrowings outstanding on our credit facility at April 30, 2020. The impact of a 0.25% increase in interest rates on this amount of debt would result in increased interest expense and reduced income before income taxes of approximately $2.3 million per year.March 31, 2021.
We manage our interest rate exposure by monitoring both the effects of market changes in interest rates and the proportion of our debt portfolio that is variable-rate versus fixed-rate debt. We may utilize interest rate derivatives to alter interest rate exposure in an attempt to reduce interest rate expense related to existing debt issues. Interest rate derivatives may be used solely to modify interest rate exposure and not to modify the overall leverage of the debt portfolio. We currently have no interest rate derivatives.
ITEM 4.    Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 20202021 to ensure information required to be disclosed in the reports it files and submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and information required to be disclosed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the three months ended March 31, 2020,2021, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Impact of COVID-19 on Internal Controls
In an effort to protect the health and safety of our employees from the COVID-19 pandemic, we took proactive measures to adopt social distancing policies, including working remotely, limiting the number of employees attending meetings, reducing the number of people at our sites, and suspending employee travel. These actions have not had a material adverse effect on our ability to maintain our operations, financial reporting systems, internal control over financial reporting, and disclosure controls and procedures.
Inherent Limitations on Controls and Procedures
A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Accordingly, even an effective system of internal control will provide only reasonable assurance that the objectives of the internal control system are met.
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PART II. Other Information
 
ITEM 1.
ITEM 1.    Legal Proceedings

See Note 14. Subsequent EventsWe are involved in Part I, Item I. Financial Statements–Notesvarious legal proceedings including, but not limited to, Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements forcommercial disputes, claims from royalty and surface owners, property damage claims, personal injury claims, regulatory compliance matters, disputes with tax authorities and other matters. While the outcome of these legal matters cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not expect them to have a discussionmaterial effect on our financial condition, results of the legal matter involving the Company and Casillas Petroleum Resource Partners II, LLC, which is incorporated herein by reference.operations or cash flows.

ITEM 1A.Risk Factors
ITEM 1A.    Risk Factors
In addition to the information set forth in this Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our 20192020 Form 10-K, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in this Form 10-Q, if any, and in our 20192020 Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or future results.
A discussion of
There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our 2019 Form 10-K is as follows.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had and is expected to continue to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted, and will likely continue to negatively impact, the global economy and, therefore, demand for and the price of crude oil and natural gas products. In March 2020 the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 to be a pandemic, and the global and U.S. economies began to experience pronounced effects as a result of efforts to slow the spread of the virus, including restrictions on travel, social distancing guidelines, business closures, and similar measures. The catastrophe caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the global economy, disrupted global supply chains, reduced global demand for crude oil, and created significant volatility and disruption of financial and commodity markets. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operational and financial performance, including our ability to execute our business strategies and initiatives, has been material as of the time of this filing. The future extent and duration of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is uncertain, but is likely to continue to be material for an indeterminate period of time, and depends on various factors, including the demand for crude oil, the ability to store and transport production, the availability of personnel, equipment and services critical to our ability to operate our properties and the impact of potential governmental restrictions on travel, transportation and operations. The degree to which the COVID-19 pandemic or any other public health crisis adversely impacts our results will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including, but not limited to, the duration and spread of the pandemic, its severity, the actions to contain the virus or treat its impact, its impact on the economy and market conditions, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume. Therefore, while we expect the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to disrupt our operations, the degree and duration of the adverse financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The economic turmoil resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has led to material decreases in our production, revenues, and cash flows and is likely to limit our ability to execute certain of our business plans. These effects may extend through 2020 and could continue for an indeterminate period thereafter.
The impact of COVID-19 on crude oil demand and prices has exacerbated certain risks prevalent in our industry that are discussed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our 2019 Form 10-K. Particularly, the adverse effects of COVID-19 have led to the occurrence of:
Historically low crude oil prices;
31
Limitations on storage and transportation capacity and an inability to market our production;
Curtailment or shutting in of production;
Delay or cessation of drilling and completion projects;
Insufficient production to satisfy transportation and processing commitments;
Impairment of assets; and
Downgrades or other negative credit rating actions resulting in increased borrowing costs.
Additionally, if the adverse effects of COVID-19 continue for an extended period of time, it may lead to an increased risk or occurrence of the following outcomes in future periods:
Our ability to develop acreage before lease expiration;

A reduction in the volume and value of proved reserves from price declines, changes in drilling programs, and the effects of shutting in production;
Our ability to repay or refinance indebtedness, increase our credit facility commitments, borrow money, or raise capital;
Disruptions in energy industry supply chains;
Credit losses due to insolvency of customers, joint interest owners, and counterparties;
Cyber incidents or information security breaches resulting in information theft, data corruption, operational disruption, and/or financial loss as a consequence of employees accessing information from remote work locations; and
Shortages of drilling rigs, well completion crews, field services, personnel, and equipment in future periods of commodity price recovery.
We are unable to predict the duration or extent to which any of the above items will occur. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve and additional impacts may arise that we are not aware of currently.
The ability or willingness of OPEC and other oil exporting nations to set and maintain production levels has a significant impact on crude oil prices.
OPEC is an intergovernmental organization that seeks to manage the price and supply of crude oil on the global energy market. Actions taken by OPEC members, including those taken alongside other oil exporting nations such as Russia, have a significant impact on global oil supply and pricing. For example, OPEC and certain other oil exporting nations have previously agreed to take measures, including production cuts, to support crude oil prices. In March 2020, members of OPEC and Russia were unable to agree on production levels and, in response, Saudi Arabia announced it would significantly increase production and cut the prices at which it sells crude oil. These actions, coupled with the economic impact and uncertainty from the COVID-19 pandemic, led to a sudden and drastic decrease in crude oil prices in March 2020, which has materially impacted, and is expected to continue to materially impact, our business, results of operations, and cash flows. In April 2020, the alliance between OPEC and Russia reached an agreement to reduce production and will reconvene in June 2020 to determine whether further reductions are necessary. It is not certain what impact this or any future agreement will have on crude oil prices, particularly in light of the significant decrease in crude oil demand resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. There can be no assurance that OPEC members and other oil exporting nations will comply with agreed-upon production cuts, agree to further production cuts in the future, or utilize other actions to support and stabilize oil prices, nor can there be any assurance they will not increase production or deploy other actions aimed at reducing oil prices. Uncertainty regarding future actions to be taken by OPEC members or other oil exporting countries could lead to increased volatility in the price of oil, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.




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

(a)Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities – Not applicable.
(b)Use of Proceeds – Not applicable.
(a)Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities – Not applicable.
(b)Use of Proceeds – Not applicable.
(c)Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers – The table below provides information about purchases of shares of our common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2020. 2021.
PeriodTotal number of shares purchasedAverage price paid per shareTotal number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs (1)Maximum dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs (in millions) (1)
January 1, 2021 to January 31, 2021:
Repurchases for tax withholdings (2)15,189 $19.19 — — 
February 1, 2021 to February 28, 2021:
Repurchases for tax withholdings (2)374,313 $23.02 — — 
March 1, 2021 to March 31, 2021:
Repurchases for tax withholdings (2)982 $29.29 — — 
Total for the quarter390,484 $22.89 — — 
Period Total number of shares purchased Average price paid per share Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs (1) Maximum dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs (in millions) (1)
January 1, 2020 to January 31, 2020:        
Share repurchase program (1) 187,677
 $28.75
 187,677
 $804.4
February 1, 2020 to February 29, 2020:        
Share repurchase program (1) 1,110,000
 $20.95
 1,110,000
 $781.1
Repurchases for tax withholdings (2) 246,346
 $26.20
    
March 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020:        
Share repurchase program (1) 6,824,427
 $14.40
 6,824,427
 $682.9
Total for the quarter 8,368,450
 $15.94
 8,122,104
  
(1)In May 2019 our Board of Directors approved the initiation of a share repurchase program to acquire up to $1 billion of our common stock beginning in June 2019 at times and levels deemed appropriate by management. The program was announced on June 3, 2019 and does not have a set expiration date. The share repurchase program may be modified, suspended, or terminated by our Board of Directors at any time. No share repurchases were made by the Company under the program during the three months ended March 31, 2021. The dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the program totaled $682.9 million as of March 31, 2021.
(1)In May 2019 our Board of Directors approved the initiation of a share repurchase program to acquire up to $1 billion of our common stock beginning in June 2019 at times and levels deemed appropriate by management. The program was announced on June 3, 2019 and does not have a set expiration date. The share repurchase program may be modified, suspended, or terminated by our Board of Directors at any time. 
(2)Amounts represent shares surrendered by employees to cover tax liabilities in connection with the vesting of restricted stock granted under the Company's 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan. We paid the associated taxes to the applicable taxing authorities. The price paid per share was the closing price of our common stock on the date the restrictions lapsed on such shares.

(2)Amounts represent shares surrendered by employees to cover tax liabilities in connection with the vesting of restricted stock granted under the Company's 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan. We paid the associated taxes to the applicable taxing authorities. The price paid per share was the closing price of our common stock on the date the restrictions lapsed on such shares.


ITEM 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities
ITEM 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not applicable.

ITEM 4.Mine Safety Disclosures
ITEM 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.

ITEM 5.    Other Information
Not applicable.

32


ITEM 6.Exhibits
ITEM 6.    Exhibits
The exhibits required to be filed pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K are set forth below.

3.1
3.2
31.1*10.1*†
31.1*
31.2*
32**
101.INS*Inline XBRL Instance Document - the Inline XBRL Instance Document does not appear in the Interactive Data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
101.SCH*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
*
*    Filed herewith
**Furnished herewith


**    Furnished herewith

†    Management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements filed pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iii) of Regulation S-K.



33


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:April 28, 2021CONTINENTAL RESOURCES, INC.
By:
Date:May 11, 2020By:/s/ John D. Hart
John D. Hart
Sr. Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and TreasurerChief Strategy Officer
(Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)

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