Continental Resources, Inc. (NYSE: CLR) today announced that it doubled operating earnings and net income for the third quarter of 2009, compared with results for the second quarter of 2009, based on higher crude oil prices and lower production costs. Compared with the third quarter of 2008, when crude oil and natural gas prices peaked, operating and net income were lower for the quarter ended September 30, 2009.

Based on strong third quarter cash flow and its positive outlook, Continental announced plans to accelerate drilling operations in the fourth quarter of 2009 and in 2010.

Continental has increased its 2009 capital expenditure budget to $415 million from $390 million, with expected cash flow sufficient to cover its increased capex budget. The Company now plans to exit 2009 with 12 operated drilling rigs, compared with the previous target of six. Of its 12 rigs at year end, six additional rigs will be deployed in the North Dakota Bakken and one in the Montana part of the play.

The Company announced a 2010 capital expenditure budget of $650 million. Continental expects to have up to 23 operated drilling rigs deployed by mid-2010.

"Consistent with our growth strategy, we are accelerating drilling operations in response to the improved crude oil market," said Harold Hamm, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Our shareholders value Continental’s capital discipline and focus on operating costs. We aggressively reduced drilling and other spending as prices fell in late 2008. We are ramping up operations in anticipation of strong cash flows in 2010, although we will continue to adapt to pricing trends and cash flow.

"We expect this budget to drive 2010 production growth of approximately 10 percent," he said. "Along with strong execution and cost management, our focus will be to accelerate production growth momentum by mid-year and then sustain that growth in 2011."

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