Kodiak Oil & Gas Corp. provided an update on its operations in the Williston Basin and discussed the first-half 2011 impact of weather conditions on Kodiak operations across the Basin.

The Company's operations were adversely impacted by breakup from a record winter snowfall, sustained heavy rainfall, and periods of flooding throughout the second quarter. Certain state highways and counties have imposed intermittent road restrictions on heavy trucks, causing limited trucking, which has resulted in some of the Company's wells being shut-in due to the inability to transport oil. While there has been some relief from the weather, current conditions continue to make operations challenging. The ultimate impact on Kodiak's second quarter 2011 production is not yet fully known. However, despite the difficult weather conditions, Kodiak estimates that its second quarter 2011 sales volumes should represent an approximate 35% increase over the Company's first quarter 2011 sales volumes.

Revised Full-Year 2011 Production Guidance and Reaffirmation of Year-End Exit Rate

Due to the protracted adverse inclement weather conditions in the Williston Basin, the Company has revised its production outlook for the full-year 2011. Previously, the Company had expected net 2011 production to average near the lower-end of the range of 5,500 barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOE/d) to 6,500 BOE/d. The Company now expects that its annual production will average in the range of 4,500 BOE/d to 5,000 BOE/d.

Despite the inclement weather, road closures, flooding and other impediments to normal oilfield operations in North Dakota endured by industry during the first half of 2011, Kodiak continues to expect a December 31, 2011 production exit rate of 9,000 BOE/d. The Company's 2011 estimated capital expenditure budget of $230 million also remains unchanged. The 2011 drilling program contemplates the drilling of 42 gross wells, 26 of which are net to the Company's interest. This estimate has been upwardly revised from previous estimates of 38 gross and 23.4 net wells.

Tags: Kodiak Oil & Gas