Whiting Petroleum today announced its 2021 capital, operating costs and production guidance, reflecting an operating plan focused on delivering sustainable free cash flow.

2021 Guidance Highlights

• Forecasted annual oil production of 50 MBO per day, 85 MBOE per day at the mid-point
• Estimated capital expenditures of $240 million
• Plan to drill 37 gross (24.0 net) operated wells; turn-in-line 56 gross (36.8 net) operated wells, including 39 gross (23.6 net) operated drilled uncompleted wells carried over from 2020.

Commenting on the operational plan, Lynn A. Peterson, President and CEO of Whiting, said,
“We believe Whiting is well positioned financially and operationally as we enter 2021. We exited 2020 with $360 million of revolver debt, providing $390 million of liquidity. With this 2021 capital program we anticipate holding production flat on an annual average, as compared to our 2020 exit levels. We have protected our capital program by hedging the prices of approximately 60% of our expected crude oil volumes. With additional contractual arrangements, we’ve taken steps to further mitigate the potential for wider differentials in the Williston Basin while ensuring flow of our crude oil production. We expect 2021 wellhead deducts for oil to be similar compared to what we realized in the second half of 2020 with potential variability resulting from possible transportation disruptions. The 2021 program is designed to generate significant free cash flow, which will be used to pay down revolver debt and provide liquidity to look for opportunities.”

Commenting on Whiting’s anticipated pay-for-performance framework, Mr. Peterson added “we continue to make changes to our compensation structure with the goal of aligning our executive pay with shareholder interests. Our variable compensation will be heavily performance weighted and equity will comprise a larger part of the total compensation package.”

Outlook for Full-Year 2021

• Production (MBOE per day): 82 - 88
• Oil production (MBO per day): 48 - 52
• Capital expenditures (MM): $ 228 - $ 252
• Lease operating expense (MM): $ 220 - $ 245
• General and administrative cash expense (MM): $ 48 - $ 52

KeyFacts Energy: Whiting Petroleum Resources US onshore country profile