Continental Resources (CLR) has long been one of the more visible players in the unconventional industry. But Harold Hamm, now the executive chairman, has shored up the company's finances since the last downturn. The company has paid off a significant amount of debt while maintaining its low-cost leadership in the industry.
Continental was one of the first unconventional companies to develop unconventional plays. The entry costs of this company were exceptionally low compared to the competitors that were later arrivals (which is most of the industry). Therefore profitability is likely to remain above average for