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


FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

 

x

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2006

 

Or

o

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 1-13515

FOREST OIL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

New York

25-0484900

(State or other jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

Identification No.)

 

707 17th Street, Suite 3600 Denver, Colorado 80202
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (303) 812-1400

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.


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.  x Yes  o No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer x

 

Accelerated filer o

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  o Yes  x No

As of April 30, 2006 there were 62,799,154 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $.10 per share, outstanding.

 




FOREST OIL CORPORATION
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
March  31, 2006

Part I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1—Financial Statements

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005

 

1

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005

 

2

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006

 

3

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005

 

4

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5

 

Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

19

 

Item 3—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

31

 

Item 4—Controls and Procedures

 

33

 

Part II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 6—Exhibits

 

34

 

Signatures

 

35

 

 

i




PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOREST OIL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

6,310

 

 

7,231

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

159,459

 

 

178,124

 

 

Derivative instruments

 

7,286

 

 

941

 

 

Deferred tax assets

 

21,533

 

 

77,346

 

 

Other current assets

 

39,803

 

 

52,283

 

 

Total current assets

 

234,391

 

 

315,925

 

 

Property and equipment, at cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas properties, full cost method of accounting:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proved, net of accumulated depletion of $2,078,900 and $3,059,031

 

2,205,335

 

 

2,898,774

 

 

Unproved

 

255,909

 

 

275,684

 

 

Net oil and gas properties

 

2,461,244

 

 

3,174,458

 

 

Other property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $28,803 and $32,527

 

26,873

 

 

25,560

 

 

Net property and equipment

 

2,488,117

 

 

3,200,018

 

 

Derivative instruments

 

1,410

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

86,984

 

 

87,072

 

 

Other assets

 

30,987

 

 

42,531

 

 

 

 

$

2,841,889

 

 

3,645,546

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

217,716

 

 

312,076

 

 

Accrued interest

 

18,016

 

 

4,260

 

 

Derivative instruments

 

58,858

 

 

151,678

 

 

Asset retirement obligations

 

1,497

 

 

33,329

 

 

Other current liabilities

 

19,883

 

 

21,573

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

315,970

 

 

522,916

 

 

Long-term debt

 

1,056,363

 

 

884,807

 

 

Asset retirement obligations

 

59,502

 

 

178,225

 

 

Other liabilities

 

44,596

 

 

45,691

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

146,444

 

 

329,385

 

 

Total liabilities

 

1,622,875

 

 

1,961,024

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, none issued

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, 64,645,608 and 64,548,229 shares issued and outstanding

 

6,465

 

 

6,455

 

 

Capital surplus

 

1,225,109

 

 

1,529,102

 

 

(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings

 

(27,035

)

 

217,293

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

64,556

 

 

(18,220

)

 

Treasury stock, at cost, 1,860,143 and 1,861,143 shares held

 

(50,081

)

 

(50,108

)

 

Total shareholders’ equity

 

1,219,014

 

 

1,684,522

 

 

 

 

$

2,841,889

 

 

3,654,546

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

1




FOREST OIL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(In Thousands, Except
Per Share Amounts)

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas sales:

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas

 

$

127,053

 

154,526

 

Oil, condensate, and natural gas liquids

 

92,043

 

104,344

 

Total oil and gas sales

 

219,096

 

258,870

 

Marketing, processing, and other

 

2,350

 

1,421

 

Total revenue

 

221,446

 

260,291

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

45,331

 

47,860

 

Production and property taxes

 

10,728

 

9,897

 

Transportation costs

 

4,729

 

5,172

 

General and administrative (including stock-based compensation of $7,854 and $128 in 2006 and 2005, respectively)

 

17,136

 

10,756

 

Depreciation and depletion

 

77,668

 

96,276

 

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

 

3,352

 

4,277

 

Impairments

 

 

2,924

 

Spin-off and merger costs

 

5,416

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

164,360

 

177,162

 

Earnings from operations

 

57,086

 

83,129

 

Other income and expense:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

15,151

 

14,499

 

Unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net

 

24,114

 

6,580

 

Realized losses on derivative instruments, net

 

3,915

 

532

 

Other expense, net

 

860

 

1,401

 

Total other income and expense

 

44,040

 

23,012

 

Earnings before income taxes and discontinued operations

 

13,046

 

60,117

 

Income tax expense:

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

1,002

 

1,557

 

Deferred

 

10,795

 

19,689

 

Total income tax expense

 

11,797

 

21,246

 

Earnings from continuing operations

 

1,249

 

38,871

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

2,422

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

3,671

 

38,871

 

Basic earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations

 

$

.02

 

.65

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

.04

 

 

Net earnings per common share

 

$

.06

 

.65

 

Diluted earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations

 

$

.02

 

.63

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

.04

 

 

Net earnings per common share

 

$

.06

 

.63

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

2




FOREST OIL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)

 

 

CommonStock

 

Capital
Surplus

 

Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income

 

Treasury
Stock

 

Total
Shareholders’
Equity

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Balances at January 1, 2006

 

 

64,548

 

 

$

6,455

 

1,529,102

 

 

217,293

 

 

 

(18,220

)

 

 

(50,108

)

 

 

1,684,522

 

 

Exercise of stock options

 

 

80

 

 

8

 

2,050

 

 

(8

)

 

 

 

 

 

27

 

 

 

2,077

 

 

Tax benefit of stock options exercised

 

 

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12

 

 

Employee stock purchase plan

 

 

6

 

 

1

 

173

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

174

 

 

Restricted stock issued, net of forfeitures

 

 

12

 

 

1

 

(1

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

11,440

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,440

 

 

Pro rata distribution of FERI common stock to shareholders (Note 2)

 

 

 

 

 

(317,667

)

 

(247,991

)

 

 

7,549

 

 

 

 

 

 

(558,109

)

 

Comprehensive earnings:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,671

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,671

 

 

Unrealized gain on effective derivative instruments, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

77,074

 

 

 

 

 

 

77,074

 

 

Decrease in unfunded pension liability, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

83

 

 

 

 

 

 

83

 

 

Foreign currency translation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,930

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,930

)

 

Total comprehensive earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

78,898

 

 

Balances at March 31, 2006

 

 

64,646

 

 

$

6,465

 

1,225,109

 

 

(27,035

)

 

 

64,556

 

 

 

(50,081

)

 

 

1,219,014

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3




FOREST OIL CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

3,671

 

38,871

 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and depletion

 

77,668

 

96,276

 

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

 

3,352

 

4,277

 

Stock-based compensation

 

7,315

 

128

 

Impairment of oil and gas properties

 

 

2,924

 

Unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net

 

24,114

 

6,580

 

Amortization of deferred derivative losses

 

15,204

 

 

Deferred income tax expense

 

12,022

 

19,689

 

Other, net

 

886

 

(1,262

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(13,988

)

(6,243

)

Other current assets

 

(20,716

)

(1,599

)

Accounts payable

 

(6,499

)

(35,543

)

Accrued interest and other current liabilities

 

11,506

 

11,985

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

114,535

 

136,083

 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures for property and equipment:

 

 

 

 

 

Exploration, development, and acquisition costs

 

(465,175

)

(96,603

)

Other fixed assets

 

(2,643

)

(693

)

Proceeds from sales of assets

 

1,018

 

6,867

 

Other, net

 

106

 

(6,217

)

Net cash used by investing activities

 

(466,694

)

(96,646

)

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from bank borrowings

 

876,818

 

363,953

 

Repayments of bank borrowings

 

(527,415

)

(477,000

)

Proceeds from the exercise of options and warrants and employee stock purchases

 

2,250

 

24,383

 

Other, net

 

(24

)

1,079

 

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

 

351,629

 

(87,585

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

(391

)

(1,295

)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(921

)

(49,443

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

7,231

 

55,251

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

6,310

 

5,808

 

Cash paid during the period for:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

3,080

 

1,583

 

Income taxes

 

1,969

 

2,473

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

4




FOREST OIL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

(1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein are unaudited and include the accounts of Forest Oil Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, “Forest” or the “Company”). In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, have been made which are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position of Forest at March 31, 2006, the results of its operations for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, and its cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005. Quarterly results are not necessarily indicative of expected annual results because of the impact of fluctuations in prices received for liquids (oil, condensate, and natural gas liquids) and natural gas and other factors.

In the course of preparing the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, management makes various assumptions, judgments, and estimates to determine the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses, and in the disclosures of commitments and contingencies. Changes in these assumptions, judgments, and estimates will occur as a result of the passage of time and the occurrence of future events and, accordingly, actual results could differ from amounts initially established.

The more significant areas requiring the use of assumptions, judgments, and estimates relate to volumes of oil and gas reserves used in calculating depletion, the amount of future net revenues used in computing the ceiling test limitations, and the amount of future capital costs and abandonment obligations used in such calculations. Assumptions, judgments, and estimates are also required in determining impairments of undeveloped properties, valuing deferred tax assets, and estimating fair values of derivative instruments.

Certain amounts in the prior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2006 financial statement presentation.

For a more complete understanding of Forest’s operations, financial position, and accounting policies, reference is made to the consolidated financial statements of Forest, and related notes thereto, filed with Forest’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(2) ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES

Acquisitions

On March 31, 2006, Forest completed the acquisition of oil and gas properties located primarily in the Cotton Valley trend in East Texas. Forest paid approximately $255 million, as adjusted to reflect an economic effective date of February 1, 2006, for properties with an estimated 110 Bcfe of estimated proved reserves at the time the acquisition was announced and production that averaged 13 MMcfe per day in January 2006. Forest acquired approximately 26,000 net acres in the fields, of which approximately 14,000 net acres are undeveloped. Forest funded this acquisition utilizing its bank credit facilities.

Divestitures

Spin-off and Merger of Offshore Gulf of Mexico Operations

On March 2, 2006, Forest completed the spin-off of its offshore Gulf of Mexico operations by means of a special dividend, which consisted of a pro rata spin-off (the “Spin-off”) of all outstanding shares of Forest Energy Resources, Inc. (“FERI”), a total of 50,637,010 shares of common stock, to holders of

5




(2) ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Continued)

record of Forest common stock as of the close of business on February 21, 2006. Immediately following the Spin-off, FERI was merged with a subsidiary of Mariner in a stock for stock transaction (the “Merger”). Mariner’s common stock commenced trading on the New York Stock Exchange on March 3, 2006.

The Spin-off was a tax-free transaction for federal income tax purposes. Prior to the Merger, as part of the Spin-off, FERI paid Forest approximately $176.1 million. The $176.1 million was drawn on a newly created bank credit facility established by FERI immediately prior to the Spin-off. This credit facility and associated liability was included in the Spin-off. Subsequent to March 31, 2006, Forest received an additional $21.7 million from FERI for total proceeds of $197.8 million. The cash amount is subject to further potential adjustment to reflect an economic effective date of July 1, 2005.

The table below sets forth the effect of the Spin-off on the Company’s balance sheet at the time of the Spin-off:

 

 

Change in Balance
Sheet Accounts

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Assets (Increase/(Decrease))

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

 

$

(10

)

 

Accounts receivable—Due from FERI

 

 

21,525

 

 

Accounts receivable—third parties

 

 

(54,078

)

 

Other current assets

 

 

(44,837

)

 

Proved oil and gas properties, net of accumulated depletion

 

 

(1,065,992

)

 

Unproved oil and gas properties

 

 

(38,523

)

 

Other assets

 

 

(7,919

)

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity ((Increase)/Decrease)

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

96,142

 

 

Derivative instruments

 

 

17,087

 

 

FERI credit facility

 

 

176,102

 

 

Asset retirement obligations

 

 

150,182

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

192,212

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

(7,549

)

 

Net decrease to capital surplus and retained earnings

 

 

$

(565,658

)

 

 

The following table presents the revenues and direct operating expenses of the offshore Gulf of Mexico operations reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The 2006 period includes only two months of the offshore Gulf of Mexico operations, through February 28, 2006, whereas the 2005 period includes all three months of activity.

 

 

Period Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Oil and gas revenues

 

$

46,289

 

120,843

 

Oil and gas production expense:

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

18,296

 

16,622

 

Transportation costs

 

344

 

842

 

Production and property taxes

 

151

 

593

 

Oil and gas revenues in excess of direct operating expenses

 

$

27,498

 

102,786

 

 

6




(2) ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Continued)

Sale of ProMark—Discontinued Operations

On March 1, 2004, the Company sold the assets and business operations of Producers Marketing, Ltd. (“ProMark”) to Cinergy Canada, Inc. (“Cinergy”) for $11.2 million CDN. As a result of the sale, ProMark’s results of operations were reported as discontinued operations in the historical financial statements. Under the terms of the purchase and sale agreement, Forest may receive additional contingent consideration over a period of five years through February 2009. During the quarter ended March 31, 2006, Forest recognized an additional $3.6 million contingent payment ($2.4 million net of tax), which has been reflected as income from discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

(3) EARNINGS PER SHARE AND COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (LOSS)

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings attributable to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period, excluding treasury shares.

Diluted earnings per share is computed by adjusting the average number of common shares outstanding for the dilutive effect, if any, of stock options, unvested restricted stock grants, unvested phantom stock units, and warrants. The following sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(In Thousands, Except
Per Share Amounts)

 

Earnings from continuing operations

 

$

1,249

 

38,871

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

2,422

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

3,671

 

38,871

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding during the period

 

62,115

 

60,209

 

Add dilutive effects of stock options, unvested restricted stock grants, and unvested phantom stock units

 

1,055

 

947

 

Add dilutive effects of warrants

 

 

932

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding, including the effects of dilutive securities

 

63,170

 

62,088

 

Basic earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

From continuing operations

 

$

.02

 

.65

 

From discontinued operations

 

.04

 

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

.06

 

.65

 

Diluted earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

From continuing operations

 

$

.02

 

.63

 

From discontinued operations

 

.04

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

.06

 

.63

 

 

Comprehensive Earnings (Loss):

Comprehensive earnings (loss) is a term used to refer to net earnings (loss) plus other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of revenues, expenses, gains, and losses that under generally accepted accounting principles are reported as separate components of shareholders’

7




(3) EARNINGS PER SHARE AND COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (LOSS) (Continued)

equity instead of net earnings (loss). Items included in Forest’s other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 are foreign currency gains related to the translation of the assets and liabilities of Forest’s Canadian operations, changes in the unfunded pension liability, and changes in hedging losses related to the change in fair value of derivative instruments eligible for cash flow hedge accounting.

The components of comprehensive earnings (loss) are as follows:

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Net earnings

 

$

3,671

 

38,871

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation losses

 

(1,930

)

(2,879

)

Unfunded pension liability, net of tax

 

83

 

(149

)

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of tax

 

77,074

 

(75,509

)

Total comprehensive earnings (loss)

 

$

78,898

 

(39,666

)

 

(4) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations. Under APB Opinion No. 25, no compensation expense was recognized for stock options issued to employees if the grant price equaled or was above the market price on the date of the option grant. Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123 (Revised), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123(R)”) using the modified prospective method. Under this method, compensation cost is recorded for all unvested stock options, restricted stock, and phantom stock units beginning in the period of adoption and prior period financial statements are not restated. Under the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123(R), stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date based on the value of the awards and the value is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period (usually the vesting period).

In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123(R), total stock-based compensation cost in the amount of $12.9 million was recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2006. Of this amount, $7.9 million was recorded as compensation expense and $5.0 million was capitalized to oil and gas properties in accordance with the full cost method of accounting. As discussed in more detail below, approximately $9.7 million of the $12.9 million of total stock-based compensation for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 was attributable to a partial settlement of the Company’s restricted stock awards and phantom stock unit awards in connection with the Spin-off. SFAS 123(R) requires the Company to estimate forfeitures in calculating the cost related to stock-based compensation as opposed to recognizing these forfeitures and the corresponding reduction in expense as they occur. The cumulative adjustment to include estimated forfeitures in the calculation was less than $.1 million. This amount was recorded as a reduction in general and administrative expense and capitalized oil and gas properties in 2006 and was not presented separately in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. The impact of adopting SFAS 123(R) as of January 1, 2006 resulted in a decrease to net income of approximately $.5 million, or $.01 per basic and diluted share.

8




(4)                               STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)

Equity Incentive Plans

In 2001, the Company adopted the Forest Oil Corporation 2001 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2001 Plan”) under which non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted stock, phantom stock units, and other awards may be granted to employees, consultants, and non-employee directors. In 2003, the Company amended the 2001 Plan to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance. The aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that the Company may issue under the 2001 Plan may not exceed 5,012,074 million shares, which amount reflects an adjustment to the amount of shares available for grant to reflect the Spin-off. Options are granted at a price equal to the fair market value of one share of Common Stock on the date of grant. Options granted to employees under the 2001 Plan generally vest in increments of 25% on each of the first four anniversary dates of the date of grant and have a term of ten years. Options granted to non-employee directors vest immediately and have a term of ten years. In connection with the Spin-off, the shares available for grant and outstanding stock options under the 2001 Plan were adjusted to reflect the economic effect of the Spin-off by reducing the exercise price and increasing the number of underlying shares. As of March 31, 2006, the Company had 620,339 shares available for issuance under the 2001 Plan.

The Company also had a Stock Incentive Plan (the “1996 Plan”) that expired on March 5, 2002 under which non-qualified stock options and restricted stock were granted to employees and director stock awards were granted to non-employee directors. Options granted under the 1996 Plan generally vested in increments of 20% commencing on the date of grant and on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of the grant and generally had a term of ten years.

The Company has historically issued new shares of common stock or treasury stock to settle its equity based awards.

Stock Options

The following table summarizes stock option activity in the Company’s stock-based compensation plans for the quarter ended March 31, 2006. The number of shares and the exercise price of the outstanding stock options were adjusted so that the fair value of each award was the same immediately before and after the Spin-off, in accordance with the anti-dilution provisions in the 2001 Plan and 1996 Plan.

 

 

Number of
Options

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
Per Share

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(In Thousands)(1)

 

Number of
Shares
Exercisable

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2006

 

2,578,235

 

 

$

27.78

 

 

 

$

45,889

 

 

1,348,599

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(58,337

)

 

28.71

 

 

 

1,255

 

 

 

 

Cancelled

 

(98,587

)

 

30.91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at March 2, 2006

 

2,421,311

 

 

27.63

 

 

 

55,723

 

 

 

 

Adjustment to give effect to Spin-off

 

1,176,804

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(21,742

)

 

18.35

 

 

 

370

 

 

 

 

Cancelled

 

(2,878

)

 

25.44

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at March 31, 2006

 

3,573,495

 

 

18.59

 

 

 

65,620

 

 

2,177,224

 


(1)                 The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the current market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option.

9




(4)          STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)

Stock options are granted at the fair market value of one share of Common Stock on the date of grant. Options granted to non-employee directors vest immediately and options granted to officers and other employees vest ratably over four years and have a term of ten years. No stock options were granted during the first quarter ended March 31, 2006.

The fair value of stock options granted in the first quarter of 2005 was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following assumptions were used to compute the weighted average fair market value of stock options granted in the first quarter of 2005:

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31, 2005

 

Expected life of options

 

 

5 years

 

 

Risk free interest rates

 

 

3.64% - 4.20

%

 

Estimated volatility

 

 

35%

 

 

Dividend yield

 

 

0.0%

 

 

Weighted average fair market value of options granted during the year

 

 

$13.05

 

 

 

The expected life of the options is based, in part, on historical exercise patterns of the holders of options with similar terms with consideration given to how historical patterns may differ from future exercise patterns based on current or expected market conditions and employee turnover. The risk free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected volatility was based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock for the past five years.

As of March 31, 2006, there was $10 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options which is expected to be amortized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years.

The following table summarizes information about options outstanding at March 31, 2006:

 

 

Stock Options Outstanding

 

Stock Options Exercisable

 

Range of
Exercise Prices

 

Number
of Options

 

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(In Thousands)

 

Number
Exercisable

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(In Thousands)

 

$8.41 - 16.75

 

750,543

 

 

6.55

 

 

 

$14.93

 

 

 

$16,527

 

 

533,531

 

 

$14.78

 

 

 

$11,828

 

 

16.82 - 16.85

 

812,905

 

 

7.32

 

 

 

16.84

 

 

 

16,346

 

 

506,446

 

 

16.84

 

 

 

10,186

 

 

16.88 - 20.02

 

768,604

 

 

5.09

 

 

 

18.91

 

 

 

13,864

 

 

712,886

 

 

19.00

 

 

 

12,798

 

 

20.19 - 20.47

 

34,550

 

 

8.14

 

 

 

20.31

 

 

 

575

 

 

10,589

 

 

20.37

 

 

 

176

 

 

20.60 - 35.23

 

1,206,893

 

 

8.41

 

 

 

21.78

 

 

 

18,308

 

 

413,772

 

 

21.63

 

 

 

6,341

 

 

$8.41 - 35.23

 

3,573,495

 

 

7.06

 

 

 

18.59

 

 

 

$65,620

 

 

2,177,224

 

 

17.97

 

 

 

$41,329

 

 

 

10




(4)          STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)

Restricted Stock and Phantom Stock Units

The following summarizes restricted stock and phantom stock unit activity during the first quarter of 2006. The grant date fair value of the restricted common stock and phantom stock units was determined by reference to the average of the high and low stock price as published by the NYSE on the date of grant.

 

 

Restricted Stock

 

Phantom Stock Units

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
(1)

 

Number of
Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
(1)

 

Unvested at January 1, 2006

 

 

634,000

 

 

 

$43.72

 

 

 

72,350

 

 

 

$46.07

 

 

Granted

 

 

16,200

 

 

 

48.54

 

 

 

1,500

 

 

 

46.72

 

 

Vested

 

 

(100

)

 

 

46.07

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

 

(4,300

)

 

 

46.07

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unvested at March 31, 2006

 

 

645,800

 

 

 

$43.83

 

 

 

73,850

 

 

 

$46.08

 

 


(1)                 These per-share fair values represent the actual grant date fair value and have not been adjusted to give effect to the Spin-off.

The restricted stock and phantom stock units generally vest on the third anniversary of the date of the award, but may vest earlier upon a qualifying disability, death, retirement, or a change in control of the Company in accordance with the terms of the underlying agreement. The phantom stock units may be settled in cash, shares of Common Stock, or a combination of both, at the Company’s discretion.

Concurrent with the special dividend on March 2, 2006, employees who held unvested restricted stock awards received .8093 unrestricted shares of FERI for each share of restricted stock. Accordingly, compensation cost of approximately $8.4 million was recognized during the first quarter of 2006 for the partial settlement of the outstanding restricted stock awards. In addition, cash bonuses totaling $1.2 million were paid to Canadian employees who held phantom stock units on that date, representing the per-share value of the FERI shares received by each holder of restricted stock.

The Company recorded amortization of deferred stock-based compensation for restricted stock and phantom stock unit awards of $2.0 million and $.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. As of March 31, 2006 there was $14.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock and phantom stock unit awards which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.6 years. As of March 31, 2006, approximately $.2 million of compensation was accrued related to the phantom stock units.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Company has a 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”), under which it is authorized to issue up to 300,000 shares of Common Stock. Employees who are regularly scheduled to work more than 20 hours per week and more than five months in any calendar year may participate in the ESPP. Under the terms of the ESPP, employees may elect each quarter to have up to 15% of their annual base earnings withheld to purchase shares of Common Stock, up to a limit of $25,000 of Common Stock per calendar year. The ESPP currently provides for four offering periods during the year which coincide with the calendar quarters. The purchase price of the Common Stock purchased under the ESPP is equal to 85% of the lower of the beginning-of-quarter or end-of-quarter market price. ESPP participants are restricted from selling the shares of Common Stock purchased under the ESPP for a period of six months after purchase. As of March 31, 2006, the Company had 182,864 shares available for issuance under the ESPP.

11




(4)          STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)

The fair value of each stock purchase right granted under the ESPP during the quarters ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following assumptions were used to compute the weighted average fair market value of purchase rights granted during the periods presented:

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

Expected option life

 

3 months

 

3 months

 

Risk free interest rates

 

4.16%

 

2.32%

 

Estimated volatility

 

36%

 

23%

 

Dividend yield

 

0.0%

 

0.0%

 

Weighted average fair market value of purchase rights granted

 

$9.50

 

$8.65

 

 

The risk free rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant and the average expected life was the term of the quarterly look-back option. The expected volatility was based on the historical volatility of the Company’s Common Stock for the quarter. For purposes of the ESPP offering that closed on March 31, 2006, the beginning stock price was adjusted to reflect the economic effect of the Spin-off. Compensation cost of $.1 million was recorded under the provisions of SFAS 123(R) related to purchase rights granted under the ESPP plan for the quarter ended March 31, 2006. Pro forma compensation cost associated with the purchase rights granted under the ESPP for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 was $.1 million.

Pro Forma Effects

Had Forest recognized compensation expense for all stock-based awards based upon the estimated fair value on the grant date under the fair value methodology prescribed by SFAS 123, as amended by SFAS 148 and SFAS 123(R), its pro forma net earnings and earnings per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2005 would have been as follows:

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31, 2005

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Net earnings, as reported

 

 

$

38,871

 

 

Add: Stock-based employee compensation included in reported net income, net of tax

 

 

75

 

 

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of tax

 

 

(736

)

 

Pro forma net earnings

 

 

$

38,210

 

 

Basic earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

 

$

.65

 

 

Pro forma

 

 

$

.63

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

 

$

.63

 

 

Pro forma

 

 

$

.62

 

 

 

12




(5)                               LONG-TERM DEBT

Components of long-term debt are as follows:

 

 

March 31, 2006

 

December 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

Principal

 

Unamortized
Premium
(Discount)

 

Other(1)

 

Total

 

Principal

 

Unamortized
Premium
(Discount)

 

Other(1)

 

Total

 

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

 

U.S. Credit Facility

 

$

259,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

259,000

 

 

97,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

97,000

 

Canadian Credit Facility

 

67,813

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

67,813

 

 

56,806

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

56,806

 

8% Senior Notes Due 2008

 

265,000

 

 

(219

)

 

 

5,085

 

 

269,866

 

 

265,000

 

 

 

(244

)

 

 

5,652

 

 

270,408

 

8% Senior Notes Due 2011

 

285,000

 

 

7,427

 

 

 

4,785

 

 

297,212

 

 

285,000

 

 

 

7,750

 

 

 

4,992

 

 

297,742

 

7 3¤4% Senior Notes Due 2014

 

150,000

 

 

(1,930

)

 

 

14,402

 

 

162,472

 

 

150,000

 

 

 

(1,990

)

 

 

14,841

 

 

162,851

 

 

 

$

1,026,813

 

 

5,278

 

 

 

24,272

 

 

1,056,363

 

 

853,806

 

 

 

5,516

 

 

 

25,485

 

 

884,807

 


(1)                 Represents the unamortized portion of gains realized upon termination of interest rate swaps that were accounted for as fair value hedges. The gains are being amortized as a reduction of interest expense over the terms of the notes.

(6)                               PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Forest uses the full cost method of accounting for oil and gas properties. Separate cost centers are maintained for each country in which Forest has operations. During the periods presented, Forest’s primary oil and gas operations were conducted in the United States and Canada. All costs incurred in the acquisition, exploration, and development of properties (including costs of surrendered and abandoned leaseholds, delay lease rentals, dry holes, and overhead related to exploration and development activities) and the fair value of estimated future costs of site restoration, dismantlement, and abandonment activities are capitalized.

Investments in unproved properties, including related capitalized interest costs, are not depleted pending determination of the existence of proved reserves. Unproved properties are assessed periodically to ascertain whether impairment has occurred. Unproved properties whose costs are individually significant are assessed individually by considering the primary lease terms of the properties, the holding period of the properties, and geographic and geologic data obtained relating to the properties. Where it is not practicable to assess individually the amount of impairment of properties for which costs are not individually significant, such properties are grouped for purposes of assessing impairment. The amount of impairment assessed is added to the costs to be amortized, or is reported as a period expense, as appropriate.

Pursuant to full cost accounting rules, capitalized costs less related accumulated depletion and deferred income taxes for each cost center may not exceed the sum of (1) the present value of future net revenue from estimated production of proved oil and gas reserves using current prices, including the effects of derivative instruments but excluding the future cash outflows associated with settling asset retirement obligations that have been accrued on the balance sheet, and a discount factor of 10%; plus (2) the cost of properties not being amortized, if any; plus (3) the lower of cost or estimated fair value of unproved properties included in the costs being amortized, if any; less (4) income tax effects related to differences in the book and tax basis of oil and gas properties. There were no such provisions for impairment of oil and gas properties in the periods presented. Gain or loss is not recognized on the sale of oil and gas properties unless the sale significantly alters the relationship between capitalized costs and estimated proved oil and gas reserves attributable to a cost center.

13




(6)          PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Continued)

Depletion of proved oil and gas properties is computed on the units-of-production method, whereby capitalized costs, as adjusted for future development costs and asset retirement obligations, are amortized over the total estimated proved reserves. Furniture and fixtures, computer hardware and software, and other equipment are depreciated on the straight-line or declining balance method, based upon estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from three to 12 years.

(7)                               ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

Forest records estimated future asset retirement obligations pursuant to the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations (“SFAS No. 143”). SFAS No. 143 requires entities to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred with a corresponding increase in the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Subsequent to initial measurement, the asset retirement liability is required to be accreted each period to its present value. Capitalized costs are depleted as a component of the full cost pool using the units-of-production method. Forest’s asset retirement obligations consist of costs related to the plugging of wells, the removal of facilities and equipment, and site restoration on oil and gas properties.

The following table summarizes the activity for Forest’s asset retirement obligations for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Asset retirement obligations at beginning of period

 

$

211,554

 

210,176

 

Accretion expense

 

3,352

 

4,277

 

Liabilities incurred

 

202

 

2,146

 

Liabilities assumed

 

1,009

 

 

Liabilities included in the Spin-off

 

(150,182

)

 

Liabilities settled

 

(4,379

)

(1,462

)

Revisions of estimated liabilities

 

(484

)

4,240

 

Impact of foreign currency exchange rate

 

(73

)

(81

)

Asset retirement obligations at end of period

 

60,999

 

219,296

 

Less: current asset retirement obligations

 

(1,497

)

(29,229

)

Long-term asset retirement obligations

 

$

59,502

 

190,067

 

 

14




(8)                               EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

The following table sets forth the components of the net periodic cost of Forest’s defined benefit pension plans and postretirement benefits in the United States for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

 

Pension
Benefits

 

Postretirement
Benefits

 

 

 

Three Months
Ended March 31,

 

Three Months
Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Service cost

 

$

 

 

169

 

 

167

 

 

Interest cost

 

548

 

581

 

118

 

 

113

 

 

Curtailment gain(1)

 

 

 

(1,851

)

 

 

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

(608

)

(586

)

 

 

 

 

Recognized actuarial loss

 

227

 

188

 

 

 

 

 

Total net periodic expense

 

$

167

 

183

 

(1,564

)

 

280

 

 


(1)                 Forest recognized a $1.9 million curtailment gain in connection with the Spin-off on March 2, 2006. This gain was recorded as a reduction in general and administrative expense for the three months ended March 31, 2006.

(9)                               FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Forest periodically enters into derivative instruments such as swap, basis swap, and collar agreements in order provide a measure of stability to Forest’s cash flows in an environment of volatile oil and gas prices and to manage the exposure to commodity price risk. Forest’s commodity derivative instruments generally serve as effective economic hedges of commodity price exposure; however, various circumstances can cause commodity hedges to not qualify for cash flow hedge accounting either at the inception of the hedge or during the term of the hedge. When the criteria for cash flow hedge accounting are not met, realized gains and losses (i.e., cash settlements) are recorded in other income and expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Similarly, changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments are recorded as unrealized gains or losses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. In contrast, cash settlements for derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded as additions to or reductions of oil and gas revenues while changes in fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized, to the extent the hedge is effective, in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings.

Discontinuance of Hedge Accounting

As a result of production deferrals experienced in the Gulf of Mexico related to hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Forest was required to discontinue cash flow hedge accounting on many of the Company’s natural gas and oil hedges during the third and fourth quarters of 2005. Additionally, as a result of the Spin-off on March 2, 2006, additional commodity swaps and collars formerly designated as cash flow hedges of offshore Gulf of Mexico production also no longer qualified for hedge accounting.

Because a significant portion of the Company’s derivatives no longer qualified for hedge accounting and to increase clarity in its financial statements, the Company elected to discontinue hedge accounting prospectively for all of its remaining commodity derivatives beginning in March 2006. This change in reporting will have no impact on the Company’s reported cash flows, although future results of operations will be affected by mark-to-market gains and losses which fluctuate with volatile oil and gas prices. The Company will recognize all prospective mark-to-market gains and losses in earnings, rather than deferring such amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income included in shareholders’ equity.

15




(9)          FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

The net mark-to-market loss on the Company’s remaining swaps and collars that qualified for cash flow hedge accounting at the date the decision was made to discontinue hedge accounting are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income and will be amortized into oil and gas revenues as the original forecasted hedged oil and gas production occurs in 2006. Amortization of the net deferred losses will be recorded in 2006 as follows:

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Second Quarter 2006

 

 

$

1,677

 

 

Third Quarter 2006

 

 

2,250

 

 

Fourth Quarter 2006

 

 

3,207

 

 

 

 

 

$

7,134

 

 

 

The table below summarizes the realized and unrealized losses Forest incurred related to its derivative instruments for the periods indicated.

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Realized losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges(1)

 

$

36,680

 

20,809

 

Realized losses on derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges(2)

 

3,915

 

532

 

Ineffectiveness recognized on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges(2)

 

(5,573

)

1,389

 

Unrealized losses on derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges(2)

 

29,687

 

5,191

 

Total realized and unrealized losses recorded

 

$

64,709

 

27,921

 


(1)                 Included in oil and gas sales in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

(2)                 Included in other income and expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The tables below set forth Forest’s outstanding commodity swaps and collars as of March 31, 2006:

 

 

Swaps

 

 

 

Natural Gas (NYMEX HH)

 

Oil (NYMEX WTI)

 

 

 

Bbtu
Per Day

 

Weighted Average
Hedged Price
per MMBtu

 

Barrels
Per Day

 

Weighted Average
Hedged Price
per Bbl

 

Second Quarter 2006

 

 

10.0

 

 

 

$

5.51

 

 

 

4,000

 

 

 

$

31.58

 

 

Third Quarter 2006

 

 

10.0

 

 

 

5.51

 

 

 

4,000

 

 

 

31.58

 

 

Fourth Quarter 2006

 

 

10.0

 

 

 

5.51

 

 

 

4,000

 

 

 

31.58

 

 

 

 

 

Costless Collars

 

 

 

Natural Gas (NYMEX HH)

 

Oil (NYMEX WTI)

 

 

 

Bbtu
Per Day

 

Weighted Average
Hedged Floor and
Ceiling Price
per MMBtu

 

Barrels
Per Day

 

Weighted Average
Hedged Floor and
Ceiling Price
per Bbl

 

Second Quarter 2006

 

 

50.0

 

 

 

$

7.43/11.88

 

 

 

5,500

 

 

 

$

46.73/65.87

 

 

Third Quarter 2006

 

 

50.0

 

 

 

7.43/11.88

 

 

 

5,500

 

 

 

46.73/65.87

 

 

Fourth Quarter 2006

 

 

50.0

 

 

 

7.43/11.88

 

 

 

5,500

 

 

 

46.73/65.87

 

 

Fiscal 2007

 

 

10.0

 

 

 

9.60/10.25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16




(9) FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

At March 31, 2006, the fair value of Forest’s commodity derivative contracts was a current liability of $58.9 million and a derivative asset of $8.7 million (of which $7.3 million was classified as current). Forest is exposed to risks associated with swap and collar agreements arising from movements in the prices of oil and natural gas and from the unlikely event of non-performance by the counterparties to the swap and collar agreements.

In April 2006, the Company entered into additional costless collar agreements. The table below sets forth the weighted average terms of these costless collar agreements.

 

 

Costless Collars

 

 

 

Natural Gas (NYMEX HH)

 

Oil (NYMEX WTI)

 

 

 

Bbtu
Per Day

 

Weighted Average
Hedged Floor and
Ceiling Price
per MMBtu

 

Barrels
Per Day

 

Weighted Average
Hedged Floor and
Ceiling Price
per Bbl

 

Fiscal 2007

 

 

5.0

 

 

 

$

9.60/12.05

 

 

 

1,000

 

 

 

$

65.00/85.00

 

 

 

(10) BUSINESS AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS

Segment information has been prepared in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. At March 31, 2006, Forest had five reportable segments consisting of oil and gas operations in five business units (Southern (formerly Gulf Coast), Western, Alaska, Canada, and International). Forest’s remaining marketing and processing activities are not significant and therefore are not reported as a separate segment, but are included as a reconciling item in the information below. The segments were determined based upon the type of operations in each business unit and the geographical location of each. The segment data presented below was prepared on the same basis as the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Effective in the first quarter of 2006, general and administrative expenses are no longer allocated to the Company’s business units to correspond with the Company’s decision to monitor and evaluate general and administrative expenses at the corporate level. Additionally, the Company modified the method utilized in allocating depletion expense between its business units effective in the first quarter of 2006 such that the depletion rate per Mcfe is consistent among those business units within the U.S. cost center. Segment information previously reported has been modified to conform with the current presentation.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2006

 

 

Oil and Gas Operations

 

 

 

Southern

 

Western

 

Alaska

 

Total U.S.

 

Canada

 

International

 

Total
Company

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Revenue

 

$

70,845

 

 

80,224

 

 

23,521

 

 

174,590

 

 

44,506

 

 

 

 

 

219,096

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

22,491

 

 

9,763

 

 

6,765

 

 

39,019

 

 

6,312

 

 

 

 

 

45,331

 

 

Production and property taxes

 

2,209

 

 

7,207

 

 

600

 

 

10,016

 

 

712

 

 

 

 

 

10,728

 

 

Transportation costs

 

660

 

 

593

 

 

1,603

 

 

2,856

 

 

1,873

 

 

 

 

 

4,729

 

 

Depletion

 

26,077

 

 

25,192

 

 

6,648

 

 

57,917

 

 

18,939

 

 

 

 

 

76,856

 

 

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

 

2,454

 

 

222

 

 

416

 

 

3,092

 

 

249

 

 

11

 

 

 

3,352

 

 

Earnings (loss) from operations

 

$

16,954

 

 

37,247

 

 

7,489

 

 

61,690

 

 

16,421

 

 

(11

)

 

 

78,100

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

$

331,543

 

 

82,988

 

 

9,302

 

 

423,833

 

 

49,687

 

 

874

 

 

 

474,394

 

 

Goodwill

 

$

15,003

 

 

56,374

 

 

 

 

71,377

 

 

15,607

 

 

 

 

 

86,984

 

 

 

17




(10) BUSINESS AND GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS (Continued)

A reconciliation of segment earnings (loss) from operations to consolidated earnings before income taxes and discontinued operations is as follows:

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Earnings from operations for reportable segments

 

 

$

78,100

 

 

Marketing, processing, and other

 

 

2,350

 

 

General and administrative expense (including stock-based compensation)

 

 

(17,136

)

 

Administrative asset depreciation

 

 

(812

)

 

Spin-off and merger costs

 

 

(5,416

)

 

Interest expense

 

 

(15,151

)

 

Unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net

 

 

(24,114

)

 

Realized losses on derivative instruments, net

 

 

(3,915

)

 

Other expense, net

 

 

(860

)

 

Earnings before income taxes and discontinued operations

 

 

$

13,046

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2005

 

 

Oil and Gas Operations

 

 

 

Gulf Coast

 

Western

 

Alaska

 

Total U.S.

 

Canada

 

International

 

Total
Company

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Revenue

 

$

148,028

 

 

51,407

 

 

26,402

 

 

225,837

 

 

33,033

 

 

 

 

 

258,870

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

20,062

 

 

8,351

 

 

14,225

 

 

42,638

 

 

5,222

 

 

 

 

 

47,860

 

 

Production and property taxes

 

3,562

 

 

4,596

 

 

563

 

 

8,721

 

 

1,176

 

 

 

 

 

9,897

 

 

Transportation costs

 

949

 

 

459

 

 

1,837

 

 

3,245

 

 

1,927

 

 

 

 

 

5,172

 

 

Depletion

 

55,062

 

 

18,716

 

 

7,011

 

 

80,789

 

 

14,656

 

 

 

 

 

95,445

 

 

Impairment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,924

 

 

 

2,924

 

 

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

 

3,389

 

 

293

 

 

359

 

 

4,041

 

 

236

 

 

 

 

 

4,277

 

 

Earnings (loss) from operations

 

$

65,004

 

 

18,992

 

 

2,407

 

 

86,403

 

 

9,816

 

 

(2,924

)

 

 

93,295

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

$

37,165

 

 

23,519

 

 

1,723

 

 

62,407

 

 

33,929

 

 

267

 

 

 

96,603

 

 

Goodwill

 

$

16,772

 

 

37,331

 

 

 

 

54,103

 

 

13,443

 

 

 

 

 

67,546

 

 

 

A reconciliation of segment earnings (loss) from operations to consolidated earnings before income taxes and discontinued operations is as follows:

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Earnings from operations for reportable segments

 

 

$

93,295

 

 

Marketing, processing, and other

 

 

1,421

 

 

General and administrative expense (including stock-based compensation)

 

 

(10,756

)

 

Administrative asset depreciation

 

 

(831

)

 

Interest expense

 

 

(14,499

)

 

Unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net

 

 

(6,580

)

 

Realized losses on derivative instruments, net

 

 

(532

)

 

Other expense, net

 

 

(1,401

)

 

Earnings before income taxes and discontinued operations

 

 

$

60,117

 

 

 

18




Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forest is an independent oil and gas company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of natural gas and liquids in North America and selected international locations. Forest was incorporated in New York in 1924, as the successor to a company formed in 1916, and has been a publicly held company since 1969.

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with Forest’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto, the information under the heading “Forward-Looking Statements” below, and the information included in Forest’s 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Risk Factors”, and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates, Judgments, and Assumptions.”  Unless the context otherwise indicates, references in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q to “Forest,”  “we,” “ours,” “us,” or like terms refer to Forest Oil Corporation and its subsidiaries.

Overview of First Quarter 2006

Spin-off of Offshore Gulf of Mexico Operations

On March 2, 2006, Forest completed the spin-off of its offshore Gulf of Mexico operations by means of a stock dividend, which consisted of a pro rata spin-off (the “Spin-off”) of all outstanding shares of Forest Energy Resources, Inc. (“FERI”), a total of 50,637,010 shares of common stock, to holders of record of Forest common stock as of the close of business on February 21, 2006. Immediately following the Spin-off, FERI was merged with a subsidiary of Mariner Energy, Inc. (“Mariner”) in a stock for stock transaction (the “Merger”). Mariner’s common stock commenced trading on the New York Stock Exchange on March 3, 2006.

The Spin-off was completed without the payment of consideration by Forest shareholders and consisted of a special dividend of 0.8093 shares of FERI for each outstanding share of Forest common stock. The Merger was accomplished by the exchange of all issued and outstanding shares of FERI for shares of common stock of Mariner, with each whole share of FERI exchanged for one share of Mariner common stock. The Spin-off was a tax-free transaction for federal income tax purposes. Prior to the Merger, as part of the Spin-off, FERI paid Forest an initial cash amount equal to approximately $176.1 million and subsequent to March 31, 2006, Forest received an additional $21.7 million for total proceeds of $197.8 million. The cash amount is subject to further potential adjustment to reflect an economic effective date for the transaction of July 1, 2005.

Cotton Valley Acquisition

On March 31, 2006, Forest completed the acquisition of oil and gas properties located primarily in the Cotton Valley trend in East Texas. Forest paid approximately $255 million, as adjusted to reflect an economic effective date of February 1, 2006, for properties with an estimated 110 Bcfe of estimated proved reserves at the time the acquisition was announced and production that averaged 13 MMcfe per day in January 2006. Forest obtained approximately 26,000 net acres in the fields, of which approximately 14,000 net acres are undeveloped. This acquisition is expected to provide another core area of growth and add significant onshore activity to the Southern business unit. Forest funded this acquisition utilizing its bank credit facilities.

Results of Operations

The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2006 only include the revenues and expenses of the oil and gas properties included in the Spin-off through February 28, 2006. As a result, the

19




operational results for the first quarter of 2006 are not comparable to the first quarter of 2005. In the following discussion, revenues and expenses associated with the properties included in the Spin-off (the “Spin-off Properties”) and those retained (the “Retained Properties”) are discussed separately.

Our reported earnings of $3.7 million for the first quarter of 2006, or $.06 per diluted share, were $35.2 million lower than net income of $38.9 million, or $.63 per diluted share, for the same period in 2005. The quarter-over-quarter net income change was primarily caused by lower oil and gas production volumes from the Spin-off Properties as a result of the shut-in production volumes in the first quarter of 2006 due to hurricanes Katrina and Rita as well as the fact that the first quarter of 2006 reflects only two months of the Spin-off Properties’ operations. Unrealized losses on derivative instruments of $24.1 million in the first quarter of 2006 compared to $6.6 million in the corresponding period in the prior year also contributed to the reduction in net income compared to the first quarter of 2005. In addition, we incurred approximately $5.4 million of  costs in connection with the Spin-off and Merger in 2006 and we incurred $7.7 million of additional stock-based compensation in 2006 compared to the same period in 2005.

20




Oil and Gas Production and Sales

Sales volumes, oil and gas sales revenue, and average sales prices for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

Gas

 

Oil

 

NGLs

 

Total

 

Gas

 

Oil

 

NGLs

 

Total

 

 

 

(MMcf)

 

(MBbls)

 

(MBbls)

 

(MMcfe)

 

(MMcf)

 

(MBbls)

 

(MBbls)

 

(MMcfe)

 

Production volumes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained Properties:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

9,291

 

 

1,143

 

 

 

336

 

 

18,165

 

7,610

 

1,391

 

 

181

 

 

17,042

 

Canada

 

5,729

 

 

191

 

 

 

97

 

 

7,457

 

4,407

 

219

 

 

114

 

 

6,405

 

Total Retained Properties

 

15,020

 

 

1,334

 

 

 

433

 

 

25,622

 

12,017

 

1,610

 

 

295

 

 

23,447

 

Spin-off Properties

 

6,378

 

 

193

 

 

 

82

 

 

8,028

 

15,673

 

687

 

 

268

 

 

21,403

 

Totals

 

21,398

 

 

1,527

 

 

 

515

 

 

33,650

 

27,690

 

2,297

 

 

563

 

 

44,850

 

Revenues (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained Properties:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

65,379

 

 

67,481

 

 

 

9,801

 

 

142,661

 

41,897

 

62,667

 

 

4,436

 

 

109,000

 

United States hedging losses

 

(7,707

)

 

(6,653

)

 

 

 

 

(14,360

)

(1,143

)

(2,863

)

 

 

 

(4,006

)

Canada

 

32,332

 

 

8,077

 

 

 

4,097

 

 

44,506

 

21,449

 

7,961

 

 

3,623

 

 

33,033

 

Total Retained Properties

 

90,004

 

 

68,905

 

 

 

13,898

 

 

172,807

 

62,203

 

67,765

 

 

8,059

 

 

138,027

 

Spin-off Properties

 

53,975

 

 

11,614

 

 

 

3,020

 

 

68,609

 

97,857

 

32,315

 

 

7,474

 

 

137,646

 

Spin-off Properties hedging losses

 

(16,926

)

 

(5,394

)

 

 

 

 

(22,320

)

(5,534

)

(11,269

)

 

 

 

(16,803

)

Total Spin-off Properties

 

37,049

 

 

6,220

 

 

 

3,020

 

 

46,289

 

92,323

 

21,046

 

 

7,474

 

 

120,843

 

Totals

 

$

127,053

 

 

75,125

 

 

 

16,918

 

 

219,096

 

154,526

 

88,811

 

 

15,533

 

 

258,870

 

Average sales price:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained Properties:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United States

 

$

7.04

 

 

59.04

 

 

 

29.17

 

 

7.85

 

5.51

 

45.05

 

 

24.51

 

 

6.40

 

United States hedging losses

 

(0.83

)

 

(5.82

)

 

 

 

 

(0.79

)

(0.15

)

(2.06

)

 

 

 

(.24

)

Canada

 

5.64

 

 

42.29

 

 

 

42.24

 

 

5.97

 

4.87

 

36.35

 

 

31.78

 

 

5.16

 

Total Retained Properties

 

$

5.99

 

 

51.65

 

 

 

32.10

 

 

6.74

 

5.18

 

42.09

 

 

27.32

 

 

5.89

 

Spin-off Properties

 

$

8.46

 

 

60.18

 

 

 

36.83

 

 

8.55

 

6.24

 

47.04

 

 

27.89

 

 

6.43

 

Spin-off Properties hedging losses

 

(2.65

)

 

(27.95

)

 

 

 

 

(2.78

)

(0.35

)

(16.40

)

 

 

 

(.79

)

Total Spin-off Properties

 

$

5.81

 

 

32.23

 

 

 

36.83

 

 

5.77

 

5.89

 

30.64

 

 

27.89

 

 

5.64

 

Totals

 

$

5.94

 

 

49.20

 

 

 

32.85

 

 

6.51

 

5.58

 

38.66

 

 

27.59

 

 

5.77

 

 

Net oil and gas production from the Retained Properties in the first quarter of 2006 increased to 25.6 Bcfe or an average of 284.7 MMcfe per day, a 9% increase from 23.4 Bcfe or an average of 260.5 MMcfe per day in the first quarter of 2005. In addition, due to inclement weather and mechanical problems, the scheduled tanker shipment of Forest’s Alaska oil production at the end of March 2006 was delayed until

21




April 2, 2006. The effect of this delay caused reported oil sales volumes to be lower than production volumes by approximately 123,000 barrels or 8 MMcfe per day for the three months ended March 31, 2006. Oil and natural gas revenues from the Retained Properties were $172.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2006, a 25% increase as compared to $138.0 million for the same period in the prior year. The increase in oil and natural gas revenues for the three month period was primarily due to a 9% increase in production as well as a 14% increase in the average realized sales price per Mcfe from $5.89 in 2005 to $6.74 in 2006.

Net oil and gas production from the Spin-off Properties in the first quarter of 2006 decreased to 8.0 Bcfe or an average of 89.2 MMcfe per day, from 21.4 Bcfe or an average of 237.8 MMcfe per day in the first quarter of 2005. The decrease in average daily production was primarily due to properties that remain shut-in due to hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the fact that the first quarter of 2006 only includes two months of production compared to 2005’s full quarter of production. Oil and natural gas revenues from the Spin-off Properties were $46.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2006, as compared to $120.8 million for the same period in the prior year. The decrease in oil and natural gas revenues for the three month period was primarily due to the 62% decrease in production as discussed above.

The average realized sales prices for the periods presented include losses that we recognized on our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges. For the three months ended March 31, 2006, Forest recognized hedging losses of $36.7 million compared to hedging losses of $20.8 million during the same period in the prior year. The recognized losses in the first quarter of 2006 include $15.2 million in hedge losses settled in the fourth quarter of 2005 but recognized in the first quarter of 2006 to correspond with the timing of the production that was deferred by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. See Realized and Unrealized Losses on Derivative Instruments below for information on losses recognized on derivative instruments not designated as cash flow hedges.

Oil and Gas Production Expense

The table below sets forth the detail of lease operating expenses (“LOE”), the primary component of oil and gas production expense, for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005:

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

Retained
Properties

 

Spin-off
Properties

 

Total

 

Retained
Properties

 

Spin-off
Properties

 

Total

 

 

 

(In Thousands, Except per Mcfe Data)

 

Lease operating expenses (“LOE”):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct operating expense and overhead

 

 

$

24,919

 

 

 

9,535

 

 

34,454

 

 

26,053

 

 

 

14,758

 

 

40,811

 

Workover expense

 

 

2,116

 

 

 

8,761

 

 

10,877

 

 

5,185

 

 

 

1,864

 

 

7,049

 

Total LOE

 

 

$

27,035

 

 

 

18,296

 

 

45,331

 

 

31,238

 

 

 

16,622

 

 

47,860

 

LOE per Mcfe

 

 

$

1.06

 

 

 

2.28

 

 

1.35

 

 

1.33

 

 

 

0.78

 

 

1.07

 

Production and property taxes

 

 

$

10,577

 

 

 

151

 

 

10,728

 

 

9,304

 

 

 

593

 

 

9,897

 

Production and property taxes per Mcfe

 

 

$

0.41

 

 

 

.02

 

 

.32

 

 

.40

 

 

 

.03

 

 

.22

 

Transportation costs

 

 

$

4,385

 

 

 

344

 

 

4,729

 

 

4,330

 

 

 

842

 

 

5,172

 

Transportation costs per Mcfe

 

 

$

.17

 

 

 

.04

 

 

.14

 

 

.18

 

 

 

.04

 

 

.12

 

 

Lease Operating Expenses

Lease operating expenses for the Retained Properties decreased 13%, or $4.2 million, to $27.0 million in the first quarter of 2006 from $31.2 million in the first quarter of 2005. On a per-Mcfe basis, LOE decreased 20% to $1.06 per Mcfe in 2006 from $1.33 per Mcfe in 2005. The decrease on a per-unit basis is

22




primarily attributable to cost reduction initiatives and a higher percentage of production derived from newly developed gas properties which have lower operating costs.

Lease operating expenses for the Spin-off Properties increased $1.7 million to $18.3 million in the first quarter of 2006 from $16.6 million in the first quarter of 2005. On a per-Mcfe basis, LOE increased $1.50 per Mcfe in 2006 to $2.28 per Mcfe in the first quarter of 2006 from $.78 per Mcfe in 2005. The primary reason for increase in LOE for the Spin-off Properties was due to a significant increase in workover expense due primarily to repair water channeling in a highly productive well. Direct operating expenses on the Spin-off Properties declined 35% principally due to the fact that the 2006 quarter only includes two months of activity.

Production and Property Taxes

Production and property taxes on the Retained Properties increased by 14% or $1.3 million during the first quarter of 2006 as compared to the prior year’s first quarter. The increase was a result of the higher realized oil and gas revenues and higher assessed property valuations offset by severance tax incentives. Production and property taxes on the Spin-off Properties decreased by 75% or $.4 million during the first quarter of 2006 as compared to the prior year’s first quarter. The decrease in the Spin-off Properties’ production and property taxes was due to lower daily production volumes after the hurricanes and due to the fact that the 2006 quarter includes two months of activity.

Transportation Costs

Transportation costs for the Retained Properties increased slightly to $4.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2006 from $4.3 million for the corresponding 2005 period. Transportation costs for the Retained Properties on a per-Mcfe basis were $.17 per Mcfe and $.18 per Mcfe, for the quarters ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  Transportation costs for the Spin-off Properties on a per-Mcfe basis were $.04 per Mcfe for each of the quarters ended March 31, 2006 and 2005.

General and Administrative Expense; Equity Compensation

The following table summarizes the components of total overhead costs incurred during the periods presented:

 

 

Three Months
Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(In Thousands,
Except Per
Mcfe Amounts)

 

Total general and administrative costs

 

$

15,344

 

16,765

 

General and administrative costs capitalized

 

(6,062

)

(6,137

)

General and administrative expense

 

$

9,282

 

10,628

 

General and administrative expense per Mcfe

 

$

.28

 

.24

 

Total stock-based compensation costs

 

$

12,853

 

213

 

Stock-based compensation costs capitalized

 

(4,999

)

(85

)

Stock-based compensation expense

 

$

7,854

 

128

 

Stock-based compensation expense per Mcfe

 

$

.23

 

 

Total general administrative expense including stock-based compensation

 

$

17,136

 

10,756

 

 

23




General and Administrative Expenses

The decrease in total overhead costs and overhead costs expensed in the three month period was primarily related to a $1.9 million reduction in our post-retiree medical benefit liability caused by a curtailment in the post retiree medical benefit plan as a result of the Spin-off. We also realized additional salary and benefit savings related to 107 employees that terminated their employment with Forest and joined Mariner after the Spin-off. These decreases were offset by increases in other post-retirement benefit costs.

Stock-Based Compensation

Prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations. Under APB Opinion No. 25, no compensation expense was recognized for stock options issued to employees because the grant price equaled or was above the market price on the date of the option grant. Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123 (Revised), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123(R)”) using the modified prospective method. Under this method, compensation cost is recorded for all unvested stock options, restricted stock, and phantom stock units beginning in the period of adoption and prior financial statements are not restated. Under the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123(R), stock-based compensation is measured at the grant date based on the value of the awards and is recognized over the requisite service period (usually the vesting period).

In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123(R), total stock-based compensation cost in the amount of $12.9 million was recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2006. Of this amount, $7.9 million was recorded as compensation expense and $5.0 million was capitalized to oil and gas properties in accordance with the full cost method of accounting. As discussed in Note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, approximately $9.7 million of the $12.9 million of total stock-based compensation for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 was attributable to a partial settlement of our restricted stock awards and phantom stock unit awards in connection with the Spin-off.

Depreciation and Depletion

Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense (“DD&A”) for the three months ended March 31, 2006 was $77.7 million compared to $96.3 million for the same period in 2005. On an equivalent Mcf basis, DD&A expense was $2.31 per Mcfe for the three months ended March 31, 2006 compared to $2.15 per Mcfe for the same period in the prior year. The increase of $.16 per Mcfe for the three months ended March 31, 2006, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year, is primarily due to a higher proportion of Canadian production, which has higher per-unit depletion rates, to total consolidated production. DD&A of $2.31 per Mcfe in the first quarter of 2006 includes two months of depletion expense associated with the offshore Gulf of Mexico properties included in the Spin-off. Subsequent to the Spin-off, after the $1.1 billion adjustment to our net oil and gas properties, depletion expense was reduced to approximately $2.17 per Mcfe at March 31, 2006.

Impairments

During the three months ended March 31, 2005, Forest recorded an impairment of $2.9 million related to certain international properties, principally related to its leaseholds in Romania. The Romania impairment was recorded in the first quarter of 2005 in connection with our decision to exit the country as we rationalized our international assets to concentrate on fewer areas.

24




Interest Expense

Interest expense in the first quarter of 2006 totaled $15.2 million compared to $14.5 million in the first quarter of 2005. The increase in interest expense for the first quarter of 2006 compared to the first quarter of 2005 was due primarily to a combination of higher interest rates and increased average debt balances.

Realized and Unrealized Losses on Derivative Instruments

Realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments are primarily related to various derivatives that did not qualify for cash flow hedge accounting either at their inception or where hedge accounting was discontinued during their term. When the criteria for cash flow hedge accounting are not met, realized gains and losses (i.e., cash settlements) are recorded in other income and expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Similarly, changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments are recorded as unrealized gains or losses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. In contrast, cash settlements for derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded as additions to or reductions of oil and gas revenues while changes in fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized, to the extent the hedge is effective, in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings.

The table below sets forth realized and unrealized losses recognized under “Other income and expense” in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations principally related to our derivatives that did not qualify for hedge accounting for the periods indicated.

 

 

Three Months
Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Realized losses

 

$

(3,915

)

(532

)

Unrealized losses

 

(24,114

)

(6,580

)

 

The significant increases in realized and unrealized losses on derivative instruments in 2006 are primarily related to the discontinuance of hedge accounting on many of our commodity derivatives due to hurricanes Rita and Katrina in 2005 and due to the Spin-off in March 2006.

For comparative purposes, the following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, realized losses on derivative instruments that met the criteria for hedge accounting, which were recorded as reductions of oil and gas revenues.

 

 

Three Months
Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Realized losses included in oil and gas revenue

 

$

(36,680

)

(20,809

)

 

Discontinuance of Hedge Accounting

Because a significant portion of our derivatives no longer qualified for hedge accounting and to increase clarity in our financial statements, we elected to discontinue hedge accounting prospectively for all of our commodity derivatives beginning in March 2006. Consequently, from that date forward, we will recognize mark-to-market gains and losses in earnings currently, rather than deferring such amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income included in shareholders’ equity. The net mark-to-market losses on our outstanding derivatives at the time we discontinued hedge accounting are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income, and are amortized to earnings as the original hedged transactions occur in 2006. This change in reporting will have no impact on our reported cash flows, although future results of

25




operations will be affected by mark-to-market gains and losses which fluctuate with volatile oil and gas prices.

Current and Deferred Income Tax Expense

Forest recorded income tax expense of $11.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2006, compared to $21.2 million in the comparable period of 2005. The decrease in income tax expense for the three month period ended March 31, 2006 was attributable to a decrease in earnings before income taxes. Our effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 were 90.4% and 35.3%, respectively. The significant increase in the effective tax rate was due to non-deductible spin-off and merger costs and an increase in our estimated combined state income tax rates related to the Spin-off. Together, these costs and rate adjustments added approximately $6.9 million to our total tax expense during the first quarter of 2006.  The table below sets forth the components of our income tax provision for the first quarter ended March 31, 2006:

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Federal, state and provincial tax at statutory rates

 

 

$

4,558

 

 

Effect of increased estimated combined state income rates on accumulated deferred income tax liability

 

 

4,794

 

 

Non-deductible spin-off and merger costs

 

 

2,090

 

 

Other, net

 

 

355

 

 

Total income tax expense

 

 

$

11,797

 

 

 

Discontinued Operations

On March 1, 2004, Forest sold the assets and business operations of Producers Marketing, Ltd. (“ProMark”) to Cinergy Canada, Inc. (“Cinergy”) for $11.2 million CDN. As a result of the sale, ProMark’s results of operations were reported as discontinued operations in the historical financial statements. Under the terms of the purchase and sale agreement, Forest may receive additional contingent consideration over a period of five years through February 2009. During the quarter ended March 31, 2006, Forest recognized an additional $3.6 million contingent payment ($2.4 million net of tax) due under the agreement, which has been reflected as income from discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

In 2006, as in 2005, we expect our cash flow from operations to be our primary source of liquidity to meet operating expenses and fund capital expenditures other than large acquisitions. Any remaining cash flow from operations will be available for acquisitions, in whole or in part, or other corporate purposes, including the repayment of indebtedness.

The prices we receive for our oil and natural gas production have a significant impact on operating cash flows. While significant price declines in 2006 would adversely affect the amount of cash flow generated from operations, we utilize a hedging program to partially mitigate that risk. As of May 1, 2006, Forest has hedged approximately 43 Bcfe of its estimated 2006 onshore North American and offshore Alaskan production. This level of hedging provides certainty of the cash flow we will receive for a large portion of our expected 2006 production. Depending on changes in oil and gas futures markets and management’s view of underlying oil and natural gas supply and demand trends, we may increase or decrease our current hedging positions. For further information concerning our 2006 hedging contracts, see Item 3—“Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk—Commodity Price Risk,” below.

26




Our $600 million revolving bank credit facilities, which we entered into in September 2004, provide another source of liquidity. These credit facilities, which mature in September 2009, are used to fund daily operating activities and acquisitions in the United States and Canada as needed. We used our credit facilities to fund our recent $255 million Cotton Valley acquisition on March 31, 2006. At April 30, 2006, we had approximately $307 million of outstanding borrowings and letters of credit under the bank credit facilities, and an unused borrowing base of $293 million.

On March 2, 2006, we completed the Spin-off of our offshore Gulf of Mexico operations. These operations accounted for approximately 24% of our total oil and gas production in the first quarter of 2006 and 21% of our consolidated oil and gas revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2006. As a result of the Spin-off, we expect future cash flows from operations to be significantly lower; however, we also expect a significant decrease in capital expenditures and payments for asset retirement obligations. Prior to the Merger, as part of the Spin-off, we received approximately $176.1 million from FERI, which we used to pay down our credit facilities. FERI obtained these funds from a bank credit facility it established immediately prior to the Spin-off. Subsequent to March 31, 2006, we received an additional $21.7 million from FERI for total proceeds of $197.8 million. The total cash received is subject to further potential adjustment to reflect the economic effective date of July 1, 2005. We do not believe the Spin-off will have a material effect on our liquidity and capital resources nor do we believe it will materially adversely affect our ability to access the capital markets.

The public capital markets have been our principal source of funds to finance large acquisitions. We have sold debt and equity securities in both public and private offerings in the past, and we expect that these sources of capital will continue to be available to us in the future for acquisitions. In July 2004, we filed a shelf registration statement that allows Forest to issue equity and debt securities of up to $600 million, all of which is still available. Nevertheless, ready access to capital on reasonable terms can be impacted by our debt ratings assigned by independent rating agencies and are subject to many uncertainties, including restrictions contained in our bank credit facilities and indentures for our senior notes, macroeconomic factors outside of our control, and other risks as explained in Part 1, Item 1A—“Risk Factors” of our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We believe that our available cash, cash provided by operating activities, and funds available under our bank credit facilities will be sufficient to fund our operating, interest, and general and administrative expenses, our capital expenditure budget, and our short-term contractual obligations at current levels for the foreseeable future.

Bank Credit Facilities

We currently have credit facilities totaling $600 million, consisting of a $500 million U.S. credit facility through a syndicate of banks led by JPMorgan Chase and a $100 million Canadian credit facility through a syndicate of banks led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, Toronto Branch. The credit facilities mature in September 2009. Subject to the agreement of Forest and the applicable lenders, the size of the credit facilities may be increased by $200 million in the aggregate.

Availability under the credit facilities will be based either on certain financial covenants included in the credit facilities or on the loan value assigned to Forest’s oil and gas properties. If Forest’s corporate credit rating by Moody’s is “Ba1” or higher and “BB+” or higher by S&P, the credit facilities may be governed by certain financial covenants. Alternatively, if Forest’s corporate credit rating is “Ba2” or lower by Moody’s or “BB” or lower by S&P, availability under the credit facilities will be governed by a borrowing base (“Global Borrowing Base”). Currently, the amount available under the credit facilities is determined by the Global Borrowing Base. Effective October 19, 2005, the credit facilities were amended to permit Forest to complete the Spin-off and the Global Borrowing Base was increased to $900 million. On March 2, 2006, concurrent with the completion of the Spin-off, the Global Borrowing Base was

27




reduced to $600 million, with $500 million allocated to the U.S. credit facility and $100 million allocated to the Canadian facility. We expect that the Global Borrowing Base will be increased to $850 million in the second quarter; however, we do not plan to seek an increase in the size of the commitments and, as a result, the allocations would remain unchanged with $500 million allocated to the U.S. credit facility and $100 million allocated to the Canadian facility.

At March 31, 2006, there were outstanding borrowings of $259.0 million under the U.S. credit facility at a weighted average interest rate of 6.2%, and there were outstanding borrowings of $67.8 million under the Canadian credit facility at a weighted average interest rate of 5.2%. We also had used the credit facilities for approximately $6.9 million in letters of credit, leaving an unused borrowing amount under the Global Borrowing Base of approximately $266.3 million at March 31, 2006.

The determination of the Global Borrowing Base is made by the lenders taking into consideration the estimated value of Forest’s oil and gas properties in accordance with the lenders’ customary practices for oil and gas loans. This process involves reviewing Forest’s estimated proved reserves and their valuation. While the Global Borrowing Base is in effect, it is redetermined semi-annually, and the available borrowing amount could be increased or decreased as a result of such redeterminations. In addition, Forest and the lenders each have discretion at any time, but not more often than once during any calendar year, to have the Global Borrowing Base redetermined. A revision to Forest’s reserves may prompt such a request on the part of the lenders, which could possibly result in a reduction in the Global Borrowing Base and availability under the credit facilities. As described above, in connection with the Spin-off, the Global Borrowing Base was reduced to $600 million. If outstanding borrowings under either of the credit facilities exceed the applicable portion of the Global Borrowing Base, Forest would be required to repay the excess amount within a prescribed period. If we are unable to pay the excess amount, it would cause an event of default.

The credit facilities include terms and covenants that place limitations on certain types of activities, including restrictions or requirements with respect to additional debt, liens, asset sales, hedging activities, investments, dividends, mergers, and acquisitions. The credit facilities also include several financial covenants. Availability, interest rates, security requirements, and other terms of borrowing under the credit facilities will vary based on Forest’s credit ratings and financial condition, as determined by certain financial tests. In particular, any time that availability is not determined by the Global Borrowing Base, the amount available and our ability to borrow under the credit facilities is determined by certain financial covenants. Also, even when availability is determined by the Global Borrowing Base, certain financial covenants may affect the amount available and Forest’s ability to borrow amounts under the credit facilities.

The credit facilities are collateralized by a portion of our assets. We are required to mortgage, and grant a security interest in, 75% of the present value of our consolidated proved oil and gas properties. We have also pledged the stock of several subsidiaries to the lenders to secure the credit facilities. Under certain circumstances, we could be obligated to pledge additional assets as collateral. If our corporate credit ratings by Moody’s and S&P improve and meet pre-established levels, the collateral requirements would not apply and, at our request, the banks would release their liens and security interests on our properties.

 

28




Cash Flow

Net cash provided by operating activities, net cash used by investing activities, and net cash provided (used) by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

114,535

 

136,083

 

Net cash used by investing activities

 

(466,694

)

(96,646

)

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

 

351,629

 

(87,585

)

 

The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities in the three months ended March 31, 2006 compared to the same period of 2005 was due primarily to lower oil and gas revenues. The increase in cash used by investing activities in the three months ended March 31, 2006 was due primarily to the acquisition of oil and gas assets in the Cotton Valley trend in East Texas for approximately $255 million as well as higher capital expenditures for exploration and development in the first quarter of 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. Net cash used by financing activities in the three months ended March 31, 2006 included net bank proceeds of $349.4 million and proceeds from the exercise of stock options and employee stock purchases of $2.3 million. Of the $349.4 million in net bank proceeds in the first quarter of 2006, $176.1 million was drawn on a newly created bank credit facility established by FERI immediately prior to the Spin-off. This credit facility and associated liability was included in the Spin-off. The 2005 period included net bank debt repayments of $113.0 million offset by proceeds from the exercise of stock options and warrants and employee stock purchases of approximately $24.4 million.

Capital Expenditures

Expenditures for property acquisition, exploration, and development were as follows:

 

 

Three Months
Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Property acquisition costs(1):

 

 

 

 

 

Proved properties

 

$

233,886

 

7,637

 

Unproved properties

 

51,400

 

125

 

 

 

285,286

 

7,762

 

Exploration costs:

 

 

 

 

 

Direct costs

 

74,145

 

35,343

 

Overhead capitalized

 

4,548

 

3,392

 

 

 

78,693

 

38,735

 

Development costs:

 

 

 

 

 

Direct costs

 

103,902

 

47,276

 

Overhead capitalized

 

6,513

 

2,830

 

 

 

110,415

 

50,106

 

Total capital expenditures for property acquisition, exploration, and development(1)(2)

 

$

474,394

 

96,603

 


(1)                 Total capital expenditures include both cash expenditures and accrued expenditures.

(2)                 Does not include estimated discounted asset retirement obligations of $.7 million and $6.4 million related to assets placed in service during the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

29




Forest anticipates expenditures for exploration and development activities in 2006 will range from $450 million to $500 million. Some of the factors impacting the level of capital expenditures in 2006 include crude oil and natural gas prices, the volatility in these prices, the cost and availability of oil field services, and weather disruptions.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this Form 10-Q includes “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 facts or present facts, that address activities, events, outcomes, and other matters that Forest plans, expects, intends, assumes, believes, budgets, predicts, forecasts, projects, estimates, or anticipates (and other similar expressions) will, should, or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements described under the heading “Risk Factors” included in Part I of our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K

These forward-looking statements appear in a number of places and include statements with respect to, among other things:

·       estimates of our oil and gas reserves;

·       estimates of our future natural gas and liquids production, including estimates of any increases in oil and gas production;

·       the amount, nature and timing of capital expenditures, including future development costs, and availability of capital resources to fund capital expenditures;

·       our outlook on oil and gas prices;

·       the impact of political and regulatory developments;

·       our future financial condition or results of operations and our future revenues and expenses; and

·       our business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations.

We caution you that these forward-looking statements are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control, incident to the exploration for and development, production, and sale of oil and gas. These risks include, but are not limited to, commodity price volatility, inflation, lack of availability of drilling and production equipment and services, environmental risks, drilling and other operating risks, regulatory changes, the uncertainty inherent in estimating proved oil and natural gas reserves and in projecting future rates of production, cash flow and access to capital, the timing of development expenditures, and the other risks described in the Form 10-K under the caption “Risk Factors.” The financial results of our foreign operations are also subject to currency exchange rate risks.

Reserve engineering is a process of estimating underground accumulations of oil and natural gas that cannot be measured in an exact way. The accuracy of any reserve estimate depends on the quality of available data, the interpretation of such data, and price and cost assumptions made by our reservoir engineers. In addition, the results of drilling, testing, and production activities may justify revisions of estimates that were made previously. If significant, such revisions would change the schedule of any further production and development drilling. Accordingly, reserve estimates may differ significantly from the quantities of oil and natural gas that are ultimately recovered.

30




Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described above or elsewhere in this Form 10-Q occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements.

All forward-looking statements, expressed or implied, included in this Form 10-Q and attributable to Forest are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that Forest or persons acting on its behalf may issue. Forest does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of filing this Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission, except as required by law.

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk, including the effects of adverse changes in commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, and interest rates as discussed below.

Commodity Price Risk

We produce and sell natural gas, crude oil, and natural gas liquids for our own account in the United States and Canada. As a result, our financial results are affected when prices for these commodities fluctuate. Such effects can be significant. In order to reduce the impact of fluctuations in prices on our revenues, or to protect the economics of property acquisitions, we make use of an oil and gas hedging strategy. Under our hedging strategy, we enter into commodity swaps, collars, and other financial instruments with counterparties who, in general, are participants in our credit facilities. These arrangements, which are based on prices available in the financial markets at the time the contracts are entered into, are settled in cash and do not require physical deliveries of hydrocarbons.

Swaps

In a typical commodity swap agreement, we receive the difference between a fixed price per unit of production and a price based on an agreed upon published, third-party index if the index price is lower than the fixed price. If the index price is higher, we pay the difference. By entering into swap agreements, we effectively fix the price that we will receive in the future for the hedged production. Our current swaps are settled in cash on a monthly basis. As of March 31, 2006, we had entered into the following swaps:

 

 

Swaps

 

 

 

Natural Gas (NYMEX HH)

 

Oil (NYMEX WTI)

 

 

 

Bbtu
Per Day

 

Weighted
Average Hedged
Price per
MMBtu

 

Fair Value
(In Thousands)

 

Barrels 
Per Day

 

Weighted
Average Hedged
Price per Bbl

 

Fair Value
(In Thousands)

 

Second Quarter 2006

 

 

10.0

 

 

 

$

5.51

 

 

 

$

(1,610

)

 

 

4,000

 

 

 

$

31.58

 

 

 

$

(13,141

)

 

Third Quarter 2006

 

 

10.0

 

 

 

5.51

 

 

 

(2,035

)

 

 

4,000

 

 

 

31.58

 

 

 

(13,598

)

 

Fourth Quarter 2006

 

 

10.0

 

 

 

5.51

 

 

 

(3,186

)

 

 

4,000

 

 

 

31.58

 

 

 

(13,539

)

 

 

31




Collars

Forest also enters into collar agreements with third parties. A collar agreement is similar to a swap agreement, except that we receive the difference between the floor price and the index price only if the index price is below the floor price; and we pay the difference between the ceiling price and the index price only if the index price is above the ceiling price. As of March 31, 2006, we had entered into the following collars:

 

 

Collars

 

 

 

Natural Gas (NYMEX HH)

 

Oil (NYMEX WTI)

 

 

 

Bbtu Per
Day

 

Weighted
Average Hedged
Floor and
Ceiling Price
per MMBtu

 

Fair Value
(In Thousands)

 

Barrels
Per Day

 

Weighted
Average
Hedged Floor
and Ceiling
Price per Bbl

 

Fair Value
(In Thousands)

 

Second Quarter 2006

 

 

50.0

 

 

 

$

7.43/11.88

 

 

 

$

3,206

 

 

 

5,500

 

 

$

46.73/65.87

 

 

$

(2,531

)

 

Third Quarter 2006

 

 

50.0

 

 

 

7.43/11.88

 

 

 

3,219

 

 

 

5,500

 

 

46.73/65.87

 

 

(3,661

)

 

Fourth Quarter 2006

 

 

50.0

 

 

 

7.43/11.88

 

 

 

89

 

 

 

5,500

 

 

46.73/65.87

 

 

(4,124

)

 

Fiscal 2007

 

 

10.0

 

 

 

9.60/10.25

 

 

 

749

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The fair value of our derivative instruments based on the futures prices quoted on March 31, 2006 was a net liability of approximately $50.2 million.

In April 2006, we entered into additional costless collar agreements. The table below sets forth the terms of these costless collar agreements.

 

 

Collars

 

 

 

Natural Gas (NYMEX HH)

 

Oil (NYMEX WTI)

 

 

 

Bbtu Per Day

 

Weighted Average
Hedged Floor and Ceiling
Price per MMBtu

 

Barrels Per
Day

 

Weighted Average
Hedged Floor and
Ceiling Price per Bbl

 

Fiscal 2007

 

 

5.0

 

 

 

$

9.60/12.05

 

 

 

1,000

 

 

 

$

65.00/85.00

 

 

 

The following table reconciles the changes that occurred in the fair values of our open derivative contracts during the first quarter of 2006, beginning with the fair value of our commodity contracts on December 31, 2005:

 

 

Fair Value of
Derivative Contracts

 

 

 

(In Thousands)

 

Unrealized losses on derivative contracts as of December 31, 2005

 

 

$

(150,737

)

 

Net increase in fair value

 

 

42,893

 

 

Fair value of derivatives transferred in Spin-off

 

 

17,087

 

 

Net contract losses recognized

 

 

40,595

 

 

Unrealized losses on derivative contracts of as March 31, 2006

 

 

$

(50,162

)

 

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

We conduct business in several foreign currencies and thus are subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk on cash flows related to sales, expenses, financing, and investing transactions. In the past, we have not entered into any foreign currency forward contracts or other similar financial instruments to manage this risk. Expenditures incurred relative to the foreign concessions held by Forest outside of North America have been primarily United States dollar-denominated, as have cash proceeds related to property sales and farmout arrangements. Substantially all of our Canadian revenues and costs are denominated in Canadian dollars. While the value of the Canadian dollar does fluctuate in relation to the U.S. dollar, we

32




believe that any currency risk associated with our Canadian operations would not have a material impact on our results of operations.

Interest Rate Risk

The following table presents principal amounts and related weighted average fixed interest rates by year of maturity for Forest’s debt obligations and the fair value of our debt obligations at March 31, 2006:

 

 

2008

 

2009

 

2011

 

2014

 

Total

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

 

Bank credit facilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable rate

 

$

 

326,813

 

 

 

326,813

 

 

326,813

 

 

Average interest rate(1)

 

 

6.03

%

 

 

6.03

%

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed rate

 

$

265,000

 

 

285,000

 

150,000

 

700,000

 

 

736,188

 

 

Coupon interest rate

 

8.00

%

 

8.00

%

7.75

%

7.95

%

 

 

 

 

Effective interest rate(2)

 

7.13

%

 

7.71

%

6.56

%

7.24

%

 

 

 

 


(1)                 As of March 31, 2006.

(2)                 The effective interest rates on the 8% Senior Notes due 2008, the 8% Senior Notes due 2011, and the 73¤4% Senior Notes due 2014 are reduced from the coupon rate as a result of amortization of the gains related to termination of the related interest rate swaps, and amortization of premiums and discounts.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We have established disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to Forest and its consolidated subsidiaries is made known to the Officers who certify Forest’s financial reports and the Board of Directors.

Our Chief Executive Officer, H. Craig Clark, and our Chief Financial Officer, David H. Keyte, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a - 15(e) and 15d - 15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the quarterly period ended March 31, 2006 (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on this evaluation, they believe that as of the Evaluation Date our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has not been any change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our quarterly period ended March 31, 2006 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

33




PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6.   EXHIBITS

(a)   Exhibits.

31.1*

 

Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Forest Oil Corporation as required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

31.2*

 

Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Forest Oil Corporation as required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

32.1+

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Forest Oil Corporation pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350.

32.2+

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Forest Oil Corporation pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350.


*                     Filed herewith.

+                  Not considered to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section.

34




SIGNATURES

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.

FOREST OIL CORPORATION

 

(Registrant)

May 10, 2006

By:

 

 

 

 

/s/ DAVID H. KEYTE

 

 

David H. Keyte

 

 

Executive Vice President and

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

(on behalf of the Registrant and as Principal

 

 

Financial Officer)

 

By:

 

 

 

 

/s/ VICTOR A. WIND

 

 

Victor A. Wind

 

 

Corporate Controller

 

 

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

35




Exhibit Index

Exhibit Number

 

Description

 

 

31.1

 

 

Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Forest Oil Corporation as required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

 

31.2

 

 

Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Forest Oil Corporation as required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

 

32.1

 

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Forest Oil Corporation, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350.

 

 

32.2

 

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Forest Oil Corporation, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350.

 

 

36