Table of Contents

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



FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)    

ý

 

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2009

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
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  25-0484900
(I.R.S. Employer 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

        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. ý Yes    o No

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). o Yes    o No

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definition of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer", and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ý   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company o

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

        As of April 30, 2009 there were 97,074,820 shares of the registrant's common stock, par value $.10 per share, outstanding.


Table of Contents


FOREST OIL CORPORATION
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
March 31, 2009

Part I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  1
 

Item 1—Financial Statements

  1
   

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008

  1
   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

  2
   

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009

  3
   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

  4
   

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

  5
 

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

  31
 

Item 3—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

  46
 

Item 4—Controls and Procedures

  49

Part II—OTHER INFORMATION

  50
 

Item 1A—Risk Factors

  50
 

Item 2—Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

  54
 

Item 6—Exhibits

  54

Signatures

  55

i


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PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


FOREST OIL CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands, Except Share Data)

 
  March 31,
2009
  December 31,
2008
 

ASSETS

             

Current assets:

             
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 856     2,205  
 

Accounts receivable

    113,030     157,226  
 

Derivative instruments

    230,853     169,387  
 

Other investments

        2,327  
 

Inventory

    74,644     78,683  
 

Other current assets

    62,622     63,221  
           
   

Total current assets

    482,005     473,049  

Property and equipment, at cost:

             
 

Oil and gas properties, full cost method of accounting:

             
   

Proved, net of accumulated depletion of $7,159,819 and $5,502,782

    2,053,997     3,449,510  
   

Unproved

    898,058     964,027  
           
     

Net oil and gas properties

    2,952,055     4,413,537  
 

Other property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $40,993 and $37,260

    117,392     99,627  
           
     

Net property and equipment

    3,069,447     4,513,164  

Deferred income taxes

    136,576      

Goodwill

    253,158     253,646  

Derivative instruments

    19,873     4,608  

Other assets

    50,275     38,331  
           

  $ 4,011,334     5,282,798  
           

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

             

Current liabilities:

             
 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  $ 263,395     424,941  
 

Accrued interest

    39,830     7,143  
 

Derivative instruments

    8,006     1,284  
 

Deferred income taxes

    75,711     54,583  
 

Asset retirement obligations

    3,477     5,852  
 

Other current liabilities

    23,559     27,608  
           
   

Total current liabilities

    413,978     521,411  

Long-term debt

    2,934,489     2,735,661  

Asset retirement obligations

    96,167     91,139  

Derivative instruments

    6,092     2,600  

Deferred income taxes

        185,587  

Other liabilities

    71,443     73,488  
           
 

Total liabilities

    3,522,169     3,609,886  

Shareholders' equity:

             
 

Preferred stock, none issued and outstanding

         
 

Common stock, 97,074,098 and 97,039,751 shares issued and outstanding

    9,707     9,704  
 

Capital surplus

    2,361,716     2,354,903  
 

Accumulated deficit

    (1,907,066 )   (729,293 )
 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

    24,808     37,598  
           
 

Total shareholders' equity

    489,165     1,672,912  
           

  $ 4,011,334     5,282,798  
           

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

1


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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2009   2008  
 
  (In Thousands, Except
Per Share Amounts)

 

Revenues

  $ 194,667     376,530  

Operating expenses:

             
 

Lease operating expenses

    41,231     37,565  
 

Production and property taxes

    11,695     20,051  
 

Transportation and processing costs

    5,244     4,925  
 

General and administrative (including stock-based compensation)

    16,085     19,288  
 

Depreciation and depletion

    104,552     115,567  
 

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

    2,038     1,784  
 

Ceiling test write-down of oil and gas properties

    1,575,843      
           
   

Total operating expenses

    1,756,688     199,180  
           

Earnings (loss) from operations

    (1,562,021 )   177,350  

Other income and expense:

             
 

Interest expense

    36,545     27,857  
 

Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on derivative instruments, net

    (139,328 )   145,876  
 

Unrealized foreign currency exchange losses, net

    3,539     2,775  
 

Unrealized losses on other investments, net

    2,327     7,091  
 

Other expense, net

    3,016     837  
           
   

Total other income and expense

    (93,901 )   184,436  
           

Loss before income taxes

    (1,468,120 )   (7,086 )

Income tax:

             
 

Current

    1,268     (22 )
 

Deferred

    (291,615 )   (2,332 )
           
   

Total income tax

    (290,347 )   (2,354 )
           

Net loss

  $ (1,177,773 )   (4,732 )
           

Basic loss per common share

 
$

(12.32

)
 
(.05

)
           

Diluted loss per common share

  $ (12.32 )   (.05 )
           

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

2


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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(Unaudited)

 
  Common Stock    
   
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
   
 
 
  Capital
Surplus
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Total
Shareholders'
Equity
 
 
  Shares   Amount  
 
  (In Thousands)
 

Balances at December 31, 2008

    97,040   $ 9,704     2,354,903     (729,293 )   37,598     1,672,912  
 

Exercise of stock options

    1         11             11  
 

Employee stock purchase plan

    40     4     443             447  
 

Restricted stock issued, net of cancellations

    (2 )                    
 

Amortization of stock-based compensation

            6,449             6,449  
 

Restricted stock redeemed and other

    (5 )   (1 )   (90 )           (91 )

Comprehensive loss:

                                     
 

Net loss

                (1,177,773 )       (1,177,773 )
 

Unfunded postretirement benefits, net of tax

                    36     36  
 

Foreign currency translation

                    (12,826 )   (12,826 )
                                     
 

Total comprehensive loss

                                  (1,190,563 )
                           

Balances at March 31, 2009

    97,074   $ 9,707     2,361,716     (1,907,066 )   24,808     489,165  
                           

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2009   2008  
 
  (In Thousands)
 

Operating activities:

             
 

Net loss

  $ (1,177,773 )   (4,732 )
 

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

             
   

Depreciation and depletion

    104,552     115,567  
   

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

    2,038     1,784  
   

Stock-based compensation expense

    3,947     3,857  
   

Unrealized (gains) losses on derivative instruments, net

    (67,539 )   142,213  
   

Ceiling test write-down of oil and gas properties

    1,575,843      
   

Deferred income tax

    (291,615 )   (2,332 )
   

Unrealized foreign currency exchange losses, net

    3,539     2,775  
   

Unrealized losses on other investments, net

    2,327     7,091  
   

Other, net

    1,187     (1,024 )
 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

             
   

Accounts receivable

    43,280     (17,665 )
   

Other current assets

    10,136     (5,581 )
   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

    (89,982 )   (47,955 )
   

Accrued interest and other current liabilities

    28,426     13,074  
           

Net cash provided by operating activities

    148,366     207,072  

Investing activities:

             
 

Capital expenditures for property and equipment:

             
   

Exploration, development, and acquisition costs

    (301,329 )   (257,650 )
   

Other fixed assets

    (21,840 )   (6,428 )
 

Proceeds from sales of assets

    6,292     466  
 

Other, net

        5  
           

Net cash used by investing activities

    (316,877 )   (263,607 )

Financing activities:

             
 

Proceeds from bank borrowings

    430,856     383,590  
 

Repayments of bank borrowings

    (799,484 )   (340,622 )
 

Issuance of 81/2% senior notes, net of issuance costs

    559,767      
 

Proceeds from the exercise of options and from employee stock purchase plan

    458     4,924  
 

Change in bank overdrafts

    (21,752 )   1,611  
 

Other, net

    (2,663 )   (644 )
           

Net cash provided by financing activities

    167,182     48,859  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

    (20 )   (90 )
           

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

    (1,349 )   (7,766 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    2,205     9,685  
           

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 856     1,919  
           

Cash paid during the period for:

             
 

Interest

  $ 6,100     5,222  
 

Income taxes

    1,930     44  

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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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, 2009, the results of its operations for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, and its cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008. Interim 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 amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, 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 previously 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 investments in unproved properties, valuing deferred tax assets and goodwill, and estimating fair values of financial instruments, including derivative instruments.

        Certain amounts in the prior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2009 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, 2008, previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

Earnings per Share

        Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) attributable to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Under the treasury stock method, diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed by adjusting the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the dilutive effect, if any, of stock options, unvested restricted stock grants, and unvested phantom stock units.

        In June 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued FASB Staff Position ("FSP") No. EITF 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities ("FSP EITF 03-6-1"), which addressed whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities prior to vesting and, therefore, need to be included in the earnings allocation in computing basic earnings per share under the two-class method described in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, Earnings per Share. FSP EITF 03-6-1 was effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years

5


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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

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


beginning after December 15, 2008 and interim periods within those years. Accordingly, Forest adopted this pronouncement as of January 1, 2009. All prior period earnings per share data presented have been adjusted retrospectively to conform with the provisions of this pronouncement.

        Restricted stock issued under Forest's stock incentive plans has the right to receive non-forfeitable cash dividends, participating on an equal basis with common stock. Phantom stock units issued to directors under Forest's stock incentive plans also have the right to receive non-forfeitable cash dividends, participating on an equal basis with common stock, while phantom stock units issued to employees do not participate in dividends. Stock options issued under Forest's stock incentive plans do not participate in dividends. Therefore, restricted stock and phantom stock units issued to directors are participating securities and earnings must now be allocated to both common stock and these participating securities in the basic earnings per share calculation. However, these participating securities do not have a contractual obligation to share in Forest's losses. Therefore, in periods of net loss, none of the loss is allocated to these participating securities. Since Forest had a net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, the adoption of FSP EITF 03-6-1 had no impact on its basic earnings per share calculations for those periods. In periods of net earnings, however, basic earnings per share calculated under the two-class method will likely be lower than it would had it been prior to the adoption of FSP EITF 03-6-1.

        Stock options, unvested restricted stock grants, and unvested phantom stock units were not included in the calculation of diluted loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 as their inclusion would have an antidilutive effect.

        The following sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted loss per share for the periods presented.

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2009   2008  
 
  (In Thousands, Except
Per Share Amounts)

 

Net loss

  $ (1,177,773 )   (4,732 )
           

Weighted average common shares outstanding during the period

   
95,571
   
87,294
 

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

         
           

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

    95,571     87,294  
           

Basic loss per common share

 
$

(12.32

)
 
(.05

)
           

Diluted loss per common share

  $ (12.32 )   (.05 )
           

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

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

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' equity instead of net earnings (loss). Items included in Forest's other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 are foreign currency losses related to the translation of the assets and liabilities of Forest's Canadian operations and changes in unfunded postretirement benefits.

        The components of comprehensive loss are as follows:

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2009   2008  
 
  (In Thousands)
 

Net loss

  $ (1,177,773 )   (4,732 )

Other comprehensive income (loss):

             
 

Foreign currency translation losses

    (12,826 )   (14,290 )
 

Unfunded postretirement benefits, net of tax

    36      
           

Total comprehensive loss

  $ (1,190,563 )   (19,022 )
           

(3) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

        The table below sets forth total stock-based compensation recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 under the provisions of SFAS No. 123 (Revised), Share-Based Payment

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(3) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)


("SFAS 123(R)"), and the remaining unamortized amounts and the weighted average amortization period remaining as of March 31, 2009.

 
  Stock
Options
  Restricted
Stock
  Phantom
Stock Units
  Total(1)  
 
  (In Thousands)
 

Three months ended March 31, 2009:

                         
 

Total stock-based compensation costs

  $ 277     5,984     (76 )   6,185  
 

Less: stock-based compensation costs capitalized

    (125 )   (2,346 )   45     (2,426 )
                   
 

Stock-based compensation costs expensed

  $ 152     3,638     (31 )   3,759  
                   

Unamortized stock-based compensation costs as of March 31, 2009

 
$

2,080
   
40,999
   
1,254

(2)
 
44,333
 

Weighted average amortization period remaining

    1.5 years     1.9 years     1.9 years     1.9 years  

Three months ended March 31, 2008:

                         
 

Total stock-based compensation costs

  $ 835     4,436     653     5,924  
 

Less: stock-based compensation costs capitalized

    (347 )   (1,453 )   (393 )   (2,193 )
                   
 

Stock-based compensation costs expensed

  $ 488     2,983     260     3,731  
                   

(1)
The Company also maintains an employee stock purchase plan (which is not included in the table) under which $.2 million and $.1 million of compensation cost was recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, under the provisions of SFAS 123(R).

(2)
Based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on March 31, 2009.

Stock Options

        The following table summarizes stock option activity in the Company's stock-based compensation plans for the three months ended March 31, 2009.

 
  Number of
Shares
  Weighted
Average Exercise
Price
  Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(In Thousands)(1)
  Number of
Shares
Exercisable
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2009

    2,097,267   $ 21.13   $ 376     1,898,316  

Granted

                       

Exercised

    (1,115 )   10.01     4        

Cancelled

    (51,391 )   18.53              
                         

Outstanding at March 31, 2009

    2,044,761     21.20         1,859,552  
                         

(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.

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(3) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)

Restricted Stock and Phantom Stock Units

        The following table summarizes the restricted stock and phantom stock unit activity in the Company's stock-based compensation plans for the three months ended March 31, 2009.

 
  Restricted Stock   Phantom Stock Units  
 
  Number of
Shares
  Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
  Number of
Shares
  Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
 

Unvested at January 1, 2009

    1,490,795   $ 52.31     163,954   $ 51.10  

Awarded

    500     17.21     9,500     14.83  

Vested

    (16,200 )   48.54     (1,500 )   17.51  

Forfeited

    (2,150 )   50.65     (16,575 )   48.33  
                       

Unvested at March 31, 2009

    1,472,945     52.34     155,379     49.50  
                       

        The phantom stock units can be settled in cash, shares of common stock, or a combination of both. The phantom stock units have been accounted for as a liability within the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

(4) DEBT

        Components of debt are as follows:

 
  March 31, 2009   December 31, 2008  
 
  Principal   Unamortized
Premium
(Discount)
  Other(2)   Total   Principal   Unamortized
Premium
(Discount)
  Other(2)   Total  
 
  (In Thousands)
 

U.S. Credit Facility

  $ 800,000             800,000     1,190,000             1,190,000  

Canadian Credit Facility

    112,578             112,578     94,415             94,415  

8% Senior Notes due 2011

    285,000     3,552     2,269     290,821     285,000     3,875     2,475     291,350  

7% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013

    1,112     (23 )       1,089     1,112     (25 )       1,087  

81/2% Senior Notes due 2014(1)

    600,000     (28,414 )       571,586                  

73/4% Senior Notes due 2014

    150,000     (1,214 )   9,053     157,839     150,000     (1,273 )   9,492     158,219  

71/4% Senior Notes due 2019

    1,000,000     576         1,000,576     1,000,000     590         1,000,590  
                                   

Total debt

  $ 2,948,690     (25,523 )   11,322     2,934,489     2,720,527     3,167     11,967     2,735,661  
                                   

(1)
In February 2009, the Company issued $600 million in principal amount of 81/2% senior notes due 2014 at 95.15% of par for proceeds of $559.8 million (net of related offering costs) and used the net proceeds to pay down outstanding balances on the Company's U.S. credit facility.

(2)
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.

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(4) DEBT (Continued)

Bank Credit Facilities

        On March 16, 2009, Forest entered into the Second Amendment (the "Second Amendment") to its second amended and restated combined credit agreements dated as of June 6, 2007 that amended certain definitions and covenants of the credit agreements, including the total debt outstanding-to-EBITDA ratio. The effective date of the Second Amendment is March 16, 2009. The second amended and restated combined credit agreements consist of a $1.65 billion U.S. credit facility (the "U.S. Facility") with a syndicate of banks led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and a $150 million Canadian credit facility (the "Canadian Facility," and together with the U.S. Facility, the "Credit Facilities") with a syndicate of banks led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Toronto Branch. The Credit Facilities will mature in June 2012.

        Forest's availability under the Credit Facilities is governed by a borrowing base (the "Global Borrowing Base"). As a result of issuing $600 million of 81/2% senior notes due 2014 in February 2009, Forest's borrowing base was lowered from $1.8 billion to $1.62 billion effective February 17, 2009. As a result of the adjustment to the Global Borrowing Base, Forest reallocated amounts under the U.S. Facility and Canadian Facility and currently has allocated $1.47 billion to the U.S. Facility and $150 million to the Canadian Facility. On March 16, 2009, Forest announced that its bank group reaffirmed Forest's $1.62 billion Global Borrowing Base and $1.8 billion nominal amount related to the Credit Facilities. The next redetermination of the borrowing base is scheduled to be in the fourth quarter of 2009.

        At March 31, 2009, there were outstanding borrowings of $800.0 million under the U.S. Facility at a weighted average interest rate of 1.8%, and there were outstanding borrowings of $112.6 million under the Canadian Facility at a weighted average interest rate of 2.1%. The Company also had used the Credit Facilities for $2.7 million in letters of credit, leaving an unused borrowing amount under the Credit Facilities of $704.7 million at March 31, 2009.

81/2% Senior Notes Due 2014

        On February 17, 2009, Forest issued $600 million in principal amount of 81/2% senior notes due 2014 (the "81/2% Notes") at 95.15% of par for net proceeds of $559.8 million, after deducting initial purchaser discounts. Proceeds from the 81/2% Notes were used to pay down outstanding balances on the Company's U.S. Facility. The 81/2% Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by Forest Oil Permian Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Forest, on an unsecured basis. Interest is payable on February 15 and August 15 of each year, beginning August 15, 2009. The 81/2% Notes will mature on February 15, 2014. Forest may redeem up to 35% of the 81/2% Notes at any time prior to February 15, 2012, on one or more occasions, with the proceeds from certain equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 108.5% of the principal amount, plus accrued but unpaid interest.

        Forest may also redeem the 81/2% Notes in whole or in part and at any time, at a "make-whole" redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the 81/2% Notes to be redeemed or (ii) the sum of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the 81/2% Notes discounted to the date of redemption at an applicable Treasury yield rate plus 0.50%, plus, in either case, accrued but unpaid interest.

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(5) OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES

Full Cost Method of Accounting

        The Company uses the full cost method of accounting for oil and gas properties. Separate cost centers are maintained for each country in which the Company has operations. During the periods presented, the Company'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. During the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, Forest capitalized $10.4 million and $12.1 million of general and administrative costs (including stock-based compensation), respectively. Interest costs related to significant unproved properties that are under development are also capitalized to oil and gas properties. During the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company capitalized $3.4 million and $5.2 million, respectively, of interest costs attributed to unproved properties.

        Investments in unproved properties, including 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, the Company must perform a ceiling test each quarter on its proved oil and gas assets within each separate cost center. The ceiling test provides that 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, excluding the future cash outflows associated with settling asset retirement obligations that have been accrued on the balance sheet, at 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. Should the net capitalized costs for a cost center exceed the sum of the components noted above, a ceiling test write-down would be recognized to the extent of the excess capitalized costs. As a result of this limitation on capitalized costs, the accompanying financial statements included a provision for a ceiling test write-down of oil and gas property costs for the three months ended March 31, 2009 of $1.377 billion in the United States and $199.0 million in Canada.

        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.

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(5) OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES (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.

Acquisitions

Texas Properties Acquisition

        On September 30, 2008, Forest acquired producing oil and natural gas properties located in its Greater Buffalo Wallow and Ark-La-Tex core areas from Cordillera Texas, L.P. Forest paid approximately $570 million in cash, subject to customary post-closing adjustments to reflect an economic effective date of July 1, 2008, and issued 7.25 million shares of Forest's common stock, valued at approximately $360 million (based on a September 30, 2008 closing price), to the seller for the acquired assets. Forest funded the cash component of the purchase price primarily using advances under its credit facilities.

Ark-La-Tex Properties Acquisition

        On May 2, 2008, Forest acquired producing oil and natural gas properties located primarily in its core Ark-La-Tex region in East Texas and North Louisiana. Forest paid approximately $284 million, as adjusted to reflect an economic effective date of April 1, 2008, for the assets using funds advanced under its credit facilities.

(6) ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

        Forest records estimated future asset retirement obligations pursuant to the provisions of SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations ("SFAS 143"). SFAS 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.

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(6) ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS (Continued)

        The following table summarizes the activity for Forest's asset retirement obligations for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

 
  Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
 
  2009   2008  
 
  (In Thousands)
 

Asset retirement obligations at beginning of period

  $ 96,991     90,505  

Accretion expense

    2,038     1,784  

Liabilities incurred

    1,313     2,417  

Liabilities settled

    (880 )   (843 )

Disposition of properties

    (607 )    

Liabilities assumed

        319  

Revisions of estimated liabilities

    1,172     (1,921 )

Impact of foreign currency exchange rate

    (383 )   (571 )
           

Asset retirement obligations at end of period

    99,644     91,690  

Less: current asset retirement obligations

    (3,477 )   (3,308 )
           

Long-term asset retirement obligations

  $ 96,167     88,382  
           

(7) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

        In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements ("SFAS 157"). This statement clarifies the definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 157 as of January 1, 2008 for all financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis. The Company has also adopted SFAS 157 as it relates to all nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are not recognized or disclosed on a recurring basis (e.g. those measured at fair value in a business combination, the initial recognition of asset retirement obligations, and impairments of goodwill and other long-lived assets) as of January 1, 2009 pursuant to the provisions of FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157. The adoption of SFAS 157 did not materially impact the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flow.

        SFAS 157 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for use when little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

        As of March 31, 2009, the Company held certain financial assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis, including: (i) the Company's commodity and interest rate derivative instruments and (ii) other investments, comprised of a zero coupon senior subordinated note due from Pacific Energy Resources, Ltd. ("PERL") in 2014 at a principal amount at stated maturity of $60.8 million (the "PERL Note") and 10 million shares of PERL common stock (the "PERL Shares").

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(7) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)

        The Company used the income approach in determining the fair value of its derivative instruments, utilizing present value techniques for valuing its swaps and basis swaps and option-pricing models for valuing its collars. Inputs to these valuation techniques include published forward prices, volatilities, and credit risk considerations, including the incorporation of published interest rates and credit spreads. All of these inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly; therefore, the Company's derivative instruments are included within the Level 2 fair value hierarchy.

        The Company used the income approach in determining the fair value of the PERL Shares and Note, which are included within the Level 3 fair value hierarchy. Because PERL's common shares were suspended from trading in March 2009 for failure to meet the continued stock exchange listing requirements, there is no active market for them and they can no longer be valued within the Level 1 fair value hierarchy. The Company used its own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use regarding future cash flows and risk-adjusted discount rates in valuing the PERL Shares and Note. PERL filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in March 2009. The bankruptcy proceedings are still at a very early stage; however, PERL has indicated that the value of its assets is less than the amount of PERL's senior unsubordinated debt. Based on these facts and circumstances, the Company estimates the fair value of the PERL Shares and Note to be zero.

        The Company's assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2009, were as follows:

Description
  Using
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
  Using
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
  Total  
 
  (In Thousands)
 

Assets:

                   
 

Derivative instruments

  $ 250,726         250,726  
 

Equity securities

             
 

Debt securities

             

Liabilities:

                   
 

Derivative instruments

    14,098         14,098  

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(7) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)

        The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the Company's assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31, 2009
  Three
Months
Ended
March 31,
2008
 
 
  Equity
Securities
  Debt
Securities
  Debt
Securities
 
 
  (In Thousands)
 

Balance at beginning of period

  $     1,670     15,023  
 

Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized):

                   
   

Included in earnings

    (657 )   (1,670 )   1,046  
   

Included in other comprehensive income

             
   

Purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net)

             
   

Transfers in and/or out of Level 3

    657          
               

Balance at end of period

  $         16,069  
               

The amount of total gains or (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at end of period

 
$

(657

)
 
(1,670

)
 
238
 
               

        Gains and losses (realized and unrealized) included in earnings related to the Company's assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 are reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows:

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31, 2009
  Three Months Ended
March 31, 2008
 
 
  Equity Securities   Debt Securities   Debt Securities  
 
  Unrealized
Losses on
Other Investments,
Net
  Unrealized
Losses on
Other Investments,
Net
  Unrealized
Losses on
Other Investments,
Net
  Other Expense,
Net(1)
 
 
  (In Thousands)
 

Total losses or (gains) included in earnings for the period

  $ 657     1,670     (238 )   (808 )
                   

Change in unrealized losses or (gains) relating to assets still held at end of period

  $ 657     1,670     (238 )    
                   

(1)
Represents imputed interest income on the PERL Note.

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(7) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)

        The fair values and carrying amounts of the Company's financial instruments are summarized below for the periods presented.

 
  March 31, 2009   December 31, 2008  
 
  Carrying
Amount
  Fair
Value
  Carrying
Amount
  Fair
Value
 
 
  (In Thousands)
 

Cash

  $ 856     856     2,205     2,205  

Accounts receivable

    113,030     113,030     157,226     157,226  

Other investments

            2,327     2,327  

Derivative instruments, net

    236,628     236,628     170,111     170,111  

Credit facilities

    912,578     912,578     1,284,415     1,284,415  

8% senior notes due 2011

    290,821     273,600     291,350     256,500  

7% senior subordinated notes due 2013

    1,089     1,001     1,087     912  

81/2% senior notes due 2014

    571,586     558,000          

73/4% senior notes due 2014

    157,839     133,500     158,219     123,000  

71/4% senior notes due 2019

    1,000,576     790,000     1,000,590     780,000  

        The Company used various assumptions and methods in estimating the fair values of its financial instruments. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable approximated their fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. The carrying amount of the Company's credit facilities approximated fair value, because the interest rates on the credit facilities are variable. The fair values of the Company's senior notes and senior subordinated notes were estimated based on quoted market prices, if available, or quoted market prices of comparable instruments. The fair values of the Company's derivative instruments and other investments are discussed above.

(8) DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

Commodity Derivatives

        Forest periodically enters into derivative instruments such as swap, basis swap, and collar agreements in order to 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, the Company has elected not to designate its derivatives as hedging instruments under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities ("SFAS 133"). As such, the Company recognizes all changes in fair value of its derivative instruments in earnings rather than deferring such amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income included in shareholders' equity, as would be done if the derivatives were designated as hedging instruments under SFAS 133 and cash flow hedge accounting were utilized.

        In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 ("SFAS 161"). SFAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. This statement was effective for fiscal

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(8) DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Continued)


years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. Accordingly, Forest has adopted this pronouncement as of January 1, 2009.

        The table below sets forth Forest's outstanding commodity swaps and collars as of March 31, 2009.

 
  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
 

Swaps:

                         
 

April 2009 - October 2009

    210 (1) $ 7.33     4,500   $ 69.01  
 

November 2009 - December 2009

    160 (1)   8.24     4,500     69.01  
 

Calendar 2010

    150     6.36     1,500     72.95  

Costless Collars:

                         
 

April 2009 - December 2009

    40   $ 7.31/9.76 (2)     $  

(1)
10 Bbtu per day is subject to a $6.00 written put.

(2)
Represents weighted average hedged floor and ceiling price per MMBtu.

        Forest also uses basis swaps in connection with natural gas swaps in order to fix the price differential between the NYMEX Henry Hub price and the index price at which the natural gas production is sold. The table below sets forth Forest's outstanding basis swaps as of March 31, 2009. Subsequent to March 31, 2009, through April 30, 2009, Forest entered into additional basis swaps covering 40 Bbtu per day for Calendar 2010 at a weighted average hedged price differential of $(.44) for the NGPL TXOK index.

 
  Index   Bbtu Per Day   Weighted Average
Hedged Price
Differential
per MMBtu
 

April 2009 - December 2009

  AECO     25   $ (.65 )

April 2009 - December 2009

  Centerpoint     30     (.95 )

April 2009 - December 2009

  Houston Ship Channel     50     (.33 )

April 2009 - December 2009

  Mid Continent     60     (1.04 )

April 2009 - December 2009

  NGPL TXOK     40     (.53 )

Calendar 2010

  Centerpoint     30     (.95 )

Calendar 2010

  Mid Continent     60     (1.04 )

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(8) DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

Interest Rate Derivatives

        Forest periodically enters into interest rate derivative agreements in an attempt to normalize the mix of fixed and floating interest rates within its debt portfolio. In June 2008, the Company terminated all of its interest rate swaps outstanding. In February 2009, the Company entered into a fixed to floating interest rate swap as set forth in the table below.

Swap Term
  Notional
Amount
(In Thousands)
  Floating Rate   Fixed
Rate
 

February 2009 - February 2014

  $ 100,000   1 month LIBOR + 6.00%     8.50 %

        In addition to the interest rate swap, during the three months ended March 31, 2009, Forest entered into certain interest rate swaptions, which enable the counterparties to exercise options to enter into interest rate swaps with Forest. Forest received premiums on these swaptions. The interest rate swaps underlying the swaptions also exchange the 8.5% fixed interest rate on a portion of the 81/2% Notes for a variable rate over the term of the 81/2% Notes. Forest entered into these interest rate swaptions as its target interest rates are currently not attainable in the interest rate swap market. The table below sets forth Forest's outstanding interest rate swaptions as of March 31, 2009. Subsequent to March 31, 2009, through April 30, 2009, the counterparties have not exercised their options.

Option Term
  Swap Term   Premiums
Received
(In Thousands)
  Notional
Amount
(In Thousands)
  Weighted Average
Floating Rate
  Weighted
Average
Fixed
Rate
 

March 2009 - June 2009

  June 2009 - February 2014   $ 1,322   $ 200,000   1 month LIBOR + 5.85%     8.50 %

        Subsequent to March 31, 2009, through April 30, 2009, Forest entered into certain additional interest rate swaptions as set forth in the table below.

Option Term
  Swap Term   Premiums
Received
(In Thousands)
  Notional
Amount
(In Thousands)
  Weighted Average
Floating Rate
  Weighted
Average
Fixed
Rate
 

April 2009 - July 2009

  July 2009 - February 2014   $ 1,065   $ 225,000   1 month LIBOR + 5.88%     8.50 %

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(8) DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

Fair Value and Gains and Losses

        The table below summarizes the location and fair value amounts of Forest's derivative instruments reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of the period indicated. These derivative instruments are not designated as hedging instruments under SFAS 133. For financial reporting purposes, Forest does not offset asset and liability fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments with the same counterparty under its master netting arrangements. See Note 7 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on our derivative instruments.

 
  March 31, 2009   December 31, 2008  
 
  (In Thousands)
 

Assets:

             
 

Commodity derivatives:

             
   

Current assets: derivative instruments

  $ 230,567     169,387  
   

Derivative instruments

    18,879     4,608  
 

Interest rate derivatives:

             
   

Current assets: derivative instruments

    286      
   

Derivative instruments

    994      
           

Total assets

    250,726     173,995  

Liabilities:

             
 

Commodity derivatives:

             
   

Current liabilities: derivative instruments

    7,460     1,284  
   

Derivative instruments

    6,092     2,600  
 

Interest rate derivatives:

             
   

Current liabilities: derivative instruments

    546      
           

Total liabilities

    14,098     3,884  
           

Net derivative fair value

  $ 236,628     170,111  
           

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(8) DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Continued)

        The table below summarizes the location and amount of derivative instrument gains and losses reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the periods indicated. These derivative instruments are not designated as hedging instruments under SFAS 133, as such the gains and losses are included in Other income and expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2009   2008  
 
  (In Thousands)
 

Commodity derivatives:

             
 

Realized (gains) losses

  $ (71,265 )   3,379  
 

Unrealized (gains) losses

    (65,784 )   137,430  

Interest rate derivatives:

             
 

Realized (gains) losses

    (524 )   284  
 

Unrealized (gains) losses

    (1,755 )   4,783  
           

Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on derivative instruments, net

 
$

(139,328

)
 
145,876
 
           

        Due to the volatility of oil and natural gas prices, the estimated fair values of Forest's commodity derivative instruments are subject to large fluctuations from period to period. Forest has experienced the effects of these commodity price fluctuations in both the current period and prior periods and expects that volatility in commodity prices will continue.

Credit Risk

        Forest executes with each of its derivative counterparties an International Swap and Derivatives Association, Inc. ("ISDA") Master Agreement, which is a standard industry form contract containing general terms and conditions applicable to many types of derivative transactions. Additionally, Forest executes, with each of its derivative counterparties, a Schedule, which modifies the terms and conditions of the ISDA Master Agreement according to the parties' requirements and the specific types of derivatives to be traded. Forest's derivative counterparties are also lenders or affiliates of lenders under its Credit Facilities. The Credit Facilities provide that any security granted by Forest under the Credit Facilities shall also extend to and be available to those lenders that are counterparties to derivative transactions with Forest. The ISDA Master Agreements and Schedules do not contain any terms requiring further collateral than is required under the Credit Facilities. The Credit Facilities are collateralized by a portion of the Company's assets. The Company is required to mortgage and grant a security interest in the greater of (i) 75% of the present value of its consolidated proved oil and gas properties or (ii) 1.875 multiplied by the allocated U.S. borrowing base. The Company is also required to and has pledged the stock of several subsidiaries to the lenders to secure the Credit Facilities. Under certain circumstances, the Company could be obligated to pledge additional assets as collateral. If Forest's corporate credit ratings assigned by Moody's and S&P improve and meet pre-established levels, the collateral requirements would cease to apply and, at the Company's request, the banks would

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(8) DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Continued)


release their liens on and security interests in the Company's properties. In addition to these collateral requirements, one of the Company's subsidiaries, Forest Oil Permian Corporation, is a subsidiary guarantor of the Credit Facilities.

        The ISDA Master Agreements and Schedules contain cross-default provisions whereby a default under the Credit Facilities will also cause a default under the derivative agreements. Such events of default include non-payment, breach of warranty, non-performance of financial covenants, default on other indebtedness, certain pension plan events, certain adverse judgments, change of control, a failure of the liens securing the Credit Facilities, and an event of default under the Canadian Facility. In addition, bankruptcy and insolvency events with respect to Forest or certain of its subsidiaries will result in an automatic acceleration of the indebtedness under the Credit Facilities. None of these events of default are specifically credit-related, but some could arise due to a general deterioration of Forest's credit. The ISDA Master Agreements and Schedules contain a further credit-related termination event that would occur if Forest were to merge with another entity and the creditworthiness of the resulting entity was materially weaker than that of Forest.

        Forest's derivative counterparties are all financial institutions that are engaged in similar activities and have similar economic characteristics that, in general, could cause their ability to meet contractual obligations to be similarly affected by changes in economic or other conditions. Forest does not require the posting of collateral for its benefit under its derivative agreements. However, Forest's ISDA Master Agreements contain netting provisions whereby if on any date amounts would otherwise be payable by each party to the other, then on such date the party that owes the larger amount will pay the excess of that amount over the smaller amount owed by the other party, thus satisfying each party's obligations. These provisions apply to all derivative transactions with the particular counterparty. If all counterparties failed, we would be exposed to a risk of loss equal to this net amount owed to us, the fair value of which is $237.9 million at March 31, 2009. If Forest suffered an event of default, each counterparty could demand immediate payment, subject to notification periods, of the net obligations due to it under the derivative agreement. At March 31, 2009, Forest owed a net derivative liability to only one counterparty, the fair value of which is $1.2 million.

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(9) INCOME TAXES

        A reconciliation of income tax computed by applying the United States statutory federal income tax rate is as follows:

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2009   2008  
 
  (In Thousands)
 

Federal income tax at 35% of loss before income taxes

  $ (513,842 )   (2,480 )

Change in valuation allowance for deferred tax assets

    215,836      

State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefits

    (14,244 )   (320 )

Effect of differing tax rates in Canada

    12,338     (990 )

Effect of federal, state, and foreign tax on permanent items

    3,119     725  

Adjustments for statutory rate reductions and other

    6,446     711  
           

Total income tax

  $ (290,347 )   (2,354 )
           

        In assessing the need for a valuation allowance on the Company's deferred tax assets, all available evidence, both negative and positive, was considered in determining whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. Based on this assessment, Forest recorded an additional valuation allowance of $215.3 million against its U.S. deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2009. In addition, the effective income tax rate was adjusted for the effect of valuation allowances provided for deferred tax assets and capital losses in Canada of approximately $.5 million.

(10) GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS

        Segment information has been prepared in accordance with SFAS No. 131, Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. At March 31, 2009, Forest conducted operations in one industry segment, that being the oil and gas exploration and production industry, and had three reportable geographical business segments: United States, Canada, and International. Forest's remaining activities were not significant and therefore were not reported as a separate segment, but have been included as a reconciling item in the information below. The segments were determined

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(10) GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS (Continued)


based upon the geographical location of operations in each business segment. The segment data presented below was prepared on the same basis as the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
  Oil and Gas Operations  
 
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2009  
 
  United States   Canada   International   Total Company  
 
  (In Thousands)
 

Revenue

  $ 166,352     28,307         194,659  

Expenses:

                       
 

Lease operating expenses

    34,702     6,529         41,231  
 

Production and property taxes

    10,944     751         11,695  
 

Transportation and processing costs

    3,039     2,205         5,244  
 

Depletion

    86,491     15,678         102,169  
 

Ceiling test write-down of oil and gas properties

    1,376,822     199,021         1,575,843  
 

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

    1,772     243     23     2,038  
                   

Loss from operations

  $ (1,347,418 )   (196,120 )   (23 )   (1,543,561 )
                   

Capital expenditures(1)

  $ 225,860     25,976     965     252,801  
                   

Goodwill

  $ 239,420     13,738         253,158  
                   

(1)
Includes estimated discounted asset retirement obligations of $2.5 million related to assets placed in service during the three months ended March 31, 2009.

        A reconciliation of segment loss from operations to consolidated loss before income taxes is as follows:

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31, 2009
 
 
  (In Thousands)
 

Loss from operations for reportable segments

  $ (1,543,561 )

Marketing, processing, and other

    8  

General and administrative expense (including stock-based compensation)

    (16,085 )

Administrative asset depreciation

    (2,383 )

Interest expense

    (36,545 )

Realized and unrealized gains on derivative instruments, net

    139,328  

Unrealized foreign currency exchange losses, net

    (3,539 )

Unrealized losses on other investments, net

    (2,327 )

Other expense, net

    (3,016 )
       

Loss before income taxes

  $ (1,468,120 )
       

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(10) GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS (Continued)


 
  Oil and Gas Operations  
 
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2008  
 
  United States   Canada   International   Total Company  
 
  (In Thousands)
 

Revenue

  $ 315,496     61,091         376,587  

Expenses:

                         
 

Lease operating expenses

    28,934     8,631         37,565  
 

Production and property taxes

    19,174     877         20,051  
 

Transportation and processing costs

    2,432     2,493         4,925  
 

Depletion

    91,859     22,089         113,948  
 

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

    1,475     288     21     1,784  
                   

Earnings (loss) from operations

  $ 171,622     26,713     (21 )   198,314  
                   

Capital expenditures(1)

  $ 195,739     71,175     905     267,819  
                   

Goodwill

  $ 237,578     16,881         254,459  
                   

(1)
Includes estimated discounted asset retirement obligations of $.8 million related to assets placed in service during the three months ended March 31, 2008.

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

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31, 2008
 
 
  (In Thousands)
 

Earnings (loss) from operations for reportable segments

  $ 198,314  

Marketing, processing, and other

    (57 )

General and administrative expense (including stock-based compensation)

    (19,288 )

Administrative asset depreciation

    (1,619 )

Interest expense

    (27,857 )

Realized and unrealized losses on derivative instruments, net

    (145,876 )

Unrealized foreign currency exchange losses, net

    (2,775 )

Unrealized losses on other investments, net

    (7,091 )

Other expense, net

    (837 )
       

Loss before income taxes

  $ (7,086 )
       

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(10) GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS (Continued)

        The following tables set forth information regarding the Company's total assets by segment and long-lived assets by geographic area. Long-lived assets include net property and equipment and goodwill.

 
  Total Assets  
 
  March 31, 2009   December 31, 2008  
 
  (In Thousands)
 

United States

  $ 3,455,316     4,476,489  

Canada

    476,440     726,895  

International

    79,578     79,414  
           

Total assets

  $ 4,011,334     5,282,798  
           

 

 
  Long-Lived Assets  
 
  March 31, 2009   December 31, 2008  
 
  (In Thousands)
 

United States

  $ 2,771,602     3,998,129  

Canada

    472,385     691,009  

International

    78,618     77,672  
           

Total long-lived assets

  $ 3,322,605     4,766,810  
           

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(11) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

        The Company's 8% senior notes due 2011, 81/2% senior notes due 2014, 73/4% senior notes due 2014, and 71/4% senior notes due 2019 have been fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Forest Oil Permian Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the "Subsidiary Guarantor"). The Company's remaining subsidiaries (the "Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries") have not provided guarantees. Based on this distinction, the following presents condensed consolidating financial information as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 and for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 on an issuer (parent company), guarantor subsidiary, non-guarantor subsidiaries, eliminating entries, and consolidated basis. Elimination entries presented are necessary to combine the entities.


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands)

 
  March 31, 2009   December 31, 2008  
 
  Parent
Company
  Guarantor
Subsidiary
  Combined
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations   Consolidated   Parent
Company
  Guarantor
Subsidiary
  Combined
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations   Consolidated  

ASSETS

                                                             

Current assets:

                                                             
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 465     21     370         856     1,226     74     905         2,205  
 

Accounts receivable

    59,947     18,565     35,237     (719 )   113,030     106,941     22,003     28,584     (302 )   157,226  
 

Other current assets

    358,908     819     8,392         368,119     304,424     471     8,723         313,618  
                                           
   

Total current assets

    419,320     19,405     43,999     (719 )   482,005     412,591     22,548     38,212     (302 )   473,049  

Property and equipment, at cost

    7,512,416     1,311,247     1,446,596         10,270,259     7,327,978     1,259,337     1,465,891         10,053,206  
 

Less accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization

    5,372,315     964,436     864,061         7,200,812     4,145,061     727,858     667,123         5,540,042  
                                           
   

Net property and equipment

    2,140,101     346,811     582,535         3,069,447     3,182,917     531,479     798,768         4,513,164  

Investment in subsidiaries

    190,368             (190,368 )       577,405             (577,405 )    

Note receivable from subsidiary

    93,052             (93,052 )       93,052             (93,052 )    

Deferred income taxes

    187,108             (50,532 )   136,576                      

Goodwill

    216,460     22,960     13,738         253,158     216,460     22,960     14,226         253,646  

Due from (to) parent and subsidiaries

    483,281     66,293     (549,574 )           391,074     141,656     (532,730 )        

Other assets

    67,989     5     2,154         70,148     40,607     5     2,327         42,939  
                                           

  $ 3,797,679     455,474     92,852     (334,671 )   4,011,334     4,914,106     718,648     320,803     (670,759 )   5,282,798  
                                           

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

                                                             

Current liabilities:

                                                             
 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  $ 206,173     15,424     42,517     (719 )   263,395     338,754     27,631     58,858     (302 )   424,941  
 

Other current liabilities

    143,893     1,040     5,650         150,583     88,064     1,165     7,241         96,470  
                                           
   

Total current liabilities

    350,066     16,464     48,167     (719 )   413,978     426,818     28,796     66,099     (302 )   521,411  

Long-term debt

    2,821,911         112,578         2,934,489     2,641,246         94,415         2,735,661  

Note payable to parent

            93,052     (93,052 )               93,052     (93,052 )    

Other liabilities

    136,537     3,383     33,782         173,702     128,017     3,397     35,813         167,227  

Deferred income taxes

        25,478     25,054     (50,532 )       45,113     61,383     79,091         185,587  
                                           
   

Total liabilities

    3,308,514     45,325     312,633     (144,303 )   3,522,169     3,241,194     93,576     368,470     (93,354 )   3,609,886  

Shareholders' equity

    489,165     410,149     (219,781 )   (190,368 )   489,165     1,672,912     625,072     (47,667 )   (577,405 )   1,672,912  
                                           

  $ 3,797,679     455,474     92,852     (334,671 )   4,011,334     4,914,106     718,648     320,803     (670,759 )   5,282,798  
                                           

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(11) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands)

 
  Three Months Ended March 31,  
 
  2009   2008  
 
  Parent
Company
  Guarantor
Subsidiary
  Combined
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations   Consolidated   Parent
Company
  Guarantor
Subsidiary
  Combined
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Eliminations   Consolidated  

Revenues

  $ 133,142     32,521     29,004         194,667     254,051     25,880     94,052     2,547     376,530  

Operating expenses:

                                                             
 

Lease operating expenses

    28,925     5,556     6,743     7     41,231     24,143     3,147     10,266     9     37,565  
 

Other direct operating costs

    13,153     1,474     2,312         16,939     18,041     1,856     5,079         24,976  
 

General and administrative (including stock-based compensation)

    13,312     715     2,058         16,085     16,876     6     2,406         19,288  
 

Depreciation and depletion

    71,516     18,011     16,581     (1,556 )   104,552     76,353     5,435     33,782     (3 )   115,567  
 

Ceiling test write-down of oil and gas properties

    1,155,777     218,567     201,499         1,575,843                      
 

Other operating expenses

    1,692     81     265         2,038     1,409     41     334         1,784  
                                           
   

Total operating expenses

    1,284,375     244,404     229,458     (1,549 )   1,756,688     136,822     10,485     51,867     6     199,180  
                                           

Earnings (loss) from operations

    (1,151,233 )   (211,883 )   (200,454 )   1,549     (1,562,021 )   117,229     15,395     42,185     2,541     177,350  
                                           

Equity earnings in subsidiaries

    (310,643 )           310,643         28,879             (28,879 )    

Other income and expense:

                                                             
 

Interest expense

    31,667     2,303     5,551     (2,976 )   36,545     24,192         7,985     (4,320 )   27,857  
 

Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on derivative instruments, net

    (113,095 )   (25,723 )   (510 )       (139,328 )   139,153     24,051     (17,328 )       145,876  
 

Other expense (income), net

    860     (60 )   4,586     3,496     8,882     3,449     (34 )   1,775     5,513     10,703  
                                           
   

Total other income and expense

    (80,568 )   (23,480 )   9,627     520     (93,901 )   166,794     24,017     (7,568 )   1,193     184,436  
                                           

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

    (1,381,308 )   (188,403 )   (210,081 )   311,672     (1,468,120 )   (20,686 )   (8,622 )   49,753     (27,531 )   (7,086 )
   

Income tax

    (203,535 )   (35,928 )   (50,884 )       (290,347 )   (15,954 )   (3,177 )   16,777         (2,354 )
                                           

Net earnings (loss)

  $ (1,177,773 )   (152,475 )   (159,197 )   311,672     (1,177,773 )   (4,732 )   (5,445 )   32,976     (27,531 )   (4,732 )
                                           

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(11) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued)


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands)

 
  Three Months Ended March 31,  
 
  2009   2008  
 
  Parent
Company
  Guarantor
Subsidiary
  Combined
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Consolidated   Parent
Company
  Guarantor
Subsidiary
  Combined
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
  Consolidated  

Operating activities:

                                                 
 

Net earnings (loss)

  $ (867,130 )   (152,475 )   (158,168 )   (1,177,773 )   (32,263 )   (5,445 )   32,976     (4,732 )
 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:

                                                 
   

Depreciation and depletion

    71,516     18,011     15,025     104,552     76,353     5,435     33,779     115,567  
   

Unrealized (gains) losses on derivative instruments, net

    (54,947 )   (12,347 )   (245 )   (67,539 )   139,974     20,163     (17,924 )   142,213  
   

Deferred income tax

    (204,803 )   (35,928 )   (50,884 )   (291,615 )   (15,902 )   (3,177 )   16,747     (2,332 )
   

Ceiling test write-down of oil and gas properties

    1,155,777     218,567     201,499     1,575,843                  
   

Other, net

    9,017     81     3,940     13,038     10,894     41     3,548     14,483  
 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                                                 
   

Accounts receivable

    46,994     3,438     (7,152 )   43,280     (6,746 )   (1,474 )   (9,445 )   (17,665 )
   

Other current assets

    10,465     (348 )   19     10,136     (4,145 )   (99 )   (1,337 )   (5,581 )
   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

    (71,829 )   (5,014 )   (13,139 )   (89,982 )   (45,586 )   (737 )   (1,632 )   (47,955 )
   

Accrued interest and other current liabilities

    30,496     (249 )   (1,821 )   28,426     11,338     (37 )   1,773     13,074  
                                   

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

    125,556     33,736     (10,926 )   148,366     133,917     14,670     58,485     207,072  

Investing activities:

                                                 
 

Capital expenditures for property and equipment

    (228,685 )   (56,534 )   (37,950 )   (323,169 )   (159,393 )   (6,037 )   (98,648 )   (264,078 )
 

Other, net

    96         6,196     6,292     23         448     471  
                                   

Net cash used by investing activities

    (228,589 )   (56,534 )   (31,754 )   (316,877 )   (159,370 )   (6,037 )   (98,200 )   (263,607 )

Financing activities:

                                                 
 

Issuance of 81/2% senior notes, net of issuance costs

    559,767             559,767                  
 

Proceeds from bank borrowings

    373,000         57,856     430,856     306,000         77,590     383,590  
 

Repayments of bank borrowings

    (763,000 )       (36,484 )   (799,484 )   (271,000 )       (69,622 )   (340,622 )
 

Net activity in investments from subsidiaries

    (42,729 )   25,262     17,467         (13,027 )   (8,832 )   21,859      
 

Other, net

    (24,766 )   (2,517 )   3,326     (23,957 )   3,086     85     2,720     5,891  
                                   

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

    102,272     22,745     42,165     167,182     25,059     (8,747 )   32,547     48,859  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

            (20 )   (20 )           (90 )   (90 )
                                   

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

    (761 )   (53 )   (535 )   (1,349 )   (394 )   (114 )   (7,258 )   (7,766 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    1,226     74     905     2,205     1,189     386     8,110     9,685  
                                   

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 465     21     370     856     795     272     852     1,919  
                                   

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(12) RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

        In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 132(R)-1, Employers' Disclosures About Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets ("FSP FAS 132(R)-1"), which provides guidance on an employer's disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement benefit plan. FSP FAS 132(R)-1 states that disclosures concerning plan assets should provide users of financial statements with an understanding of: investment policies and strategies; categories of plan assets; fair value measurements of plan assets; and significant concentrations of risk. The disclosures required by FSP FAS 132(R)-1 shall be provided for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this pronouncement will have on the Company's plan asset disclosures.

        In December 2008, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted revisions to its oil and gas disclosure requirements that are intended to align them with current practices and changes in technology. Among other things, the amendments will: replace the single-day year-end pricing assumption with a twelve-month average pricing assumption; permit the disclosure of probable and possible reserves; allow the use of certain technologies to establish reserves; require the disclosure of the qualifications of the technical person primarily responsible for preparing the reserves estimates or conducting a reserves audit; require the filing of the independent reserve engineers' summary report; and permit the disclosure of a reserves sensitivity analysis table to illustrate the impact of different price and/or cost assumptions on reserves. These amendments are effective for registration statements filed on or after January 1, 2010, and for annual reports on Form 10-K for fiscal years ending on December 31, 2009, with early adoption prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this pronouncement will have on the Company's financial position, results of operations, and disclosures.

        In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments ("FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1"), which requires the disclosure of the fair value, together with the carrying amount, of financial instruments, regardless of whether they are recognized at fair value in the statement of financial position, for interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies as well as in annual financial statements. This pronouncement is effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with earlier adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. The Company has adopted this pronouncement for the quarter ended March 31, 2009. As this pronouncement requires only additional disclosures, there was no impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations as a result of the adoption.

        In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly ("FSP FAS 157-4"), which provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with SFAS 157 in certain circumstances. This pronouncement is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with earlier adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. An entity that early adopts FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 must also early adopt FSP FAS 157-4. Accordingly, the Company adopted this pronouncement for the quarter ended March 31, 2009; however, there was no impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations as a result of the adoption.

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FOREST OIL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

(12) RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Continued)

        In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments ("FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2"), which amends the existing other-than-temporary impairment guidance for debt securities to make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in the financial statements. Other-than-temporary impairment relates to investments in debt and equity securities for which changes in fair value are not regularly recognized in earnings (such as securities classified as held-to-maturity or available-for-sale). This pronouncement is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with earlier adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. An entity that early adopts FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1 must also early adopt FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2. Accordingly, the Company has adopted this pronouncement for the quarter ended March 31, 2009; however, since the Company has no such investments in debt or equity securities, there was no impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations as a result of the adoption.

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

OVERVIEW

        Forest Oil Corporation ("Forest") is an independent oil and gas company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of natural gas and liquids in North America. 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. 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.

        We currently conduct our operations in three geographical segments and five business units. The geographical segments are: the United States, Canada, and International. The business units are: Western, Eastern, Southern, Canada, and International. We conduct exploration and development activities in each of our geographical segments; however, substantially all of our estimated proved reserves and all of our producing properties are located in North America. Our total estimated proved reserves as of December 31, 2008 were approximately 2,668 Bcfe. At December 31, 2008, approximately 87% of our estimated proved oil and natural gas reserves were in the United States, approximately 11% were in Canada, and approximately 2% were in Italy. Approximately 75% of our estimated proved reserves were natural gas as of December 31, 2008. See Note 10 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about our geographical segments.

        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 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K under the headings "Risk Factors," and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates, Judgments, and Assumptions."

First Quarter 2009 Summary

        Forest's first quarter 2009 highlights and other significant items were as follows:

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2009 Outlook

        Due to the downturn in the global economy as well as the dramatic decrease in oil and natural gas prices, we have significantly reduced our capital expenditure and drilling budget for 2009 as compared to 2008. Our goal in 2009 will be to keep our full-year exploration and development capital expenditures within our cash flow from operations, while maintaining our estimated proved reserve base and production, protecting against lease expirations and non-consent penalties, and continuing to focus on cost control. Due to continuing declines in oil and natural gas prices, this goal may not be achievable.

        Our goal to keep 2009 capital spending within our cash flow from operations is targeted to maintain financial flexibility and sufficient liquidity to maintain our assets and operations until margins on oil and gas production improve. In order to preserve borrowing capacity and flexibility under our bank credit facilities, in February 2009, we issued $600 million in senior notes due 2014 and used the net proceeds to pay down borrowings on the facilities. We have a divestiture program with an announced intention to sell certain oil and gas assets outside our core areas. Due to the current economic conditions, this program has been delayed. We hope to complete these divestitures by the end of 2010, assuming market conditions and property valuations improve, but cannot predict whether we will be able to complete any asset divestitures. If divestitures are completed, we intend to use the proceeds to reduce debt.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        For the first quarter 2009, Forest reported a net loss of $1.2 billion, or a loss of $12.32 per basic share, compared to a net loss of $4.7 million, or a loss of $.05 per basic share, in the first quarter 2008. The increase in the net loss in the first quarter 2009 compared to the first quarter 2008 was primarily due to a $1.6 billion non-cash ceiling test write-down recorded in the first quarter 2009 which was caused by the significant decline in spot natural gas prices. Significantly lower realized oil and gas prices in the first quarter 2009 as compared to the first quarter 2008 also contributed to the decline in net earnings. Discussion of the components of the changes in our quarterly results follows.

Oil and Gas Production and Revenues

        Production volumes, revenues, and weighted average sales prices by product and location for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 are set forth in the table below.

 
  Three Months Ended March 31,  
 
  2009   2008  
 
  Gas   Oil   NGLs   Total   Gas   Oil   NGLs   Total  
 
  (MMcf)
  (MBbls)
  (MBbls)
  (MMcfe)
  (MMcf)
  (MBbls)
  (MBbls)
  (MMcfe)
 

Production volumes:

                                                 
 

United States

    32,120     937     810     42,602     26,358     939     676     36,048  
 

Canada

    5,468     168     64     6,860     5,817     188     84     7,449  
                                   

Totals

    37,588     1,105     874     49,462     32,175     1,127     760     43,497  
                                   

Revenues (in thousands):

                                                 
 

United States

  $ 115,605     35,100     15,647     166,352     193,300     89,610     32,586     315,496  
 

Canada

    20,841     5,660     1,806     28,307     40,127     16,022     4,942     61,091  
                                   

Totals

  $ 136,446     40,760     17,453     194,659     233,427     105,632     37,528     376,587  
                                   

Average sales price:

                                                 
 

United States

  $ 3.60     37.46     19.32     3.90     7.33     95.43     48.20     8.75  
 

Canada

    3.81     33.69     28.22     4.13     6.90     85.22     58.83     8.20  
                                   

Totals

  $ 3.63     36.89     19.97     3.94     7.25     93.73     49.38     8.66  
                                   

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        Net oil and gas production in the first quarter 2009 was 49.5 Bcfe, or an average of 550 MMcfe per day, a 14% increase from 43.5 Bcfe, or an average of 478 MMcfe per day, in the first quarter 2008. The increase in oil and gas production for the comparable three month periods was due to continued drilling activity and acquisitions of producing oil and gas properties partially offset by non-core asset dispositions and natural production declines on oil and gas properties.

        Oil and natural gas revenues were $195 million in the first quarter 2009, reflecting a 48% decrease as compared to $377 million in the first quarter 2008. The decrease in oil and natural gas revenues between the comparable three month periods was primarily due to a 55% decrease in average realized sales prices.

Oil and Gas Production Expense

        The table below sets forth the detail of oil and gas production expense for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

 
  Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2009   2008  
 
  (In Thousands,
Except
Per Mcfe Data)

 

Production expense:

             
 

Lease operating expenses

  $ 41,231     37,565  
 

Production and property taxes

    11,695     20,051  
 

Transportation and processing costs

    5,244     4,925  
           

Production expense

  $ 58,170     62,541  
           

Production expense per Mcfe:

             
 

Lease operating expenses

  $ .83     .86  
 

Production and property taxes

    .24     .46  
 

Transportation and processing costs

    .11     .11  
           

Production expense per Mcfe

  $ 1.18     1.44  
           

        Lease operating expenses in the first quarter 2009 were $41 million, or $.83 per Mcfe, compared to $38 million, or $.86 per Mcfe, in the first quarter 2008. Lease operating expense decreased on a per-unit basis in the comparable three month periods due primarily to a decrease in workover expenses. Production and property taxes, which primarily consist of severance taxes paid on the value of the oil and gas produced, generally fluctuate proportionately to our oil and gas revenues. As a percentage of oil and natural gas revenue, production and property taxes were 6.0% and 5.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. In addition, normal fluctuations will occur between periods based on the approval of incentive tax credits in Texas, changes in tax rates, and changes in the assessed values of property and equipment for purposes of ad valorem taxes. Transportation and processing costs were $5 million, or $.11 per Mcfe, in both the first quarter 2009 and 2008.

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General and Administrative Expense

        The following table summarizes the components of general and administrative expense incurred during the periods indicated.

 
  Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2009   2008  
 
  (In Thousands,
Except
Per Mcfe Data)

 

Stock-based compensation costs

  $ 6,373     6,050  

Other general and administrative costs

    20,157     25,349  

General and administrative costs capitalized

    (10,445 )   (12,111 )
           

General and administrative expense

  $ 16,085     19,288  
           

General and administrative expense per Mcfe

  $ .33     .44  

        General and administrative expense in the first quarter 2009 was $16 million compared to $19 million in the first quarter 2008. The $3 million decrease in general and administrative expense in the comparable three month periods was primarily due to decreased employee compensation costs and contract labor. On a per-unit basis, general and administrative expense decreased 25% to $.33 per Mcfe in the first quarter 2009 from $.44 per Mcfe in the first quarter 2008. The percentage of general and administrative costs capitalized was 39% for each period presented.

Depreciation and Depletion

        Depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense in the first quarter 2009 was $105 million, or $2.11 per Mcfe, compared to $116 million, or $2.66 per Mcfe, in the first quarter 2008. The per-unit decrease for the comparable three month periods was primarily due to a $2.4 billion non-cash ceiling test write-down recorded in the fourth quarter 2008. Depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense is expected to decrease further beginning in the second quarter of 2009 due to the additional ceiling test write-down recorded as of March 31, 2009 (discussed below).

Ceiling Test Write-Down of Oil and Gas Properties

        In the first quarter 2009, Forest recorded a ceiling test write-down for both its United States and Canadian cost centers pursuant to the ceiling test limitation prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for companies using the full cost method of accounting. The write-down totaled $1.6 billion and was primarily a result of a significant decline in natural gas prices in the first quarter of 2009. The March 31, 2009 NYMEX spot price for natural gas was $3.63 per MMBtu compared to $5.71 at December 31, 2008. Additional write-downs of the full cost pools in the United States and Canada may be required in subsequent periods if natural gas or oil prices decline from March 31, 2009 levels, unproved property values decrease, estimated proved reserve volumes are revised downward or costs incurred in exploration, development, or acquisition activities in the respective full cost pools exceed the discounted future net cash flows from the additional reserves, if any, attributable to each of the cost pools. See Part II, Item 1A,—"Risk Factors"—"Lower oil and gas prices and other factors have resulted, and in the future may result, in ceiling test write-downs and other impairments of our asset carrying values."

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Interest Expense

        The following table summarizes interest expense incurred during the periods indicated.

 
  Three Months
Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2009   2008  
 
  (In Thousands)
 

Interest costs

  $ 39,948     33,067  

Interest costs capitalized

    (3,403 )   (5,210 )
           

Interest expense

  $ 36,545     27,857  
           

        Interest expense in the first quarter 2009 totaled $37 million compared to $28 million in the first quarter 2008. The $9 million increase in interest expense between the comparable three month periods was primarily due to increased average debt balances in the first quarter of 2009 offset by a decrease in average interest rates in the first quarter of 2009. Our average debt balance increased in the first quarter of 2009 as compared to the same period of the prior year primarily due to the acquisition of oil and natural gas properties from Cordillera Texas, L.P. in September 2008 (see Note 5 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). Interest costs capitalized decreased by $2 million in the first quarter 2009 as compared to the first quarter 2008 due primarily to lower average interest rates in 2009 and the amortization of unproved properties to proved properties throughout 2008 and 2009. Interest costs related to significant unproved properties that are under development are capitalized to oil and gas properties under the full cost method of accounting.

Realized and Unrealized Gains and Losses

Derivative Instruments

        The table below sets forth realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivatives recognized under Other income and expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the periods indicated. See Note 7 and Note 8 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on our derivative instruments.

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2009   2008  
 
  (In Thousands)
 

Realized (gains) losses on derivatives, net:

             
 

Oil

  $ (10,449 )   16,702  
 

Gas

    (60,816 )   (13,323 )
 

Interest

    (524 )   284  
           

Subtotal realized

    (71,789 )   3,663  

Unrealized losses (gains) on derivatives, net:

             
 

Oil

    5,567     14,759  
 

Gas

    (71,351 )   122,671  
 

Interest

    (1,755 )   4,783  
           

Subtotal unrealized

    (67,539 )   142,213  
           

Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives, net

  $ (139,328 )   145,876  
           

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Foreign Currency Exchange

        Unrealized foreign currency exchange gains and losses relate to the outstanding intercompany indebtedness, which is denominated in U.S. dollars, between Forest Oil Corporation and our Canadian subsidiary. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar in both three month periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 resulted in unrealized foreign exchange losses of $4 million and $3 million, respectively. Realized foreign currency exchange gains and losses relate to repayments of the indebtedness to Forest Oil Corporation by our Canadian subsidiary. There were no such repayments during either of the three month periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008.

Other Investments

        Unrealized losses on other investments totaled $2 million and $7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The unrealized losses on other investments relate to fair value adjustments to the shares of Pacific Energy Resources, Ltd. ("PERL") common stock and the zero coupon senior subordinated note from PERL due 2014, which were received as a portion of the total consideration for the sale of our Alaska assets in August 2007. In March 2009, PERL filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The bankruptcy proceedings are still at a very early stage; however, PERL has indicated that the value of its assets is less than the amount of PERL's senior unsubordinated debt. Based on these facts and circumstances, we estimated the fair value of the PERL common stock and note to be zero as of March 31, 2009. See Note 7 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on these investments.

Current and Deferred Income Tax

        Our effective income tax rate was approximately 20% for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 33% for the three months ended March 31, 2008. The significant decrease in our effective tax rate to 20% in 2009 is primarily due to the valuation allowance placed on a portion of our deferred tax assets in the United States as of March 31, 2009. See Note 9 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and—"Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates, Judgments, and Assumptions"—"Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets" for more information on our income taxes and valuation allowance.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

        Our exploration, development, and acquisition activities require us to make significant operating and capital expenditures. Historically, we have used cash flow from operations and our bank credit facilities as our primary sources of liquidity. To fund large and other exceptional transactions, such as acquisitions and debt refinancing transactions, we have looked to the private and public capital markets as another source of financing and, as market conditions have permitted, we have engaged in asset monetization transactions.

        Changes in the market prices for oil and natural gas directly impact our level of cash flow generated from operations. For the quarter ended March 31, 2009, natural gas accounted for approximately 76% of our total oil and gas production and, as a result, our operations and cash flow are more sensitive to fluctuations in the price for natural gas. We employ a commodity hedging strategy in order to try to minimize the adverse effects of wide fluctuations in commodity prices on our cash flow. As of April 30, 2009, we had hedged, via commodity swaps and collar instruments, approximately 94 Bcfe of our 2009 production and 58 Bcfe of our 2010 production. This level of hedging will provide a measure of certainty of the cash flow that we will receive for a portion of our production in 2009 and 2010. In the future, we may determine to increase or decrease our hedging positions. As of April 30, 2009, all of our derivatives counterparties were commercial banks that are parties to our credit

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facilities, or their affiliates. For further information concerning our derivative contracts, see Item 3—"Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Commodity Price Risk" below.

        The other primary sources of liquidity include our U.S. credit facility and our Canadian credit facility, which had a borrowing base of $1.62 billion as of March 31, 2009. These facilities are used to fund daily operations and to fund acquisitions and refinance debt, as needed and if available. The credit facilities are secured by a portion of our assets and mature in June 2012. We had approximately $700 million available under these facilities as of March 31, 2009. See the heading "Bank Credit Facilities" below for further details.

        The public and private capital markets have served as our primary source of financing to fund large acquisitions and other exceptional transactions. In the past, we have issued debt and equity in both the public and private capital markets. For example, on February 17, 2009, we issued $600 million principal amount of 81/2% senior notes due 2014 in a private offering. Our ability to access the debt and equity capital markets on economical terms is affected by general economic conditions, the domestic and global financial markets, the credit ratings assigned to our debt by independent credit rating agencies, our operational and financial performance, the value and performance of our equity and debt securities, prevailing commodity prices, and other macroeconomic factors outside of our control. Notwithstanding that we recently completed a $600 million issuance of senior notes, the continuing economic crisis and distressed financial markets have impacted our business and limited our ability to access the capital markets on economical terms as funding from these markets has diminished significantly. We cannot be certain that funding will be available to us in the debt and equity markets in the future, if needed, nor can we be certain that such funding will be available on acceptable terms.

        We also have engaged in asset dispositions as a means of generating additional cash to fund expenditures and enhance our financial flexibility. For example, during 2008, we sold certain non-strategic assets for total proceeds of approximately $310 million. However, due to significant declines in oil and natural gas prices and the turmoil in the financial and credit markets over the last year, the level of activity in the market for oil and gas properties has greatly diminished, as has the pool of available buyers. We intend to pursue asset dispositions in the future, including our previously announced intention to sell certain non-core properties. Due to the current economic conditions, however, this program has been delayed. We hope to complete these divestitures by year end 2010, assuming market conditions and property valuations improve, but cannot predict whether we will be able to complete any asset divestitures.

        We believe that our cash flow provided by operating activities and funds available under our credit facilities will be sufficient to fund our operating and capital expenditures budget, and our short-term contractual obligations during 2009. However, if our revenue and cash flow decrease in the future as a result of further deterioration in domestic and global economic conditions and a continuation of declining commodity prices, we may have to reduce further our spending levels. We believe that this financial flexibility to adjust our spending levels will provide us with sufficient liquidity to meet our financial obligations should economic conditions not improve during 2009. See Part I, Item 1A,—"Risk Factors," of our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Part II, Item 1A of this report.

Bank Credit Facilities

        On March 16, 2009, we entered into the Second Amendment (the "Second Amendment") to our second amended and restated combined credit agreements dated as of June 6, 2007 that amended certain definitions and covenants of the credit agreements, including the total debt outstanding-to-EBITDA ratio. The effective date of the Second Amendment is March 16, 2009. The second amended and restated combined credit agreements consist of a $1.65 billion U.S. credit facility (the "U.S. Facility") with a syndicate of banks led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and a $150 million Canadian credit facility (the "Canadian Facility," and together with the U.S. Facility, the "Credit

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Facilities") with a syndicate of banks led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Toronto Branch. The Credit Facilities will mature in June 2012.

        Forest's availability under the Credit Facilities is governed by a borrowing base (the "Global Borrowing Base"). The determination of the Global Borrowing Base is made by the lenders in their sole discretion 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. The Global Borrowing Base is redetermined semi-annually and the available borrowing amount could be increased or decreased as a result of such redeterminations. In addition to the semi-annual redeterminations, Forest and the lenders each have discretion at any time, but not more often than once during a calendar year, to have the Global Borrowing Base redetermined. Because the process for determining the Global Borrowing Base involves evaluating the estimated value of our oil and gas properties using pricing models determined by the lenders at that time, the recent decline in oil and gas commodity prices, or a further decline in those prices, could result in a determination to decrease the Global Borrowing Base in the future.

        The Global Borrowing Base is also subject to change in the event (i) we issue senior notes, in which case the Global Borrowing Base will immediately be reduced by an amount equal to $0.30 for every $1.00 principal amount of any newly issued senior notes, excluding any senior notes that we may issue to refinance senior notes that were outstanding on May 9, 2008, or (ii) if we sell oil and natural gas properties included in the Global Borrowing Base having a fair market value in excess of 10% of the Global Borrowing Base then in effect. The Global Borrowing Base is subject to other automatic adjustments under the facilities. As a result of issuing $600 million of 81/2% senior notes due 2014 in February 2009, our borrowing base was lowered from $1.8 billion to $1.62 billion effective February 17, 2009. As a result of the adjustment to the Global Borrowing Base, we reallocated amounts under the U.S. Facility and Canadian Facility and currently have allocated $1.47 billion to the U.S. Facility and $150 million to the Canadian Facility. A lowering of the Global Borrowing Base could require us to repay indebtedness in excess of the Global Borrowing Base in order to cover the deficiency. The automatic lowering of the Global Borrowing Base on February 17, 2009 did not result in any deficiency, and therefore we did not have to repay any amounts. On March 16, 2009, we announced that our bank group reaffirmed our $1.62 billion Global Borrowing Base and $1.8 billion nominal amount related to the Credit Facilities. The next redetermination of the borrowing base is scheduled to be in the fourth quarter of 2009.

        Borrowings under the U.S. Facility bear interest at one of two rates as may be elected by Forest. Loans will bear interest at a rate that is based on interest rates applicable to dollar deposits in the London interbank market ("LIBO Rate"), or a rate based on the greater of (i) the prime rate announced by the global administrative agent; (ii) the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%; and (iii) the Adjusted LIBO Rate for a one month Interest Period on such day plus 1%. Loans under the Canadian Facility will bear interest at a rate that may be based on the base rate announced by the Canadian administrative agent, the LIBO Rate, a rate based on the greater of the rate for U.S. dollar denominated loans made by the Canadian administrative agent and the federal funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%, or a banker's acceptance rate.

        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, and also include financial covenants. For example, the Credit Facilities provide that Forest will not permit its total debt outstanding-to-EBITDA ratio to be greater than (i) 4.50 to 1.00 for four consecutive fiscal quarters ending in 2009 and 2010; (ii) 4.00 to 1.00 for four consecutive fiscal quarters ending in 2011; and (iii) 3.50 to 1.00 at any time thereafter. If we were to fail to perform our obligations under these covenants or other covenants and obligations, it could cause an event of default and the Credit Facilities could be terminated and amounts outstanding could be declared immediately due and payable

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by the lenders, subject to notice and cure periods in certain cases. Such events of default include non-payment, breach of warranty, non-performance of financial covenants, default on other indebtedness, certain pension plan events, certain adverse judgments, change of control, a failure of the liens securing the Credit Facilities, and an event of default under the Canadian Facility. In addition, bankruptcy and insolvency events with respect to Forest or certain of its subsidiaries will result in an automatic acceleration of the indebtedness under the Credit Facilities. An acceleration of our indebtedness under the Credit Facilities could in turn result in an event of default under the indentures for our senior notes, which in turn could result in the acceleration of the senior notes. For example, the indentures for our 8% senior notes due 2011 and our 73/4% senior notes due 2014 include as events of default, among others, a default on indebtedness that results in the acceleration of indebtedness in an amount greater than $10 million; each of the indentures for our 81/2% senior notes due 2014 and our 71/4% senior notes due 2019 include a similar event of default if the amount involved is greater than $25 million.

        The Credit Facilities are collateralized by a portion of our assets. We are required to mortgage and grant a security interest in the greater of 75% of the present value of our consolidated proved oil and gas properties, or 1.875 multiplied by the allocated U.S. borrowing base. We also are required to and have 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 Forest's corporate credit ratings assigned by Moody's and S&P improve and meet pre-established levels, the collateral requirements would cease to apply and, at our request, the banks would release their liens and security interests on our properties. In addition to these collateral requirements, one of our subsidiaries, Forest Oil Permian Corporation, is a subsidiary guarantor of the Credit Facilities.

        The lending group under our U.S. Facility includes the following institutions: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. ("JPMorgan Chase"), Bank of America, N.A. ("Bank of America"), Citibank, N.A. ("Citibank"), BNP Paribas, BMO Capital Markets Financing, Inc. ("BMO"), Credit Suisse, Cayman Islands Branch ("Credit Suisse"), Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch ("Deutsche Bank"), U.S. Bank National Association, The Bank of Nova Scotia ("Bank of Nova Scotia"), Fortis Capital Corp. ("Fortis"), Bank of Scotland, ABN Amro Bank N.V., UBS Loan Finance LLC, Compass Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. ("Wells Fargo"), Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd., Toronto Dominion (Texas) LLC, Barclays Bank PLC ("Barclays"), Bank of Oklahoma, N.A., Export Development Canada, Guaranty Bank and Trust Company, and Union Bank of California, N.A. The lenders under our Canadian Facility include: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Toronto Branch ("JPM Toronto", with JPMorgan Chase, collectively "JPMorgan"), Bank of Montreal, The Toronto-Dominion Bank (together with Toronto Dominion (Texas) LLC, "Toronto Dominion"), Bank of America, N.A., Canada Branch, and Citibank, N.A., Canadian Branch. Of the $1.8 billion total nominal amount under the Credit Facilities, JPMorgan, Bank of America, BNP Paribas, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Bank of Nova Scotia, Toronto Dominion, and Wells Fargo hold approximately 62% of the total commitments, with each of these eight lenders holding an equal share. With respect to the other 38% of the total commitments, no single lender holds more than 4.2% of the total commitments.

        From time to time, we engage in other transactions with a number of the lenders under the Credit Facilities. Such lenders or their affiliates may serve as underwriter or initial purchaser of our debt and equity securities, act as agent or directly purchase our production, or serve as counterparties to our commodity and interest rate derivative agreements. As of April 30, 2009, our primary derivative counterparties included the following lenders and their affiliates: BMO, BNP Paribas, Barclays, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Fortis, Bank of Nova Scotia, Toronto Dominion, Bank of America, U.S. Bank National Association, and Wells Fargo. As of April 30, 2009, our derivative transactions with BMO, Credit Suisse, Fortis, Bank of Nova Scotia, BNP Paribas, and Toronto Dominion accounted for approximately 85 Bcfe, or 91% of our 2009 hedged production, and 42 Bcfe, or 73% of our 2010 hedged production. Our obligations under our existing derivative agreements with our lenders are secured by the security documents executed by the parties under our Credit Facilities. See Item 3—"Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk—Commodity Price Risk," below for additional details concerning our derivative arrangements.

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        At March 31, 2009, there were outstanding borrowings of $800.0 million under the U.S. Facility at a weighted average interest rate of 1.8%, and there were outstanding borrowings of $112.6 million under the Canadian Facility at a weighted average interest rate of 2.1%. We also had used the Credit Facilities for $2.7 million in letters of credit, leaving an unused borrowing amount under the Credit Facilities of $704.7 million at March 31, 2009. At April 30, 2009, there were outstanding borrowings of $800.0 million under the U.S. Facility at a weighted average interest rate of 1.7%, and there were outstanding borrowings of $135.8 million under the Canadian Facility at a weighted average interest rate of 2.1%. We also had used the Credit Facilities for $2.7 million in letters of credit, leaving an unused borrowing amount under the Credit Facilities of $681.5 million at April 30, 2009.

Credit Ratings

        Our credit risk is evaluated by two independent rating agencies based on publicly available information and information obtained during our ongoing discussions with the rating agencies. Moody's Investor Services and Standard & Poor's Rating Services currently rate each series of our senior notes and, in addition, they have assigned Forest a general credit rating. Our Credit Facilities include provisions that are linked to our credit ratings. For example, our collateral requirements will vary based on our credit ratings; however, we do not have any credit rating triggers that would accelerate the maturity of amounts due under credit facilities or the debt issued under the indentures for our senior notes. The indentures for our senior notes also include terms linked to our credit ratings. These terms allow us greater flexibility if our credit ratings improve to investment grade and other tests have been satisfied, in which event we would not be obligated to comply with certain restrictive covenants included in the indentures. Our ability to raise funds and the costs of any financing activities will be affected by our credit rating at the time any such financing activities are conducted.

Historical Cash Flow

        Net cash provided by operating activities, net cash used by investing activities, and net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2009   2008  
 
  (In Thousands)
 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 148,366     207,072  

Net cash used by investing activities

    (316,877 )   (263,607 )

Net cash provided by financing activities

    167,182     48,859  

        Cash flows provided by operating activities are primarily affected by production volumes and commodity prices, net of the effects of settlements of our derivative contracts, and changes in working capital. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities in the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to the same period of 2008 was primarily due to lower net earnings before non-cash charges partially offset by a decreased investment in net operating assets in 2009 as compared to 2008.

        Cash flows used by investing activities are primarily comprised of the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas properties net of dispositions of oil and gas properties. The increase in net cash used by investing activities in the three months ended March 31, 2009 compared to the same period of 2008 was primarily due to more payments for exploration and development activities in 2009, which includes the payment of 2008 capital expenditures accrued as of December 31, 2008 but not paid until the first quarter of 2009. See "Capital Expenditures" below.

        Net cash provided by financing activities in the three months ended March 31, 2009 included the issuance of 81/2% senior notes for net proceeds of $560 million, offset by net repayments of bank

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borrowings of $369 million. Net cash provided by financing activities in the three months ended March 31, 2008 included net bank proceeds of $43 million.

Capital Expenditures

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

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2009   2008  
 
  (In Thousands)
 

Property acquisition costs:

             
 

Proved properties

  $     16,782  
 

Unproved properties

        400  
           

        17,182  

Exploration and development costs:

             
 

Direct costs

    238,953     233,316  
 

Overhead capitalized

    10,445     12,111  
 

Interest capitalized

    3,403     5,210  
           

    252,801     250,637  
           

Total capital expenditures(1)

  $ 252,801     267,819  
           

        Due to significant changes in the overall economy as well as the price for oil and natural gas, we have chosen to significantly reduce our capital expenditures and drilling activity in 2009 compared with 2008. We intend to keep our full-year 2009 exploration and development capital spending within our 2009 cash flows from operations; however, due to continuing declines in oil and natural gas prices, this may not be achievable. We have established a capital budget of approximately $500 million to $600 million for the year ending December 31, 2009. Some of the factors impacting the level of capital expenditures in 2009 include crude oil and natural gas prices, the volatility in these prices, the cost and availability of oil field services, general economic and market conditions, and weather disruptions.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ESTIMATES, JUDGMENTS, AND ASSUMPTIONS

        Reference should be made to Forest's 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K under Item 7.—Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—"Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates, Judgments, and Assumptions" for a discussion of other critical accounting policies in addition to those discussed below.

Full Cost Method of Accounting

        The accounting for our business is subject to special accounting rules that are unique to the oil and gas industry. There are two allowable methods of accounting for oil and gas business activities: the full cost method and the successful efforts method. The differences between the two methods can lead to significant variances in the amounts reported in our financial statements. We have elected to follow the full cost method, which is described below.

        Under the full cost method, separate cost centers are maintained for each country in which we incur costs. All costs incurred in the acquisition, exploration, and development of properties (including

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costs of surrendered and abandoned leaseholds, delay lease rentals, dry holes, and overhead related to exploration and development activities) are capitalized. The fair value of estimated future costs of site restoration, dismantlement, and abandonment activities is capitalized, and a corresponding asset retirement obligation liability is recorded. Capitalized costs applicable to each full cost center are depleted using the units of production method based on conversion to common units of measure using one barrel of oil as an equivalent to six thousand cubic feet of natural gas. Changes in estimates of reserves or future development costs are accounted for prospectively in the depletion calculations. Assuming consistent production year over year, our depletion expense will be significantly higher or lower if we significantly decrease or increase our estimates of remaining proved reserves.

        Investments in unproved properties are not depleted pending the 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 in the appropriate full cost pool, or reported as impairment expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, as applicable.

        Companies that use the full cost method of accounting for oil and gas exploration and development activities are required to perform a ceiling test each quarter. The full cost ceiling test is an impairment test prescribed by SEC Regulation S-X Rule 4-10. The ceiling test is performed each quarter on a country-by-country basis. The test determines a limit, or ceiling, on the book value of oil and gas properties. That limit is basically the after tax present value of the future net cash flows from proved crude oil and natural gas reserves, as adjusted for asset retirement obligations and the effect of cash flow hedges. This ceiling is compared to the net book value of the oil and gas properties reduced by any related net deferred income tax liability. If the net book value reduced by the related deferred income taxes exceeds the ceiling, an impairment or non-cash write-down is required. Forest recorded a $1.6 billion ceiling test write-down in the first quarter of 2009. The March 31, 2009 NYMEX spot prices for natural gas and oil were $3.63 per MMBtu and $49.66 per barrel, respectively. Additional write-downs of the full cost pools in the United States and Canada may be required in 2009 if oil and natural gas prices decline further, unproved property values decrease, estimated proved reserve volumes are revised downward or costs incurred in exploration, development, or acquisition activities in the respective full cost pools exceed the discounted future net cash flows from the additional reserves, if any, attributable to each of the cost pools.

        In countries or areas where the existence of proved reserves has not yet been determined, leasehold costs, seismic costs, and other costs incurred during the exploration phase remain capitalized as unproved property costs until proved reserves have been established or until exploration activities cease. If exploration activities result in the establishment of proved reserves, amounts are reclassified as proved properties and become subject to depreciation, depletion, and amortization, and the application of the ceiling limitation. Unproved properties are assessed periodically to ascertain whether impairment has occurred. An impairment of unproved property costs may be indicated through evaluation of drilling results, relinquishment of drilling rights, or other information.

        Under the alternative successful efforts method of accounting, surrendered, abandoned, and impaired leases, delay lease rentals, exploratory dry holes, and overhead costs are expensed as incurred. Capitalized costs are depleted on a property-by-property basis. Impairments are also assessed on a property-by-property basis and are charged to expense when assessed.

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        The full cost method is used to account for our oil and gas exploration and development activities, because we believe it appropriately reports the costs of our exploration programs as part of an overall investment in discovering and developing proved reserves.

Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets

        We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, income tax assets and liabilities are generally determined based on differences between the financial statement carrying values of assets and liabilities and their respective income tax bases (temporary differences). Income tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences are likely to reverse. The effect on income tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is included in earnings from operations in the period in which the change is enacted. The book value of income tax assets is limited to the amount of the tax benefit that is more likely than not to be realized in the future.

        In assessing the need for a valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon whether future book income is sufficient to reverse existing temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets, as well as future taxable income is sufficient to utilize net operating and other credit carryforwards. Assessing the need for, or the sufficiency of, a valuation allowance requires the evaluation of all available evidence, both negative and positive. Negative evidence considered by management included a recent history of book losses driven in large part from ceiling test write-downs and, given the decline in oil and gas prices and accelerated depreciation and amortization used for tax purposes, projected taxable losses over the next several years. Positive evidence considered by management included forecasted book income over a reasonable period of time and the fact that our net operating loss carryforwards do not expire until after 2017. Based upon the evaluation of what management determined to be relevant evidence, we have recorded a valuation allowance of approximately $216 million against our U.S. deferred tax assets as of March 31, 2009, leaving a net deferred tax asset attributable to the U.S. of approximately $100 million. See Note 9 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

        The primary evidence utilized to determine that it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax asset will be realized was management's expectation of future book income over the next several years, despite the negative evidence of recent book losses caused by ceiling test write-downs in both the fourth quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009. These ceiling test write-downs, which are not considered a fair value impairment test, have dramatically reduced our prospective depletion rate, making future book income more likely than would be the case had these ceiling test write-downs not occurred. Despite a lower expected depletion rate, our projection of future book income is most contingent on projected oil and gas prices, which are based on quoted NYMEX oil and gas futures. Accordingly, the amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable will likely change each quarter as estimates of our future book income change due to changes in expected future oil and gas prices, and these changes could be material. For example, had the forecasted price used for oil and natural gas been 10% lower during the projected periods, our valuation allowance would have likely increased by approximately $50 million.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        The information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q including "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Item 2 of Part I of this report, contains "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. Forward-looking statements are 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. Generally, the words "expects," "anticipates," "targets," "goals," "projects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," variations of such words, and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, and any statements regarding Forest's future financial condition, results of operations, and business are also 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 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the risks described in Item 1A of Part II in this report.

        Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this report and include statements with respect to, among other things:

        We believe the expectations and forecasts reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, but we can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. We caution you that these forward-looking statements can be affected by inaccurate assumptions and 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. When considering

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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 our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the risks described in Item 1A of Part II in this report. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:

        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.

        We caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report, and we undertake no obligation to update this information to reflect events or circumstances after the filing of this report with the SEC, except as required by law. 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 we may make or persons acting on our behalf may issue.

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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.

Hedging Program

        In order to reduce the impact of fluctuations in commodity prices, 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, 2009, we had entered into the following swaps:

 
  Swaps  
 
  Natural Gas (NYMEX HH)   Oil (NYMEX WTI)  
 
  Bbtu
per Day(1)
  Weighted Average
Hedged Price
per MMBtu
  Fair Value
(In Thousands)
  Barrels
per Day
  Weighted Average
Hedged Price
per Bbl
  Fair Value
(In Thousands)
 

April 2009 - October 2009

    210   $ 7.33   $ 142,697     4,500   $ 69.01   $ 14,290  

November 2009 - December 2009

    160     8.24     27,732     4,500     69.01     2,851  

Calendar 2010

    150     6.36     22,327     1,500     72.95     5,336  

(1)
10 Bbtu per day is subject to a $6.00 written put for all periods in 2009.

Costless Collars

        Forest also enters into costless 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

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the index price only if the index price is above the ceiling price. As of March 31, 2009, we had entered into the following collars:

 
  Costless Collars  
 
  Natural Gas (NYMEX HH)  
 
  Bbtu
per Day
  Weighted Average
Hedged Floor and
Ceiling Price
per MMBtu
  Fair Value
(In Thousands)
 

April 2009 - December 2009

    40   $ 7.31/9.76   $ 33,611  

Basis Swaps

        Forest also uses basis swaps in connection with natural gas swaps in order to fix the price differential between the NYMEX Henry Hub price and the index price at which the natural gas production is sold. As of March 31, 2009, we had entered into the following basis swaps:

 
  Index   Bbtu
Per Day
  Weighted
Average
Hedged Price
Differential
per MMBtu
  Fair Value
(In Thousands)
 

April 2009 - December 2009

  AECO     25   $ (.65 ) $ 602  

April 2009 - December 2009

  Centerpoint     30     (.95 )   (1,108 )

April 2009 - December 2009

  Houston Ship Channel     50     (.33 )   (959 )

April 2009 - December 2009

  Mid Continent     60     (1.04 )   (3,687 )

April 2009 - December 2009

  NGPL TXOK     40     (.53 )   (271 )

Calendar 2010

  Centerpoint     30     (.95 )   (2,337 )

Calendar 2010

  Mid Continent     60     (1.04 )   (5,190 )

        Subsequent to March 31, 2009, through April 30, 2009, we entered into additional basis swaps covering 40 Bbtu per day for Calendar 2010 at a weighted average hedged price differential of $(.44) for the NGPL TXOK index.

        The fair value of all our commodity derivative instruments based on various inputs, including published forward prices, at March 31, 2009 was a net asset of approximately $235.9 million.

Interest Rate Derivatives

        Forest periodically enters into interest rate derivative agreements in an attempt to normalize the mix of fixed and floating interest rates within its debt portfolio. In June 2008, we terminated all of our interest rate swaps outstanding at the time and did not enter into any new interest rate derivatives until 2009. In February 2009, we entered into the following fixed to floating interest rate swap:

Swap Term
  Notional
Amount
(In Thousands)
  Floating Rate   Fixed
Rate
  Fair Value
(In Thousands)
 

February 2009 - February 2014

  $ 100,000   1 month LIBOR + 6.00%     8.50 % $ 1,280  

        In addition to the interest rate swap, during the three months ended March 31, 2009, we entered into certain interest rate swaptions, which enable the counterparties to exercise options to enter into interest rate swaps with us. We received premiums on these swaptions. The interest rate swaps underlying the swaptions also exchange the 8.5% fixed interest rate on a portion of the 81/2% senior notes that we issued in February 2009 for a variable rate over the term of the 81/2% senior notes. We entered into these interest rate swaptions as our target interest rates are currently not attainable in the interest rate swap market. The table below sets forth our outstanding interest rate swaptions as of

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March 31, 2009. Subsequent to March 31, 2009, through April 30, 2009, the counterparties have not exercised their options.

Option Term
  Swap Term   Premiums
Received
(In Thousands)
  Notional
Amount
(In Thousands)
  Weighted Average
Floating Rate
  Weighted
Average
Fixed
Rate
  Fair Value
(In Thousands)
 

March 2009 - June 2009

  June 2009 -
February 2014
  $ 1,322   $ 200,000   1 month LIBOR + 5.85%     8.50 % $ (546 )

        Subsequent to March 31, 2009, through April 30, 2009, we entered into additional interest rate swaptions with the following terms:

Option Term
  Swap Term   Premiums
Received
(In Thousands)
  Notional
Amount
(In Thousands)
  Weighted Average
Floating Rate
  Weighted
Average
Fixed
Rate
   
 

April 2009 - July 2009

  July 2009 - February 2014   $ 1,065   $ 225,000   1 month LIBOR + 5.88%     8.50 %      

Fair Value Reconciliation

        The table below sets forth the changes that occurred in the fair values of our open derivative contracts during the three months ended March 31, 2009, beginning with the fair value of our derivative contracts on December 31, 2008. Due to the volatility of oil and natural gas prices, the estimated fair values of our commodity derivative instruments are subject to large fluctuations from period to period. It has been our experience that commodity prices are subject to large fluctuations, and we expect this volatility to continue. Actual gains and losses recognized related to our commodity derivative instruments will likely differ from those estimated at March 31, 2009 and will depend exclusively on the price of the commodities on the specified settlement dates provided by the derivative contracts.

 
  Fair Value of Derivative Contracts  
 
  Commodity   Interest Rate   Total  
 
  (In Thousands)
 

As of December 31, 2008

  $ 170,111         170,111  

Premiums received

        (1,322 )   (1,322 )

Net increase in fair value

    137,048     2,580     139,628  

Net contract gains recognized

    (71,265 )   (524 )   (71,789 )
               

As of March 31, 2009

  $ 235,894     734     236,628  
               

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

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Interest Rate Risk

        The following table presents principal amounts and related interest rates by year of maturity for Forest's debt obligations at March 31, 2009.

 
  2011   2012   2013   2014   2019   Total  
 
  (Dollar Amounts in Thousands)
 

Bank credit facilities:

                                     
 

Variable rate

  $     912,578                 912,578  
 

Average interest rate(1)

        1.84 %               1.84 %

Long-term debt:

                                     
 

Fixed rate

  $ 285,000         1,112     750,000     1,000,000     2,036,112  
 

Weighted average coupon interest rate

    8.00 %       7.00 %   8.35 %   7.25 %   7.76 %
 

Weighted average effective interest rate(2)

    7.71 %       7.00 %   8.11 %   7.25 %   7.63 %

(1)
As of March 31, 2009.

(2)
The effective interest rate on the 8% senior notes due 2011 and the 73/4% senior notes due 2014 is reduced from the coupon rate as a result of amortization of gains related to the termination of related interest rate swaps.

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, 2009 (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 (i) is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms; and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to Forest's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

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, 2009 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A.    RISK FACTORS

        The following risk factors update the Risk Factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 ("Annual Report"). Except as set forth below, there have been no material changes to the risks described in Part I, Item 1A, of our Annual Report.

Oil and natural gas prices are volatile. Recent declines in commodity prices have adversely affected, and in the future will adversely affect, our financial condition and results of operations, cash flows, access to the capital markets, and ability to grow.

        Our financial condition, operating results, and future rate of growth depend upon the prices that we receive for our oil and natural gas. Prices also affect our cash flow available for capital expenditures and our ability to access funds under our bank credit facilities and through the capital markets. The amount available for borrowing under our bank credit facilities is subject to a global borrowing base, which is determined by our lenders taking into account our estimated proved reserves and is subject to periodic redeterminations based on pricing models determined by the lenders at such time. The recent decline in oil and natural gas prices has adversely impacted the value of our estimated proved reserves and, in turn, the market values used by our lenders to determine our global borrowing base. If commodity prices remain at these current low levels for the remainder of 2009, or decrease further, it will have similar adverse effects on our reserves and global borrowing base. Further, because we have elected to use the full-cost accounting method, we must perform each quarter a "ceiling test" that is impacted by declining commodity prices. Significant price declines could cause us to take one or more ceiling test write-downs, which would be reflected as non-cash charges against current earnings. For example, as a result of the dramatic declines in oil and natural gas prices in the second half of 2008, we recorded a non-cash ceiling test write-down of $2.4 billion for the three months and year ended December 31, 2008. The write-down resulted in a charge to net earnings and the recording of a net loss in 2008. Further, we recorded an additional non-cash ceiling test write-down of $1.6 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2009. See "—Lower oil and gas prices and other factors have resulted, and in the future may result, in ceiling test write-downs and other impairments of our asset carrying values."

        In addition, significant or extended commodity price declines may also adversely affect the amount of oil and natural gas that we can produce economically. A reduction in production could result in a shortfall in our expected cash flows and require us to reduce our capital spending or borrow funds to cover any such shortfall. Any of these factors could negatively impact our ability to replace our production and our future rate of growth.

        The markets for oil and natural gas have been volatile historically and are likely to remain volatile in the future. Oil spot prices reached historical highs in July 2008, peaking at more than $145 per barrel, and natural gas spot prices reached near historical highs in July 2008, peaking at more than $13 per MMBtu. These prices have declined significantly since that time and may continue to fluctuate widely in the future. The prices we receive for our oil and natural gas depend upon factors beyond our control, including among others:

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        These factors make it very difficult to predict future commodity price movements with any certainty. We sell the majority of our oil and natural gas production at current prices rather than through fixed-price contracts. However, we do enter into derivative instruments to reduce our exposure to fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices. See "—Our use of hedging transactions could result in financial losses or reduce our income." Further, oil prices and natural gas prices do not necessarily fluctuate in direct relation to each other. Approximately 75% of our estimated proved reserves at December 31, 2008 were natural gas, and, as a result, our financial results will be more sensitive to fluctuations in natural gas prices.

We have substantial indebtedness and may incur more debt in the future. Our leverage may materially affect our operations and financial condition.

        As of April 30, 2009, the principal amount of our outstanding consolidated debt was approximately $3.0 billion, which amount included approximately $936 million outstanding under our combined U.S. and Canadian credit facilities. Our level of indebtedness has several important effects on our business and operations; among other things, it may:

        We may incur more debt in the future. In February 2009, for example, we issued $600 million of 81/2% senior notes due 2014. The net proceeds from this offering were used to repay a portion of the outstanding borrowings under our U.S. credit facility.

        Our credit and debt agreements contain various restrictive covenants. A failure on our part to comply with the financial and other restrictive covenants contained in our bank credit facilities and the indentures pertaining to our outstanding senior notes could result in a default under these agreements.

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Any default under our bank credit facilities or indentures could adversely affect our business and our financial condition and results of operations, and would impact our ability to obtain financing in the future. In addition, the global borrowing base included in our bank credit facilities is subject to periodic redetermination by our lenders. A lowering of our global borrowing base could require us to repay indebtedness in excess of the borrowing base.

        A higher level of debt will increase the risk that we may default on our financial obligations. Our ability to meet our debt obligations and other expenses will depend on our future performance. Our future performance will be affected by oil and natural gas prices, financial, business, domestic and global economic conditions, governmental regulations and environmental regulations, and other factors, many of which we are unable to control. If our cash flow is not sufficient to service our debt, we may be required to refinance the debt, sell assets, or sell shares of our stock on terms that we do not find attractive, if it can be done at all.

Our use of hedging transactions could result in financial losses or reduce our income.

        To reduce our exposure to fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices, we have entered into and expect in the future to enter into derivative instruments (or hedging agreements) for a portion of our oil and natural gas production. Our commodity hedging agreements are limited in duration, usually for periods of two years or less; however, in conjunction with acquisitions, we sometimes enter into or acquire hedges for longer periods. As of April 30, 2009, we had hedged, via commodity swaps and collar instruments, approximately 94 Bcfe of our 2009 production and 58 Bcfe of our 2010 production. Our hedging transactions expose us to certain risks and financial losses, including, among others:

        Our hedging transactions will impact our earnings in various ways. Due to the volatility of oil and natural gas prices, we may be required to recognize mark-to-market gains and losses on derivative instruments as the estimated fair value of our commodity derivative instruments is subject to significant fluctuations from period to period. The amount of any actual gains or losses recognized will likely differ from our period to period estimates and will be a function of the actual price of the commodities on the settlement date of the derivative instrument. We expect that commodity prices will continue to fluctuate in the future and, as a result, our periodic financial results will continue to be subject to fluctuations related to our derivative instruments.

        Currently, all of our outstanding commodity derivative instruments are with certain lenders or affiliates of the lenders under our bank credit facilities. As of April 30, 2009, our primary derivative counterparties included the following lenders and their affiliates: BMO Capital Markets Financing, Inc. ("BMO"), BNP Paribas, Barclays Bank PLC ("Barclays"), Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch ("Deutsche Bank"), Fortis Capital Corp. ("Fortis"), The Bank of Nova Scotia, Toronto Dominion (Texas) LLC and The Toronto-Dominion Bank (collectively, "Toronto Dominion"), Bank of America, U.S. Bank National Association, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. ("Wells Fargo"). As of April 30, 2009, our derivative transactions with BMO, Credit Suisse, Fortis, The Bank of Nova Scotia, BNP Paribas, and Toronto Dominion accounted for approximately 85 Bcfe, or 91% of our 2009 hedged production, and 42 Bcfe, or 73% of our 2010 hedged production. Our obligations under our existing

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derivative agreements with our lenders are secured by the security documents executed by the parties under our bank credit facilities.

Lower oil and gas prices and other factors have resulted, and in the future may result, in ceiling test write-downs and other impairments of our asset carrying values.

        We use the full cost method of accounting to report our oil and gas operations. Under this method, we capitalize the cost to acquire, explore for, and develop oil and gas properties. Under full cost accounting rules, the net capitalized costs of proved oil and gas properties may not exceed a "ceiling limit," which is based upon the present value of estimated future net cash flows from proved reserves, discounted at 10%. If net capitalized costs of proved oil and gas properties exceed the ceiling limit, we must charge the amount of the excess to earnings. This is called a "ceiling test write-down." Under the accounting rules, we are required to perform a ceiling test each quarter. A ceiling test write-down would not impact cash flow from operating activities, but it would reduce our shareholders' equity. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates, Judgments, and Assumptions—Full Cost Method of Accounting" above, for further details.

        Investments in unproved properties, including capitalized interest costs, are also 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. The amount of impairment assessed, if any, is added to the costs to be amortized, or is reported as a period expense, as appropriate. If an impairment of unproved properties results in a reclassification to proved oil and gas properties, the amount by which the ceiling limit exceeds the capitalized costs of proved oil and gas properties would be reduced.

        We also assess the carrying amount of goodwill in the second quarter of each year and at other periods when events occur that may indicate an impairment exists. These events include, for example, a significant decline in oil and gas prices or a decline in our market capitalization.

        The risk that we will be required to write-down the carrying value of our oil and gas properties, our unproved properties, or goodwill increases when oil and gas prices are low or volatile. In addition, write-downs may occur if we experience substantial downward adjustments to our estimated proved reserves or our unproved property values, or if estimated future development costs increase. For example, oil and natural gas prices declined significantly during the second half of 2008. At December 31, 2008, the spot prices for oil and natural gas were $44.60 per barrel and $5.71 per MMBtu, respectively. Based on these prices, we recorded a non-cash ceiling test write-down of $2.4 billion for the three months and year ended December 31, 2008. At March 31, 2009, the spot prices for oil and natural gas were $49.66 per barrel and $3.63 per MMBtu, respectively. Based on these prices, we recorded an additional non-cash ceiling test write-down of $1.6 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2009. The write-downs are reflected as a charge to net earnings. Additional write-downs of the full cost pools in the United States and Canada may be required in 2009 if oil and natural gas prices decline further, unproved property values decrease, estimated proved reserve volumes are revised downward or costs incurred in exploration, development, or acquisition activities in the respective full cost pools exceed the discounted future net cash flows from the additional reserves, if any, attributable to each of the cost pools.

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Item 2.    UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Unregistered Sales of Securities

        There were no sales of unregistered equity securities during the period covered by this report.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

        The table below sets forth information regarding repurchases of our common stock during the first quarter 2009. The shares repurchased represent shares of our common stock that employees elected to surrender to Forest to satisfy their tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of shares of restricted stock and phantom stock units that are settled in shares. Forest does not consider this a share buyback program.

Period
  Total # of Shares
Purchased
  Average Price
Per Share
  Total # of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
  Maximum # (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares that
May yet be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs
 

January 2009

    1,406   $ 15.93          

February 2009

    4,302     18.97          

March 2009

    839     13.38          
                   

First Quarter Total

    6,547   $ 17.60          
                   

Item 6.    EXHIBITS

  4.1   Second Amendment dated March 16, 2009, to Second Amended and Restated Combined Credit Agreements dated June 6, 2007, among Forest Oil Corporation, Canadian Forest Oil Ltd., each of the lenders that is a party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Global Administrative Agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Toronto Branch, as Canadian Administrative Agent, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K dated March 16, 2009 (File No. 001-13515).

 

10.1

*

Form of Phantom Stock Unit Agreement pursuant to the Forest Oil Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended.

 

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.

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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 7, 2009        

 

 

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)

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Exhibit Index

Exhibit
Number
  Description
  10.1 * Form of Phantom Stock Unit Agreement pursuant to the Forest Oil Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended.

 

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.

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