EX-99.2 3 q1mda.htm EXHIBIT 99.2 - INTERIM MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING MARCH 31, 2008 q1mda.htm
Exhibit 99.2
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INTERIM MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
 
 
 
April 29, 2008
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A)
 
(April 29, 2008)
 
 
 
This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements of Talisman Energy Inc. (“Talisman” or the “Company”) as at and for the three month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, and the 2007 MD&A and audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company.  All comparisons are between the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, unless stated otherwise.  All amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.
 
 
 
First Quarter Results Summary
 
 
 
·         Cash provided by operating activities was $1.3 billion, up 20% from a year earlier, mainly due to an increase in net income from continuing operations.
 
·         Net income was $466 million, down 10% from a year earlier, mainly due to gains on asset sales in the prior year.
 
·         Net income from continuing operations was $459 million, up 124% compared to the first quarter in 2007
 
·         Production averaged 419,000 boe/d, 11% below the first quarter of 2007 mainly due to the sale of non-core assets which produced 28,000 boe/d in 2007.  Production from continuing operations averaged 411,000 boe/d, 3% below the same quarter last year.
 
·         Netbacks were up 35% from a year earlier, reaching a record $45.66/boe.
 
·         Long-term debt, net of cash, was $4.2 billion at the end of the quarter, down from $4.3 billion at December 31, 2007.
 
·         Subsequent to the end of the quarter, Talisman announced the sale of non-strategic assets in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Denmark and Lac La Biche.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                     Three months ended
 
March 31,
 
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
Financial (millions of C$ unless otherwise stated)
 
 
 
 
 
Net income from continuing operations
 
459
 
205
 
Net income from discontinued operations
 
7
 
315
 
Net income
 
 
 
466
 
520
 
C$ per common share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
- Basic
 
0.46
 
0.49
 
 
 
 
 
- Diluted
 
0.45
 
0.48
 
      Net income from continuing operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- Basic
 
0.45
 
0.19
 
 
 
 
 
- Diluted
 
0.44
 
0.19
 
Production (daily average)
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and liquids (bbls/d)
 
212,819
 
234,775
 
Natural gas (mmcf/d)
 
1,187
 
1,145
 
Continuing operations (mboe/d)
 
411
 
425
 
Discontinued operations (mboe/d)
 
8
 
45
 
Total mboe/d (6mcf=1boe)
 
419
 
470
 
Capital expenditures1
 
1,012
 
1,267
 
1.    Capital expenditures are prior to acquisitions and dispositions.
 
 
 
Net income decreased by 10% to $466 million from the same period in 2007, due principally to a gain on asset sales in the prior year.  Net income from continuing operations increased 124% to $459 million due mainly to higher realized prices, as well as decreased operating, stock based compensation, dry hole and depreciation, depletion and amortization (“DD&A”) expenses.  The increase was partially offset by a 3% decrease in production.
 
 
 
Daily Average Production, Before Royalties
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
          Three months ended
 
March 31,
 
2008
 
2008 vs 2007
 
(%)
 
2007
 
Oil and liquids (bbls/d)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
40,089
 
(3)
 
41,300
 
 
 
UK
 
82,349
 
(12)
 
93,656
 
 
 
Scandinavia
 
31,193
 
8
 
28,962
 
 
 
Southeast Asia
 
37,226
 
(25)
 
49,549
 
 
 
Other
 
21,962
 
3
 
21,308
 
 
 
 
 
212,819
 
(9)
 
234,775
 
Natural gas (mmcf/d)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
822
 
-
 
821
 
 
 
UK
 
35
 
(19)
 
43
 
 
 
Scandinavia
 
19
 
36
 
14
 
 
 
Southeast Asia
 
312
 
17
 
267
 
 
 
 
 
1,188
 
4
 
1,145
 
Continuing operations (mboe/d)
 
411
 
(3)
 
425
 
Discontinued operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
-  oil and liquids (bbls/d)
 
-
 
-
 
6,076
 
 
 
-  natural gas (mmcf/d)
 
28
 
(73)
 
102
 
 
 
UK
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
-  oil and liquids (bbls/d)
 
1,664
 
(80)
 
8,092
 
 
 
-  natural gas (mmcf/d) 1
 
-
 
-
 
62
 
 
 
Scandinavia
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
-  oil and liquids (bbls/d)
 
2,142
 
(27)
 
2,950
 
Discontinued operations (mboe/d)
 
8
 
(82)
 
45
 
Total mboe/d (6mcf =1boe)
 
419
 
(11)
 
470
 
1.     Includes gas acquired for injection and subsequent resale of 16 mmcf/d in the first quarter 2007.
 
 
 
In the Company's international operations, produced oil is frequently stored in tanks until there is sufficient volume to be lifted.  The Company recognizes revenue on crude oil production when liftings have occurred.  Volumes presented above represent production volumes in the period, which include oil volumes produced into inventory and exclude volumes sold out of inventory as summarized below.  During the quarter, total volumes produced into inventory aggregated 2.5 mmbbls (2007 – 19,600 bbls) resulting in 5.5 mmbbls (2007 – 3.7 mmbbls) of inventory, before deduction of royalties, at the end of the quarter.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended
 
March 31,
 
2008
 
2007
 
Volumes produced into/(sold out of) inventory (bbls/d)
 
 
 
 
 
UK
 
 
 
(9,264)
 
(9,132)
 
Scandinavia
 
 
 
9,889
 
(3,907)
 
Southeast Asia
 
 
 
8,481
 
2,910
 
Other
 
 
 
17,823
 
10,347
 
Total
 
 
 
26,929
 
218
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total oil and liquids production averaged 216,625 bbls/d, 14% below the same period in 2007, while production from continuing operations for the quarter was 212,819 bbls/d, down 9% from the same period in 2007.  Total natural gas production averaged 1,216 mmcf/d, 7% below the same period in 2007, while production from continuing operations increased 4% to 1,188 mmcf/d. 
 
 
 
In North America, oil and liquids production from continuing operations was down 3% from 2007 due primarily to natural declines, an unplanned plant outage in Southern Alberta Foothills and a temporary decline in water flood performance in Chauvin after repairs were made to line breaks.  Natural gas production from continuing operations in North America increased by 1 mmcf/d mainly due to successful drilling in the Alberta Foothills and Bigstone areas, which increased production by 39 mmcf/d, offset by natural declines in Appalachia and West Whitecourt, an unplanned plant outage in Southern Alberta Foothills and downtime in Edson.
 
 
 
In the UK, oil and liquids production from continuing operations decreased by 11,307 bbls/d, due to the impact of maintenance shutdowns at Montrose/Arbroath, Ross, Buchan and Claymore.  These decreases were partially offset by production from new field startups at Tweedsmuir, Enoch, Duart and Blane, which averaged over 20,000 bbls/d in the quarter. 
 
 
 
In Scandinavia, oil and liquids production from continuing operations increased by 8% to 31,193 bbls/d due to the startup of Blane, good performance of new wells at Gyda and Brage, and the unitization of the Tambar field.  These increases were partially offset by natural declines at Varg and Veslefrikk.
 
 
 
In Southeast Asia, oil and liquids production declined by 12,323 bbls/d.  Oil and liquids production in Malaysia/Vietnam was 23,795 bbls/d, down 23% from 2007 mainly due to natural declines in the PM-305 and PM-3 Commercial Arrangement Area (CAA) fields.  In Indonesia, oil and liquids production increased by 3% compared to the same period in 2007, averaging 11,441 bbls/d in the quarter.  Production in Australia averaged 1,989 bbls/d, a 74% decrease from the same period in 2007, mainly due to the impact of riser failures in the Corallina and Laminaria fields.
 
 
 
Natural gas production in Malaysia/Vietnam averaged 64 mmcf/d in the quarter, an increase of 7 mmcf/d compared to the same period in 2007 due to operational issues and delayed commissioning of the flash gas compressor in the same period in 2007.  Indonesia gas production was 18% higher than last year, averaging 249 mmcf/d due to strong gas nominations due principally to completion of a new pipeline to West Java.
 
 
 
Oil and liquids production from Other increased by 3% to 21,962 bbls/d as a result of a 2% increase in North Africa production to 16,272 bbls/d, and a 6% increase in Trinidad and Tobago production to 5,690 bbls/d. 
 
 
 

Company Netbacks 1, 2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                    Three months ended
 
March 31,
 
2008
 
2007
 
Oil and liquids ($/bbl)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales price
 
95.49
 
65.46
 
 
 
Hedging gain (loss)
 
(0.48)
 
1.07
 
 
 
Royalties
 
15.64
 
10.63
 
 
 
Transportation
 
0.97
 
1.28
 
 
 
Operating costs
 
19.64
 
16.50
 
  
 
 
 
58.76
 
38.12
 
Natural gas ($/mcf)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales price
 
8.16
 
7.35
 
 
 
Hedging gain (loss)
 
-
 
0.18
 
 
 
Royalties
 
1.65
 
1.45
 
 
 
Transportation
 
0.22
 
0.26
 
 
 
Operating costs
 
1.01
 
1.03
 
 
 
 
 
5.28
 
4.79
 
Total $/boe (6mcf=1boe)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales price
 
73.01
 
55.52
 
 
 
Hedging gain (loss)
 
(0.26)
 
1.09
 
 
 
Royalties
 
12.87
 
9.74
 
 
 
Transportation
 
1.14
 
1.40
 
 
 
Operating costs
 
13.08
 
11.70
 
 
 
 
 
45.66
 
33.77
 
1.     Netbacks do not include pipeline operations.  Additional information concerning netback components by region is included elsewhere in this MD&A.
 
2.     Includes impact of discontinued operations.
 
 
 
 
 
During the first quarter, the Company’s average netback was $45.66/boe, 35% higher than in 2007.  Talisman’s realized price of $73.01/boe was 32% higher than 2007, principally due to higher international oil, liquids and gas prices.  Increased royalties, operating expenses and hedging losses were partly offset by lower transportation costs in the quarter.
 
 

Prices and Exchange Rates
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       Three months ended
 
 
 
March 31,
 
2008
 
2008 vs 2007 (%)
 
2007
 
 
 
Oil and liquids ($/bbl)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
80.79
 
51
 
53.55
 
 
 
 
 
UK
 
97.33
 
50
 
64.73
 
 
 
 
 
Scandinavia
 
99.30
 
54
 
64.64
 
 
 
 
 
Southeast Asia
 
99.66
 
29
 
77.10
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
102.48
 
48
 
69.41
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
95.49
 
46
 
65.46
 
 
 
Natural gas ($/mcf)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
7.86
 
3
 
7.66
 
 
 
 
 
UK
 
8.52
 
10
 
7.72
 
 
 
 
 
Scandinavia
 
5.78
 
30
 
4.44
 
 
 
 
 
Southeast Asia
 
9.07
 
44
 
6.29
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8.16
 
11
 
7.35
 
 
 
Total $/boe (6mcf=1boe)
 
73.01
 
32
 
55.52
 
 
 
Hedging gain (loss), not included in the above prices
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and liquids ($/bbl)
 
(0.48)
 
 
 
1.07
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas  ($/mcf)
 
-
 
 
 
0.18
 
 
 
 
 
Total $/boe (6mcf=1boe)
 
(0.26)
 
 
 
1.09
 
 
 
Benchmark prices and foreign exchange rates
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WTI        (US$/bbl)
 
97.90
 
68
 
58.16
 
 
 
 
 
Brent       (US$/bbl)
 
96.90
 
68
 
57.75
 
 
 
 
 
Tapis       (US$/bbl)
 
100.28
 
58
 
63.62
 
 
 
 
 
NYMEX (US$/mmbtu)
 
7.55
 
8
 
6.96
 
 
 
 
 
AECO     ($/gj)
 
7.49
 
6
 
7.07
 
 
 
US$/C$ exchange rate
 
1.00
 
18
 
0.85
 
 
 
C$/UK£ exchange rate
 
1.99
 
(13)
 
2.29
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Talisman’s first quarter realized commodity price increased $17.49/boe from the same period in 2007 to $73.01/boe.  Realized oil and liquids prices increased by 46%, while realized natural gas prices increased by 11%.  These trends followed world oil and gas price indices.  Realized prices for oil and liquids did not increase at the same rate as US$ based index prices due principally to the strengthening of the C$ relative to the US$ since the same period in 2007.
 
 
 
For the quarter ended March 31, Talisman recorded net hedging losses on commodity-based derivative financial instruments of $10 million, associated with losses on oil and liquids of $0.48/bbl .  This compares to gains of $46 million associated with gains on natural gas of $0.18/mcf as well as gains on oil and liquids of $1.07/bbl during the same period in 2007.  As of April 1, the Company had derivative and fixed price physical contracts for approximately 12% of its remaining 2008 estimated production.  A summary of the contracts outstanding is included in note 12 to the December 31, 2007 audited Consolidated Financial Statements and in note 10 to the March 31, 2008 unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

Royalties1
 
 
 
 
 
 
                 Three months ended
 
March 31,
 
                                  2008
 
                                2007
 
 
 
%
 
$ millions
 
%
 
$ millions
 
North America
 
18
 
167
 
19
 
145
 
UK
 
-
 
4
 
-
 
-
 
Scandinavia
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
Southeast Asia
 
40
 
203
 
37
 
174
 
Other
 
10
 
3
 
31
 
21
 
Corporate average
 
15
 
377
 
16
 
340
 
1.     Includes impact of royalties related to sales volumes.
 
 
 
The Company’s royalty expense from continuing operations for the first quarter was $377 million (15%), up $37 million from $340 million (16%) in 2007.  The decrease in the North America royalty rate was principally the result of deep gas royalty holidays.  The increase in the Southeast Asia royalty rate was driven by increasing commodity prices.  The decrease in Other was principally the result of the timing of liftings. 
 
 
 
Alberta Royalty Review
 
On October 25, 2007, the Alberta government proposed a new royalty framework that is expected to become effective in January 2009.  More recently, it announced plans for addressing some of the unintended consequences of the royalty rate increases.
 
 
 
Royalties presented above are based on the existing royalty regime.  Talisman expects an increase in royalties paid to the Alberta government in 2009, the amount of which is dependent on commodity prices.  At higher prices, royalties are expected to increase further.  The Company is continuing to review the impact of the latest changes in the royalty framework.
 
 
 
Unit Operating Expenses 1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Three months ended
 
March 31,
 
2008
 
2008 vs 2007
 
2007
 
 
 
 
 
$/boe
 
(%)
 
$/boe
 
North America
 
UK
 
Scandinavia
 
Southeast Asia
 
Other
 
8.07
 
7
 
7.51
 
29.01
 
27
 
22.87
 
22.25
 
-
 
22.21
 
5.16
 
21
 
4.25
 
6.18
 
33
 
4.64
 
Company ($/boe)
 
13.08
 
12
 
11.70
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.     Includes impact of total production volumes and expenses.
 
 
 
Total Operating Expenses2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
March 31,
 
2008
 
2007
 
($ millions)
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
UK
 
Scandinavia
 
Southeast Asia
 
Other
 
133
 
124
 
218
 
241
 
56
 
74
 
33
 
36
 
2
 
4
 
 
 
442
 
479
 
         
2.     Includes operating expenses related to sales volumes.
 
 
 
During the first quarter, total operating expenses from continuing operations decreased by 8% to $442 million. 
 
 
 
In North America, operating costs were higher than the prior year due primarily to increases in pipeline maintenance and processing costs.  The impact of increased expenditures combined with decreased total production resulted in an increase in the unit operating expense. 
 
 
 
In the UK, operating costs decreased by $23 million primarily due to the strengthening of the C$ relative to the UK£ since March 31, 2007 and the impact of unlifted oil volumes. The unit operating expense increase was principally the result of planned and unplanned maintenance shutdowns and higher fuel gas costs, combined with lower production volumes.
 
 
 
In Scandinavia, the $18 million decrease in operating costs is the result of the timing of liftings.  The unit operating costs were relatively unchanged compared to the same period in 2007 as increased Gyda workover costs were offset by decreased Varg well maintenance costs and increased production.
 
 
 
In Southeast Asia, relatively flat total operating costs combined with lower production resulted in increased unit costs.
 
 
 
Unit Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (DD&A) Expense1
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended
 
March 31,
 
2008
 
2008 vs 2007
 
2007
 
 
 
$/boe
 
(%)
 
$/boe
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
16.46
 
1
 
16.29
 
UK
 
16.46
 
5
 
15.68
 
Scandinavia
 
29.55
 
25
 
23.64
 
Southeast Asia
 
6.53
 
(22)
 
8.42
 
Other
 
18.59
 
76
 
10.56
 
 
 
15.23
 
2
 
14.87
 
1.     Includes impact of DD&A expense related to sales volumes.
 
 
 

Total DD&A Expense2
 
 
 
                 Three months ended
 
March 31,
 
2008
 
2007
 
($ millions)
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
265
 
261
 
UK
 
146
 
155
 
Scandinavia
 
66
 
75
 
Southeast Asia
 
48
 
68
 
Other
 
7
 
10
 
 
 
532
 
569
 
2.     Includes DD&A expense related to sales volumes.
 
 
 
Total DD&A expense from continuing operations was $532 million, down 7% from the same period in 2007.  The decrease in DD&A expense is principally related to decreased production, the timing of liftings and the strengthening of the C$ relative to the UK£.
 
 
 
The increases in the North America, UK and Scandinavia unit DD&A expense were due principally to an increase in the depletable base.
 
 
 
The reduction in the Southeast Asia unit DD&A expense was principally the result of an increased proportion of lower cost Indonesian production in the first quarter of 2008.
 
 
 
The unit DD&A expense for Other reflects only Trinidad sales volumes, since there were no liftings of North Africa oil and liquids during the first quarter of 2008.
 
 
 
Corporate and Other
 
 
 
 
 
                   Three months ended
 
March 31,
 
2008
 
2007
 
($ millions)
 
 
 
 
 
General and administrative expense
 
64
 
60
 
Dry hole expense
 
70
 
100
 
Stock-based compensation (recovery) expense
 
(10)
 
42
 
Other expenses
 
(13)
 
(14)
 
Interest costs capitalized
 
14
 
28
 
Interest on long-term debt
 
44
 
46
 
Loss on held-for-trading financial instruments
 
68
 
37
 
Other revenue
 
35
 
30
 
         
 
 
Dry hole expense for the first quarter of 2008 was down $30 million compared to the same period in 2007 and includes $24 million in North America, $21 million in the UK, $24 million in Scandinavia and $1 million in the rest of the world.
 
           
 

Stock-based compensation expense relates to the appreciated value of the Company’s outstanding stock options and cash units as at March 31.  The Company’s stock-based compensation expense is based on the difference between the Company’s share price and the exercise price of its stock options or cash units. During the first quarter of 2008, the Company recorded a stock-based compensation recovery of $10 million relating to its stock option and cash unit plans. The Company paid cash of $9 million to employees in settlement of fully accrued stock-based compensation liabilities for options and cash units exercised in the period.  Since the introduction of the cash feature, approximately 96% of options exercised have been exercised for cash, with only 4% exercised for shares, resulting in reduced dilution of shares. 
 
 
 
Capitalized interest costs are associated with the Yme and Rev development projects in Scandinavia and the Northern Fields development in Malaysia.  Upon commencement of production, interest is no longer capitalized. 
 
 
 
The loss on held-for-trading financial instruments in the quarter includes the change in the fair value of commodity price derivatives that are not designated as hedges.  See note 10 to the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements. 
 
 
 
Other revenue of $35 million includes $29 million of pipeline and processing revenue. 
 
 
Taxes
 
 
 
Effective Income Tax Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
                     Three months ended
 
March 31,
 
2008
 
2007
 
($ millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations before taxes
 
819
 
437
 
Less PRT
 
Current
 
Deferred
 
 
 
51
 
(4)
 
 
 
72
 
(4)
 
Total PRT
 
47
 
68
 
 
 
 
 
772
 
369
 
Income tax expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current income tax
 
266
 
170
 
 
 
Future income tax
 
47
 
(6)
 
Total income tax expense
 
313
 
164
 
Effective income tax rate
 
41%
 
44%
 
 
 
 
 
Total income tax expense almost doubled as a result of increased revenues from higher commodity prices.  Reduced production in the UK resulted in decreased Petroleum Revenue Tax (PRT) expense.
 
 
 
The effective tax rate is expressed as a percentage of pre-tax income adjusted for PRT, which is deductible in determining taxable income.  The effective tax rate in the quarter decreased by 3% to 41%, relative to the same period in 2007 due to a change in the mix of income towards lower tax rate jurisdictions.
 
 
 

Asset Rationalization Program
 
 
 
In accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles, Talisman is required to report separately the results of continuing and discontinued operations.  Discontinued operations include the results from assets the Company expects to sell and the results, to the transaction closing date, of assets that have been sold.  Prior period results are restated to show both continuing and discontinued operations for comparative purposes.  See note 2 to the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.  Production from discontinued operations comprises production from asset sales expected to close during 2008. 
 
 
 
In 2008, Talisman entered into an agreement to sell gas producing assets in Western Canada for approximately $250 million.  The sale is expected to close later in 2008.
 
 
 
In 2008, Talisman entered into an agreement to sell assets in Denmark for approximately US$83 million, resulting in an after-tax writedown of these assets of $28 million to their net realizable value.  The sale is expected to close later in 2008.
 
 
 
In 2007, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its Beatrice assets in the UK for approximately UK₤10 million.  The sale is expected to close later in 2008, with an effective date of January 1, 2008. 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures1
 
 
 
Three months ended
 
March 31,
 
2008
 
2008 vs 2007
 
2007
 
 
 
 
 
(%)
 
 
 
($ millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
 
421  
 
(31)
 
611  
 
UK
 
180
 
(48)
 
346
 
Scandinavia
 
199
 
59
 
125
 
Southeast Asia
 
171
 
54
 
111
 
Other
 
32
 
(48)
 
62
 
Corporate, IS and Administrative
 
9
 
(25)
 
12
 
 
 
1,012
 
(20)
 
1,267
 
Acquisitions
 
111
 
 
 
4
 
Discontinued operations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Capital expenditures
 
10
 
 
 
41
 
   Proceeds on dispositions2
 
-
 
 
 
(472)
 
Total
 
1,133
 
35
 
840
 
1.        Capital expenditures excludes corporate acquisitions.
 
2.        2007 proceeds on disposition of $472 million, comprised $229 million in cash and $243 million in Canadian Oil Sands Trust units.
 
 
 
North America capital expenditures during the quarter totalled $421 million, with exploration costs of $177 million and development costs of $244 million (including plant and equipment).  These expenditures included the drilling of 112 gas wells and 26 oil wells.  The decrease in capital expenditures relative to the same period in 2007 was primarily the result of decreased activity.
 
 
 

UK capital expenditures during the quarter were comprised of $50 million on exploration and $130 million on development, which included development drilling in the Claymore and Blane fields, as well as the development of the Auk North, Burghley and Tweedsmuir fields.  The decrease in capital expenditures was largely the result of decreased development activity as a number of projects were commissioned in 2007.
 
 
 
In Scandinavia, the Company spent $37 million on exploration and $162 million on development, including development drilling in the Gyda, Brage and Veslefrikk fields as well as the ongoing Rev and Yme field developments.  Increased spending on Rev and Yme resulted in increased capital expenditures relative to the same period in 2007.
 
 
 
In Southeast Asia, capital expenditures of $171 million included $85 million on exploration, principally on the Hai Su Den discovery in Block 15-2/01 in Vietnam, and $86 million on development, which includes development of the Northern field.
 
 
 
The decrease in Other capital expenditures is principally the result of a reduced level of drilling activity in Trinidad and Tobago.
 
 
 
In March, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares of RSX Energy Inc. for cash consideration of $95 million and the assumption of $6 million of long-term debt.
 
 
Long-Term Debt and Liquidity
 
 
At March 31, Talisman’s long-term debt was $4.4 billion ($4.2 billion net of cash), down from $4.9 billion ($4.3 billion net of cash) at December 31, 2007.  During the first three months of 2008, the Company generated $1.3 billion of cash provided by operating activities and spent $1.1 billion on exploration, development and the acquisition of RSX Energy Inc.  The translation effect of the weakening of the C$ relative to the US$ since December 31, 2007 increased long-term debt by approximately $150 million, since the majority of the Company’s debt is denominated in US$.
 
 
 
At March 31, the Company had $1.3 billion drawn against its available $2.7 billion of bank lines of credit. 
 
 
 
On April 9, the Company filed as part of a registration statement a debt shelf prospectus in the US under the Multi-Jurisdictional Disclosure System pursuant to which it may issue up to US$2 billion of debt securities in the US public debt market.  The Company simultaneously filed a medium term note shelf prospectus in Canada pursuant to which it may issue up to $1 billion of medium term note securities in the Canadian public debt market.
 
 
 
At March 31, the Company had current assets of $2.0 billion and current liabilities of $2.7 billion, including assets and liabilities related to discontinued operations. Working capital movements are difficult to predict, but management anticipates that accounts receivable will rise later in the year, due primarily to increased production in the North Sea and Southeast Asia.
 
 
 
At March 31, debt-to-debt plus book equity was 34%.  For the 12 months ended March 31, 2008, the debt-to-cash provided by operating activities ratio was 1.02:1.
 
 
 
At March 31, there were 1,018,617,605 common shares outstanding, increasing to 1,018,649,105 at April 28.
 
 
 

At March 31, there were 62,587,386 stock options and 9,638,143 cash units outstanding.  Subsequent to March 31,  15,246,720 stock options were granted, 1,651,501 were exercised for cash, 31,500 were exercised for shares and 131,943 were cancelled, with 76,019,162 outstanding at April 28.  Subsequent to March 31, 2,078,630 cash units were granted, 409,441 were exercised and 32,610 were cancelled, with 11,274,722 outstanding at April 28.
 
 
 
Talisman’s investment grade senior unsecured long-term debt credit ratings from DBRS Limited “DBRS”), Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) and Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) are BBB (high), Baa2 (stable) and BBB+, respectively.  S&P has assigned a negative outlook to its corporate rating.
 
 
 
Talisman continually monitors its portfolio of assets and investigates business opportunities in the oil and gas sector.  The Company may make acquisitions, investments or dispositions, some of which may be material.  In connection with any acquisition or investment, Talisman may incur debt or issue equity.
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Company may use derivative instruments to manage commodity price, foreign exchange and interest rate risk. The Company may choose to designate derivative instruments as hedges. To date, the Company has elected not to designate any commodity price derivative contracts entered into since January 1, 2007 as hedges for accounting purposes and consequently realizes changes in the fair value of such contracts in net income immediately, which will increase the volatility of net income.  In addition, the Company has a fixed-to-floating interest rate swap and a cross currency interest rate swap.  The fixed-to-floating interest rate swap is designated as a fair value hedge of a portion of the Company’s long-term debt.  The hedged portion of the long-term debt and hedging item are re-measured at fair value each reporting period and the respective changes in fair value of the derivative and the hedged portion of the long-term debt offset each other and are expected to continue to have no net impact on net income in future periods.
 
 
 
The Company’s use of derivative instruments is discussed more fully in note 10 to the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
 
Sensitivities
 
 
 
Talisman’s financial performance is affected by factors such as changes in production volumes, commodity prices and exchange rates. The estimated annualized impact of these factors on the Company’s financial performance for 2008 is summarized in the following table, based on an approximate WTI oil price of US$95/bbl, a NYMEX natural gas price of US$9/mmbtu and exchange rates of C$1=US$1 and UK£1=C$2.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
($ millions)
 
 
 
Net Income
 
 
 
Cash Provided by
 
Operating Activities
 
Volume changes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil - 1,000 bbls/d
 
10
 
 
 
15
 
 
 
Natural gas - 10 mmcf/d
 
10
 
 
 
20
 
Price changes1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil – US$1.00/bbl
 
30
 
 
 
30
 
 
 
Natural gas (North America)2 - C$0.10/mcf
 
15
 
 
 
20
 
Exchange rate changes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
US$/C$ decreased by US$0.01
 
40
 
 
 
60
 
 
 
C$/UK£ increased by C$0.02
 
(5)
 
 
 
-
 
1.        The impact of commodity contracts outstanding as of April 1 has been included.
 
2.        Price sensitivity on natural gas relates to North American natural gas only.  The Company’s exposure to changes in the natural gas prices in the UK, Scandinavia and Malaysia/Vietnam is not material.  Most of the natural gas price in Indonesia is based on the price of crude oil and accordingly has been included in the price sensitivity for oil except for a small portion, which is sold at a fixed price.
 
 
 
Summary of Quarterly Results ($ millions unless otherwise stated)
 
 
 
The following is a summary of quarterly results of the Company for the eight most recently completed quarters.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended
 
 
 
 
 
2008
 
20071
 
20061
 
 
 
 
 
Mar. 31
 
Dec. 31
 
Sept. 30
 
June 30
 
Mar. 31
 
Dec. 31
 
Sept. 30
 
June 30
 
Gross sales
 
2,468
 
2,462
 
2,286
 
2,234
 
2,146
 
2,080
 
2,094
 
2,175
 
Total revenue
 
2,116
 
2,056
 
1,941
 
1,915
 
1,882
 
1,804
 
1,789
 
1,796
 
Net income from continuing operations
 
 
 
459
 
 
 
303
 
 
 
223
 
 
 
298
 
 
 
205
 
 
 
322
 
 
 
389
 
 
 
531
 
Net income
 
466
 
656
 
352
 
550
 
520
 
598
 
525
 
685
 
Per common share ($)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income from
 
continuing operations
 
 
 
0.45
 
 
 
0.30
 
 
 
0.22
 
 
 
0.29
 
 
 
0.19
 
 
 
0.30
 
 
 
0.36
 
 
 
0.48
 
 
 
Diluted net income from continuing operations
 
 
 
0.44
 
 
 
0.29
 
 
 
0.21
 
 
 
0.28
 
 
 
0.18
 
 
 
0.29
 
 
 
0.35
 
 
 
0.47
 
 
 
Net income
 
0.46
 
0.64
 
0.35
 
0.53
 
0.49
 
0.56
 
0.48
 
0.62
 
 
 
Diluted net income
 
0.45
 
0.63
 
0.34
 
0.52
 
0.48
 
0.54
 
0.47
 
0.61
 
1.     Prior periods have been restated to reflect the impact of discontinued operations.  See note 2 to the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
 
During the first quarter of 2008, gross sales increased by $322 million over the same period in 2007 due to increasing oil, liquids and gas prices, partially offset by the decreased production from continuing operations and the strengthening of the C$.  Net income from continuing operations increased by $254 million due principally to increased revenue and a stock-based compensation recovery, partially offset by lower production and increased income taxes.
 
 
 
New Accounting Standards
 
 
 
Effective January 1, 2008, Talisman adopted the new Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) recommendations relating to Financial Instruments – Disclosure (section 3862) and Financial Instruments – Presentation (section 3863).  The new disclosure required by section 3862 concerning the nature and extent of the risks associated with financial instruments, and how those risks are managed, is presented in note 10 to the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.  As permitted, comparative information for the disclosure required by section 3862 has not been provided.  The adoption of section 3863 had no impact upon Talisman’s presentation.
 
 
 
Effective January 1, 2008, Talisman adopted retrospectively the new CICA recommendations relating to Inventories (section 3031).  The new standard provides additional guidance concerning measurement, classification and disclosure and allows the reversal of write-downs to net realizable value when there is a change in the circumstances giving rise to the impairment.  On adopting these recommendations, the Company reclassified inventory that is expected to be capitalized when consumed from other assets to property, plant and equipment, with comparative balances reclassified accordingly.  The impact on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2007 was an increase of $216 million to property, plant and equipment and a decrease of $216 million in other assets.
 
 
 
In February 2008, the CICA issued recommendations relating to the recognition, measurement and disclosure of goodwill and intangible assets (section 3064) which will be effective for Talisman’s 2009 reporting.  Talisman is currently assessing the impact of implementing these recommendations.
 
 
 
The Accounting Standards Board confirmed recently that public companies will be required to report under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) effective January 1, 2011.  Talisman is currently assessing the impact of adopting IFRS, including an examination of recognition, measurement and disclosure differences.
 
 
 
Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
 
 
There were no changes in Talisman’s internal control over financial reporting during the first quarter of 2008 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
 
Litigation
 
 
 
On September 12, 2006, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (the Court) granted Talisman's Motion for Summary Judgment, dismissing the lawsuit brought against Talisman by the Presbyterian Church of Sudan and others, under the Alien Tort Claims Act. The lawsuit alleged that the Company conspired with, or aided and abetted, the Government of Sudan to commit violations of international law in connection with the Company's now disposed of interest in oil operations in Sudan. The plaintiffs have twice attempted to certify the lawsuit as a class action. In March 2005 and in September 2005, the Court rejected the plaintiffs' effort to certify two different classes (or groups) of plaintiffs.  The plaintiffs have appealed to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, the Court's decision granting Talisman's Motion for Summary Judgment, its denial of class certification and its refusal to consider the plaintiffs' proposed third amended complaint. Talisman believes the lawsuit is entirely without merit and will continue to vigorously defend itself. Talisman does not expect the lawsuit to have a material adverse effect on it.
 
 
 
Forward-Looking Information
 
This interim MD&A contains information that constitutes “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” (collectively “forward-looking information”) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. This forward-looking information includes, among others, statements regarding:
 
 
 
·         the timing of expected dispositions;
 
·         estimated movements in working capital;
 
·         expected impact of proposed royalty changes;
 
·         the ability of the Company to incur debt or issue equity in connection with any acquisition or investment;
 
·         expected impact of accounting pronouncements;
 
·         the merits or anticipated outcome or timing of pending litigation; and
 
·         other expectations, beliefs, plans, goals, objectives, assumptions, information and statements about possible future events, conditions, results of operations or performance.
 
Often, but not always, forward-looking information uses words or phrases such as: “expects”, “does not expect” or “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans” or “planned”, “estimates” or “estimated”, “projects” or “projected”, “forecasts” or “forecasted”, “believes”, “intends”, “likely”, “possible”, “probable”, “scheduled”, “positioned”, “goal”, “objective” or states that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved.
 

 
 
·         the ability of the Company to integrate any assets it may acquire or the performance of those assets;
 
·         uncertainties related to the litigation process, such as a possible discovery of new evidence or acceptance of novel legal theories and difficulties in predicting the decisions or judges and juries;
 
 
 
The foregoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors which could affect the Company’s operations or financial results are included in the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form and Annual Financial Report.  In addition, information is available in the Company’s other reports on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. 
 
Forward-looking information is based on the estimates and opinions of the Company’s management at the time the information is presented.  The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information should circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions change, except as required by law.
 
 
 

Advisory - Oil and Gas Information
 
 
 
Use of ‘boe’
 
 
 
Throughout this interim MD&A, the calculation of barrels of oil equivalent (boe) is at a conversion rate of six thousand cubic feet (mcf) of natural gas for one barrel of oil and is based on an energy equivalence conversion method. Boe may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of 6mcf:1bbl is based on an energy equivalence conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalence at the wellhead.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional information related to the Company, including its Annual Information Form, can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.