TORONTO (Standard & Poor's) Oct. 15, 2004--Standard & Poor's Ratings Services today said it affirmed its 'BBB+' corporate credit and senior unsecured debt ratings on Talisman Energy Inc. At the same time, Standard & Poor's also withdrew its 'BBB-' preferred stock rating, following the company's repurchase of two outstanding issues in 2004. The outlook is stable. "The ratings affirmation follows our annual review of Talisman's consolidated business and financial profile, both of which remain consistent with the medians for the 'BBB+' rating category," said Standard & Poor's credit analyst Michelle Dathorne. "As Talisman has reduced debt levels in the past three years, there is some cushion in the company's financial profile at the current rating level," Ms. Dathorne added. The
