EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 894627
Filing Year: 2025
Filename: 894627_10-K_2025_0000894627-25-000014.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
OVERVIEW AND STRATEGY
We are an independent energy company headquartered in Houston, Texas engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs. We have a diversified, African-focused asset portfolio in Gabon, Egypt, Cote d'Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea, as well as producing properties in Canada.
Our overall business strategy is to maximize the value of our current resources and expand into new development opportunities across our strategically complementary asset base. We intend to accelerate shareholder returns and increase shareholder value by controlling operating costs and capital expenditures, maximizing reserve recoveries and making disciplined strategic accretive acquisitions that meet our strategic and financial objectives. Specifically, we seek to:
•Focus on maintaining production and lowering costs to increase margins and preserve optionality to capitalize on an increase in crude oil, natural gas and NGLs prices;
•Manage capital expenditures related to our drilling programs so that expenditures can be funded by cash on hand and cash from operations;
•Continue our focus on operating safely and complying with internationally accepted environmental operating standards;
•Optimize production through careful management of wells and infrastructure;
•Maximize our cash flow and income generation;
•Continue planning for additional development of our properties;
•Preserve a strong balance sheet by maintaining conservative leverage ratios and exhibiting financial discipline;
•Opportunistically hedge against exposures to changes in crude oil, natural gas or NGLs prices; and
•Actively pursue strategic, value-accretive mergers and acquisitions of similar properties to diversify our portfolio of producing assets.
We believe that our quality portfolio, strong management and technical expertise specific to the markets in which we operate, and our ongoing focus on maintaining a competitive cost structure and disciplined capital allocation framework, position us to achieve our business strategy and navigate a variety of commodity price environments. Over the past years, we have delivered on our focused strategy and believe we will continue to do so with the organic growth programs across our diversified portfolio over the coming years.
2024 ACQUISITION
On April 30, 2024, we completed the acquisition of Svenska Petroleum Exploration Aktiebolag, a company incorporated in Sweden (“Svenska”), whereby we acquired all of the issued shares in the capital of Svenska and Svenska became a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Svenska Acquisition”) for a net adjusted purchase price of $40.2 million. The purchase price was funded with the Company's cash on hand. As a result of the Svenska Acquisition, we acquired Svenska’s primary asset: a 27.39% non-operated working interest in the deepwater producing Baobab field in Block CI-40, offshore Cote d’Ivoire in West Africa. We also acquired a 21.05% non-operated working interest in OML 145, a non-producing discovery located offshore of Nigeria that is not expected to be developed at this time.
In March 2025, the Company farmed into the CI-705 block offshore Côte d’Ivoire. The Company will become operator of the CI-705 block with a 70% working interest and a 100% paying interest though a commercial carry arrangement and is partnering with two other parties. The CI-705 block is located in the Tano basin, west of the Company's CI-40 Block, where the Baobab and Kossipo oil fields are located. The Company has made approximately $3.0 million in cash payments related to the acquisition.
SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
For additional operating segment and geographic financial information, see Part IV, Item 15., Note 5. Segment Information to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Our reportable operating segments are Gabon, Egypt, Cote d'Ivoire, Canada and Equatorial Guinea.
The following table sets out a brief comparative summary of certain key data for each of the Company’s operating segments. Additional data and discussion are provided in Part II, Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Year Ended December 31, 2024 As of December 31, 2024
Production Volumes(1)
Percentage of Total Production Revenue Year-End Estimated Proved Reserves Percentage of Total Estimated Proved Reserves
(In MBoe) (In thousands) (in MBoe)
Gabon 2,783 38 % $ 205,954 11,063 25 %
Egypt 2,585 35 % 145,966 9,448 21 %
Cote d'Ivoire(2)
1,058 15 % 95,082 16,381 36 %
Canada 870 12 % 31,986 8,126 18 %
Equatorial Guinea(3)
- - % - - - %
7,296 100 % $ 478,988 45,018 100 %
(1) Production volumes are reported on NRI basis.
(2) For the period from April 30, 2024, the close date of the Svenska Acquisition, through December 31, 2024.
(3) Undeveloped properties.
Gabon Segment
During 2024, our producing properties in Gabon produced approximately 2,783 MBoe or 38% of our total production. Our Gabon production for the period was 100% crude oil.
We own a working interest in, and are the operator of, the Etame PSC related to the Etame Marin block located offshore Gabon in West Africa. The Etame Marin block covers an area of approximately 46,200 gross acres located 20 miles offshore in water depths of approximately 250 feet. Currently, we own a 58.8% working interest in the Etame Marin block, and we are designated as the operator on behalf of the Etame Consortium. The block is subject to a 7.5% back-in carried interest by the government of Gabon, which they have assigned to a third party. Our working interest will decrease to 57.2% in June 2026 when the back-in carried interest increases to 10%.
The terms of the Etame PSC include provisions for payments to the government of Gabon for: royalties based on 13% of production at the published price and a shared portion of Profit Oil determined based on daily production rates, as well as a gross carried working interest of 7.5% (increasing to 10% beginning June 20, 2026) for all costs. The term of the Etame PSC extends through 2028 with two five-year options to extend the PSC (the “PSC Extension”). The PSC Extension provides us with the extended time horizon necessary to pursue developing the resources we have identified at Etame. The government of Gabon has currently elected to take its Profit Oil in-kind.
We are a member of the BWE Consortium that was provisionally awarded two blocks in the 12th Offshore Licensing Round in Gabon. The BWE Consortium and the government came to an agreement on the fiscal terms of the PSC on February 9, 2024. All parties to the BWE Consortium signed the PSC with the Gabonese Government during the fourth quarter of 2024. Pursuant to the terms of the PSC, BW Energy will be the operator with a 37.5% working interest, and VAALCO and Panoro Energy will have 37.5% and 25% working interests, respectively, as non-operating joint owners. The two blocks, covered by the PSC, Niosi Marin Block (previously G12-13) and the Guduma Marin Block (previously H12-13) cover an area of 2,989 square kilometers and 1,929 square kilometers, respectively, are adjacent to our Etame PSC
as well as BW Energy and Panoro’s Dussafu PSC offshore Southern Gabon. In February 2025, the decree by the Gabonese government approving the PSCs for the Niosi Marin Block and the Guduma Marin Block was published.
Egypt Segment
For the year ended December 31, 2024, our Egypt Segment properties contributed approximately 2,585 MBoe or 35% of our total production. Our Egyptian production for the period was 100% crude oil.
In Egypt, our interests are spread across two regions: the Eastern Desert, which contains the West Gharib, West Bakr and North West Gharib merged concessions, and the Western Desert, which contains the South Ghazalat concession. The Eastern Desert merged concession is approximately 45,067 acres and the Western Desert, South Ghazalat concession, is approximately 7,340 acres. Both of our Egyptian blocks are subject to PSCs with EGPC, the Egyptian government and VAALCO. We have an equal ownership interest, with EGPC owning the other portion, in the joint venture that has a 100% working interest in both PSCs. The PSC for the Merged Concession has a term ending year 2035, while for South Ghazalat, we have until the end of March 2025 to extend the term of PSC depending on successful drilling activity.
Under the terms of the Merged Concession Agreement, the Company is obligated to make modernization payments to the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and is also required to deliver minimum financial work commitments. Please see Part IV, Item 15., Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on the modernization payments.
Cote d'Ivoire Segment
For the period from April 30, 2024, the closing date of the Svenska Acquisition, through December 31, 2024, the properties in Cote d'Ivoire produced approximately 1,058 MBoe or 15% of our total 2024 production. Our Cote d'Ivoire production for the period was 100% crude oil.
The Company holds a 27.4% non-operated working interest (30.4% paying interest) in CI-40 in the deepwater producing Baobab field in Block CI-40, offshore Cote d’Ivoire in West Africa. Crude oil from the Baobab field is produced to a dedicated FPSO with the associated natural gas delivered onshore via a subsea pipeline. The PSC license in Cote d’Ivoire has an initial term expiring on April 11, 2028 with a ten-year extension option that, if exercised, would extend the term until April 2038. The field has been developed with 24 subsea production wells and 5 water injector wells tied back to a leased FPSO. At year end, 9 of these wells were in production with the other 20 being shut in.
The FPSO will be in transit to dry dock in early 2025 for planned maintenance and upgrades. It has ceased hydrocarbon production as scheduled on January 31, 2025 and the final lifting of crude oil from the FPSO concluded on February 6, 2025. The project team mobilization efforts are on schedule and have significantly progressed, deploying the necessary workforce support vessels and equipment to facilitate the safe disconnection of the FPSO. The vessel is planned to be wet towed to the shipyards in Dubai for refurbishment upon departure from the field.
Significant development drilling is expected to begin in 2026 after the FPSO is expected to return to service with meaningful additions to production from the main Baobab field in CI-40.
Canada Segment
During 2024, the properties in Canada produced approximately 870 MBoe or 12% of our total production. Our Canadian production for the period was 40% crude oil, 29% natural gas and 31% NGLs.
We own production and working interests in Cardium light oil and Mannville liquids-rich gas assets in Harmattan, which is a core play in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basis, and is located approximately 80 kilometers north of Calgary, Alberta. These properties produce oil and associated natural gas from the Cardium zone and liquids-rich natural gas from zones in the Lower Mannville and Rock Creek formations at vertical depths of 2,000 to 2,600 meters. The Harmattan property covers 49,100 gross acres of developed land and 28,900 gross acres of undeveloped land. We also own a 100% working interest in a large oil battery and a compressor station where a majority of oil volumes are processed. All gas is delivered to a third party non-operated gas plant for processing.
Under the Modernized Royalty Framework (the “MRF”) in Alberta, producers initially pay a flat royalty of 5% on production revenue from each producing well until payout, which is the point at which cumulative gross revenues from the
well equals the applicable drilling and completion cost allowance. After payout, producers pay an increased royalty of up to 40% that will vary depending on the nature of the resource and market prices. Once the rate of production from a well is too low to sustain the full royalty burden, its royalty rate is gradually adjusted downward as production declines, eventually reaching a floor of 5%.
Equatorial Guinea Segment
We currently own a 60% working interest in an undeveloped portion of Block P offshore Equatorial Guinea where we are the designated operator. In the event that there is commercial production from Block P, the Company is obligated to make a potential future payment of $6.8 million to the national oil company of Equatorial Guinea, who is a party to the Block P PSC. The Block P PSC provides for a development and production period of 25 years, commencing from the first oil production from Block P. We have completed a feasibility study of a standalone production development opportunity of the Venus field discovery on Block P and submitted a plan of development (“Venus Plan of Development”) to the Equatorial Guinea Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons (“EG MMH”), which was approved in September 2022. After further negotiations and the agreement on certain terms relating to the joint operations were reached, the EG MMH directed that activities relating to the Venus Plan of Development resume in August 2023. These developments required a Third Amendment to the Joint Operating Agreement before proceeding.
The Third Amendment to the Joint Operating Agreement (“JOA”) was approved by all parties to the JOA, and the EG MMH in February 2024. With the approval of the JOA, the work could commence on the engineering for the Venus Development to enable a Final Investment Decision (“FID”) on the Venus Development. The 2024 amended budget was approved by all partners in May 2024, and then approval was requested from EG MMH. At the end of the 30-day waiting period, the budget was deemed to be approved, and the corresponding Authorization for Expenditures was sent to all partners. It was unanimously approved in June 2024, and the implementation of the FEED phase was initiated. The project is on schedule and focuses on key areas of drilling evaluations, facilities design, market inquiries and metocean review. The ultimate objective is to obtain an FID determination by the end of the second quarter of 2025.
Production Sharing Contracts
Exploration and production activities of our assets in Gabon, Egypt, Cote d'Ivoire, and Equatorial Guinea are generally governed by PSCs.
Our oil entitlement under the PSCs is generally the sum of cost oil, profit oil and excess cost oil, if applicable. Under the terms of the PSCs, the Company is typically the contractor partner (“Contractor”) and bears the risk and cost of exploration, development, and production activities. In return, if exploration is successful, the Contractor receives entitlement to variable physical volumes of hydrocarbons, representing recovery of the costs incurred (“Cost Oil”) and a stipulated share of production after cost recovery (“Profit Oil”).
The Contractor may be obligated to make royalty payments to the host government of each country using a variable percentage based on gross daily production levels. The remaining oil production, after deducting the gross royalty, if any, is split between Cost Oil and Profit Oil. Cost Oil is up to a maximum percentage and is allocated to recover approved operating and capital costs spent on specific projects. Excess Cost Oil, which is Cost Oil less the actual cost recovery, is further shared between the host government and the Contractor. Except as otherwise disclosed, all crude oil sales are priced at current market rates at the time of sale.
In Egypt, our share of royalties is paid out of the government's share of production, while in Gabon, the government receives a fixed royalty rate of 13%. Additionally, the income tax to which the Contractor is subject to (“Profit Oil Tax”), is deemed to have been paid to the host government as part of the payment of Profit Oil or is captured in the entitled share of Profit Oil production paid in-kind to the host government, and therefore no additional tax burden is due. Under this arrangement taxation is based on a set percentage of average daily production volume.
DRILLING ACTIVITY
The following table sets forth the total number of completed exploratory and development wells in 2024, 2023 and 2022 on a gross and net basis:
Gross Net
2024 2023 2022 2024 2023 2022
Exploratory wells
Productive - - - - - -
Dry - 2 2 - 2 2
In progress - - - - - -
Development wells
Productive 6 18 9 6 18 7.4
Dry - - - - - -
In progress 1 - 1 1 - 1
Total wells 7 20 12 7 20 10.4
See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Recent Operational Updates,” for additional description of Vaalco’s drilling and completion activities during the year ended December 31, 2024.
ACREAGE AND PRODUCTIVE WELLS
The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2024 relating to our leasehold acreage.
Developed Undeveloped Total
Acreage in thousands Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net
Gabon 6.9 4.1 39.4 23.1 46.3 27.2
Egypt 29.2 29.2 23.3 23.3 52.5 52.5
Cote d'Ivoire 3.5 1.0 43.3 11.4 46.8 12.4
Canada 49.1 44.6 28.9 24.9 78 69.5
Equatorial Guinea - - 57.3 34.4 57.3 34.4
Total acreage 88.7 78.9 192.2 117.1 280.9 196.0
Summary of Acreage Terms
The expiration dates of the term of our concessions associated with each operating area are as follows:
Term Extension Option
Gabon 2028 Two 5-Year Options
Egypt
Merged Concession 2035 5 years
Western Desert(1)
2025 -
Cote d'Ivoire 2028 10 years
Equatorial Guinea 25 years from first oil production
(1) We are currently in negotiations with EGPC to extend the term of the Western Desert concession as we continue to evaluate our strategic options in the area.
For Canada, a significant portion of undeveloped acres is generally held by production by areas that are producing reserves. At December 31, 2024, approximately 59% of Canada’s net undeveloped acreage (14,584 acres) has no expiration risk within the next three years (2025 through 2027).
The following table sets forth information at December 31, 2024 relating to the productive wells in which we owned a working interest as of that date. Gross wells are the total number of producing wells in which we have an interest, and net wells are the sum of our fractional working interests owned in gross wells.
Productive crude oil wells Productive natural gas wells
Gross Net Gross Net
Gabon 14 8.2 - -
Egypt 130 130 - -
Cote d'Ivoire 7 1.9 - -
Canada 70 68.3 54 51.1
Total Productive crude oil wells 221 208.4 54 51.1
RESERVE INFORMATION
Estimated Reserves and Estimated Future Net Revenues
Reserve Data
The tables below sets forth our estimated net proved reserve quantities for the year ended December 31, 2024. The Gabon, Egypt and Cote d'Ivoire information was evaluated by the independent petroleum engineering firm, Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (“NSAI”). Canada information was evaluated by the independent firm, GLJ Ltd. (“GLJ”). The proved reserve quantities are calculated based on our NRI.
Year Ended December 31, 2024
Crude Oil (MBbls) Natural Gas (MMcf)(1)
NGLs (MBbls) Total (MBoe)(1)
Proved developed reserves
Gabon 6,830 - - 6,830
Egypt 8,962 - - 8,962
Cote d'Ivoire 118 47 - 126
Canada 1,480 10,490 1,744 4,972
Total proved developed reserves 17,390 10,537 1,744 20,890
Proved undeveloped reserves
Gabon 4,233 - - 4,233
Egypt 486 - - 486
Cote d'Ivoire 15,134 6,504 - 16,255
Canada 1,286 5,590 936 3,154
Total proved undeveloped reserves 21,139 12,094 936 24,128
Total proved reserves 38,529 22,631 2,680 45,018
(1)To convert Natural Gas to MBoe, MMcf is divided by 6 for Canada reserves, and MMcf is divided by 5.8 for Cote d'Ivoire reserves.
In accordance with the current SEC guidelines, estimates of future net cash flow from our properties and the present value thereof are made using the average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each of the twelve months of the year adjusted for quality, transportation fees and market differentials. Such prices are held constant throughout the life of the properties except where such guidelines permit alternate treatment, including the use of fixed and determinable contractual price escalations.
For 2024 and 2023, the adjusted average prices of crude oil used for our reserves estimates were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2024 2023
Crude Oil ($/Bbl)
Gabon $ 81.08 $ 83.22
Egypt $ 65.48 $ 64.59
Cote d'Ivoire $ 79.70 $ -
Canada $ 69.12 $ 71.67
For 2024 and 2023, the adjusted average prices for our reserves associated with natural gas and NGLs were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2024 2023
Cote d'Ivoire
Natural Gas ($/Mcf) $ 2.77 $ -
Canada
Natural Gas ($/Mcf) $ 0.95 $ 1.91
Canada
Ethane ($/Bbl) $ 3.52 $ 5.20
Propane ($/Bbl) $ 19.46 $ 20.18
Butane ($/Bbl) $ 30.68 $ 36.69
Condensates ($/Bbl) $ 69.59 $ 74.76
Standardized Measure
The following table sets forth the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows:
As of December 31,
2024 2023 2022
(in thousands)
Gabon $ 73,011 $ 107,824 $ 244,427
Egypt 135,139 161,747 226,888
Cote d'Ivoire 124,143 - -
Canada 47,107 72,363 153,150
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows $ 379,400 $ 341,934 $ 624,465
The information set forth in the tables includes revisions for certain reserve estimates attributable to proved properties included in preceding years’ estimates. Such revisions are the result of additional information from subsequent completions and production history from the properties involved or the result of an increase or decrease in the projected economic life of such properties resulting from changes in product prices, estimated operating costs and other factors. Crude oil amounts shown for Gabon, Egypt and Cote d'Ivoire are recoverable under the respective PSCs, and the reserves in place at the end of the contract remain the property of each host government. The reserves at the end of the contract, including extensions, are not included in the table above.
We do not reflect proved reserves on discoveries in our reserve estimates until such time as a development plan has been prepared and approved by our joint venture owners and the host government, where applicable.
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves and in projecting future rates of production and timing of development expenditures, including many factors beyond our control. Reserve engineering is a subjective process of estimating underground accumulations of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs that cannot be measured in an exact manner, and the accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data and of engineering
and geological interpretation and judgment. The quantities of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs that are ultimately recovered, production and operating costs, the amount and timing of future development expenditures and future crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales prices may all differ from those assumed in these estimates. The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows should not be construed as the current market value of the estimated crude oil, natural gas and NGLs reserves attributable to our properties.
Proved Undeveloped Reserves
Historically, we have reviewed on an annual basis all of our PUDs to ensure an appropriate plan for development exists.
The following table discloses our estimated PUD reserve activities:
Proved Undeveloped Reserves
(MBoe)
Beginning proved undeveloped reserves at December 31, 2023 6,193
Undeveloped reserves converted to developed reserves (56)
Acquisitions 15,670
Revisions 2,698
Extensions and discoveries (377)
Ending proved undeveloped reserves at December 31, 2024 24,128
Our PUD reserves at December 31, 2024 increased by 17.9 MMBoe, primarily due to:
Acquisition - Acquisition of reserves of 15.7 MMBoe from the Svenska Acquisition.
Conversion to Proved Developed - Conversions of 0.1 MMBoe are attributable to our Egypt segment where one well was drilled, which was previously classified as PUDs was converted to proved developed producing (“PDP”) as part of the 2024 drilling program. The Company spent approximately $11.4 million in 2024 to convert PUDs to PDPs in Egypt.
Revisions of Previous Estimates - We had positive revisions of 3.9 MMBoe primarily attributable to our Gabon segment due to increased recovery both from field performance and development activities, offset by negative revisions of 1.2 MMBoe in Canada.
Extensions and Discoveries - Extensions and discoveries of 0.4 MMBoe are primarily due to our Canada segment where the wells drilled in 2024 proved up areas surrounding the drilling locations and future drilling locations were added in that area.
Controls over Reserve Estimates
Our policies and practices regarding internal controls over the recording of reserves are structured to objectively and accurately estimate our crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs reserves quantities and present values in compliance with SEC regulations and generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”). Compliance with these rules and regulations with respect to our reserves is the responsibility of the Technical & Reserves Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Technical & Reserves Committee”) and our reservoir engineer, who is our principal engineer. Our principal engineer has over 30 years of experience in the crude oil and natural gas industry, including over 10 years as a reserve evaluator and trainer, and is a qualified reserves estimator, as defined by the Society of Petroleum Engineers’ standards. Further professional qualifications include a Master’s degree in petroleum engineering and Texas Professional Engineering (PE) certification, extensive internal and external reserve training, and asset evaluation and management. In addition, the principal engineer is an active participant in industry reserve seminars, professional industry groups and is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. The Technical & Reserves Committee meets periodically with senior management to discuss matters and policies related to reserves.
Our controls over reserve estimation include engaging and retaining qualified independent petroleum and geological firms with respect to reserves information. We provide information to our independent reserve engineers about our crude oil, natural gas and NGLs properties in Gabon, Egypt, Cote d'Ivoire and Canada which includes, but is not limited to, production profiles, ownership and production sharing rights, prices, costs and future drilling plans. Our independent reserve engineers prepare their own estimates of the reserves attributable to our properties. The reserves estimates for our
Gabon, Egypt, Cote d'Ivoire and Canada assets shown herein have been independently evaluated by NSAI (Gabon, Egypt and Cote d'Ivoire), GLJ (Canada) and our Technical & Reserves Committee.
NET VOLUMES SOLD, PRICES, AND PRODUCTION COSTS
Net volumes sold, average sales prices per unit, and production costs per unit for our 2024, 2023 and 2022 operations are shown in the tables below.
Production Volumes (3)
Sales Volumes (3)
Average Sales Price (3)
Average Production
Cost (3)
Crude Oil (MBbl) Natural Gas (MMcf) NGLs (MBbl) Crude Oil (MBbl) Natural Gas (MMcf) NGLs (MBbl) Crude Oil (Per Bbl) Natural Gas (per Mcf) NGLs (Per Bbl) Total
(per BoE)
Year Ended December 31, 2024
Gabon 2,783 - - 2,584 - - $ 78.81 $ - $ - $ 24.08
Egypt 2,585 - - 2,585 - - 56.47 - - 19.64
Cote d'Ivoire (1)
1,058 - - 1,223 - - 77.74 - - 31.08
Canada 350 1,542 269 350 1,542 269 70.69 1.04 25.43 12.99
Total 6,776 1,542 269 6,742 1,542 269 $ 65.64 $ 1.04 $ 25.43 $ 22.51
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Gabon 3,197 - - 3,196 - - $ 79.80 $ - $ - $ 27.26
Egypt 2,771 - - 2,771 - - 58.11 - - 19.77
Canada 334 1,528 270 334 1,528 270 71.88 1.93 26.58 11.02
Total 6,302 1,528 270 6,301 1,528 270 $ 69.84 $ 1.93 $ 26.58 $ 22.16
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Gabon 2,971 - - 2,919 - - $ 103.09 $ - $ - $ 33.18
Egypt(2)
547 - - 547 - - 69.00 - - 21.84
Canada(2)
72 396 73 93 335 63 79.56 4.00 36.12 9.33
Total 3,590 396 73 3,559 335 63 $ 97.24 $ 4.00 $ 36.12 $ 30.12
(1)Reflects sales and production costs from April 30, 2024 through December 31, 2024 related to the Svenksa Acquisition.
(2)Reflects sales and production costs from October 14, 2022 through December 31, 2022 related to the TransGlobe Acquisition.
(3)The production volumes, average sales price, sales volumes and per Boe information are reported on NRI basis.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
VAALCO Energy, Inc. is a Delaware corporation, incorporated in 1985 and headquartered at 2500 CityWest Blvd., Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77042. Our telephone number is (713) 623-0801 and our website address is www.vaalco.com. We make available, free of charge on our website, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports, at https://www.vaalco.com/investors/sec-filings as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. These reports and other information are also available on the SEC's website at https://www.sec.gov. Information contained on our website and the SEC’s website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report. We have placed on our website copies of charters for our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Environmental, Social and Governance Committee as well as our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (“Code of Ethics”), Corporate Governance Principles and Code of Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers. Stockholders may request a printed copy of these governance materials by writing to the Company Secretary, VAALCO Energy, Inc., 2500 CityWest Blvd., Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77042. We intend to disclose updates or amendments to our Code of Ethics and Code of Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers on our website within four business days following the date of such update or amendment.
CUSTOMERS
For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, our revenue concentration by customer for each operating segment are shown on the table below.
Year Ended December 31,
2024 (1)
2023 2022 (2)
Gabon 100% 100% 100%
Egypt 100% 62% and 38% 100%
Cote d'Ivoire 87% and 13% - -
Canada 41%, 32% and 21% 52%, 37% and 7% 54%, 32% and 14%
(1)For Cote d'Ivoire, reflects sales from April 30, 2024 through December 31, 2024 related to the Svenska Acquisition.
(2)For Egypt and Canada, reflects sales from October 14, 2022 through December 31, 2022 related to the TransGlobe Acquisition.
EMPLOYEES AND HUMAN CAPITAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
We operate on the fundamental philosophy that people are our most valuable asset as every person who works for us has the potential to impact our success. Identifying quality talent is at the core of everything we do and our success is dependent upon our ability to attract, develop and retain highly qualified employees. Our core values include honesty/integrity, treating people fairly, high performance, efficient and effective processes, open communication and being respected in our local communities. These values establish the foundation on which our culture is built and represent the key expectations we have of our employees. We believe our culture and commitment to our employees creates an environment that allows us to attract and retain our qualified talent, while simultaneously providing significant value to us and our stockholders by helping our employees attain their highest level of creativity and efficiency.
Demographics
As of December 31, 2024, we had 230 full-time employees, 119 of whom were located in Gabon, 39 in Egypt, 11 in Canada, 1 in Cote d'Ivoire, 1 in Equatorial Guinea, 54 in Houston and 5 corporate employees based in London. We also had 61 contractors in Gabon, 14 contractors in Egypt, 6 contractors in Canada and 24 contractors in Houston as of December 31, 2024. We are not subject to any collective bargaining agreements, although some of the national employees in Gabon are members of the NEOP (National Organization of Petroleum Workers) union. We believe relations with our employees are satisfactory.
Diversity and Inclusion
We value building diverse teams, embracing different perspectives and fostering an inclusive, empowering work environment for our employees. We have a long-standing commitment to equal employment opportunity as evidenced by our Equal Employment Opportunity policy. Approximately 19% of our management team are female employees, 96% of our Gabon workforce is Gabonese and 85% of our Egypt workforce is Egyptian.
Compensation and Benefits
Critical to our success is identifying, recruiting, retaining, and incentivizing our existing and future employees. We strive to attract and retain the most talented employees in the industry by offering competitive compensation and benefits. Our pay-for-performance compensation philosophy is based on rewarding each employee’s individual contributions and striving to achieve equal pay for equal work regardless of gender, race or ethnicity. We use a combination of fixed and variable pay including base salary, bonus, and merit increases, which vary across the business. In addition, as part of our long-term incentive plan for executives and certain employees, we provide share-based compensation to foster our pay-for-performance culture and to attract, retain and motivate our key leaders.
As the success of our business is fundamentally connected to the well-being of our people, we offer benefits that support their physical, financial and emotional well-being. We provide our employees with access to flexible and convenient medical programs intended to meet their needs and the needs of their families. In addition to this medical coverage, we offer eligible employees dental and vision coverage, health savings and flexible spending accounts, paid time off, employee assistance programs, voluntary short-term and long-term disability insurance and term life insurance. Additionally, we
offer a 401(k) Savings Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan to certain employees. Certain employees receive additional compensation for working in foreign jurisdictions.
Workplace environment is also crucial in attracting and retaining key talent. Most of our offices offer a certain level of flexibility (i.e. work from home days and/or flexible core hours) to help meet the needs of the multigenerational workforce and the needs of the business. Our benefits and compensation packages vary by location and are designed to meet or exceed local laws and to be competitive in the marketplace.
Commitment to Values and Ethics
Along with our core values, we act in accordance with our Code of Ethics, which sets forth expectations and guidance for employees to make appropriate decisions. Our Code of Ethics covers topics such as anti-corruption, discrimination, harassment, privacy, appropriate use of company assets, protecting confidential information, and reporting Code of Ethics violations. The Code of Ethics reflects our commitment to operating in a fair, honest, responsible and ethical manner and also provides direction for reporting complaints in the event of alleged violations of our policies (including through an anonymous hotline). Our executive officers and supervisors maintain “open door” policies and any form of retaliation is strictly prohibited.
Professional Development, Safety and Training
We believe that key factors in employee retention are professional development, safety and training. We have training programs across all levels to meet the needs of various roles, specialized skill sets and departments across the Company. We provide compliance education as well as general workplace safety training to our employees and offer Occupational Safety and Health Administration training to key employees. We are committed to the security and confidentiality of our employees’ personal information and employ software tools and periodic employee training programs to promote security and information protection at all levels. We utilize certain employee turnover rates and productivity metrics in assessing our employee programs to ensure that they are structured to instill high levels of in-house employee tenure, low levels of voluntary turnover and the optimization of productivity and performance across our entire workforce. Additionally, we have a performance evaluation program which adopts a modern approach to valuing and strengthening individual performance through on-going interactive progress assessments related to established goals and objectives.
Communication and Engagement
We strongly believe that our success depends on employees understanding how their work contributes to our overall strategy. To this end, we communicate with our workforce through a variety of channels and encourage open and direct communication, including: (i) quarterly company-wide CEO updates; (ii) regular company-wide calls with management and (iii) frequent corporate email communications.
COMPETITION
The crude oil, natural gas and NGLs industry is highly competitive. Competition is particularly intense from other independent operators and from major crude oil, natural gas and NGLs companies with respect to acquisitions and development of desirable crude oil, natural gas and NGLs properties and licenses, and contracting for drilling equipment. There is also competition for the hiring of experienced personnel. In addition, the drilling, producing, processing and marketing of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs is affected by a number of factors beyond our control, which may delay drilling, increase prices and have other adverse effects, which cannot be accurately predicted.
Our competition for acquisitions, exploration, development and production includes the major crude oil, natural gas and NGLs companies in addition to numerous independent crude oil companies, individual proprietors, investors and others. We also compete against companies developing alternatives to petroleum-based products, including those that are developing renewable fuels. Many of these competitors have financial and technical resources and staff that are substantially larger than ours. As a result, our competitors may be able to pay more for desirable crude oil, natural gas and NGLs assets, or to evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater number of properties and licenses than our financial or personnel resources will permit. Furthermore, these companies may also be better able to withstand the financial pressures of lower commodity prices, unsuccessful wells, volatility in financial markets and generally adverse global and industry-wide economic conditions. These companies may also be better able to absorb the burdens resulting from changes in relevant laws and regulations, which may adversely affect our competitive position. Our ability to generate reserves in the
future will depend on our ability to select and acquire suitable producing properties and/or develop prospects for future drilling and exploration.
INSURANCE
For protection against financial loss resulting from various operating hazards, we maintain insurance coverage, including insurance coverage for certain physical damage, blowout/control of a well, comprehensive general liability, worker’s compensation and employer’s liability. We maintain insurance at levels we believe to be customary in the industry to limit our financial exposure in the event of a substantial environmental claim resulting from sudden, unanticipated and accidental discharges of certain prohibited substances into the environment. Such insurance might not cover the complete claim amount and would not cover fines or penalties for a violation of environmental law. We are not fully insured against all risks associated with our business either because such insurance is unavailable or because premium costs are considered uneconomic. A material loss not fully covered by insurance could have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
REGULATORY
General
Our operations and our ability to finance and fund our operations and growth are affected by political developments and laws and regulations in the areas in which we operate. In particular, crude oil, natural gas and NGLs production operations and economics are affected by:
•change in governments;
•civil unrest;
•price and currency controls;
•limitations on crude oil, natural gas and NGLs production;
•tax, environmental, safety and other laws relating to the petroleum industry;
•changes in laws relating to the petroleum industry;
•changes in administrative regulations and the interpretation and application of administrative rules and regulations; and
•changes in contract interpretation and policies of contract adherence.
In any country in which we may do business, the crude oil, natural gas and NGLs industry legislation and agency regulation are periodically changed, sometimes retroactively, for a variety of political, economic, environmental and other reasons, the impact of which could substantially increase our costs or affect our operations. Numerous governmental departments and agencies issue rules and regulations binding on the crude oil, natural gas and NGLs industry. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in the suspension or termination of our operations and subject us to administrative, civil and criminal penalties. The regulatory burden on the crude oil, natural gas and NGLs industry increases our cost of doing business and our potential for economic loss.
Gabon
The 2019 Hydrocarbons Law in Gabon contains provisions applicable to both the upstream and downstream segments. However, despite the publication of the 2019 Hydrocarbons Law, there are various issues and matters yet to be fully enacted by implementing regulations. Under the transitory provision contained in the 2019 Hydrocarbons Law, existing PSCs and other petroleum contracts, permits and authorizations remain in full force and effect until their expiration. However, any renewal or extension of those instruments is subject to the provisions of the 2019 Hydrocarbons Law, and its implementing regulations.
The 2019 Hydrocarbons Law also provides for obligations for immediate application, irrespective of the date of signature of existing PSCs or petroleum contracts and/or granting of petroleum permits and authorizations. These include (i) the requirement for foreign producers and explorers applying for an exclusive development and production authorization to conduct their operations in Gabon through a company incorporated in Gabon rather than through branches of entities incorporated in other jurisdictions; and (ii) the obligation for all companies undertaking hydrocarbon activities to domicile their site rehabilitation funds with the Bank of Central African States, which is the Central African Economic and
Monetary Community (“CEMAC”) or a Gabonese bank or financial institution subject to the Central African Banking Commission, which supervises banks and financial institutions licensed to operate in CEMAC countries, within one year after the entry into force of the 2019 Hydrocarbons Law.
PSCs entered into between independent contractors and the State of Gabon since the implementation of the 2019 Hydrocarbons Law must include a clause providing that participation by the State of Gabon cannot exceed a 10% participating interest in the operations, to be carried by the contractor.
Under the 2019 Hydrocarbons Law, the direct or indirect assignment of a Contractor’s rights or obligations to third parties (non affiliates) under the PSC is subject to approval of the Minister of Petroleum. The State and the national operator have preemption rights, which the State must exercise within 60 days and the national operator must exercise within 45 days if the State does not exercise its rights within the 60 days. The preemption right of the State and the national operator also applies in change of control situations. In February 2024, the State/national operator exercised its preemption right in a share transaction involving a number of PSCs and concessions already in effect prior to 2014.
The 2019 Hydrocarbons Law also entitles the national operator to acquire a maximum 15% stake at market value in all PSCs as of the date of signature. Further, it also provides that the State of Gabon may acquire an equity stake of up to 10%, at market value, in an operator applying for or already holding an exclusive development and production authorization.
Egypt
Laws and Regulations
The Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (“MOP”) is the ministerial governmental authority responsible for the regulation and development of the oil and gas industry in Egypt. Certain government agencies (“government entities”) have been set up to help the MOP achieve its objectives.
Under the Egyptian Constitution, all oil and gas resources are under the control of the State of Egypt. Accordingly, only the State can grant rights for exploration and exploitation of oil and gas resources for interested investors. The Egyptian Constitution provides that concessions for the exploitation of such resources shall be issued by virtue of a law for a period not exceeding 30 years.
Concession Agreement
The mechanism for granting a contractor the right to carry out oil and gas exploration and development activities is the concession agreement. Concession agreements have the force and privileges of law in Egypt, meaning each agreement is an Egyptian Act of Parliament. The concession agreement overrides any contradictory Egyptian laws but not the Egyptian Constitution. In the absence of any legal rule under the relevant concession agreement, the exploration and exploitation operations will be subject to the rules of the Fuel Materials Law No. 66/1953, as amended, and its executive regulation issued by Minister of Industry Decree No. 758/1972, as amended (the “Fuel Materials Law”), and related ministerial decrees, where applicable.
Concession agreements usually follow a standard format which may be updated by the MOP and the relevant government entity from time to time, with slight variations. The commercial terms of concession agreements are open to negotiation, but each concession agreement will typically set out certain factors such as: (i) minimum work and financial commitments associated with each exploration and development program; (ii) any bonus payment(s) to be paid by the contractor to the relevant government agency upon triggering events (usually tied to certain production milestones); (iii) royalties payable to the government in cash or in kind; (iv) exploration and development periods and extensions of each; (v) rules concerning the contractor's recovery of its costs and expenses in association with exploration, development and related operations; (vi) production sharing valuations; (vii) priority right to the relevant government entity to offtake the production for domestic needs; (viii) relinquishment obligations and the associated triggering events; and (ix) requirements and procedures to convert an area to a development and to obtain a development lease, conclude sales and offtake agreement, and to dispose of the contractor’s share of production.
Cost Recovery and Production Allocation
The concession agreement will set out in detail the distribution of cost recovery for the contractor, including a dedicated annex outlining the accounting procedures for treatment of costs, expenses, and taxes under the concession agreement.
Typically, the contractor bears all the risks until a commercial discovery is made, and, following which, the joint operating committee (“JOC”) is formed. The contractor will then be entitled to recover a certain percentage of its costs related to its previous and ongoing exploration and development activities in proportion to its working interest in the concession agreement. These costs may be recovered from the total petroleum production at a rate set out under the concession agreement on a quarterly basis. If the recoverable expenditures exceed the amount recoverable from petroleum production in any period, the unrecovered portion of the expenditures can usually be carried forward to subsequent periods. Full title to fixed and movable assets that are charged to cost recovery will usually pass from the contractor to the relevant government agency when its total costs have been recovered in accordance with the concession agreement, or at the time of relinquishment of the concession agreement with respect to all assets chargeable to the operations whether recovered or not, whichever occurs earlier.
Ownership of Assets
Under the model concession agreements, the movable and immovable assets (other than lands, which become the government entities' property as of the purchase thereof) are transferred automatically and gradually from the contractor to the government entity, as they become subject to cost recovery pursuant to the cost recovery provisions of the concession. The contractor (through the JOC) only has the right to use such assets for the purpose of petroleum operations under the concession agreement.
Termination and Revocation of Concession
The concession agreement is terminated by the lapse of its term, unless terminated prematurely. In addition, the government has the right to prematurely terminate the concession agreement in several instances set out in the concession. The government may, among other things, terminate the concession in the event of a misrepresentation by the contractor, an assignment of the contractor's rights without obtaining the required approvals, or the contractor being declared bankrupt, or committing any material breach under the concession or the Fuel Materials Law. If the government deems that one of these causes (other than force majeure events) exists, it will give the contractor 90 days’ written notice to remedy and remove the cause. If, at the end of the 90-day notice period, the cause has not been remedied and removed, the concession agreement may be terminated by a presidential decree.
Cote d'Ivoire
The Petroleum Code of Cote d'Ivoire (the “Petroleum Code”) is the main legislation governing the country's oil and gas sector. Due to the general nature of the Petroleum Code, most of the specific provisions governing petroleum exploration and production are included in petroleum contracts (the “Petroleum Contracts”) which implement the principles of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, a global framework for disclosure and multi-stakeholder oversight. The Uniform Acts adopted by the Organization for the Harmonisation of Business Law in Africa (the “OHADA”), of which Cote d'Ivoire is a member state, apply to companies carrying out oil and gas activities in Cote d'Ivoire, especially the OHADA Companies Act. Oil and gas activities are subject to exchange control regulations applicable within the West African Economic and Monetary Union, which is an organization of West African states established to promote economic integration among countries that share the CFA franc as a common currency, and the Economic Community of West African States, a regional group of West African nations created to promote economic integration across the region. The main regulatory oversight bodies in Cote d'Ivoire include, among others, the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, the Direction Générale des Hydrocarbures, the Department of Hydrocarbons, and Société Nationale d'Opérations Pétroliéres de la Cote d'Ivoire, the national oil company for oil and gas operations.
The Petroleum Code requires abandonment and rehabilitation obligations to be included in the Petroleum Contracts. In addition, the Petroleum Code provides for the obligation to include environmental provisions, in particular environmental management plans, in the Petroleum Contracts.
Canada
Pursuant to The Constitution Act, 1867 (Canada), the Canadian federal government has primary jurisdiction over interprovincial oil and gas pipelines, import and export trade in oil and gas, and offshore oil and gas exploration and production. Proposed interprovincial pipeline projects require a regulatory review by the Canada Energy Regulator under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act (Canada) to proceed. An impact assessment by the Impact Assessment Agency and a determination by the Cabinet that a pipeline project is in the public interest will also likely be required under the Impact Assessment Act (Canada)(“IAA”). Certain oil and gas projects were subject to federal environmental assessments prior to the Supreme Court of Canada finding the “designated projects” component of the IAA to be unconstitutional in a judgment
released on October 13, 2023. The federal government has yet to introduce legislative changes to the IAA clarifying the scope of federal environmental assessments following the Supreme Court of Canada’s ruling.
The Alberta Energy Regulator (“AER”) is the primary regulator of resource development in Alberta. It derives its authority from the Responsible Energy Development Act (Alberta) and several related statutes. AER regulatory approval is required for all oil and natural gas projects or activities in Alberta. An environmental impact assessment under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (Alberta) will also likely be required.
In addition to conducting project approvals, the AER regulates the lifecycle of projects and performs ongoing monitoring of oil and gas projects to ensure compliance with standards and conditions set out in the licenses and approvals it issues and in the AER directives and regulations. The AER also oversees project closure obligations.
Canada also has extensive climate change regulations at both the federal and provincial level mandating greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emission reductions by oil and natural gas producers. The federal government enacted the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (Canada) (the “GGPPA”), which came into force on January 1, 2019. One component of this regime is an emissions trading system for large industry. The GGPPA allows provinces to develop their own carbon pollution pricing systems that meet the minimum federal benchmark, failing which the federal carbon pollution pricing system applies. Alberta’s Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction Regulation (“TIER”) regulates emissions of heavy industry in line with federal standards and has since been amended broadening the scope of “large emitters” subject to TIER and strengthening facility specific benchmarks, among other things. The Government of Alberta also enacted the Methane Emission Reduction Regulation (Alberta), which, in line with AER Directive 060: Upstream Petroleum Industry Flaring, Incinerating, and Venting and AER Directive 017: Measurement Requirements for Oil and Gas Operations sets vent gas limits for methane per month, which are monitored through the collection of representative measuring data.
In Canada, there is a general presumption against the retroactive application of legislation absent an express statutory statement to the contrary. Significant changes to oil and gas regulations impacting existing projects are also often implemented through a prospective phase-in approach.
Equatorial Guinea
All hydrocarbons existing in Equatorial Guinea’s onshore territory, as well as in its sovereign and jurisdictional waters, are Equatorial Guinea property and part of the public domain. The monetization of such hydrocarbons is to be pursued exclusively by Equatorial Guinea under its constitution, which reserves the exploitation of mineral and hydrocarbons resources exclusively to Equatorial Guinea and the public sector. However, the constitution also provides that Equatorial Guinea can delegate to, grant a concession to or associate itself with private parties for purposes of exploration and production activities in the manner and cases set forth by law.
All contracts signed with the State of Equatorial Guinea for the exploration and production of hydrocarbons have taken the form of PSCs. PSCs are subject to ratification by the President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and become effective only on the date the contractor is notified of presidential ratification. The powers to sign and amend PSCs and supervise their performance belong to the ministry responsible for petroleum operations (the “EG Petroleum Ministry”). In addition, the national oil company of Equatorial Guinea holds, manages and takes participations in petroleum activities on behalf of Equatorial Guinea.
The 2006 Hydrocarbons Law currently in effect in Equatorial Guinea (the “Hydrocarbons Law”) incorporates the regime applicable to the exploration, appraisal, development and production of hydrocarbons, as well as the rules on their transportation, distribution, storage, preservation, decommissioning, refining, marketing, sale and other disposal. The Hydrocarbons Law contains provisions on a number of aspects concerning exploration and production operations and contracts, such as national content obligations, unitization, transfers and abandonment. The EG MMH, which is currently the appointed EG Petroleum Ministry, has been exercising the powers contained within the Hydrocarbons Law.
ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS
General
Our operations are subject to various federal, state, local and international laws and regulations, including laws and regulations in Gabon, Egypt, Cote d'Ivoire, Canada and Equatorial Guinea, governing the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to environmental protection or pollution control. The cost of compliance could be significant. While we are currently complying in all material respects with all environmental laws and regulations, failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in the assessment of administrative, civil and criminal penalties, the imposition of remedial and damage payment obligations, or the issuance of injunctive relief (including orders to cease operations). Environmental laws and regulations are complex and have tended to become more stringent over time. We also are subject to various environmental permit requirements. Some environmental laws and regulations may impose strict liability, which could subject us to liability for conduct that was lawful at the time it occurred or joint and several liability, which could subject us to liability for conduct or conditions caused by prior operators or third parties. To the extent laws are enacted or other governmental action is taken that prohibits or restricts drilling or imposes environmental protection requirements that result in increased costs to the crude oil, natural gas and NGLs industry in general, our business and financial results could be adversely affected. Although no assurances can be made, we believe that, absent the occurrence of an extraordinary event, compliance with existing laws, rules and regulations regulating the release of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment will not have a material effect upon our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position with respect to our existing assets and operations. We cannot predict, however, what effect future environmental regulation or legislation, enforcement policies, or claims for damages to property, employees, other persons, the environment or natural resources could have on us.
In addition, a number of governmental bodies have adopted, have introduced or are contemplating regulatory changes in response to the potential impact of climate change. Legislation, increased regulation and litigation regarding climate change could impose significant costs on us, our joint venture owners, and our suppliers, including costs related to increased energy requirements, capital equipment, environmental monitoring and reporting, and other costs to comply with such regulations. For example, several nations, including Gabon, Egypt, Cote d'Ivoire, Canada and Equatorial Guinea, have signed and officially entered into an international climate change accord (the “Paris Agreement”). The Paris Agreement calls for signatory countries to set their own GHG emissions targets, make these emissions targets more stringent over time and be transparent about the GHG emissions reporting and the measures each country will use to achieve its GHG targets. A long-term goal of the Paris Agreement is to limit global temperature increase to well below two degrees Celsius from temperatures in the pre-industrial era. The Paris Agreement is effectively a successor agreement to the Kyoto Protocol treaty, an international treaty aimed at reducing emissions of GHG, to which various countries and regions are parties. On January 20, 2025, the US President signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement for the second time. Such executive order could impact the SEC’s adopted new rules requiring public companies to disclose extensive climate-related information in their SEC filings, which the SEC voluntarily stayed followed a number of petitions for review filed against the SEC that were consolidated before the US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
The State of Gabon and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea did not sign the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge at COP 28. However, a few oil companies operating in Gabon signed the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter at COP 28.
The United States has previously announced a target for the US to achieve a 50-52% reduction from 2005 levels in economy-wide GHG emissions by 2030. Following the Paris Agreement and its ratification in Canada, the Government of Canada also pledged to cut its emissions by 40-45% from 2005 levels by 2030. In June 2021, the Canadian federal government passed the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (Canada), which provides a legal foundation and framework for Canada to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. In November 2024, the Canadian government released draft regulations aimed at capping GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector. Of note, the proposed regulations set a cap on GHG emissions within the sector, equivalent to 35% below 2019 levels by 2030 and introduce a cap-and-trade system designed to recognize better-performing companies and incentivize higher polluters to invest in cleaner production processes
Given the political significance and uncertainty around the impact of climate change and how it should be dealt with, we cannot predict how legislation and regulation, including the Paris Agreement and any related GHG emissions targets, potential prices on carbon emissions, incentives to use renewable forms of energy or other requirements, will affect our financial condition and operating performance. Apart from any new legal developments, increased awareness and any
adverse publicity in the global marketplace about potential impacts on climate change by us or other companies in our industry could harm our reputation, restrict our access to capital or impact the marketability of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs. In addition, the potential physical impacts of climate change on our operations are highly uncertain and would be particular to the geographic circumstances in areas in which we operate. These may include changes in rainfall amounts, storm patterns and storm intensities, water shortages, changing sea levels, and changing temperatures. These impacts may adversely impact the cost, production, and financial performance of our operations.
In part because they are economically developing countries, it is unclear how quickly and to what extent Gabon, Equatorial Guinea or Egypt will increase their regulation of climate change issues in the future. As of the date of this Annual Report, Equatorial Guinea has not adopted any new environmental legislation. Gabon has adopted Ordinance No. 019/2021 of September 13, 2021 on Climate Change, which ratification law has been published in the Official Gazette, with the objective of complying with the Paris Agreement (the "Ordinance on Climate Change"). The Ordinance on Climate Change particularly aims to: (a) provide a framework for targets to be set for controlling and reducing emissions and for increasing GHG absorption in the national climate change strategy and the national plans for climate change adaptation and mitigation; (b) define and develop tools and mechanisms for climate change adaptation and mitigation; (c) provide a framework for, and implement, strategies for adaptation, monitoring mitigation and assessment, action plans, policies, programs and adaptation and mitigation measures; (d) provide a framework and take effective response for adaptation and mitigation measures to facilitate the setting of specific sustainable development, security and energy efficiency goals; (e) promote and manage sustainable development through climate change mitigation and adaptation activities; (f) establish climate change financing mechanisms; and (g) complement international instruments addressing climate change. It also sets forth climate adaptation and mitigation measures for carbon intensive operators (which include petroleum companies) such as (a) the establishment of a National Plan on the Reduction of Gas Flaring with a zero flaring objective; (b) the establishment of a GHG emissions database and quota system, (c) a carbon offset register, and (d) penalties and sanctions for not complying with such measures. Egypt ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (“UNFCCC”) in 1994, signed the Paris Agreement in 2016 and ratified it in 2017. Egypt is among the top affected countries by climate change. Egypt is already implementing plans pertaining to energy resources diversification and acceleration of decreased carbon emissions, in line with its “Sustainable Development Strategy: Egypt Vision 2030”, the “Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy 2035” and its “National Climate Change Strategy 2050”. Egypt was also host to the United Nations Climate Change Conference-COP27, during which the role of the oil and gas sector was the highlight of the “Decarbonization Day” thereof. Egypt submitted in June 2023 a revised Nationally Determined Contribution (“NDC”) to the United Nations Development Programme, focusing on Egypt’s commitment to reduce emissions by 65% in the oil and gas sector (1.7 Mt CO2e) by 2030, increasing renewable energy capacities and alternative energy (including natural gas) sources to generate 42% of electricity by 2035, and increased policy actions and measures across key sectors including the oil and gas sector. In December 2023, during COP28, Egypt formally launched the first African voluntary carbon marketplace.
In addition to the ratification of the Paris Agreement, Côte d'Ivoire has implemented various climate regulations and policies to address the challenges of climate change. A Central Directorate in charge of the Fight against Climate Change was established to coordinate climate action. In 2022, Côte d'Ivoire submitted its revised NDC for 2021-2030, committing to reduce GHG emissions by 30.41% by 2030. The National Development Plan 2021-2025 includes climate change as one of its six priority areas. Other key climate-related policies include the National Gender and Climate Change Strategy, and the National REDD+ Strategy which look to develop credible carbon credit programs. Additionally, Côte d'Ivoire has joined international climate initiatives such as the Clean Development Mechanism and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition.
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (“CBAM”) is the EU's carbon pricing tool designed to reduce carbon emissions and prevent carbon leakage by imposing a carbon price on certain imported goods. It requires importers to report embedded emissions in their products and eventually purchase CBAM certificates. Currently it applies to imports of cement, iron and steel, aluminum, fertilizers, hydrogen, and electricity with the aim to create a level playing field between EU and non-EU producers while encouraging cleaner industrial production globally. CBAM is poised to significantly reshape the global oil and gas trade landscape. As the mechanism gradually expands to encompass the oil and gas sector by 2028, with full coverage expected by 2036, industry players are bracing for substantial shifts in market dynamics. Based on WoodMac Research, CBAM's implementation could potentially increase crude and refined product prices by up to $5 per barrel, translating to approximately 30 euro cents per liter at the pump for consumers. This price adjustment is likely to alter the competitive landscape, favoring low-emission intensity crudes and potentially reshaping trade flows as producers and refiners adapt their strategies to maximize value in a carbon-constrained market.
Moreover, Gabon has recently adopted Law no. 007/2023 of November 2, 2023 on the prevention and management of disasters, which requires companies conducting activities defined as dangerous or operating at facilities that are deemed to have an impact on the environment, to obtain, as relevant, authorizations, or establish operational plans. There are no further guidelines on whether and how it will apply to the petroleum industry.
Any significant increase in the regulation or enforcement of environmental issues in any of our operating areas could have a material effect on us. Economically developing countries, in certain instances, have patterned environmental laws after those in the U.S. However, the extent that any environmental laws are enforced in economically developing countries varies significantly.
With regards to our development operations offshore West Africa, we are a member of Oil Spill Response Limited (“OSRL”), a global emergency and crude oil spill-response organization headquartered in London. OSRL has aircraft and equipment available for dispersant application or equipment transport, including various boom systems that can be used for offshore and shoreline recovery operations. In addition, VAALCO has a Tier 1 spill kit in-country for immediate deployment if required. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for further discussion on the impact of these and other regulations relating to environmental protection.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our business faces many risks. You should carefully consider the following risk factors in addition to the other information included in this Annual Report. If any of these risks or uncertainties actually occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Any risks discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report and in our other SEC filings could also have a material impact on our business, financial position or results of operations. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we consider immaterial based on information currently available to us may also materially adversely affect us.
Risks Relating to Our Business, Operations and Strategy
Our business requires significant capital expenditures and we may not be able to obtain needed capital or financing to fund our exploration and development activities or potential acquisitions on satisfactory terms or at all.
Our exploration and development activities, as well as our active pursuit of complementary opportunistic acquisitions, are capital intensive. To replace and grow our reserves, we must make substantial capital expenditures for the acquisition, exploitation, development, exploration and production of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs reserves. Historically, we have financed these expenditures primarily with cash from operations, debt, asset sales and private sales of equity. We are the operator of the Etame Marin block offshore Gabon, and are responsible for contracting on behalf of all the remaining parties participating in the project and rely on our joint venture owners to pay for 36.4% of the offshore Gabon budget. With respect to Block P, the EG MMH approved our appointment as technical operator in August 2020 and, since we were appointed, we rely on the timely payment of cash calls by our joint venture owners to pay for 46.3% of the Equatorial Guinea budget, except during any development phases where we have agreed or will agree to carry their interests. The continued economic health of our joint venture owners could be adversely affected by low crude oil prices, thereby adversely affecting their ability to make timely payment of cash calls.
If low crude oil, natural gas and NGLs prices, operating difficulties or declines in reserves result in our revenues being less than expected or limit our ability to enter into debt financing arrangements, or our joint venture owners fail to pay their share of project costs, we may be unable to obtain or expend the capital necessary to undertake or complete future drilling programs or to acquire additional reserves.
We do not currently have any commitments for future external funding for capital expenditures or acquisitions beyond cash generated from operating activities and the agreement governing our 2025 RBL Facility (the “2025 Facility Agreement”) . Our ability to secure additional or replacement financing to finance expenditure beyond our current committed capital expenditure for the next 12 months may be limited. We cannot provide any assurances that such additional debt or equity financing or cash generated by operations will be available to meet our capital requirements and fund acquisitions. We may not be able to obtain debt or equity financing on terms favorable to us, or at all. Even if we succeed in selling additional equity securities to raise funds, at such time the ownership percentage of our existing stockholders would be diluted, and new investors may demand rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of existing stockholders. If we raise additional capital through debt financing, the financing may involve covenants that restrict our business activities or our ability to
make future acquisitions. If cash generated by operations or cash available under any financing sources is not sufficient to meet our capital requirements beyond our current committed expenditure for the next 12 months, the failure to obtain additional financing could result in a curtailment of our operations relating to the development of our properties or prevent us from consummating acquisitions of additional reserves. Such a curtailment in operations or activities could lead to a decline in our estimated net proved reserves and would likely materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Unless we are able to replace the proved reserve quantities that we have produced through acquiring or developing additional reserves, our cash flows and production will decrease over time.
Our future success depends upon our ability to find, develop or acquire additional crude oil, natural gas and NGLs reserves that are economically recoverable. In general, production from crude oil, natural gas and NGLs properties declines as reserves are depleted, with the rate of decline depending on reservoir characteristics. Our ability to make the necessary capital investment to maintain or expand our asset base of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs reserves would be limited to the extent cash flow from operations is reduced and external sources of capital become limited or unavailable. We may not be successful in exploring for, developing or acquiring additional reserves. Except to the extent that we conduct successful exploration or development activities or acquire properties containing proved reserves, our estimated net proved reserves will generally decline as reserves are produced.
There can be no assurance that our development and exploration projects and acquisition activities will result in significant additional reserves or that we will have continuing success drilling productive wells at economic finding costs. The drilling of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs wells involves a high degree of risk, especially the risk of dry holes or of wells that are not sufficiently productive to provide an economic return on the capital expended to drill the wells. Additionally, seismic and other technology does not allow us to know conclusively prior to drilling a well that crude oil, natural gas or NGLs is present or economically producible. Our drilling operations may be curtailed, delayed or cancelled as a result of numerous factors, including declines in crude oil, natural gas or NGLs prices and/or prolonged periods of historically low crude oil, natural gas and NGLs prices, weather conditions, political instability, availability of capital, economic/currency imbalances, compliance with governmental requirements, receipt of additional seismic data or the reprocessing of existing data, failure of wells drilled in similar formations, equipment failures (such as ESPs), delays in the delivery of equipment, and the availability of drilling rigs. If we are unable to increase our proved quantities, there will likely be a material impact on our cash flows, business and operations.
The Company does not always control decisions made under joint operating agreements, and the parties under such agreements may fail to meet their obligations.
The Company conducts many of its exploration and production operations through joint operating agreements with other parties under which the Company may not control decisions, either because it does not have a controlling interest or is not an operator under the agreement. Such decisions may relate to development and exploitation activities, including the timing of the capital expenditures for such activities. The success and timing of development and exploitation activities on such properties, depends upon a number of factors, including:
•the timing and amount of capital expenditures;
•the availability of suitable offshore drilling rigs, drilling equipment, support vessels, production and transportation infrastructure and qualified operating personnel;
•the operator’s expertise, financial resources and willingness to initiate exploration or development projects;
•approval of other participants in drilling wells;
•risk of a non-operator’s failure to pay its share of costs, which may require us to pay our proportionate share of the defaulting party’s share of costs;
•selection of technology;
•delays in the pace of exploratory drilling or development;
•the rate of production of the reserves; and/or
•the operator’s desire to drill more wells or build more facilities on a project inconsistent with our capital budget, whether on a cash basis or through financing, which may limit our participation in those projects or limit the percentage of our revenues from those projects.
There is also a risk that these parties may at any time have economic, business, or legal interests or goals that are
inconsistent with the Company’s, and therefore, decisions may be made that the Company does not believe are in its best interest. Moreover, parties to these agreements may be unable to meet their economic or other obligations, and the Company may be required to fulfill those obligations alone. In either case, the value of the investment may be adversely affected.
The occurrence of any of the foregoing events could have a material adverse effect on our anticipated exploration and development activities.
We have limited control over the assets we do not operate.
We have limited control over matters relating to development and exploitation activities, including the timing of and capital expenditures for such activities and compliance with environmental, safety, and other standards, of assets where we are not the operator. The operator and our fellow non-operating owners of these properties may act in ways that are not in our best interest. Additionally, we are dependent on the operator and our fellow non-operating owners of such projects to fund their contractual share of the capital expenditures of such projects. Our dependence on the operator and such parties could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Our offshore operations involve special risks that could adversely affect our results of operations.
Offshore operations are subject to a variety of operating risks specific to the marine environment. Our offshore production facilities are subject to hazards such as capsizing, sinking, grounding, collision and damage from severe weather conditions. The relatively deep offshore drilling that we conduct involves increased drilling risks of high pressures and mechanical difficulties, including stuck pipe, collapsed casing and separated cable. We have experienced pipeline blockages in the past and may experience additional pipeline blockages in the future. The impact that any of these risks may have upon us is increased due to the low number of producing properties we own. We could incur substantial expenses that could reduce or eliminate the funds available for exploration, development or license acquisitions, or result in loss of equipment and license interests.
Exploration and development operations offshore Africa often lack the physical and oilfield service infrastructure present in other regions. As a result, a significant amount of time may elapse between an offshore discovery and the marketing of the associated crude oil, natural gas and NGLs, increasing both the financial and operational risks involved with these operations. Offshore drilling operations generally require more time and more advanced drilling technologies, involving a higher risk of equipment failure and usually higher drilling costs. In addition, there may be production risks for which we are currently unaware. The development of new subsea infrastructure and use of floating production systems to transport crude oil from producing wells may require substantial time for installation or encounter mechanical difficulties and equipment failures that could result in loss of production, significant liabilities, cost overruns or delays.
In addition, in the event of a well control incident, containment and, potentially, clean-up activities for offshore drilling are costly. The resulting regulatory costs or penalties, and the results of third-party lawsuits, as well as associated legal and support expenses, including costs to address negative publicity, could well exceed the actual costs of containment and clean-up. As a result, a well control incident could result in substantial liabilities for us and have a significant negative impact on our earnings, cash flows, liquidity, financial position and stock price.
Acquisitions and divestitures of properties and businesses may subject us to additional risks and uncertainties, including that acquired assets may not produce as projected, may subject us to additional liabilities and may not be successfully integrated with our business. In addition, any sales or divestments of properties we make may result in certain liabilities that we are required to retain under the terms of such sales or divestments.
One of our growth strategies is to capitalize on opportunistic acquisitions of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs reserves and/or the companies that own them and other strategic transactions that fit within our overall business strategy. Any future acquisition will require an assessment of recoverable reserves, title, future crude oil, natural gas and NGLs prices, operating costs, potential environmental hazards, potential tax and employer liabilities, regulatory requirements and other liabilities and similar factors. Ordinarily, our review efforts are focused on the higher valued properties and are inherently incomplete because it generally is not feasible to review in depth every potential liability on each individual property involved in each acquisition. Even a detailed review of records and properties may not necessarily reveal existing or potential problems, nor will it permit a buyer to become sufficiently familiar with the properties to assess fully their deficiencies and potential. Inspections may not always be performed on every well, and potential problems, such as ground
water contamination and other environmental conditions and deficiencies in the mechanical integrity of equipment are not necessarily observable even when an inspection is undertaken. Any unidentified problems could result in material liabilities and costs that negatively impact our financial condition.
Additional potential risks related to acquisitions include, among other things:
•incorrect assumptions regarding the reserves, future production and revenues, or future operating or development costs with respect to the acquired properties, as well as future prices of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs;
•decreased liquidity as a result of using a significant portion of our cash from operations or borrowing capacity to finance acquisitions;
•significant increases in our interest expense or financial leverage if we incur additional debt to finance acquisitions;
•the assumption of unknown liabilities, losses or costs (including potential regulatory actions) that we are not indemnified for or that our indemnity, insurance or other protection is inadequate to protect against;
•an increase in our costs or a decrease in our revenues associated with any claims or disputes with governments or other interest owners;
•an incurrence of non-cash charges in connection with an acquisition and the potential future impairment of goodwill or intangible assets acquired in an acquisition;
•the risk that crude oil, natural gas and NGLs reserves acquired may not be of the anticipated magnitude or may not be developed as anticipated;
•difficulties in the assimilation of the assets and operations of the acquired business, especially if the assets acquired are in a new business segment or geographic area;
•the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns during the acquisition and throughout the integration process;
•losses of key employees at the acquired businesses;
•difficulties in operating a significantly larger combined organization and adding operations;
•delays in achieving the expected synergies from acquisitions;
•the failure to realize expected profitability or growth;
•the failure to realize expected synergies and cost savings; and
•challenges in coordinating or consolidating corporate and administrative functions.
If we consummate any future acquisitions, our capitalization and results of operations may change significantly, and you may not have the opportunity to evaluate the economic, financial and other relevant information that we will consider in evaluating future acquisitions. In addition, acquisitions of businesses often require the approval of certain government or regulatory agencies and such approval could contain terms, conditions, or restrictions that would be detrimental to our business after a merger.
In the case of sales or divestitures of our properties and businesses, we may become exposed to future liabilities that arise under the terms of those sales or divestitures. Under such terms, sellers typically are required to retain certain liabilities for matters with respect to their sold properties or businesses. The magnitude of any such retained liability or indemnification obligation may be difficult to quantify at the time of the transaction and ultimately may be material. Also, as is typical in divestiture transactions, third parties may be unwilling to release us from guarantees or other credit support provided prior to the sale of the divested assets. As a result, after a sale, we may remain secondarily liable for the obligations guaranteed or supported to the extent that the buyer of the assets fails to perform these obligations. In addition, we may be required to recognize losses in accordance with exit or disposal activities.
Our reserve information represents estimates that may turn out to be incorrect if the assumptions on which these estimates are based are inaccurate. Any material inaccuracies in these reserve estimates or underlying assumptions will materially affect the quantities and present values of our reserves.
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved crude oil, natural gas and NGLs reserves, including many factors beyond our control. Reserve engineering is a subjective process of estimating the underground accumulations of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs that cannot be measured in an exact manner. The estimates included in
this document are based on various assumptions required by the SEC, including non-escalated prices and costs and capital expenditures subsequent to December 31, 2024, and, therefore, are inherently imprecise indications of future net revenues.
Estimates of economically recoverable crude oil, natural gas and NGLs reserves and the future net cash flows from them are based upon a number of variable factors and assumptions, such as historical production from the properties, production rates, ultimate reserves recovery, timing and amount of capital expenditures, marketability of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs, royalty rates, the assumed effects of regulation by governmental agencies, and future operating costs, all of which may vary materially from actual results. For those reasons, among others, estimates of the economically recoverable crude oil, natural gas and NGLs reserves attributable to any particular group of properties, classification of such reserves based on risk of recovery, and estimates of future net revenues associated with reserves may vary and such variations may be material.
Actual future production, revenues, taxes, operating expenses, development expenditures and quantities of recoverable crude oil, natural gas and NGLs reserves may vary substantially from those assumed in the estimates. Any significant variance in these assumptions could materially affect the estimated quantity and value of our reserves.
In addition, our reserves may be subject to downward or upward revision based upon production history, results of future development, availability of funds to acquire additional reserves, prevailing crude oil, natural gas and NGLs prices and other factors. Moreover, the calculation of the estimated present value of the future net revenue using a 10% discount rate as required by the SEC is not necessarily the most appropriate discount factor based on interest rates in effect from time to time and risks associated with our reserves or the crude oil, natural gas and NGLs industry in general. It is also possible that reserve engineers may make different estimates of reserves and future net revenues based on the same available data.
Our reserve estimates are prepared using an average of the first-day-of-the-month prices received for crude oil, natural gas and NGLs for the preceding twelve months. Future reductions in prices, below the average calculated for 2024, would result in the estimated quantities and present values of our reserves being reduced. The forecast prices and costs assumptions assume changes in wellhead selling prices and take into account inflation with respect to future operating and capital costs.
Our proved reserves are in foreign countries and are or will be subject to service contracts, production sharing contracts and other arrangements. The quantity of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs that we will ultimately receive under these arrangements will differ based on numerous factors, including the price of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs, production rates, production costs, cost recovery provisions and local tax and royalty regimes. Changes in many of these factors could affect the estimates of proved reserves in foreign jurisdictions.
If our assumptions underlying accruals for abandonment and decommissioning costs are too low, we could be required to expend greater amounts than expected.
Our estimates of the future abandonment and remediation costs are subject to change and could vary substantially from our actual costs. Under various contracts, permits and regulations, we have material legal obligations to remove tangible equipment and restore the land or seabed at the end of operations at operational sites. Our largest asset removal obligations involve plugging and abandonment of wells, removal and disposal of offshore oil and gas platforms around the world, as well as oil and gas production facilities. Estimating future asset removal costs requires significant judgment. Most of these removal obligations are many years, or decades, in the future and the contracts and regulations often have vague descriptions of what removal practices and criteria must be met when the removal event actually occurs. The carrying value of our asset retirement obligation estimate is sensitive to inputs such as asset removal technologies and costs, regulatory and other compliance considerations, expenditure timing, and other inputs into valuation of the obligation, including discount and inflation rates, which are all subject to change between the time of initial recognition of the liability and future settlement of our obligation.
If we are required to expend greater amounts than expected on abandoning or decommissioning costs or on future abandonment funding, this could materially affect our revenues and financial performance.
We may not generate sufficient cash to satisfy our payment obligations under the Merged Concession Agreement or be able to collect some or all of our receivables from EGPC, which could negatively affect our operating results and financial condition.
Under the Merged Concession Agreement, the Company is obligated to make modernization payments that total $65 million and are payable over six years from the Merged Concession Effective Date, of which $45.0 million plus a $1.0 million signing bonus have been paid as of December 31, 2024. Under the Merged Concession Agreement, the Company will be required to pay an additional $10 million on February 1st for each of the next two years. In accordance with the Merged Concession Agreement, we agreed to substitute the 2023 and 2024 payments and issue two $10.0 million credits against receivables owed from EGPC. In addition, the Company has also committed to spending a minimum of $50 million over each five-year period for the 15 years of the primary term (total $150 million). Our ability to make scheduled payments arising from the Merged Concession Agreement will depend on our financial condition and operating performance, which would be subject to then prevailing economic, industry and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business, legislative, regulatory and other factors beyond our control. We may be unable to maintain a level of cash flow sufficient to permit us to satisfy the payment obligations under the Merged Concession Agreement. If we are unable to satisfy our obligations, it is possible that EGPC could seek to terminate the Merged Concession Agreement, which would negatively affect our operating results and financial condition.
In addition, as of the Merged Concession Effective Date, an effective date adjustment was owed to the Company for the difference in the historic commercial terms and the revised commercial terms applied against the production since the Merged Concession Effective Date (as defined herein) (the “Effective Date Adjustment”). The Company recognized a receivable in connection with the Effective Date Adjustment of $67.5 million as of October 2022, based on historical realized prices (the “Backdated Receivable”). In 2023 and 2024, the Company received payments or provided offsets against the Backdated Receivable. As of December 31, 2024, the remaining net receivable of $33.2 million is recorded in the “Egypt receivables and other” line item on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. If EGPC’s financial position becomes impaired or if EGPC disputes or refuses to pay some or all of the said amount, our ability to fully collect such receivable from EGPC could be impaired, which could negatively affect our operating results and financial condition.
We could lose our interest in Block P in Equatorial Guinea if we do not meet our commitments under the production sharing contract.
Our Block P production sharing contract provides for a development and production period of 25 years from the first oil production. We and our Block P joint venture owners are evaluating the timing and budgeting for development and exploration activities in the block. There can be no certainty that any such transaction will be completed or that we will be able to commence drilling operations in Block P. If the joint venture owners of Block P fail to meet the commitments under the production sharing contract amendment, our capitalized costs of $10 million associated with Block P interest would be impaired.
There are no assurances that we will be able to extend the Block CI-40 PSC.
The Block CI-40 PSC expires in April 2028. The Block CI-40 PSC can be extended by 10 years so long as certain conditions are met. Negotiations to extend the Block CI-40 PSC began in January 2024, led by the operator, CNR International (Côte d'Ivoire) S.A.R.L (the “Operator”), with the Director General of Hydrocarbons and the Government of the Côte d’Ivoire. Any extension is subject to approval of the Council of Ministers and formal approval by presidential decree. There can be no assurance that an extension will be approved or that any extension’s terms will not contain terms less favorable than our present arrangement. If the Block CI-40 PSC expires, our results of operations would be adversely affected.
The FPSO in Côte d'Ivoire ceased hydrocarbon production on January 31, 2025 for scheduled maintenance. Our results will be adversely affected until the FPSO is returned to service which may be a time later than we expect.
As an offshore asset, we, along with the operator and contractors of the Block CI-40 PSC, depend on the FPSO to store the crude oil produced prior to sale to customers. The FPSO contract expires in December 2025. The FPSO will be in transit to dry dock in early 2025 for planned maintenance and upgrades. It ceased hydrocarbon production as scheduled on January 31, 2025 and the final lifting of crude oil from the FPSO concluded on February 6, 2025. The project team mobilization efforts are on schedule and have significantly progressed, deploying the necessary workforce support vessels and equipment to facilitate the safe disconnection of the FPSO. The vessel is planned to be wet towed to the shipyards in Dubai for refurbishment upon departure from the field around March 2025. During this time, production relating to the Block CI-40 PSC will be halted and we will receive no revenues from the Block CI-40 PSC. Additionally, there can be no
assurance that the FPSO will return to service in the expected timeframe or that the costs of returning it to service will not be more than expected, and in either such case our results would be adversely affected.
Commodity derivative transactions that we enter into may fail to protect us from declines in commodity prices and could result in financial losses or reduce our income.
In order to reduce the impact of commodity price uncertainty and increase cash flow predictability relating to the marketing of our crude oil, natural gas and NGLs we have entered into and may continue to enter into derivative arrangements with respect to a portion of our expected production in order to hedge against potential commodity price declines.
Our derivative contracts typically consist of a series of commodity swap contracts, such as puts, collars and fixed price swaps, and are limited in duration.
The hedge counterparty will be obligated to make payments to us to the extent that the floating (market) price is below an agreed fixed (strike) price. However, hedging agreements expose us to risk of financial loss if the counterparty to a hedging contract defaults on its contract obligations. Disruptions in the market could also lead to sudden changes in the liquidity of the counterparties to our hedge transactions, which in turn limits our ability to perform under their hedging contracts with us. Even if we accurately predict sudden changes, our ability to negate the related risk may be limited depending upon market conditions. If the creditworthiness of our counterparties deteriorates and results in their non-performance, we could incur a significant loss.
Derivative arrangements also expose us to the risk of financial loss in some circumstances, including when production is less than the volume covered by the derivative instruments or when there is an increase in the differential between the underlying price and actual prices received pursuant to the derivative instrument. In addition, certain types of derivative arrangements may limit the benefit that we could receive from increases in the prices for crude oil, natural gas and NGLs, and may expose us to cash margin requirements.
We are exposed to the credit risks of the third parties with whom we contract.
We are exposed to third-party credit risk through our contractual arrangements with government entities party to our PSCs, our current or future joint venture owners, marketers of our petroleum and natural gas production, purchasers of our oil, natural gas and NGLs products and other parties. In addition, we are exposed to third-party credit risk from operators of properties in which we have a Working Interest or Royalty Interest. In the event such entities fail to meet their contractual obligations to us, such failures may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. In addition, poor credit conditions in the industry generally and among our joint venture owners may affect a joint venture owner’s willingness to participate in our ongoing capital program, potentially delaying the program and the results of such program until we find a suitable alternative partner. To the extent that any of such third parties go bankrupt, become insolvent, or make a proposal or institute any proceedings relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, it could result in our inability to collect all or a portion of any money owing from such parties. Any of these factors could materially adversely affect our financial and operational results.
Our ability to collect payments from the sale of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs from our customers depends on the payment ability of our customer base, which may include a small number of significant customers. If our significant customers fail to pay for any reason, we could experience a material loss. In addition, if our significant customers cease to purchase or reduce the volume they purchase of our crude oil, natural gas or NGLs, the loss or reduction could have a detrimental effect on our production volumes and may cause a temporary interruption in sales of, or a lower price for, our crude oil, natural gas and NGLs.
In addition, we are and may in the future be exposed to third-party credit risk through our contractual arrangements with governmental entities in countries where we operate. Significant changes in the crude oil industry, including fluctuations in commodity prices and economic conditions, environmental regulations, government policy, royalty rates and other geopolitical factors, could adversely affect our ability to realize the full value of our accounts receivable from government entities in countries where we operate. Historically, we have had significant account receivables outstanding from governmental entities in countries where we operate. For example, while EGPC has made regular payments of these amounts owing, the timing of these payments has historically been longer than the normal industry standard. In addition, EGPC has at times faced difficulties in accessing foreign exchange markets for the purpose of obtaining U.S. dollars in exchange for Egyptian pounds. In the event the governments of the countries where we operate fail to meet their respective obligations or we are forced to accept payment in foreign currencies, such failures could materially adversely affect our financial and operational results.
We are also exposed to third-party credit risk through our banking relationships in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Recent macroeconomic conditions have caused turmoil in the banking sector in the United States and elsewhere. If any of the banks in which we keep our deposits is affected by such turmoil, we could be materially and adversely affected.
Our business could be materially and adversely affected by security threats, including cybersecurity threats, and other disruptions.
As a crude oil, natural gas and NGLs producer, we face various security threats, including cybersecurity threats to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or to render data or systems unusable; threats to the security of our facilities and infrastructure or third-party facilities and infrastructure, such as processing plants and pipelines; and threats from terrorist acts. The potential for such security threats has subjected our operations to increased risks that could have a material adverse effect on our business. In particular, our implementation of various procedures and controls to monitor and mitigate security threats and to increase security for our information, facilities and infrastructure may result in increased capital and operating costs. Costs for insurance may also increase as a result of security threats, and some insurance coverage may become more difficult to obtain, if available at all. Moreover, there can be no assurance that such procedures and controls will be sufficient to prevent security breaches from occurring. If any of these security breaches were to occur, they could lead to losses of sensitive information, critical infrastructure or capabilities essential to our operations and could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Cybersecurity attacks in particular are becoming more sophisticated, and geopolitical tensions or conflicts, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, may further heighten the risk of such attacks. We rely extensively on information technology systems, including internet sites, computer software, data hosting facilities and other hardware and platforms, some of which are hosted by third parties, to assist in conducting our business. Our technologies systems and networks, and those of our business associates may become the target of cybersecurity attacks, including without limitation malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data and systems, and other electronic security breaches that could lead to disruptions in critical systems and materially and adversely affect our business in a variety of ways, including the following:
•unauthorized access to and release of seismic data, reserves information, strategic information or other sensitive or proprietary information, which could have a material adverse effect on our ability to compete for crude oil, natural gas and NGLs resources;
•data corruption, communication interruption, or other operational disruption during drilling activities could result in failure to reach the intended target or a drilling incident;
•unauthorized access to and release of personal identifying information of employees and vendors, which could expose us to allegations that we did not sufficiently protect that information and potential liabilities under domestic and international data and privacy laws;
•a cybersecurity attack on a vendor or service provider, which could result in supply chain disruptions that could delay or halt operations;
•a cybersecurity attack on third-party gathering, transportation, processing, fractionation, refining or export facilities, which could delay or prevent us from transporting and marketing our production, resulting in a loss of revenues;
•a cybersecurity attack involving commodities exchanges or financial institutions could slow or halt commodities trading, thus preventing us from engaging in hedging activities, resulting in a loss of revenues; and
•business interruptions, including use of social engineering schemes and/or ransomware, could result in expensive remediation efforts, distraction of management, damage to our reputation, or a negative impact on the price of our common stock.
To protect against such attempts of unauthorized access or attack, we have implemented multiple layers of cybersecurity protection, infrastructure protection technologies, disaster recovery plans and employee training. While we have invested significant amounts in the protection of our technology systems and maintain what we believe are adequate security controls over sensitive data, there can be no guarantee such plans will be effective.
Any cyber incident could damage our reputation and lead to financial losses from remedial actions, loss of business or potential liability. Additionally, certain cyber incidents, such as surveillance, may remain undetected for an extended period.
Current and future geopolitical events outside of our control could adversely impact our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and liquidity.
We face risks related to geopolitical events, international hostility, epidemics, outbreaks and other macroeconomic events that are outside of our control. The occurrence of certain geopolitical events, including those arising from terrorist activity, international hostility, public health crises, and the economic impact of global trade tensions and the imposition of tariffs, could significantly disrupt our business and operational plans and adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and liquidity. For instance, the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and between Russia and Ukraine have and may continue to cause geopolitical instability, and adversely impact the global economy, supply chains and specific markets and industries. Although we are not able to enumerate all potential risks to our business resulting from these and other similar events, we believe that such risks include, but are not limited to, the following:
•disruption to our supply chain for materials essential to our business, including restrictions on importing and exporting products;
•customers, suppliers and other third parties arguing that their non-performance under our contracts with them is permitted as a result of force majeure or other reasons;
•cybersecurity attacks, particularly as digital technologies may become more vulnerable and experience a higher rate of cyberattacks in the current environment of remote connectivity;
•any reductions of our workforce to adjust to market conditions, including severance payments, retention issues, and possible inability to hire employees when market conditions improve;
•logistical challenges, including those resulting from border closures and travel restrictions, as well as the possibility that our ability to continue production may be interrupted, limited or curtailed if workers and/or materials are unable to reach our offshore platforms and FSO charter vessel or our counterparties are unable to lift crude oil from our FSO charter vessel;
•economic, political and regulatory conditions domestically and internationally, including imposition of tariffs or other tax incentives or disincentives;
•we may be materially adversely affected by the effects of sanctions and other penalties imposed on Russia by the U.S., the European Union and other countries; and
•we may experience a structural shift in the global economy and our demand for crude oil, natural gas and NGLs as a result of changes in the way people work, travel and interact, or in connection with a global recession or depression.
In early 2025, the new U.S. presidential administration announced wide-ranging policy changes and issued numerous executive actions on topics including international trade, energy resources, corporate taxes, global climate change initiatives, employment practices, corporate compliance programs, environmental regulations, as well as other matters. Further, the new presidential administration has indicated an intent to make structural changes to the executive branch of the federal government, including significant reductions in the federal workforce. Continuing legal challenges to many of the policy changes and executive actions are expected. Such actions may directly or indirectly impact our industry and could lead to increased regulatory uncertainty and volatility. We cannot predict how these policy changes and executive actions will be implemented and interpreted, or the ultimate effect they will have on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We cannot reasonably estimate the period of time that these conditions will persist; the full extent of the impact they will have on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and liquidity; or the pace or extent of any subsequent recovery.
Production cuts mandated by the government of Gabon, a member of OPEC, could adversely affect our revenues, cash flow and results of operations.
Historically and from time to time, members of OPEC and other leading allied producing countries (collectively, “OPEC+”) have entered into agreements to reduce worldwide production of crude oil to reduce the gap between excess supply and demand in an effort to stabilize the international oil market. As a member of OPEC+, Gabon may take measures to comply with such OPEC+ production quota agreements. As a result, the Minister of Hydrocarbons may request us to limit our production for a period of time in compliance with the OPEC+ mandate.
The ability of the OPEC+ to agree on and to maintain crude oil price and production controls has also had, and is likely to continue to have, a significant impact on the market prices of crude oil.
We have not received any mandate to reduce current oil production from the Etame Marin block as a result of an OPEC+ initiative and currently, our production is not impacted by OPEC+ curtailments. However, any future reduction in our crude oil production or export activities for a substantial period could materially and adversely affect our revenues, cash flows and results of operations. Gabon remains a member of OPEC+.
We have less control over our investments in foreign properties than we would have over our domestic investments.
Our exploration, development and production activities are subject to various political, economic and other uncertainties, including but not limited to changes, sometimes frequent or marked, in energy policies or the personnel administering them, expropriation of property, cancellation or modification of contract rights, changes in laws and policies governing operations of foreign-based companies, unilateral renegotiation of contracts by governmental entities, uncertainties as to whether laws and regulations will be applicable in any particular circumstance, uncertainty as to whether we will be able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the applicable governing authorities compliance with governmental or contractual requirements, redefinition of international boundaries or boundary disputes, foreign exchange restrictions, currency fluctuations, foreign currency availability, royalty and tax increases, changes to tax legislation or the imposition of new taxes, the imposition of production bonuses or other charges and other risks arising out of governmental sovereignty over the areas in which our operations are conducted.
Our operations require, and any future opportunistic acquisitions may require, protracted negotiations with host governments, local governments and communities, local competent authorities, national oil companies, and third parties. Host governments may also conduct audits of our operations, the results of which may have a significant negative impact on our reported earnings or cash flows. Host governments may seek to participate in oil, natural gas or NGLs projects in a manner that could be dilutive to our interests. Host governments may also require us to hire a specified percentage of local citizens in our operations. In addition, if a dispute arises with respect to our foreign operations, we may be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of foreign courts or may not be successful in subjecting foreign persons, especially foreign crude oil ministries and national oil companies, to the jurisdiction of the U.S.
Private ownership of crude oil reserves under crude oil leases in the U.S. differs distinctly from our rights in foreign reserves where the state generally retains ownership of the minerals and, in many cases participates in, the exploration and production of hydrocarbon reserves. Accordingly, operations outside the U.S. may be materially affected by host governments. While the laws of each of Gabon, Cote d'Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea recognize private and public property and the right to own property is protected by law, the laws of each country reserve, at the respective government’s discretion, the right to expropriate property and terminate contracts (including the Etame PSC, the Block CI-40 PSC, and the Block P PSC) for reasons of public interest, subject to reasonable compensation, determinable by the respective government in our discretion. The terms of the Etame PSC include provisions for, among other things, payments to the government of Gabon for a 13% Royalty Interest based on crude oil production at published prices and payments for a shared portion of Profit Oil, based on daily production rates, which such Profit Oil has been and can continue to be taken in-kind through taking crude oil barrels rather than making cash payments. In Canada, majority of the mineral rights are usually held by a provincial government, also known as the Crown, but a small portion, called the freehold mineral rights, may be held by others such as individuals, families or businesses. In exchange for the right to develop oil and natural gas resources, companies make royalty payments to the Crown, which are calculated by taking a percentage of revenues generated from the sale of oil and natural gas.
We have operated in Gabon since 1995 and believe we have good relations with the current Gabonese government. However, there can be no assurance that present or future administrations or governmental regulations in Gabon will not materially adversely affect our operations or cash flows.
The respective applicable laws governing the exploration and production of hydrocarbons in Gabon, Cote d'Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea (Law No. 002/2019 in Gabon, Law No. 96-669 in Cote d'Ivoire, and Law No. 8/2006 in Equatorial Guinea) each provide their respective government officials with significantly broad regulatory, inspective and auditing powers with respect to the performance of petroleum operations, which include the powers to negotiate, sign, amend and perform all contracts entered into between the respective governments and independent contractors. The executive branches of each respective government also retain significant discretionary powers, giving considerable control over the executive, judiciary and legislative branches of each government, and the ability to adopt measures with a direct impact on private investments and projects, including the right to appoint ministers responsible for petroleum operations. Further, in
Equatorial Guinea, any new PSC or equivalent agreement for the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons is subject to presidential ratification before it can become effective.
Any of the factors detailed above or similar factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. If our operations are disrupted and/or the economic integrity of our projects are threatened for unexpected reasons, our business may be harmed. Prolonged problems may threaten the commercial viability of our operations.
Our operations may be adversely affected by political and economic circumstances in the countries in which we operate.
Our operations are subject to risks of loss due to civil strife, acts of war, acts of terrorism, piracy, disease, guerrilla activities, insurrection, military activities and other political risks, including tension and confrontations among political parties, that may result in:
•volatility in global crude oil prices, which could negatively impact the global economy, resulting in slower economic growth rates, which could reduce demand for our products;
•negative impact on the world crude oil supply if infrastructure or transportation are disrupted, leading to further commodity price volatility;
•difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified personnel to work in areas with potential for conflict;
•the inability of our personnel or supplies to enter or exit the countries where we are conducting operations;
•disruption of our operations due to evacuation of personnel;
•the inability to deliver our production due to disruption or closing of transportation routes;
•a reduced ability to export our production due to efforts of countries to conserve domestic resources;
•damage to or destruction of our wells, production facilities, receiving terminals or other operating assets;
•the incurrence of significant costs for security personnel and systems;
•damage to or destruction of property belonging to our commodity purchasers leading to interruption of deliveries, claims of force majeure, and/or termination of commodity sales contracts, resulting in a reduction in our revenues;
•the inability of our service and equipment providers to deliver items necessary for us to conduct our operations resulting in a halt or delay in our planned exploration activities, delayed development of major projects, or shut-in of producing fields;
•a lack of availability of drilling rig, oilfield equipment or services if third party providers decide to exit the region;
•the imposition of U.S. government or international sanctions that limit our ability to conduct our business;
•a shutdown of a financial system, communications network, or power grid causing a disruption to our business activities; and
•a capital market reassessment of risk and reduction of available capital, making it more difficult for us and our joint owners to obtain financing for potential development projects.
Some of these risks may be higher in the developing countries in which we conduct our activities, namely, Gabon, Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Egypt.
For example, in September 2023, Gabon experienced a largely non-violent, military coup d’état and the country’s leadership changed hands. The group leading the coup created a Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions and a new president was sworn in on the basis of a transition charter adopted by the group leading the coup. The new president has indicated that a new constitution for Gabon will be adopted and that elections will be held after a transition period. No assurance can be given that any such new constitution will be adopted or if adopted, that the content thereof will be in line with Gabon’s existing laws. Any of these developments may have an adverse effect on our operations and financial results.
While we monitor the economic and political environments of the countries in which we operate, loss of property and/or interruption of our business plans resulting from civil or political unrest could have a significant negative impact on our earnings and cash flow. In addition, losses caused by these disruptions may not be covered by insurance, or even if they are covered by insurance, we may not have enough insurance to cover all of these losses. If any violent action causes us to
become involved in a dispute, we may be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts outside the U.S. or may not be successful in subjecting non-U.S. persons to the jurisdiction of courts in the U.S. or international arbitration, which could adversely affect the outcome of such dispute.
Inflation could adversely impact our ability to control costs, including operating expenses and capital costs.
The U.S. inflation rate steadily rose in 2021 and into 2022 before eventually declining throughout 2023. During 2024, the U.S. inflation rate remained stable when compared to the last half of 2023, yet remained slightly higher than historical averages. However, the U.S. inflation rate rose slightly in January 2025 and the U.S. inflation rate could rise significantly again in the future. In addition, global and industry-wide supply chain disruptions have resulted in shortages in labor, materials and services. Such shortages have resulted in inflationary cost increases for labor, materials and services and could continue to cause costs to increase, or cause a scarcity of certain products and raw materials. To the extent inflation remains elevated, we may experience further cost increases for our operations, including oilfield services and equipment as a result of increasing prices of oil, natural gas and NGLs, increased drilling activity in our areas of operations, and increased labor costs. An increase in the prices of oil, natural gas and NGLs may cause the costs of materials and services we use to rise. We cannot predict any future trends in the rate of inflation, and a significant increase in inflation, to the extent we are unable to recover higher costs through higher commodity prices and revenues, could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operation.
Our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be adversely affected by changes in currency exchange rates.
We are exposed to foreign currency risk from our foreign operations. While crude oil sales are denominated in U.S. dollars, portions of our costs in Gabon and Cote d'Ivoire are denominated in the local currency. A weakening U.S. dollar will have the effect of increasing costs, while a strengthening U.S. dollar will have the effect of reducing operating costs. The Gabonese and Ivorian local currency is tied to the Euro. The exchange rate between the Euro and the U.S. dollar has fluctuated widely in recent years in response to international political conditions, general economic conditions, the European sovereign debt crisis and other factors beyond our control. Our financial statements, presented in U.S. dollars, may be affected by foreign currency fluctuations through both translation risk and transaction risk. In addition, currency devaluation can result in a loss to us for any deposits of that currency, such as our deposits in the Etame PSC abandonment account, which have been converted from U.S. dollars to the Gabonese local currency.
We are also exposed to foreign currency exchange risk related to certain cash, accounts receivable, lease obligations and accounts payable and accrued liabilities denominated in Canadian dollars, and on cash balances denominated in Egyptian pounds. Some collections of our accounts receivable from the Egyptian Government are received in Egyptian pounds, and while we are generally able to spend the Egyptian pounds received on accounts payable denominated in Egyptian pounds, there remains foreign currency exchange risk exposure on Egyptian pound cash balances.
In addition, from time to time, emerging market countries such as those in which we operate adopt measures to restrict the availability of the local currency or the repatriation of capital across borders. These measures are imposed by governments or central banks, in some cases during times of economic instability, to prevent the removal of capital or the sudden devaluation of local currencies or to maintain in-country foreign currency reserves. In addition, many emerging markets countries require consents or reporting processes before local currency earnings can be converted into U.S. dollars or other currencies and/or such earnings can be repatriated or otherwise transferred outside of the operating jurisdiction. These measures may have a number of negative effects on us, including the reduction of the immediately available capital that we could otherwise deploy for investment opportunities or the payment of expenses. In addition, measures that restrict the availability of the local currency or impose a requirement to operate in the local currency may create other practical difficulties for us.
We do not utilize derivative instruments to manage these foreign currency risks. As a result, our consolidated earnings and cash flows may be impacted by movements in the exchange rates.
We operate in international jurisdictions, and we could be adversely affected by violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar worldwide anti-corruption laws.
We are subject to the provisions of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act, the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act (Canada) and other similar laws. The foregoing laws prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. In addition, such laws require the maintenance of records relating to transactions and an adequate system of internal controls over accounting. There can be
no assurance that our internal control policies and procedures, compliance mechanisms or monitoring programs will protect us from recklessness, fraudulent behavior, dishonesty or other inappropriate acts or adequately prevent or detect possible violations under applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption legislation.
Our failure to comply with anti-bribery and anti-corruption legislation, or investigations by governmental authorities, could result in severe criminal or civil sanctions and may subject us to other liabilities, including fines, prosecution, potential debarment from public procurement and reputational damage, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. If we are unable to remediate these material weaknesses or if we identify additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately or timely report financial information.
As disclosed in Part II, Item 9A, “Controls and Procedures,” we have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting related to general information technology controls, effectiveness of control environment, risk assessment and design and process-level controls. A material weakness is a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the registrant's financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. As a result of the material weaknesses, we concluded that our internal control over financial reporting and related disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2024. We cannot be certain that the measures we may take in the future will be sufficient to remediate the control deficiencies that led to our material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting or that they will prevent or avoid potential future material weaknesses. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. In addition, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefit of controls must be relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, an evaluation of controls can only provide reasonable assurance that all material control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been or will be detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistakes. Further, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons or by two or more persons acting in collusion. The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Because of inherent limitations in any control system designed under a cost-effective approach, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. A failure of the controls and procedures to detect error or fraud could seriously harm our business and results of operations.
If we are unable to remediate our existing or any future material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, our ability to record, process or report financial information accurately and to prepare financial statements in an accurate and timely manner could adversely be affected, which could subject us to litigation or investigations requiring management resources and payment of legal and other expenses, negatively affect investor confidence in our financial statements and adversely impact our stock price.
Our business could suffer if we lose the services of, or fail to attract, key personnel.
We are highly dependent upon the efforts of our senior management and other key employees. The loss of the services of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer or Chief Financial Officer, as well as any loss of the services of one or more other members of our senior management, could delay or prevent the achievement of our objectives. We do not maintain any “key-man” insurance policies on any of our senior management, and do not intend to obtain such insurance. In addition, due to the specialized nature of our business, we are highly dependent upon our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel with extensive experience and expertise in evaluating and analyzing drilling prospects and producing crude oil, natural gas and NGLs from proved properties and maximizing production from crude oil, natural gas and NGLs properties. There is competition for qualified personnel in the areas of our activities, and we may be unsuccessful in attracting and retaining these personnel.
We are subject to relinquishment obligations under certain of our title documents.
We are subject to relinquishment obligations under certain of our title documents that oblige us to relinquish certain proportions of our concession lease and license areas and thereby reduce our acreage. Additionally, we may be unable to drill all of our prospects or satisfy our minimum work commitments prior to relinquishment and may be unable to meet our
obligations under the title documents. Failure to meet such obligations could result in concessions, leases and licenses being suspended, revoked or terminated which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We may be exposed to the risk of earthquakes in Alberta, Canada.
The AER monitors seismic activity across the province of Alberta in Canada to assess the risks associated with, and instances of, earthquakes induced by hydraulic fracturing. In recent years, hydraulic fracturing has been linked to increased seismicity in the areas in which hydraulic fracturing takes place, prompting regulatory authorities to investigate the practice further. The AER has developed monitoring and reporting requirements that apply to all oil and natural gas producers working in certain areas where the likelihood of an earthquake is higher, and implemented the requirements in Subsurface Order Nos. 2, 6, and 7 (the “Seismic Protocol Regions”). While we do not have operations in the Seismic Protocol Regions, we own production and working interest facilities and assets in the Harmattan area of west central Alberta and are exposed to the risks of earthquakes in that region. We routinely conduct hydraulic fracturing in our drilling and completion programs.
There may be valid challenges to title or legislative changes which affect our title to the oil, natural gas and NGLs properties we control in Canada.
Although title reviews may be conducted in Canada prior to the purchase of oil, natural gas and NGLs producing properties or the commencement of drilling wells, such reviews do not guarantee or certify that an unforeseen defect in the chain of title will not arise. Due in part to the nature of property rights development historically in Canada as well as the common practice of splitting legal and beneficial title, public registries are not determinative of actual rights held by parties. Further, the fragmented nature of oil and gas rights, which may be held by the government or private individuals and companies, and may be split among a great number of different granting documents, means that despite best efforts of parties, latent defects may not be immediately discoverable. As such, our actual interest in properties may accordingly vary from our records. If a title defect does exist, it is possible that we may lose all or a portion of the properties to which the title defect relates, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. There may be valid challenges to title or legislative changes, which affect our title to the oil and natural gas properties that we control in Canada that could impair our activities and result in a reduction of the revenue we receive. Additionally, title claims by Indigenous groups could, among other things, delay or prevent the exploration or development of our properties, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be adversely affected by changes in currency regulations.
From time to time, emerging market countries such as those in which we operate adopt measures to restrict the availability of the local currency or the repatriation of capital across borders. These measures are imposed by governments or central banks, in some cases during times of economic instability, to prevent the removal of capital or the sudden devaluation of local currencies or to maintain in-country foreign currency reserves. In addition, many emerging markets countries require consents or reporting processes before local currency earnings can be converted into U.S. dollars or other currencies and/or such earnings can be repatriated or otherwise transferred outside of the operating jurisdiction. These measures may have a number of negative effects on us, including the reduction of the immediately available capital that we could otherwise deploy for investment opportunities or the payment of expenses. In addition, measures that restrict the availability of the local currency or impose a requirement to operate in the local currency may create other practical difficulties for us.
In December 2021 and during 2022, the Bank of Central African States (“BEAC”), which is the central bank for the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (“CEMAC”), passed new regulations and instructions for the CEMAC FX regulations, which were introduced in 2018, that only apply to the extractive industry. The intent of the new regulations is to ensure the application of the FX regulations as of January 1, 2022, without impeding the operations of the extractive industry. Due to the lack of necessary banking infrastructure and preparedness by the banking sector and the various government agencies to apply the new regulations, it is foreseeable that we will run the risk of seeing delays in paying our vendors and domiciliation of goods and services into the CEMAC region throughout 2024 and beyond.
As part of securing the first of two five-year extensions to the Etame PSC in 2016, we agreed to a cash funding arrangement for the eventual abandonment of all offshore wells, platforms and facilities on the Etame Marin block. On February 28, 2019, in accordance with certain foreign currency regulatory requirements, the Gabonese branch of the international commercial bank holding the abandonment funds in a U.S. dollar-denominated account transferred the funds to the Central Bank for CEMAC and later converted, at the request of BEAC, the funds in U.S. dollars to franc CFA, the
currency of the CEMAC, of which Gabon is one of the six member states. The Etame PSC provides that these payments must be denominated in U.S. dollars. After continued discussions with CEMAC, they agreed to the return of the USD funds and on January 12, 2023, the abandonment funds were returned to the USD account of the Gabonese branch of the international commercial bank. We were allowed to re-establish a USD denominated account and made whole for the original USD amount. Pursuant to Amendment No. 5 of the Etame PSC, we are working with Directorate of Hydrocarbons in Gabon on establishing a payment schedule to resume funding of the abandonment fund in compliance with the Etame PSC.
Our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be adversely affected by changes to interest rates.
As of December 31, 2024, the amount available to be drawn under our Facility Agreement was $31.3 million, none of which had been drawn. An increase in interest rates could result in a significant increase in the amount we pay to service any subsequently drawn, and any future other debt taken out by us, resulting in a reduced amount available to fund our exploration and development activities and, if applicable, the cash available for dividends. Such an increase could also negatively impact the market price of the shares of common stock.
The development of our estimated proved undeveloped reserves may take longer and may require higher levels of capital expenditures than we currently anticipate. Therefore, our estimated proved undeveloped reserves may not be ultimately developed or produced.
At December 31, 2024, approximately 54% of our total estimated proved reserves were undeveloped reserves. Recovery of undeveloped reserves requires significant capital expenditures and successful drilling. Our reserves data assumes that we can and will make these expenditures and conduct these operations successfully. These assumptions, however, may not prove correct. Delays in the development of our reserves, increases in costs to drill and develop such reserves, or decreases in commodity prices will reduce the value of our estimated proved undeveloped reserves and future net revenues estimated for such reserves and may result in some projects becoming uneconomic. If we choose not to spend the capital to develop these reserves, or if we are not otherwise able to successfully develop these reserves, we will be required to write-off these reserves. In addition, under the SEC’s reserve rules, because proved undeveloped reserves may be recognized only if they relate to wells planned to be drilled within five years of the date of their initial recognition, we may be required to write off any proved undeveloped reserves that are not developed within this five-year time frame.
Risks Relating to Our Industry
Crude oil, natural gas and NGLs prices are highly volatile and a depressed price regime, if prolonged, may negatively affect our financial results.
Our revenues, cash flow, profitability, crude oil, natural gas and NGLs reserves value and future rate of growth are substantially dependent upon prevailing prices for crude oil, natural gas and NGLs. Our ability to enter into debt financing arrangements and to obtain additional capital on reasonable terms, or at all, is substantially dependent on crude oil, natural gas and NGLs prices.
World-wide crude oil, natural gas and NGLs prices and markets have been volatile and may continue to be volatile in the future. Prices for crude oil, natural gas and NGLs are subject to wide fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in the supply of and demand for crude oil, natural gas and NGLs, market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors that are beyond our control. These factors include, but are not limited to, increases in supplies from U.S. shale production; international political conditions, including war, uprisings, terrorism and political unrest in the Middle East and Africa; slowdowns to the global supply chain; the domestic and foreign supply of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs; actions by OPEC+ member countries and other state-controlled oil companies to agree upon and maintain crude oil price and production controls; the level of consumer demand that is impacted by economic growth rates; weather conditions; domestic and foreign governmental regulations and taxes; the price and availability of alternative fuels; technological advances affecting energy consumption; the health of international economic and credit markets; and changes in the level of demand resulting from global or national health epidemics and concerns. In addition, various factors including the effect of federal, state and foreign regulation of production and transportation, general economic conditions, changes in supply due to drilling by other producers and changes in demand may adversely affect our ability to market our crude oil, natural gas and NGLs production.
In a period of depressed or declining crude oil, natural gas and NGLs prices, we are subject to numerous risks, including but not limited to the following:
•our revenues, cash flows and profitability may decline substantially, which could also indirectly impact expected production by reducing the amount of funds available to engage in exploration, drilling and production;
•third-party confidence in our commercial or financial ability to explore and produce crude oil, natural gas and NGLs could erode, which could impact our ability to execute on our business strategy;
•our suppliers, hedge counterparties (if any), vendors and service providers could renegotiate the terms of our arrangements, terminate their relationship with us or require financial assurances from us;
•we may take measures to preserve liquidity, such us our decision to cease or defer discretionary capital expenditures during such periods of depressed or declining oil prices; and
•it may become more difficult to retain, attract or replace key employees.
The occurrence of certain of these events may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
If crude oil, natural gas or NGLs prices decline, we expect that the estimated quantities and present values of our reserves will be reduced, which may necessitate further write-downs. Any future write-downs or impairments could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations. A material decline in prices could also result in a reduction of our net production revenue. Any substantial and extended decline in the price of oil, natural gas and NGLs would have an adverse effect on the carrying value of our reserves, borrowing capacity, revenues, profitability and cash flows from operations and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Volatile oil, natural gas and NGLs prices make it difficult to estimate the value of producing properties for acquisitions and often cause disruption in the market for oil, natural gas and NGLs producing properties, as buyers and sellers have difficulty agreeing on such values. Price volatility also makes it difficult to budget for, and project the return on, acquisitions and development and exploitation projects.
Exploring for, developing, or acquiring reserves is capital intensive and uncertain.
We may not be able to economically find, develop, or acquire additional reserves, or may not be able to make the necessary capital investments to develop our reserves, if our cash flows from operations decline or external sources of capital become limited or unavailable. Drilling activities are subject to many risks, including the risk that no commercially productive reservoirs will be encountered. There can be no assurance that new wells that we drill will be productive or that we will recover all or any portion of our investment. Drilling for crude oil, natural gas and NGLs may involve unprofitable efforts, not only from dry wells, but also from wells that are productive but do not produce sufficient net revenues to return a profit after drilling, operating and other costs. The cost of drilling, completing and operating wells is often uncertain and cost overruns are common. In particular, offshore drilling and development operations require highly capital-intensive techniques.
Our drilling operations may be curtailed, delayed or cancelled as a result of numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control, including weather conditions, equipment failures or accidents, elevated pressure or irregularities in geologic formations, compliance with governmental requirements and shortages or delays in the delivery of or increased costs for equipment and services. If we are unable to continue drilling operations and we do not replace the reserves we produce or acquire additional reserves, our reserves, revenues and cash flow will decrease over time, which could have a material effect on our ability to continue as a going concern.
Our costs could escalate and become uncompetitive due to supply chain disruptions, inflationary cost pressures, equipment limitations, escalating supply costs, commodity prices, and additional government intervention through stimulus spending or additional regulations. Our inability to manage costs may impact project returns and future development decisions, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance and cash flows.
Competitive industry conditions may negatively affect our ability to conduct operations.
The crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs industry is intensely competitive. Our competitors include major integrated oil companies and substantial independent energy companies, many of which possess greater financial, technological, personnel and other resources than we do.
We may be outbid by our competitors in our attempts to acquire exploration and production rights in crude oil, natural gas and NGLs properties. These properties include exploration prospects as well as properties with proved reserves. Our competitors may also use superior technology that we may be unable to afford or that would require costly investment in order to compete. There is also competition for contracting for drilling equipment and the hiring of experienced personnel. Factors that affect our ability to compete in the marketplace include, among other things:
•our access to the capital necessary to drill wells and acquire properties;
•our ability to acquire and analyze seismic, geological and other information relating to a property;
•our ability to retain and hire experienced personnel, especially for our engineering, geoscience and accounting departments; and
•the location of, and our ability to access, platforms, pipelines and other facilities used to produce and transport crude oil, natural gas and NGLs production.
In addition, competition due to advances in renewable fuels may also lessen the demand for our products and negatively impact our profitability.
Alternatives to petroleum-based products and production methods are continually under development. For example, a number of automotive, industrial and power generation manufacturers are developing alternative clean power systems using fuel cells or clean-burning gaseous fuels that may address increasing worldwide energy costs, the long-term availability of petroleum reserves and environmental concerns, which if successful could lower the demand for crude oil, natural gas and NGLs. If these non-petroleum based products and crude oil alternatives continue to expand and gain broad acceptance such that the overall demand for crude oil, natural gas and NGLs is decreased, it could have an adverse effect on our operations and the value of our assets.
Weather, unexpected subsurface conditions and other unforeseen operating hazards may adversely impact our crude oil, natural gas and NGLs activities.
The crude oil, natural gas and NGLs business involves a variety of operating risks, including fire, explosions, blow-outs, pipe failure, casing collapse, abnormally pressured formations; and environmental hazards such as crude oil spills, natural gas leaks, ruptures and discharges of toxic gases, underground migration, and surface spills or mishandling of well fluids, including chemical additives. The occurrence of any of these or other related events could result in substantial losses due to injury and loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of property, natural resources and equipment, pollution and other environmental damage, clean-up responsibilities, regulatory investigation and penalties and suspension of operations.
Climate change could have an effect on the severity of weather (including hurricanes, floods and wildfires), sea levels, the arability of farmland, and water availability and quality. If such effects were to occur, our exploration and production operations may be adversely affected. Potential adverse effects could include damages to our facilities, disruption of our production activities, less efficient or non-routine operating practices necessitated by climate effects or increased costs for insurance coverages in the aftermath of such effects. Significant physical effects of climate change could also have an indirect effect on our financing and operations by disrupting the transportation or process-related services provided by midstream companies, service companies or suppliers with whom we have a business relationship.
We maintain insurance against some, but not all, potential risks; however, there can be no assurance that such insurance will be adequate to cover any losses or exposure for liability. The occurrence of a significant unfavorable event not fully covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Furthermore, we cannot predict whether insurance will continue to be available to us at a reasonable cost or at all.
An increased societal and governmental focus on ESG and climate change issues may adversely impact our business, impact our access to investors and financing, and decrease demand for our product.
An increased expectation that companies address environmental (including climate change), social and governance (“ESG”) matters may have a myriad of impacts on our business. Some investors and lenders are factoring these issues into investment and financing decisions. They may rely upon companies that assign ratings to a company’s ESG performance. Unfavorable ESG ratings, as well as recent activism around fossil fuels, may dissuade investors or lenders from engaging with us in favor of companies in other industries, which could negatively impact our share price or our access to capital.
Moreover, while we have and may continue to create and publish voluntary disclosures regarding ESG matters from time to time, many of the statements in those voluntary disclosures are based on hypothetical expectations and assumptions that
may or may not be representative of current or actual risks or events or forecasts of expected risks or events, including the costs associated therewith. Such expectations and assumptions are necessarily uncertain and may be prone to error or subject to misinterpretation given the long timelines involved and the lack of an established single approach to identifying, measuring and reporting on many ESG matters.
Approaches to climate change and the transition to a lower-carbon economy, including government regulation, company policies, and consumer behavior, are continuously evolving. At this time, we cannot predict how such approaches may develop or otherwise reasonably or reliably estimate their impact on our financial condition, results of operations and ability to compete. However, any long-term material adverse effect on the oil and gas industry may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In Canada, opposition by Indigenous groups to the conduct of our operations, development or exploratory activities in any of the jurisdictions in which we conduct business may negatively impact us in terms of public perception, diversion of management’s time and resources, legal and other advisory expenses, and could adversely impact our progress and ability to explore and develop properties.
Some Indigenous groups have established or asserted Indigenous treaty and title rights to portions of Canada. Although there are no Indigenous treaty or title rights claims on lands where we operate, no certainty exists that any lands currently unaffected by claims brought by Indigenous groups will remain unaffected by future claims. Such claims, if successful, could have a material adverse impact on our operations and pace of growth.
Canadian federal and provincial governments have a duty to consult with Indigenous people when contemplating actions that may adversely affect asserted or proven Indigenous treaty or title rights and, in certain circumstances, accommodate their concerns. The scope of the duty to consult by federal and provincial governments varies with the circumstances and is often the subject of litigation. The fulfillment of the duty to consult Indigenous people and any associated duties of accommodation may adversely affect our ability, or increase the time required to obtain or renew, permits, leases, licenses and other approvals, or to meet the terms and conditions of those approvals.
Continued development of common law precedent regarding existing laws relating to Indigenous consultation and accommodation as well as the adoption of new laws are expected to continue to add uncertainty to the ability of entities operating in the Canadian oil and gas industry to execute on major resource development and infrastructure projects, including, among other projects, pipelines that could adversely impact our progress and ability to explore and develop properties in Canada. For example, Canada is a signatory to the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (“UNDRIP”) and the principles set forth therein may continue to influence the role of Indigenous engagement in the development of the oil and gas industry in Western Canada. In June 2021, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Canada) (“UNDRIP Act”) came into force in Canada. The UNDRIP Act requires the Government of Canada to take all measures necessary to ensure the laws of Canada are consistent with the principles of UNDRIP and to implement an action plan to address UNDRIP’s objectives. Adding further uncertainty, on June 29, 2021, the British Columbia Supreme Court issued a judgment in Yahey v British Columbia (the “Blueberry Decision”), in which it determined that the cumulative impacts of industrial development on the traditional territory of the Blueberry River First Nation (“BRFN”) in northeast British Columbia had breached BRFN’s treaty rights. The Blueberry Decision may lead to similar claims of cumulative effects across Canada in other areas covered by treaties.
In February 2025, the European Commission adopted a package of proposals to simplify EU rules and boost competitiveness. Among other things, the package proposes to apply the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive only to the largest companies (those with more than 1000 employees), focusing the sustainability reporting obligations on the companies which are more likely to have the biggest impacts on people and the environment. Moreover, it seeks to ensure that reporting requirements on large companies do not burden smaller companies in their value chains.
We face various risks associated with increased opposition to and activism against crude oil, natural gas and NGLs exploration and development activities.
The oil and natural gas exploration, development and operating activities that we conduct may, at times, be subject to public opposition. Opposition against crude oil, natural gas and NGLs drilling and development activity has been growing globally. Companies in the crude oil, natural gas and NGLs industry are often the target of activist efforts from both individuals and non-governmental organizations regarding safety, human rights, climate change, environmental matters, sustainability and business practices. Anti-development activists are working to, among other things, delay or cancel certain operations such as offshore drilling and development.
Such public opposition could expose us to higher costs, delays or even project cancellations, due to increased pressure on governments and regulators by special interest groups, including Indigenous groups, landowners, environmental interest groups (including those opposed to oil and natural gas production operations) and other non-governmental organizations, blockades, legal or regulatory actions or challenges, increased regulatory oversight, reduced support from the federal, provincial or municipal governments, reputational damage, delays in, challenges to or the revocation of regulatory approvals, permits and/or licenses, and direct legal challenges, including the possibility of climate-related litigation. There is no guarantee that we will be able to satisfy the concerns of the special interest groups and non-governmental organizations, and attempting to address such concerns may require us to incur significant and unanticipated capital and operating expenditures.
Further, recent activism directed at shifting funding away from companies with energy-related assets could result in limitations or restrictions on certain sources of funding for the energy sector. Moreover, activist shareholders in our industry have introduced shareholder proposals that may seek to force companies to adopt aggressive emission reduction targets or to shift away from more carbon-intensive activities. While we cannot predict the outcomes of such proposals, they could ultimately make it more difficult for us to engage in exploration and production activities.
Risks Relating to Legal and Regulatory Matters
Our operations are subject to risks associated with climate change and potential regulatory programs meant to address climate change; these programs may impact or limit our business plans, result in significant expenditures or reduce demand for our product.
Climate change continues to be the focus of political and societal attention. Numerous proposals have been made and are likely to be forthcoming on the international, national, regional, state and local levels to reduce the emissions of GHG emissions. These efforts have included or may include cap-and-trade programs, carbon taxes, GHG emissions reporting obligations and other regulatory programs that limit or require control of GHG emissions from certain sources. These programs may limit our ability to produce crude oil, natural gas and NGLs, limit our ability to explore in new areas, or may make it more expensive to produce. In addition, these programs may reduce demand for our product either by incentivizing or mandating the use of other alternative energy sources, by prohibiting the use of our product, by requiring equipment using our product to shift to alternative energy sources, or by directly increasing the cost of fossil fuels to consumers. Additionally, in March 2024, the SEC adopted final rules intended to enhance and standardize climate-related disclosures by public companies and in public offerings; these rules are stayed pending the outcome of consolidated legal challenges in the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Compliance with applicable environmental laws and other government regulations could be costly and could negatively impact production.
The laws and regulations of countries where we have activities control our current business. These laws and regulations may require that we obtain permits for our development activities, limit or prohibit drilling activities in certain protected or sensitive areas or restrict the substances that can be released in connection with our operations.
Our operations could result in liability for personal injuries, property damage, natural resource damages, crude oil spills, discharge of hazardous materials, remediation and clean-up costs and other environmental damages. Failure to comply with environmental laws and regulations may trigger a variety of administrative, civil and criminal enforcement measures, including the assessment of monetary penalties and the issuance of orders enjoining operations. In addition, we could be liable for environmental damages caused by, among others, previous property owners or operators of properties that we purchase or lease. Some environmental laws provide for joint and several strict liability for remediation of releases of hazardous substances, rendering a person liable for environmental damage without regard to negligence or fault on the part of such person. As a result, we may incur substantial liabilities to third parties or governmental entities and may be required to incur substantial remediation costs. We could also be affected by more stringent laws and regulations adopted in the future, including any related to climate change and GHG and the use of hydraulic fracturing fluids, resulting in increased operating costs.
We are also subject to a wide variety of laws relating to health and safety, taxes, employment, labor standards, money laundering, terrorist financing, and other matters in the jurisdictions in which we operate.
These laws and other governmental regulations, which cover matters including drilling operations, taxation and environmental protection, may be changed from time to time in response to economic or political conditions and could have a significant impact on our operating costs, as well as the crude oil, natural gas and NGLs industry in general. The
compliance mechanisms and monitoring programs that we have adopted and implemented may not adequately prevent or detect possible violations of such applicable laws. Our failure to comply with any such legislation could result in severe criminal or civil sanctions and may subject us to other liabilities, including fines, prosecution and reputational damage, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations and consolidated financial condition.
While we believe that we are currently in compliance with environmental laws and other government regulations applicable to our operations, no assurances can be given that we will be able to continue to comply with such environmental laws and regulations without incurring substantial costs.
We have been, and in the future may become, involved in legal proceedings with governmental bodies and private litigants, and, as a result, may incur substantial costs in connection with those proceedings.
Our business subjects us to liability risks from litigation or government actions. We have been involved in legal proceedings from time to time and may in the future be party to various lawsuits or governmental actions. There is risk that any matter in litigation could be decided unfavorably against us, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Litigation can be very costly, and the costs associated with defending litigation could also have a material adverse effect on our results of operation, net cash flows and financial condition. Adverse litigation decisions or rulings may also damage our business reputation.
Often, our operations are conducted through joint ventures over which we may have limited influence and control. Private litigation or government proceedings brought against us could also result in significant delays in our operations.
Risks Relating to the 2025 Facility Agreement
A significant level of indebtedness incurred under the 2025 Facility may limit our ability to borrow additional funds or capitalize on acquisition or other business opportunities in the future. In addition, the covenants in the 2025 Facility impose restrictions that may limit our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to take certain actions. Our failure to comply with these covenants could result in the acceleration of any future outstanding indebtedness under the 2025 Facility.
The 2025 Facility Agreement governing our 2025 Facility with The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited, Isle of Man Branch, The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited, and the other financial institutions contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including, among other things, as to compliance with laws (including environmental laws and anti-corruption laws), delivery of quarterly and annual financial statements and compliance certificates, no change of business, no merger and maintenance of corporate existence, field preservations and related contracts relating to the Borrowing Base Assets (as defined in the 2025 Facility Agreement), maintenance of insurance, entry into certain derivatives contracts which are regulated by the 2025 Facility Agreement and the Hedging Policy (as defined in the 2025 Facility Agreement), restrictions on the incurrence of liens, indebtedness, asset dispositions, acquisitions, restricted payments, entry into offtake agreements with Qualifying Offtakers (as defined in the 2025 Facility Agreement) and other customary covenants. The 2025 Facility Agreement also contains certain financial covenants and other covenants that restrict our ability to pay dividends and to enter into certain acquisitions and disposition transactions. We were in compliance with covenants under the 2025 Facility Agreement as of the date hereof.
Restrictions contained in the 2025 Facility Agreement governing any future indebtedness may reduce our ability to incur additional indebtedness, engage in certain transactions or capitalize on proposed acquisition or other business opportunities. Any future indebtedness under the 2025 Facility and other financial obligations and restrictions could have financial consequences. For example, they could:
•impair our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for capital expenditures, potential acquisitions, general business activities or other purposes;
•increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
•require us to dedicate a substantial portion of future cash flows to payments of our indebtedness and other financial obligations, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flows to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate requirements;
•limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and industry; and
•place us at a competitive disadvantage to those who have proportionately less debt.
In addition, our ability to comply with the 2025 Facility Agreement's covenants could be affected by events beyond our control and we cannot assure you that we will satisfy those requirements. A prolonged period of oil and gas prices at declined levels could further increase the risk of our inability to comply with covenants to maintain specified financial ratios. A breach of any of these provisions could result in a default under the 2025 Facility, which could allow all amounts outstanding thereunder to be declared immediately due and payable. In the event of such acceleration, we cannot assure that we would be able to repay our debt or obtain new financing to refinance our debt. Even if new financing was made available to us, it may not be on terms acceptable to us. We may also be prevented from taking advantage of business opportunities that arise if we fail to meet certain ratios or because of the limitations imposed on us by the covenants under the 2025 Facility.
The borrowing base under the 2025 Facility may be reduced pursuant to the terms of the 2025 Facility Agreement, which may limit our available funding for exploration and development. We may have difficulty obtaining additional credit, which could adversely affect our operations and financial position.
In the future we may depend on the 2025 Facility for a portion of our capital needs. The 2025 Facility has aggregate commitments of $190 million and an initial borrowing base of $182 million. Subject to certain conditions, we may request, at any time prior to the date falling 30 months after the date of the 2025 Facility Agreement to increase the total commitments available under the 2025 Facility by an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $110 million. The total amount of loans which may be drawn under the 2025 Facility is limited to the lower of the amount of the aggregate commitments and the Borrowing Base Amount at the relevant time. The Borrowing Base Amount is calculated pursuant to the 2025 Facility Agreement and redetermined on March 31 and September 30 of each year beginning June 30, 2025 and other interim triggers set out in the 2025 Facility Agreement.
In the future, we may not be able to access adequate funding under the 2025 Facility as a result of (i) a decrease in our borrowing base due to the outcome of a subsequent borrowing base redetermination, or (ii) an unwillingness or inability on the part of the lenders to meet their funding obligations. As a result, we may be unable to obtain adequate funding under the 2025 Facility. If funding is not available when needed, or is available only on unfavorable terms, it could adversely affect our development plans as currently anticipated, which could have a material adverse effect on our production, revenues and results of operations.
Risks Relating to Ownership of Our Common Stock
The price of our Common Stock may fluctuate significantly.
Our common stock currently trades on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and the London Stock Exchange (“LSE”), but an active trading market for our common stock may not be sustained. The market price of our common stock could fluctuate significantly as a result of:
•dilutive issuances of our common stock;
•announcements relating to our business or the business of our competitors;
•changes in expectations as to our future financial performance or changes in financial estimates of public market analysis;
•actual or anticipated quarterly variations in our operating results;
•conditions generally affecting the crude oil, natural gas and NGLs industry;
•the success of our operating strategy; and
•the operating and stock price performance of other comparable companies.
Many of these factors are beyond our control, and we cannot predict their potential effects on the price of our common stock. In addition, the stock markets can experience considerable price and volume fluctuations. Recent volatility in the financial markets has resulted in significant price and volume fluctuations that have affected the market prices of equity securities without regard to a company’s operating performance, underlying asset values or prospects. Accordingly, the market price of our common stock may decline even if our operating results, underlying asset values or prospects have not changed. Additionally, these factors, as well as other related factors, may cause decreases in asset values, which may result in impairment losses. There is no assurance that fluctuations in the price and volume of publicly traded equity securities will not occur. If such increased levels of volatility and market turmoil continue, our operations could be adversely impacted, and the trading price of our common stock may be adversely affected.
We currently intend to pay dividends on our common stock; however, no assurance can be given that we will be able to pay dividends to our stockholders in the future at indicated levels or at all.
On February 14, 2023, we announced that our Board of Directors adopted a quarterly cash dividend policy of an expected $0.0625 per share of common stock commencing in the first quarter of 2023. To the extent we have adequate cash on hand and cash flows from operations, we will consider continuing to pay dividends on our common stock in the future. Payment of future dividends, if any, and the establishment of future record and payment dates will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors after taking into account various factors, including current financial condition, the tax impact of repatriating cash, operating results and current and anticipated cash needs. As a result, no assurance can be given that we will be able to continue to pay dividends to our stockholders or that the level of any future dividends will achieve a market yield or increase or even be maintained over time, any of which could materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
Dual-listing on the NYSE and the LSE may lead to an inefficient market in our common stock.
Our common stock is quoted on the NYSE and the LSE. Consequently, the trading in and liquidity of our common stock are split between these two exchanges. The price of our common stock may fluctuate and may at any time be different on the NYSE and the LSE. Dual-listing of our common stock will result in differences in liquidity, settlement and clearing systems, trading currencies, and prices and transaction costs between the exchanges where our common stock will be quoted. These and other factors may hinder the transferability of our common stock between the two exchanges.
Investors could seek to sell or buy our common stock to take advantage of any price differences between the two markets through a practice referred to as arbitrage. Any arbitrage activity could create unexpected volatility in both common stock prices on either exchange and in the volumes of our common stock available for trading on either market. This could adversely affect the trading of our common stock on these exchanges and increase their price volatility and/or adversely affect the price and liquidity of the shares of common stock on these exchanges. In addition, holders of our common stock in either jurisdiction will not be immediately able to transfer such shares for trading on the other market without effecting necessary procedures with our transfer agents/registrars. This could result in time delays and additional cost for stockholders.
Our common stock is quoted and traded in USD on the NYSE and traded in GBX on the LSE. The market price of our common stock on those exchanges may also differ due to exchange rate fluctuations.
Substantial future sales of our common stock, or the perception that such sales might occur, or additional offerings of our common stock could depress the market price of our common stock.
We cannot predict what effect, if any, future sales of our common stock, or the availability of our common stock for future sale, or the offer of additional shares of our common stock in the future, will have on the market price of our common stock. Sales or an additional offering of substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception or any announcement that such sales or an additional offering could occur, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and may make it more difficult for stockholders to sell their common stock at a time and price that they deem appropriate and could also impede our ability to raise capital through the issuance of equity securities.
Any issuance of preferred shares will rank in priority to our shares of common stock.
While we do not currently have any preferred shares outstanding, under our certificate of incorporation, we are authorized to issue up to 500,000 preferred shares. Any issuance of preferred shares would rank in priority to our shares of common stock with respect to the payment of dividends, liquidation, and other matters.
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws do not contain any rights of pre-emption in favor of existing stockholders, which means that stockholders may be diluted if additional shares of common stock are issued.
Our stockholders do not have pre-emptive rights and we, without stockholder consent, may issue additional shares of common stock, preferred shares, warrants, rights, units and debt securities for general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, working capital, capital expenditures, investments, acquisitions and repayment or refinancing of borrowings. We actively seek to expand our business through complementary or strategic acquisitions and may issue additional shares of common stock in connection with those acquisitions. We also issue shares of our common stock to our executive officers, employees and independent directors as part of their compensation. This may have the effect of diluting the
interests of existing stockholders. Additionally, to the extent that pre-emptive rights are granted, stockholders in certain jurisdictions may experience difficulties in exercising or the inability to exercise their pre-emptive rights.
The choice of forum provisions in our Third Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”) could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes.
Our Bylaws provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction, the federal district court for the District of Delaware) shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought in the name or right of the Company or on its behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim for breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, employee, stockholder or other agent of the Company to the Company or the stockholders, (iii) any action arising or asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the General Corporation Law of Delaware (the “DGCL”) or any provision of our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (the “Charter”), or the Bylaws or as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine, including, without limitation, any action to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of the Charter or the Bylaws. Nonetheless, pursuant to our Bylaws, the foregoing provisions will not apply to suits brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Our Bylaws further provide that unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the U.S. shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. Under the Securities Act, federal and state courts have concurrent jurisdiction over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act, and stockholders cannot waive compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. Accordingly, there is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce such a forum selection provision as written in connection with claims arising under the Securities Act. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock will be deemed to have notice of and have consented to the provisions in the Bylaws related to choice of forum. The choice of forum provisions in our Bylaws may limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us. Additionally, the enforceability of choice of forum provisions in other companies’ governing documents has been challenged in legal proceedings, and it is possible that, in connection with any applicable action brought against us, a court could find the choice of forum provisions contained in our Bylaws to be inapplicable or unenforceable in such action. If so, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
The location and general character of our principal crude oil, natural gas and NGLs assets, production facilities, and other important physical properties have been described by segment under Item 1. “Business.” Information about crude oil,
natural gas and NGLs reserves, including the basis for their estimation, is discussed in Item 1. “Business.” Our principal executive office is located at 2500 CityWest Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77042. As of December 31, 2024, we maintained offices in Houston, Texas; London, United Kingdom; Port-Gentil, Gabon; Calgary, Alberta; Cairo, Egypt; Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire; and Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. All of our office space is leased. While we may in the future require additional office space as our business expands, we believe that our existing facilities are adequate to meet our needs for the immediate future and that additional facilities will be available on commercially reasonable terms as needed. For information regarding the Company’s obligations under its office leases, see Part IV, Item 15., Note 14. Leases to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We are subject to litigation claims and governmental and regulatory proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. While we cannot predict the occurrence or outcome of these proceedings with certainty, it is management’s opinion that all claims and litigation we are currently involved in are not likely to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, cash flows or results of operations.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange under the symbol “EGY”.
As of February 28, 2025, based upon information received from our transfer agent and brokers and nominees, there were approximately 93 holders of record of VAALCO common stock. This number does not include beneficial or other owners for whom common stock may be held in “street” names.
Dividends
On February 14, 2023, we announced that our board of directors adopted a quarterly cash dividend policy of an expected $0.0625 per common share per quarter commencing in the first quarter of 2023 and continued throughout the years 2023 and 2024. The following table is a schedule of our dividends paid during 2024:
Dividend Payment Date Amount per common share Record Date
March 28, 2024 $ 0.0625 March 8, 2024
June 21, 2024 $ 0.0625 May 17, 2024
September 20, 2024 $ 0.0625 August 23, 2024
December 20, 2024 $ 0.0625 November 22, 2024
Aggregate per share amount paid in 2024 $ 0.2500
In connection with the 2025 RBL Facility, we are required to provide a group liquidity forecast prior to any distribution, share buyback, or stock repurchase (each, a “Distribution”). The forecast must include the amount of Distribution expected in the forecast period. Provided there is no borrowing base deficiency, and no event of default results or exists, we may make Distributions without further approval as long as (1) the current forecast is above the required ratio and the proposed Distribution, aggregated with the amount declared or paid in any three months within the forecast period, does not exceed 110% of the estimated amount for that period, or (2) we provide an updated forecast that is above the required threshold taking into account the proposed Distribution and the expected Distribution in any three-month period within the relevant forecast period. In the event the liquidity test is not met, an approval or waiver would need to be obtained from the Lenders to make a Distribution. Cash dividends during the expected period of the refurbishment of the FPSO in Cote d’Ivoire, if any are declared, shall not be more than $0.26 per share. For the year ended December 31, 2024, no specific approval or waivers were required to make Distributions.
To the extent we have adequate cash on hand and cash flows from operations, we will consider paying additional cash dividends on a quarterly basis; however, any future dividend payments, if any, will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors after taking into account various factors, including current financial condition, the tax impact of repatriating cash, operating results and current and anticipated cash needs.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
See “Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” for discussion of shares of common stock that may be issued under our compensation plans.
Performance Graph
The following graph compares the annual percentage change in our cumulative total stockholder return on common shares with the cumulative total return of the S&P 500 Index and the SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration and Production Index. The graph assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 2019 in our common stock and in each index, and that all dividends, if any, are reinvested. Stockholder returns over the indicated period may not be indicative of future stockholder returns.
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration and Production $ 100 $ 62 $ 104 $ 151 $ 156 $ 152
S&P 500 Composite $ 100 $ 118 $ 152 $ 125 $ 158 $ 198
VAALCO Energy, Inc. $ 100 $ 80 $ 145 $ 210 $ 220 $ 217
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
There were no sales of unregistered securities during the year ended December 31, 2024 that were not previously reported on a Current Report on Form 8-K.
Issuer Repurchases of Common Stock
The Company previously implemented a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan (the “10b5-1 Plan”) to facilitate share purchases through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise under the Exchange Act. The 10b5-1 Plan provided for an aggregate purchase of currently outstanding common stock of up to $30 million over a maximum period of up to 20 months. Payment for shares repurchased under the share buyback program were funded using the Company's cash on hand and cash flow from operations. The share buyback program was completed on March 12, 2024.
The below table shows the repurchases of equity securities related to the share repurchase program during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024:
Period Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs Maximum Amount that May Yet Be Used to Purchase Shares Under the Program
January 1, 2024 - January 31, 2024 446,366 $ 4.48 446,366 $ 3,516,205
February 1, 2024 - February 29, 2024 474,100 $ 4.22 474,100 $ 1,516,630
March 1, 2024 - March 12, 2024 347,137 $ 4.33 347,137 $ -
Total 1,267,603 1,267,603

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. [Reserved].

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following management’s discussion and analysis describes the principal factors affecting our capital resources, liquidity, and results of operations. This management’s discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Financial Statements and related notes, information about our business practices, significant accounting policies, risk factors, and the transactions that underlie our financial results, which are included in various parts of this Annual Report. For discussion related to changes in financial condition and results of operations for 2023 as compared with 2022, refer to Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our 2023 Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on March 15, 2024. Certain statements in our discussion below are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. We caution that a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied or expressed by the forward-looking statements. Please see “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for further details about these statements.
INTRODUCTION
We are an independent energy company headquartered in Houston, Texas engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs. We have a diversified African-focused asset portfolio in Gabon, Egypt, Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria, as well as producing properties in Canada. For further discussion of our five operating segments see “Item 1. Business - Segment and Geographical Information.”
We intend to accelerate shareholder returns and increase shareholder value by controlling operating costs and capital expenditures, maximizing reserve recoveries and making disciplined strategic accretive acquisitions that meet our strategic and financial objectives.
We believe that our quality portfolio, strong management and technical expertise specific to the markets in which we operate, and our ongoing focus on maintaining a competitive cost structure and disciplined capital allocation framework position us to achieve our business strategy and navigate a variety of commodity price environments. Over the past years,
we have delivered on our focused strategy and believe we will continue to do so with the organic growth programs across our diversified portfolio over the coming years.
Recent Developments and Outlook
2024 Acquisition
On April 30, 2024, we completed the acquisition of Svenska Petroleum Exploration Aktiebolag, a company incorporated in Sweden whereby we acquired all of the issued shares in the capital of Svenska and Svenska became a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Svenska Acquisition”) for a net adjusted purchase price of $40.2 million. The purchase price was funded with the Company's cash on hand. As a result of the Svenska Acquisition, we acquired Svenska’s primary asset: a 27.39% non-operated working interest in the deepwater producing Baobab field in Block CI-40, offshore Cote d’Ivoire in West Africa. We also acquired a 21.05% non-operated working interest in OML 145, a non-producing discovery located offshore of Nigeria that is not expected to be developed at this time.
Capital Program
We expect our 2025 capital program to range between $270 million to $330 million, assuming normal operating conditions, that prioritizes free cash flow generation and meaningful return of capital to shareholders. The program includes estimated spending of approximately between $115 million to $135 million for Gabon, $30 million to $40 million for Egypt, $8 million to $13 million for Canada, $1 million to $3 million for Equatorial Guinea, $115 million to $135 million for Cote d'Ivoire for oil and natural gas development and $1 million related to corporate and other capital costs. The foregoing amounts related to Etame projects in Gabon do not include amounts funded by the non-operating partners. See further discussion below under “Capital Resources, Liquidity and Cash Requirements” for further discussion on the capital spending for each of our operating segments.
Commodity Prices
Prices for crude oil and condensate, NGLs and natural gas have historically been volatile. This volatility is expected to continue due to the many uncertainties associated with the worldwide political and economic environment and the global supply of, and demand for, crude oil, NGLs and natural gas and the availability of other energy supplies, the relative competitive relationships of the various energy sources in the view of consumers and other factors. Significant changes in oil and natural gas prices have a material impact on our liquidity. Declining commodity prices negatively affect our operating cash flow but have a positive indirect effect on operating expenses. The inverse is also true during periods of rising commodity prices. To mitigate some of the risk inherent in oil and natural gas prices, we have utilized various derivative instruments to hedge commodity price risk.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2023
We reported net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 of $58.5 million compared to a net income of $60.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The year-over-year decrease in net income was due to higher depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, production expenses and credit losses during the year, partially offset by the increase in revenues and a bargain purchase gain related to the Svenska acquisition. Further discussion of results by significant line item follows.
Year Ended December 31, Increase/
2024 2023 (Decrease)
(in thousands except per Boe information)
Net crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales volume (MBoe) 7,262 6,832 430
Average crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales price (per Boe) $ 65.64 $ 65.83 $ (0.19)
Net crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs revenue $ 478,988 $ 455,066 $ 23,922
Operating costs and expenses:
Production expense 163,500 153,157 10,343
FPSO demobilization and other costs - 7,484 (7,484)
Exploration expense 48 1,965 (1,917)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 143,034 115,302 27,732
General and administrative expense 29,684 23,840 5,844
Credit (recovery) losses and other 6,304 (4,906) 11,210
Total operating costs and expenses 342,570 296,842 45,728
Other operating income (expense), net 78 433 (355)
Operating income $ 136,496 $ 158,657 $ (22,161)
The revenue changes between the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 identified as related to changes in price or volume are shown in the table below:
(in thousands)
Price $ (1,376)
Volume 28,338
Other (1)
(3,040)
Total net revenue $ 23,922
(1)The Other in the table above includes revenues attributed to carried interests.
The table below shows net production, sales volumes and realized prices for both years.
Year Ended December 31,
2024 2023
Net crude oil, natural gas and NGLs production (MBoe) 7,296 6,833
Net crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales (MBoe) 7,262 6,832
Average realized crude oil, natural gas and NGLs price ($/Boe) $ 65.64 $ 65.83
Average Dated Brent spot price* ($/Bbl) $ 80.52 $ 82.49
*Average of daily Dated Brent spot prices posted on the U.S. Energy Information Administration website.
Costs and Expenses 2024 2023 % Change 2024 vs. 2023
Production expense, excluding offshore workovers ($/BOE) $ 22.50 $ 22.42 - %
Depreciation, depletion and amortization ($/BOE) $ 19.69 $ 16.88 17 %
General and administrative expense, excluding stock-based compensation ($/BOE) $ 3.48 $ 3.49 - %
Crude oil, natural gas and NGLs net revenues increased $23.9 million, or approximately 5%, during the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. The revenue increase is primarily attributable to revenues recognized within the Cote d'Ivoire segment during the year ended December 31, 2024 that were not present in the prior period.
Gabon
Crude oil sales in Gabon are a function of the number and size of crude oil liftings in each year and thus crude oil sales do not always coincide with volumes produced in any given year. The Company’s Gabon segment contributed $206.0 million of revenue to the Company’s total revenue during the year ended December 31, 2024. This compares to the $260.3 million of revenue contributed by the segment during the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in revenues is primarily due to lower sales volume in Gabon. The total sales volume in Gabon for the year ended December 31, 2024 was 2,584 MBbls or 612 MBbls lower than the sales volumes of 3,196 MBbls in the same period in 2023. Further, we had a decrease in the Gabon average realized price per barrel received during the year ended December 31, 2024 of $78.81 per barrel (Bbl) compared to the price received in 2023 of $79.80 per Bbl. Our share of crude oil inventory, excluding royalty barrels, was approximately 267,754 barrels and 68,766 barrels at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Egypt
Crude oil sales in Egypt are either sold to a third party via a cargo lifting or sold directly to the government, EGPC. The Company’s Egypt segment contributed $146.0 million of revenue to the Company’s total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024. This compares to the $161.0 million of revenue contributed by the segment during the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in revenues was primarily due to the decrease in sales volumes during the year ended December 31, 2024 to 2,585 MBbls compared to 2,771 MBbls during the same period in 2023. The average realized price received in Egypt was $56.47 per Bbl during the year ended December 31, 2024, which was also lower compared to the $58.11 per barrel received in 2023. At December 31, 2024, the Company’s Egypt segment had zero barrels in oil inventory.
Canada
Crude oil sales in Canada are normally sold through pipelines to a third party. The Company’s Canadian segment contributed $32.0 million of revenue to the Company’s total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024. This compares to the $33.7 million of revenue contributed by the Canada Segment during the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in revenues is due to the lower average realized sales price received during the year ended December 31, 2024 of $36.77 per MBoe or a decrease of $1.79 per Boe from the $38.92 per Boe received during the same period in 2023. The decrease in the average realized price was offset by the increase in sales volumes during the same period. In Canada, the total sales volumes for the year ended December 31, 2024 was 870 MBoe or 5 MBoe higher than the 865 MBoe sold during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Cote d'Ivoire
Crude oil sales in Cote d’Ivoire are sold through a marketing contract with an international oil trading company which offers the cargo shipments to buyers, mainly refineries, around the world. The Company's Cote d’Ivoire Segment contributed $95.1 million of revenue to the Company’s total revenue during the year ended December 31, 2024. Total sales volumes in Cote d'Ivoire for the year ended December 31, 2024 was 1,223 MBbls and the average realized sales price received was $77.74 per barrel.
Production expenses increased $10.3 million, or approximately 7%, to $163.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. The increase in production expense was primarily driven by the crude oil inventory acquired in the Svenska Acquisition that was recorded at fair value upon acquisition and lower of cost or net realizable value in subsequent periods. In addition, VAALCO has seen inflationary pressure on personnel and contractor
costs. In February 2024, the government in Gabon enacted new regulation which has resulted in an increase to withholding taxes on foreign supplied goods and services. On a per barrel basis, production expense, excluding workover expense and stock compensation expense, for the year ended December 31, 2024 decreased to $22.48 per barrel from the prior year of $22.59 per barrel primarily as a result of higher production volumes for the current period.
FPSO demobilization costs decreased $7.5 million, or 100%, to zero in the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. In 2023, it was determined that there was additional normally occurring radioactive material (NORMs) waste than anticipated connected to the FPSO from the Contractors' usage. As such, VAALCO and JOA partners incurred an additional $7.5 million (net to VAALCO) in decommissioning fees, which was reported as a separate line item on the income statement. These costs were incurred to retire the FPSO as we transitioned the Etame block to the FSO.
Exploration expenses decreased $1.9 million, or approximately 98%, in the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023 due primarily to the abandonment of the Egyptian East Arta - 54 appraisal well and the abandonment of the NWG-5C1 appraisal well in 2023.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization increased $27.7 million, or approximately 24%, in the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. The increase in depreciation, depletion and amortization expense is due primarily to the addition of Cote d'Ivoire related to the Svenska Acquisition partially offset by lower depletable costs in Gabon, Egypt, and Canada.
General and administrative expenses increased $5.8 million, or approximately 25%, in the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. The increase in general and administrative expenses is primarily due to professional fees, accounting and legal services, and salaries and wages.
Credit loss and other allowances - Credit loss and other expense increased $11.2 million, or approximately 228%, in the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. The increase in credit losses and other for the year ended December 31, 2024, is primarily attributable to the receivables with EGPC regarding the settlement of these receivables owed to the Company. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the decrease in credit loss and other allowances was primarily due to two credit loss and other allowance reversals in 2023. These two reversals were partially offset by a credit loss and other allowance adjustment in Egypt.
Derivative instruments gain (loss), net is attributable to our commodity instruments as discussed in Part IV, Item 15., Note 10. Derivatives and Fair Value to the Consolidated Financial Statements. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we recognized net realized losses of $0.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively, and unrealized losses of $0.2 million and an unrealized gain of $0.4 million, respectively, or a total net derivative losses of $0.7 million and net derivative gain of $0.2 million, respectively. Derivative losses for 2024 are a result of the increase in the price of Dated Brent crude oil over the initial strike price per barrel of the option over the year ended December 31, 2024. Our derivative instruments currently cover a portion of our production through September 2025.
Interest (expense) income, net decreased $2.7 million to an expense of $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 from an expense of $6.5 million during the same period in 2023. The decrease of net interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 primarily results from a decrease in our amortization of debt issue costs and commitment fees incurred on the RBL Facility partially offset by interest income.
Other (expense) income, net increased $4.9 million to an expense of $5.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 from an expense of $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Other (expense) income, net normally consists of foreign currency losses as discussed in Part IV, Item 15., Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements. However, for the year ended December 31, 2024, other (expense) income, net, also included $3.9 million of transaction costs associated with the Svenska Acquisition.
Income tax expense (benefit) for the year ended December 31, 2024 was an expense of $81.3 million. This is comprised of $98.9 million of current tax expense and a deferred tax benefit of $17.6 million. Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 was an expense of $89.7 million. This was comprised of $92.6 million of current tax expense and a deferred tax benefit of $2.9 million. The current tax expense in both periods is primarily attributable to our operations in Gabon, Egypt, Canada and Cote d'Ivoire. The income tax expense is higher in 2024 than income tax for the comparable 2023 period as a result of higher revenues. See Part IV, Item 15., Note 8. Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
Capital Expenditures
During 2024, we had accrual basis expenditures attributable to operations of $109.4 million, that includes $22.6 million for Gabon, $11.4 million for Egypt, $25.8 million for Canada, $44.4 million for Cote d'Ivoire, $0.6 million for Equatorial Guinea and $4.6 million for the corporate offices, compared to $72.6 million for 2023. Capital expenditures in 2024 were attributable to expenditures primarily related to the new wells drilled as part of the drilling campaign in Canada, the workover and drilling program in Egypt and the expenditures associated with the preparation of the FPSO dry dock project in Cote d'Ivoire. Capital expenditures in 2023 were primarily related to the payments for the 2023 drilling campaigns in Egypt and Canada.
Recent Operational Updates
Gabon
The Company secured a drilling rig in December 2024 in conjunction with its 2025/2026 drilling program, which is planned to begin in mid-2025 to drill multiple development wells, and appraisal or exploration wells, as well as to perform workovers, with options to drill additional wells. We are planning on multiple wells in both the Etame field and at our SEENT platform, and a re-drill and several workovers in the Ebouri field to access production and reserves that were previously shut in and removed from proved reserves due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide.
Egypt
The Company focused on enhancing production in 2024 through a series of planned workovers. The EA-55 well, drilled in October 2023, was completed and put online in January 2024. During the year, the planned workover program for 2024 was completed for 12 wells, including the K-81 well recompletion at the start of the first quarter of 2024, which was a carry-over from our 2023 drilling activity. The focus of the workover activities was to achieve peak production from the wells, significant improvements on the rate of production, and enhance production efficiency.
The Company deferred its 2024 drilling during the year to work up a robust drilling program. We have contracted a rig and commenced with the drilling of two wells December 2024. The first of the two wells was also successfully completed in December 2024, while the second well is expected to come on line in early 2025.
Cote d'Ivoire
As previously discussed, the FPSO will be placed in dry dock in early 2025 for planned maintenance and upgrades. It ceased hydrocarbon production as scheduled on January 31, 2025 and the final lifting of crude oil from the FPSO took place on February 5, 2025. The project team has commenced mobilization efforts, deploying the necessary workforce support vessels and equipment to facilitate the safe disconnection of the FPSO. The vessel is planned to be wet towed to the shipyards in Dubai for refurbishment upon departure from the field around March 2025. Significant development drilling is expected to begin in 2026 after the FPSO is expected to return to service with meaningful additions to production from the main Baobab field in CI-40, as well as a potential future development of the Kossipo field, which is also on the license.
Canada
We successfully drilled and completed four wells in 2024, all of which have been producing during the year. The wells were drilled with longer 2.75 mile laterals to improve the economics of the program. The new wells drilled resulted in a change in the production mix in Canada from about 60% liquids during the first quarter to about 75% after the wells came online with a lower gas-oil ratio. In early November 2024, a fifth well was drilled and we plan to put the well online in early 2025.
Commodity Price Hedging
The price we receive for our crude oil significantly influences our revenue, profitability, liquidity, access to capital and prospects for future growth. Crude oil commodities and, therefore their prices can be subject to wide fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in supply and demand. We believe these prices will likely continue to be volatile in the future.
Due to the inherent volatility in crude oil prices, we use commodity derivative instruments such as swaps to hedge price risk associated with a portion of our anticipated crude oil production. These instruments allow us to reduce, but not eliminate, the potential effects of variability in cash flow from operations due to fluctuations in commodity prices. The instruments provide only partial protection against declines in crude oil prices and may limit our potential gains from future increases in prices. None of these instruments are used for trading purposes. We do not speculate on commodity prices but rather attempt to hedge physical production by individual hydrocarbon product in order to protect returns. The counterparty to our derivative swap transactions was a major oil company’s trading subsidiary, and our costless collars are with Glencore. We have not designated any of our derivative contracts as fair value or cash flow hedges. The changes in fair value of the contracts are included in the consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive income (loss). We record such derivative instruments as assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. We do not anticipate any substantial changes in our hedging policy.
Please see Part IV, Item 15., Note 10. Derivatives and Fair Value in our Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on the related hedges.
Cash on Hand
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had unrestricted cash of $82.6 million and $121.0 million, respectively, which as of certain dates, exceeded Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. We invest cash not required for immediate operational and capital expenditure needs in short-term money market instruments primarily with financial institutions where we determine our credit exposure is negligible. As operator of the Etame Marin block in Gabon, we enter into project-related activities on behalf of our working interest joint venture owners. We generally obtain advances from joint venture owners prior to significant funding commitments. Our cash on hand will be utilized, along with cash generated from operations, to fund our operations.
Capital Resources, Liquidity and Cash Requirements
Our primary source of liquidity has been cash flows from operations and our primary use of cash has been to fund capital expenditures for development activities in the Etame Marin block. We continually monitor the availability of capital resources, including equity and debt financings that could be utilized to meet our future financial obligations, planned capital expenditure activities and liquidity requirements including those to fund opportunistic acquisitions. Our future success in growing proved reserves, production and balancing the long-term development of our assets with a focus on generating attractive corporate-level returns will be highly dependent on the capital resources available to us.
Based on current expectations, we believe we have sufficient liquidity through our existing cash balances, cash flow from operations and our 2025 RBL Facility to support our current cash requirements during the next 12 months and beyond, including the FSO charter, drilling programs, as well as transaction expenses and capital and operational costs associated with our business segments' operations. However, our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or fund any potential future acquisitions, consortiums, joint ventures or pay dividends for other similar transactions depends on operating and economic conditions, some of which are beyond our control. If additional capital is needed, we may not be able to obtain debt or equity financing on terms favorable to us, or at all. We are continuing to evaluate all uses of cash, including opportunistic acquisitions, and whether to pursue growth opportunities and whether such growth opportunities, additional sources of liquidity, including equity and/or debt financings, are appropriate to fund any such growth opportunities.
Merged Concession Agreement
For information on the Merged Concession Agreement, see Part IV, Item 15., Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
RBL Facility Agreement and Available Credit
For information on our RBL Facility Agreement and Available Credit, see Part IV, Item 15., Note 13. Debt to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For information on our 2025 Facility Agreement and Available Credit, see Part IV, Item 15., Note 13. Debt and Note 20. Subsequent Events to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Cash Requirements
Our material cash requirements generally consist of the FPSO refurbishment, finance and operating leases, capital projects, dividend payments, Merged Concession Agreement and abandonment funding, each of which is discussed in further detail below.
Abandonment Funding - Under the terms of the Etame PSC, we have a cash funding arrangement for the eventual abandonment of all offshore wells, platforms and facilities on the Etame Marin block. As a result of the PSC Extension, annual funding payments are spread over the periods from 2018 through 2028, under the applicable abandonment study. The amounts paid will be reimbursed through the Cost Account and are non-refundable. In August 2023, a new abandonment study was completed and such study estimated abandonment costs of approximately $77.9 million ($45.9 million, net to VAALCO) on an undiscounted basis. The new abandonment estimate was presented to the Gabonese Directorate of Hydrocarbons as required by the PSC. In the first quarter of 2023, the Directorate of Hydrocarbons in Gabon approved a $26.6 million ($15.6 million, net to VAALCO) abandonment funding payment associated with the FPSO retirement. The Company received payment of $15.6 million in March 2023. No additional activity was noted in the abandonment funding account during the remainder of 2023 and in 2024. At December 31, 2024, the balance of the abandonment fund was $10.7 million ($6.3 million, net to VAALCO) on an undiscounted basis. The annual payments will be adjusted based on revisions in the abandonment estimate. This cash funding is reflected under “Other noncurrent assets” in the “Abandonment funding” line item of the consolidated balance sheets. The Company is working with the Directorate of Hydrocarbons in Gabon to establish a payment schedule to resume funding of the abandonment fund. Future changes to the anticipated abandonment cost estimate could change the asset retirement obligation and the amount of future abandonment funding payments.
Capital Projects - In December 2024, Vaalco secured a rig for the 2025/26 drilling campaign at Etame. Vaalco is currently finalizing locations and planning for the next drilling campaign, which is expected to commence in Q3 2025. We currently have a 10 to 15 well drilling campaign in Egypt, where we have completed the drilling of two wells. In Canada, we continue to drill, recomplete and workover wells adding to our production base and cash flows.
Leases - We are a party to several operating and financing lease arrangements, including operating leases, which may include corporate offices, drilling rigs, rental of marine vessels and helicopter, warehouse and storage facilities, equipment and financing lease agreements for the FSO, and equipment and vehicles used in operations. The annual costs of these leases are significant to us. For further information see Part IV, Item 15., Note 14. Leases to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Merged Concession Agreement - On January 20, 2022, prior to the consummation of the TransGlobe Acquisition, TransGlobe announced a fully executed Merged Concession Agreement with EGPC that merged the three existing Eastern Desert concessions with a 15-year primary term and improved economics. In advance of the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of the Arab Republic of Egypt (the “Minister”) executing the Merged Concession Agreement, TransGlobe paid the first modernization payment of $15.0 million and signing bonus of $1.0 million as part of the conditions precedent to the official signing ceremony on January 19, 2022. On February 1, 2022, TransGlobe paid the second modernization payment of $10.0 million. In accordance with the Merged Concession Agreement, we agreed to substitute the 2023, 2024 and 2025 payments and issue three $10.0 million credits against receivables owed from EGPC. We plan to make the final annual equalization payment of $10.0 million on or before February 1, 2026. We also have minimum financial work commitments of $50.0 million per each five-year period of the primary development term, commencing on February 1, 2020 (the “Merged Concession Effective Date”). As of December 31, 2024, the $50.0 million of financial work commitments had been delivered to EGPC.
FSO Agreements - On August 31, 2021, we and our Etame co-venturers approved the Bareboat Contract and Operating Agreement (the “Bareboat Charter”) with World Carrier to replace the existing FPSO with an FSO unit at the Etame Marin block offshore Gabon. Pursuant to the Bareboat Charter, World Carrier will provide use of the Teli vessel to VAALCO Gabon for an initial eight-year term, subject to optional two successive one-year extensions. Pursuant to the Bareboat Charter, VAALCO Gabon agreed to engage World Carrier for the purposes of maintaining and operating the FSO on its behalf in accordance with the specifications therein and to provide other services to VAALCO Gabon in connection with the operation and maintenance of the FSO. As consideration for the performance by World Carrier of the Operator
Services, VAALCO Gabon agreed to pay a daily operating fee (to be paid monthly) beginning on the date of issuance of the Fit to Receive Certificate (as defined in the Bareboat Charter) until the end of the term, with such term being the same as the term in the Bareboat Charter. On October 19, 2022, we issued final acceptance certificate of the FSO. On December 4, 2022, the first lifting from the FSO was successfully completed at the same time the final remaining volumes from the FPSO were removed.
FPSO Maintenance - The FPSO will be in transit to dry dock in early 2025 for planned maintenance and upgrades. It ceased hydrocarbon production as scheduled on January 31, 2025 and the final lifting of crude oil from the FPSO concluded on February 6, 2025. The project team mobilization efforts are on schedule and have significantly progressed, deploying the necessary workforce support vessels and equipment to facilitate the safe disconnection of the FPSO. The vessel is planned to be wet towed to the shipyards in Dubai for refurbishment upon departure from the field around March 2025.
BWE Consortium - We are a member of the BWE Consortium with BW Energy and Panoro Energy, which was awarded the two blocks in the 12th Offshore Licensing Round in Gabon. The BWE Consortium and the Gabonese government came to an agreement on the commercial terms in February 2024. All parties to the BWE Consortium signed the PSC with the Gabonese Government during the fourth quarter of 2024. Pursuant to the terms of the PSC, BW Energy will be the operator with a 37.5% working interest, and VAALCO will have a 37.5% working interest and Panoro Energy will have a 25% working interest as non-operating joint owners. The two blocks, Niosi Marin Block (previously G12-13) and the Guduma Marin Block (previously H12-13), are adjacent to our Etame PSC as well as BW Energy and Panoro’s Dussafu PSC offshore Southern Gabon and cover an area of 2,989 square kilometers and 1,929 square kilometers, respectively. The two blocks, held by the BWE Consortium and the PSCs over the blocks, are currently under negotiation with the Gabonese government.
Dividend Policy - On February 14, 2023, we announced that our Board of Directors adopted a quarterly cash dividend policy of an expected $0.0625 per common share per quarter, which commenced in the first quarter of 2023 and continued throughout 2024. Payment of future dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of the board of directors after taking into account various factors, including current financial condition, the tax impact of repatriating cash, operating results and current and anticipated cash needs.
Trends and Uncertainties
Geopolitical Conflict and Other Market Forces - Global conflicts, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, and heightened tensions in the Pacific region, have significantly elevated global geopolitical tensions and security concerns. Economic sanctions, export controls, and other trade restrictions, for instance those that the U.S. Government and other nations implemented against Russia in light of its invasion of Ukraine or those relating to the conflict in the Middle East, could directly and indirectly continue to have, a destabilizing effect on the European continent and the global oil and natural gas markets. The extended war between Russia and Ukraine and increasing hostilities in the Middle East, could continue to intensify and may cause prolonged uncertainty and volatility in commodity prices. The extent and duration of the military action, sanctions and resulting market disruptions could be significant and could potentially have a substantial negative impact on the global economy and/or our business for an unknown period of time. In addition, increased inflation, higher interest rates and current turmoil in certain governments are impacting the global supply chain market.
Commodity Prices - Historically, the markets for oil, natural gas and NGLs have been volatile. Oil, natural gas and NGLs prices are subject to wide fluctuations in supply and demand. Our cash flows from operations may be adversely impacted by volatility in crude oil and natural gas prices, a decrease in demand for crude oil, natural gas or NGLs and future production cuts by OPEC+.
ESG and Climate Change Effects - Sustainability matters continue to attract considerable public, regulatory and scientific attention. In particular, we expect continued required reporting attention on climate change issues and emissions of GHG, including methane (a primary component of natural gas) and carbon dioxide (a byproduct of crude oil and natural gas combustion) and freshwater use.
For example, in March 2024, the SEC adopted final rules under SEC Release No. 33-11275: The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors, which requires registrants to provide certain climate-related information in their registration statements and annual reports. The rules require information about a registrant’s climate-related risks that are reasonably likely to have a material impact on its business, results of operations, or financial condition. These requirements are effective for the Company in various fiscal years, starting with its fiscal year beginning November 1, 2026. On April 4, 2024, the SEC determined to voluntarily stay the final rules pending certain legal
challenges. The Company believes that the impact of these final rules on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures are not material. This increased attention to climate change and environmental conservation coupled with stepped up government incentives around renewable energy sources may result in demand shifts away from crude oil and natural gas products, higher regulatory and compliance costs, additional governmental investigations and private litigation against us. For example, numerous proposals have been made and are likely to continue to be made at the international, national, regional and state levels of government to monitor and limit emissions of GHGs. These efforts have included consideration of cap-and-trade programs, carbon taxes, GHG reporting and tracking programs and regulations that directly limit GHG emissions from certain sources. In addition, institutional investors, proxy advisory firms and other industry participants continue to focus on ESG matters, including climate change. We expect that this heightened focus will continue to drive ESG efforts across our industry and influence investment and voting decisions, which for some investors may lead to less favorable sentiment towards carbon assets and diversion of investment to other industries. Consistent with the increased attention on ESG matters and climate change, we have prioritized and are committed to responsible environmental practices by monitoring our adherence to ESG reporting requirements, including establishing and communicating short and long-term goals and targets, furthering the reduction of our carbon footprint and measurement of GHG emissions. Sustainability remains an important topic to us, and we are in the process of developing a multi-year plan to establish and document our progress in achieving goals we set for ourselves across all areas of sustainability. Our plans will enable us to monitor and improve matters related to ESG and climate change going forward.
For the past four years the Company has matured its reporting in line with the recommendations of the Task force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”), which is recognized as the global standard in climate-related reporting. The full TCFD report was included within the 2023 Sustainability Report (rather than in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or in the annual report which was published in connection with the annual meeting), as the 2023 Sustainability Report details environmental, social and governance matters which the TCFD report forms an important part. The 2023 Sustainability Report is available on the Company's website, which is not incorporated by reference hereto.
Cash Flows
Our cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2024 2023 Increase (Decrease) in 2024 over 2023
(in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities $ 184,312 $ 182,730 $ 1,582
Net change in operating assets and liabilities (70,594) 40,867 (111,461)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 113,718 223,597 (109,879)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (102,119) (97,223) (4,896)
Net cash provided by (used in) in financing activities (43,048) (56,819) 13,771
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash (3) (153) 150
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ (31,452) $ 69,402 $ (100,854)
The $109.9 million decrease in net cash provided by operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, was driven primarily by changes in operating assets and liabilities during the period. The net decrease in changes provided by operating assets and liabilities of $111.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023 was related to a decrease in cash provided by trade receivable, Accounts with joint venture owners, net and Egypt receivables and other, net (collectively $86.1 million). In addition, cash used by operating assets and liabilities increased due to a decrease in the accrued liabilities and other balances of $27.0 million. Partially offsetting these changes was an increase in cash provided on a decrease in cash used in Accounts Payable of $14.9 million.
The $4.9 million increase in net cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2024 was due to the increase in cash capital spending in 2024. In 2023 we incurred significant capital for the 2021/2022 Etame drilling campaign and the Etame field reconfiguration. In 2024 capital spending was primarily attributable to the costs associated with the recompletion and drilling program. In addition, VAALCO used $40.2 million in cash for the acquisition of
Svenska which is offset by the cash received from Svenska in the amount of $41.0 million. See Part IV, Item 15., Note 4. Acquisitions to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the acquisition.
Net cash used in financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2024 included $26.2 million for dividend distributions, $6.8 million for treasury stock repurchases made under our stock repurchase plan or as a result of tax withholding on options exercised and on vested restricted stock, and $10.5 million of principal payments on our finance leases partially offset by $0.4 million in proceeds from options exercised. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, cash used in financing activities included $26.8 million for dividend distributions, $23.6 million for treasury stock repurchased under our stock repurchase plan, and $7.2 million of principal payments on our finance leases partially offset by $0.7 million in proceeds from options exercised.
Regulatory and Joint Interest Audits
We are subject to periodic routine audits by various government agencies, including audits of our petroleum Cost Account, customs, taxes and other operational matters, as well as audits by other members of the contractor group under our joint operating agreements. See Part IV, Item 15., Note 12. Commitment and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the respective reporting periods. Accounting estimates are considered to be critical if (1) the nature of the estimates and assumptions is material due to the levels of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain matters or the susceptibility of such matters to change, and (2) the impact of the estimates and assumptions on financial condition or operating performance is material. Actual results could differ from the estimates and assumptions used. Further, in some cases, GAAP allows more than one alternative accounting method for reporting. In those cases, our reported results of operations would be different should we employ an alternative accounting method. See Part IV, Item 15., Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements for our accounting policy elections.
Asset Retirement Obligations
The Company has significant obligations to remove tangible equipment and restore land or seabed at the end of oil and gas production operations. Estimating the future plugging and abandonment costs requires management to make estimates and judgments inherent in the present value calculation of the future obligation. These include ultimate plugging and abandonment costs, inflation factors, credit adjusted discount rates, and timing of settlement and changes in the legal, regulatory, environmental and political environments.
We account for asset retirement obligations as required by ASC 410 - Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations. Under these standards, the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation is recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. If a reasonable estimate of fair value cannot be made in the period the asset retirement obligation is incurred, the liability is recognized when a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. If a tangible long-lived asset with an existing asset retirement obligation is acquired, a liability for that obligation is recognized at the asset’s acquisition or in service date. In addition, a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation is recorded if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. We capitalize the asset retirement costs by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset by the same amount as the liability. We record increases in the discounted abandonment liability resulting from the passage of time in depletion, depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statement of operations. To the extent future revisions to these assumptions impact the present value of the existing asset retirement obligation liability, a corresponding adjustment is made to the oil and natural gas property balance.
Income Taxes
Our annual tax provision is based on expected taxable income, statutory rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. The determination and evaluation of our annual tax provision and tax positions involves the interpretation of the tax laws in the various jurisdictions in which we operate and requires significant judgment and the use of estimates and assumptions regarding significant future events such as the amount, timing and character of income, deductions and tax credits. Changes in tax laws, regulations, agreements and tax treaties or our level
of operations or profitability in each jurisdiction would impact our tax liability in any given year. We also operate in foreign jurisdictions where the tax laws relating to the crude oil, natural gas and NGLs industry are open to interpretation, which could potentially result in tax authorities asserting additional tax liabilities. While our income tax provision (benefit) is based on the best information available at the time, a number of years may elapse before the ultimate tax liabilities in the various jurisdictions are determined.
Judgment is required in determining whether deferred tax assets will be realized in full or in part. Management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if existing deferred tax assets will be utilized. When it is estimated to be more-likely-than-not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance must be established for the amount of the deferred tax assets that are estimated to not be realizable. Factors considered include earnings generated in previous periods, forecasted earnings, the expiration period of carryovers, and overall economic conditions of the industry. As of December 31, 2024, we had deferred tax assets of $266.5 million primarily attributable to Canada, Gabon and U.S. basis differences in fixed assets, foreign tax credit carryforwards, and foreign net operating loss carryforwards. A valuation allowance of $173.1 million has been established against the deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2024, as management has concluded that it was more-likely-than-not that only some portion of the deferred tax assets would be realized. In future periods, we may determine that it is more-likely-than-not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will be realized, and in such period all or a portion of this valuation allowance may be reversed as the evidence warrants.
In certain jurisdictions, we may deem the likelihood of realizing deferred tax assets as remote where we expect that, due to the structure of operations and applicable law, the operations in such jurisdictions will not give rise to future tax consequences. Should our expectations change regarding the expected future tax consequences, we may be required to record additional deferred taxes that could have a material effect on our consolidated financial position and results of operations. For further discussion, see Part IV, Item 15., Note 8. Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Oil and Gas Accounting Reserves Determination
The successful efforts method of accounting depends on the estimated reserves we believe are recoverable from our crude oil, natural gas and NGLs reserves. The process of estimating reserves is complex. It requires significant judgments and decisions based on available geological, geophysical, engineering and economic data.
To estimate the economically recoverable crude oil, natural gas and NGLs reserves and related future net cash flows, we incorporate many factors and assumptions including:
•expected reservoir characteristics based on geological, geophysical and engineering assessments;
•future production rates based on historical performance and expected future operating and investment activities;
•future crude oil, natural gas and NGLs quality differentials;
•assumed effects of regulation by governmental agencies; and
•future development and operating costs.
We believe our assumptions are reasonable based on the information available to us at the time we prepare our estimates. However, these estimates may change substantially going forward as additional data from development activities and production performance becomes available and as economic conditions impacting crude oil, natural gas and NGLs prices and costs change.
Management is responsible for estimating the quantities of proved crude oil, natural gas and NGLs reserves and for preparing related disclosures. Estimates and related disclosures are prepared in accordance with SEC requirements and generally accepted industry practices in the U.S. as prescribed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers. Reserve estimates are independently evaluated at least annually by our independent qualified reserves engineers, NSAI for Gabon, Egypt and Cote d'Ivoire, while GLJ evaluates our Canadian reserves. Equatorial Guinea will receive a Management Case Report.
Our Board of Directors has established the Technical & Reserves Committee with the authority, responsibility and primary purpose of assisting the board of directors in its oversight responsibilities relating to evaluating and reporting on oil and gas reserves. The Technical & Reserves Committee, to the extent it deems necessary or appropriate, will oversee (i) annual review of oil and gas reserves, (ii) procedures for evaluating and reporting oil and gas producing activities, and (iii) compliance with applicable regulatory and securities laws relating to the preparation and disclosure of information with
respect to oil and gas reserves and shall consult with the Audit Committee on such matters relating to oil and gas reserves which impact our financial statements.
Our senior executives and reserve engineers oversee the preparation of our crude oil, natural gas and NGLs reserves and related disclosures by our appointed independent reserve engineers. The Technical & Reserves Committee and senior management meet with the reserve engineers periodically to review the reserves process and results, and to confirm that the independent reserve engineers have had access to sufficient information, including the nature and satisfactory resolution of any material differences of opinion between us and the independent reserve engineers.
Reserves estimates are critical to many of our accounting estimates, including:
•determining whether or not an exploratory well has found economically producible reserves;
•calculating our unit-of-production depletion rates. Proved developed reserves estimates are used to determine rates that are applied to each unit-of-production in calculating our depletion expense; and
•assessing, when necessary, our crude oil, natural gas and NGLs assets for impairment using undiscounted future cash flows based on management’s estimates. If impairment is indicated, discounted values will be used to determine the fair value of the assets. The critical estimates used to assess impairment, including the impact of changes in reserves estimates, are discussed below.
See “Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules - Supplemental Information on crude oil, natural gas and NGLs Producing Activities (unaudited).”
Impairment of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs producing properties
We review the crude oil, natural gas and NGLs producing properties for impairment quarterly or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such properties may not be recoverable. When a crude oil, natural gas and NGLs property’s undiscounted estimated future net cash flows are not sufficient to recover its carrying amount, an impairment charge is recorded to reduce the carrying amount of the asset to its fair value. Our assessment involves a high degree of estimation uncertainty as it requires us to make assumptions and apply judgment to estimate undiscounted future net cash flows related to proved reserves. Such assumptions include commodity prices, capital spending, production and abandonment costs and reservoir data. The fair value of the asset is measured using a discounted cash flow model relying primarily on Level 3 inputs to estimate the undiscounted future net cash flows. The undiscounted estimated future net cash flows used in the impairment evaluations at each quarter end are based upon the most recently prepared reserve reports evaluated by independent reserve engineers adjusted to use forecasted prices from the forward strip price curves near each quarter end and adjusted as necessary for drilling and production results. For further discussion, see Part IV, Item 15., Note 9. Crude Oil, Natural Gas and NGLs Properties and Equipment, net to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Impairment of Unproved Property
We evaluate our undeveloped crude oil, natural gas and NGLs leases for impairment on at least a quarterly basis by considering numerous factors that could include nearby drilling results, seismic interpretations, market values of similar assets, existing contracts and future plans for exploration or development. When undeveloped crude oil, natural gas and NGLs leases are deemed to be impaired, exploration expense is charged. Unproved property costs consist mainly of acquisition costs related to undeveloped acreage in the Etame Marin block in Gabon and to Block P in Equatorial Guinea. In connection with the TransGlobe Acquisition as discussed under Part IV, Item 15., Note 4. Acquisitions to the Consolidated Financial Statements, reserves in Egypt and Canada were also attributed to undeveloped properties and leasehold costs.
Business Combinations
We apply the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations, under which we record the acquired assets and assumed liabilities at fair value and recognize goodwill to the extent the consideration transferred exceeds the fair value of the net assets acquired. To the extent the fair value of the net assets acquired exceeds the consideration transferred, we recognize a bargain purchase gain.
In estimating the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination, various assumptions are made. The most significant assumptions relate to the estimated fair values assigned to proved and unproved crude oil, natural gas and NGLs properties. If sufficient market data is not available regarding the fair values of proved and unproved
properties, estimates of the fair value of crude oil and gas reserves are prepared. Estimates of future prices to apply to the estimated reserves quantities acquired and estimates of future operating and capital costs are used to estimate future net cash flows. For estimated proved reserves, the future net cash flows are discounted using a market-based discount rate and risk adjustment factors determined appropriate at the time of the acquisition. Estimated deferred taxes are based on available information concerning the tax basis of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and loss carryforwards at the acquisition date, although such estimates may change in the future as additional information becomes known.
We estimate the fair values of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities as of the date of the acquisition, and our estimates are subject to adjustment through completion, which is in each case within one year of the acquisition date, based on our ongoing assessments of the fair values of property and equipment, intangible assets, other assets and liabilities and our evaluation of tax positions and contingencies.
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
See Part IV, Item 15., Note 3. New Accounting Standards to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to market risks, including the effects of adverse changes in foreign exchange rates and commodity prices as described below.
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk
Our results of operations and financial condition are affected by currency exchange rates. While crude oil sales are denominated in U.S. dollars, portions of our costs in Gabon are denominated in the local currency (the Central African CFA Franc, or XAF), and our VAT receivable as well as certain liabilities in Gabon are also denominated in XAF. A weakening U.S. dollar will have the effect of increasing costs while a strengthening U.S. dollar will have the effect of reducing costs. For our VAT receivable in Gabon, a strengthening U.S. dollar will have the effect of decreasing the value of this receivable resulting in foreign exchange losses, and vice versa. The Gabon local currency is tied to the Euro. The exchange rate between the Euro and the U.S. dollar has historically fluctuated in response to international political conditions, general economic conditions and other factors beyond our control. As of December 31, 2024, we had net monetary assets of $35 million (XAF 22.0 million) denominated in XAF. A 10% weakening of the CFA relative to the U.S. dollar would have a $3.2 million reduction in the value of these net assets. For the year ended December 31, 2024, we had expenditures of approximately $64 million denominated in XAF.
Related to our Canadian operations, our currency exchange risk relates primarily to certain cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, lease obligations and accounts payable and accrued liabilities denominated in Canadian dollars. We estimate that a 10% increase in the value of the Canadian dollar against the US dollar would decrease net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2024 by approximately $0.5 million. Conversely, a 10% decrease in the value of the Canadian dollar against the US dollar would increase net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2024 by approximately $0.4 million.
We are also exposed to foreign currency exchange risk on cash balances denominated in Egyptian pounds. Some collections of accounts receivable from the Egyptian Government are received in Egyptian pounds, and while we are generally able to use the Egyptian pounds received on accounts payable denominated in Egyptian pounds, there remains foreign currency exchange risk exposure on Egyptian pound cash balances. Using month-end cash balances converted at month-end foreign exchange rates at December 31, 2024, we estimate that a 10% increase in the value of the Egyptian pound against the US dollar would increase net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2024 by approximately $0.2 million. Conversely, a 10% decrease in the value of the Egyptian pound against the US dollar would decrease net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2024 by approximately $0.1 million.
In Cote d'Ivoire, our currency exchange risk also relates primarily to certain cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable and accrued liabilities denominated in Swedish Krona. We estimate that a 10% decrease in the value of the Swedish Krona against the US dollar would decrease the value of the net liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2024 by approximately $2.1 million. Conversely, a 10% increase in the value of the Swedish Krona against the US dollar would decrease the value of the net liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2024 by approximately $2.6 million.
We do not utilize derivative instruments to manage foreign exchange risk. We maintain nominal balances of British Pounds Sterling to pay in-country costs incurred in operating our London office. Foreign exchange risk on these funds is not considered material.
Commodity Price Risk
Our major market risk exposure continues to be the prices received for our crude oil, natural gas and NGLs production. Sales prices are primarily driven by the prevailing market prices applicable to our production. Market prices for crude oil, natural gas and NGLs have been volatile and unpredictable in recent years, and this volatility may continue. Sustained low crude oil, natural gas and NGLs prices or a presumption of the decreases in crude oil, natural gas and NGLs prices could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, the carrying value of our proved reserves, our undeveloped leasehold interests and our ability to borrow funds and to obtain additional capital on attractive terms.
Oil and gas properties are assessed for impairment annually as well as whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that a property’s carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows, the Company would estimate the fair value of its properties and record an impairment charge for any excess of the carrying amount of the properties over the estimated fair value of the properties. Factors used to estimate fair value may include estimates of proved reserves, estimated future commodity prices, future production estimates, and anticipated capital and operating expenditures, using a commensurate discount rate. Unfavorable changes in any of these assumptions could result in a reduction in undiscounted future cash flows and could indicate property impairment. Uncertainties related to the primary assumptions could affect the timing of an impairment. In most cases, the assumption that generates the most variability in undiscounted future net cash flows is future oil and gas prices. We observed a decline in commodity prices during the year ended December 31, 2024 which prompted us to evaluate the recoverability of the carrying value of our assets and whether an other than temporary impairment occurred for certain oil and gas properties. As a result of these tests, no impairments were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2024; however, certain oil and gas properties may be at risk for impairment if the estimates of future cash flows decline.
It is also reasonably possible that prolonged low or further decline in commodity prices, negative reserve revisions, changes to the Company's drilling plans in response to lower prices or increases in drilling or operating costs could result in material future impairment charges.
If crude oil sales were to remain constant at the most recent annual sales volumes, a $5 per Bbl decrease in crude oil price would decrease our revenues and operating income or increase our operating loss for the year as follows:
2024 Sales Volumes (Mbls) Decrease in Revenues (In Millions) Decrease in Operating Income (Increase in Operating Loss) (In Millions)
Gabon 2,584 $ 12.9 $ 11.6
Egypt 2,585 $ 12.9 $ 7.7
Cote d'Ivoire 1,223 $ 6.1 $ 3.2
Canada 870 $ 4.3 $ 3.3
Consolidated 7,262
With respect to our crude oil sales in Gabon, Egypt and Cote d'Ivoire the price received is based on Dated Brent prices plus or minus a differential. With respect to our crude oil and NGLs sales in Canada, the prices received is based on NYMEX WTI (West Texas Intermediate) prices plus or minus a differential. Natural gas sales are based on Canadian index price that whose price is based, in part, on the NYMEX Henry Hub Natural Gas futures contracts.
Egypt production is shared with the Egyptian government through PSCs. When the price of oil increases, it takes fewer barrels to recover costs (Cost Oil or cost recovery barrels) which are assigned 100% to the Company. The PSCs provide for cost recovery per quarter up to a maximum percentage of total production. Timing differences often exist between the Company’s recognition of costs and their recovery as the Company accounts for costs on an accrual basis, whereas cost recovery is determined on a cash basis. If the eligible cost recovery is less than the maximum defined cost recovery, the difference is defined as “excess”. In Egypt, depending on the PSCs, our share of excess ranges between 5% and 15%. If the eligible cost recovery exceeds the maximum allowed percentage, the unclaimed cost recovery is carried forward to the next quarter. Typically, maximum Cost Oil ranges from 25% to 40% in Egypt. The balance of the production after maximum
cost recovery is shared with the government as Profit Oil. Depending on the contract, the Egyptian government receives 67% to 84% of the Profit Oil. Production sharing splits are set in each contract for the life of the contract. Typically, the government’s share of Profit Oil increases when production exceeds pre-set production levels in the respective contracts. During times of high oil prices, the Company may receive less Cost Oil and may receive more Profit Oil. During times of lower oil prices, the Company receives more Cost Oil and may receive less Profit Oil.
Outstanding derivative contracts at December 31, 2024 are as follows:
Settlement Period Type of Contract Index Average Monthly Volumes Weighted Average Put Price Weighted Average Call Price
(Bbls) (per Bbl) (per Bbl)
January 2025 - March 2025 Collars Dated Brent 70,000 $ 65.00 $ 85.00
April 2025 - June 2025 Collars Dated Brent 70,000 $ 65.00 $ 81.00
Settlement Period Type of Contract Index Average Monthly Volumes Weighted Average SWAP Price in CAD
(GJ)(a)
(per GJ)
January 2025 - March 2025 Swap AECO (7A) 67,000 $ 2.80
(a) One gigajoule (GJ) equals one billion joules (J). A gigajoule of natural gas is about 25.5 cubic metres at standard conditions.
Subsequent to December 31, 2024, the Company entered into the following additional derivative contracts to cover its future anticipated production:
Settlement Period Type of Contract Index Average Monthly Volumes Weighted Average Put Price Weighted Average Call Price
(Bbls) (per Bbl) (per Bbl)
July 2025 - September 2025 Collars Dated Brent 60,000 $ 65.00 $ 80.00
Interest Rate Risk
At both December 31, 2024 and on the filing date of this Annual Report, we had a zero balance outstanding on our Facility. Subsequent to December 31, 2024, we entered into the 2025 Facility Agreement, which governs the 2025 Facility. Loans under the 2025 Facility will bear interest at a rate equal to Term SOFR (as defined in the 2025 Facility Agreement) plus the applicable margin (the “Applicable Margin”) of (i) 6.50%, from the date of the 2025 Facility Agreement until the date on which the renovation and repair of the floating production storage and offloading tanker facility named Baobab Ivorian MV10 FPSO for use in connection with the development of the Baobab field meets certain completion tests defined in the 2025 Facility Agreement and (ii) thereafter, 6.00% until the Final Maturity Date (as defined in the 2025 Facility Agreement). Any increases in these interest rates can have an adverse impact on our results of operations and cash flows. For additional information on the 2025 Facility Agreements terms and conditions, see Part IV, Item 15., Note 13. Debt and Note 20. Subsequent Events to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The information required here begins on page as described in “Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules-Index to Consolidated Financial Information”.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer (“CEO”) and principal financial officer (“CFO”), to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management was required to apply its judgment in evaluating and implementing possible controls and procedures. Management, including our CEO and CFO, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on this evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2024 due to the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting described below.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management, including our CEO and CFO, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of our CEO and our CFO, overseen by our Board of Directors and Audit Committee, and effected by management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes using the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO framework”). Such internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The Company’s management, with participation of the CEO and CFO, under the oversight of our Board of Directors, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 using the COSO framework. Based on that evaluation, our management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2024 due to the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting described below. Management identified the following material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024.
•The Company had ineffective general information technology controls (“GITCs”) that support the consistent operation of the Company’s information technology (“IT”) systems, specific to its procure-to-pay system. As a result, automated process-level controls and manual controls dependent upon the accuracy and completeness of information derived from that IT system were also ineffective because they could have been adversely impacted; and
•The Company did not effectively design, implement, or operate process-level control activities related to its financial reporting process, specific to its procure-to-pay process.
Management concluded that these material weaknesses were primarily due to an ineffective control environment that resulted in ineffective risk assessment:
•The Company did not have a sufficient number of trained resources with expertise in and responsibility and accountability for the design, implementation, operation and documentation of internal control over financial reporting and IT systems.
•The Company did not have an effective risk assessment process as we did not adequately assess and manage the risks to our operations following the implementation of the procure-to-pay system, which affected our financial reporting, and we did not establish effective internal control over the procurement process, including risks resulting from the reliance on a third-party service provider, or changes in the external environment and business operations, at a sufficient level of detail to identify all relevant risks of material misstatement to the consolidated financial statements and design and implement internal controls that responded to those risks.
The material weaknesses identified did not result in any misstatements in the consolidated financial statements or disclosures for any interim periods during or for the annual period ended December 31, 2024; however, a reasonable possibility exists that material misstatements in the Company’s financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP (“KPMG”), who audited the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. KPMG’s report appears beginning on page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
As previously disclosed, on April 30, 2024, we completed the acquisition of Svenska, which is operated under its own set of internal controls. We are currently integrating this acquisition into our control environment. In executing this integration, we are analyzing, evaluating and, where appropriate, making changes in controls and procedures in a manner commensurate with the size, complexity and scale of operations subsequent to the acquisition. We expect to complete the Svenska integration in fiscal year 2025. SEC guidance permits management to omit an assessment of an acquired business’s internal control over financial reporting from management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting for a period not to exceed one year from date of acquisition. Consequently, we excluded Svenska from our assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024. Svenska accounted for 20% of our consolidated total assets at December 31, 2024 and 20% of our consolidated operating revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Remediation Activities
We have strengthened our internal control over financial reporting for our year-end closing and reporting process and are committed to ensuring that our controls continue to mature and operate effectively. Our Board of Directors and management have prioritized the implementation of a remediation plan, taking the necessary actions to address the root causes that contributed to our material weaknesses and other deficiencies identified and to establish and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting. The following actions and plans have been undertaken or are being undertaken:
•We continued to hire and train our employees to reinforce the importance of a strong control environment and clearly communicate expectations to emphasize responsibilities and the technical requirements for internal controls.
•We continued to enhance the design of existing control activities and implemented additional process-level control activities, including related GITCs.
•We enhanced user access provisioning and monitoring controls for certain IT systems to enforce appropriate system access as well as controls supporting change management.
We are committed to ensuring that our internal control over financial reporting is designed and operating effectively. Management believes the efforts taken to date to enhance the design and effectiveness of controls have been robust and have increased our overall ability to mitigate material financial risk. In fiscal year 2025 we expect to continue to enhance our internal control over financial reporting, including the following:
•Continuing to recruit key positions within our technology, accounting, business operations and other support functions with appropriate qualified experience and IT knowledge to enhance our risk assessment processes and internal control capabilities, allow for appropriate change management, and provide appropriate oversight and reviews.
•Designing and implementing a continuous risk assessment process to identify and assess risks of material misstatement and ensure that the impacted financial reporting processes and related internal controls are properly designed and in place to respond to those risks in our financial reporting.
•Working to establish a comprehensive GITC risk evaluation process and invest in people and technology to address gaps in IT Systems Security controls, IT Systems Change Management controls, and IT Systems Batch/Program Monitoring controls, including design of controls to address gaps over our GITC’s for our procure-to-pay system, which we plan to start implementing in first quarter of 2025.
Although we intend to complete the remediation process as promptly as possible, we cannot at this time estimate how long it will take to remediate the material weaknesses described above. We may discover additional material weaknesses that require additional time and resources to remediate, and we may decide to take additional measures to address the material weaknesses or modify the remediation steps described above.
In addition, while certain of the activities described above have continued to enhance our internal control over financial reporting, certain of these newly designed controls have not operated effectively for a sufficient period of time to be able to conclude on effectiveness. We remain committed to continue investing significant time and resources and taking actions to remediate the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as we work to further enhance our control environment. Until these material weaknesses are remediated, we plan to continue to perform additional analyses and other procedures to ensure that our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Other than the material weaknesses discussed above, no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2024 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
During the year ended December 31, 2024, none of the Company’s directors or officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) of the Exchange Act) adopted, terminated or modified a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement (as such terms are defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act).

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Information required by this item will be included in our proxy statement for our 2025 annual meeting, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days of December 31, 2024, and that is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Information required by this item will be included in our proxy statement for our 2025 annual meeting, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days of December 31, 2024, and that is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Information required by this item under Item 403 of Regulation S-K concerning the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management will be included in our proxy statement for our 2025 annual meeting, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days of December 31, 2024, and which is incorporated herein by reference.
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2024 regarding the number of shares of common stock that may be issued under our compensation plans. Please refer to Part IV, Item 15., Note 17. Stock-based Compensation and Other Benefit Plans to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on stock-based compensation.
Plan Category Number of securities to be issued upon
exercise of outstanding options, warrants,
and rights Weighted average exercise price of
outstanding options, warrants and rights Number of securities remaining available
for future issues under equity
compensation plans (excluding securities
reflected in the first column)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders 1,118,048 $ 5.32 4,022,832
Total 1,118,048 $ 5.32 4,022,832

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information required by this item will be included in our proxy statement for our 2025 annual meeting, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days of December 31, 2024, and that is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Information required by this item will be included in our proxy statement for our 2025 annual meeting, which will be filed with the SEC within 120 days of December 31, 2024, and that is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) 1.The following is an index to the Financial Statements that are filed as part of this Form 10-K.
VAALCO ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (KPMG LLP; Houston, Texas; PCAOB ID No. 185).
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (BDO USA, LLP; Houston, Texas; PCAOB ID No. 243)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Over Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (KPMG LLP; Houston, Texas; PCAOB ID No. 185)
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Supplemental Information on Crude Oil, Natural Gas and NGLs Producing Activities (Unaudited)
(a) 2.Other schedules are omitted because they are not required, not applicable or the required information is included in the Financial Statements or notes thereto.
(a) 3.Exhibits:
2.1
Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2020, by and between Sasol Gabon S.A. and VAALCO Gabon S.A. (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 9, 2021, and incorporated herein by reference).
2.2**
Arrangement Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2022, by and among VAALCO Energy, Inc., VAALCO Energy Canada ULC and TransGlobe Energy Corporation (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 14, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference).
2.3**
Share Purchase Agreement, dated February 29, 2024, by and between VAALCO Energy (Holdings), Inc., Petroswede AB (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 29, 2024 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation as amended through May 7, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 10, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference).
3.1.1
Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation of VAALCO, dated October 14, 2022 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 13, 2022 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.2
Third Amended and Restated Bylaws, dated July 30, 2020 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 4, 2020, and incorporated herein by reference).
3.3
Certificate of Elimination of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of VAALCO Energy, Inc., dated as of December 22, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference).
4.1(a)
Description of Securities
10.1
Exploration and Production Sharing Contract, dated July 7, 1995, between the Republic of Gabon and VAALCO Gabon (Etame), Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 7, 2018, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.2
Addendum No. 1 to Exploration and Production Sharing Contract, dated July 7, 2001, between the Republic of Gabon and VAALCO Gabon (Etame), Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.3
Addendum No. 2 to Exploration and Production Sharing Contract, dated July 7, 2006, between the Republic of Gabon and VAALCO Gabon (Etame), Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.4
Addendum No. 3 to Exploration and Production Sharing Contract, dated November 26, 2009, between the Republic of Gabon and VAALCO Gabon (Etame), Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.5
Addendum No. 4 to Exploration and Production Sharing Contract, dated January 5, 2012, between the Republic of Gabon and VAALCO Gabon (Etame), Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.6
Addendum No. 5 to Exploration and Production Sharing Contract, dated April 25, 2016, between the Republic of Gabon and VAALCO Gabon (Etame), Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 7, 2018, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.7
Addendum No. 6 to Exploration and Production Sharing Contract, dated September 17, 2018, between the Republic of Gabon, VAALCO Gabon S.A., Addax Petroleum Oil & Gas Gabon, Sasol Gabon S.A. and Petroenergy Resources Corporation (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 7, 2018, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.8
Deed of Novation of Trustee and Paying Agent Agreement, dated June 22, 2017, between VAALCO Gabon (Etame), Inc., VAALCO Gabon S.A. and The Bank of New York Mellon, London Branch as the Trustee and Paying Agent and the Account Bank (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 7, 2018, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.9*
VAALCO Energy, Inc. 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan (filed as Appendix A to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 17, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.10*
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the VAALCO Energy, Inc. 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.11*
Form of Non statutory Stock Option Agreement under the VAALCO Energy, Inc. 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.21 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.12*
Form of Stock Award Agreement (for Directors) under the VAALCO Energy, Inc. 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.13*
VAALCO Energy, Inc. 2016 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 15, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.14*
Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement under the VAALCO Energy, Inc. 2016 Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 15, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.15*
Form of Change in Control Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 8, 2019, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.16*
VAALCO Energy, Inc. 2020 Long Term Incentive Plan (filed as Appendix B to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 29, 2020, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.17*
First Amendment to VAALCO Energy, Inc. 2020 Long Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 8, 2021, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.18*
Amendment No. 2 to the VAALCO Energy, Inc. 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 6, 2024, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.19*
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Director) under the VAALCO Energy, Inc. 2020 Long Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 30, 2020, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.20*
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Employee) under the VAALCO Energy, Inc. 2020 Long Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 30, 2020, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.21*
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under the VAALCO Energy, Inc. 2020 Long Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 30, 2020, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.22*
Employment Agreement, by and between VAALCO Energy, Inc. and George Maxwell, effective as of April 19, 2021 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 12, 2021, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.22.1*
Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement, by and between VAALCO Energy, Inc. and George Maxwell, effective as of January 27, 2022 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 28, 2022, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.22.2*
Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement, by and between VAALCO Energy, Inc. and George Maxwell, effective as of November 23, 2022 (filed as Exhibit 10.21.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on April 6, 2023, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.22.3*
Amendment No. 3 to Executive Employment, effective June 6, 2024, by and between VAALCO Energy, Inc. and George W. M. Maxwell (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2024, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.23*
Employment Agreement, by and between VAALCO Energy, Inc. and Ronald Bain, effective as of June 21, 2021 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 22, 2021, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.23.1*
Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement, effective as of January 27, 2022, by and between VAALCO Energy, Inc. and Ronald Bain (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 28, 2022, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.23.2*
Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement, effective as of November 23, 2022, by and between VAALCO Energy, Inc. and Ronald Bain (filed as Exhibit 10.23.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on April 6, 2023, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.23.3*
Amendment No. 3 to Executive Employment, effective June 6, 2024, by and between VAALCO Energy, Inc. and Ronald Y. Bain (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2024, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.24*
TransGlobe Energy Corporation Amended and Restated Deferred Share Unit Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on April 6, 2023, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.25**
Bareboat Charter, by and between VAALCO Energy, Inc. and World Carrier Offshore Services Corp, dated August 31, 2021 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 3, 2021, and incorporated by reference herein).
10.25.1**
Deed of Novation and Amendment to Bareboat Charter, by and between VAALCO Gabon SA, World Carrier Offshore Services Corp. and Ocean Cloud Navigation Inc., dated as of November 15, 2022 (filed as Exhibit 10.25.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on April 6, 2023, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.25.2**
Second Amendment to Bareboat Charter, by and between VAALCO Gabon SA and Ocean Cloud Navigation Inc., dated as of March 22, 2023 (filed as Exhibit 10.25.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on April 6, 2023, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.26**
Operating Agreement, by and between VAALCO Energy, Inc. and World Carrier Offshore Services Corp, dated August 31, 2021 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 3, 2021, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.26.1**
Deed of Novation and Amendment to Operating Agreement, by and between VAALCO Gabon SA, World Carrier Offshore Services Corp. and Atlantic Energy Logistics SASU, dated as of November 15, 2022 (filed as Exhibit 10.26.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on April 6, 2023, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.27
Deed of Guarantee and Indemnity, by and between VAALCO Energy, Inc. and World Carrier Offshore Services Corp., dated August 31, 2021 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 3, 2021, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.27.1
Deed of Novation and Amendment to Deed of Guarantee and Indemnity, by and between VAALCO Energy, Inc., World Carrier Offshore Services Corp. and Ocean Cloud Navigation Inc., dated as of November 15, 2022.(filed as Exhibit 10.27.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on April 6, 2023, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.28
Deed of Guarantee and Indemnity, by and between VAALCO Energy, Inc. and World Carrier Offshore Services Corp., dated August 31, 2021 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 3, 2021, and incorporated herein by reference)
10.28.1**
Deed of Novation and Amendment to Deed of Guarantee and Indemnity, by and between VAALCO Energy, Inc., World Carrier Offshore Services Corp. and Atlantic Energy Logistics SASU, dated as of November 15, 2022 (filed as Exhibit 10.28.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on April 6, 2023, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.29
Concession Agreement for Petroleum Exploration, Development and Exploitation between The Arab Republic of Egypt and the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation and TransGlobe West Bakr Inc. and TransGlobe West Gharib Inc. and TG NW Gharib Inc. in Merged Development Areas of West Bakr Area, West Gharib Area, Northwest Gharib Onshore Area, Eastern Desert, A.R.E. (furnished as Exhibit 1 to TransGlobe Energy Corporation’s Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-k furnished on March 24, 2022, and incorporated herein by reference)
10.30**
Amended and Restated Facility Agreement, by and among VAALCO Energy, Inc., VAALCO Gabon (Etame), Inc., VAALCO Gabon, SA, Glencore Energy UK Ltd., the Law Debenture Trust Corporation P.L.C., and the other financial institutions named therein, dated October 3, 2023 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 6, 2023, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.31**
Crude Oil Sale and Marketing Agreement, by and between VAAALCO Gabon S.A. and Glencore Energy UK Ltd., dated May 20, 2022 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 10, 2022, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.32*
Amended and Restated Executive Employment, effective April 18, 2024, by and between VAALCO Energy, Inc. and Thor Pruckl (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 8, 2024, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.32.1*
Amendment No. 1 to Executive Employment, effective June 6, 2024, by and between VAALCO Energy, Inc. and Thor Pruckl (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2024, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.33*
Executive Employment Agreement, effective January 18, 2024, by and between VAALCO Energy, Inc. and Matthew Powers (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 8, 2024, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.33.1*
Amendment No. 1 to Executive Employment, effective June 6, 2024, by and between VAALCO Energy, Inc. and Matthew Powers (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2024, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.34(a)**
Borrowing Base Facility Agreement by and among VAALCO Energy, Inc., as the Original Borrower, The Financial Institutions listed in Schedule 1 thereto, as the Original Lenders, The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited, Isle of Man Branch, as the Mandated Lead Arranger, and The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited, as the Agent, dated March 4, 2025.
19.1(a)
Insider Trading Policy.
21.1(a)
List of subsidiaries of the Company.
23.1(a)
Consent of BDO USA, P.C.
23.2(a)
Consent of KPMG LLP
23.3(a)
Consent of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. - Independent Petroleum Engineers.
23.4(a)
Consent of GLJ Ltd. - Independent Petroleum Engineers.
31.1(a)
Sarbanes-Oxley Section 302 certification of Principal Executive Officer.
31.2(a)
Sarbanes-Oxley Section 302 certification of Principal Financial Officer.
32.1(b)
Sarbanes-Oxley Section 906 certification of Principal Executive Officer.
32.2(b)
Sarbanes-Oxley Section 906 certification of Principal Financial Officer.
97.1(a)
Clawback Policy.
99.1(a)
Report of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (International Properties)- Egypt
99.2(a)
Report of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (International Properties) - Gabon
99.3(a)
Report of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (International Properties) - Cote d'Ivoire
99.4(a)
Report of GLJ Ltd.
101.INS(a) Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH(a) Inline XBRL Taxonomy Schema Document.
101.CAL(a) Inline XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF(a) Inline XBRL Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB(a) Inline XBRL Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE(a) Inline XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document.
104(a) Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and Contained in Exhibit 101).
_________________________________________
(a)Filed herewith
(b)Furnished herewith
*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
**Information in this exhibit has been omitted pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K.