VAALCO ENERGY INC /DE/ (EGY) FY 2023 MD&A

INTRODUCTION

We are a Houston, Texas-based, African-focused independent energy company with strong production and reserve portfolio of assets in Gabon, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea and Canada, currently engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs. For further discussion of our four operating segments see “Item 1. Business – Segment and Geographical Information – “Gabon Segment”, "Egypt Segment", "Canada Segment", and “Equatorial Guinea Segment”".

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, our working interest in the Etame Marin block is 58.8%, 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%.

We are also a member of a consortium with BW Energy and Panoro Energy (the “BWE Consortium”). The BWE Consortium has been provisionally awarded two blocks in the 12th Offshore Licensing Round in Gabon. Negotiations to finalize the commercial terms were held in 2023, however, they were halted late in the year due to the presidential elections. The next step is concluding the terms of PSCs with the Gabonese government. The negotiations were kick started again at the request of the Gabonese Government  in early February 2024, where the consortium and the government came to an agreement on the fiscal terms on February 9, 2024. The next step is  concluding the terms of the PSC with the Gabonese government. BW Energy will be the operator with a 37.5% working interest, with VAALCO (37.5% working interest) and Panoro Energy (25% working interest) as non-operating joint owners. The two blocks, G12-13 and 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.

As a result of the Arrangement with TransGlobe in 2022, we own a 100% working interest in PSCs covering two regions: the Eastern Desert, which contains the West Gharib, West Bakr and North West Gharib merged concessions (45,067 acres) and the Western Desert which contains the South Ghazalat concession (7,340 acres).  We also acquired TransGlobe’s production and working interests in Cardium light oil and Mannville liquids-rich gas assets located in Harmattan, Canada (47,400 gross acers developed). See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding the Arrangement.

Recent Operational Updates

Gabon

VAALCO completed its 2021/2022 drilling campaign in the fourth quarter of 2022. We are currently evaluating locations and planning for the next drilling campaign at Etame that is expected to occur late in 2024. In October 2022, VAALCO successfully completed its transition to a Floating Storage and Offloading vessel (“FSO”) and related field reconfiguration processes. This project provides a low cost FSO solution that increases the storage capacity for the Etame block and improved operational performance. The Company will continue to focus on operational excellence, including production uptime and enhancement in 2024 to minimize decline until the next drilling campaign.

At the end of December 2023, all wells were online from the end of 2022 as the gas lift compression system was successfully commissioned. This gas lift compression system increased the production and the reliability of two subsea wells, positively impacting our volumes for the year ended December 31, 2023. Gas lift compression and subsea wells remained online with a high level of reliability through the year ended December 31, 2023.

The focus during the beginning of 2023 was continued production optimization of the new flow line configurations at the Etame Facility, as all production transits through the Etame platform for final processing before being pumped to the FSO. Since the field reconfiguration in 2022, a better understanding of the field’s operating parameters, through the new central processing facility (CPF) on Etame, has resulted in a more efficient and cost effective flow assurance program. Continued optimization and understanding of the post reconfiguration process dynamics of the Etame platform, have maintained a very high uptime availability of Etame Facility and in turn the complete Etame field during the second quarter. Combining this with individual well and facility chemical injection optimization and facility pipeline pigging adjustments both on frequency of pigging and flow path targeting, has increased production through decrease in pipeline internal buildup and resulting drop in pipeline back pressure, this in turn has provided more stable operations resulting in lower downtime. Through the fourth quarter of 2023, this continues to be a focus with positive results in production rates and uptime.

Preventative maintenance activities remained at levels prior to the field reconfiguration, as the focus was on steady state operation following project completion. Equipment reliability and availability remain at high levels. The actual percentages of Corrective Maintenance performed versus Preventative Maintenance performed remain well within VAALCO and Industry Best Practice standards. Major planned maintenance was carried out on Etame Power generation turbines.

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Charter Agreement for the Floating Storage and Offloading Unit in Gabon

In August of 2021, we and our co-venturers at Etame approved the FSO Agreements with World Carrier to replace the existing FPSO with an FSO. The FSO Agreements required a prepayment of $2 million gross ($1.2 million net to VAALCO) in 2021 and $5 million gross ($3.2 million net to VAALCO) in 2022 of which $6 million will be recovered against future rentals.

On October 19, 2022, the replacement of the existing FPSO was completed and we signed the final acceptance certificate, at which time control of the FSO vessel transferred to us. The new FSO has been named “Teli” (renamed from “Cap Diamant”) and is on site and accepting oil at the Etame Marin block.

Total field conversion expenses were $122 million gross ($77 million net to VAALCO).

The FPSO charter we were party to prior to the FSO installation was set to expire in September 2022, but on September 9, 2022 we signed an addendum to the FPSO contract which extended the use of the FPSO through October 4, 2022, and ratified certain decommissioning and demobilization items associated with exiting the contract. Pursuant to the addendum, VAALCO Gabon agreed to pay the charterer day rate of $150,000 from August 20, 2022 through October 4, 2022 and other demobilization fees totaling $15.3 million on a gross basis ($8.9 million net to VAALCO).

The demobilization of the FPSO was carried out from October 5, 2022 through to November 19, 2023. This included the cleaning and removal of waste from the Cargo and Slop Tanks.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the joint operating group in Gabon reached a settlement agreement with Tinworth to release the joint operating group from any further obligation pertaining to the former FPSO. The signed agreement, dated December 12, 2023, called for the group to pay an additional $8 million gross ($4.7 million net to VAALCO) to Tinworth in exchange for the release. The payment was made on December 22, 2023. Based on this and the prior expense incurred earlier in the year, VAALCO reported $7.5 million in FPSO Demobilization costs on the income statement for the year ended December 31, 2023. The sail date on the FPSO was November 19, 2023.

Egypt

VAALCO continued to use the EDC-64 rig in the Eastern Desert drilling campaign. We continue to drill an average of two wells per month with the EDC-64 rig and we drilled 18 wells in year 2023.

The SGZ-6X well remains shut-in. We continue to evaluate our strategic options. There was no production from South Ghazalat due to the SGZ-6X remaining shut-in. There is a planned workover for this well in 2024 to resume production.

A summary of the Egyptian drilling campaign's impact during 2023 is presented below:

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Canada

Early in 2023, two wells, the 04-10-29-03W5 and the 04-19-29-3W5, were tied in. Both wells are now online and producing.

The 2023 drilling campaign commenced in January 2023 with the drilling of 12-12-30-4W5, spudded on January 28, 2023. The well was drilled to a total depth of 22,024 feet. The second well of the program, 16-30-29-3W5, was spudded on February 22, 2023, and drilled to a total depth of 14,446 feet. The two wells were completed between late March and early April and tied in and equipped in April and early May. 12-12-30-4W5 was put online in late April, and 16-30-29-3W5 was put online in early May with cycle times that were significantly less than historical cycle times. The wells free flowed in the months of May and June. In early July, the pump and rods were run on both wells. Both wells continue to produce and both wells continued to exceed expectations during the fourth quarter of 2023.

A summary of the Canada drilling campaign's impact during 2023 is presented below:

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

Cash Flows

Our cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

The $54.9 million increase in net cash provided by our operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same period of 2022 was due to higher pricing, more production and the increased number of producing wells. The net increase in changes provided by operating assets and liabilities of $39.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same period of 2022 was primarily related to decreases in accounts with joint venture owners, other receivables and foreign income taxes receivable  partially offset by changes in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

The $26.0 million increase in net cash used in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2023 was due to decreases in cash capital spending in 2023. In 2022 we incurred significant capital for the 2021/2022 Etame drilling campaign and the Etame field reconfiguration. In 2023 capital spending for the drilling program in Egypt and Canada was less due to the lower per well costs for onshore wells is than Etame’s offshore wells and there were no costs associated with field reconfiguration in 2023.

Net cash used in financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2023 included $26.8 million dividends paid to common shareholders, $23.6 million for treasury stock purchases made under our stock repurchase plan, or as a result of tax withholding on options exercised and vested restricted stock as discussed in Note 17 to our consolidated financial statements, and $7.2 million related to principal finance lease payments partially offset by $0.7 million in proceeds from options exercised.

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Capital Expenditures

During 2023, we had accrual basis expenditures attributable to continuing operations of $72.6 million, that includes $17.0 million for Gabon, $37.9 million for Egypt, $16.8 million for Canada and $1.0 million for the corporate offices, compared to $434.4 million for 2022. Capital expenditures in 2023 were attributable to expenditures primarily related to the payments for the 2023 drilling campaigns in Egypt and Canada. The 2022 capital expenditures include TransGlobe assets acquired for stock. The difference between capital expenditures and the property and equipment expenditures reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows is attributable to changes in accruals for costs incurred but not yet invoiced or paid on the report dates. Capital expenditures in 2022 were attributable to expenditures related to the 2021/2022 drilling program, the Etame field reconfiguration and drilling activity in Egypt and Canada.

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 Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

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 Item 15, Note 10 Derivatives and Fair Value in our Consolidated Finance Statements for more information on the related hedges.

Cash on Hand

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had unrestricted cash of $121.0 million and $37.2 million, respectively. 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.

We currently sell our crude oil production from Gabon under a crude oil sales and marketing agreement ("COSMA") with Glencore. Under the COSMA all oil produced from the Etame G4-160 Block offshore Gabon from August 2022 through the final maturity date of the Facility, expected to be May 15, 2027, will be bought and marketed by Glencore, with pricing based upon an average of Dated Brent in the month of lifting, adjusted for location and market factors. Sales with Glencore are normally settled 30 days from the delivery date.

Revenues associated with the sales of our crude oil in Egypt are recognized by reference to actual volumes sold and quoted market prices in active markets for Dated Brent, adjusted according to specific terms and conditions as applicable per the sales contracts. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. For reporting purposes, we record the EGPC’s share of production as royalties which are netted against revenue. With respect to taxes in Egypt, our income taxes under the terms of the Merged Concession Agreement are the liability of TransGlobe Petroleum International ("TGPI"), a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of VAALCO. TGPI's income taxes are paid by EGPC on behalf of TGPI out of EGPC’s production entitlement. The income taxes paid to the Arab Republic of Egypt on behalf of TGPI are recognized as oil and gas sales revenue and income tax expense for reporting purposes. Terms of settlement for sales to EGPC are within 30 days from the delivery date.

Revenues from the sale of crude oil, natural gas, condensate and NGLs in Canada are recognized by reference to actual volumes delivered at contracted delivery points and prices. Prices are determined by reference to quoted market prices in active markets for crude oil, natural gas, condensate, and NGLs based on product, each adjusted according to specific terms and conditions applicable per the sales contracts. Revenues are recognized net of royalties and transportation costs. Revenues are measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. Settlement of accounts receivable in Canada occur on the 25th of the following month after production.

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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 and cash flow from operations, including the addition of our Egypt and Canada segments, to support our current cash requirements, 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 Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

RBL Facility Agreement and Available Credit

For information on our RBL Facility Agreement and Available Credit, see Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Cash Requirements

Our material cash requirements generally consist of finance leases, operating leases, purchase obligations, capital projects and 3D seismic processing, the TransGlobe acquisition transaction costs, dividend payments, funding of our share buyback program, merged concession agreement, future lease payments and abandonment funding, each of which is discussed in further detail below.

Potential Acquisition - On February 29, 2024, we entered into a Share Purchase Agreement to purchase all of the issued shares in the capital of Svenska for $66.5 million in cash, subject to adjustment as described in the Share Purchase Agreement. Pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions of the Share Purchase Agreement, we will acquire 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 will also acquire 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.  The purchase price will be funded by a combination of a dividend of cash on Svenska’s balance sheet to the seller immediately prior to the consummation of the acquisition and a portion of VAALCO’s cash-on-hand. We estimate that cash due from VAALCO at closing will be in the range of approximately $30 to $40 million.   The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2024, with timing dependent upon receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals.

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 November 2021, a new abandonment study was done and the estimate used for this purpose is approximately $81.3 million ($47.8 million, net to VAALCO) on an undiscounted basis. The new abandonment estimate has been 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 activity was noted in the abandonment funding account during the remaining three quarters of the year. At December 31, 2023, 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. Future changes to the anticipated abandonment cost estimate could change the asset retirement obligation and the amount of future abandonment funding payments.

Leases - We are a party to several operating and financing lease arrangements, including operating leases for the corporate office, a drilling rig, rental of marine vessels and helicopter, warehouse and storage facilities, equipment and financing lease agreements for the FSO, a marine vessel, generators and turbines used in the operations of the Etame Marin block and for equipment, offices and vehicles used in the operations of Canada and Egypt. The annual costs of these leases are significant to us. For further information see Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements.

Merged Concession Agreement - On January 20, 2022, prior to the consummation of the Arrangement, 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 signature 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 and 2024  payments and issue two $10.0 million credits against receivables owed from EGPC. We will make two further annual equalization payments of $10.0 million each beginning February 1, 2025 until 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, 2023, the $50 million of financial work commitments had been delivered to EGPC.

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FSO Agreements – On August 31, 2021, we and our Etame co-venturers approved the Bareboat Contract and Operating Agreement 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 Operating Agreement, 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 Operating Agreement) 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.

BWE Consortium – On October 11, 2021, we announced our entry into a consortium with BW Energy and Panoro Energy and that the BWE Consortium has been provisionally awarded two blocks in the 12th Offshore Licensing Round in Gabon. Negotiations to finalize the commercial terms were held in 2023, however they  were halted late in the year due to the presidential elections.  The negotiations were kick started again at the request of the Gabonese Government  in early February 2024, where the consortium and the government came to an agreement on the fiscal terms on February 9, 2024. The next step is concluding the terms of the PSC with the Gabonese government. BW Energy will be the operator with a 37.5% working interest. We will have a 37.5% working interest and Panoro Energy will have a 25% working interest as non-operating joint owners. The two blocks, G12-13 and 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 of 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 the year. 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.

Share Buyback Program – On November 1, 2022, the Company announced that the Company’s board of directors formally ratified and approved a share buyback program. The board of directors also directed management to implement a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan (the “10b5-1 Plan”) to facilitate share purchases through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The 10b5-1 Plan provides for an aggregate purchase of currently outstanding common stock up to $30 million over a maximum period of up to 20 months. Payment for shares repurchased under the share buyback program will be funded using the Company's cash on hand and cash flow from operations. As of December 31, 2023, approximately $5.5 million remained available for repurchase under current authorizations.

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Trends and Uncertainties

Geopolitical Conflict and Other Market Forces – The outbreak of armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022 and the subsequent sanctions imposed on the Russian Federation has, and may continue to have, a destabilizing effect on the European continent and the global oil and natural gas markets. The ongoing conflict has caused, and could continue to intensify, volatility in oil and natural gas prices, and 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.

For example, shortly after the outbreak of the conflict through the year ended December 31, 2023 and on-going into 2024, we noticed that the lead times associated with obtaining materials to support our operations and drilling activities has lengthened, leading to delays and, in most cases, prices for materials have increased. Management believes the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the Houthis attacks on maritime vessels in the Red Sea region, conflicts in the Middle East and the related impact on the global economy are causing supply chain issues and energy concerns in parts of the global economy. 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+. However, the Company has not received any mandate to reduce its current oil production from the Etame Marin block as a result of the OPEC+ initiatives.

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 greenhouse gases (“GHG”), including methane (a primary component of natural gas) and carbon dioxide (a byproduct of crude oil and natural gas combustion) and freshwater use. 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 three 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 ESG 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 ESG Report details with environmental, social and governance matters which the TCFD report forms an important part of the 2023 Sustainability Report is available on the Company's website.

In summary the Company considers itself aligned with both the Governance and Strategy pillars and the recommendations therein. It does not consider itself aligned with Risk Management nor Metrics and Targets, but has made meaningful progress against certain of the underlying recommendations and provides statements of intent to address these recommendations during 2024. For further detail see the table below.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2022

We reported net income for the year ended December 31, 2023 of $60.4 million, compared to a net income of $51.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The year-over-year increase in earnings was mainly due to increases in sales volume partially offset by increased depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, production expenses and income taxes. Further discussion of results by significant line item follows.

The revenue changes between the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 identified as related to changes in price or volume are shown in the table below:

(1) The price in the table above excludes revenues attributed to carried interests.

The table below shows net production, sales volumes and realized prices for both years.

*Average of daily Dated Brent spot prices posted on the U.S. Energy Information Administration website.

Crude oil, natural gas and NGLs net revenues increased $100.7 million, or approximately 28%, during the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same period of 2022. This is due primarily to TransGlobe being included in revenues for only part of the fourth quarter of 2022.

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 $260.3 million of revenue to the Company’s total revenue during the year ended December 31, 2023. This compares to the $306.8 million of revenue contributed by the Segment during the year ended December 31, 2022. The total barrels lifted in Gabon for the year ended December 31, 2023 was less than the barrels lifted during the same period in 2022, mainly due to the timing of liftings. In addition, the Gabon per barrel price received during the year ended December 31, 2023 was $22.90 less than the price received in 2022. Our share of crude oil inventory, excluding royalty barrels, was approximately 68,766 and 76,274 barrels at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

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Egypt

Crude oil sales in Egypt are either sold to a third party via a cargo lifting or sold directly to the government, EGPC. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the oil sold in Egypt was to a combination of Mercuria Energy and EGPC. The Company’s Egypt segment contributed $161.0 million of revenue to the Company’s total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023. This compares to the $37.8 million of revenue contributed by the Segment during the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in revenues is due to the Company acquiring its Egypt segment in the fourth quarter of 2022. At December 31, 2023, 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 $34.4 million of revenue to the Company’s total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023. This compares to the $9.8 million of revenue contributed by the Segment during the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase is due to the Company acquiring its Canadian segment in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Production expensesincreased $40.5 million, or approximately 36%, in the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same period of 2022. The increase in production expense was primarily driven by increased production and costs associated with the TransGlobe combination as well as higher Gabon costs due to the completed 2021/2022 drilling campaign. During 2023, an unplanned maintenance issue resulted in our Gabon SENT gas line being down for a period of the year which resulted in increased diesel costs as the FSO required to be fueled by diesel rather than feed gas resulting in higher fuel costs. VAALCO has also continued to see inflationary pressure on marine support vessels, our personnel and contractor costs. On a per barrel basis, production expense, excluding workover expense and stock compensation expense, for the year ended December 31, 2023 decreased to $17.66 per barrel from $29.33 per barrel for the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily as a result of higher sales volumes. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, we have not experienced any material operational disruptions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. For same period in 2022, we incurred $1.8 million, net to VAALCO, higher costs related to the proactive measures taken in response to the pandemic.

FPSO demobilization costs decreased $1.4 million, or approximately 16%, to $7.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same period of 2022. 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 increased $1.7 million or approximately 662%, in the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same period of 2022 due primarily to the abandonment of the Egyptian East Arta - 54 appraisal well and the abandonment of the NWG-5C1 appraisal well. In 2022, exploration expense was not material to our results.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization increased $67.2 million, or approximately 139%, in the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same period of 2022. The increase in depreciation, depletion and amortization expense is due to higher depletable costs associated with the FSO, the field reconfiguration capital costs at Etame and fair value of the acquired TransGlobe assets. In addition, capital expenditures on new wells were brought online in 2023 for both Egypt and Canada, which also increased depreciation, depletion and amortization expense.

General and administrative expenses increased $13.8 million, or approximately 137% in the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $10.1 million in the same period of 2022. 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 decreased $8.0 million, or approximately 259% in the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same period of 2022 We adopted Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (“ASU 2016-13”) on January 1, 2023. In connection with the adoption of ASU 2016-13, we established an opening balance sheet adjustment related to a receivable from a state sponsored oil refinery where we delivered oil pursuant to the domestic market needs obligation under the Etame PSC. 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. First, the Sogara receivable credit loss and other allowance was reversed for $3.1 million and second, the TVA receivable credit loss and other allowance was reversed for $7.6 million. These reversals were offset by a credit loss and other allowance adjustment in Egypt of $5.2 million.

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Other operating income (expense), net had no significant change from the prior year.

Derivative instruments gain (loss), net is attributable to our commodity instruments as discussed in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements. Derivative losses decreased $38.0 million to a gain of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from a loss of $37.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Derivative gains (losses) for the year ended December 31, 2023, 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, 2022. The same increase in price occurred, but to a lesser extent, in 2023. During 2022, we changed our approach and the type of derivative instruments from swaps to costless collars. Our derivative instruments currently cover a portion of our production through June 2024.

Interest (expense) income, net increased $4.4 million to an expense of $6.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from expense of $2.0 million during the same period in 2022. The increase of net interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily results from our finance lease relating to the FSO but also includes commitments fees incurred on the Facility, amortization of debt issue costs related to the Facility and interest associated with our other finance leases partially offset by interest income.

Other (expense) income, net decreased $5.8 million to an expense of $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from an expense of $8.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Other (expense) income, net normally consists of foreign currency losses as discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. However, for the year ended December 31, 2022, other (expense) income, net, also included $14.6 million of transaction costs associated with the Arrangement with TransGlobe, $2.7 million of foreign exchange losses associated with the TransGlobe activity from October 13, through December 31, 2022 partially offset by a bargain purchase gain of $9.7 million associated with the acquisition of TransGlobe.

Income tax expense (benefit) for the year ended December 31, 2023 was an expense of $89.7 million. This is comprised of $92.6 million of current tax provision and a deferred tax benefit of $2.9 million. Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2022 was an expense of $71.4 million. This is comprised of $26.6 million of current tax provision and a deferred tax provision of $44.8 million. The current tax provision in both periods is primarily attributable to our operations in Gabon, Egypt and Canada.  The income tax expense is higher in 2023 than income tax for the comparable 2022 period as a result of higher revenues. See Note 8 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 Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for our accounting policy elections.

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, 2023, we had deferred tax assets of $120.9 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 $83.9 million has been established against the deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2023, 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 Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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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:

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 and Egypt, while GLJ evaluates our Canadian reserves.  Equatorial Guinea will receive a Management Case Report.

Our Board of Directors has established the Technical and Reserves (“T&R”) 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 T&R 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 T&R Committee and senior executives 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:

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 independent reserve engineers’ report 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 Note 9 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 Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, reserves in Egypt and Canada were also attributed to undeveloped properties and leasehold costs.

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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 development 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 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 Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.