VAALCO Energy(US:EGY)2025-03-14 16:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2024, the company achieved a record adjusted EBITDAX of $300 million, marking a year-over-year increase of $23 million or 8% [6][25] - Record production reached almost 25,000 working interest barrels equivalent per day, with record sales of nearly 20,000 net interest barrels per day [6][25] - SEC proved reserves grew by 57% year-over-year to 45 million BOE, while 2P CPR reserves increased to 96.1 million BOE [6][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Canada, production from new wells increased to approximately 75% liquids in Q2 through Q4, contributing to strong production performance [12] - In Egypt, 12 workovers were completed in 2024, with plans for 8 to 13 additional wells to be drilled in 2025 [14] - Gabon showed positive production results with strong uptime and improved decline curves, with a drilling program planned to begin in Q3 2025 [16][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported stable pricing in Q4 2024, supported by a hedging program to mitigate risks [27] - Production costs for Q4 2024 were below guidance, with absolute costs at $37.7 million and per barrel costs at $20.16 [27][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maximize asset value through operational efficiency, prudent investments, and seeking accretive opportunities [40][42] - Plans include extensive drilling campaigns in Gabon and Cote D'Ivoire, with a focus on enhancing production and reserves [41][42] - The company is positioned to execute projects in its diversified portfolio, with a strong emphasis on returning value to shareholders [42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's operational and financial momentum entering 2025, highlighting a commitment to safety and operational excellence [5][15] - The company anticipates a production decline in 2025 due to the FPSO shutdown but expects significant growth in 2026 as new projects come online [34][35] Other Important Information - The company returned $33 million to shareholders through dividends and buybacks in 2024, with a projected annual dividend of $0.25 per share for 2025 [7][42] - A new revolving credit facility of up to $300 million was established to support capital programs [33][38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the cycle times for exploration projects in Gabon and Cote D'Ivoire? - Management indicated that seismic acquisition is expected to begin in Q1 2026, with drilling likely starting in late 2026 or early 2027 for Gabon, while Cote D'Ivoire will see seismic data acquisition in Q2 or Q3 2025 [45][46] Question: What impact will the capital campaign in 2026 have on cost recovery pools? - Management noted that capital spent on successful wells in Gabon will begin to recover quickly, while Cote D'Ivoire will see a 25% uplift in investment once production resumes [48][49] Question: How will the Gabon drilling campaign impact production volumes? - Management expressed optimism about achieving significant production increases, similar to past campaigns, with a focus on enhancing the Itami asset [51][52] Question: What are the critical path items for the FPSO refurbishment in Cote D'Ivoire? - Key milestones include the turret bearing delivery and the expected timeline for commissioning, with first oil anticipated in mid to late May 2026 [66][68] Question: How many H2S wells will be included in the drilling program? - Management confirmed that the Aburi wells will be part of the drilling program, with the first wells being drilled in 2025 and the Aburi wells following later [82][85]