Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 


(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

Commission file number 0-20928

 


VAALCO Energy, Inc.

(Exact name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware   76-0274813

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

4600 Post Oak Place

Suite 309

Houston, Texas

  77027
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

(713) 623-0801

(Issuer’s telephone number, including area code)

 


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “large accelerated filer and accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one)

Large accelerated filer  ¨    Accelerated filer  x    Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).    Yes  ¨    No  x.

As of April 30, 2007, there were outstanding 59,107,813 shares of common stock, $0.10 par value per share, of the registrant.

 



VAALCO ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Table of Contents

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006    3
Condensed Statements of Consolidated Operations Three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006    4
Condensed Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows Three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006    5
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements    6
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS    12
QUANTATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK    18
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES    18

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

   19

 

2


VAALCO ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands of dollars, except number of shares and par value amounts)

 

     March 31,
2007
    December 31,
2006
 

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 54,163     $ 60,979  

Funds in escrow

     4,764       4,764  

Receivables:

    

Trade

     15,358       7,608  

Accounts with partners

     —         5,540  

Other

     2,832       1,333  

Crude oil inventory

     138       560  

Materials and supplies

     324       324  

Prepayments and other

     2,679       3,073  
                

Total current assets

     80,258       84,181  
                

Property and equipment—successful efforts method:

    

Wells, platforms and other production facilities

     91,736       90,398  

Work in progress

     4,408       3,720  

Equipment and other

     1,916       1,854  
                
     98,060       95,972  

Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

     (29,969 )     (25,465 )
                

Net property and equipment

     68,091       70,507  
                

Other assets:

    

Deferred tax asset

     1,257       1,257  

Funds in escrow

     10,850       10,843  

Other long term assets

     894       1,154  
                

TOTAL

   $ 161,350     $ 167,942  
                

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 12,095     $ 26,686  

Accounts with partners

     2,367       —    
                

Total current liabilities

     14,462       26,686  
                

Long term debt

     5,000       5,000  

Asset retirement obligations

     6,169       6,029  
                

Total liabilities

     25,631       37,715  
                

Commitments and contingencies

    

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

     8,172       7,963  

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock, $0.10 par value, 100,000,000 authorized shares 60,140,655 and 60,058,155 shares issued with 1,060,342 in treasury at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively

     6,014       6,006  

Additional paid-in capital

     48,813       48,093  

Retained earnings

     72,986       68,431  

Less treasury stock, at cost

     (266 )     (266 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     127,547       122,264  
                

TOTAL

   $ 161,350     $ 167,942  
                

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

3


VAALCO ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS

(unaudited)

(in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)

 

     Three months ended
March 31,
 
      2007     2006  

Revenues:

    

Oil and gas sales

   $ 29,131     $ 31,237  

Operating costs and expenses:

    

Production expenses

     4,266       3,319  

Exploration expense

     5,056       252  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     4,663       1,847  

General and administrative expenses

     2,845       692  
                

Total operating costs and expenses

     16,830       6,110  
                

Operating income

     12,301       25,127  

Other income (expense):

    

Interest income

     854       485  

Interest expense

     (258 )     (331 )

Other, net

     80       (40 )
                

Total other income (expense)

     676       114  
                

Income from continuing operations before income taxes, and minority interest

     12,977       25,241  

Income tax expense

     7,192       12,120  

Minority interest in earnings of subsidiaries

     1,203       1,432  
                

Income from continuing operations

     4,582       11,689  

Discontinued operations: (Note 8)

    

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

     (27 )     (715 )
                

Net income

   $ 4,555     $ 10,974  
                

Basic income per share from continuing operations

   $ 0.08     $ 0.20  

Loss from discontinued operations

     —         (0.01 )
                

Basic income per share

   $ 0.08     $ 0.19  
                

Diluted income per share from continuing operations

   $ 0.08     $ 0.19  

Loss from discontinued operations

     —       $ (0.01 )
                

Diluted income per share

   $ 0.08     $ 0.18  
                

Basic weighted shares outstanding

     59,040       57,482  
                

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     60,417       60,173  
                

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

4


VAALCO ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(in thousands of dollars)

 

    

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 
      2007     2006  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    

Net income

   $ 4,555     $ 10,974  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

    

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

     4,663       1,847  

Amortization of debt issuance costs

     132       256  

Exploration expense

     5,056       252  

Stock based compensation

     634       325  

Minority interest in earnings of subsidiaries

     1,208       1,432  

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Trade receivables

     (7,750 )     (10,535 )

Accounts with partners

     7,907       (1,175 )

Other receivables

     (1,499 )     913  

Crude oil inventory

     422       430  

Materials and supplies

     —         (37 )

Prepayments and other

     394       1,598  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (10,666 )     977  

Income taxes payable

     —         700  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     5,056       7,957  
                

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

    

Funds in escrow, net

     (7 )     1,125  

Exploration expense

     (5,056 )     (252 )

Additions to property and equipment

     (6,032 )     (3,418 )

Other

     242       —    
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (10,853 )     (2,545 )
                

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    

Proceeds from the issuance of common stock

     95       496  

Debt issuance and commitment costs capitalized

     (115 )     (289 )

Borrowings

     —         5,000  

Debt repayment

     —         (1,500 )

Distribution to minority interest

     (999 )     —    
                

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (1,019 )     3,707  
                

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     (6,816 )     9,119  

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD

     60,979       43,880  
                

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

     54,163       52,999  
                

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information

    

Income taxes paid

   $ 10,226     $ 12,120  
                

Interest paid

     —       $ 22  
                

Supplemental disclosure of non cash flow information

    

Change in investment in property and equipment not paid

   $ (3,925 )   $ 237  
                

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

5


VAALCO ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The condensed consolidated financial statements of VAALCO Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively, “VAALCO” or the “Company”), included herein are unaudited, but include all adjustments consisting of normal recurring accruals which the Company deems necessary for a fair presentation of its financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim period. Such results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, which also contains a summary of the significant accounting policies followed by the Company in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. These policies were also followed in preparing the quarterly report included herein. The Company follows the successful efforts method of accounting for oil and gas exploration and development costs.

VAALCO is a Houston-based independent energy company, principally engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas. VAALCO owns producing properties and conducts exploration activities as the operator of two production sharing contracts in Gabon, West Africa and conducts exploration activities in one concession in Angola, West Africa. Domestically, the Company has interests in the Texas Gulf Coast area.

VAALCO’s subsidiaries holding interests in Gabon are VAALCO Energy (International), Inc., VAALCO Gabon (Etame), Inc. and VAALCO Production (Gabon), Inc. In Angola VAALCO holds its concession interest in VAALCO Angola (Kwanza), Inc. VAALCO Energy (USA), Inc. holds interests in certain properties in the United States.

 

2. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Company accounts for earnings per share in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 128 – Earnings per Share, (“EPS”). SFAS No. 128 requires the presentation of “basic” and “diluted” EPS on the face of the income statement. Basic EPS is calculated using the average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted EPS assumes the conversion of preferred stock to common stock and the exercise of all stock options and warrants having exercise prices less than the average market price of the common stock using the treasury stock method.

Diluted Shares consist of the following:

 

     Three months ended

Item

   March 31,
2007
   March 31,
2006

Basic weighted average common stock issued and outstanding

   59,039,674    57,481,783

Dilutive options

   1,376,962    2,691,326
         

Total diluted shares

   60,416,636    60,173,109

Vested options to purchase 225,000 and 100,000 shares were excluded in the quarters ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, because they would be anti-dilutive.

 

6


VAALCO ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

3. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements – In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Statement 157, Fair Value Measurements, (“SFAS 157”), which provides a single definition of fair value, together with a framework for measuring it, and requires additional disclosure about the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities. SFAS 157 emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and sets out a fair value hierarchy with the highest priority being quoted prices in active markets. Under SFAS 157, fair value measurements are disclosed by level within that hierarchy. While SFAS 157 does not add any new fair value measurements, it does change current practice. Changes to practice include:

 

   

A requirement for an entity to include its own credit standing in the measurement of its liabilities.

 

   

A modification of the transaction price presumption.

 

   

A prohibition on the use of block discounts when valuing large blocks of securities for broker dealers and investment companies.

 

   

A requirement to adjust the value of restricted stock for the effect of the restriction even if the restriction lapses within one year.

SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier application is encouraged, provided that no financial statements have yet been issued within that fiscal year by the reporting entity. SFAS 157 will be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which SFAS 157 is initially applied. The Company will adopt SFAS 157 on January 1, 2008 and does not expect this standard to have a material impact, if any, on its financial statements.

FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 – The Company adopted Financial Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”) on January 1, 2007. FIN 48 addresses the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes specific criteria for the financial statement recognition and measurement of the tax effects of a position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. This interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition of previously recognized tax benefits, classification of tax liabilities on the balance sheet, recording interest and penalties on tax underpayments, accounting in interim periods, and disclosure requirements. The adoption of this interpretation did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. See Note 10 – Income Taxes for disclosures required by FIN 48.

 

4. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

On January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS 123(R). Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company had adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123,

 

7


VAALCO ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation and continued to account for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value method prescribed in APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” Accordingly, no compensation cost had been recognized for the Company’s stock-based plans prior to January 1, 2006.

Stock options are granted under the Company’s long-term incentive plan and have an exercise price that may not be less than the fair market value of the underlying shares on the date of grant. In general, stock options granted will become exercisable over a period determined by the Compensation Committee. In addition, stock options will become exercisable upon a change in control, unless provided otherwise by the Compensation Committee.

During the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company granted no stock options.

For the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company recognized non-cash compensation expense of $0.6 million, (or $0.01 per basic and diluted share), related to stock options. For the three months ended March 31, 2006, the Company recognized non-cash compensation expense of $0.3 million (or $0.01 per basic and diluted share). These amounts were recorded as general and administrative expense. Because the Company does not pay significant United States taxes, no amounts were recorded for tax benefits related to excess stock based compensation deductions.

A summary of the unit option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2007 is provided below:

 

    

Number of
Units
Underlying
Options

(in thousands)

    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
  

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

(in millions)

 

Outstanding at beginning of period

   4,369     $ 4.87    3.65    $ 5.2  

Granted

   —         —      —        —    

Exercised

   (83 )     1.16    0.83      (0.4 )

Forfeited

   (82 )     7.97    4.90      0.2  
                          

Outstanding at end of period

   4,204       4.89    3.38      5.0  
                          

Exercisable at end of period

   2,601     $ 2.93    2.60    $ 8.2  
                          

The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the current market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option. As of March 31, 2007, unrecognized compensation costs totaled $3.1 million. The expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years. The total fair value of stock options vested during the three months ended March 31, 2007 was approximately $0.9 million.

 

5. SUSPENDED WELL COSTS

On April 4, 2005, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 19-1 (“FSP FAS 19-1”), which addressed a discussion that was ongoing within the oil industry regarding capitalization of costs of drilling exploratory wells. Paragraph 19 of FASB Statement No. 19, Financial

 

8


VAALCO ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Accounting and Reporting by Oil and Gas Producing Companies (“FASB 19”), requires costs of drilling exploratory wells to be capitalized pending determination of whether the well has found proved reserves. If the well has found proved reserves, the capitalized costs become part of the entity’s wells, equipment, and facilities. If, however, the well has not found proved reserves, the capitalized costs of drilling the well are expensed. Questions arose in practice about the application of this guidance due to changes in oil and gas exploration processes and lifecycles. The issue was whether there are circumstances that would permit the continued capitalization of exploratory well costs if reserves cannot be classified as proved within one year following the completion of drilling, other than when additional exploration wells are necessary to justify major capital expenditures and those wells are underway or firmly planned for the near future. FSP FAS 19-1 amends FASB 19 to allow for the continued capitalization of suspended well costs when the well has found a sufficient quantity of reserves to justify its completion as a producing well and the enterprise is making sufficient progress assessing the reserves and the economic and operating viability of the plan. The issuance of this amendment did not result in an adjustment to the Company suspended well costs.

The Company had $2.6 million of suspended well costs associated with the exploration well in the Ebouri field in Gabon which was being carried as work in progress at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006. In July 2006, the Company received approval to declare the Ebouri field’s reserves commercial from the Gabon government and in October 2006 the Gabon government approved a development plan for the Ebouri field, and assigned a twenty year development area surrounding the field. The Company will no longer treat these costs as suspended once first production occurs, which is dependent upon construction and delivery of the platform facilities. First production is estimated to occur in 2008.

 

6. GUARANTEES

In connection with the charter of a Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessel (“FPSO”) for the Etame field, the Company as operator of the Etame field guaranteed the charter payments through September 2010. The charter continues for two years beyond that period unless one year’s prior notice is given to the owner of the FPSO. The Company obtained several guarantees from its partners for their share of the charter payment. The Company’s share of the charter payment is 28.1%. The Company believes the need for performance under the charter guarantee is remote. The estimated obligations for the annual charter payment and the Company’s share of the charter payments for the next five years are as follows:

 

Year

  

Full Charter Payment

in thousands

  

Company Share

in thousands

2007

   $ 12,952    $ 3,636

2008

   $ 16,155    $ 4,535

2009

   $ 16,001    $ 4,492

2010

   $ 11,824    $ 3,319

The Company has recorded a liability of $0.4 million at March 31, 2007 representing the guarantee’s fair value.

 

9


VAALCO ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

7. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

On April 30, 2004, the Company closed the sale of all of its assets associated with Service Contract 6 and Service Contract 14 in the Philippines. Terms of the sale included the assumption by the partners of the Company’s entire share of any abandonment, environmental or other liabilities associated with the Service Contracts. The Company has reclassified earnings to break out the results of discontinued operations for prior periods in its financial statements. In the first quarter of 2006, the Company accrued $700,000 to settle branch profits remittances taxes in the Philippines associated with the closure of the branches which operated the former Philippines assets.

 

Income/(loss) from discontinued operations

  

Three Months ended
March 31,

in thousands

 
     2007     2006  

Operating costs and expenses:

    

General and administrative expenses

   $ 32       18  
                

Total operating costs and expenses

     32       18  

Other income:

    

Interest income

     5       3  
                

Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes

     (27 )     (15 )

Income tax expense

     —         700  
                

Loss from discontinued operations

   $ (27 )   $ (715 )
                

 

8. EQUITY TRANSACTIONS

During the three months ended March 31, 2007, employees and consultants exercised stock options to receive 82,500 shares of common stock, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $95,000.

 

9. LONG TERM DEBT

In June 2005, the Company executed a loan agreement for a $30.0 million revolving credit facility secured by the assets of the Company’s Gabon subsidiary. The revolving credit facility extends through June 2008 at which point it can be extended, or converted to a term loan. This revolving credit facility became effective during the first quarter of 2006. Under the revolving credit facility, the International Finance Corporation (“IFC”) holds a pledge of the Company’s interest in the Etame Block and a pledge of the shares of VAALCO Gabon (Etame), Inc., the subsidiary which owns the Company’s interest in the Etame Block. The IFC also has a security interest in any crude oil sales contract the Company enters into for the sale of crude oil from the Etame Block.

 

10. INCOME TAXES

We adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. There was no impact related to the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle. As of the adoption date, we had no unrecognized tax benefits.

 

10


VAALCO ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Our accounting policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. We have no accruals for the payment of interest and penalties.

The following table summarizes the tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions:

 

United States

   2003-2005

Gabon

   2004-2005

Certain of our U.S. income tax returns are currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service. While the amounts ultimately agreed upon in resolution of the issues raised may differ from the recorded amount of unrecognized tax benefits, we do not expect the outcome to significantly impact our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

11. COMMITMENTS

In January 2006 the consortium elected to extend the Etame block for an additional five-year term commencing July 2006. The extension consists of a three-year and a two-year follow-on term. The first term carries a minimum work obligation of one exploration well for a minimum $7.0 million exploration expenditure commitment ($2.1 million net to the Company). An additional exploration well is required during the optional two year extension.

In November 2005, the Company signed a production sharing contract for the Mutamba Iroru block onshore Gabon. The five year contract awards the Company exploration rights along the central coast of Gabon. During the first three years of the contract the Company is required to drill one exploration well and expend a minimum of $4.0 million. During the optional two year extension to the contract, the Company is required to acquire specified levels of seismic data, drill one exploration well and expend a minimum of $5.0 million. The Company is currently gathering data from past operators of the area for interpretation and prospect delineation.

In November 2006, the Company signed a production sharing contract for Block 5 offshore Angola. The seven year contract awards the Company exploration rights to 1.4 million acres offshore central Angola. The Company’s working interest in the Contract is 40%. Additionally, the Company is required to carry the Angolan National Oil Company Sonangol P&P for 10% of the work program. During the first four years of the contract the Company is required to acquire and process 1,000 square kilometers of 3-D seismic, drill two exploration wells and expend a minimum of $29.5 million ($14.8 million net to the Company). During the optional three year extension to the contract, the Company is required to acquire 600 square kilometers of 3-D seismic data, drill two exploration wells and expend a minimum of $27.2 million ($13.6 million net to the Company). The Company acquired the 1,000 square kilometers of 3-D data called for in the first exploration period at a cost of $7.5 million ($3.75 million net to the Company) in January 2007.

 

11


VAALCO ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This report includes “forward looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this report (and the exhibits hereto), including without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s financial position and estimated quantities and net present values of reserves, and statements proceed by, followed by or that otherwise include the word “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “projects,” “target,” “goal,” “objective,” “should,” or similar expressions or variations of such expressions are forward looking statements. The Company can give no assurances that the assumptions upon which such statements are based will prove to have been correct. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations (“Cautionary Statements”) include volatility of oil and gas prices, future production costs, future production quantities, operating hazards, weather, and statements set forth in the “Risk Factors” section included in the Company’s Forms 10-K. All subsequent written and oral forward looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified by the Cautionary Statements.

INTRODUCTION

The Company operates the Etame, Avouma and South Tchibala fields on behalf of a consortium of five companies offshore of the Republic of Gabon. The Avouma and South Tchibala fields were placed in production in January 2007. The fields produce from six wells (four subsea wells and two platform wells) into a 1.1 million barrel FPSO vessel. During the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Etame, Avouma and South Tchibala fields produced 1.8 million barrels (0.4 million barrels net to the Company). The Company sells its Gabon production to the trading company Addax B.V. (“Addax”) at spot market prices.

The Etame Production Sharing Contract area (the “Etame Block”) is comprised of approximately 750,000 acres, all of which is offshore Gabon. The Etame Block contains the Etame field, the Avouma field, the South Tchibala field and the Ebouri discovery. In October 2006, the Company received approval of the development plan for the Ebouri discovery. The Company began construction of the Ebouri platform during the fourth quarter of 2006. First production is expected in 2008. During the first quarter of 2007, the Company acquired 400 square kilometers of 3-D seismic data on the Etame Block at a cost of $1.0 million.

In November 2005, the Company signed a production sharing contract for the Mutamba Iroru block onshore Gabon. The five-year contract awards the Company exploration rights to approximately 270,000 acres along the central coast of Gabon. The Company is currently gathering data from past operators of the area for interpretation and prospect delineation.

On November 2, 2006, the Company entered into a Production Sharing Agreement with the Angolan government for a forty percent interest in the 1.4 million acre Block 5 exploration concession, offshore Angola. The Company paid a $10.5 million dollar signing bonus for its interest during the fourth quarter of 2006. Additionally, the Company paid $3.8 million for its

 

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VAALCO ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

share of the cost to lease 1,000 square kilometers of 3-D seismic data on the block in the first quarter of 2007. The Company is committed to process the 3-D seismic data and to drill two exploration wells during a four year period commencing from December 1, 2006.

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

Cash Flows

Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $5.1 million, as compared to $8.0 million provided by operations for the three months ended March 31, 2006. In 2007, net cash provided by operating activities included net income of $4.6 million, depreciation, depletion and amortization of $4.7 million, amortization of debt issuance costs of $0.1 million, stock based compensation of $0.6 million, exploration expense of $5.1 million, minority interest of $1.2 million and cash used for working capital of $11.1 million. Net cash provided by operations in the three months ended March 31, 2006 included net income of $11.0 million, non-cash depreciation, depletion and amortization of $1.8 million, $0.3 million of amortization of debt issuance costs, $0.3 million of exploration expense, minority interest of $1.4 million and cash provided used for working capital of $7.1 million.

Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $10.9 million, as compared to net cash used in investing activities of $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006. In the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company expended $5.1 million of exploration expense to acquire 1000 square kilometers of seismic in Angola and to process seismic data in Gabon. The Company also expended $6.0 million of cash associated with the construction of the Avouma and Ebouri platforms. In the three months ended March 31, 2006, the Company expended funds for the construction of the Avouma platform. In the three months ended March 31, 2006, the Company also had $1.1 million of funds in escrow released associated with the pay off of the term loan with the IFC.

Net cash used in financing activities in the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $1.0 million, consisting of $1.0 million distributed to a minority interest holder, $0.1 million proceeds from stock issuance and $0.1 million of capitalized debt issuance costs. In the three months ended March 31, 2006, net cash provided by financing activities was $3.7 million, consisting of $3.5 million of net borrowings, $0.5 million of proceeds from the issuance of common stock and $0.3 million of debt issuance costs. At March 31, 2007, the Company had approximately $0.7 million of capitalized debt financing costs on the books associated with the $30.0 million revolving credit facility.

Capital Expenditures

During the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company incurred $2.1 million of capital expenditures, primarily associated with the construction of the Ebouri development platform. During the remainder of 2007, the Company anticipates continuing construction of the Ebouri platform. Total capital expenditures for the remainder of 2007 are anticipated to be $24 million.

Historically, the Company’s primary sources of capital have been cash flows from operations, private sales of equity, borrowings and purchase money debt. At March 31, 2007, the Company

 

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VAALCO ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

had cash of $54.2 million. The Company believes that this cash combined with cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund the Company’s remaining 2007 capital expenditure budget, required debt service payments and additional investments in working capital resulting from potential growth. As operator of the Etame field, the Company enters into project related activities on behalf of its working interest partners. The Company generally obtains advances from it partners prior to significant funding commitments.

In June 2005, the Company executed a loan agreement with the IFC for a $30.0 million revolving credit facility which is secured by the assets of the Company’s Gabon subsidiary. The facility extends through June 2008 at which point it can be extended, or converted to a term loan. Under the revolving credit facility, the IFC holds a pledge of the Company’s interest in the Etame Block, and pledge of the shares of VAALCO Gabon (Etame), Inc., the subsidiary which owns the Company’s interest in the Etame Block. The IFC also has a security interest in any crude oil sales contract the Company enters into for the sale of crude oil from the Etame Block.

Substantially all of the Company’s crude oil and gas is sold at the well head at posted or index prices under short-term contracts. In Gabon, the Company markets its crude oil under an agreement with Addax. While the loss of Addax as a buyer might have a material adverse effect on the Company in the near term, management believes that the Company would be able to obtain other customers for its crude oil.

Domestically, the Company produces from wells in Brazos County Texas and offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, which contributed $66,000 to revenues in the first quarter of 2007. Domestic production is sold via separate contracts for oil and gas. The Company has access to several alternative buyers for oil and gas sales domestically.

Oil and Gas Exploration Costs

The Company uses the “successful efforts” method of accounting for its oil and gas exploration and development costs. All expenditures related to exploration, with the exception of costs of drilling exploratory wells are charged as an expense when incurred. The costs of exploratory wells are capitalized pending determination of whether commercially producible oil and gas reserves have been discovered. If the determination is made that a well did not encounter potentially economic oil and gas quantities, the well costs are charged as an expense. During the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company expended $5.1 million on exploration costs to acquire a license to 1,000 square kilometers of seismic in Angola and to process seismic in Gabon.

The Company had $2.6 million of suspended well costs associated with the exploration well in the Ebouri field in Gabon which was being carried as work in progress at March 31, 2007. In July 2006, the Company received approval to declare the Ebouri field’s reserves commercial from the Gabon government and in October 2006 the Gabon government approved a development plan for the Ebouri field, and assigned a twenty year development area surrounding the field. The Company will no longer treat these costs as suspended once first production occurs. First production is dependent upon construction and delivery of the platform facilities and is estimated to occur in 2008.

 

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VAALCO ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Contractual Obligations

In January 2006, the consortium elected to extend the Etame Block for an additional five-year term commencing July 2006. The extension consists of a three-year and a two-year follow-on term. The first term carries a minimum work obligation of one exploration well for a minimum $7.0 million exploration expenditure commitment ($2.1 million net to the Company). An additional exploration well is required during the optional two year extension.

In November 2005, the Company signed a production sharing contract for the Mutamba Iroru block onshore Gabon. The five year contract awards the Company exploration rights along the central coast of Gabon. During the first three years of the contract, the Company is required to drill one exploration well and expend a minimum of $4.0 million. During the optional two year extension to the contract, the Company is required to acquire specified levels of seismic data, drill one exploration well and expend a minimum of $5.0 million. The Company is currently gathering data from past operators of the area for interpretation and prospect delineation.

In November 2006, the Company signed a production sharing contract for Block 5 offshore Angola. The seven year contract awards the Company exploration rights to 1.4 million acres offshore central Angola. The Company’s working interest in the Contract is 40%. Additionally, the Company is required to carry the Angolan National Oil Company Sonangol P&P for 10% of the work program. During the first four years of the contract the Company is required to acquire and process 1,000 square kilometers of 3-D seismic, drill two exploration wells and expend a minimum of $29.5 million ($14.8 million net to the Company). During the optional three year extension to the contract, the Company is required to acquire 600 square kilometers of 3-D seismic data, drill two exploration wells and expend a minimum of $27.2 million ($13.6 million net to the Company). The Company acquired the 1,000 square kilometers of 3-D data called for in the first exploration period at a cost of $7.5 million ($3.75 million net to the Company) in January 2007.

 

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VAALCO ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to three months ended March 31, 2006

Revenues

Total revenues were $29.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to $31.3 million for the comparable period in 2006. The Company sold approximately 511,000 net barrels of oil equivalent at an average price of $57.03 in three months ended March 31, 2007. In the three months ended March 31, 2006, the Company sold approximately 512,000 barrels of oil equivalent at an average price of $60.96 per barrel. Crude oil production from the Etame, Avouma and South Tchibala fields is averaging 20,500 BOPD compared to approximately 18,000 BOPD in the three months ended March 31, 2006. Crude oil sales are a function of the number and size of crude oil liftings in each quarter from the FPSO and thus crude oil sales do not always coincide with volumes produced in any given quarter.

Operating Costs and Expenses

Total production expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2007 were $4.3 million compared to $3.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2006. The Company matches production expenses with crude oil sales. Any production expenses associated with unsold crude oil inventory are capitalized. Expenses in the three months ended March 31, 2007 were higher than in the three months ended March 31, 2006 due in part to higher insurance costs, higher boat rental costs, higher FPSO costs and a one time customs charge associated with the temporary importation of the standby vessel for the FPSO.

Exploration expense was $5.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to $0.3 million in the comparable period in 2006. Exploration expense for the three months ended March 31, 2007 included $3.8 million associated with the licensing of 1,000 square kilometers of 3-D seismic data for Block 5 in Angola and included $1.0 million for acquisition of 400 square kilometers of seismic data in Gabon. In the three months ended March 31, 2006, exploration expense consisted of approximately $0.3 million associated primarily with seismic data processing in Gabon.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses were $4.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to $1.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2006. The higher depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2006 was due to amounts included in depletable assets for the Avouma and South Tchibala fields.

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 were $2.9 million and $0.7 million for each period, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006, the Company incurred stock based compensation expense of $0.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively. In addition, in 2007 the Company paid bonuses in March 2007 to employees associated with the achievement of 2006 performance objectives. The Company incurred $0.4 million of expenses associated with listing on the New York Stock Exchange in the three months ended March 31, 2007. In both of the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company benefited from overhead reimbursement associated with production and development operations on the Etame Block.

 

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VAALCO ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Other Income (Expense)

Interest income received on amounts on deposit was $0.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to $0.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2006. The increase in interest income received on amounts on deposit reflects higher cash balances and higher interest rates in 2007. Interest expense and financing charges for the IFC loan was $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006, reflecting interest on amounts drawn on the IFC revolver.

Income Taxes

Income taxes amounted to $7.2 million and $12.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. In the three months ended March 31, 2007 and in the three months ended March 31, 2006, the income taxes were all paid in Gabon. Income taxes in the three months ended March 31, 2007 were high relative to income from continuing operations because they were all paid in Gabon, and the exploration expenses incurred during that period were primarily outside of Gabon and therefore not tax deductible in Gabon.

Discontinued Operations

Loss from discontinued operations in the Philippines in the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $27,000 compared to a loss of $0.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2006. In the three months ended March 31, 2006, the company accrued $0.7 million for taxes payable in the Philippines.

Minority Interest

The Company incurred $1.2 million and $1.4 million in minority interest charges in the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. These minority interest charges were associated with VAALCO Energy (International), Inc., a subsidiary that is 90.01% owned by the Company.

Net Income

Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $4.6 million, compared to net income of $11.0 million for the same period in 2006. Higher production costs, depreciation, depletion and amortization costs and exploration expense contributed to the lower net income in 2007.

 

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VAALCO ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

ITEM 3. QUANTATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company’s results of operations are dependent upon the difference between prices received for its oil and gas production and the costs to find and produce such oil and gas. Oil and gas prices have been and are expected in the future to be volatile and subject to fluctuations based on a number of factors beyond the control of the Company. The Company does not presently have any active hedges in place, but may do so in the future.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

We have no material changes to the disclosure on this matter in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

(a) Exhibits

 

  3. Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

 

3.1    Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the Commission on July 15, 1998, Reg. No. 333-59095).
3.2    Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the Commission on July 15, 1998, Reg. No. 333-59095).
3.3    Amended and Restated Bylaws dated March 24, 2005 filed with the Commission on May 2, 2005. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005).

 

  31. Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications

 

31.1    Certification pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2    Certification pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Section 1350 Certificates

 

32.1    Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002.
32.2    Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002.

 

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SIGNATURES

In accordance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

VAALCO ENERGY, INC.

(Registrant)

 

By

 

/s/ W. RUSSELL SCHEIRMAN

  W. Russell Scheirman, President,
  Chief Financial Officer and Director
  (on behalf of the Registrant and as the principal financial officer)

Dated: May 9, 2007

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibits

 

31.1    Certification pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2    Certification pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1    Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002.
32.2    Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002.

 

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