VAALCO Initiates Phase Three Drilling Program Offshore Gabon
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 09 2025
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Should l Buy EGY?
Source: Newsfilter
- Drilling Program Launch: VAALCO has successfully spudded the ET-15 well at the Etame platform, marking the commencement of its Phase Three Drilling Program, which is expected to generate near-term value for the company.
- Rig Availability: The drilling rig was secured in December 2024, ensuring smooth operations and enhancing production capacity while lowering operational costs.
- Future Growth Potential: Following the Etame platform, the company plans to move to the SEENT and Ebouri platforms, which are expected to add reserves and further boost production.
- Strategic Vision: With major projects underway in Gabon and Côte d'Ivoire, VAALCO anticipates significant growth over the coming years, thereby creating long-term value for shareholders.
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Analyst Views on EGY
Wall Street analysts forecast EGY stock price to rise
1 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 5.400
Low
7.53
Averages
7.53
High
7.53
Current: 5.400
Low
7.53
Averages
7.53
High
7.53
About EGY
VAALCO Energy, Inc. is an independent energy company with a diverse portfolio of production, development and exploration assets across Gabon, Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria and Canada. It is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids. It owns a working interest in, and is 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 about 46,200 gross acres. The Company owns an interest in an undeveloped block offshore Equatorial Guinea, West Africa. In Egypt, its interests are spread across two regions: the Eastern Desert and the Western Desert. In Harmattan, Canada, it owns production and working interests in Cardium light oil and Mannville liquids-rich gas assets. It also owns a working interest in the Block CI-40 and CI-705 block offshore Cote d’Ivoire in West Africa.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
VAALCO Energy Updates Gabon Drilling Program
- Drilling Progress: VAALCO has completed drilling the Etame West ET-14P exploration well in Gabon, encountering 10 meters of high-quality Gamba sands; however, the target zone was water-bearing, leading to the plugging and abandonment of the lower section.
- Follow-up Plans: The company plans to utilize the existing well bore to drill the ET-14H development well in the upper section, pending partner approval, with operations expected to be completed in April, indicating a commitment to known productive areas.
- Risk Management: Despite the geological risk of not encountering commercial sands, VAALCO deemed the potential reservoir size worth the risk, reflecting the company's strategic flexibility in resource development.
- Company Background: Founded in 1985 and based in Houston, Texas, VAALCO has a diverse portfolio of production, development, and exploration assets across Gabon, Egypt, Côte d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, and Nigeria, showcasing its extensive footprint in the energy sector.
See More
Investment Strategies in Energy Amid Middle East Conflict
- Oil Price Volatility: With oil prices nearing $90 per barrel, analyst Jack Bowman warns that geopolitical factors limit long-term upside potential, urging investors to be cautious about the risks associated with oil price fluctuations.
- Midstream Opportunities: Bowman recommends investing in midstream energy firms through no-K1 ETFs like Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure (MLPX) and Alerian MLP (AMLP), as these firms act like toll booths in oil transportation, making them less susceptible to price shocks.
- Regional Investment Considerations: Investors should pay attention to regional differences when selecting companies, particularly the significant disparities in market reactions between firms in California and Texas, which is crucial for small- and mid-cap operations.
- Future Growth Potential: Long Player notes that VAALCO Energy (EGY) plans to triple production by 2030, indicating that certain companies may present better investment opportunities once the market stabilizes, despite the current uncertain environment.
See More
VAALCO Energy Announces 2025 Earnings Release Timing
- Earnings Release Schedule: VAALCO Energy will issue its fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings report on March 12, 2026, after the NYSE closes, which is expected to impact investor confidence by showcasing financial and operational results.
- Conference Call Timing: The company will host a conference call on March 13, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Central Time to discuss the financial results, providing investors with a direct opportunity to interact with management and enhance transparency.
- Participation Details: U.S. participants can dial toll-free at (833) 685-0907, UK participants at 08002799489, and other international participants at (412) 317-5741, ensuring global investor access to the call.
- Webcast and Replay: The conference call will be webcast on VAALCO's website, and an audio replay will be available post-call, further improving information accessibility and company transparency.
See More
VAALCO Energy Announces Positive Operational Updates in Gabon and Côte d'Ivoire
- Gabon Drilling Success: VAALCO successfully drilled and placed the Etame 15H-ST well into production, achieving a stabilized flow rate of approximately 2,000 barrels per day with a 38% water cut, indicating significant enhancement in production capacity that is expected to contribute substantially to 2026 output growth.
- New Well Drilling Plan: The West Etame exploration well commenced drilling in mid-February from the Etame platform, with a geological success probability of 57%, and if successful, it will add meaningful production and reserves, further solidifying VAALCO's market position in Gabon.
- Côte d'Ivoire Operational Confirmation: VAALCO has been confirmed as the operator with a 60% working interest in the Kossipo field, with a field development plan expected to be completed in the second half of 2026, and an estimated 102 million barrels of 2C resources, providing strong support for future growth.
- FPSO Return Plan: The Baobab Ivorien Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel is expected to return to Côte d'Ivoire by late March, and with the FPSO's return and ongoing Gabon drilling activities, VAALCO aims for a 225% organic production growth, enhancing shareholder value.
See More
VAALCO Energy Declares Quarterly Dividend of $0.0625
- Quarterly Dividend Declaration: VAALCO Energy has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.0625 per share, consistent with previous announcements, indicating the company's stable cash flow and profitability, which is likely to attract more investor interest.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of 5.07% provides shareholders with a substantial return, further enhancing the company's appeal within the energy sector.
- Consistent Payment Record: VAALCO has now announced the same dividend for thirteen consecutive quarters, reflecting the company's commitment to shareholders and its stable financial condition, which helps bolster market confidence.
- Shareholder Record Dates: The dividend will be payable on March 27, with a record date of February 27 and an ex-dividend date also set for February 27, ensuring shareholders receive their earnings promptly.
See More
VAALCO Energy Declares Q1 2026 Cash Dividend of $0.0625 per Share
- Dividend Announcement: VAALCO Energy has declared a cash dividend of $0.0625 per share for Q1 2026, annualized at $0.25, payable on March 27, 2026, indicating the company's strong cash generation capabilities.
- Consecutive Dividend Record: This marks VAALCO's 17th consecutive quarterly dividend, reflecting the company's stability and sustainable value creation under its portfolio of high-quality assets.
- Board Approval Mechanism: Future dividend declarations and payment dates are subject to Board approval, indicating a prudent approach to financial management aimed at maximizing shareholder value.
- Market Outlook: The CEO of VAALCO stated that the company aims to capture accretive opportunities through development and optimization projects in 2026 and beyond, demonstrating confidence in future growth and strategic planning.
See More
VAALCO Energy Updates Gabon Drilling Program
- Drilling Progress: VAALCO has completed drilling the Etame West ET-14P exploration well in Gabon, encountering 10 meters of high-quality Gamba sands; however, the target zone was water-bearing, leading to the plugging and abandonment of the lower section.
- Follow-up Plans: The company plans to utilize the existing well bore to drill the ET-14H development well in the upper section, pending partner approval, with operations expected to be completed in April, indicating a commitment to known productive areas.
- Risk Management: Despite the geological risk of not encountering commercial sands, VAALCO deemed the potential reservoir size worth the risk, reflecting the company's strategic flexibility in resource development.
- Company Background: Founded in 1985 and based in Houston, Texas, VAALCO has a diverse portfolio of production, development, and exploration assets across Gabon, Egypt, Côte d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, and Nigeria, showcasing its extensive footprint in the energy sector.
See More
Investment Strategies in Energy Amid Middle East Conflict
- Oil Price Volatility: With oil prices nearing $90 per barrel, analyst Jack Bowman warns that geopolitical factors limit long-term upside potential, urging investors to be cautious about the risks associated with oil price fluctuations.
- Midstream Opportunities: Bowman recommends investing in midstream energy firms through no-K1 ETFs like Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure (MLPX) and Alerian MLP (AMLP), as these firms act like toll booths in oil transportation, making them less susceptible to price shocks.
- Regional Investment Considerations: Investors should pay attention to regional differences when selecting companies, particularly the significant disparities in market reactions between firms in California and Texas, which is crucial for small- and mid-cap operations.
- Future Growth Potential: Long Player notes that VAALCO Energy (EGY) plans to triple production by 2030, indicating that certain companies may present better investment opportunities once the market stabilizes, despite the current uncertain environment.
See More
VAALCO Energy Announces 2025 Earnings Release Timing
- Earnings Release Schedule: VAALCO Energy will issue its fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings report on March 12, 2026, after the NYSE closes, which is expected to impact investor confidence by showcasing financial and operational results.
- Conference Call Timing: The company will host a conference call on March 13, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Central Time to discuss the financial results, providing investors with a direct opportunity to interact with management and enhance transparency.
- Participation Details: U.S. participants can dial toll-free at (833) 685-0907, UK participants at 08002799489, and other international participants at (412) 317-5741, ensuring global investor access to the call.
- Webcast and Replay: The conference call will be webcast on VAALCO's website, and an audio replay will be available post-call, further improving information accessibility and company transparency.
See More
VAALCO Energy Announces Positive Operational Updates in Gabon and Côte d'Ivoire
- Gabon Drilling Success: VAALCO successfully drilled and placed the Etame 15H-ST well into production, achieving a stabilized flow rate of approximately 2,000 barrels per day with a 38% water cut, indicating significant enhancement in production capacity that is expected to contribute substantially to 2026 output growth.
- New Well Drilling Plan: The West Etame exploration well commenced drilling in mid-February from the Etame platform, with a geological success probability of 57%, and if successful, it will add meaningful production and reserves, further solidifying VAALCO's market position in Gabon.
- Côte d'Ivoire Operational Confirmation: VAALCO has been confirmed as the operator with a 60% working interest in the Kossipo field, with a field development plan expected to be completed in the second half of 2026, and an estimated 102 million barrels of 2C resources, providing strong support for future growth.
- FPSO Return Plan: The Baobab Ivorien Floating Production Storage and Offloading Vessel is expected to return to Côte d'Ivoire by late March, and with the FPSO's return and ongoing Gabon drilling activities, VAALCO aims for a 225% organic production growth, enhancing shareholder value.
See More
VAALCO Energy Declares Quarterly Dividend of $0.0625
- Quarterly Dividend Declaration: VAALCO Energy has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.0625 per share, consistent with previous announcements, indicating the company's stable cash flow and profitability, which is likely to attract more investor interest.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of 5.07% provides shareholders with a substantial return, further enhancing the company's appeal within the energy sector.
- Consistent Payment Record: VAALCO has now announced the same dividend for thirteen consecutive quarters, reflecting the company's commitment to shareholders and its stable financial condition, which helps bolster market confidence.
- Shareholder Record Dates: The dividend will be payable on March 27, with a record date of February 27 and an ex-dividend date also set for February 27, ensuring shareholders receive their earnings promptly.
See More
VAALCO Energy Declares Q1 2026 Cash Dividend of $0.0625 per Share
- Dividend Announcement: VAALCO Energy has declared a cash dividend of $0.0625 per share for Q1 2026, annualized at $0.25, payable on March 27, 2026, indicating the company's strong cash generation capabilities.
- Consecutive Dividend Record: This marks VAALCO's 17th consecutive quarterly dividend, reflecting the company's stability and sustainable value creation under its portfolio of high-quality assets.
- Board Approval Mechanism: Future dividend declarations and payment dates are subject to Board approval, indicating a prudent approach to financial management aimed at maximizing shareholder value.
- Market Outlook: The CEO of VAALCO stated that the company aims to capture accretive opportunities through development and optimization projects in 2026 and beyond, demonstrating confidence in future growth and strategic planning.
See More
