GeoPark Renews Agreement with Vitol, Expands Collaboration Scope
GeoPark announced the renewal of its offtake and prepayment agreement with Vitol, extending the term and expanding the scope of collaboration across the Llanos basin in Colombia. The new offtake agreement provides for GeoPark to sell and deliver to Vitol 100% of its crude oil production from the Llanos 34, Llanos 123, and CPO-5 blocks, extending the current agreement from its original expiry in June 2027 through December 31, 2028. The renewed terms restore GeoPark's weighted-average netbacks to single-digit levels, comparable to 2020 benchmarks, effectively offsetting the cumulative impact of midstream tariff adjustments and inflationary trends over the past five years. Portfolio realizations are expected to improve by approximately 33c per barrel on a weighted-average basis compared to the company's average over the past six months, supporting stronger margins and improved cash-flow visibility. The new terms take effect in January, with deliveries beginning in January for Llanos 34 and in May for CPO-5 and Llanos 123, and remaining in force through December 31, 2028. As part of the renewal, GeoPark will have access to a prepayment facility from Vitol that provides for a total of up to $500M, consisting of a firm $330M committed availability with an option to increase the availability by up to another $170 million in prepaid future oil sales over the period of the offtake contract. The renewed prepayment facility reflects the strength of GeoPark's operational delivery in the Llanos basin, and builds on the track record established under the prior agreement. Amounts under the facility do not constitute a mandatory funding requirement and if drawn can be repaid through future oil deliveries or prepaid at any time without penalty. The interest cost for any drawn amounts is based on a one-month term SOFR risk-free rate plus a margin of 3.50% per annum, representing a 25-bps reduction versus the prior prepayment agreement with Vitol, and, together with the decline in SOFR, would currently be equivalent to an interest rate of approximately 7.15%-7.25%. Funds committed by Vitol will be made available until June 30, 2027, subject to certain conditions.
Get Free Real-Time Notifications for Any Stock
Analyst Views on GPRK
About GPRK
About the author
GeoPark Acquires Frontera Energy, Doubling Production and Reserves
- Transaction Scale Expansion: GeoPark's acquisition of Frontera Petroleum International Holdings B.V. for $375 million is set to boost its projected 2028 production to over 90,000 boepd, with EBITDA expected to reach approximately $950 million, significantly enhancing the company's cash flow generation capacity.
- Reserves Doubling: The acquisition adds approximately 99 million barrels of 1P reserves and 147 million barrels of 2P reserves, more than doubling GeoPark's reserves, which will support sustained development activity and long-term cash flow visibility, ensuring robust growth of its independent E&P platform in Latin America.
- Improved Financial Health: Post-transaction, GeoPark's net leverage is expected to drop to about 2.0x EBITDA, with continued free cash flow generation and ramp-up of Vaca Muerta development projected to further reduce it to 1.4x by 2028, enhancing the company's financial flexibility and debt servicing capacity.
- Significant Synergies: The transaction is expected to deliver annual synergies of $30-50 million by 2027, with a structured transition plan agreed upon between GeoPark and Frontera Energy to ensure operational continuity and support timely integration, further enhancing asset value.
GeoPark Acquires Frontera International Oil Assets for $375 Million
- Transaction Overview: GeoPark has entered into a definitive agreement with Frontera Energy to acquire Frontera International's oil and gas assets for $375 million, significantly enhancing GeoPark's position as the largest private operator in Colombia.
- Financial Impact: This acquisition is expected to materially increase GeoPark's scale, reserves, and cash flow generation, strengthening its independent E&P platform in Latin America and supporting disciplined growth through economic cycles.
- Strategic Significance: By integrating Frontera's assets, GeoPark can implement a full-field development approach, extending production plateaus and improving investment efficiency, which will benefit regional economies by creating more jobs.
- Future Outlook: Post-transaction, GeoPark will leverage its operational experience and local relationships in Colombia to drive efficient integration and operation of the acquired assets, ensuring long-term value creation and sustainable development.
