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.