VAALCO Energy Commences 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?
VAALCO Energy announced that it has commenced its Phase Three Drilling Program offshore Gabon with the spudding of the ET-15 infill well on the Etame platform. George Maxwell, Vaalco's CEO, commented, "We are excited to commence our drilling campaign in offshore Gabon and are beginning the near-term series of value creation catalysts that we outlined to the market in our Capital Markets Day presentation this past May. The drilling rig arrived in late November, and we have spud our first well, the ET-15. We are initiating the program at the Etame platform with this infill well and the pilot holes. After drilling at the Etame platform, we expect to move the rig to the SEENT and Ebouri platforms where we have several wells and workovers planned to enhance production, lower costs and potentially add reserves. As we enter 2026, with major projects underway in both Gabon and Cote d'Ivoire, we are looking to drive meaningful growth that we believe will translate into value for our shareholders for the remainder of the decade." As previously announced, the company secured a drilling rig in December 2024 in conjunction with its Phase Three Drilling Program, with an affiliate of Borr Drilling.
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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: 5.150
Low
7.53
Averages
7.53
High
7.53
Current: 5.150
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 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 to Host Investor Roadshow in Edinburgh
- Investor Roadshow: VAALCO Energy will participate in a non-deal roadshow in Edinburgh, Scotland, on February 13, 2026, aimed at attracting potential investors and showcasing its updated investor presentation, thereby enhancing market confidence.
- Project Update: The completion of dry dock work for the Baobab Ivoirien refurbishment project, mentioned in the Company's Q3 2025 results, is expected to improve production capacity and optimize operational efficiency.
- Strategic Asset Divestiture: VAALCO is strategically divesting its Canadian assets to concentrate resources on more promising markets, which aims to enhance overall investment returns and streamline operations.
- Company Overview: 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, demonstrating its extensive presence in the international energy market.
See More
VAALCO Energy Sells Non-Core Canadian Assets for $35 Million
- Asset Sale Agreement: VAALCO Energy has announced the sale of all its non-core producing properties in Canada for approximately CAD 35 million (USD 25.6 million), expected to close within 30 days, marking a strategic shift towards focusing on core assets.
- Production Capacity Overview: The Canadian properties being sold have a current working interest production of approximately 1,850 barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOEPD), with the sale price reflecting 2.7 times the trailing 12 months' operational cash flow, indicating strong market valuation.
- Cash Flow Performance: Since acquisition, VAALCO has generated CAD 82 million (USD 64 million) in operational cash flow from its Canadian assets, demonstrating significant improvements in liquid production and drilling efficiencies, thereby strengthening its financial position.
- Future Development Strategy: The CEO of VAALCO stated that the sale of non-core assets will allow the company to concentrate on major drilling campaigns in core areas, which is expected to create long-term value for shareholders, reflecting confidence in future growth opportunities.
See More
Momentum Warning for Energy Stocks: VAALCO and Suncor
- VAALCO Energy Analysis: On January 16, Freedom Capital Markets analyst Sergey Pigarev initiated coverage on VAALCO Energy with a Buy rating and a price target of $7.3, as the stock surged approximately 42% over the past month, currently showing an RSI of 89.4, indicating overbought conditions that may lead to a price correction, urging caution among investors.
- Suncor Energy Rating Upgrade: On January 23, Goldman Sachs analyst Neil Mehta maintained a Buy rating on Suncor Energy and raised the price target from $48 to $54, with the stock gaining around 21% in the past month and an RSI of 81.7, suggesting it is also in overbought territory, prompting investors to watch for potential price fluctuations.
- Market Momentum Indicators: The RSI serves as a momentum indicator that compares a stock's strength on up days versus down days; the elevated RSI values for both VAALCO and Suncor signal potential short-term pullback risks, which investors should factor into their trading decisions.
- Investor Caution: With both stocks exhibiting overbought momentum indicators, investors should remain vigilant in pursuit of short-term gains to avoid losses due to market volatility, particularly in the context of increasing fluctuations within the energy sector.
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 to Host Investor Roadshow in Edinburgh
- Investor Roadshow: VAALCO Energy will participate in a non-deal roadshow in Edinburgh, Scotland, on February 13, 2026, aimed at attracting potential investors and showcasing its updated investor presentation, thereby enhancing market confidence.
- Project Update: The completion of dry dock work for the Baobab Ivoirien refurbishment project, mentioned in the Company's Q3 2025 results, is expected to improve production capacity and optimize operational efficiency.
- Strategic Asset Divestiture: VAALCO is strategically divesting its Canadian assets to concentrate resources on more promising markets, which aims to enhance overall investment returns and streamline operations.
- Company Overview: 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, demonstrating its extensive presence in the international energy market.
See More
VAALCO Energy Sells Non-Core Canadian Assets for $35 Million
- Asset Sale Agreement: VAALCO Energy has announced the sale of all its non-core producing properties in Canada for approximately CAD 35 million (USD 25.6 million), expected to close within 30 days, marking a strategic shift towards focusing on core assets.
- Production Capacity Overview: The Canadian properties being sold have a current working interest production of approximately 1,850 barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOEPD), with the sale price reflecting 2.7 times the trailing 12 months' operational cash flow, indicating strong market valuation.
- Cash Flow Performance: Since acquisition, VAALCO has generated CAD 82 million (USD 64 million) in operational cash flow from its Canadian assets, demonstrating significant improvements in liquid production and drilling efficiencies, thereby strengthening its financial position.
- Future Development Strategy: The CEO of VAALCO stated that the sale of non-core assets will allow the company to concentrate on major drilling campaigns in core areas, which is expected to create long-term value for shareholders, reflecting confidence in future growth opportunities.
See More
Momentum Warning for Energy Stocks: VAALCO and Suncor
- VAALCO Energy Analysis: On January 16, Freedom Capital Markets analyst Sergey Pigarev initiated coverage on VAALCO Energy with a Buy rating and a price target of $7.3, as the stock surged approximately 42% over the past month, currently showing an RSI of 89.4, indicating overbought conditions that may lead to a price correction, urging caution among investors.
- Suncor Energy Rating Upgrade: On January 23, Goldman Sachs analyst Neil Mehta maintained a Buy rating on Suncor Energy and raised the price target from $48 to $54, with the stock gaining around 21% in the past month and an RSI of 81.7, suggesting it is also in overbought territory, prompting investors to watch for potential price fluctuations.
- Market Momentum Indicators: The RSI serves as a momentum indicator that compares a stock's strength on up days versus down days; the elevated RSI values for both VAALCO and Suncor signal potential short-term pullback risks, which investors should factor into their trading decisions.
- Investor Caution: With both stocks exhibiting overbought momentum indicators, investors should remain vigilant in pursuit of short-term gains to avoid losses due to market volatility, particularly in the context of increasing fluctuations within the energy sector.
See More
