VAALCO ENERGY INC /DE/ (EGY)

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

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Quarterly Report”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and may also include forward-looking information within the meaning defined under applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, “forward-looking statements”), which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by those laws. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of our operations. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this Quarterly Report that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future, including, without limitation, statements regarding our financial position, operating performance and results, reserve quantities and net present values, market prices, business strategy, derivative activities, the amount and nature of capital expenditures, payment of dividends and plans and objectives of management for future operations are forward-looking statements. When we use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “forecast,” “outlook,” “aim,” “target,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “may,” “likely,” “plan” and “probably” or the negative of such terms or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements. Many risks and uncertainties that could affect our future results and could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

•the impact of world health events, including any related impact on global demand for crude oil and crude oil prices, potential difficulties in obtaining additional liquidity, when and if needed, disruptions in global supply chains and disruptions to our workforce;

•the impact of any future production quotas imposed by Gabon, as a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”), as a result of agreements among OPEC, Russia and other allied producing countries with respect to crude oil production levels;

•the impact of the wide-ranging policy changes and numerous executive actions issued by the current U.S. presidential administration on topics including international trade, imposition of trade tariffs, energy resources, corporate taxes, global climate change initiatives, employment practices, corporate compliance programs, environmental regulations, as well as other matters;

•the macroeconomic, regulatory or other potential effects of a prolonged U.S. government shutdown;

•volatility of, and declines and weaknesses in crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) prices, as well as our ability to offset volatility in prices through the use of hedging transactions;

•the discovery, acquisition, development and replacement of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs reserves;

•impairments in the value of our crude oil, natural gas and NGLs assets;

•future capital requirements;

•our ability to maintain sufficient liquidity in order to fully implement our business plan;

•our ability to generate cash flows that, along with our cash on hand and our 2025 RBL facility, will be sufficient to support our operations and cash requirements;

•the ability of the BWE Consortium to successfully execute its business plan;

•our ability to attract capital or obtain debt financing arrangements;

•our ability to pay the expenditures required in order to develop certain of our properties;

•operating hazards inherent in the exploration for and production of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs;

•difficulties encountered during the exploration for and production of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs;

•the impact of competition;

•our ability to identify and complete complementary opportunistic acquisitions;

•our ability to effectively integrate assets and properties that we acquire into our operations;

•weather conditions;

•the uncertainty of estimates of crude oil and natural gas;

•currency exchange rates and regulations;

•unanticipated issues and liabilities arising from non-compliance with environmental regulations;

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•the ultimate resolution of our abandonment funding obligations with the government of Gabon and the audit of our operations in Gabon currently being conducted by the government of Gabon;

•our limited control over the assets we do not operate;

•the availability and cost of seismic, drilling and other equipment;

•difficulties encountered in measuring, transporting and delivering crude oil, natural gas and NGLs to commercial markets;

•timing and amount of future production of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs;

•hedging decisions, including whether or not to enter into derivative financial instruments;

•general economic conditions, including any future economic downturn, the impact of inflation or tariffs, disruptions in financial credit and other disruptions resulting from geo-political events such as the Russia/Ukraine war, conflicts in the Middle East, including the United States-Israel-Iran war, trade tensions between the U.S. and China and U.S. military operations in Venezuela;

•our ability to enter into new customer contracts;

•changes in customer demand and producers’ supply;

•actions by governments and other significant actors with respect to events occurring in the countries in which we operate;

•actions by our joint venture partners;

•compliance with, or the effect of changes in, governmental regulations regarding our exploration, production, and well completion operations including those related to climate change;

•the outcome of any governmental audit;

•the anticipated impact on our business and operations of the OBBBA; and

•actions of operators of our crude oil, natural gas and NGLs properties.

The information contained in this Quarterly Report and the information set forth under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 (“2025 Form 10-K”), identifies additional factors that could cause our results or performance to differ materially from those we express in forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying our forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of these assumptions and therefore also the forward-looking statements based on these assumptions could themselves prove to be inaccurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements that are included in this Quarterly Report and the 2025 Form 10-K, our inclusion of this information is not a representation by us or any other person that our objectives and plans will be achieved. When you consider our forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind these risk factors and the other cautionary statements in this Quarterly Report.

Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements are made and reflect our best judgment about future events and trends based on the information currently available to us. Our results of operations can be affected by inaccurate assumptions we make or by risks and uncertainties known or unknown to us. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the forward-looking statements. Actual events and results of operations may vary materially from our current expectations and assumptions. Our forward-looking statements, express or implied, are expressly qualified in their entirety by this “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” which constitute cautionary statements. These cautionary statements should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that we or persons acting on our behalf may issue.

Except as otherwise required by applicable law, we disclaim any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this Quarterly Report.

INTRODUCTION

Vaalco is a Houston, Texas-based, African-focused independent energy company with a strong production and reserve portfolio of assets in Gabon, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, and, prior to the Canada Assets Divestment, producing properties in Canada. We are currently engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs.

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Business Environment and Outlook

The oil and gas industry is cyclical and commodity prices are inherently volatile. Oil prices reflect global supply and demand dynamics as well as the geopolitical and macroeconomic environment and uncertainties. These factors, and any changes to these factors, among others, could have a material adverse impact on our future revenues and overall profitability. See Part II, Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our 2025 Form 10-K for further discussion of Trends and Uncertainties.

Commodity Prices – Uncertainties in the global supply chain and financial markets impact oil supply and demand and contribute to commodity price volatility. These uncertainties include the impacts of ongoing international conflicts, inflation, current and potential tariffs or other trade barriers, global trade policies, and actions taken by foreign oil and gas producing nations, including OPEC+. Changes in oil prices could result in adjustments to capital investment levels and allocation, which impact our production volumes.

Geopolitical Conflict and Other Market Forces – The Company continues to monitor geopolitical developments globally, and specifically in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North America, where they have the potential to impact operational continuity and market dynamics. Global markets are also experiencing volatility and uncertainty connected to the Russia-Ukraine war, conflicts in the Middle East, including the United States-Israel-Iran war and the U.S intervention in Venezuela. Additionally, geopolitical tensions and localized disruptions persist in parts of West Africa, where we hold significant producing and development interests, and require ongoing vigilance regarding political, economic, and security risks. The duration and impact of these ongoing armed conflicts, and the potential of these conflicts spreading to more regions are uncertain and could adversely affect the global economy, financial markets, our customers and in turn, us.

U.S. Tariffs and Global Trade Policies – In 2025, the U.S. administration enacted sweeping trade legislation, including significant tariff increases on industrial goods, energy-related equipment, and certain critical minerals, with a stated intent to prioritize domestic manufacturing and energy security. Global trade policy continues to evolve and the ultimate impact of recent developments with respect to U.S. tariffs is unclear. While we do not maintain U.S.-based production assets, our operations on the continent of Africa rely on equipment, services, and materials that are often sourced, engineered, or consolidated through the United States or through U.S.-aligned trading routes. As a result, we may experience increased costs and longer lead times for the procurement and delivery of drilling and production equipment, particularly if suppliers adjust pricing in response to increased duties or if we are required to diversify sourcing channels. These impacts could affect the timing, cost structure and execution risk of certain development activities, especially in fron

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following management’s discussion and analysis describes the principal factors affecting our capital resources, liquidity, and results of operations. This management’s discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Financial Statements and related notes, information about our business practices, significant accounting policies, risk factors, and the transactions that underlie our financial results, which are included in various parts of this Annual Report. For discussion related to changes in financial condition and results of operations for 2024 as compared with 2023, refer to Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our 2024 Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on March 17, 2025. Certain statements in our discussion below are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. We caution that a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those implied or expressed by the forward-looking statements. Please see “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for further details about these statements.

INTRODUCTION

We are an independent energy company headquartered in Houston, Texas engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs. We have a diversified African-focused portfolio of production, development and exploration assets located in Gabon, Egypt, Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, as well as, prior to the Canada Asset Divestment, producing properties in Canada. For further discussion of our five operating segments see “Item 1. Business – Segment and Geographical Information.”

We intend to accelerate shareholder returns and increase shareholder value by controlling operating costs and capital expenditures, maximizing reserve recoveries and making disciplined strategic accretive acquisitions that meet our strategic and financial objectives.

We believe that our quality portfolio, strong management and technical expertise specific to the markets in which we operate, and our ongoing focus on maintaining a competitive cost structure and disciplined capital allocation framework position us to achieve our business strategy and navigate a variety of commodity price environments. Over the past years, we have delivered on our focused strategy and believe we will continue to do so with the organic growth programs across our diversified portfolio over the coming years.

Recent Developments and Outlook

2025 Acquisition

In March 2025, the Company farmed into the CI-705 block offshore Côte d’Ivoire as the operator with a 70% working interest and a 100% paying interest though a commercial carry arrangement with two other parties inclusive of the State Oil Company. The CI-705 block is located in the Tano basin, west of the Company’s CI-40 Block, where the Baobab and Kossipo oil fields are located. The total amount of acquisition costs for this transaction is approximately $3.0 million.

Divestment of Non-Core Assets

On February 4, 2026, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Canada APA”) to sell all its operating assets in Canada (the “Canada Asset Divestment”) for a purchase price of $24.4 million (C$33.4 million Canadian dollars), subject to customary adjustments. The Canada Asset Divestment closed on February 19, 2026 with an effective date of February 1, 2026 for an adjusted purchase price of $25.5 million. The Canada Asset Divestment represents the Company’s complete exit of its Canadian oil and gas operations. Please see Part IV, Item 15., Note 4. Acquisitions and Divestiture and Note 20. Subsequent Events, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on the Canada Asset Divestment.

Capital Program

We expect our 2026 capital program to range between $290.0 million to $360.0 million, assuming normal operating conditions, which prioritizes free cash flow generation and meaningful return of capital to shareholders. The program includes estimated spending of approximately between $110.0 million to $135.0 million for Gabon, $9.0 million to $12.0 million for Egypt, $0.5 million to $1.5 million for Equatorial Guinea, $170.0 million to $210.0 million for Cote d'Ivoire for oil and natural gas development and $0.5 to $1.5 million related to corporate and other capital costs. The foregoing amounts related to Etame projects in Gabon do not include amounts funded by the non-operating partners. See below under

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“Capital Resources, Liquidity and Cash Requirements” for further discussion on the capital spending for each of our operating segments.

Commodity Prices

Prices for crude oil and condensate, NGLs and natural gas have historically been volatile. This volatility is expected to continue due to the many uncertainties associated with the worldwide political and economic environment and the global supply of, and demand for, crude oil, NGLs and natural gas and the availability of other energy supplies, the relative competitive relationships of the various energy sources in the view of consumers and other factors. Significant changes in oil and natural gas prices have a material impact on our liquidity. Declining commodity prices negatively affect our operating cash flow but have a positive indirect effect on operating expenses. The inverse is also true during periods of rising commodity prices. To mitigate some of the risk inherent in oil and natural gas prices, we have utilized various derivative instruments to hedge commodity price risk.

Trends and Uncertainties

Geopolitical Conflict and Other Market Forces – The Company continues to monitor geopolitical developments globally, and specifically in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North America, where they have the potential to impact operational continuity and market dynamics. On October 9, 2025, Israel, Hamas, the United States and other countries in the region agreed to a framework for a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, which if sustained, could reduce regional instability in the Eastern Mediterranean, and improve security conditions affecting Egypt operations and related energy supply chains. However, such ceasefire has not progressed beyond the first phase, and whether the ceasefire will be sustained or will result in a lasting de-escalation of tensions in the region is unknown. Additionally, geopolitical tensions and localized disruptions persist in parts of West Africa, where we hold significant producing and development interests, require ongoing vigilance regarding political, economic, and security risks.

Global markets are also experiencing volatility and uncertainty connected to the United States-Israel-Iran war and U.S intervention in Venezuela. Following the February 2026 missile strikes in Iran, there has been increased instability, including airspace closures in the Middle East, damage to airports and the de facto closure of Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that transports approximately 20% of the world’s petroleum. The duration and impact of these ongoing armed conflicts, and the potential of these conflicts spreading to more regions is uncertain and could adversely affect the global economy, financial markets, our customers and in turn us.

Additionally, geopolitical tensions and localized disruptions persist in parts of West Africa, where we hold significant producing and development interests, require ongoing vigilance regarding political, economic, and security risks.

Additionally, global market forces including inflation, supply chain constraints due to lingering impacts from conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, and shifts in U.S. trade policy including tariffs on energy-related goods, continue to increase costs and extend lead times for equipment and materials essential to drilling and production activities. These factors could affect project timing, cost structures, and overall operational efficiency. The Company also notes ongoing volatility in commodity prices driven by dynamic supply and demand fundamentals, energy transition policies, and broader macroeconomic uncertainties. Vaalco actively manages exposure to these risks through operational flexibility, diversified sourcing, and prudent financial planning to safeguard long-term growth and value creation.

U.S. Tariffs and Global Trade Policies – In 2025, the U.S. administration enacted sweeping trade legislation, including significant tariff increases on industrial goods, energy-related equipment, and certain critical minerals, with a stated intent to prioritize domestic manufacturing and energy security. Global trade policy continues to evolve and the ultimate impact of recent developments with respect to U.S. tariffs is unclear. On February 20, 2026, the United States Supreme Court issued a ruling striking down certain tariffs previously imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”). Following the Supreme Court’s decision, the U.S. presidential administration announced its intention to invoke other laws to collect tariffs and announced new tariffs on imports from all countries, in addition to any existing non-IEEPA tariffs. While there is significant uncertainty as to the duration of these and any further tariffs, and the impacts these tariffs and any corresponding retaliatory tariffs will have on the oil and gas industry and on commodity prices, these tariffs, along with anticipated retaliatory measures from affected trading partners, have introduced new volatility into the global supply chain for energy infrastructure.

While we do not maintain U.S. based production assets, our operations on the continent of Africa rely on equipment, services, and materials that are often sourced, engineered, or consolidated through the United States or through U.S. aligned trading routes. As a result, we may experience increased costs and longer lead times for the procurement and

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delivery of drilling and production equipment, particularly if suppliers adjust pricing in response to increased duties or if we are required to diversify sourcing channels. These impacts could affect the timing, cost structure and execution risk of certain development activities, especially in frontier offshore environments.

Additionally, the evolving global trade environment may increase compliance complexity and affect the cost efficiency of international operations. Enhanced documentation requirements and new rules of origin associated with U.S. trade actions could impact our ability to efficiently move materials through international logistics hubs, such as those in Houston, Texas and could necessitate additional internal resources to maintain compliance. These complexities necessitate additional internal resources to ensure sustained compliance and efficient material flow.

The broader geopolitical trade environment, including retaliatory tariffs and ongoing trade tensions with key partners, continues to inject volatility into the global supply network, necessitating vigilant risk management and strategic sourcing to mitigate operational disruptions and cost impacts.

Enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 – On July 4, 2025, the budget reconciliation bill known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (“OBBBA”) was signed into law, which includes significant changes to federal tax law and other regulatory provisions that may impact the Company. Among other provisions, the OBBBA makes permanent key elements of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The legislation has multiple effective dates, with certain provisions effective in 2025 and others implemented through 2027. The impact of provisions effective in 2025 are not material and the Company is still assessing the impact of provis

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