Form: DEFA14A

Additional definitive proxy soliciting materials and Rule 14(a)(12) material

May 20, 2008

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

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Check the appropriate box:

 

¨ Preliminary Proxy Statement

 

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¨ Definitive Proxy Statement

 

x Definitive Additional Materials

 

¨ Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

 

 

VAALCO ENERGY, INC.

 

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 

  

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

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VAALCO Energy, Inc.
May 2008


2
Safe Harbor Statement
Important Information.
VAALCO filed with the SEC definitive proxy materials (the “Proxy Materials”). The Proxy Materials contain
important information
about
VAALCO,
the
2008
Annual
Stockholders
Meeting
and
our
nominees
and
other
directors
in the
solicitation. VAALCO’s stockholders are urged to read the Proxy Materials carefully. Stockholders may obtain additional free
copies of
the
Proxy
Materials
and
other
relevant
documents
filed
with
the
SEC
by
VAALCO
through
the
website
maintained
by the
SEC at www.sec.gov. The Proxy Materials and other relevant documents may also be obtained free of charge from VAALCO at
VAALCO Energy, Inc., 4600 Post Oak Place, Suite 309, Houston, Texas 77027; or by phone at (713) 623-0801. The Proxy
Materials are also available on VAALCO’s website at www.vaalco.com. The contents of the websites referenced above are not
deemed to be incorporated by reference into the Proxy Materials.
Forward-Looking Statements.
This
document
includes
“forward-looking
statements”
as
defined
by
the
U.S.
securities laws.
Forward-looking statements are those concerning VAALCO’s plans, expectations, and objectives for future drilling, completion and
other operations
and
activities.
All
statements
included
in
this
document
that
address
activities,
events
or
developments that
VAALCO expects,
believes
or
anticipates
will
or
may
occur
in
the
future
are
forward-looking
statements.
These
statements include
future production rates, completion and production timetables and costs to complete well. These statements are based on
assumptions made
by
VAALCO
based
on
its
experience
perception
of
historical
trends,
current
conditions,
expected future
developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Such statements are subject to a number of
assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond VAALCO’s control. These risks include, but are not limited to,
inflation, lack of availability of goods, services and capital, environmental risks, drilling risks, foreign operational risks and
regulatory changes. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that
actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These risks are
further described in VAALCO’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and other reports filed with the
SEC which
can
be
reviewed
at
http://www.sec.gov,
or
which
can
be
received
by
contacting
VAALCO
at
4600
Post
Oak Place,
Suite 309, Houston, Texas 77027, (713) 623-0801.
The Securities
and
Exchange
Commission
generally
permits
oil
and
gas
companies,
in
filings
with
the
SEC,
to
disclose only
proved reserves that a company has demonstrated by actual production or conclusive formation tests to be economically and
legally producible under existing economic and operating conditions. In this document, we describe volumes of oil that we believe
may be
discovered
in
the
future
through
our
existing
exploration
program.
These
amounts
are
not
proved
reserves
as
defined by
the SEC. These estimates are by their nature more speculative than estimates of proved reserves and accordingly are subject to
substantially greater risk of being actually realized by VAALCO.
This presentation is being made on the afternoon of May 20, 2008. The content of this presentation contains time-sensitive
information that
is
accurate
only
as
of
the
time
hereof.
VAALCO
will
not
be
reviewing
or
updating
the
material
contained herein.


3
Agenda
I.
Introduction and VAALCO Overview
II.
Superior Returns and Financial Performance
III.
VAALCO’s Board: Experienced, Proven and Committed
to Maximizing Stockholder Value


4
Attendees
•
Robert H. Allen
Independent Director
Audit Committee
†
(Chairman)
Compensation Committee (Chairman)
•
Robert L. Gerry
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer
•
W. Russell Scheirman
President, Chief Financial Officer
and Director
†
Audit Committee Financial Expert as determined by the Board under SEC regulations


I.
Introduction and VAALCO Overview


6
VAALCO’s Nominees Are the Right
Choice
•
Independent and engaged Board made up of successful and experienced industry leaders
–
Responsible for successful implementation of corporate strategy and stock price appreciation
–
Broad and complementary expertise in areas critical to VAALCO’s business
–
5 of 7 directors independent under NYSE listing requirements
–
All committees constituted solely of independent directors
•
Superior long-term value creation and financial performance
–
503% cumulative stockholder return over the last 5 years
–
Outperformed
peer
group
over
each
of
the
last
6-month,
1-year,
3-year
and
5-year
periods
–
31% 5-year average ROIC (among top 5% of the oil & gas industry)
–
66%
revenue
CAGR
over
the
last
5
years
–
81% EBITDA CAGR over the last 5 years
•
Track record of superior operating achievements
–
82%
success
rate
in
exploration
drilling
since
1998,
when
Etame
drilling
began
–
100% success rate in the drilling and completion of development wells since 1998
–
50% increase in production since 2002
•
Strong growth expected to continue
–
Drilling program underway exposes VAALCO stockholders to 8x current reserves
–
7 planned exploration wells, 2 development wells, arrangements in place to contract for rigs
–
Drilling to commence this summer
1.  Unless
otherwise
indicated,
figures
in
this
presentation
are
as
of
the
market
close
on
May
16,
2008
2.  The
peer
group
is
as
defined
by
RiskMetrics
(ISS);
details
slide
14
1
2


7
VAALCO Overview
•
Houston-based independent
exploration and production
company (“E&P”)
•
Exploration activities primarily in
West Africa –
offshore Gabon,
onshore Gabon, offshore Angola
–
Opportunistic minority
participations in UK North Sea
exploration
•
Production (100% oil) located
offshore Gabon
•
26 full-time employees: Houston (9),
Gabon (10) and Angola (7)
•
20-30 contractors worldwide
depending on activity level
VAALCO is an Important Presence and a
Valued Long-Term Partner in Gabon and Angola
Gabon
Angola


8
Exceptional West African Opportunity
•
Africa holds a significant and growing portion of world oil reserves
•
By 2010, West Africa is expected to account for 1 of 3 new barrels pumped worldwide and
by 2015, the U.S. is projected to import 25% of all its oil from
Africa, up from 15% in 2007
–
8% of global proved reserves
–
High proportion of new field discoveries
–
Strong reserve growth of discovered fields
•
Gabon
–
Long history of energy production under stable
contract terms
–
Former French colony independent since 1960
under French civil law
–
Population 1.3 MM (about size of Colorado)
•
Angola
–
Oil sales and related activities constitute
approximately one-half of GDP and 90% of exports
–
Has emerged as a major African oil producer
following the end of the country’s civil war in 2002
–
One of the world’s fastest growing economies
because of strong production growth
–
Population 15.5 MM
West Central Africa Oil Endowment
Produced
13%
Reserves
18%
Mean
Undiscover
ed
69%
West Central Africa Reserves
Angola
61%
Congo
12%
Equatorial
Guinea
12%
Gabon
15%


9
Focused and Disciplined Business Strategy
•
Seek exploration opportunities in proven hydrocarbon
basins where modern technology has the potential to
unlock previously hidden reserves
–
In areas with acceptable political risk where positive
market conditions provide niche opportunities
•
Increase reserves primarily through the drill-bit while
continually reviewing potential property and corporate
acquisitions at reasonable prices
•
Focused primarily on West Africa asset base
•
Maintain financial discipline to support growth
•
Optimize cash flows from producing assets
–
Etame Marin Concession
Efficient, Low Cost Operator with Exceptional
Exploration and Production Track Record


10
Exceptional Track Record and Expertise
•
82%
success
rate
in
exploration
drilling
since
1998,
when
Etame
drilling
began
•
100% success rate in the drilling and completion of development wells
•
Industry-wide, success rates are approximately 1 in 3 for exploration drilling
VAALCO’s Drilling Success Rates are
Among the Best in the Industry
1.  Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
VAALCO Drilling History (1998 to date)
Exploration & Appraisal Wells
Development Wells
Well
Date
Field
Type
Result
Well
Date
Field
Type
Result
ET-1V
'98
Etame
Expl.
Success
ET-3H
'02
Etame
Devel.
Success
ET-2V
'99
Etame
App.
Success
ET-4H
'02
Etame
Devel.
Success
ET-3V
'01
Etame
App.
Success
ET-5H
'04
Etame
Devel.
Success
ET-4V
'01
Etame
App.
Success
ET-6H
'05
Etame
Devel.
Success
EBO-1
'03
Ebouri
Expl.
Success
ET-6HST
'05
Etame
Devel.
Success
ET-5HP
'04
Etame
Pilot
Success
ETBSM-1
'06
Etame
Devel.
Success
EAVOM-1
'04
Avouma
Expl.
Success
EAVOM-2H
'06
Avouma
Devel.
Success
EAVSM-1
'05
Avouma
Expl.
Dry Hole
(1)
EBO-1 ST1
Ebouri
App.
Success
EBO-1 ST2
Ebouri
App.
Success
UKCS 9/28b
'07
na
Expl.
Non-Commercial
(1) Although dry, effectively proved-up additional Avouma reserves
1


11
Current Exploration Program Represents the Highest Level
of Exploration and Development in the Company’s History
•
Drilling 7 exploration and 2 development wells over the next 6 to 18 months
•
On
an
unrisked
basis,
this
drilling
program
exposes
VAALCO
stockholders
to
>
50
MM  
net
barrels
(>
8x
VAALCO’s
current
6.2
MMbbl
in
reserves)
–
Even at modest success rates, potential for dramatic increases in stockholder value
•
Arrangements
in
place
to
contract
for
2
offshore
jackup
drilling
rigs
for
Gabon
–
Anticipate drilling at least 3 exploration wells and 1-2 development wells
–
In addition to 2 development wells already underway
•
2 years of preparation and
planning with partners and
host governments
During this time VAALCO
acquired and interpreted
seismic, contracted for its
concession in Angola and
constructed 2, $100 MM
platforms for installation in
Gabon
2008 is Expected to Be a Break-Out Year for Value Creation
VAALCO Properties -
Reserves and Resources
Property
Etame
Marin
Mutamba
Iroru
Angola
Block 5
NW
Vulcan
Total
Proved Reserves
(net mmboe)
6.2
0.0
0.0
0.0
6.2
Potential of Leads in Drilling
Program
(unrisked
mmboe)
Gross
71.5
36.3
42.3
6.0
156.1
Net to VAALCO
17.6
15.7
16.9
1.5
51.7
Exploration Acerage
(gross)
Acres
759,040
270,333
1,410,478
12,000
2,451,851
GOM Blocks Equivalent
152
54
282
2
490


12
Focused, Stable and Professional Management
Over the Lengthy E&P Business Cycle
Stock Price
Surges
As
We
Move
to
the
Drilling
Phase
–
Precisely
Where
We
are Now
Relative Performance (%)
.
1Q 223% YOY
.
Plan
6H
after
Eb
seismic
.
Write off 2V
4Q affected by cost account,
development spend for 05
8
Eb/Av dev plans,
lower
sales
from
missed lifting
AMEX app
.
Angola PSA
2Q NI up
Eb
dev plan approved
Et extension, Eb
dev plan,         
Angola operator
.
FPSO contract
Buyback & Pill
UKCS farm-in
Seismic                                          
expenses
Cost acct benefit,                         
reserve upgrade
Av 1st oil
Et 2 dev and 3 expl
wells, Mut
2 wells 4Q, Angola seeking rig
for wells 9/28b non-comm
Av Eb
dev plans             
complete,
expl
well
.
YE
UKCS farm-in
YE, reserve upgrade
6H 1st oil
5H 1st oil
AMEX listing
Eb
disc
Bl. 5 Award
.
Mut
PSA
IFC revolver
1818 Fund Exit
1.
Russell 3000/2000
Listed NYSE,
approved
UKCS
Fortune
Cramer
Business Week
-100
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
05/19/03
10/20/03
03/15/04
08/16/04
01/18/05
06/20/05
11/21/05
04/24/06
09/25/06
02/26/07
07/30/07
12/31/07


II.
Superior Returns and Financial
Performance


14
Superior Stock Price Performance and
Stockholder Returns
•
VAALCO’s stock price
performance has exceed that of
its
peer
group
–
and
far
exceeded the broader market –
over all meaningful periods
1.
The peer group is as defined by the independent
governance
and
proxy
advisory
firm
RiskMetrics
(ISS):
Brigham Exploration Co. (NasdaqNM:BEXP), Callon
Petroleum Co. (NYSE:CPE), Carrizo Oil & Gas Inc.
(NasdaqNM:CRZO), Delta Petroleum Corp.
(NasdaqNM:DPTR), Edge Petroleum Corp.
(NasdaqNM:EPEX),
TXCO
Resources,
Inc.
(NasdaqNM:TXCO), Goodrich Petroleum Corp.
(NYSE:GDP), Harvest Natural Resources Inc.
(NYSE:HNR), Pacific Ethanol, Inc. (NasdaqNM:PEIX),
PrimeEnergy
Corp. (NasdaqSC:PNRG), Quest Resource
Corp. (NasdaqNM:QRCP); peer group companies are
indexed on a market capitalization weighted basis; in this
presentation, over the 5-year measurement period, the
peer group index excludes Pacific Ethanol, Inc.
(NasdaqNM:PEIX), which entered trading on the Nasdaq
Global Market on March 24, 2005. 5-year and 3-year
relative performance charts use weekly average prices
Stockholder Returns
503%
143%
49%
61%
-100%
0%
100%
200%
300%
400%
500%
600%
VAALCO
Peer Group
S&P 500
Source: CapitalIQ
1


15
5-Year Average ROIC
31%
14%
10%
7%
7%
6%
5%
2%
-1%
-2%
-5%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
#1 Among Peers on 5-Year Return on
Invested Capital (ROIC)
†
†
Using John S. Herold, Inc.’s methodology, 5-Year ROIC
calculated as the 5-year weighted average of the sum of net
income to common plus preferred dividends plus minority
interest expense plus adj. net interest expense; over
average capital employed (year-end + prior year-end / 2),
calculated as the sum of: ST debt plus LT debt plus
volumetric production payments plus book value of common
plus book value of preferred plus minority Interest
•
5-Year ROIC
far in excess of peer
group and among the highest in
the industry
Peer Group
Average 5%
Note: figures for Quest Resource Corporation are not available because of change in reporting periods
Source: John S. Herold, Inc.


16
VAALCO 5-Year Revenue Growth
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
$140
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
#1 Among Peers on 5-Year Revenue Growth
5-Year Revenue Growth (CAGR)
66%
59%
52%
43%
38%
36%
34%
28%
23%
-38%
-60%
-40%
-20%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
Note: figures for Quest Resource Corporation are not available because of change in reporting periods
Source: John S. Herold, Inc.
Peer Group
Average 31%


17
5-Year EBITDA Growth
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
$120
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
#
2 Among Peers on 5-Year EBITDA
†
Growth
†
Note: in
order
to
adjust
for
differences
between
oil
and
gas
companies
that
use
“successful
efforts”
accounting
and
those
that “full
cost”
accounting (see next slide for details), EBITDA is calculated before exploration costs (commonly known as EBITDAX)
Note: figures for Quest Resource Corporation are not available because of change in reporting periods
Source: John S. Herold, Inc., CapitalIQ
Peer Group
Average 38%
5-Year EBITDA Growth (CAGR)
186%
81%
73%
69%
60%
40%
36%
34%
24%
-177%
-200%
-150%
-100%
-50%
0%
50%
100%
150%
200%
250%


18
Successful Efforts Accounting, “Liftings”
and the “Cost Account”
1.
Successful
efforts
1
accounting
is
the
SEC’s
preferred
method
of
accounting
for
exploration
–
use
of the successful efforts convention results in unusually low net income in any period
where there are exceptional exploration expenses, such as an unsuccessful well or large
payments for the acquisition of seismic data
–
VAALCO uses the convention as we believe it is a more transparent way to report performance
2.
Irregularity
in
the
timing
of
crude
oil
sales
(so-called
“liftings”)
results
in
unusually
low
net
income in any period that a lifting is missed, and unusually high net income in periods where
there
are
extra
liftings
to
“catch-up”
with
inventory
–
VAALCO’s
taxes
are
recognized
based
on
barrels
of
oil
produced
per
month
2
,
but
revenues
are
recognized
only
when
oil
is
sold
(lifted)
–
At any time VAALCO can have up to 1.1 MM gross barrels in inventory
3.
In
the
Etame
concession,
VAALCO
receives
a
form
of
tax
deduction
for
capital
spending
(“costs”)
and
can
carry-forward
amounts
not
yet
deducted
in
a
“cost
account”
–
VAALCO
experiences higher taxes, and lower net income, in any period where there is limited capital
spending and no balance in the Cost Account
1.  Under the successful efforts convention, all exploration costs except those related to successful drilling are expensed in the period
incurred; under the full cost convention, the cost of both successful and unsuccessful exploration efforts are fully capitalized
2.  Under U.S. and Gabonese law and VAALCO’s production sharing agreement (PSA) with the government of Gabon
All 3
of These Transitory Factors Impacted VAALCO’s Net
Income in the First Quarter of 2008


19
Nanes Delorme Partners’
Arguments
Rest on Incorrect Assertions
•
Assertion: VAALCO’s stock price has underperformed its peers
–
VAALCO’s
stock
price
performance
exceeds
that
of
the
ISS
peer
group
over 6-month, 1-year, 3-year and 5-year lookbacks
5-Year Relative Performance
-100
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
3-Year Relative Performance
-50
0
50
100
150
200
250
1-Year Relative Performance
-40
-30
-20
-10
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
VAALCO
S&P 500 Index
Peer Group


20
Nanes Delorme Partners’
Arguments
Rest on Incorrect Assertions
•
Assertion:  VAALCO is undervalued on the basis of two ratios: (a) Enterprise
Value (EV) / EBITDA and (b) Price / Earnings (P/E)
–
Nanes
states
these
ratios
to
be
“virtually all relevant comparable valuation
metrics”;
however,
Nanes
knows
–
or
should
know
as
a
self-described
“specialist”
in
the
oil
and
gas
industry
–
that
EV/EBITDA
and
P/E
ratios mean
very little in the context of small-cap E&Ps
–
EV / EBITDA:
•
“EBITDA multiples…
are less useful for valuing oil and gas reserves, where
depletion factors and exploration and development expenditures are difficult
to
incorporate
in
a
single
EBITDA
multiple
factor”
–
John
S.
Herold,
Inc.
Valuation Methodology
–
P/E Ratios:
•
“…
oil
industry
earnings
are
frequently
impacted
by…
fluctuations
in
commodity prices, the timing of exploration costs, income tax rates that vary
with
the
geographic
location
of
operations,
and
other
accounting
vagaries
associated with capital intensive businesses. As a consequence, reported
net income and, hence P/E ratios, are of limited utility in the valuation of an
oil company.”
–
John S. Herold, Inc. Valuation Methodology
E&Ps, and Smaller E&P’s
in Particular, Are Not
Valued on the Basis of Simplistic Multiples


III.
VAALCO’s Board: Experienced, Proven
and Committed to Maximizing
Stockholder Value


22
VAALCO’s Board: Independent,
Engaged and Experienced
•
More than 100 years of
combined experience in the
E&P
industry, including
international development
•
4 of 7 directors current or
former executive officers in
the industry
•
5 of 7 directors have served
as directors of other public
companies
•
Balanced portfolio of
complementary experience:
–
International government
relations and diplomacy
–
Geology and geophysics
–
Finance and accounting
–
Investment banking
–
Tax law
In 2007:
•
8 full board meetings
•
Quarterly sessions with
only independent directors
•
7 committee meetings
–
Audit (4)
–
Compensation (2)
–
Governance and
Nominating (1)
•
Board closely monitors
implementation of strategy
and operational results
–
Board and all committee
meetings conclude with an
executive session of
independent directors only
•
5 of 7 directors are
independent under NYSE
listing requirements
–
The 2 others being the
Company’s CEO and CFO
•
All committees are
comprised solely of
independent directors
–
Audit
–
Compensation
–
Governance and
Nominating
INDEPENDENT
ENGAGED
EXPERIENCED


23
Continuing Director Nominees Possess
Critical Skills and Experience
•
President since 1992; designed and implemented all of VAALCO’s exploration, drilling
and development campaigns since joining the Company in 1991
•
30+ years experience in the petroleum industry
•
Former petroleum reservoir engineer with Exxon, management consultant with McKinsey
& Company
and
investment
banker
with
Copeland,
Wickersham
and
Wiley, a leading
investment banking boutique specializing in the oil and gas industry
•
Member of the Audit Committee
•
Pioneer of Canadian oil and gas Industry; 50+ years of experience in the petroleum
industry includes 10 years as President of Mobil Oil Canada Ltd.
•
Honors include: inductee into Petroleum Hall of Fame, Honorary Doctorate from the
University
of
Alberta,
named
on
Albertans
who
had
an
impact
on
the
20
th
century
•
Current director of Softrock
Minerals and Carma.; former Chairman of Shiningbank
Energy Income Fund, Chairman of Serenpet, President, CEO and Chairman of Poco
Petroleum
Ltd.,
President
and
CEO
of
Bowtex
Energy
(Canada)
and
Chairman
and
CEO
of Mobil Oil Canada
•
Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance and Compensation committees
•
35+ years of experience in the petroleum industry
•
Former Ambassador to Great Britain with long standing business connections in the oil
and gas industry
•
Provides valuable perspectives on international relations in support of VAALCO’s West
African exploration efforts
Continuing
Directors
Have
Been
Central
To
Success
Over
The
Long-Term
E&P
Cycle
Their Experience And Leadership Are Central To Current Drilling Program
William S. Farish
Director since 2004
Arne R. Nielsen
Director since 1989
W. Russell Scheirman
President & CFO
Director since 1991


24
VAALCO’s Other Directors Are Also
Accomplished Leaders
Areas of Expertise
•
45+ years in petroleum industry
•
Chairman, CEO since 1997
Other Directorships
Current
•
Plains Exploration and Production
•
Integrity Bank
Former
•
Vice Chairman Nuevo Energy
Executive Experience
•
Founder, President, COO of
Nuevo Energy
•
SVP of Energy Assets
International
Other
•
Director, Texas Children’s Hospital
•
Member, University of Texas
Advisory Council
Areas of Expertise
•
Tax law for international
corporations
•
Legislative/Regulatory affairs
Other Directorships
Former
•
American Exploration Company
Executive Experience
•
Member of the Executive
Committee, Breen Investors
•
Partner-in-Charge, Baker
Botts, LLP
Other
•
Former Assistant Secretary for
Tax Policy at the U.S. Treasury
Department
•
Nominated by President Reagan,
confirmed by U.S. Senate and
represented the Administration in
presenting tax policy to U.S.
Congress
Areas of Expertise
•
45+ years in petroleum industry
•
Geology and Geophysics
•
Operating and management
experience in VAALCO’s core
asset locations
Other Directorships
Former
•
Pan-Ocean Energy
Executive Experience
•
MD, Chevron Africa & Mid-East
MD, Chevron Africa
•
Deputy MD Europe, Chevron
•
VP of Geoman, a Gulf affiliate
•
GM, Gulf Exploration of UKCS
•
Assistant to VP, Chevron
Overseas Exploration
Other
•
Ph.D. Geology and Geophysics
Areas of Expertise
•
50+ years in petroleum industry
•
Accounting (CPA)
•
Investment/Finance
Other Directorships
Current
•
First City Bancorporation
•
American Mining Congress
Former
•
Gulf Resources and Chemical
Corporation
•
Gulf Canada Resources
•
Gulf Indonesia Resources
•
Federal Express
•
University of Texas Investment
Management Company
Executive Experience
•
Chairman, CEO of Gulf
Resources
•
Chairman, CEO of Chemical
Corporation
Other
•
Managing Partner of Challenge
Investment Partners
•
Regent Emeritus of Texas A&M
•
Board of Trustees of Baylor
College of Medicine
Robert H. Allen
Luigi P. Caflisch
O. Donaldson Chapoton
Robert L. Gerry, III


25
Committed to Maximizing Stockholder Value
•
VAALCO’s Board is always open to considering bona fide offers that would provide
stockholders
with
full
and
fair
value
for
their
shares
–
NO
such
offers
have
been
received
•
VAALCO’s Board, with assistance of its financial and legal advisors, continuously reviews
the Company’s business plans and other value creating opportunities / strategic options
•
Retained
independent
financial
advisors
over
1
year
ago
and
have
been
evaluating:
•
Concessions, farm-ins and acquisitions
•
Acquisitions
of
additional
working
interests
in
the
Etame
concession
•
Growth capital
financing
structures
including
PIPEs
(private
investment
public
equity)
•
Other opportunities / strategic options
•
Now is not the right time to sell VAALCO
•
Stockholders are poised to benefit from the current drilling program
•
Selling
now
would
transfer
the
value
of
a
potential
discovery
to
the
acquiror
•
E&Ps do not receive full value on resources that have not been proved-out by drilling
•
Uncertain market conditions (including commodity price volatility and credit market
instability)
are
likely
to
inhibit
a
robust
sale
process
and
the
ability
to
obtain
full
and
fair
value for stockholders
•
After
careful
analysis
and
consideration,
in
September
2007
VAALCO’s
Board
–
with
the
assistance
of
the
Company’s
financial
and
legal
advisors
–
adopted
a
stockholders’
rights
plan (“Poison Pill”), as an appropriate defense to prevent an opportunistic acquisition at
prices below VAALCO’s intrinsic value


26
Why Even One Nanes Delorme / Pilatus Energy Nominee is
Bad
for
Stockholders
–
Who
Are
They?
Nanes Delorme
•
Proxy campaign led by Julien
Balkany, a 27-year
old French citizen
•
Formed 2000 by Daryl Nanes; based in New York
–
Suffered $323,510 net loss in 2007
•
Broker and adviser on African oil & gas
transactions including:
–
Surestream
Petroleum’s
“exclusive advisor”
in a
sale of up to 40% of its interests in the Ndunda
Block, Democratic Republic of Congo
–
“Sole financial advisors”
to Afren
in its acquisition
of oil & gas properties in Angola
2
–
all of Afren’s
oil
& gas assets are located in West Africa
–
Advisor to Maurel
& Prom, a company with
extensive oil & gas operations in Gabon and
Congo (Brazzaville), West Africa
•
Self-proclaimed hedge fund formed January 2008
•
Affiliated with investment bank Bear Stearns
Pilatus Energy
•
Founded in 2006; based in Zug, Switzerland
•
Purportedly
led
by
Loik
Le
Floch-Prigent
–
“The name of the former Elf CEO doesn't appear on
their list of executives but it is he who makes all of
their investment decisions.”
•
Le Floch-Prigent
was convicted by a French court in
2003, sentenced to 5-years in prison and fined
€375,000 for fraud, embezzlement, bribery and a
kickback scheme through his management of Elf
Aquataine
(known as “the Elf Affair”)
4,5
–
“probably the biggest political and corporate sleaze
scandal to hit a western democracy since the
second
world
war”
6
–
Used $145 MM of public funds used to buy influence
and contacts in Africa
7
–
Accused of embezzling millions from Elf and using
company
funds
to
obtain
political
influence
8
•
Le Floch-Prigent
was convicted again 1 year ago for
misappropriating funds in connection with a bogus
jobs scheme, receiving a 15-month suspended
sentence and €60,000 fine
4
•
Reported to have acquired oil and gas properties in
Mali
and Congo
and to be pursuing assets in
Cameroon,
Guinea
and
the
Ivory
Coast
1.
Africa Energy Intelligence (AEI), “The New African Oil Trail Blazers”, 2/20/08
2.
AEI, “Abbas
I. Yousef
Al Yousef”, 12/19/07
3.
AEI, “Le Floch-Prigent’s
New Incarnation”, 12/5/07
4.
Reuters News, “Curtain Comes Down on Final Elf Graft Trial”, 5/25/07
5.
Associated Press, “Paris Court Orders Former Elf Chairman Freed From Prison
on Medical Grounds”, 4/8/04
6.
The Guardian, “Gigantic Sleaze Scandal Winds Up as Former Elf Oil Chiefs are
Jailed”, 11/13/03
7.
Associated Press, “Former French Oil Chief Testifies that Money Went to
African Leaders”, 3/19/03
8.
Reuters News, “Former Elf Head Blames Unhappy Marriage for Graft”, 4/14/03
3
3
2,3


27
Why Even One Nanes Delorme / Pilatus Energy Nominee is
Bad for Stockholders –
Significant
Conflicts of Interest
•
The
most
competitive
and
important
area
of
activity
for
E&P
companies
is
the
search for prospective drilling acreage and related information (such as
whether properties are available and seismic data)
•
Protecting
this
sensitive,
proprietary
information
is
crucial
to
an
E&P
company’s success and a critical driver of value creation
•
We
believe
installing
any
competitor’s
paid
representatives
onto
VAALCO’s
Board
would
inhibit
discussion
and
create
an
untenable
situation
that
limits
meaningful
review
of
VAALCO’s
opportunities
and
prospects
–
In
our
view,
this
would be detrimental to stockholder value and the future of VAALCO
Nanes Delorme Partners and Pilatus Energy Have Significant Conflicts
of Interest –
They Do Not Belong on VAALCO’s Board


28
Why Even One Nanes Delorme / Pilatus Energy Nominee is
Bad
for
Stockholders
–
True
Intentions
Are
Unknown
•
Pilatus acquired ~4.5% of VAALCO (just shy of
SEC disclosure requirements) only recently,
between November 30, 2007 and January 30,
2008;
Nanes
Delorme
was
not
even
formed
until January 22, 2008
–
Nanes told VAALCO on at least 3 occasions
that
its
unnamed
limited
partner
was
not
a
competitor
–
Pilatus
was
only
identified
May
5,
almost
2 months
after the initial 13D, and an
amended proxy
•
Pilatus’/Nanes’
goals are unclear; objectives
do not seem aligned with other stockholders
–
Refused
on at least 2 occasions to enter into a
non-disclosure agreement
–
Refused
an
offer
by
VAALCO
–
made
prior
to
VAALCO
learning
of
Pilatus’
involvement
–
of
1 Board
seat
and
membership
on
a
committee
to review alternatives
–
Demanded
(although a 7.9% holder): 3 Board
seats and formation of a “special committee”,
controlled by Nanes, to review alternatives
including a corporate sale
Pilatus
Nanes
Delorme
Nov. 28, 2007 –
Jan. 16, 2008
Purchases 1.125 MM shares
Jan. 18 & Jan. 22, 2008 formed:
Nanes
Balkany
Partners I
Nanes
Balkany
Management
Nanes
Delorme Partners I
Jan. 30
Has 2.7 MM shares (~4.5%)
Feb. 14
Transfers all
to Nanes
Feb. 22 –
Mar. 3
Purchases 0.65 MM shares
requiring 13D filing (~5.6%)
Mar. 4 –
Mar. 11
Purchases 1.35 MM shares
for a total of 4.7 MM (~7.9%)
Mar. 11 & Mar. 12
Sends letter to Board, then
files 13D, 1 day before earn-
ings; no mention of Pilatus
Week
of
April
7
CEO & CFO agree to meet Nanes
on April 15; prior to meeting, on
April 11, Nanes
notifies VAALCO
it will seek its own directors
April 15 -
April 22
Balkany
refuses to identify
unnamed, secret limited partner;
tells VAALCO its partner is
not
in the oil & gas business
April 24
-
VAALCO
files
Proxy
April 25
-
Nanes
files
preliminary
proxy; does
not
identify Pilatus
May 5
-
Nanes
files
amended
preliminary proxy revealing
identity of limited partner as
Pilatus Energy


29
Why Even One Nanes Delorme / Pilatus Energy Nominee is
Bad
for
Stockholders
–
No
Substantive
Ideas
•
Nanes other stated ideas for VAALCO make little sense:
–
Core
asset
divestitures
–
What
assets,
short
of
a
sale
of
the
entire
company,
does
Nanes
Delorme propose to divest?
–
Nanes Delorme itself states that “VAALCO is a company which has first class oil and gas
properties, with a balanced portfolio of assets and substantial exploration upside in Angola and
Gabon, which generates significant cash flow”
–
Alternative
listings
–
Nanes
Delorme
provides
no
support
whatsoever
for
its
assertion
that
share performance would be affected by an alternative listing
–
Clear
proof
to
the
contrary
–
superior
stockholder
returns
and
operating
performance
–
“Flowback”
likely to lead to stock price declines
–
Cease
North
Sea
activity
–
VAALCO’s
North
Sea
activity
is
a
small
part
of
our
overall
business and is consistent with our strategy of obtaining new assets in politically stable
regions where modern technology has the potential to unlock previously hidden reserves
–
70 discoveries currently in the appraisal or development stage representing ~ 3 billion barrels of
oil equivalent –
new entrants are involved in 46 of these projects¹
–
Well understood geology resulting in low exploration risk and high drilling success rates
–
Government policies encourage new entrants and accelerated E&P
–
Move
headquarters
to
London,
Paris
or
Geneva
and
close
office
in
Aberdeen
–
–
Houston
is
widely
known
as
the
oil
capital
of
the
world,
with
an
unsurpassed
pool
of
talent
and
a
low
cost
of
living
(the
same
cannot
be
said
for
London,
Paris
or
Geneva)
–
Aberdeen
is
where
all
of
the
drilling
professionals
for
VAALCO's
operations
are
based
and
is
an
established international center for drilling expertise
1. Hannon Westwood, May 2008


30
Nanes’
Nominees Add No
Significant
Skills or Experience
Leonard Toboroff
•
Current director of Engex, a closed-end investment
company focused on the biotechnology, technology,
gaming and distribution industries (market capitalization
of $9 MM), NOVT, a former developer of treatments for
vascular diseases (no significant current operations)
and SP Acquisition, a blank-check acquisition company
(no significant operations)
•
Director and Vice-Chairman of Allis-Chalmers Energy,
which provides drilling equipment to the onshore
domestic energy industry
W. Russell Scheirman
•
Designed and implemented all of VAALCO’s
exploration, drilling and development campaigns since
joining the Company in 1991
•
30+ years experience in the petroleum industry
•
Former petroleum reservoir engineer with Exxon,
consultant with McKinsey & Company and investment
banker
Clarence Cottaman
III
•
PetroFalcon
Board member since June 2003; since
2005, stock has fallen from a high of C$5.90 to C$1.50;
operating at a loss for the last 2 years
•
Expertise already well represented on VAALCO’s Board
Arne R. Nielsen
•
50+ years experience in the petroleum industry
•
Inductee into the Petroleum Hall of Fame
•
Extensive operating and Executive Management
industry experience, including 10 years as President of
Mobil Oil Canada
Julian Balkany
•
Age 27
•
Managing Director, Nanes Delorme, oil & gas M&A
investment broker to VAALCO’s competitors
•
No public company executive or Board experience
William S. Farish
•
Former Ambassador to Great Britain
•
Long standing industry business connections
•
35+ years experience in the petroleum industry
•
Valuable perspectives on international relations in
support of VAALCO’s West African efforts


31
VAALCO’s Nominees Are the Right
Choice
•
Independent and engaged Board made up of successful and experienced industry leaders
–
Responsible for successful implementation of corporate strategy and stock price appreciation
–
Broad and complementary expertise in areas critical to VAALCO’s business
–
5 of 7 directors independent under NYSE listing requirements
–
All committees constituted solely of independent directors
•
Superior long-term value creation and financial performance
–
503% cumulative stockholder return over the last 5 years
–
Outperformed peer group over each of the last 6-month, 1-year, 3-year and 5-year periods
–
31% 5-year average ROIC (among top 5% of the oil & gas industry)
–
66% revenue CAGR over the last 5 years
–
81% EBITDA CAGR over the last 5 years
•
Track record of superior operating achievements
–
82% success rate in exploration drilling since 1998, when Etame
drilling
began
–
100% success rate in the drilling and completion of development wells since 1998
–
50% increase in production since 2002
•
Strong growth expected to continue
–
Drilling program underway exposes VAALCO stockholders to 8x current reserves
–
7 planned exploration wells, 2 development wells, arrangements in place to contract for rigs
–
Drilling to commence this summer


32
VAALCO Energy, Inc.
Exceptional Exploration Track Record
Efficient, Low Cost Operator
Large, High Prospectivity
Exploration Portfolio
Strong Cash Flow for Exploration, Production and Acquisitions