Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Note 3 - New Accounting Standards

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Note 3 - New Accounting Standards
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Notes to Financial Statements  
Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Text Block]

3. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

Adopted

 

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Codification (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”) related to the calculation of credit losses on financial instruments. All financial instruments not accounted for at fair value are impacted, including the Company’s trade and joint venture owners’ receivables. Allowances are to be measured using a current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model as of the reporting date that is based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This is significantly different from the current model that increases the allowance when losses are probable. ASU 2016-13 is effective for Securities and Exchange Commission filers, excluding smaller reporting companies, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company was required to adopt the new standard for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 (“ASC 326”) on January 1, 2023 using the modified-retrospective approach. The modified-retrospective approach consists of applying the amendments in ASU 2016-13 through a cumulative-effect adjustment, if required, to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. The Company’s current method and timing of recognizing credit loss and other allowances are in accordance with ASC 326 and is consistent with the previous method of recognizing credit loss and other allowances, except for one receivable, which now utilizes the Discounted Cash Flow method for computing its Expected Credit Loss (“ECL”). The Company recorded an ECL allowance of $3.1 million as an opening balance adjustment to retained earnings at January 1, 2023.

 

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848),” which provides for applying U.S. GAAP to debt contracts, receivables, leases, derivatives, and other contracts impacted by reference rate reform and other transactions affected by the cessation of the LIBOR. The expiration date of ASU 2020-04 was December 31, 2022. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848, to extend the expiration date of Topic 848 through December 31, 2024. On October 3, 2023, the Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2022-06, “Reference Rate Reform Topic 848. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact to the company. 

 

Not Yet Adopted

 

In December 2023, FASB issued new guidance to improve Income Tax disclosures to provide information to assess how an entity’s operations and related tax risks and tax planning and operational opportunities affect its tax rate and prospects for future cash flows. The rules become effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The standard modifies required income tax disclosures. VAALCO is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In November 2023, FASB issued new guidance to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The rules become effective for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. The standard requires additional disclosures about operating segments. VAALCO is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2023, FASB issued new guidance to provide specific guidance on how a joint venture, upon formation, should recognize and initially measure assets contributed and liabilities assumed. The rules become effective prospectively for all joint venture formations occurring on or after January 1, 2025. VAALCO is currently assessing the impact of this guidance.