Sign in

    James Wilen • Wilen Management

    James Wilen's questions to VAALCO Energy Inc (EGY) leadership

    James Wilen's questions to VAALCO Energy Inc (EGY) leadership • Q4 2024

    Question

    James Wilen from Wilen Management inquired about the number, timing, and historical production volumes of the H2S wells, the cost breakdown for the Cote d'Ivoire FPSO versus drilling items, and potential efficiencies from the new FPSO.

    Answer

    CEO George Maxwell and executive Thor Pruckl explained that two Ebouri wells are currently tied in, with one recently brought online producing around 1,600 bbl/d. The H2S wells are scheduled for the tail end of the drilling program, likely in 2026, due to long-lead times for severe service equipment. CFO Ronald Bain noted the gross FPSO project cost is around $650 million. Pruckl added that the FPSO work is primarily a refurbishment to its original condition with modernization upgrades, not a significant change to its topside capabilities.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    James Wilen's questions to U-Haul Holding Co (UHAL) leadership

    James Wilen's questions to U-Haul Holding Co (UHAL) leadership • Q3 2025

    Question

    James Wilen of Wilen Management asked about competitor construction levels in self-storage, the rate and margin dynamics of U-Box storage, U-Haul's key competitive advantages in the portable storage market, whether acquired storage properties are immediately accretive, and for more details on the impact of electric vehicle regulations.

    Answer

    Chairman Edward Shoen stated that competitor construction appears high everywhere and provided extensive commentary on EV mandates, explaining there is no viable solution for U-Haul's truck sizes and that regulations have inflated the cost of traditional trucks. Executive Samuel Shoen explained that U-Box's competitive advantages are its lower cost, vast network, and delivery options, not just indoor storage, and that its metrics should eventually exceed traditional storage. CFO Jason Berg clarified that acquired properties are not always immediately accretive, as they often require a 'seasoning process' to normalize artificially low rental rates, which can cause a temporary occupancy dip.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI

    James Wilen's questions to U-Haul Holding Co (UHAL) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    James Wilen asked about the competitive advantage of integrating U-Box into new self-storage facilities, the valuation gap relative to peers like CubeSmart, and the strategic rationale for the aggressive development pace versus potentially selling mature assets.

    Answer

    An executive identified as Sam Shoen clarified that while integrated U-Box storage is an advantage, the company's market share gains are driven more by its moving services, noting significant room for improvement in the storage side of U-Box. Chairman Edward Shoen acknowledged that aggressive development is a near-term drag on earnings but is core to the long-term strategy. He dismissed the idea of selling mature assets, explaining that partitioning integrated facilities is operationally complex and provides only a 'onetime pop' rather than sustained value.

    Ask Fintool Equity Research AI