i
Execution Version
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 20-F
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024
Commission File Number: 001- 39000
Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
N.A.
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)
United Mexican States
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Torre Mapfre
243 Paseo de la Reforma Avenue, 18th Floor
Colonia Renacimiento, Alcaldía Cuauhtémoc
Mexico City, 06600
Mexico
(Address of principal executive offices)
Alejandro Cherñacov
Torre Mapfre
243 Paseo de la Reforma Avenue, 18th Floor
Colonia Renacimiento, Alcaldía Cuauhtémoc
Mexico City, 06600
Mexico
Tel.: + 52 (55) 1555-7104
(Name, telephone, e-mail and/or facsimile number and address of company contact person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol
Name of each exchange
on which registered
Series A shares VISTA
American Depositary Shares, each representing VIST
1 series A share, with no par value
New York Stock Exchange*
New York Stock Exchange
* Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of American Depositary Shares, pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the
annual report:
95,285,451 outstanding series A shares, with no par value
2 outstanding series C shares, with no par value
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes
No
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to
Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes
No
ii
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth
company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange
Act.
Large Accelerated Filer
Accelerated Filer
Non-Accelerated Filer
Emerging Growth Company
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant
has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant
to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its
Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by
the International Accounting Standards Board
Other
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has
elected to follow.
Item 17
Item 18
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its
internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (§ 15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public
accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant
included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based
compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).
TABLE OF CONTENT
Page
Presentation of Information................................................................................................................................................................................ 1
Forward-Looking Statements............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers ................................................................................................................ 10
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable .......................................................................................................................................... 10
Item 3. Key Information................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Item 4. Information on the Company ............................................................................................................................................................ 49
Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments.......................................................................................................................................................... 97
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects............................................................................................................................... 97
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees.............................................................................................................................123
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions.....................................................................................................................133
Item 8. Financial Information ......................................................................................................................................................................134
Item 9. The Offer and Listing ......................................................................................................................................................................136
Item 10.Additional Information ....................................................................................................................................................................141
Item 11.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk .......................................................................................................181
Item 12.Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities ...............................................................................................................182
Item 13.Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies........................................................................................................................183
Item 14.Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds .........................................................................183
Item 15.Controls and Procedures..................................................................................................................................................................183
Item 16.Reserved ...........................................................................................................................................................................................185
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert .............................................................................................................................................185
Item 16B. Code of Ethics ..............................................................................................................................................................................185
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.....................................................................................................................................185
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees ................................................................................................186
Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers ..................................................................................186
Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant ..........................................................................................................................186
Item 16G. Corporate Governance .................................................................................................................................................................186
Item 16H.Mine Safety Disclosure................................................................................................................................................................188
Item 16I. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections......................................................................................188
Item 16J. Insider Trading Policies ...............................................................................................................................................................188
Item 16K. Cybersecurity................................................................................................................................................................................188
Item 17.Financial Statements ........................................................................................................................................................................190
Item 18.Financial Statements ........................................................................................................................................................................190
Item 19.Exhibits.............................................................................................................................................................................................191
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PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION
This document comprises the annual report of Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. (“Vista”) on Form 20-F for the
year ended December 31, 2024.
References
Unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires, (i) the terms “Vista,” “Company,” “we,” “us,”
and “our,” refer to Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. (formerly known as Vista Oil & Gas, S.A.B. de C.V.), a corporation
(sociedad anónima bursátil de capital variable) organized under the laws of Mexico, and its consolidated subsidiaries,
(ii) the term “Issuer” refers to Vista exclusive of its subsidiaries, (iii) the term “Vista Argentina” refers to Vista
Energy Argentina S.A.U. (formerly known as Vista Oil & Gas Argentina S.A.U., prior thereto as Vista Oil & Gas
Argentina S.A., and prior thereto, as Petrolera Entre Lomas S.A.); (iv) the term “Vista Holding I” refers to Vista
Energy Holding I, S.A. de C.V. (formerly known as Vista Oil & Gas Holding I, S.A. de C.V.); and (v) the term “Vista
Holding II” refers to Vista Energy Holding II, S.A. de C.V. (formerly known as Vista Oil & Gas Holding I, S.A. de
C.V.). See “Item 4—Information on the Company.”
References to “series A shares” refer to shares of our series A common stock, no par value, and references to
“ADSs” are to American Depositary Shares, each representing one series A share, except where the context requires
otherwise.
In addition, the term “Mexico” refers to the United Mexican States, the term “United States” refers to the
United States of America, and the term “Argentina” refers to the Argentine Republic. Moreover, the phrase “Mexican
government” refers to the federal government of Mexico, the phrase “U.S. government” refers to the federal
government of the United States, and the phrase “Argentine government” refers to the federal government of
Argentina.
Accounting terms have the definitions set forth under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”),
as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).
Financial Statements and Information
The consolidated financial statements included in this annual report have been prepared on a historical basis
in accordance with IFRS, as described herein.
We maintain our books and records in U.S. Dollars, which is the presentation currency for our financial
statements and also the functional currency of our operations.
The financial information contained, or referred to, in this annual report includes the audited consolidated
financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 and for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022,
and the notes thereto (“Audited Financial Statements”).
The Audited Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB and
are presented in U.S. Dollars.
Presentation of Currencies and Rounding
All references to “$,” “US$,” “U.S. Dollars” and are to U.S. Dollars, the lawful currency of the United States
of America, references to “Mexican Pesos” and “Ps.” are to Mexican Pesos, the lawful currency of Mexico and
“Argentine Pesos” and “AR$” are to Argentine Pesos, the lawful currency of Argentina. The Audited Financial
Statements are presented in U.S. Dollars.
Certain figures included in this annual report have been subject to rounding adjustments. Accordingly,
figures shown as totals in certain tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede them.
No Emerging Growth Company Status
As of December 31, 2023, we have ceased to be an emerging growth company and are therefore no longer
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able to take advantage of certain exemptions from various requirements applicable to other public companies that are
emerging growth companies including, most significantly, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation
requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX”). As such, our independent registered public
accounting firm is now required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.
Public Company in Mexico
Because we are a public company in Mexico, investors can access our historical financial statements
published in Spanish on the Mexican Stock Exchange’s (Bolsa Mexicana de Valores, S.A.B. de C.V.), the Mexican
National Banking Commission’s (Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores) (“CNBV”)’s and our websites at
www.bmv.com.mx, www.gob.mx/cnbv and www.vistaenergy.com, respectively. The information found on the
Mexican Stock Exchange’s, the CNBV’s and our websites is not a part of this annual report.
Non-IFRS Financial Measures
In this annual report, we present ROACE, Net Debt, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and
Adjusted Net Income (in each case, as defined below), which are non-IFRS financial measures. A non-IFRS financial
measure is generally defined as a numerical measure of a registrant’s historical or future financial performance,
financial position or cash flows that: (i) excludes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of
excluding amounts, that are included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance
with IFRS in the statement of income, balance sheet or statement of cash flows (or equivalent statements) of the
issuer; or (ii) includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of including amounts, that are
excluded from the most directly comparable measure so calculated and presented.
We define Adjusted EBITDA as profit for the year, net, plus income tax expense, financial income
(expense), net, depreciation, depletion and amortization, transaction costs related to business combinations and gain
from asset disposals, restructuring and reorganization expenses, gain related to the transfer of conventional assets,
other non-cash costs related to the transfer of conventional assets and (reversal) impairment of long-lived assets.
Effective for periods starting on or after January 1, 2023, the Company has adjusted the definition of Adjusted
EBITDA compared to prior annual reports by excluding gain related to the transfer of conventional assets and other
non-cash costs related to the transfer of conventional assets. We believe that excluding gain related to the transfer of
conventional assets and other non-cash costs related to the transfer of conventional assets results in a better
representation of the Company’s returns following the Conventional Assets Transaction (as defined below), given that
profit and losses generated by the Conventional Assets Transaction have a non-recurrent impact only during the
duration of the transaction, and excluding them allows our management and investors to better analyze our core
operating performance on a consistent basis from period to period. Given that the Conventional Assets Transaction
became effective on March 1, 2023, a recast for prior periods was not necessary. We believe that the nature of the
restructuring and reorganization expenses were such that they are not reasonably likely to recur within two years as
they are mainly related to permanent reductions in our workforce derived from our business combinations, and that
restructuring and reorganization expenses and transaction expenses are not normal, recurring operating expenses. We
believe that by excluding restructuring and reorganization expenses and transaction costs related to business
combinations and gain from asset disposals, we are able to provide supplemental information for our management and
investors to analyze our core operating performance on a consistent basis from period to period. In addition, the
(reversal) impairment of long-lived assets was excluded from the determination of our Adjusted EBITDA because it
corresponds to an adjustment to the valuation of our fixed assets which charge is similar in nature to the depreciation
of property, plant and equipment. This metric allows management and investors to analyze our operating performance
on a consistent basis from period to period. In this regard, the elimination of these costs and expenses does not result
in a reduction of operating expenses necessary to conduct our business. In light of the foregoing factors, our
management excludes restructuring and reorganization expenses, transaction costs related to business combinations
and gain from asset disposals, gain related to the transfer of conventional assets and other non-cash costs related to the
transfer of conventional assets and (reversal) impairment of long-lived assets from our Adjusted EBITDA to facilitate
reviews of operational performance and as a basis for strategic planning. Our management believes that excluding
such items will allow investors to supplement their understanding of our short-term and long-term financial trends.
3
We define Adjusted Net Income as profit for the year, net, plus deferred income tax (expense), changes in
fair value of warrants, gain related to the transfer of conventional assets, other non-cash costs related to the transfer of
conventional assets and (reversal) impairment of long-lived assets. Effective for periods starting on or after January 1,
2023, the Company has adjusted the definition of Adjusted Net Income compared to prior annual reports by excluding
gain related to the transfer of conventional assets and other non-cash costs related to the transfer of conventional
assets. We believe that excluding gain related to the transfer of conventional assets and other non-cash costs related to
the transfer of conventional assets results in a better representation of the Company’s returns following the
Conventional Assets Transaction, given that profit and losses generated by the Conventional Assets Transaction have
a non-recurrent impact only during the duration of the transaction, and excluding them allows our management and
investors to better analyze our ongoing performance on a consistent basis from period to period. Given that the
Conventional Assets Transaction became effective on March 1, 2023, a recast for prior periods was not necessary.
Deferred income tax (expense) was excluded as they relate to recognition of temporary differences between the tax
bases of assets and liabilities and the carrying amounts in the financial statement using the liability method. Changes
in the fair value of warrants were excluded because they correspond to an adjustment valuation of financial liabilities
assumed by the Company, likewise (reversal) impairment of long-lived assets were excluded from the determination
of our adjusted net income because they correspond to an adjustment to the valuation of our long-lived assets. Our
management believes that excluding such items will allow investors to facilitate the comparison performance from
period to period by removing these identified non-cash items that are mainly driven by external factors and that affect
(benefit) the Company’s net income.
We define Net Debt as current and non-current borrowings minus cash, bank balances and other short-term
investments.
We define Adjusted EBITDA Margin as the ratio of Adjusted EBITDA to revenue from contracts with
customers plus Gain from Exports Increase Program. Effective for periods starting on or after January 1, 2023, the
Company has adjusted the definition of Adjusted EBITDA Margin compared to prior annual reports to add Gains
from the Exports Increase Program in the denominator, as it believes that this results in a better representation of the
Company’s margins given that it is accounted for in the Adjusted EBITDA which is the numerator, making the ratio
consistent by having the impact both in numerator and denominator. Given that the Exports Increase Program was
established in October 2023, a recast for prior periods was not necessary.
We define return on average capital employed (“ROACE”) as Adjusted EBITDA plus depreciation, depletion
and amortization, gain related to the transfer of conventional assets and other non-cash costs related to the transfer of
conventional assets, divided by the sum of the average total debt and average total shareholders’ equity. For purposes
of this definition, total debt is comprised of current borrowings, non-current borrowings, current lease liabilities and
non-current lease liabilities. Effective for periods starting on or after January 1, 2023, the Company has adjusted the
definition of ROACE compared to prior annual reports to add gains related to the transfer of conventional assets and
other non-cash costs related to the transfer of conventional asset in the numerator. We believe that adding gain related
to the transfer of conventional assets and other non-cash costs related to the transfer of conventional assets to the
numerator results in a better representation of the Company’s returns following the Conventional Assets Transaction,
given that profit and losses generated by the Conventional Assets Transaction are accounted for in the profit for the
year, net and therefore in total shareholder´s equity which is included in the denominator, making the ratio consistent
by having the impact both in numerator and denominator. Given that the Conventional Assets Transaction became
effective on March 1, 2023, a recast for prior periods was not necessary. Our management believes ROACE can be a
valuable tool to measure the efficiency of the utilization of the capital we employ, whether financed by equity or debt.
We present Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Net Debt, Adjusted Net Income and ROACE
because we believe they provide investors with supplemental measures of the financial condition and performance of
our core operations that facilitate period to period comparisons on a consistent basis. Our management uses Net Debt,
Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Adjusted Net Income and ROACE, among other measures, for
internal planning and performance measurement purposes. Net debt, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin,
Adjusted Net Income and ROACE are not measures of liquidity or operating performance under IFRS and should not
be construed as alternatives to net profit, operating profit, or cash flow provided by operating activities (in each case,
as determined in accordance with IFRS). Net Debt, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Adjusted Net
Income and ROACE, as calculated by us, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other
companies. For a reconciliation of Net Debt, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Adjusted Net Income
and ROACE to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measure, see “Item 5—Operating and Financial Review
and Prospects—Operating Results.”
4
Market and Industry Data
This annual report includes market share, ranking, industry data and forecasts that we obtained from industry
publications and surveys, public filings, and internal company sources. Industry publications, surveys and forecasts
generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable,
including SdE (as defined below) and the EIA (as defined below), but there can be no assurance as to the accuracy or
completeness of included information.
We have not independently verified any of the data from third-party sources, nor have we ascertained the
underlying economic assumptions relied upon therein. We believe data regarding the size of our markets and market
share are inherently imprecise, but generally indicate size and position and market share within our markets. While
we are not aware of any misstatements regarding our industry data presented herein, our estimates involve risks and
uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed in the section titled “Risk
Factors.”
Presentation of Oil and Gas Information
The Company’s Oil and Gas Reserves Information
The information included in this annual report regarding estimated quantities of proved reserves is derived
from estimates of the proved reserves as of December 31, 2024. The proved reserves estimates are derived from the
report dated January 27, 2025, prepared by DeGolyer and MacNaughton (“D&M”), for our concessions located in
Argentina and Mexico (“2024 Reserves Report”). The 2024 Reserves Report is included as Exhibit 99.1 to this annual
report. D&M is an independent reserves engineering consultant. The 2024 Reserves Report prepared by D&M is
based on information provided by us and present an appraisal as of December 31, 2024, of oil and gas reserves
located in the Bajada del Palo Oeste, Bajada del Palo Este, Aguada Federal, Águila Mora, Bandurria Norte, Coirón
Amargo Norte, Entre Lomas Río Negro, Entre Lomas Neuquén, Charco del Palenque, Jarilla Quemada, Jagüel de los
Machos, 25 de Mayo–Medanito SE, and Acambuco concessions in Argentina, and of our oil and gas reserves located
in the CS-01 concession in Mexico.
Argentina and Mexico Oil and Gas Reserves Information
The information included in “Item 4—Information on the Company—Industry and Regulatory Overview” of
this annual report regarding Argentina’s and Mexico’s proved reserves has been prepared based on official and
publicly available information of the Argentine Secretariat of Energy (Secretaría de Energía) (“SdE”) and the former
Mexican National Hydrocarbon Commission (Comisión Nacional de Hidrocarburos) (“CNH”). References to the
“proved reserves” of Argentina and Mexico follow the definition of “proved reserves” as set forth in the guidelines
published by the SdE and CNH, as applicable. However, the information regarding Vista’s proved reserves included
elsewhere in this annual report has been prepared according to the definitions of Rule 4-10(a) of Regulation S-X or
the Society of Petroleum Engineers (“SPE”)’s Petroleum Resources Management System, which may differ from the
relevant guidelines published by the Argentine and Mexican authorities. For more information, see “Item 4—
Information on the Company—Industry and Regulatory Overview—Oil and Gas Regulatory Framework in
Argentina—Reserves and Resources Certification in Argentina” and “Item 4—Information on the Company—Industry
and Regulatory Overview—Oil and Gas Regulatory Framework in Mexico—Reserves and Resources Certification in
Mexico.”
Certain Definitions
“ADR” means American Depositary Receipt.
“ADS” means American Depositary Share.
“Argentine Constitution” means the Argentine National Constitution (Constitución Nacional de la
República Argentina).
“Argentine Executive Branch” means the Argentine federal executive branch.
“Argentine Secretariat of Energy” or “SdE” means the current Argentine Secretaría de Energía under the
5
supervision of the Argentine Ministry of Energy and the Argentine Ministry of Energy and Mining, and/or any other
Argentine governmental agency that oversees the enforcement of the Argentine Hydrocarbons Law (as defined
below) in the future, as applicable.
“Argentine Hydrocarbons Law” means the Argentine Hydrocarbons Law No. 17,319 (Ley de
Hidrocarburos), as amended from time to time.
“BCRA” means the Argentine Central Bank (Banco Central de la República Argentina).
“Btu” means British thermal units.
“CFE” means the Mexican Federal Electricity Commission (Comisión Federal de Electricidad).
“CNE” means the Mexican National Energy Commission (Comisión Nacional de Energía).
“CNH” means the former Mexican National Hydrocarbon Commission (Comisión Nacional de
Hidrocarburos).
“COFECE” means the Mexican Federal Economic Competition Commission (Comisión Federal de
Competencia Económica).
“CRE” means the former Mexican Energy Regulatory Commission (Comisión Reguladora de Energía).
“EIA” means the United States Energy Information Administration.
“ESG” means Environmental, Social and Governance.
“E&P” means exploration and production.
“Executive Team” means the Company’s management team that is comprised of Miguel Galuccio, Pablo
Vera Pinto, Juan Garoby, Alejandro Cherñacov and Matías Weissel.
“GHG emissions” means greenhouse gas emissions. Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from sources
controlled by the Company within the organizational boundaries of reporting, and include combustion, flaring,
venting, and fugitive sources. Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from energy used by Vista but produced by a
third party, and may include imported electricity, steam, and heat.
“Ley de Bases” means the Argentine Law No. 27,742 (Ley de Bases y Puntos de Partida para la Libertad de
los Argentinos).
“LNG” means liquefied natural gas.
“LPG” means liquefied petroleum gas (includes butane and propane).
“Mexican Constitution” means the Mexican Political Constitution (Constitución Política de los Estados
Unidos Mexicanos).
“Mexican Executive Branch” means the Mexican federal executive branch
“MMBtu” means million British thermal units.
“NBS” means nature-based solutions.
“NGL” means natural gas liquids, including butane and propane (LPG).
“OPEC” means Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.
“Pemex” means the Mexico’s national oil company (Petróleos Mexicanos).
“production” when used with respect to (i) our gas production, it excludes flared gas, injected gas and gas
6
consumed in our operations and (ii) our NGL production, consists only of LPG.
“proved developed reserves” means those proved reserves that can be expected to be recovered through
existing wells and facilities and by existing operating methods.
“proved reserves” means those quantities of oil and natural gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and
engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible—from a given date
forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods and government
regulations—prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that
renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation.
The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will
commence the project within a reasonable time. For a complete definition of “proved oil and natural gas reserves,”
refer to the SEC’s Regulation S-X, Rule 4, 10(a)(22).
“proved undeveloped reserves” means those proved reserves that are expected to be recovered from future
wells and facilities, including future improved recovery projects which are anticipated with a high degree of certainty
in reservoirs which have previously shown favorable response to improved recovery projects. For a complete
definition of “proved undeveloped oil and natural gas reserves,” refer to the SEC’s Regulation S-X, Rule 4,
10(a)(31).
“Province” means each of the twenty-three federal states referred to in the Argentine Constitution, which,
together with the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, constitute the first-order territorial jurisdictions and divisions of
the Republic of Argentina.
“RNV” means the Mexican National Securities Registry (Registro Nacional de Valores).
“SENER” means Secretaría de Energía, or Energy Secretariat, in Mexico.
“TRIR” means total recordable injury rate, calculated as the number of recordable incidents multiplied by
1,000,000 divided by total number of hours worked.
“Trafigura” means Trafigura Argentina S.A.
“UN” means United Nations.
Measurements, Oil and Natural Gas Terms and Other Data
In this annual report, we use the following measurements:
•
“Bcf” means one billion cubic feet;
•
“bbl,” “bo,” or “barrel of oil” means one stock tank barrel, which is equivalent to approximately
0.15898 cubic meters;
•
“boe” means one barrel of oil equivalent, which equals approximately 158.9873 cubic meters of
natural gas and 5,614.5841 cubic feet of natural gas;
•
“Bn,” when used before bbl, bo, boe or cf, means one billion bbl, bo, boe or cf, respectively;
•
“cf” means one cubic foot;
•
“CH4” means methane;
•
“CO2” means carbon dioxide;
•
“CO2e” means carbon dioxide equivalent;
•
“ha” means one hectare, which equals approximately 2.47 acres;
•
“kgCO2e” means kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per barrel of oil equivalent;
•
“km” means one kilometer, which equals approximately 0.621371 miles;
7
•
“km2” means one square kilometer, which equals approximately 247.1 acres;
•
“m” or “meter” means one meter, which equals approximately 3.28084 feet;
•
“M,” when used before bbl, bo, boe or cf, means one thousand bbl, bo, boe or cf, respectively;
•
“m3” means one cubic meter;
•
“MM,” when used before bbl, bo, boe or cf, means one million bbl, bo, boe or cf, respectively;
•
“N2O” means nitrous oxide;
•
“T,” when used before bbl, bo, boe or cf, means one trillion bbl, bo, boe or cf, respectively;
•
“Tn” means a metric ton, and
•
“/d,” or “pd” when used after bbl, bo, boe or cf, means per day.
8
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This annual report contains estimates and forward-looking statements, principally in “Item 3—Key
Information—Risk Factors,” “Item 4—Information on the Company—Business Overview” and “Item 5—Operating
and Financial Review and Prospects.” Some of the matters discussed herein concerning our business operations and
financial performance include estimates and forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”) and the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”).
The words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “should,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “future,”
“may,” “could,” “would,” “likely” or similar expressions are included with the intention of identifying statements
about the future. We have based these forward-looking statements on numerous assumptions, including our current
beliefs, expectations and projections about present and future events and financial trends affecting our business. These
expectations and projections are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause
our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any expected or
projected results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Many
important factors, in addition to those discussed elsewhere in this annual report, could cause our actual results,
performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements,
including, among other things:
•
uncertainties relating to future government concessions and exploration permits;
•
adverse outcomes in litigation that may arise in the future;
•
general political, economic, social, demographic and business conditions in Argentina, Mexico, in
other countries in which we operate;
•
the impact of political developments and uncertainties relating to political and economic conditions
in Argentina, including the policies of the current government in Argentina;
•
significant economic or political developments in Mexico, Argentina and the United States;
•
changes in law, rules, regulations and interpretations and enforcements thereto applicable to the
Argentine and Mexican energy sectors and throughout Latin America, including changes to the
regulatory environment in which we operate and changes to programs established to promote
investments in the energy industry;
•
any unexpected increases in financing costs or an inability to obtain financing and/or additional
capital pursuant to attractive terms;
•
any changes in the capital markets in general that may affect the policies or attitude in Argentina
and/or Mexico, and/or Argentine and Mexican companies with respect to financings extended to or
investments made in Argentina and Mexico or Argentine and Mexican companies;
•
fines or other penalties and claims by the authorities and/or customers;
•
any future restrictions on the ability to exchange Mexican or Argentine Pesos into foreign
currencies or to transfer funds abroad;
•
the imposition of import restrictions on goods that are key for the maintenance of our assets;
•
the revocation or amendment of our respective concession agreements by the granting authority;
•
our ability to renew certain concessions;
•
our ability to implement our capital expenditures plans or business strategy, including our ability to
obtain financing when necessary and on reasonable terms;
•
government intervention, including measures that result in changes to the Argentine and Mexican,
labor markets, exchange markets or tax systems;
•
continued and/or higher rates of inflation and fluctuations in exchange rates, including the
devaluation of the Mexican Peso or Argentine Peso;
•
any force majeure events, or fluctuations or reductions in the value of Argentine public debt;
9
•
changes to the demand for oil and gas in particular, and energy in general, both in Argentina and
globally;
•
the effects of a pandemic or epidemic and any subsequent mandatory regulatory restrictions or
containment measures;
•
environmental, health and safety regulations and industry standards that are becoming more
stringent;
•
energy markets, including the timing and extent of changes and volatility in commodity prices, and
the impact of any protracted or material reduction in oil prices from historical averages;
•
our relationship with our employees and our ability to retain key members of our senior
management and key technical employees;
•
the ability of our directors and officers to identify an adequate number of potential acquisition
opportunities;
•
our expectations with respect to the performance of our recently acquired businesses;
•
our expectations for future production, costs and crude oil prices used in our projections;
•
changes to our capital expenditure plans;
•
uncertainties inherent in making estimates of our oil and gas reserves, including recently discovered
oil and gas reserves, and changes to our previous reserves estimates;
•
increased market competition in the energy sectors in Argentina and Mexico;
•
potential regulatory changes and modifications to free trade agreements driven by evolving U.S.
trade policies and political developments in Mexico or other Latin American countries;
•
climate change and severe weather events;
•
any potential adverse effects that may arise in connection with any prospective mergers, acquisitions,
divestitures, or other corporate reorganizations;
•
the ongoing conflicts involving Russia and Ukraine; Israel, Hamas and Iran; and China and Taiwan;
and
•
additional matters identified in “Risk Factors.”
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they were made, and we undertake no
obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein after we
distribute this annual report because of new information, future events or other factors. In light of these limitations,
undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements contained in this annual report.
10
ITEM 1.
IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2.
OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not applicable.
ITEM 3.
KEY INFORMATION
Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable.
Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the following risk factors in evaluating us and our business before investing in Vista. In
particular, you should consider the risks related to an investment in companies operating in Argentina, Mexico and
Latin America generally, for which we have included information in these risk factors to the extent that information is
publicly available. In general, investing in the securities of issuers whose operations are located in emerging market
countries such as Mexico and stand-alone countries such as Argentina involve a higher degree of risk than investing
in the securities of issuers whose operations are located in the United States or other more developed countries. If
any of the risks discussed in this annual report actually occur, alone or together with additional risks and
uncertainties not currently known to us, or that we do not presently consider material, our business, financial
condition, results of operations and prospects may be materially adversely affected. If this were to occur, the value of
our series A shares or ADSs may decline and you may lose all or part of your investment. When determining whether
to invest, you should also refer to the other information contained in this annual report, including the Audited
Financial Statements and the related notes thereto. Our actual results could differ materially and adversely from
those anticipated in this annual report.
Risk Factor Summary
The following summarizes the main risks to which we are subject. You should carefully consider all of the
information discussed below in “—Detailed Risk Factors” for a comprehensive description of these and other risks.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry:
As an oil and gas company, our business and industry is subject to particular risks, such as exploration,
drilling, completion, production, equipment and resources, gathering, treatment and transportation risks; risks related
to natural hazards, weather conditions, and mechanical difficulties; fluctuations and regulation of international and
domestic oil prices; the availability of financial resources for our business plan and its corresponding costs; inflation;
government regulation; and contractions in demand of crude oil and natural gas or any of their by-products.
Additional risks exist in light of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the conflicts involving Israel, Hamas
and Iran in the Middle East, and the associated economic and trade sanctions and restrictions that have been imposed
or may be imposed in the future as a result of such conflicts or others. Additionally, changes in U.S. trade and other
policies under the Trump administration may adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results of
operations. Also, as a company which primarily operates in Argentina and Mexico, our business may be affected by
changes in those markets.
Our business operations require significant and long-term capital investments and maintenance costs. Our
liquidity, business activities, profitability and ability to compete in the market may be adversely affected if we are not
able to acquire and correctly use necessary new technologies in connection with future drilling projects, obtaining
financing for such projects, obtain and maintain and/or partners to develop and maintain our business activities.
11
The enhanced focus on climate change and the transition to lower carbon energy sources on the part of the
international community, governments, and investors, promote an increase in the use of energy from renewable
sources. This energy transition could significantly impact our industry and business, resulting in increased operating
costs, reduced demand for the oil and natural gas we produce, and reputational risks in connection with our business
activities. If we fail to meet the pace and extent of society’s changing demands for lower carbon energy as the energy
transition unfolds, we could fail in sustaining and developing our business. Further, adverse climate conditions may
adversely affect our results of operations and our ability to conduct drilling operations. Additionally, adverse climate
conditions could negatively impact the Argentine economy, which could in turn affect our results of operations.
Risks Related to our Company:
Most of our producing properties and total estimated proved reserves are geographically concentrated in
Argentina. The results of our planned development programs in new or emerging shale development areas and
formations may be subject to more uncertainties than programs in more established areas and formations. As such, we
may fail to fully identify problems with any properties we acquire, and as such, assets we acquire may prove to be
worth less than we paid because of uncertainties in evaluating recoverable reserves and potential liabilities. We may
not be able to acquire, develop or exploit new reserves, which could decrease the volume of our reserves over time
and could, in turn, adversely affect our financial condition and our results of operations. We also may be subject to
unknown or contingent liabilities related to our recent and future acquisitions.
The oil and gas industry is competitive and our ability to achieve our strategic objectives depends on our
ability to successfully compete in the market.
We may also be parties to labor, commercial, civil, tax, criminal, environmental and administrative
proceedings that, either alone or in combination with other proceedings, could, if resolved in whole or in part
adversely to us, result in the imposition of material costs, fines, judgments or other losses. Additionally, we are
subject to anti-corruption, anti-bribery, anti-money laundering and economic sanctions laws and regulations of
Mexico, Argentina and other nations. Our failure to comply with these laws could result in penalties, which could
harm our reputation and have an adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of
operations. Our operations may pose risks to the environment, and any climate change legislation or regulations
restricting emissions of greenhouse gases and legal frameworks promoting an increase in the participation of energies
from renewable sources could significantly impact our industry and result in increased operating costs and reduced
demand for the oil and natural gas we produce.
Risks Related to the Argentine and Mexican Economic and Regulatory Environments:
Investors may be faced with risks inherent to investing in a company operating in stand-alone and emerging
markets, such as Argentina and Mexico. Some of these risks may include, among others, the economic and political
conditions in Argentina and Mexico, Argentina’s ability to obtain financing from international markets, changing
regulation in the countries in which we operate, direct and indirect restrictions on imports and exports under
Argentine law, current or potential Argentine exchange controls, the imposition of export duties and other taxes,
inflation, significant fluctuations in the value of the Argentine Peso, criminal activity in Mexico, and joint and several
tax liability. Recent reforms and amendments to Mexican laws and regulations may adversely affect our operations if
applicable to our activities.
Risks Related to our series A shares and the ADSs:
The series A shares and ADSs are traded in more than one market, and this may result in price variations.
Dividend distributions to holders of our series A shares will be made in Mexican Pesos.
Also, if securities or industry analysts do not publish research reports about our business, or publish negative
reports about our business, the price and trading volume of our series A shares and the ADS could decline.
As a foreign private issuer, we have different disclosure and other requirements than U.S. domestic
registrants. We are also permitted to rely on exemptions from certain NYSE corporate governance standards
applicable to U.S. issuers, including the requirement that a majority of an issuer’s directors consist of independent
directors. This may afford less protection to holders of our ADSs.
12
ADS holders may also be subject to additional risks related to holding ADSs rather than series A shares. For
example, ADS holders may be unable to exercise voting rights with respect to the shares underlying the ADSs at our
shareholders’ meetings, and preemptive rights may be unavailable to non-Mexican holders of ADSs. Additionally,
our bylaws, in compliance with Mexican law, restrict the ability of non-Mexican shareholders to invoke the protection
of their governments with respect to their rights as shareholders. Our bylaws also contain provisions aimed at
restricting the acquisition of our shares and restricting the execution of voting agreements among our shareholders.
ADSs holders may not be entitled to a jury trial with respect to claims arising under the deposit agreement, which
could result in less favorable outcomes to the plaintiff(s) in any such action.
If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to
accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud.
Detailed Risk Factors
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
The oil and gas industry is subject to particular operational and economic risks.
Oil and gas E&P activities are subject to particular economic and industry-specific operational risks, some of
which are beyond our control, such as drilling, completion, production, equipment, gathering, treatment and
transportation risks, as well as natural hazards and other uncertainties, including those relating to the physical
characteristics of onshore and offshore oil or natural gas fields. Our operations may be curtailed, delayed or canceled
due to bad weather conditions, mechanical difficulties, shortages or delays in the delivery of equipment or the
construction of roads to access drilling sites, works related to third-party vendors, road blocks, compliance with
governmental requirements (including any delays in obtaining the relevant permits), fire, explosions, blow-outs, pipe
failure, abnormally pressured formations, supply chain bottlenecks, lockdown restrictions on the general population
and reduced hydrocarbons demand due to a pandemic, such as COVID-19, and environmental hazards, such as oil
spills, gas leaks, ruptures or discharges of toxic gases or natural disasters preventing us from accessing the drilling
sites. Drilling may be unprofitable, not only with respect to dry wells, but also with respect to wells that are
productive but do not produce sufficient revenues to return a profit after drilling, completion, operating and other
costs are considered.
We are exposed to the effects of fluctuations and regulation of international and domestic oil prices. In
addition, limitations on local pricing of our products in Argentina and Mexico may adversely affect our results of
operations.
Most of our revenues in Argentina and Mexico are derived from sales from oil and natural gas. During 2024,
49% of our oil sales volumes were exported, and we expect to continue exporting a substantial portion of our volumes
in the future. We are, therefore, exposed to pricing risk in both the international and domestic markets, especially the
Argentine domestic market.
International and domestic oil and gas prices have fluctuated significantly in recent years and are likely to
continue fluctuating in the future. Factors affecting international crude oil prices include: political developments in
crude oil producing regions, particularly in the Middle East, the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, Israel,
Hamas and Iran, and China and Taiwan; the ability of the OPEC and other crude oil producing nations to set and
maintain crude oil production levels and prices; macroeconomic conditions, including inflation and GDP growth;
global and regional supply and demand for crude oil, gas and related products; investment in new projects to bring
new oil production volumes to the market; global supply chain disruptions, and shipping bottlenecks, competition
from other energy sources, the effects of a pandemic (such as COVID-19) or epidemic and any subsequent mandatory
regulatory restrictions or containment measures, domestic and foreign government regulations, trade conflicts,
weather conditions, and global and local conflicts, war, or acts of terrorism. We cannot predict how these factors will
influence the prices of oil and related oil products, and we have no control over them. Price volatility curtails the
ability of industry participants to adopt certain long-term investment decisions given that returns on investments
become unpredictable.
Secondly, the domestic crude oil price has fluctuated in the past in Argentina and Mexico not only due to
international prices and the risks outlined above, but also due to local taxation, regulations affecting
commercialization in the domestic and export markets in connection with crude and refined hydrocarbons,
13
macroeconomic conditions, the impact of a pandemic on general economic activity and therefore crude oil demand
and refining margins. The domestic crude oil price is also subject to local price limitations imposed by the Argentine
and Mexican governments. During 2023, the average annual Brent crude oil price stood at US$82.3/bbl, and our
average realization price was US$66.7/bbl, 19% below the average annual Brent crude oil price and 7% below export
parity for Medanito oil price, which stood at US$72.0/bbl. During 2024, the difference between our average realized
price and export parity for Medanito oil narrowed to 2%. However, we cannot guarantee that this gap will not widen
in the future. More recently, in April 2025 the announcement by President Trump that the United States would
impose sweeping tariffs on all countries resulted in generalized market volatility and a decrease in the price of many
commodities, including crude oil. A sustained decrease in oil prices could materially and adversely affect our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
The determination by the Argentine and Mexican governments to fix, or indirectly intervene, to generate
local crude oil prices at values below export parity could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial
condition, and cash flows. In the event that local prices were reduced through any of the factors described above,
which we cannot control, this could affect the economic performance of our existing and future projects, generating a
loss of reserves as a result of changes in our development plans, our assumptions and our estimates, and consequently
affect the recovery value of certain assets. A decline in realized crude oil prices for an extended period of time (or if
prices for certain products fail to keep pace with cost increases) could adversely affect both the economic viability of
our drilling projects and, consequently, our ability to meet our operational and financial targets. These price declines
could result in changes to our development plans, reduced capital expenditures, failure of our joint venture partners to
approve investment projects, a loss of proved developed reserves and proved undeveloped reserves, an adverse effect
on our ability to improve our hydrocarbon recovery rates, find new reserves, develop unconventional resources, carry
out certain capital expenditure plans, meet our long-term targets and service our financial debt obligations. A decline
in realized crude oil prices could also lead to a deterioration in our financial coverage ratios and impairment charges.
We cannot predict whether, or to what extent, the potential consequences of such actions could affect our business,
impact our production, or affect our financial condition and results of operations, including having enough cash to
service our financial debt obligations.
See also “—A potential increase in crude oil supply in the global market could lead to excess supply and
result in a reduction in global crude oil prices.”
Our business could be adversely affected by a decline in general economic conditions or a weakening of
the broader energy industry, and inflation may adversely affect our financial position and operating results.
A prolonged economic slowdown or recession, adverse events relating to the energy industry, or regional,
national, or global economic conditions and factors, could negatively impact our operations and therefore adversely
affect our results. The risks associated with our business are more acute during periods of economic slowdown or
recession because such periods may be accompanied by decreased demand for oil and natural gas, and decreased
prices for oil and natural gas.
Supply chain pressures in global production, trade and logistics and demand increases may lead to price
inflation in the energy sector. In addition, macroeconomic conditions in Argentina and Mexico may result in cost
inflation for goods and services purchased in local currency. Inflationary factors, such as increases in the labor costs,
material costs, and overhead costs, may also adversely affect our financial position and operating results. An increase
in our costs due to inflation could offset any price increases of our products and services resulting in an adverse effect
on our operating results, including having enough cash to service our financial debt obligations.
We are exposed to contractions in demand of crude oil and natural gas and contractions in demand of
any of their by-products.
Demand for our crude oil and gas products is largely influenced by the economic activity and growth in
Argentina, Mexico and globally. For example, the efforts of the Federal Reserve of the United States and other central
banks globally to contain inflation through increase in interest rates, could lead to lower economic growth, and even
economic recession in certain economies, or at a global level. In addition, low economic growth in major emerging
economies, such as China or India, could negatively impact oil demand. This could have an adverse effect on demand
for crude oil and crude oil prices, and therefore impact negatively on our business. Demand for our products is subject
to volatility in the future. Demand for crude oil by-products, such as gasoline, may contract under certain conditions,
particularly during economic downturns, or due to governmental subsidies and/or changes in consumer preferences
14
following from the energy transition currently underway.
A contraction of the demand of our products would adversely affect our revenues, causing economic losses
to our Company. In addition, a contraction in the demand and/or prices of our products can impact the valuation of
our reserves. Additionally, in periods of lower commodity prices, we may curtail production and capital spending or
may defer or delay drilling wells because of lower cash generation. Continuous poor economic performance could
eventually impair our ability to repay our financial debt, lead to a deterioration in our financial coverage ratios and
impairment charges. A contraction of crude oil demand could also affect us financially, including our ability to pay
our suppliers for their services, or service our financial debt, which could, in turn, lead to further operational distress.
A potential increase in crude oil supply in the global market could lead to excess supply and result in a
reduction in global crude oil prices.
Crude oil is a global commodity and, as such, its price is determined, among other factors, by physical supply
and demand. As a crude oil producer, we are exposed to fluctuations in crude oil prices. For example, in early March
2020, OPEC+ countries failed to reach an agreement on extending or increasing oil production cuts in light of a decrease
in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shortly thereafter, Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, through
its state-owned company Saudi Aramco, decided to lower the official selling price (OSP) of its Arab light crude by
approximately US$8/bbl, the largest monthly decrease in 20 years, and announced plans to increase production to at
least 10 million bbl/d as of April 2020. As a result, Brent crude oil prices dropped by US$10.9/bbl (or 24.1%) to
US$34.4/bbl, representing the steepest one-day decline since 1991. From March 16 to April 2, 2020, Brent crude oil
prices remained below US$30/bbl, reaching a low of US$22.72/bbl on March 30, 2020.
There are currently several projects under development in different countries, such as Brazil, Guyana and the
U.S., which could potentially add supply volumes to the market that, added up, could be greater than the short-term
growth in crude oil demand, leading to excess supply. In such a case, crude oil prices could fall below current levels,
which could negatively impact our revenues, and materially affect our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
In addition, OPEC+ countries have, according to their own reports, curtailed oil production. If the OPEC+
countries, as a group or individually, were to unwind such curtailments at a fast pace compared to the increase in
short-term oil demand, this could result in excess supply, leading to significant declines in crude oil prices compared
to current levels, which could in turn negatively impact our revenues, and materially affect our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
The conflict involving Russia and Ukraine, and the associated new, additional, and/or enhanced
economic and trade sanctions and restrictions that have been imposed by various countries, could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The conflict involving Russia and Ukraine has recently had and will likely continue to have significant
international economic effects, including increased inflation, supply chain problems, market volatility and an impact
on commodity prices. The conflict and its effects could exacerbate the current slowdown in the global economy and
could negatively affect the ability of some of our customers with exposure to the Russian and/or Ukrainian markets to
pay for our products.
In addition, the conflict has resulted in the imposition of economic and trade sanctions and restrictions
targeting Russia and certain Russian economic sectors and companies by the United States, the European Union, the
United Kingdom and other major countries. The severity of these sanctions could worsen and contribute to shortages
of raw materials and commodities, which in turn could lead to higher levels of inflation and disruptions in the global
supply chain. Disruptions in the global supply chain could affect, in particular, the energy sector and could lead to
supply chain difficulties in local markets. Due to the uncertainties inherent to the scale and duration of the conflict
and its direct and indirect effects, it is not reasonably possible to estimate the impact this conflict will have on the
global economy and financial markets, on the economies of the countries in which we operate and, consequently, our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
Also, our revenues and our profitability are heavily dependent on the prices we receive from our sales of oil
and natural gas. Oil prices are particularly sensitive to actual and perceived threats to global political stability and to
changes in oil production in, and oil supply from, various key countries, including Russia. The conflict has led to an
15
increase in international oil prices, which creates transitory increases in the revenues of E&P companies around the
globe. In addition, it has also led to increased volatility in global commodities in general and hydrocarbon prices. We
cannot predict whether such volatility will lead to further price increases or, on the contrary, lead to a general
downturn in economic activity, or lower oil and gas prices, and therefore adversely affect our profitability. A
sustained increase in oil prices could accelerate the transition to alternative energy sources, leading to an
unpredictable decline in prices in the medium to long term, which could adversely affect our business, financial
condition, and results of operations. Such price increases could also lead to energy shortages and an increasing
amount of the global population, including in Argentina and Mexico, without access to energy supplies. It could also
lead to new regulation by the Argentine and/or Mexican governments to further de-couple domestic energy pricing
from international energy pricing or restrict energy-related exports from Argentina or Mexico, which would affect our
business. Additionally, changes to worldwide oil prices and demand could cause turmoil in the global financial
system, and in turn materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The conflicts involving Israel, Hamas and Iran could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
Beginning in October 2023, Israel and Hamas have been involved in a serious and escalating armed conflict,
which also involved other countries in the Middle East, such as Iran (which more recently engaged in direct conflict
with Israel). A sharper escalation of these conflicts could lead to the involvement of other countries around the globe.
The war could have a material negative impact on oil prices and global growth as well as further global economic
consequences, including but not limited to the possibility of increased volatility in energy prices, severely diminished
liquidity and credit availability, declines in consumer confidence, scarcity of certain raw materials and products,
declines in economic growth, increases in inflation rates and uncertainty about economic and political stability.
Although the length and impact of the ongoing conflict is unpredictable, such conflict has created and could lead to
further market disruptions, including significant volatility in commodity prices, credit and capital markets. Due to the
uncertainties inherent to the scale and duration of this conflict and its direct and indirect effects, it is not reasonably
possible to estimate the impact such conflict will have on the global economy or on the economies of the countries in
which we operate and, consequently, our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in U.S. trade and other policies under the Trump administration may adversely impact our
business, financial condition, and results of operations.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced significant changes in trade and
regulatory policies, including tariffs, trade restrictions, and enforcement measures that could affect cross-border
commerce and foreign business operations. On February 1, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order,
effective March 4, 2025, imposing tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, and made announcements
regarding the potential imposition of tariffs on other jurisdictions. Furthermore, on April 2, 2025, President Trump
announced that the United States would impose a 10% tariff on all countries, effective on April 5, 2025, and an
individualized reciprocal higher tariff on countries with which the United States has the largest trade deficits. While
certain energy products (such as crude oil) have been exempted, the effect on global economic growth and trade of
these measures remains uncertain, and could disrupt global trade flows, and increase operational costs for companies
reliant on international supply chains.
As an oil and gas company operating in Mexico and Argentina, we are subject to import regulations, supply
chain dependencies, and cross-border energy trade policies that could be affected by U.S. government actions. Any
tariff increases, trade restrictions, or enforcement measures targeting the energy sector could increase costs, limit
access to critical infrastructure and materials, and disrupt operational continuity.
Additionally, the U.S. government has designated certain international cartels and transnational criminal
organizations, including those operating in Mexico, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (“FTOs”) and Specially
Designated Global Terrorists (“SDGTs”). For more information, see “—Risks Related to the Argentine and Mexican
Economic and Regulatory Environments—Economic and political developments in Mexico may adversely affect
Mexican economic policy and, in turn, our operations.”
Given the expanding scope of trade restrictions and the uncertainty surrounding future policies of the Trump
administration, we can provide no assurances regarding the full extent of any potential impact on our operations. To
the extent that changes in the political or regulatory environment due to the imposition of tariffs or other measures
16
negatively impact us or the markets in which we operate, our business, financial condition, and results of operations
could be materially and adversely affected
Our business requires significant and long-term capital investments and maintenance cost.
The oil and gas industry is a capital-intensive industry. We make and expect to continue to make substantial
capital expenditures related to development and acquisition of oil and gas resources and in order to maintain or
increase the amount of our hydrocarbon reserves and production.
We have funded, and we expect that we will continue to fund, our capital expenditures with cash generated
by existing operations, debt, equity issuances and our available cash. However, under certain scenarios (e.g., in lower
realized oil price scenarios compared to average realized oil prices prevailing as of the second semester of 2024), our
financing needs may require us to alter or increase our capitalization substantially through the issuance of debt or
equity securities or the sale of assets. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to maintain our current production
levels, generate sufficient cash flow to pay for operating expenditures and service our financial debt, or that we will
have access to sufficient borrowing or other financing alternatives to continue our exploration, exploitation and
production activities at current or higher levels.
Additionally, the incurrence of additional indebtedness would require that a portion of our cash flow from
operations be used for the payment of interest and principal on our indebtedness, thereby reducing our ability to use
cash flow from operations to fund working capital, capital expenditures, operating expenditures and acquisitions. The
actual amount and timing of our future capital expenditures may differ materially from our estimates as a result of
various factors. We may decrease our actual capital expenditures in response to lower commodity prices, which
would negatively impact our ability to increase or even maintain production.
If our revenues decrease, we may have limited ability to obtain the capital necessary to sustain our operations
at current levels. If additional capital is needed, we may not be able to obtain debt or equity financing on terms
acceptable to us, if at all. If cash flow generated by our operations are not sufficient to meet our capital requirements,
the failure to obtain additional financing could result in a reduction of the capital expenditures devoted to the
development of our assets, or even in a curtailment of our operations. This, in turn, could lead to a decline in
production, and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations,
including our ability to service financial debt obligations, and the market value of our series A shares or ADSs.
We may not be able to acquire, develop or exploit new reserves, which could decrease the volume of our
reserves over time and could, in turn, adversely affect our financial condition and the results of our operations.
The hydrocarbon reserves in any given reservoir decreases as such oil and gas volumes are produced and
consumed, with the range of decrease depending on the characteristics of the reservoir and the production rate.
Therefore, our results of operations largely depend on our ability to produce oil and gas from existing reserves, to
discover additional oil and gas reserves, and to economically exploit oil and gas from these reserves. Unless we are
successful in our exploration of oil and gas reserves and their development, in replacing our existing oil and gas
reserves or in acquiring new reserves, the production of oil and gas and the volume of our total reserves will decrease
over time. While we have geological reports evaluating certain proved and probable reserves, as well as contingent
and prospective resources in our blocks, there is no assurance that we will continue to be successful in the
exploration, appraisal, development and commercialization of oil and gas.
Drilling activities are also subject to numerous risks and may involve unprofitable efforts, not only with
respect to dry wells but also with respect to wells that are productive but do not produce enough net income to derive
profit after covering drilling costs and other operating costs. The construction of a well does not assure a return on
investment or recovery of the costs of drilling, completion and operating costs. Lower oil and natural gas prices could
also affect our future investment and growth, including future and pending acquisitions.
We may not be able to identify commercially exploitable reservoirs or implement our capital investment
program to complete or produce more oil and gas reserves, and the wells we plan to drill may not result in the
discovery or production of oil or natural gas. If we are unable to replace our production with new reserves, or acquire
new reserves, our reserves will decline and our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and market value
of our series A shares and ADSs could be negatively affected.
17
The oil and gas reserves that we estimate are based on assumptions that could be inaccurate.
Our oil and gas reserves are estimates based on certain assumptions that could be inaccurate. Reserve
estimates depend on the quality of engineering and geological data at the date of the estimate and the manner in which
they are interpreted. In addition, reserve engineering is a subjective process for estimating oil and gas accumulations
that cannot be accurately measured, and the estimates of other engineers may differ materially. A number of
assumptions and uncertainties are inherent in estimating the amounts of proven reserves of oil and gas (including, but
not limited to production forecasts, the time and amount of development expenditures, testing and production after the
date of the estimates, among others), many of which are beyond our control and are subject to change over time.
Consequently, measures of reserves are not precise and are subject to revision. Any downward revision in
our estimated quantities of proved reserves could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations,
and ultimately have a material adverse effect on the market value of our series A shares or ADSs. In addition, the
estimation of “proved oil and natural gas reserves” based on SdE Resolution No. 324/2006 and Argentine Secretariat
of Hydrocarbon Resources (Secretaría de Recursos Hidrocarburíferos) Resolution No. 69-E/2016 may differ from
the standards required by SEC’s regulations.
As a result, reserve estimates could be materially different from the amounts that are ultimately extracted,
and if such amounts are significantly lower than the initial reserves estimates it could result in a material adverse
effect on our financial performance, including our ability to service financial debt obligations, operating results and
the market value of our series A shares and ADSs. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Industry and
Regulatory Overview—Oil and Gas Regulatory Framework in Argentina—Reserves and Resources Certification in
Argentina” and the 2024 Reserves Report attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
Our business operations rely heavily on our production facilities
A material portion of our revenues depends on our oil and gas facilities, which are key to producing,
transporting, treating and injecting oil and gas into transportation infrastructure for sale. In order to execute our
strategic plan and meet our targets, we need to expand our capacity to transport, treat and inject our oil and gas
production. If we are not able to execute these expansion projects, our growth plan could be affected.
In addition, while we believe that we maintain adequate insurance coverage and appropriate security
measures in respect of such facilities, any material damage to, accident at, or other disruption at such production
facilities could have a material adverse effect on our production capacity, financial condition and results of
operations.
The lack of availability of midstream capacity may limit our possibility of increasing hydrocarbon
production and may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our capacity to exploit our hydrocarbon reserves largely depends upon the availability of midstream
infrastructure on commercially acceptable terms to transport the produced hydrocarbons from our oilfields to the
markets in which they are sold. Typically, oil is transported by pipelines, trucks and tankers to refineries, and gas is
usually treated, compressed and transported by pipeline to customers. The lack of oil transportation, storage or
loading infrastructure, as well as the lack of vessels for maritime oil transportation, may adversely affect our financial
condition and results of operations. The lack of gas treatment, compression or transportation infrastructure may also
adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
In particular, most of our crude oil production is transported from the Neuquina Basin through the Oldelval
pipeline system to the south of the Province of Buenos Aires, from where it is sent to refineries or port facilities at
Puerto Rosales for exports. On the other hand, part of our oil is transported to Chile through the Vaca Muerta Norte
pipeline and the Trasandino pipeline. The export facilities at Puerto Rosales, owned by Oiltanking Ebytem, are
operating at near full capacity, therefore, Oiltanking Ebytem is currently executing an expansion project, which is
expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2025. Furthermore, VMOS (as defined below) plans to construct a
new pipeline from Vaca Muerta to a new export terminal with storage capacity at Punta Colorada, Province of Río
Negro, which is anticipated to become operational in 2027.
We have secured sufficient oil midstream capacity through existing infrastructure and expansion projects to
support the execution of our production growth plans in our Vaca Muerta assets. See “Item 4—Information on the
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Company—Business Overview.” However, both planned events (such as scheduled maintenance) and unexpected
disruptions (including adverse weather conditions, accidents, union strikes, explosions, or environmental incidents)
may restrict access to existing oil midstream capacity, potentially limiting production and adversely impacting our
financial condition and results of operations.
Additionally, if oil midstream expansion projects are delayed or canceled, a potential lack of transportation
capacity could constrain our production growth, affect our ability to meet targets, and negatively impact our future
financial performance, including our ability to service financial debt obligations and the market value of our series A
shares and ADSs.
Developments in the oil and gas industry and other factors may result in substantial write-downs of the
carrying amount of our assets, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in the economic, regulatory, business or political environment in Argentina, Mexico or other
markets where we operate, such as price controls over crude oil or crude oil by-products or the significant decline in
international crude oil and gas prices in recent years, among other factors, may result in the recognition of impairment
charges in certain of our assets.
We evaluate the carrying amount of our assets for possible impairment on an annual basis, or more
frequently where the circumstances require. Our impairment tests are performed by a comparison of the carrying
amount of an individual asset or a cash-generating unit with its recoverable amount. Whenever the recoverable
amount of an individual asset or cash-generating unit is less than its carrying amount, an impairment loss is
recognized to reduce the carrying amount to the recoverable amount. Substantial write-downs of the carrying amount
of our assets could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Exploration and development drilling may not result in commercially productive reserves.
Drilling involves numerous risks, including the risk that no commercially productive oil or gas reservoirs
will be encountered. The cost of drilling, completing and operating wells is often uncertain, and drilling operations
may be curtailed, delayed or canceled, or become costlier, as a result of a variety of factors, including (i) unexpected
drilling conditions; (ii) unexpected pressure or irregularities in formations; (iii) equipment failures or accidents; (iv)
construction delays; (v) hydraulic stimulation accidents or failures; (vi) adverse weather conditions; (vii) restricted
access to land for drilling or laying pipelines; (viii) title defects; (ix) lack of available gathering, transportation,
processing, fractionation, storage, refining or export facilities; (x) lack of available capacity on interconnecting
transmission pipelines; (xi) access to, and the cost and availability of, the equipment, services, resources and
personnel required to complete our drilling, completion and operating activities; (xii) involuntary human error; and
(xiii) delays imposed by or resulting from compliance with environmental and other governmental or regulatory
requirements.
Our future drilling activities may not be successful and, if unsuccessful, our proved reserves and production
would decline, which could have an adverse effect on our future results of operations and financial condition. While
all drilling, whether development, extension or exploratory, involves these risks, exploratory and extension drilling
involves greater risks of dry holes or failure to find commercial quantities of hydrocarbons. If we are not successful in
our exploration or extension drilling activities, we might not be able to replace the reserves consumed as a result of
our production and therefore our production will decline over time, which could adversely affect our financial
condition and results of operations.
Our operations are substantially dependent upon the availability of water and our ability to dispose of
produced water gathered from drilling and production activities. Restrictions on our ability to obtain water or
dispose of produced water may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and
cash flows.
Water is an essential component of drilling, completion and hydrocarbon production activities. Limitations
or restrictions on our ability to secure sufficient amounts of water (including limitations resulting from natural causes
such as drought), could materially and adversely impact our operations. Severe drought conditions can result in local
water districts taking steps to restrict the use of water in their jurisdiction for drilling and hydraulic stimulation in
order to protect the local water supply. If we are unable to obtain water to use in our operations from local sources, it
may need to be obtained from new sources and transported to drilling sites, or other facilities, resulting in increased
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costs, which could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and cash flows. Additionally, if we were unable
to obtain water from any sources, we might be forced to halt our drilling and completion activities, which could have
a material adverse effect on our growth prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our operations may pose risks to the environment.
Some of our operations are subject to environmental risks which could materialize unexpectedly and could
have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. These include the risk of leaks or
spills of hydrocarbons, contamination of soil or water sources, fire and explosions, damages to infrastructure or the
general population. There can be no assurance that future environmental issues will not result in cost increases, civil
liability or administrative action, which could lead to a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results
of operations.
Any climate change legislation or regulations restricting GHG emissions could result in increased
operating costs.
Due to concern over the risk of climate change, a number of countries have adopted, or are considering the
adoption of, new regulatory requirements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon taxes, increased
efficiency standards or the adoption of cap-and-trade regimes. More stringent environmental regulations can result in
the imposition of costs associated with GHG emissions, either through environmental agency requirements relating to
mitigation initiatives, compliance costs and operational restrictions, and/or through other regulatory measures such as
GHG emissions taxation and market creation of limitations on GHG emissions that have the potential to increase our
operating costs. We expect that a growing share of our GHG emissions could be subject to regulation, resulting in
increased compliance costs and operational restrictions. Regulators may seek to limit certain oil and gas projects or
make it more difficult to obtain required permits for hydrocarbon E&P. Additionally, climate activists around the
globe are challenging the grant of new and existing regulatory permits. We expect that these challenges are likely to
continue and could delay or prohibit operations in certain cases.
Compliance with legal and regulatory changes relating to climate change set out by the Argentine and
Mexican governments, including those resulting from the implementation of international treaties (see “Item 4—
Information on the Company—Business Overview—Argentine Regulatory Framework in Connection with Climate
Change”) may in the future increase our costs to operate and maintain our facilities, install new emission controls on
our facilities and administer and manage any GHG emissions program. Revenue generation and strategic growth
opportunities may also be adversely affected.
In addition, environmental laws that may be implemented in the future could increase litigation risks and
have a material adverse effect on us. For example, in 2019, the Argentine Congress enacted Law No. 27,520 on
Minimal Standards on Global Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, which focused on implementing policies,
strategies, actions, programs and projects that can establish responsibilities for gas emissions and prevent, mitigate or
minimize the damages or impacts associated with climate change (see “Item 4—Information on the Company—
Business Overview—Argentine Regulatory Framework in Connection with Climate Change”). If additional
requirements were adopted in Argentina, these requirements could add to our litigation costs and impact adversely on
our results of operations.
We cannot predict the overall impact that the enactment of new environmental laws or regulations could
have on our financial results, results of operations, and cash flows and the market value of our series A shares and
ADSs.
The energy transition could result in reduced demand for the oil and gas we produce, negatively impact
our long-term plans, and lead to opposition from certain stakeholders.
We expect that measures taken by governments, NGOs, customers, and end users of refined hydrocarbon
products to reduce emissions will continue to suppress demand for hydrocarbons and their by-products, potentially
impacting oil and gas prices. For example, demand could decline further if households increasingly adopt electric
vehicles, public transportation transitions to electric or renewable fuel sources, power generation shifts more
extensively to renewable energy, or hydrogen and other green energy alternatives achieve widespread adoption. These
developments may contribute to a decline in global oil and gas demand, potentially leading to additional asset
provisions, lower earnings, project cancellations, reduced access to capital, and impairments of certain assets.
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Regulations and regimes promoting alternative energy resources may also lead to a decline in demand for
crude oil and natural gas, or any of their by-products, in the long-term. In addition, increased regulation of GHG
emissions may create greater incentives for the use of alternative energy sources. Any long-term material adverse
effect on the oil industry could adversely affect the financial and operational aspects of our business, which we cannot
predict with certainty as of the date of this annual report.
There are other risks associated with climate change, such as an increasing number of conflicts with
landowners and local communities, difficulties in hiring and retaining staff, and increased difficulty accessing
technology. Moreover, certain investors might decide to divest their investments in fossil fuel companies and different
stakeholder groups might be included to exert pressure on commercial and investment banks to stop financing fossil
fuel companies. According to press reports, in recent years some financial institutions have limited their exposure to
fossil fuel projects. If this trend were to accelerate in the future, our ability to access financing for future projects may
be adversely affected. These factors could have a negative impact on the demand for our products and services and
may jeopardize or even impair the implementation and operation of our business, adversely impacting our operating
and financial results and limiting our growth opportunities.
Expectations relating to GHG emissions could expose us to potential liabilities, increased costs, and
reputational harm.
In 2021, we announced our ambition to become net zero in scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 2026. We plan
to achieve this ambition through a multi-year plan to reduce our operational carbon footprint and the implementation
of our own portfolio of NBS. Our NBS projects are designed to offset the residual emissions from our operations
through carbon capture in soil and forest. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Business Overview—
Environmental Policy.”
Our net zero ambition is subject to complex methodologies, calculations, assumptions and estimates,
including with respect to how we determine our emissions and the carbon offsets through our NBS projects. Although
we believe that our methodologies, calculations, assumptions and estimates are reasonable, we cannot assure you that
we will not revise our past emissions estimates, our carbon offsets or our future emissions projections or goals as a
result of new developments, technologies, regulations, standards or otherwise. In addition, we may pursue business
opportunities (including acquisitions or divestments of oil and gas assets) that may affect our emissions estimates and
projections.
Our emissions information (including carbon offsets) may be calculated differently than by other companies,
including our competitors. Investors should make their own diligence and assessment on whether our emissions
information is directly comparable to that of other companies.
Our GHG emissions inventory is calculated and reported in compliance with industry recognized standards
(GHG Protocol, API Compendium and GRI reporting). Such calculation is based on limited information and subject
to significant uncertainties. For example, our emissions information excludes the emissions arising from concession
areas that we do not operate in Argentina and from our operated asset in Mexico, and therefore only cover
approximately 93% of our production, based on our 2024 performance data.
Therefore, we cannot guarantee that our net zero ambition will be fully realized on the timeline we expect or
at all. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to adhere to our net zero ambition or other public statements, comply
fully with developing interpretations of climate-related laws and regulations, or meet evolving and varied stakeholder
expectations and standards could harm our business, reputation, financial condition, and operating results.
If we fail to meet the pace and extent of society’s changing demands or our own aspirations for lower
carbon energy as the energy transition unfolds (including failing to meet our aspiration to become net zero in
scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 2026), we could face reputational costs or fail in sustaining and developing our
business.
The pace and extent of the energy transition could pose a risk to the company if our own progress towards
decarbonization moves at a different speed than that of our competitors and the economy in general, or if we fail to
meet our aspirations. If we are slower than competitors or the economy in general, either because we do not invest
enough funds, or invest in technologies that fail to reduce our carbon footprint, or if we fail to meet our ambition to
become net zero in scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 2026, our reputation may suffer and customers may prefer a
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different supplier, which would adversely impact demand for our hydrocarbon products, including the market value of
our shale oil acreage and associated resources we expect to develop in the future. Our failure to time the transition of
our production to address climate-change related concerns could have a material adverse effect on our earnings, cash
flows and financial condition.
Adverse climate conditions may adversely affect our results of operations and our ability to conduct
drilling operations. Additionally, adverse climate conditions could negatively impact the Argentine economy.
The physical effects of climate change such as, but not limited to, heat waves, storms, hail, increases in
temperature and sea levels, extensive droughts affecting the river basins where we operate, and fluctuations in sea
levels could adversely affect our operations and supply chains. Such adverse climate conditions may lead to, among
others, cost increases, drilling delays, power outages, production stoppages, and difficulties in transporting the oil and
gas produced by us. Any decrease in our oil and gas production and sales could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition or results of operations.
In addition, the occurrence of severe adverse weather conditions, especially droughts, hail, floods or frost or
diseases, is unpredictable, may have a potentially devastating impact on production, mainly on agricultural products,
and may adversely affect the supply and price of such products. Adverse weather conditions may be exacerbated by
the effects of climate change. The effects of severe adverse weather conditions may reduce yields of agricultural
activities in Argentina, which constitute a material share of GDP and exports. This could have an adverse effect on
the economy, including lower inflows of hard currency from exports, depreciation of the local currency, rising
inflation and poverty.
Our activities are subject to social, reputational, and operational risks, including negative media attention,
potential for protests by members of the local communities in the places where we operate, and seismic activity.
Although we are committed to operating in a socially responsible manner, we may face opposition from
local communities and negative media attention. For example, several of our operations are carried out in the
Province of Neuquén, Argentina. Local communities, including indigenous communities, have engaged in various
forms of protest against business activities in general, including oil and gas. Although we consider our relationship
with local communities, including indigenous communities, to be good, we cannot ensure that any form of protest,
including roadblocks, actions limiting access of our workers or contractors to our operations, sabotage, or any
disruptive action will not impact our operations. Any such action could have an adverse effect on our reputation,
financial condition, and results of operations.
There is a risk that hydraulic stimulation activities during well completion operations in the Vaca Muerta
may induce seismicity. Vista, together with a consortium of other oil and gas operators, has conducted extensive
research into potential sources of increased seismic activity in the region. As of the date of this annual report, no
conclusive evidence has been found linking produced water reinjection into geological formations with amplified
seismicity. Nonetheless, Vista continues to evaluate potential contributing factors. Although as of the date of this
annual report no seismic events have resulted in above-ground impacts affecting the health and safety of the
communities in the region we operate, the growing density of hydraulic fracturing activities in the region may lead to
increased seismic activity in the future. Any such increase could expose the company to heightened regulatory
oversight or stakeholder concern.
Furthermore, we are not currently aware of operations being conducted in areas of the Vaca Muerta occupied
by indigenous communities. However, self-identification by indigenous communities in the region has historically
been fluid, and this circumstance may change over time. In such cases, the Company may be required to enhance its
engagement with indigenous communities and develop a dedicated engagement policy in accordance with Argentine
law on prior consultation and International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 169 on Indigenous and Tribal
Peoples. Failure to adequately address these matters could expose us to additional regulatory, legal or reputational
risks.
Our industry has become increasingly dependent on digital technologies to carry out daily operations and
is subject to increasing cybersecurity threats.
As dependence on digital technologies has increased, cyber incidents, including deliberate attacks or
unintentional events have also increased worldwide. Even if we have implemented, and continue to implement, a
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cybersecurity plan (See “Item 16K—Cybersecurity”), the technologies, systems, and networks that we have
implemented, or may implement in the future, and those of our service providers, may be the object of cyberattacks or
failures to the security of information systems, which could lead to interruptions in critical industrial systems, the
unauthorized disclosure of confidential or protected information, data corruption, other interruptions of, or disruptions
to, our operations. In addition, certain cyber incidents, such as the advanced persistent threat, may not be detected for
a prolonged period of time. Although we have adopted a Cybersecurity Policy that serves as an umbrella for our
cybersecurity risk management standards and procedures to safeguard information and protect our systems, we cannot
assure you that cyber incidents will not happen in the future and that our operations and/or our financial performance
will not be affected.
Information security risks have generally increased in recent years as a result of the proliferation of new
technologies and the increased sophistication and activities of cyber-attacks. We depend on digital technology,
including information systems to process financial and operating data, analyze seismic and drilling information and
oil and gas reserves estimates. We have increasingly connected equipment and systems to the Internet. Because of the
critical nature of their infrastructure and the increased accessibility enabled through connection to the Internet, they
may face a heightened risk of cyber-attack. In the event of such an attack, they could have our oilfield operations
disrupted, property damaged, and customer information stolen, experience substantial loss of revenues, response costs
and other financial loss; and be subject to increased litigation and damage to their reputation. A cyber-attack could
adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. See “Item 16K—Cybersecurity.”
Risks Related to our Company
The historical financial information included in this annual report and the past performance and
experience of our Executive Team may not be indicative of future results.
Our business is inherently volatile due to the influence of external factors, such as domestic oil and gas
demand, oil and gas prices, availability of financial resources for our business plan and its corresponding costs and
government regulations. Our periodic operating results could fluctuate for many reasons, including many of the risks
described in this section, which are beyond our control. Consequently, our past financial condition, results of
operations and the trends indicated by such results and financial condition may not be indicative of current or future
financial conditions, results of operations or trends. Additionally, we believe that the experience of our Executive
Team constitutes a differentiated source of competitive strength for us. However, the experience of our Executive
Team in the past (whether in Vista or in other companies) may not be indicative of our future results of operations.
For more information regarding our historical consolidated condensed financial information, see “Presentation of
Information,” “Item 8—Financial Information” and the Audited Financial Statements included elsewhere in this
annual report.
The results of our planned development programs in new or emerging shale development areas and
formations may be subject to more uncertainties than programs in more established areas and formations and may
not meet our expectations for reserves or production.
The results of our horizontal drilling efforts in emerging areas and formations in Argentina such as in the
Vaca Muerta formation in the Neuquina Basin are generally more uncertain than drilling results in areas that are more
developed and have more established production. Because emerging areas and associated target formations have
limited or no production history, we are less able to rely on past drilling results in those areas as a basis to predict our
future drilling results. In addition, horizontal wells drilled in shale formations, as distinguished from vertical wells,
utilize multilateral wells and stacked laterals, which could adversely impact our ability to maximize the efficiency of
our horizontal wells related to reservoirs drainage over time. Further, access to adequate gathering systems or pipeline
takeaway capacity and the availability of drilling rigs and other services may be more challenging in new or emerging
areas, and can be particularly challenging in Argentina, where access to capital is generally more limited compared to
other regions. If our drilling results are less than anticipated, or we are unable to execute our drilling program because
of capital constraints, access to gathering systems and takeaway capacity or otherwise, and/or natural gas and oil
prices decline, our investment in these areas may not be as economic as we anticipate, we could incur material write-
downs of unevaluated properties and the value of our undeveloped acreage could decline in the future.
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Part of our strategy involves using some of the latest available horizontal drilling and completion
techniques, which involve risks and uncertainties in their application.
Our operations involve utilizing some of the latest drilling and completion techniques we have developed,
along with those developed by our key service providers. Risks that we face while drilling horizontal wells include,
but are not limited to, the following (i) landing the wellbore in the desired drilling zone; (ii) staying in the desired
landing zone while drilling horizontally through the formation; (iii) running casing the entire length of the wellbore;
and (iv) being able to run tools and other equipment consistently through the horizontal wellbore.
Risks that we face while completing wells include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) the ability to
stimulate the planned number of stages; (ii) the ability to run tools the entire length of the wellbore during completion
operations; and (iii) the ability to successfully clean out the wellbore after completion of the final hydraulic
stimulation stage.
Any problems or failures in our drilling and completion techniques could adversely affect our business,
results of operations and financial condition.
Our operations and drilling activity are concentrated in areas of high competition such as the Neuquina
Basin in Argentina, which may affect our ability to obtain the personnel, equipment, services, resources and
facilities access needed to complete our development activities as planned or result in increased costs; such
concentration also makes us vulnerable to risks associated with operating in a limited geographic area.
As of December 31, 2024, most of our producing properties and total estimated proved reserves were
geographically concentrated in Vaca Muerta, in the Neuquina Basin, located in Argentina. A substantial portion of
our operations and drilling activity are concentrated in areas in such basins where industry activity is high. As a result,
demand for personnel, equipment, power, services and resources may increase in the future, as well as the costs for
these items. Any delay or inability to secure the personnel, equipment, power, services and resources could result in
oil, NGL and gas production being below our forecasted volumes. In addition, any such negative effect on production
volumes, or significant increases in costs, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flow,
profitability.
As a result of this concentration, we may be disproportionately exposed to the impact of delays or
interruptions of operations or production in this area caused by external factors such as governmental regulation, state
politics, market limitations, water or sand shortages, lack of midstream capacity, or extreme weather-related
conditions.
The oil and gas industry is competitive and our ability to achieve our strategic objectives and expand our
business depends on our ability to successfully compete in the market and react to competitive forces.
The oil and gas industry is competitive and we compete with the major independent and state-owned oil and
gas companies engaged in the E&P sector that possess substantially greater financial and other resources than we do
for researching and developing E&P technologies, accessing markets, equipment, midstream capacity, labor and
capital required to acquire, develop and operate our properties, as well as political relationships and connections with
other stakeholders, which is key, given that our business and assets are subject to political decisions. We also compete
for the acquisition of licenses and properties in the countries in which we operate.
Should we choose to bid for exploration or exploitation rights in a hydrocarbon area, or bid for midstream
capacity, we would face significant competition from state-owned, private and publicly-traded companies.
As we operate in a very competitive business, our competitors may be able to pay more for productive oil
and natural gas properties and exploratory prospects and to evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater number of
properties and prospects than our financial or personnel resources permit. Our competitors may also be able to offer
better compensation packages to attract and retain qualified personnel than we are able to offer. In addition, there is
substantial competition for capital available for investment in the oil and natural gas industry. As a result of each of
the foregoing, we may not be able to compete successfully in the future in acquiring prospective reserves, developing
reserves, marketing hydrocarbons, attracting and retaining quality personnel or raising additional capital, which could
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have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. See ”Item 4—Information
on the Company—Business Overview—Customers and Marketing—Competition.”
We are also affected by competition for drilling rigs and the availability of related equipment, leading to
higher drilling costs over the past several years. Higher commodity prices generally increase the demand for drilling
rigs, supplies, services, equipment and crews, and can lead to higher costs of oilfield services, or shortages of drilling
equipment, services and personnel. Additionally, the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations generate barriers to
entry for international service providers, limiting the supply of oilfield goods and services in Argentina. See “Item
10—Additional Information—Exchange Controls.” Accordingly, failure to manage our costs and our operational
performance could result in a material adverse effect on our earnings, cash flows and financial condition.
We must achieve certain milestones to protect the exploitation rights in our concessions.
In order to keep our exploitation rights in our concessions, we must achieve certain milestones, including
investment commitments related to drilling and production in determined time periods, as stated in the relevant
agreements signed with government authorities. Operating and maintenance costs may increase significantly due to
adverse local or international market conditions, including local recession, foreign exchange volatility or high
financing costs, which could prevent us from meeting our commitments under such agreements on commercially
reasonable terms or at all, which may force us to forfeit our interests in such areas.
If we do not succeed in meeting these milestones, renewing our agreements, maintaining our operations in
these concessions or securing new ones, our ability to grow our business may be materially affected. See “Item 5.B
Liquidity and Capital Resources—Other Contractual Obligations—Capital Expenditures” and “Item 5.A Operating
Results—Factors Affecting our Results of Operations—Contractual Obligations.”
We may fail to fully identify problems with any properties we acquire, and as such, assets we acquire may
prove to be worth less than we paid because of uncertainties in evaluating recoverable reserves and potential
liabilities.
We might seek to acquire additional acreage in Vaca Muerta, Argentina, and more broadly in Latin America.
Successful acquisitions require an assessment of a number of factors, including estimates of recoverable reserves,
exploration potential, future oil and natural gas prices, adequacy of title, operating and capital costs and potential
environmental and other liabilities. Although we conduct a review of the properties we acquire which we believe is
consistent with industry practices, we can give no assurance that we have identified or will identify all existing or
potential problems associated with such properties or that we will be able to mitigate any problems we do identify.
Such assessments are inexact, and their accuracy is inherently uncertain. In addition, our review may not permit us to
become sufficiently familiar with the properties to fully assess their deficiencies and capabilities. We do not inspect
every existing well in the properties we acquire. Even when we inspect a well, we do not always discover structural,
subsurface, title and environmental problems that may exist or arise. We are generally not entitled to contractual
indemnification for preclosing liabilities, including environmental liabilities. We may acquire interests in properties
on an “as-is” basis, with limited remedies for breaches of representations and warranties. As a result of these factors,
we may not be able to acquire oil and natural gas properties that contain economically recoverable reserves or be able
to complete such acquisitions on acceptable terms.
We are exposed to foreign exchange risks related to our operations in Argentina.
Our results of operations are subject to foreign exchange fluctuation of the Argentine Peso against the
U.S. Dollar or other currencies, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. The value of the
Argentine Peso has experienced significant fluctuations in the past. The main effect of a depreciation or devaluation
of the Argentine Peso against the U.S. Dollar would be on our realized crude oil prices of sales to the domestic
market, given that gasoline prices in Argentina are denominated in local currency, so significant changes in exchange
rate have historically limited the ability of refiners to pass through such changes to the end-users.
Additionally, given several accounting rules, material changes in the value of the Argentine Peso against the
U.S. Dollar may also negatively affect: (i) deferred income tax associated with our fixed assets, (ii) current income
tax and (iii) foreign exchange differences associated with our Argentine Peso exposure.
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A significant appreciation of the Argentine Peso against the U.S. Dollar or other currencies could increase
the cost of expenditures that are contractually denominated and indexed in Argentine Pesos when translated into U.S.
Dollars in the Company’s financial statements. This, in turn, could adversely affect the Company’s operating margins
and financial performance, including its ability to service financial debt obligations.
The exchange rate of the Argentine Peso against the U.S. Dollar and other currencies is beyond the
Company’s control and is influenced by monetary and economic policies adopted by the Argentine government, as
well as by the policies of other countries, particularly those of the United States and other key trading partners of
Argentina. The Company cannot predict whether, or to what extent, the Argentine Peso will depreciate or appreciate
against the U.S. Dollar or other currencies, nor can it determine the potential impact of such fluctuations on its
business and financial condition.
We may be subject to unknown or contingent liabilities related to our recent and future acquisitions.
We occasionally conduct assessments of opportunities to acquire additional oil and gas assets and
businesses. Any prospective acquisition could prove to be a substantial undertaking in terms of scale and may
introduce new and potentially significant risks, including those related to political, financial, and geographical factors.
The success of our acquisition activities is contingent upon our capacity to identify suitable candidates, negotiate
acceptable terms of acquisition, and integrate their operations in an effective manner.
Any prospective acquisition would be accompanied by a number of risks, including the potential for a
significant decline in oil and gas prices, the risk that oil and natural gas reserves acquired may not be developed as
anticipated, the difficulty of assimilating the operation and staff, the possible disruption of our ongoing business, the
potential loss of significant key employees, and management’s inability to maximize our financial and strategic
position through the successful integration of acquired assets and businesses. Additional challenges may include the
maintenance of uniform standards, control, procedures and policies, and the deterioration of relationships with
employees, customers, and contractors as a result of any integration of new management personnel.
Moreover, additional capital may be required to finance an acquisition, which could entail debt financing and
expose the Company to leverage risk. Any acquisition could impact our liquidity, particularly if we use a portion of
available cash to finance the acquisition, and may impact our ability to service financial debt obligations.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to overcome these risks or any other issues related to these
acquisitions. Unexpected costs and challenges may arise, and we may experience delays in realizing the benefits of an
acquisition. Our capitalization and operational results may undergo significant changes, and we may not have the
opportunity to thoroughly assess the economic, financial, and other pertinent information necessary for evaluating
future acquisitions. If we cannot effectively manage the integration of acquisitions, it could reduce our focus on
subsequent acquisitions and current operations, potentially impacting our financial results, reputation, and business.
In the event of an accident or other occurrence which is not covered by our insurance policies, we may
suffer significant losses which may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Even though we consider that we have insurance coverage consistent with international standards, there is no
assurance concerning the availability or sufficiency of insurance coverage with respect to a particular loss or risk. In
the event of an accident or other occurrence in our business which is not covered by insurance under our policies, we
may suffer significant losses or be forced to provide compensation in a substantial amount from our own resources,
which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
We are not concessionaires or operating partners in all of our joint ventures, as a result must rely on the
activities of our operating partners in such joint ventures. Actions taken by the concessionaires and/or operators in
these joint ventures could have a material adverse effect on our success.
Both we and our subsidiaries carry out hydrocarbon E&P activities through unincorporated joint ventures
entered into through agreements with third parties (joint operations for accounting purposes). In some cases, these
joint venture agreements or our joint venture partners, rather than us, hold the rights to the concession or the E&P
license contracts. Pursuant to the terms and conditions of such agreements, one of the parties assumes the role of
operator, and therefore assumes the responsibility of executing all activities pursuant to the agreement. However, in
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certain cases, neither we nor our subsidiaries may be able to assume the role of concessionaire and/or operator and, in
such cases, we must rely on the measures taken by and the performance of our operating partners. Such actions could
adversely affect our financial condition and our operating results. For example, as of December 31, 2024, we were not
the operator of the Entre Lomas Neuquén, Acambuco, Entre Lomas Río Negro, Jarilla Quemada, Charco del
Palenque, Jagüel de los Machos and 25 de Mayo–Medanito SE concessions, located in Argentina. In such cases, we
would be subject to risks related to the performance of, and the measures taken by, the concessionaire and/or operator
to carry out the activities. Such actions could adversely affect our financial condition and operating results. For a
more complete description of our non-operated concessions, see “Item 4—Information on the Company—Business
Overview—Argentina—Concessions.”
We face risks related to certain legal proceedings.
We may be parties to labor, commercial, civil, tax, criminal, environmental and administrative proceedings
that, either alone or in combination with other proceedings, could, if resolved in whole or in part adversely to us,
result in the imposition of material costs, fines, judgments or other losses. While we believe that we have provisioned
such risks appropriately based on the opinions and advice of our external legal advisors and in accordance with
applicable accounting rules, certain loss contingencies, particularly those relating to environmental and tax matters,
are subject to change as new information develops and it is possible that losses resulting from such risks, if
proceedings are decided in whole or in part adversely to us, could significantly exceed any accruals we have provided.
As of December 31, 2024, we employed third-party employees under contract, mostly with large domestic
and international service providers. Although we have policies regarding compliance with labor and social security
obligations for our contractors, we can provide no assurance that the contractors’ employees will not initiate legal
actions against us seeking indemnification based upon a number of Argentine judicial labor court precedents that
established that the ultimate beneficiary of employee services is joint and severally liable with the contractor, which is
the employee’s formal employer.
In addition, we may be subject to undisclosed liabilities related to labor, commercial, civil, tax, criminal,
environmental or other contingencies incurred by businesses we acquire in the future as part of our growth strategy,
that we were not or may not be able to identify or that may not be adequately indemnified under our acquisition
agreements with the sellers of such businesses, in which case our reputation, business, financial condition and results
of operation may be materially and adversely affected.
We are subject to Mexican, Argentine and other nations’ anti-corruption, anti-bribery, anti-
money laundering and economic sanctions laws and regulations. Our failure to comply with these laws could
result in penalties, which could harm our reputation and have an adverse effect on our reputation, business,
financial condition and results of operations.
The United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, the United Kingdom Bribery Act 2010, the laws
and regulations implementing the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development Anti-Bribery
Convention, the Mexican Administrative Responsibilities Law (Ley General de Responsabilidades Administrativas),
the Argentine Corporate Criminal Liability Law (Ley de Responsabilidad Penal Empresaria) and other applicable
anti-corruption laws in other relevant jurisdictions prohibit companies and their intermediaries from offering or
making improper payments (or giving anything of value) to government officials and/or persons in the private sector
for the purpose of influencing them or obtaining or retaining business and require companies to keep accurate books
and records and maintain appropriate internal controls.
In particular, the Argentine Corporate Criminal Liability Law establishes the criminal liability of legal
entities for offenses against public administration and transnational bribery committed by, among others, their legal
counsel, directors, managers, employees or representatives. Under this law, a legal entity may be held liable—and
subject to penalties including fines and partial or total suspension of activities—if it is proven that such offenses were
committed, directly or indirectly, in its name, on its behalf or for its benefit. Moreover, if the Company obtained or
could have obtained a benefit from such offenses, and if they resulted from a failure to implement effective controls,
the Company may be held liable.
It may be possible that, in the future, reports may emerge alleging instances of unethical and illegal conduct
on the part of former agents, current or former employees or others acting on our behalf or on the part of public
27
officials or other third parties doing or considering business with us. While we will endeavor to monitor such reports
and investigate matters which we believe warrant an investigation in keeping with the requirements of our compliance
program, and, if necessary or appropriate make disclosure and notify the relevant authorities, any fines, other
penalties or adverse publicity that such allegations may attract may have a negative impact on our business and
reputation and lead to increased regulatory scrutiny of our business practices.
If we or people or entities that are or were related to us are responsible for violations of applicable anti-
corruption laws (whether due to our own acts or inadvertence, or due to the acts or inadvertence of others) or the Code
of Ethics and Conduct, we or other persons or entities related to us could suffer civil, criminal and/or other penalties,
which in turn could have a material adverse impact on our future business, financial condition and results of
operations. See “Item 16B—Code of Ethics.”
We rely on key third-party suppliers, vendors and service providers to provide us with parts, components,
services and critical resources that we need to operate our business.
Companies operating in the energy industry, specifically the oil and gas sector, commonly rely upon various
key third-party suppliers, vendors and service providers to provide them with parts, components, services, drilling
rigs, completion sets, midstream capacity and other critical resources, needed to operate and expand their business. If
these key suppliers, vendors and service providers fail to deliver, or are delayed in delivering, equipment, service rigs,
completion sets, midstream capacity or critical resources, we may not meet our operating targets in the expected time
frame, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows
and/or prospects.
Our operations in the industry could be susceptible to the risks of performance, product quality and financial
conditions of our key suppliers, vendors and service providers. For instance, their ability to adequately and timely
provide us with parts, components, services and drilling rigs, completion sets, midstream capacity and resources
critical to our operations may be affected if they are facing financial constraints or times of general financial stress
and economic downturn. There can be no assurance that we will not encounter supply disruptions in the future or that
we will be able to timely replace such suppliers or service providers that are not able to meet our needs, which might
adversely affect a successful execution of our operations, and consequently, our business, financial condition, results
of operations, cash flows and/or prospects.
We employ a highly unionized workforce and could be subject to labor actions such as strikes, which
could have a material adverse effect on our business.
The sectors in which we operate are highly unionized. We cannot assure you that we or our subsidiaries will
not experience labor disruptions or strikes in the future, which could result in a material adverse effect on our business
and returns.
In addition, we cannot assure you that we will be able to negotiate new collective bargaining agreements on
the same terms, or on terms that are substantially similar, as those currently in force or that we will not be subject to
strikes or labor interruptions before or during the negotiation process of said agreements. The collective bargaining
agreement for the period April 2024 to March 2025 was signed on June 5, 2024, and amended by the agreement
signed on October 30, 2024. In the future, if we are unable to renegotiate the collective bargaining agreement on
satisfactory terms or are subject to strikes or labor interruptions, our results of operations, financial condition and the
market value of our shares could be materially affected.
Our performance is largely dependent on recruiting and retaining key personnel.
Our current and future performance and business operations depend on the contributions of our Executive
Team, and of our first-line managers, our engineers, technical crew and other employees. We rely on our ability to
attract, train, motivate, and retain qualified and experienced administrative staff and specialists. No assurance can be
given that we will be able to attract and retain personnel for key positions and replacing any of our key employees
could prove difficult and time-consuming. The loss of the services and experience of any of our key employees, or
our inability to recruit a suitable replacement or additional staff, could have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition and operating results.
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Risks Related to the Argentine and Mexican Economic and Regulatory Environments
Our business is largely dependent on economic and political conditions in Argentina.
Substantially all our operations and properties are located in Argentina. As a result, our business is largely
dependent on the economic and political conditions prevailing in Argentina. Changes in economic, political, and
regulatory conditions, as well as measures taken by the Argentine government, can have a significant impact on our
operations and financial condition.
Argentine economic conditions depend on various factors, including: (i) balance of trade and, in particular,
the international prices of major exported commodities, (ii) stability and competitiveness of the Argentine Peso
against foreign currencies, (iii) competitiveness and efficiency of domestic industries and services, (iv) levels of
domestic consumption, investment, and local and international financing, (v) consumer price and wholesale price
inflation levels, (vi) changes in economic or fiscal policies implemented by the Argentine government, (vii) labor
conflicts and strikes, (viii) the fiscal expenditure by the Argentine government and its ability to maintain fiscal
balance, (ix) interest rates and wage and/or price controls, and (x) the level of unemployment, political instability, and
social tensions.
Furthermore, the Argentine economy is particularly sensitive to fluctuations in the local political landscape.
Legislative elections take place in Argentina every two years, resulting in the partial renewal of both chambers of
Congress. The next legislative election is scheduled for October 2025. The outcome of these elections may lead to
changes in government policies that could impact our business. We cannot assure whether such changes will occur or
estimate their timing or potential effects on our operations and financial condition.
On December 10, 2023, Javier Milei took office as President of Argentina and pledged to implement
significant economic reforms. Following his inauguration, the Argentine Executive Branch enacted Decree No.
70/2023, introducing measures aimed at reducing the size of the public administration, cutting public expenses, and
deregulating the economy. On June 28, 2024, the Argentine Congress approved the Ley de Bases, which formally
declares a state of public emergency in matters of administration, the economy, finance, and energy for one year,
granting the Argentine Executive Branch a series of legislative powers. The Ley de Bases also introduced legal,
institutional, and tax reforms affecting various sectors of the economy, including amendments to the Argentine
Hydrocarbons Law. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Industry and Regulatory Overview— Oil and Gas
Regulatory Framework in Argentina—Ley de Bases.”
The amendments to the Argentine Hydrocarbons Law include: (i) building on the self-sufficiency paradigm
of the Argentine Hydrocarbons Law to include maximization of economic profits, in order to foster new investments;
(ii) the principle of non-intervention in hydrocarbon or refined product prices by the Argentine government; and (iii)
the principle of freedom of oil and gas exports. This latter principle is subject to objection by the SdE on technical
and economic grounds. In addition, the amendments introduced other changes, including limiting subsequent
renewals of concessions, granting more discretionary powers to Provinces in setting royalties, expanding activities to
include hydrocarbon processing, and introducing more flexible requirements for obtaining transportation
authorizations.
Furthermore, on June 28, 2024, the Lower House of the Argentine Congress provided definitive approval for
a fiscal reform (“Argentine Fiscal Reform”), successfully reincorporating the chapter on income tax and personal
assets, previously rejected by the Argentine Senate. The Argentine Fiscal Reform was enacted and published in the
Argentine Official Gazette (Boletín Oficial de la República Argentina) on July 8, 2024, effective from that date
forward.
It is difficult to predict the social, political, or economic impact of the measures announced and implemented
by the Argentine government as of the date of this annual report, as well as any future measures that may be
introduced, and the outcome of the ambitious deregulation plan, which the Argentine Executive Branch intends to
implement through Decree No. 70/2023, the Ley de Bases, and/or the Argentine Fiscal Reform. These measures could
affect our financial situation and the results of our operations.
On August 22, 2024, the Argentine Congress approved a bill aimed at increasing public pensions.
Subsequently, on September 12, 2024, the Argentine Congress approved another bill to increase funding for national
29
public universities. However, President Milei vetoed both laws, issuing Decree No. 782/2024 on September 2, 2024,
for the public pensions bill, and Decree No. 879/2024 on October 2, 2024, for the university funding bill, citing the
failure of both bills to identify the fiscal resources needed to cover the additional expenditures. Since the current
administration took office, its limited representation in the Argentine Congress has constrained its ability to promote
or block legislation, requiring negotiations with the opposition on various aspects of each bill to secure their support.
Concurrently, certain circumstances have led the opposition to unite and advance laws that the administration had
previously publicly opposed. This political dynamic and the current administration’s lack of majorities in the
Argentine Congress could lead to a situation where vetoes by the Executive are frequently used for various projects
approved by the Argentine Congress, thereby creating political uncertainty and legal claims, thus affecting
predictability and the Argentine investment climate in general. We cannot predict how this situation will evolve and
whether it may negatively impact our operations and/or financial conditions.
Additionally, the Argentine economy is vulnerable to adverse events affecting its main trading partners. A
continued deterioration of economic conditions in Brazil, Argentina’s main trading partner, and a deterioration of the
economies of other important trading partners of Argentina, such as China or the United States, could have a
significant adverse impact on Argentina’s trade balance and adversely affect Argentina’s economic growth, and
therefore, could negatively impact our financial health and operating results. Furthermore, an increase in tariffs
imposed on Argentine exports by Argentina’s most relevant trading partners, such as China, Brazil or the United
States, or a significant depreciation of the currencies of our trading partners or competitors may negatively affect
Argentina’s competitiveness and trade balance, and, consequently, negatively impact Argentina’s economic and
financial condition and the results of our operations. See “Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—Changes in
U.S. trade and other policies under the Trump administration may adversely impact our business, financial condition,
and results of operations.”
Also, see “Item 4—Information on the Company—Industry and Regulatory Overview— Oil and Gas
Regulatory Framework in Argentina—Ley de Bases.”
Argentina’s ability to obtain financing from international markets is limited, which could affect its
capacity to foster economic growth.
Over the past few years, Argentina has experienced financial distress, which has led to an increase in public
debt. On January 28, 2022, the Argentine government and the International Monetary Fund (“IMF”) reached a
consensus on pivotal policies as part of their ongoing discussions within the framework of an IMF-supported
financing program. On March 17, 2022, the Argentine government approved an agreement with the IMF for a period
of 30 months (“IMF Agreement”) to refinance US$44.0 billion of debt incurred between 2018 and 2019 under a
stand-by agreement that was originally scheduled to be paid between 2021 and 2023. The IMF Agreement comprises
ten quarterly reviews over a two-and-a-half-year period, with the objective of ensuring that the Argentine government
complies with the targets set for each review period. Following each review, disbursements are made available. The
repayment period for each disbursement is ten years, with a grace period of four and a half years, commencing in
2026 and concluding in 2034. On June 13, 2024, the IMF concluded its eighth review, after which the IMF disbursed
approximately US$800 million to the Argentine government to support economic recovery, and rebuild fiscal and
external reserves. As of the date of this annual report, the IMF has disbursed a total of over US$41.4 billion to the
Argentine government in accordance with the terms of the IMF Agreement. On January 10, 2025, the IMF conducted
an ex-post evaluation (“EPE”) of Argentina’s exceptional access under the IMF Agreement, which expired at the end
of 2024. The EPE report concluded that the program’s design did not fully account for the scale of Argentina’s fiscal
and balance of payments challenges, given the country’s complex economic conditions, the post-COVID recovery
environment, and difficulties in securing government commitment to the program’s objectives. On March 11, 2025,
the Argentine Executive Branch issued Decree No. 179/2025, approving a new 10-year agreement (“Extended
Facilities Program”) to be entered into with the IMF. The primary purpose of the Extended Facilities Program is to
refinance liabilities, including non-transferable treasury bills and the remaining amounts pending amortization under
the current IMF Agreement. On March 19, 2025, the lower house of the Argentine Congress ratified Decree No.
179/2025, thereby giving final approval to the Extended Facilities Program. As of the date of this annual report, the
Extended Facilities Program has not been executed.
We cannot assure that the Argentine government will meet the targets of the upcoming reviews of the IMF.
Moreover, we cannot assure that the IMF’s conditions will not affect Argentina’s ability to implement reforms and
30
public policies and boost economic growth. We also cannot predict the impact of the implementation of the IMF
Agreement on Argentina’s (and indirectly our) ability to access the international capital markets.
Despite the restructuring of Argentina’s public debt carried out between 2020 and 2023, international
markets remain cautious with regards to Argentina’s debt sustainability and, as a result, country risk indicators remain
high. In 2024, Argentina saw a decrease in country risk and an improvement in its sovereign debt rating. However,
there can be no assurance that Argentina’s credit ratings will not be downgraded, suspended or cancelled in the future.
Any downgrade, suspension or cancellation of Argentina’s sovereign debt rating may have an adverse effect on the
Argentine economy and our business.
Without renewed access to the financial markets, the Argentine government may not have the financial
resources to drive growth. In addition, Argentina’s inability to obtain credit in international markets could have a
direct impact on our ability to access those markets to finance our operations and growth, including the financing of
capital expenditures, which would adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In
addition, we cannot predict the outcome of any future restructuring of Argentine sovereign debt. We have investments
in Argentine sovereign bonds in the amount of US$8.7 million as of December 31, 2024. Any new event of default by
the Argentine government could adversely affect their valuation and repayment terms, as well as have a material
adverse effect on the Argentine economy and, consequently, our business and results of operations.
Our operations are subject to extensive and evolving regulations in the countries in which we operate.
The oil and gas industry is subject to extensive regulation by federal, state, provincial and local governments
in the jurisdictions where we operate. The Argentine and Mexican hydrocarbons industries are highly regulated by
federal, provincial, and municipal governments, covering various aspects, including the award of exploration permits
and exploitation concession, production and export restrictions, taxation, price controls, domestic market supply
obligations and environmental matters. As a result, our business is significantly influenced by regulatory and political
conditions prevailing in the countries in which we operate, as described below, and our results of operations may be
materially and adversely affected by regulatory and political changes in these countries.
We cannot assure that changes in applicable laws and regulations, or adverse judicial or administrative
interpretations of such laws and regulations, will not adversely affect the results of our operations. Similarly, we
cannot assure you that future government policies, in the countries where we currently operate or might operate in the
future, will not adversely affect the oil and gas industry.
Additionally, we cannot provide assurances that our oil and gas concessions will be extended in the future as
a result of the review by the controlling entities regarding the investment plans presented for analysis or that
additional requirements to obtain extensions of permits and concessions will not be imposed.
Moreover, we cannot provide assurances that the taxes, royalties and fees that regulate the oil and gas
industry will not be increased in the future by municipal, provincial or federal governments, which could adversely
affect our results of operations and financial condition, including our ability to service financial debt obligations.
There is also no assurance that regulations or taxes (including royalties) enacted by provincial or municipal
governments will not conflict with federal law and regulations, and that such taxes or regulations will not adversely
affect our results of operations or financial condition.
The Argentine and Mexican governments retain the authority to design and implement energy policies,
which have previously included export restrictions, price controls, production incentives, and preferential policies for
state-owned enterprises. In Argentina, the Argentine government has established in the past export restrictions on the
free disposition of hydrocarbons and export proceeds, imposed duties on exports, and imposed price agreements
among producers and refiners or create fiscal incentive programs to promote increased production. In Mexico, the
Mexican government has pursued policies to increase state control over the energy sector, benefiting Pemex and CFE.
Additionally, Pemex is the sole offtaker of our oil and gas production from CS-01, our asset in Mexico. In
the past, we have experienced delays in collecting the proceeds from these sales from Pemex. Even if we diligently
monitor and manage this issue to ensure timely collection, this problem could continue going forward, and even
worsen, which could stress the financial position of our Mexican operations.
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Any such controversies, limitations or export restrictions or any other measures imposed by Argentine or
Mexican authorities could have a material adverse effect on our future business, financial condition, results of
operations, cash flows and/or prospects and as a consequence, the market value of our series A shares or ADSs may
decline.
Measures adopted by the antitrust authority in Mexico could have a material adverse effect on our results
and financial condition.
The COFECE is the antitrust authority in Mexico with jurisdiction over a number of sectors of the Mexican
economy, including the oil and gas sector, and as such, has jurisdiction over the activities conducted by Vista. The
Mexican government has granted COFECE broad powers to investigate and prosecute absolute monopolistic practices
(cartel activity), relative monopolistic practices (abuse of dominance) and illegal concentrations, as well as to prevent
concentrations which could have anticompetitive effects. Additionally, COFECE can determine the existence of
essential facilities and regulate their access and identify barriers to entry and issue recommendations to federal, local
and municipal authorities to eliminate such barriers and encourage competition. Therefore, many of our activities may
be reviewed by COFECE and, in the case of equity transactions involving certain monetary and ownership thresholds,
we may be required to notify COFECE of our intent to enter into such transactions and the consummation of such
transactions may be subject to COFECE’s authorization in accordance with applicable Mexican laws. As a result, the
closing of pending or future acquisitions of assets or common shares in the Mexican market may be subject to the
satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions, including, among others, the authorization of COFECE.
Completion of such transactions is not assured, and they will be subject to risks and uncertainties, including the risk
that the necessary regulatory approvals are not obtained or that other closing conditions are not satisfied. If such
transactions are not completed, or if they are otherwise subject to significant delays, it could negatively affect the
trading prices of our common shares and our future business and financial results.
Further, COFECE might decide to impose penalties or establish conditions on our business if we are unable
to request or receive, or are delayed in requesting or receiving, the aforesaid authorizations and, if these were to
materialize, such claims could have a material adverse effect on our results and financial condition. Similarly, it
cannot be guaranteed that the authorizations that have not been obtained can be obtained or can be obtained without
conditions. Failure to obtain those authorizations, or the conditions to which they may be subject, could have a
material adverse effect on our results and financial condition.
Moreover, on December 20, 2024, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum published a constitutional reform
in the Mexican Federal Official Gazette (Diario Oficial de la Federación), providing for the dissolution of various
entities, including COFECE, CRE and CNH. For additional context on the regulatory changes in Mexico concerning
CRE and CNH, see “Item 4—Information on the Company—Industry and Regulatory Overview—Oil and Gas
Regulatory Framework in Mexico.” The reform anticipates that COFECE’s current functions will be transferred to a
new authority. However, it will take effect 180 days after the Mexican Congress enacts new secondary legislation on
economic competition or amends the existing competition law. Until such legislation is enacted, its impact on the oil
and gas industry remains uncertain.
Investors may be faced with risks inherent to investing in a company operating in stand-alone and
emerging markets, such as Argentina and Mexico, including significant political, legal and economic risks, as well
as risks related to fluctuations in the global economy.
According to MSCI Inc, Argentina and Mexico are stand-alone and emerging market economies,
respectively. As per the MSCI Global Market Accessibility Review, while nations classified as emerging markets are
developing countries with potential growth in their economies, trade relations with other countries, stability of
institutional framework, equal rights to foreign investors and low levels of capital flow restrictions, countries
classified as stand-alone markets are those that are currently partially or fully closed to foreign investors, with small
capital markets and political tensions.
Investing in such markets generally carries inherent risks such as political, social and economic instability
that may affect economic results, which may stem from many factors, including but not limited to, the following: high
interest rates; abrupt changes in currency values; high levels of inflation; exchange controls; wage and price controls;
regulations to import equipment and other necessities relevant for operations; changes in governmental economic,
32
administrative or tax policies; political and social tensions; hostilities or political problems in other countries that
could impact international trade, the price of commodities and the global economy.
Volatility in the securities markets in emerging market countries, let alone stand-alone markets such as
Argentina, as well as possible further increases in interest rates in the United States and other developed or emerging
markets, may have a negative impact on the trading value of our securities and the conditions under which we can
access international capital markets. Additionally, in stand-alone markets there is a risk of governmental restrictions
that may limit investment, and a higher risk associated with political developments.
In addition, the SEC, the U.S. Department of Justice and other authorities often have substantial difficulties
in bringing and enforcing actions against non-U.S. companies and non-U.S. persons, including company directors and
officers, in certain stand-alone and emerging markets, including Argentina and Mexico.
Any of these factors, as well as volatility in the capital markets, may adversely affect our business, results of
operations, financial condition, the value of our series A shares and ADSs, and our ability to meet our financial
obligations.
We could be subject to direct and indirect restrictions on exports under Argentine law.
Although the Argentine Hydrocarbons Law generally grants the right to export hydrocarbons, subject to non-
objection by the SdE, and ensures that once export requirements are met, the right to export cannot be revoked (see
“Item 4—Information on the Company—Industry and Regulatory Overview—Oil and Gas Regulatory Framework in
Argentina—Ley de Bases”), the specific objection process is expected to be further defined through an SdE resolution.
Additionally, hydrocarbons exports are allowed only if the volumes are not needed for the domestic market and are
sold at reasonable prices. In the past, oil and gas companies have experienced export restrictions, limiting their ability
to benefit from higher international prices when they exceed domestic prices in Argentina.
Even though the Ley de Bases approved changes to the Argentine Hydrocarbons Law to reduce restrictions
on hydrocarbon exports (see “—Our business is largely dependent on economic and political conditions in
Argentina”), an authorization from the Argentine government is still required to export hydrocarbons until above-
mentioned SdE resolution is enacted. In the case of not obtaining oil export permits, our operations could be affected,
as well as our revenues and financial results.
Until 2024, exports of crude oil and oil by-products in Argentina required prior registration in the Argentine
Registry of Export Operations Agreements (Registro de Contratos de Operaciones de Exportación) and authorization
by the SdE. The Ley de Bases modified the Argentine Hydrocarbons Law, establishing that producers of crude oil and
oil by-products may freely export hydrocarbons and/or their derivatives, absent objection by the SdE. The effective
exercise of this right is subject to the regulations issued by the Argentine Executive Branch, which, among other
aspects, must consider: (i) the usual requirements related to the access of technically proven resources; and (ii) that
the eventual objection of the SdE may only (a) be formulated within 30 days after the SdE acknowledges the export,
and (b) must be based on technical or economic reasons related to the security of supply. Once said term has elapsed,
the SdE may not raise any objection whatsoever.
On November 28, 2024, the Argentine Executive Branch issued Decree No. 1057/2024 to regulate the Ley de
Bases, detailing export procedures and the maintenance of the Argentine Registry of Export Operations Agreements.
The decree introduces an objection procedure for hydrocarbon exports, allowing the SdE to object within 30 business
days based on technical-economic studies if supply security is affected. Specific grounds for objection include
insufficient hydrocarbons, failure to demonstrate projected availability, inaccurate information, and significant
changes in domestic market prices.
The principles of equality, reasonableness, proportionality, and non-discrimination must be observed, and the
objection procedure is expected to be further detailed by an SdE resolution, replacing previous resolutions. We cannot
predict when the SdE will issue such regulation and the nature of its content. See “Item 4—Information on the
Company—Industry and Regulatory Overview—Oil and Gas Regulatory Framework in Argentina—Ley de Bases.”
In addition, we cannot predict if restrictions on exports will be reintroduced, or whether future measures will
be taken that adversely affect our ability to export and import gas, crude oil, or other products and, consequently,
33
affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. For additional information, please see “Item 10—
Additional Information—Exchange Controls.”
With respect to natural gas, Argentine Law No. 24,076 (“Natural Gas Law”) and the related regulations
require that all domestic market needs be considered when authorizing long-term exports of natural gas. In this sense,
the SdE may authorize export operations of natural gas surplus provided they are subject to interruption upon local
supply shortages. In recent years, Argentine authorities have adopted certain measures which resulted in restrictions
on the exports of natural gas from Argentina. Because of these restrictions, oil and gas companies have been forced to
sell part of their natural gas production in the local market that was originally intended for the export market and have
been unable in certain cases to comply wholly or partially with their export commitments.
Current Argentine exchange controls and the implementation of further exchange controls could
adversely affect our results of operations.
The Argentine government and the BCRA have implemented certain measures that control and restrict the
ability of companies and individuals to access the foreign exchange market. Those measures include, among others:
(i) restricting access to the Argentine foreign exchange market for the purchase or transfer of foreign currency abroad
for any purpose, including the payment of dividends to interested non-residents; (ii) restricting the acquisition of any
foreign currency to be held as cash in Argentina; (iii) requiring exporters to repatriate and convert all export proceeds
from goods and services into Argentine Pesos through the foreign exchange market; (iv) limiting the transfer of
securities into and from Argentina; (v) implementing taxes on certain transactions involving the acquisition of foreign
currency; and (vi) restricting access (including, but not limited to, in connection with the term for making such
payments) to the currency exchange market to pay for imports of goods and services. In the past, the BCRA
established certain additional restrictions such establishing certain mandatory refinancing on U.S. Dollar-denominated
debt.
Even though President Milei announced exchange controls would be lifted by year-end 2025, a detailed plan
and the timing of such event have not been disclosed, and there can be no assurance that the BCRA will lift exchange
controls in the near future, make modifications to these regulations, or even reimpose past restrictions or impose
mandatory refinancing plans related to our indebtedness payable in foreign currency, establish more severe
restrictions on currency exchange, or maintain the current Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations or create multiple
exchange rates for different types of transactions, substantially modifying the applicable exchange rate at which we
acquire currency to service our outstanding liabilities denominated in currencies other than the Argentine Peso, all of
which could affect our ability to comply with our financial obligations when due, raise capital, refinance our debt at
maturity, obtain financing, execute our capital expenditure plans, import goods and services, which are needed for the
execution of projects in the upstream and midstream sectors of the oil and gas industry and/or undermine our ability
to pay interest and principal payments on the Notes.
Given the unpredictable nature of political and economic developments, there can be no assurance that more
restrictive exchange controls and transfer restrictions than those currently in effect will not be imposed. In the event
of a crisis or a period of political, economic and social instability in Argentina resulting in a material economic
contraction, there is a risk that the current government may adopt radical changes to its economic, exchange and
financial policies. Such measures may be implemented to preserve the balance of payments, protect the foreign
exchange reserves of the BCRA, prevent capital flight, or address a significant depreciation of the Argentine Peso.
These measures could include, among others, the mandatory conversion of U.S. Dollar-denominated obligations of
Argentine resident legal entities into Argentine Pesos. The imposition of such restrictions, combined with external
factors beyond the Company’s control, could materially impact the Company’s ability to make payments in foreign
currency.
The extension of current exchange controls, or the implementation of stricter capital controls, could have an
adverse impact on the Argentine government’s public finances, which could in turn have a detrimental effect on the
Argentine economy and consequently on our business, operating results, and financial condition, including our ability
to service financial debt obligations. For additional information, please see “Item 10—Additional Information—
Exchange Controls.”
In addition, we cannot assure you that the Mexican government may not impose exchange controls or other
confiscatory measures in the future.
34
The imposition of export duties and other taxes have adversely affected the oil and gas industry in
Argentina and could adversely affect our results in the future.
In the past, the Argentine government has imposed duties on exports, including exports of oil and liquid
petroleum gas products (e.g., among others, by means of the Solidarity Law and Decree No. 488/2020). Under the
current regulation, export duties on crude hydrocarbons and/or natural gas are capped at 8%, when Brent crude oil
price is above US$60/bbl. For Brent crude oil price below US$45/bbl the tax rate is 0%. Between US$45/bbl and
US$60/bbl, the tax rate is linear between 0% and 8%.
An increase in export duties and taxes may have a material adverse effect on Argentina’s oil and gas industry
and our results of operations. We produce exportable goods and an increase in export taxes would result in a reduction
in our realization prices, our margins and our net income. We cannot guarantee the impact of those or any other future
taxes and measures that might be adopted by the Argentine government on demand and prices for hydrocarbon
products and, consequently, our financial condition and result of operations.
The impact of inflation in Argentina on our costs could have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations.
Historically, inflation has materially undermined the Argentine economy and the Argentine government’s
ability to create conditions that foster growth. In recent years, Argentina has experienced high inflation rates. The
consumer price index published by the INDEC (Índice de Precios al Consumidor) (“CPI”) variation for the period
from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 was 117.8%.
In the past, loose monetary policy and persistent fiscal deficits have contributed to high levels of inflation. In
response, prior Argentine governments have implemented various measures to monitor and control the prices of key
goods and services. The current administration, under President Milei, has shifted the macroeconomic policy
framework to prioritize the elimination of the fiscal deficit and a substantial reduction in monetary issuance. As a
result, CPI growth has subsided, with a month-on-month increase of 2.2% in January 2025 and 2.4% in February
2024, equivalent to an annualized rate of approximately 32.9%. Notwithstanding this progress, if the value of the
Argentine Peso is not fully stabilized through consistent fiscal and monetary policies, inflationary pressures may
reemerge.
High inflation rates affect the competitiveness of Argentina’s goods and services in the international
markets, negatively impact employment, consumption and the level of economic activity and undermines confidence
in Argentina’s banking system, which could further limit the availability of and access to domestic and international
credit by local companies and political stability. Inflation remains a challenge for Argentina given its persistent
nature. Argentina’s structural inflationary imbalances remain critical, which may cause the current levels of inflation
to continue and have an adverse effect on Argentina’s economy and financial condition. Inflation can also lead to an
increase in Argentina’s debt.
Inflation in Argentina has contributed to a material increase in our operating costs and new well costs over
the past years, as part of the goods and services involved in such activities are denominated in Argentine Pesos, which
leads to increases in unit costs measured in U.S. Dollars during periods when the Argentine Peso inflation rate is
greater than the depreciation of the Argentine Peso against the U.S. Dollar.
Inflation rates could escalate in the future, and there is uncertainty regarding the effects that the measures
adopted, or that may be adopted in the future, by the Argentine government to control inflation may have. See “—
Government intervention may adversely affect the Argentine economy and, as a result, our business and results of
operations in Argentina” below. Increased inflation could adversely affect the Argentine economy, our cost structure,
financial condition, our business, and the market price of our series A shares and the ADSs.
Significant fluctuations in the value of the Argentine Peso could adversely affect the Argentine economy
and our business and results of operations in Argentina.
The ability of the Argentine government to stabilize and maintain a stable foreign exchange market is
uncertain. Fluctuations, or a continued depreciation, in the value of the Argentine Peso may adversely affect the
Argentine economy, our financial condition and results of operations. While most of our revenues are denominated in
35
U.S. Dollars, E&P players could be limited by the ability of refiners to pass through crude oil prices to the pump
prices, which are denominated in local currency, in the event of significant increases in the Argentine Peso to U.S.
Dollar exchange rate. A material depreciation of the Argentine Peso against the U.S. Dollar could negatively affect
our average realized oil prices and financial performance, including our ability to service financial debt obligations, as
well as the value of our ADSs.
Furthermore, an appreciation of the Argentine Peso in real terms affects the competitiveness of the economy,
including the oil and gas sector, as it makes goods and services denominated in local currency more expensive in
relative terms. This could increase our operating and capital expenditures, and negatively affect our financial
performance. A significant appreciation in real terms of the Argentine Peso against the U.S. Dollar also presents risks
for the Argentine economy, including the possibility of a reduction in exports (as a consequence of the loss of
external competitiveness). Such appreciation could also have a negative effect on the growth of the economy and
employment and reduce tax collection in real terms.
Our properties may be subject to expropriation by the Mexican and Argentine governments for public
interest reasons.
Our assets, which are mainly located in Argentina and, to a lesser extent, in Mexico, may be subject to
expropriation by the Argentine and Mexican governments (or the government of any political subdivision thereof),
respectively. We are engaged in the business of oil extraction and, as such, our business or our assets may be
considered by the Argentine or Mexican governments, or the governments of other countries where we might invest
in the future, to be a public service or essential for the provision of a public service. Therefore, our business is subject
to political uncertainties, including expropriation or nationalization of our business or assets, loss of concessions,
renegotiation or annulment of existing contracts, and other similar risks.
In such an event, we may be entitled to receive compensation for the transfer of our assets under applicable
law. However, the price received may not be sufficient, and we may need to take legal actions to claim appropriate
compensation. Our business, financial condition and results of our operations could be adversely affected by the
occurrence of any of these events.
We cannot assure that any acts of expropriation by the Argentine or Mexican governments, changes in
applicable laws and regulations, or adverse judicial or administrative interpretations of such laws and regulations will
not have a material adverse effect on our operation and business, or the Argentine or Mexican economies in general
and, as a result, adversely affect our financial condition, our results of operations.
Government intervention may adversely affect the Argentine economy and, as a result, our business and
results of operations in Argentina.
In the past, the Argentine government has intervened directly in the economy through expropriation,
nationalization, price controls and exchange controls, among others.
Historically, the Argentine government has adopted measures to directly or indirectly control the access of
private companies and individuals to foreign trade and foreign exchange markets, such as restricting its free access
and imposing the obligation to repatriate and sell in the foreign exchange market all foreign currency revenues
obtained from exports. These regulations prevent and limit us from offsetting the risk derived from our exposure to
the U.S. Dollar. Our business and operations in Argentina may also be adversely affected by measures adopted by the
Argentine government to address inflation and promote sustainable macroeconomic growth.
A low economic growth rate and high inflation scenario could occur in the future as a result of the
accumulation of macroeconomic imbalances in recent years, the Argentine government’s regulatory actions and
difficult international economic conditions. We cannot give any assurance that the policies implemented by the
Argentine government will not adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, value of our
securities and ability to meet our financial obligations.
Argentina’s economy is highly sensitive to local political developments, which in the past have had an
adverse impact on the level of investment. Future developments may adversely affect Argentine economy and, in
36
turn, our business, results of operations, financial condition, the value of our securities, and our ability to meet our
financial obligations.
In the future, the Argentine government may impose further exchange controls and restrictions on transfers
abroad, restrictions on the movement of capital or take other measures in response to capital flight or a significant
depreciation of the Argentine Peso, which could limit our ability to access the international capital markets. Such
measures could lead to political and social tensions and undermine the Argentine government’s public finances, as
has occurred in the past, which could have an adverse effect on economic activity in Argentina and, consequently,
adversely affect our business and results of operations and cause the market value of our series A shares or ADSs to
decline.
Oil and gas exploitation concessions, exploration permits and production and exploration contracts in
Argentina and Mexico are subject to certain conditions and may be revoked or not renewed.
Argentina
The Argentine Hydrocarbons Law is the main regulatory framework of the hydrocarbons industry, as it
created a system of exploration permits and production concessions awarded by the state (federal or provincial,
depending on the location of the resources), through which companies hold exclusive rights to explore, develop,
exploit and take title of the production at the wellhead, in exchange for a royalty payment and adherence to the
general taxation regime.
The Argentine Hydrocarbons Law, as amended, establishes that oil and gas exploitation concessions will
have the following durations: (i) 25 years for conventional exploitation concessions, (ii) 35 years for unconventional
exploitation concessions, and (iii) 30 years for offshore concessions, in each case, from the date of the resolution
granting them.
Pursuant to the modifications introduced by Article 115 of the Ley de Bases, in new concessions, the federal
or provincial executive branch, as appropriate, at the time of defining the terms and conditions, may determine other
terms of up to a maximum of 10 additional years to those mentioned above, provided that such decision by the the
federal or provincial executive branch, as appropriate, its well-founded and motivated. In no case may the terms be set
in perpetuity. Concessions granted prior to the enactment of the Ley de Bases will continue to be governed by the
terms established by the legal framework existing at the date of their approval.
No assurance can be given that our concessions will be renewed in the future by the competent authorities
based on the investment plans submitted to that effect, or that such authorities will not impose additional requirements
for the renewal of such concessions or permits. Additionally, five of our concessions are unconventional concessions
and therefore were granted for a 35-year period and with royalties of 12%, under the terms prescribed by Law No.
27,007. We cannot assure you that any future legislation the Argentine government may enact from time to time may
not affect such concessions.
Exploration permits and exploitation concessions provide a vested right that cannot be terminated without
legal indemnification. Nonetheless, relevant provincial enforcement authorities are entitled to revoke these licenses in
the event of a breach of the permit or concession conditions by the licensee (Section 80 of Law No. 17,319).
Licensees can also partially or totally relinquish, at any time, the acreage of a permit or concession. If an exploration
permit is relinquished, the licensee will be bound to pay any investment amounts committed and not fulfilled
(Sections 20 and 81 of the Argentine Hydrocarbons Law).
The Ley de Bases introduced amendments to the Argentine Hydrocarbons Law, with respect to oil and gas
concessions. Among the main points modified by the Ley de Bases, it is provided that the request for subdivision of
the area for the conversion of conventional to unconventional concession will only be available until December 31,
2028, and its term will only be 35 years, without extensions.
It is not possible to ensure what effects these amendments to the Argentine Hydrocarbons Law will have on
the concessions granted to companies in Argentina (including our concessions) nor when we will be able to see the
effects of these modifications. Therefore, we cannot predict what effects the Ley de Bases will have on our
37
concessions, and consequently, on our operational performance and, therefore, our financial condition, operating
results, and cash flows.
In addition, no assurance can be given that our exploitation concessions will be renewed in the future by the
relevant provincial authorities based on the investment’s plans submitted to that effect, or that such authority will not
impose additional requirements for the renewal of such concessions. Moreover, under the current regulatory
framework, the granting authority retains the possibility of revoking concessions if certain conditions are met.
Mexico
Our E&P license contract is valid for 30 years and may be renewed for up to two additional periods of up to
five years each, subject to the terms and conditions set out in the contract. The power and authority to extend the term
of existing and future contracts lies with the SENER. Under the existing contracts, for an E&P license contract to be
eligible for an extension, the developer must (i) be in compliance with the terms of such contracts, (ii) submit an
amendment proposal to the development plan and (iii) commit to maintain ‘sustained regular production’ throughout
each extension.
No assurance can be given that our contracts will be renewed in the future by the SENER (or any substitute
authority thereto) based on the investment plans submitted to that effect, that such authority will not impose
additional requirements for the renewal of such contract, or that we will continue to have a good business relationship
with the new and future administrations.
For additional context on the regulatory changes in Mexico concerning the CNH, see “Item 4—Information
on the Company—Industry and Regulatory Overview—Mexico’s Oil and Gas Industry Overview—Oil and Gas
Regulatory Framework in Mexico.”
A global or regional financial crisis and unfavorable credit and market conditions may negatively affect
our liquidity, customers, business, and results of operations.
The effects of a global or regional financial crisis and related turmoil in the global financial system may have
a negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The effects of a global economic crisis on our customers and on us cannot be predicted. Weak global and
local economic conditions could lead to reduced demand or lower prices for energy, hydrocarbons and related oil
products and petrochemicals, which could have a negative effect on our revenues. Economic factors such as
unemployment, inflation and the unavailability of credit could also have a material adverse effect on the demand for
energy and, therefore, on our business financial condition and results of operations. The financial and economic
situation in Argentina, Mexico or in other countries in Latin America, may also have a negative impact on us and
third parties with whom we do, or may do, business. See “—The Argentine economy can be adversely affected by
economic developments in the global financial markets, and by more general contagion effects from other financial
markets, which could have a material adverse effect on Argentina’s economic growth.”
The Argentine economy can be adversely affected by economic developments in the global financial
markets, and by more general contagion effects from other financial markets, which could have a material adverse
effect on Argentina’s economic growth.
Financial and securities markets in Argentina and the Argentine economy are influenced by the effects of
global or regional financial crises and market conditions in other markets worldwide. Global economic instability
such as uncertainty about global trade policies, sharp drops or increases in commodities prices, the deterioration of
economic conditions in Brazil (Argentina’s main trading partner) and of the economies of other major trading partners
of Argentina, such as China or the United States, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union
(Brexit), geopolitical tensions between the United States and a number of foreign countries, the ongoing conflict
between Russia and Ukraine, and more recently between Israel, Iran and Hamas, and China and Taiwan, decisions by
the OPEC and other non-OPEC oil-producing nations with respect to oil production quotas, idiosyncratic, political
and social discords, terrorist attacks, sovereign debt downgrades, a pandemic disease, could impact the Argentine
economy and jeopardize Argentina’s ability to correct its existing macro imbalances, among others. Although
economic conditions vary from country to country, investors’ reactions to events occurring in one country sometimes
38
demonstrate a contagion effect in which an entire region or class of investment is disfavored by international
investors.
Consequently, there can be no assurance that the Argentine economy and securities markets will not be
adversely impacted by events affecting the world, a particular region, developed economies, emerging markets or any
of Argentina’s major trading partners, which could in turn adversely affect our business, financial condition and
results of operations, and the market value of our ADSs. Furthermore, a significant devaluation of the currencies of
our trading partners or trade competitors may adversely affect the competitiveness of Argentina and, consequently,
adversely affect Argentina’s economy and our financial condition and results of operations, including our ability to
service financial debt obligations.
Failure to adequately address actual and perceived risks of institutional deterioration and corruption may
adversely affect Argentina’s economy and financial condition and, consequently, our business.
A lack of a solid and transparent institutional framework for contracts with the Argentine government and its
agencies and corruption allegations have affected and continue to affect Argentina. In Transparency International’s
2023 Corruption Perceptions Index survey of 180 countries, Argentina was ranked 98th (with one being the least
corrupt country and 180 being the most corrupt country), a deterioration compared to the previous survey in 2022.
As of the date of this annual report, there are various ongoing investigations into allegations of money
laundering and corruption being conducted by the Argentine Public Prosecutor (Ministerio Público Argentino).
Companies involved in the investigations may be subject to, among other consequences, a decrease in their credit
ratings, claims filed by their investors, and may further experience restrictions in their access to financing through the
capital markets, together with a decrease in their income. The potential outcome of these and other ongoing
corruption-related investigations is uncertain, but they have already had an adverse impact on the image and
reputation of those companies that have been implicated, as well as on the general market perception of the economy,
political environment and the capital markets in Argentina. We have no control over and cannot predict the outcome
of any such investigations or allegations nor their effect on the Argentine political and economic instability, nor the
can we predict the adverse effect on our commercial activities and results of operations.
Recognizing that failing to address these issues could increase the risk of political instability, distort
decision-making processes, and negatively affect Argentina’s international reputation and its ability to attract foreign
investment, the Argentine government has announced several measures aimed at strengthening Argentine institutions
and reducing corruption. These measures include reducing criminal sentences in exchange for cooperation with the
government in corruption investigations, greater access to public information, the restitution to the state of assets from
corrupt officials, increasing the powers of the Anti-Corruption Office, presenting a draft of a new public ethics law,
among others. The Argentine government’s ability to implement these initiatives is uncertain, as it would be subject
to independent judicial review, as well as legislative support from opposition parties.
Recognizing that the failure to address these issues could increase the risk of political instability, distort
decision-making processes and adversely affect Argentina’s international reputation and ability to attract foreign
investment. In turn, this could impact our ability to attract new investors to our Company, which could affect our
financial condition and the market value of our ADSs.
The Argentine government owns the hydrocarbons reserves located in the subsoil in Argentina.
The Argentine Hydrocarbons Law provides that liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon deposits located in the
territory of the Argentina and in its continental shelf belong to the Argentine government, either at the federal or
provincial level, depending on the location of such deposits. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Property,
Plant and Equipment.” However, the E&P of oil and natural gas are conducted through exploration permits and
exploitation concessions granted by the federal or provincial government, as applicable, to public and private
companies. Access to crude oil and natural gas reserves is essential to an oil and gas company’s sustained production
and generation of income, and our ability to generate income would be materially and adversely affected if the
Argentine government were to restrict or prevent us from exploring or extracting any of the crude oil and natural gas
reserves that it has assigned to us or if we are unable to compete effectively with other oil and gas companies in future
bidding rounds for additional E&P rights in Argentina. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Industry and
Regulatory Overview—Oil and Gas Regulatory Framework in Argentina.”
39
Economic conditions and government policies in Mexico and elsewhere may have a material impact on
our operations.
A deterioration in Mexico’s economic condition, social instability, political unrest, changes in governmental
policies, or other adverse social developments in Mexico could adversely affect our business and financial condition.
Those events, including changes in energy policy and regulation, could also lead to increased volatility in the foreign
exchange and financial markets, thereby affecting our ability to obtain financing. Additionally, the Mexican
government has announced several budget cuts in the past in response to declines in international crude oil prices.
Any new budget cuts could adversely affect the Mexican economy and, consequently, our business, financial
condition, operating results and prospects.
In the past, Mexico has experienced several periods of slow or negative economic growth, high inflation,
high interest rates, currency devaluation and other economic problems. These problems may worsen or reemerge, as
applicable, in the future and could adversely affect our business. A worsening of international financial or economic
conditions, such as a slowdown in growth or even a recession in Mexico’s trading partners, including the United
States, or the emergence of a new financial crisis, could have adverse effects on the Mexican economy, our financial
condition and our ability to service our debt.
Also, the Mexican government has had significant influence in the Mexican economy in the past and will
likely continue to do so. Changes in the legal framework and policies may adversely affect our business and the value
of our securities.
Criminal activity in Mexico could affect our operations.
In recent years, Mexico has experienced a period of increasing criminal activity, primarily due to the
activities of drug cartels and related criminal organizations. In addition, the development of the illicit market in fuels
in Mexico has led to increases in theft and illegal trade in the fuels that we produce. In response, the Mexican
government has implemented various security measures and has strengthened its military and police forces. Despite
these efforts, criminal activity continues to exist in Mexico, and could worsen in 2024, if criminal groups seek to take
advantage of the upcoming elections to expand their control over the local governments and markets. These activities,
their possible escalation and the violence associated with them, in an extreme case, may have a negative impact on
our financial condition and results of operations.
Economic and political developments in Mexico may adversely affect Mexican economic policy and, in
turn, our operations.
As of the date of this annual report, Movimiento de Regenaracion Nacional (Morena), the political party of
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, holds a majority of seats in the Mexican House of Representatives (Cámara
de Diputados) and holds the largest number of seats in the Mexican Senate (Senado de la República) relative to any
other party. In recent years, the Mexican Executive Branch and Congress have applied significant pressure on the
Judicial Branch, particularly on Mexico’s Supreme Court of Justice. This concentration of power, along with any
political or economic changes resulting from these developments, could have a negative impact on our business,
financial position, or operating results.
On September 15, 2024, a constitutional reform was enacted in Mexico, introducing significant changes to
the judicial system, including the popular election of judges, magistrates, and Supreme Court justices. The Mexican
Judicial Reform (as defined below) has led to nationwide judicial strikes, disrupting judicial proceedings and
potentially causing delays in litigation and contract enforcement. These developments create regulatory uncertainty
that may impact our business operations and legal protections in Mexico. For additional context on the regulatory
changes in Mexico, see “Item 4—Information on the Company—Industry and Regulatory Overview—Mexico’s Oil
and Gas Industry Overview—Oil and Gas Regulatory Framework in Mexico.”
Economic conditions in Mexico are closely linked to the economic conditions in the United States due to the
countries’ geographic proximity and the high degree of economic activity between the two countries generally,
including the trade facilitated by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). As a result, political and
economic developments in the United States, including but not limited to the recent developments regarding tariffs
40
imposed by the United States on imports from Mexico, can also have an impact on the exchange rate between the
U.S. Dollar and the Mexican Peso, economic conditions in Mexico and the global capital markets.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced significant changes in trade policies,
including the imposition of new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, with additional measures under
consideration. For more information on changes in U.S. trade and oder policies, and their impact, see “Risks Related
to Our Business and Industry—Changes in U.S. trade and other policies under the Trump administration may
adversely impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations.” These tariffs, along with potential
retaliatory actions by these and other countries, could disrupt global trade flows, and increase operational costs for
companies reliant on international supply chains.
Additionally, on January 20, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order directing the U.S. Secretary of
State to recommend the designation of certain international cartels and transnational criminal organizations as FTOs
and SDGTs. The U.S. Department of Justice subsequently issued memoranda prioritizing enforcement actions against
cartels and transnational criminal organizations, including those operating in Mexico. These designations may impose
additional compliance and operational challenges for companies, like ours, with activities in Mexico.
Other events and changes, and any political and economic instability in Mexico, could have a material
adverse effect on the country’s economy. The extent of such an impact cannot be accurately predicted. We cannot
provide any assurances that political developments in Mexico will not adversely affect the Mexican economy or the
oil and gas industry and, in turn, our business.
The Mexican nation owns the hydrocarbons reserves located in the subsoil in Mexico.
The Mexican Constitution provides that the Mexican nation, and not us, owns all petroleum and other
hydrocarbon reserves located in the subsoil in Mexico. Article 27 of the Mexican Constitution provides that the
Mexican government will carry out E&P activities through contracts with third parties or allocations awarded to State
Public Enterprises (empresas públicas del Estado). The Mexican Hydrocarbons Law, under which the license
agreement for the block CS-01 was executed and is governed, allowed us and other oil and gas companies to explore
and extract the petroleum and other hydrocarbons reserves located in Mexico, subject to the entry into agreements
pursuant to a competitive bidding process. After the repeal of the Mexican Hydrocarbons Law, the Mexican
Hydrocarbons Sector Law stipulates that the SENER may exceptionally enter into agreements for the exploration and
extraction of petroleum and other hydrocarbons, subject to a competitive bidding process. Access to crude oil and
natural gas reserves is essential to an oil and gas company’s sustained production and generation of income, and our
ability to generate income would be materially and adversely affected if the Mexican government were to restrict or
prevent us from exploring or extracting any of the crude oil and natural gas reserves that it has assigned to us or if we
are unable to compete effectively with other oil and gas companies in future bidding rounds for additional E&P rights
in Mexico.
For additional context on the regulatory changes in Mexico, see “Item 4—Information on the Company—
Industry and Regulatory Overview—Mexico’s Oil and Gas Industry Overview—Oil and Gas Regulatory Framework
in Mexico.”
Health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic could have a significant adverse effect on our business
operations.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant adverse impact on the global economy and our Company. The
COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the imposition of local, municipal and national governmental “shelter-in-place” and
other quarantine measures, border closures and other travel restrictions, closure of non-essential businesses,
suspension of visas, nation-wide lockdowns, closing of public and private institutions, extension of holidays, among
many others, causing unprecedented commercial disruption in a number of jurisdictions, including Mexico and
Argentina.
During 2020, the Company’s revenues and financial condition were severely hit due to the reduced demand
for oil and gas, and the collapse in oil and gas prices, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to these issues, we
decided to stop all drilling and completion activities, both in Argentina and Mexico, which negatively impacted our
production by delaying development projects.
41
Although the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on us and the global economy have subsided, we
cannot predict or estimate the ultimate negative impact that a resurgence of COVID-19 or another pandemic would
have on our results of operations and financial condition, since it will depend on future developments outside of our
control, including the intensity and duration of the pandemic, as well as measures taken to contain the pandemic or
mitigate its economic impact by the Argentine or Mexican governments.
We are subject to risks related to a certain joint and several tax liability provision in Mexico, by means of
which Vista could be held as jointly and severally liable in connection with any income tax amounts arising from
the transfer of its shares between foreign residents without a permanent establishment in Mexico, if such
transactions are not reported to the Mexican tax authorities.
The Mexican government approved and published a tax provision in the Mexican Federal Official Gazette
whereby from January 1, 2022, Mexican resident companies may be joint and severally liable for the taxes triggered
by non-Mexican tax residents on the sale or disposition, to another non-Mexican tax resident party, of their shares or
securities representing property of assets, issued by such companies, if the relevant Mexican resident company fails to
provide certain information in respect of certain dispositions or sales to the Mexican tax authorities and the non-
Mexican seller fails to comply with the obligation to pay the relevant tax. Given the mechanisms and procedures
inherent to stock exchanges, including the volume of trading in the NYSE, Mexican companies, including us, have
practical challenges in identifying and tracking the sale or disposition of the ADSs held by our investors, irrespective
of them being Mexican or non-Mexican tax resident. Therefore, if the non-Mexican resident fails to pay taxes
triggered on the sale and we fail to comply with the abovementioned information obligation, the tax authorities may
assess joint and several liability on the Company for any unpaid taxes derived from the disposition or sale of the
ADSs conducted by non-Mexican residents to another non-Mexican resident where certain requirements set forth in
the Mexican Tax Law and its regulations are not complied with for such sale or disposition of ADSs to be exempt in
Mexico. This potential assessment could have an adverse effect on our business, equivalent to the joint and several
liability of the unpaid taxes.
However, Vista has appealed the tax provision through an amparo proceeding, seeking an exemption from
the obligation to provide the relevant information and, as a result, to avoid being subject to joint and several tax
liability. Vista obtained a favorable final decision from a Collegiate Court (Tribunal Colegiado) pursuant to binding
precedent from the Second Chamber of the Mexican Supreme Court of Justice established in docket A.R. 528/2022.
As a result, Vista is now only required to submit the notice concerning the share ownership of the parties referred to
in Section 49 Bis 2 of the Circular Única de Emisoras and is not obligated to report share transfers carried out
between non-residents.
Risks Related to our series A shares and the ADSs
The series A shares and ADSs are traded in more than one market, and this may result in price
variations; in addition, investors may not be able to easily move securities for trading between such markets.
As of the date of this annual report, our series A shares are listed and traded on the Mexican Stock Exchange
and ADSs are listed on the NYSE. Markets for our series A shares or for the ADSs may not have liquidity and the
price at which the series A shares or the ADSs may be sold is uncertain.
Trading in the ADSs or our series A shares on these markets takes place in different currencies (U.S. Dollars
on the NYSE and Mexican Pesos on the Mexican Stock Exchange), and at different times (resulting from different
time zones, different trading days and different public holidays in the United States and Mexico). The trading prices
of the securities on these two markets may differ due to these and other factors. Any decrease in the price of our series
A shares on the Mexican Stock Exchange could cause a decrease in the trading price of the ADSs on the NYSE.
Investors could seek to sell or buy our shares to take advantage of any price differences between the markets through
a practice referred to as arbitrage. Any arbitrage activity could create unexpected volatility in both our share prices on
one exchange, and the ADSs available for trading on the other exchange. In addition, holders of ADSs will not be
immediately able to surrender their ADSs and withdraw the underlying series A shares for trading on the other market
without effecting necessary procedures with the Depositary. This could result in time delays and additional cost for
holders of the ADSs.
42
The trading prices for the series A shares and the ADSs may fluctuate significantly.
Volatility in the market price of our series A shares and the ADSs may prevent investors from selling their
securities at or above the price that they paid for them. The market price and market liquidity of our series A shares
and the ADSs may be adversely affected by several factors, including, but not limited to, the extent of investor
interest in us, the attractiveness of our series A shares and the ADSs in comparison to other equity securities (for
instance, shares issued by a company with larger operating history in our own industry), our financial performance
and general market conditions. Certain additional factors that could negatively affect, or result in fluctuations in, the
price of our series A shares and the ADSs include actual or anticipated variations in our operating results; potential
differences between our actual financial and operating results and those expected by investors; investors’ perceptions
of our prospects and the prospects of our sector; new laws or regulations or new interpretations of laws and
regulations, including tax guidelines, applicable to the energy sector, our series A shares and/or the ADSs; general
economic trends and risks in the United States, Latin American or global economies or financial markets, including
those resulting from pandemics, war, incidents of terrorism or responses to such events; changes in our operations or
earnings estimates or publication of research reports about us or the Latin American energy industry; market
conditions affecting the Latin American economy generally or borrowers in Latin America specifically; significant
volatility in the market price and trading volume of securities of companies in the energy sector, which are not
necessarily related to the operating performance of these companies; additions to or departures from our Executive
Team; completing (or failing to complete) additional acquisitions or executing additional concession agreements;
speculation in the press or investment community; changes in the credit ratings or outlook assigned to Latin American
countries, particularly Mexico and Argentina, and entities of the energy sector; political conditions or events in
Argentina, Mexico, the United States and other countries; and enactment of legislation or other regulatory
developments that adversely affect us or our industry.
The stock markets in general have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been
unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of the companies involved. We cannot assure you that
trading prices and valuations will be sustained. These broad market and industry factors may materially adversely
affect the market price of our series A shares and the ADSs, regardless of our operating performance. Market
fluctuations, as well as general political and economic conditions in the markets in which we operate, such as
recession or currency exchange rate fluctuations, may also adversely affect the market price of our series A shares and
ADSs. Following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, that company may often be
subject to securities class-action litigation. This kind of litigation may result in substantial costs and a diversion of
management’s attention and resources, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations and financial condition.
The relatively low liquidity and high volatility of the Mexican securities market may cause trading prices
and volumes of our series A shares and the ADSs to fluctuate significantly.
The Mexican Stock Exchange is one of Latin America’s largest exchanges in terms of aggregate market
capitalization of the companies listed therein, but it remains relatively illiquid and volatile compared to other major
foreign stock markets. Although the public participates in the trading of securities on the Mexican Stock Exchange, a
substantial portion of trading activity on the Mexican Stock Exchange is conducted by or on behalf of large
institutional investors. The trading volume for securities issued by emerging market companies, such as Mexican
companies, tends to be lower than the trading volume of securities issued by companies in more developed countries.
These market characteristics may limit the ability of a holder of our series A shares and may also adversely affect the
market price of the series A shares and, as a result, the market price of the ADSs.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research reports about our business, or publish negative
reports about our business, the price and trading volume of our series A shares and the ADS could decline.
The trading market for our series A shares and the ADSs may be impacted in part on the research and reports
that securities or industry analysts publish about us, our business, our market or our competitors. If no securities or
industry analysts covers us, the trading price for our series A shares and the ADSs may be negatively impacted. If one
or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades us or releases negative publicity about our series A shares and
ADSs, our share price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases to cover us or fails to regularly
publish reports on us, interest in our series A shares and the ADSs may decrease, which may cause our share price or
trading volume to decline.
43
As a foreign private issuer, we have different disclosure and other requirements than U.S. domestic
registrants.
As a foreign private issuer, we are subject to different disclosure and other requirements than domestic U.S.
registrants. For example, as a foreign private issuer, in the United States, we are not subject to the same disclosure
requirements as a domestic U.S. registrant under the Exchange Act, including the requirements to prepare and issue
quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or to file current reports on Form 8-K upon the occurrence of specified significant
events, the proxy rules applicable to domestic U.S. registrants under Section 14 of the Exchange Act or the insider
reporting and short-swing profit rules applicable to domestic U.S. registrants under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
In addition, we have relied, and intend to keep relying, on exemptions from certain U.S. rules which permit us to
follow Mexican legal requirements rather than certain of the requirements that are applicable to U.S. domestic
registrants.
Furthermore, foreign private issuers are required to file their annual report on Form 20-F within 120 days
after the end of each fiscal year, while U.S. domestic issuers that are accelerated filers are required to file their annual
report on Form 10-K within 75 days after the end of each fiscal year. Foreign private issuers are also exempt from
Regulation Fair Disclosure under the Securities Act, aimed at preventing issuers from making selective disclosures of
material information. As a result of the above, even though we are required to file reports on Form 6-K disclosing the
information which we have made or are required to make public pursuant to Mexican law, or are required to distribute
to shareholders generally, and that is material to us, you may not receive information of the same type or amount that
is required to be disclosed to shareholders of a U.S. company.
We cannot predict if investors will find our series A shares or the ADSs less attractive because we rely on
these exemptions. If some investors find our series A shares and the ADSs less attractive as a result, there may be a
less active trading market for our series A shares and the ADSs and our share price may be more volatile.
ADS holders may be subject to additional risks related to holding ADSs rather than series A shares.
Because ADS holders do not hold their series A shares directly, they are subject to additional risks, including
as an ADS holder, you may not be able to exercise shareholder rights; distributions on the series A shares represented
by your ADSs are paid in Mexican Pesos to a custodian through S.D. Indeval, Institución para el Depósito de Valores,
S.A. de C.V. (“Indeval”) and before such custodian transfers any such distributions to the depositary for your benefit,
it would be required to deduct withholding taxes, if any. The depositary would also be required to convert
distributions made in Mexican Pesos into U.S. Dollars. Additionally, if the exchange rate fluctuates significantly prior
to the depositary converting any distribution into U.S. Dollars, the amount of such distribution may decrease in terms
of U.S. Dollars; and we and the depositary may amend or terminate the Deposit Agreement without the ADS holders’
consent in a manner that could prejudice ADS holders or that could affect the ability of ADS holders to transfer
ADSs.
We have granted, and may continue to grant, share incentive awards, which may result in increased
share-based compensation expenses and holders of our series A shares and ADSs may suffer further dilution.
In April 2018, we adopted our Long-Term Incentive Plan (“Plan”) with the purpose of attracting and
retaining talented individuals as officers, directors, employees, and consultants who are critical to our success,
incentivizing their performance, and aligning their interests with ours. Under the Plan, our Board of Directors is
authorized to grant restricted series A shares or ADSs (“Restricted Stock”) and options to purchase our series A shares
or ADSs (“Stock Options”) to our officers, directors, employees, and consultants. We reserved 8,750,000 series A
shares, issued on December 18, 2017, for the implementation of the Plan. Additionally, the series A shares
repurchased by the Company through our buy-back program may be allocated to the Plan.
The vesting of series A shares reserved for the Plan (or the allocation of series A shares repurchased by the
Company through our buy-back program) could result in immediate dilution to our existing shareholders and may
also have a dilutive effect on our earnings per share. If all series A shares currently reserved for the Plan, in addition
to all shares repurchased through the ongoing buy-back program, were to become outstanding, our issued and
outstanding share capital would increase by 3.7%, from 95,285,451 series A shares outstanding as of December 31,
2024, to 98,781,026 series A shares. See “Item 6—Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Long-Term
Incentive Plan.”
44
ADS holders may be unable to exercise voting rights with respect to the shares underlying the ADSs at
our shareholders’ meetings.
The depositary is treated by us for all purposes as the shareholder with respect to the shares underlying your
ADSs. As a holder of ADSs, you do not have direct shareholder rights and may exercise voting rights with respect to
the shares represented by the ADSs only in accordance with the Deposit Agreement relating to the ADSs. There are
no provisions under Mexican law or under our bylaws that limit the exercise by ADS holders of their voting rights
through the depositary with respect to the underlying series A shares. However, there are practical limitations on the
ability of ADS holders to exercise their voting rights due to the additional procedural steps involved in
communicating with these holders. ADS holders may be unable to exercise voting rights with respect to the series A
shares underlying the ADSs as a result of these practical limitations.
Preemptive rights may be unavailable to non-Mexican holders of ADSs and, as a result, such holders may
suffer dilution.
Under our current by-laws, whenever we issue new shares for subscription and for payment in cash, subject
to certain exceptions, such as those related to public offerings, mergers, or conversion of convertible securities or
when the shareholders’ meeting or board of directors (in the latter case when such authority is delegated to the board
of directors by the shareholders’ meeting for a particular issuance) decide otherwise, we must grant preemptive
subscription rights to our shareholders, giving them the right to purchase a sufficient number of shares to maintain
their existing ownership percentage. We may not be able to offer preemptive rights to foreign shareholders and ADS
holders identical to those of our shareholders residing in Mexico in connection with any future issuance of shares
unless we comply with certain specific requirements under the laws and regulations of the applicable jurisdictions of
our non-Mexican shareholders. In the case of United States shareholders and ADS holders, we might not be able to
offer them shares pursuant to preemptive rights granted to our shareholders in connection with any future issuance of
shares, unless the offer of such shares is registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from the registration
requirement is available.
We intend to evaluate, at the time of any preemptive prescription rights offering, the costs and potential
liabilities associated with a registration statement or similar requirement to enable U.S. or other non-
Mexican shareholders and ADS holders to exercise their preemptive subscription rights in the event of an issuance of
shares; the indirect benefits of enabling U.S. and other non-Mexican shareholders and ADS holders to exercise
preemptive subscription rights; and any other factors that we consider appropriate at the time. We will then decide
whether to file such a registration statement or otherwise comply with a similar requirement.
In the event that a required registration statement or similar requirement is not filed or satisfied, U.S. or other
non-Mexican shareholders or ADS holders, would not be able to exercise their preemptive subscription rights in
connection with future issuances of our shares, and their stake in the Company might be diluted. In this event, the
proportion of the economic and voting interests of such U.S. or other non-Mexican shareholders or ADS holders in
our total equity could decrease in proportion to the size of the issuance. Depending on the price at which shares are
offered, such an issuance could result in dilution in the book value per share to U.S. or other non-
Mexican shareholders or ADS holders not participating in the capital increase.
Substantial sales of our series A shares or the ADSs could cause the price of our series A shares or the
ADSs to decrease.
The market price of our series A shares and the ADSs may decline as a result of sales of a large number of
series A shares and ADSs or the perception that these sales may occur. These sales, or the possibility that these sales
may occur, also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that
we deem appropriate.
Our shareholders, or entities controlled by them or their permitted transferees will be able to sell their shares
in the public market from time to time without registering them, subject to certain limitations on the timing, amount
and method of those sales imposed by regulations promulgated by the SEC, as well as any other regulation (including
anti-trust rules) that may apply. If any of our shareholders, the affiliated entities controlled by them or their respective
permitted transferees were to sell a large number of their shares, the market price of our series A shares may decline
45
significantly and, as a result, the market price of the ADSs. In addition, the perception in the public markets that sales
by them might occur may also adversely affect the market price of our series A shares and the ADSs.
The protections afforded to minority shareholders in Mexico are not as comprehensive as those in other
jurisdictions, such as the United States.
Under Mexican law, the protections afforded to minority shareholders and the responsibilities and duties of
directors and senior officers are different or not as complete as those in the United States. Although Mexican law
establishes specific duties of care and loyalty applicable to our directors, committee members and senior officers, the
Mexican legal regime governing directors, committee members and senior officers, and their duties, is not as
comprehensive or developed as in the United States and has not been the subject of as broad and precise judicial
interpretation. In addition, the criteria applied in other jurisdictions, including in the United States, to ascertain the
independence of corporate directors may be different from the criteria applicable under corresponding Mexican laws
and regulations. Furthermore, in Mexico, there are different procedural requirements for shareholder suits that work
exclusively for our benefit (such as with respect to derivative suits) and not for the benefit of our shareholders (even
those that initiate an action). As a result, it may be more difficult in practice for our minority shareholders to enforce
their rights against us or our directors, committee members or senior officers, including for breach of their duties or
care or loyalty) than it would be for shareholders of a United States or other non-Mexican company or to obtain
compensation for minority shareholders, for losses caused by directors, committee members or senior officers as a
result of a breach of their duties.
Our bylaws contain provisions aimed at restricting the acquisition of our shares and restricting the
execution of voting agreements among our shareholders.
Pursuant to our bylaws, every direct or indirect acquisition of shares, or attempted acquisition of shares, of
any nature by one or more persons or entities requires the prior written approval by the Board of Directors each time
that the number of shares to be acquired, when added to any shares already owned by such person or entity, results in
the acquirer holding 10% or more of our outstanding capital stock. Once such percentage is reached, such person or
entity must notify our Board of Directors of any subsequent acquisition of shares by any such person or entity through
which they acquire additional shares representing 2% or more of our outstanding capital stock. Prior, written approval
must also be requested from our Board of Directors for the execution of written or oral agreements, as a consequence
of which voting association, block voting, or binding or joint vote mechanisms or covenants are formed or adopted or
certain shares are combined or shared in any other manner, which effectively results in a change in control of our
Company or a 20% ownership interest in our Company. No additional authorization is required to carry-out such
acquisitions or to execute a voting agreement until the ownership percentage of our outstanding capital stock is equal
to or greater than 20%, nor is any additional authorization required with respect to entering temporary agreements for
appointment of minority directors.
If an acquirer does not comply with the procedures described above, such acquired shares or shares
regarding any voting agreement will not have any voting rights at any shareholders’ meeting of our Company. Any
such acquired shares which have not been approved by our Board of Directors shall not be registered in our stock
registry book, entries in our stock registry book made beforehand will be canceled and the Company will not
acknowledge or give any value to the records or listings referred to in Article 290 of the Mexican Securities Market
Law (Ley del Mercado de Valores), any other provision that might substitute it from time to time and other applicable
law. Therefore, such records or listings mentioned above will not be considered evidence of ownership of shares, shall
not grant the right to attend shareholders’ meetings or validate the exercise of any legal action, including any legal
action of a procedural nature.
The provisions in our bylaws described above may only be amended or removed by the approval of
shareholders holding at least 95% of our shares. This could hinder the process of selling our shares or the execution of
agreements in connection with those shares.
These provisions in our bylaws could potentially discourage future purchases of a significant number of our
shares, including potential future acquirers of our business, and accordingly could adversely affect the liquidity and
price of our series A shares.
46
The payment and amount of dividends, or share buybacks, are subject to the determination of our
shareholders.
The amount available for cash dividends, or share buybacks, if any, will be affected by many factors,
including our future operating results, financial condition and capital requirements as a result thereof, and the terms
and conditions of legal and contractual restrictions. Also, the amount of cash available for dividend payments, or
share buybacks, may vary significantly from estimates. There can be no assurance that we will be able to pay or
maintain the payment of dividends. Our actual results may differ significantly from the assumptions made by our
Board of Directors in recommending dividends, or share buybacks, to shareholders or in adopting or amending a
dividend policy in the future. Also, there can be no assurance that our Board of Directors will recommend a dividend
payment, or share buy-back, to our shareholders or, if recommended, that our shareholders will approve such a
dividend payment or share buy-back. The payment of dividends, or share buybacks, and the amounts of dividend
payments paid by us to our series A shares are subject to the approval of our shareholders and our having absorbed or
repaid losses from prior years and also may only be paid from retained earnings approved by our shareholders and if
legal reserves have been created.
The payment and amount of Vista Argentina’s dividends are subject to certain restrictions from the
BCRA.
Pursuant to the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations imposed by the BCRA, companies resident in
Argentina may only have access the foreign exchange market to purchase foreign currency and transfer it abroad for
the payment of profits and dividends to non-resident shareholders, if certain conditions are met and/or they have the
prior approval of the BCRA. Although only Vista Argentina’s dividends are subject to the restrictions imposed by the
BCRA, such restrictions may affect our ability to pay dividends or complete share buybacks because the main source
of cash generation is in Argentina.
There can be no assurance that the BCRA will not increase or relax such controls or restrictions, make
modifications to these regulations, establish more severe restrictions on currency exchange, or maintain the current
Foreign Exchange Regulations or create multiple exchange rates for different types of transactions, substantially
modifying the applicable exchange rate at which we acquire currency to service our outstanding liabilities
denominated in currencies other than the Argentine Peso, all of which could undermine our ability to pay dividends to
foreign shareholders and to distribute all the net cash flow generated in the form of dividends or buybacks.
Consequently, these exchange controls and restrictions could materially adversely affect the Argentine economy and
our business, financial condition and results of operations. See “Item 10—Additional Information—Exchange
Controls” for additional information.
Dividend distributions to holders of our series A shares will be made in Mexican Pesos.
We will make dividend distributions to holders of our series A shares in Mexican Pesos. While the Mexican
government does not currently restrict the ability of Mexican or foreign persons or entities to convert Mexican Pesos
into U.S. Dollars or other currencies, it could institute restrictive exchange control policies in the future. Future
fluctuations in exchange rates and the effect of any exchange control measures adopted by the Mexican government
on the Mexican economy cannot be predicted.
If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able
to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud. As a result, shareholders could lose confidence in our
financial and other public reporting, which would harm our business and the trading price of our common shares.
Effective internal controls over financial reporting are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports
and, together with adequate disclosure controls and procedures, are designed to prevent fraud. Any failure to achieve
and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting, implement required new or improved controls, or
difficulties encountered in their implementation could result in our failure to meet our reporting obligations, which in
turn could have a material adverse effect on our business and our common shares or the ADSs. In addition, any
testing by us or any subsequent testing by our independent registered public accounting firm conducted in connection
with Section 404 of the SOX, may reveal deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed
to be material weaknesses or that may require prospective or retroactive changes to our financial statements or
47
identify other areas for further attention or improvement. Matters impacting our internal controls may cause us to be
unable to report our financial information on a timely basis and thereby subject us to adverse regulatory
consequences, including sanctions by the SEC. There also could be a negative reaction in the financial markets due to
a loss of investor confidence in us and the reliability of our audited financial statements. Confidence in the reliability
of our audited financial statements also could suffer if we or our independent registered public accounting firm were
to report a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting. This could in turn limit our access to
capital markets and possibly, harm our results of operations, and lead to a decline in the trading price of our common
shares or the ADSs.
Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002, we are required to include a report of our
management on our internal controls over financial reporting in our annual reports on Form 20-F that contains
management’s assessment relating to the design, maintenance and periodic evaluation of the internal control system,
accompanied by a report from our independent registered public accounting firm. We can provide no assurance that
from time to time we will not identify concerns that could require remediation. We may encounter problems or delays
in completing the implementation of any changes necessary to make a favorable assessment of our internal control
over financial reporting. An independent assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls could detect
problems that our management’s assessment might not. Undetected material weaknesses in our internal controls could
lead to financial statement restatements and require us to incur the expense of remediation. In connection with the
attestation process by our independent registered public accounting firm, we may encounter problems or delays in the
completing the implementation of any requested improvements and receiving a favorable attestation. In addition, if
we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting we will not be able to conclude on an
ongoing basis that we have effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 which
may have an adverse effect on us.
The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources, divert management’s attention
and affect our ability to attract and retain qualified board members.
We are required to comply with various regulatory and reporting requirements, including those required by
the Commission and the CNBV. Complying with these reporting and regulatory requirements is time consuming,
resulting in increased costs to us or other adverse consequences. As a public company, we are subject to the reporting
requirements of the Exchange Act, and the requirements of the SOX, in addition to the existing disclosure
requirements by the Mexican Securities Market Law and CNBV rules. These requirements may place a strain on our
systems and resources. The Exchange Act rules applicable to us as a foreign private issuer requires that we file annual
and current reports with respect to our business and financial condition. Likewise, CNBV rules require that we make
annual and quarterly filings and that we comply with disclosure obligations including current reports. The SOX
requires that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting.
To maintain and improve the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, we will need to commit
significant resources, hire additional staff and provide additional management oversight. We will be implementing
additional procedures and processes for the purpose of addressing the standards and requirements applicable to public
companies. These activities may divert management’s attention from other business concerns, which could have a
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Furthermore, we have ceased to be an emerging growth company and are therefore no longer able to take
advantage of certain exemptions from various requirements applicable to other public companies that are emerging
growth companies including, most significantly, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation
requirements of Section 404 of the SOX. As such, our independent registered public accounting firm is now required
to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Even if our management concludes that
our internal controls over financial reporting are effective, our independent registered public accounting firm may
decline to attest to our management’s assessment or may issue a report that is qualified if it is not satisfied with our
controls or the level at which our controls are documented, designed, operated or reviewed, or if it interprets the
relevant requirements differently from us. Failure to comply with Section 404 could subject us to regulatory scrutiny
and sanctions, impair our ability to raise revenue, cause investors to lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness
of our financial reports and negatively affect our share price.
48
Our bylaws, in compliance with Mexican law, restrict the ability of non-Mexican shareholders to invoke
the protection of their governments with respect to their rights as shareholders.
As required by Mexican law, our bylaws provide that non-Mexican shareholders are considered to be
Mexican with respect to shares held by them. Moreover, non-Mexican shareholders explicitly agree not to invoke the
protection of its own government by asking such government to interpose a diplomatic claim against the Mexican
government with respect to the shareholder’s rights as a shareholder, though such agreement is not deemed to include
a waiver to any other rights (for instance, any rights under the United States securities laws, with respect to its
investment in us). If you invoke such governmental protection in violation of this provision of the bylaws, your series
A shares may be forfeited to the Mexican government.
As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to, have relied, and intend to keep relying, on exemptions
from certain NYSE corporate governance standards applicable to U.S. issuers. This may afford less protection to
holders of the ADSs.
The NYSE’s rules require listed companies to have, among other things, a majority of their board members
be independent and to have independent director oversight of executive compensation, nomination of directors and
corporate governance matters. While we currently meet this requirement, we might cease to do so in the future, given
that, as a foreign private issuer and a controlled company, we are permitted to follow home country practice in lieu of
the above requirements. Mexican law does not require that a majority of our board consist of independent directors or
the implementation of a compensation or nominating committee, and our board may thus not include, or include
fewer, independent directors than would be required if we were subject to the NYSE rules applicable to most U.S.
companies. As long as we rely on the foreign private issuer and controlled company exemptions to the NYSE rules, a
majority of our Board of Directors is not required to consist of independent directors and we will not be required to
have a compensation or nominating committee. Therefore, our board’s approach may be different from that of a board
with a majority of independent directors, and, as a result, the Executive Team’s oversight of the Company may be
more limited than if we were subject to the NYSE rules applicable to most U.S. companies.
It may be difficult to enforce civil liabilities against us or our directors or officers.
We are a publicly traded company with variable capital (sociedad anónima bursátil de capital variable)
organized under the laws of Mexico, and a majority of the members of our Board of Directors and Executive Team,
our advisors and independent auditors reside or are based outside the United States. All of our assets and the assets of
our subsidiaries are located, and all of our revenues and the revenues of our subsidiaries are derived from, sources
outside the United States, particularly in Mexico and Argentina. Consequently, it may not be possible for you to effect
service of process upon us or these other persons. Because judgments of U.S. courts or courts of other jurisdictions
outside of Mexico and/or Argentina for civil liabilities based upon foreign laws of other jurisdictions outside Mexico
and/or Argentina may only be enforced in Mexico and/or Argentina if certain requirements are met, you may face
greater difficulties in protecting your interests through actions against us, our directors or the members our Executive
Team than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in the United States or in other jurisdictions outside of
Mexico. There is doubt as to the enforceability, in original actions in Mexican courts and/or Argentine courts or in
actions for enforcement of judgments obtained in courts of jurisdictions outside Mexico and/or Argentina, of
liabilities predicated, in whole or in part, on the civil liability provisions of U.S. federal securities laws. No treaty
exists between the United States and Mexico for the reciprocal enforcement of judgments issued in the other country.
In addition, the enforceability in Argentine courts of judgments of U.S. or non-Argentine courts with respect to
matters arising under U.S. federal securities laws or other non-Argentine regulations will be subject to compliance
with certain requirements under Argentine law, including the condition that any such judgment does not violate
Argentine public policy (orden público argentino) and provided that an Argentine court will not order the attachment
on any property located in Argentina and determined by such court to be essential for the provision of public services.
ADSs holders may not be entitled to a jury trial with respect to claims arising under the deposit
agreement, which could result in less favorable outcomes to the plaintiff(s) in any such action.
The deposit agreement governing the ADSs representing our ordinary shares provides that, to the fullest
extent permitted by law, holders and beneficial owners of ADSs irrevocably waive the right to a jury trial of any
claim they may have against us or the depositary arising out of or relating to the ADSs or the deposit agreement. If
this jury trial waiver provision is not permitted by applicable law, an action could proceed under the terms of the
49
deposit agreement with a jury trial. If we or the depositary opposed a jury trial demand based on the waiver, the court
would analyze whether the waiver was enforceable based on the facts and circumstances of that case in accordance
with the applicable state and federal law. In determining whether to enforce a contractual pre-dispute jury trial waiver
provision, courts will generally consider whether a party knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily waived the right to a
jury trial. We believe that this is the case with respect to the deposit agreement and the ADSs. It is advisable that you
consult legal counsel regarding the jury waiver provision before entering into the deposit agreement.
If you or any other holders or beneficial owners of ADSs bring a claim against us or the depositary in
connection with matters arising under the deposit agreement or the ADSs, including claims under federal securities
laws, you or such other holder or beneficial owner may not be entitled to a jury trial with respect to such claims,
which may have the effect of limiting and discouraging lawsuits against us and / or the depositary. If a lawsuit is
brought against us and/or the depositary under the deposit agreement, it may be heard only by a judge or justice of the
applicable trial court, which would be conducted according to different civil procedures and may result in different
outcomes than a trial by jury would have had, including results that could be less favorable to the plaintiff(s) in any
such action, depending on, among other things, the nature of the claims, the judge or justice hearing such claims, and
the venue of the hearing.
No condition, stipulation or provision of the deposit agreement or ADSs serves as a waiver by any holder or
beneficial owner of ADSs or by us or the depositary of compliance with any substantive provision of the U.S. federal
securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Holders of our series A shares who sell or transfer series A shares acquired after January 1, 2018 and
representing 10% or more of our equity may be subject to Argentine capital gains tax under Argentine tax law.
Under Argentine tax law, non-Argentine residents who sell or transfer shares or other interests in foreign
entities acquired after January 1, 2018, may be subject to capital gains tax in Argentina if 30% or more of the market
value of the foreign entity is derived from assets located in Argentina and the shares being sold or transferred
represent 10% or more of the equity interests of such foreign entity. Therefore, any non-Argentine holder of our series
A shares who sell or transfer series A shares acquired after January 1, 2018, representing 10% or more of our equity
interests would be subject to the Argentine capital gains tax.
ITEM 4.
INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. is a sociedad anónima bursátil de capital variable organized under the laws of
Mexico. We were originally incorporated in Mexico on March 22, 2017.
Our principal executive offices are located at Torre Mapfre, 18th Floor, 243 Paseo de la Reforma Avenue,
Colonia Renacimiento, Alcaldía Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, 06600, Mexico. Our telephone number at this location is
+52 (55) 1555-7104. Our website is http://www.vistaenergy.com. Information contained on, or accessible through,
this website is not incorporated by reference in, and will not be considered part of, this annual report. The Securities
and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) maintains an internet site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and
information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.
Recent Developments
Corporate Reorganization
On December 20, 2024, the Board of Directors of Vista Argentina, Aleph Midstream, and Vista Holding VII
S.A.U., along with the management (Gerencia) of AFBN, approved a preliminary merger agreement (“Preliminary
Agreement”), pursuant to which the latter three entities will be absorbed by and merged into our subsidiary Vista
Argentina, as the surviving entity (“Merger”). The Preliminary Agreement establishes January 1, 2025, as the
effective date of the Merger. The Merger has been undertaken for intragroup corporate reorganization purposes.
For Argentine tax purposes, as provided in Section 80 of the ITL (as defined below), the effective date of a
merger determines the date from which the entities are considered to be operating jointly.
50
For Argentine corporate law purposes, a merger becomes effective only upon its registration with the public
registry. As of the date of this annual report, the Merger has not yet been registered with the public registry. Upon
registration, the effective date for Argentine corporate law purposes will be determined, and Vista Argentina will
consolidate all assets and operations of AFBN, Aleph Midstream, and Vista Holding VII S.A.U.
Additionally, under the Argentine General Companies Law No. 19,550 (Ley General de Sociedades), the
Preliminary Agreement remains preliminary because it does not yet include the approval of the consolidated and
individual financial statements of the merged entities, which must be approved jointly with the pre-merger agreement.
As of the date of this annual report, the execution of the pre-merger agreement between Vista Argentina, AFBN,
Aleph Midstream and Vista Holding VII S.A.U. and the approval of the related merger financial statements remain
pending. According to Section 83 of the Argentine General Companies Law, a pre-merger agreement must be
approved, which includes the approval of the financial statements mentioned above (“Pre-Merger Agreement”). This
Pre-Merger Agreement was approved by the Board of Directors of all four entities on March 28, 2025, including the
approval of consolidated merger financial statements with a cut-off date of December 31, 2024. Additionally, under
the Argentine General Companies Law, the Pre-Merger Agreement must be approved by the shareholders’ meetings
of the involved entities. The shareholders’ meetings of Vista Argentina, AFBN, Aleph Midstream, and Vista Holding
VII S.A.U. have been scheduled for April 28, 2025.
Consequently, while Vista Argentina, AFBN, Aleph Midstream, and Vista Holding VII S.A.U. are currently
operating jointly, the Merger remains subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent, including the
execution of the pre-merger agreement and its registration with the public registry.
Addition of a New Member to the Management Team
Effective January 14, 2025, Matías Weissel has been appointed as Chief Operations Officer of Vista,
replacing Juan Garoby, who has transitioned to the role of Chief Technology Officer. Mr. Weissel has served as Vista
Argentina’s Operations Manager since January 2023 and has been with the Company since the commencement of
operations in April 2018. Mr. Garoby has held the position of Chief Operations Officer since August 2017 and has
been involved with the company since its incorporation on March 22, 2017.
Farm-out Agreements
On December 16, 2024, Vista Argentina agreed to the assignment of Trafigura’s interest in the Farm-out
Agreements (as defined below), to Vista Argentina, effective January 1, 2025 (“Trafigura Agreement”). Since
effectiveness, Vista Argentina holds rights to 100% of the production from the pads subject to the Trafigura
Agreement. Under the Trafigura Agreement, Vista Argentina will pay Trafigura US$128 million in 48 consecutive
monthly installments through December 2028.
Additionally, Vista Argentina and Trafigura entered into a crude oil marketing agreement, effective from
January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2028, pursuant to which Vista Argentina will sell 10,000 m³ of crude oil per month
to Trafigura. The amounts payable by Trafigura under the crude oil marketing agreement will be offset against Vista
Argentina’s obligations under the Trafigura Agreement.
As of December 31, 2024, the Trafigura Agreement had no accounting impact on the consolidated financial
statements.
For more information on the Farm-out Agreements, see “—Business Overview—Argentina—Concessions.”
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
We are an independent Latin American, shale oil-focused company operating since April 4, 2018, with our
main assets located in the Vaca Muerta play in the Neuquina basin, Argentina. Vaca Muerta is the largest shale oil
and gas play under development outside North America, where we have rights to develop approximately 205,600
acres. We are also the holders of one conventional producing asset in Mexico. Most of our production and revenues,
our ongoing drilling and workover activities, estimated proved reserves and assets are located in Argentina, including
our currently producing Vaca Muerta wells.
51
We seek to generate strong returns for our shareholders based on the following key value drivers:
Deep, ready-to-drill, short-cycle well inventory. Our growth plan is based on developing our inventory of
approximately 1,150 wells in Vaca Muerta, out of which 550 well are in Bajada del Palo Oeste, 150 in Bajada del
Palo Este, 150 in Aguada Federal, 150 in Bandurria Norte, 100 in Águila Mora and 50 in Coirón Amargo Norte.
Additionally, as of December 31, 2024, the number of cumulative shale wells we had tied-in increased to 117 in
Bajada del Palo Oeste, 17 in Bajada del Palo Este, 13 wells in Aguada Federal and two wells in Águila Mora, for a
total of 149 cumulative shale wells tied-in in Vaca Muerta. This activity boosted our production to 85.3 Mboe/d
during the fourth quarter of 2024. Our proved certified reserves increased to 375.2 Mboe as of December 31, 2024.
Peer-leading operating performance. We believe the productivity of our wells reflects the quality of our
Vaca Muerta acreage and our of operational capabilities, in line with the highest efficiency and safety standards. As of
December 31, 2024, the cumulative production of the average Vista well after 720 days on production (represented by
the wells in pads BPO-1 to BPO-14) was performing 6% above our Bajada del Palo Oeste type curve. This
performance places our wells among the best in Vaca Muerta. In addition, the dilution of fixed costs as we increase
production and our rebased cost structure following our decision to focus on shale oil have led to a decrease in lifting
costs from US$13.9/boe in 2018 to US$4.6/boe in 2024.
Robust balance sheet and financial performance. Based on a benchmarking analysis against peers in the
Argentine, Latin American and U.S. shale energy spaces, we believe we are a Company with a history of
comparatively low debt leverage ratios, high Adjusted EBITDA Margins and high ROACE. Cash and cash
equivalents at the end of 2024 was US$764.3 million. During the year 2024, net income for the year totaled US$477.5
million. The Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 was US$1,092.4 million resulting in an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 65%.
Additionally, net leverage ratio as of December 31, 2024, was 0.63x Adjusted EBITDA and ROACE was 24% for
2024.
ESG-focused culture. We aim to develop our business in a sustainable way. We aspire to reduce our
operating scope 1 and 2 GHG emission intensity by more than 80% to 7 kgCO2e/boe in 2026, compared to 39
kgCO2e/boe in 2020. During 2024, we reduced the intensity of scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 44% year-over-year,
from 15.6 kgCO2e/boe to 8.8 kgCO2e/boe. We are also executing a portfolio of NBS projects through our subsidiary
Aike, in Argentina. By 2026, we expect to have generated enough carbon credits through our NBS projects to offset
the residual emissions from our operations, thereby becoming net zero in scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions.
Safety is a bedrock of our Company, and we aim to operate with the highest oil and gas industry standards in
accordance with the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (“IOGP”) and the global oil and gas industry
association for environmental and social issues (“IPIECA”). In 2024, we had a TRIR of 0.6 which was below 1.0 for
the fifth consecutive year. Furthermore, in 2024 we recorded no major oil spill incidents. For further information on
ESG matters, see “—ESG Matters.”
Our Operations
The following map illustrates the location of our concessions in Argentina as of the date of this annual
report(1) :
52
(1) Acambuco concession and assets transferred to Aconcagua (effective on March 1, 2023), not shown on this map.
As of December 31, 2024, our portfolio of assets included six operated blocks in Vaca Muerta (holding
approximately 205,600 net shale oil acres), one operated conventional block in Mexico and one non-operated
conventional block in Argentina. Additionally, effective March 1, 2023, Vista transferred the operatorship of six
conventional blocks to Aconcagua. See “—Transaction to Increase Focus on Shale Oil Operations in Vaca Muerta.”
During 2024, our average daily production was 69.7 Mboe/d. Additionally, as of December 31, 2024, our
total proved reserves were 375.2 MMboe, of which 86% consisted of oil and 97% of which were located in
Argentina. During the fourth quarter of 2024, our total production was 85.3 Mboe/d and our shale production was
80.1 Mboe/d. We were the third largest oil operator in Argentina, and the second largest in Vaca Muerta, according to
the SdE.
The following table presents information on our concessions as of the date of this annual report, and
estimated reserves and production as of December 31, 2024:
Block
Gross acres
Net acres
Interest
Operator
Net proved
reserves as of
Dec. 31, 2024
(MMboe)
Average net
production
for the year
ended Dec.
31, 2024
(Mboe/d)
Concession
Expiration
Argentina
Neuquina Basin
Bajada del Palo Oeste ................
62,641
62,641
100%
Vista
242.26
52.8
2053
Bajada del Palo Este ..................
48,853
48,853
100%
Vista
73.37
6.4
2053
Aguada Federal ........................
24,058
24,058
100%
Vista
45.09
4.8
2050
Águila Mora ...........................
23,475
21,128
90%
Vista
0.52
0.9
2054
Bandurria Norte........................
26,404
26,404
100%
Vista
-
0.0
2050
Entre Lomas Río Negro .............
83,349
- (2)
- (2)
Aconcagua
1.97
1.7
2036
Jagüel de los Machos.................
48,359
- (2)
- (2)
Aconcagua
0.76
1.0
2035
25 de Mayo–Medanito SE ..........
32,247
- (2)
- (2)
Aconcagua
0.62
0.8
2036
Entre Lomas Neuquén ...............
99,665
- (2)
- (2)
Aconcagua
0.23
0.5
2026
Charco del Palenque..................
47,963
- (2)
- (2)
Aconcagua
0.10
-
2034
Jarilla Quemada (1) ....................
47,617
- (2)
- (2)
Aconcagua
0.03
0.1
2040
Coirón Amargo Norte ................
26,598
22,508
84.6%
Vista
-
0.1
2037
Noroeste Basin
Acambuco ...............................
293,747
4,406
1.5%
Pan American
0.52
0.1
2036/2040
53
Mexico
CS-01.....................................
14,332
14,332
100%
Vista
9.75
0.6
2047
(1) Jarilla Quemada consolidates the Agua Amarga production information (Jarilla Quemada plus Charco del Palenque production).
(2) Assets transferred to Aconcagua, effective on March 1, 2023. See “—Transaction to Increase Focus on Shale Oil Operations in Vaca
Muerta.”
Transaction to Increase Focus on Shale Oil Operations in Vaca Muerta
On February 23, 2023, Vista announced a two-phase transaction (“Conventional Assets Transaction”)
between Vista Argentina and Petrolera Aconcagua Energía S.A. (“Aconcagua”) to increase its focus on its shale oil
operations in Vaca Muerta and strengthen shareholder returns.
Under the terms of the Conventional Assets Transaction, effective March 1, 2023:
(i)
Aconcagua became the operator of the following exploitation concessions in the Neuquina Basin
located in Argentina: Entre Lomas, located in the Province of Neuquén, and Entre Lomas, Jarilla
Quemada, Charco del Palenque, Jagüel de los Machos and 25 de Mayo–Medanito, located in the
Province of Río Negro (“CAT Exploitation Concessions”). Additionally, Aconcagua became the
operator of the following transportation concessions: the Entre Lomas gas transportation
concession, the Jarilla Quemada gas transportation concession, and the 25 de Mayo–Medanito crude
oil transportation concession (“CAT Transportation Concessions,” and together with the CAT
Exploitation Concessions, the “CAT Concessions”);
(ii)
Aconcagua paid Vista US$26.47 million in cash (US$10.00 million paid on February 15, 2023,
US$10.73 million paid on March 1, 2024, US$5.73 million paid on February 28, 2025);
(iii)
Vista Argentina retains 40% of the crude oil and natural gas production, and 100% of liquified
petroleum gas, gasoline, and condensates, from the CAT Exploitation Concessions (with
Aconcagua paying all costs, taxes, and royalties) until the earlier of (a) the final closing date on
February 28, 2027 and (b) the date in which Vista Argentina receives a cumulative production of
4 million barrels of crude oil and 300 million m3 of natural gas. On the other hand, Aconcagua is
entitled to 60% of the crude oil and natural gas production from the CAT Exploitation Concessions;
(iv)
Aconcagua will pay 100% of Vista Argentina’s share of the capex, opex, royalties, taxes, and any
other costs associated with the CAT Exploitation Concessions;
(v)
Vista Argentina has the right to purchase from Aconcagua up to Aconcagua’s 60% share of the
natural gas produced by the CAT Exploitation Concessions at a price of US$1 per million Btu until
the final closing date on February 28, 2027;
(vi)
Vista Argentina and Aconcagua will work jointly with the Provinces of Río Negro and Neuquén to
negotiate an extension of the exploitation and transportation concession titles governing the CAT
Concessions, including an upfront payment and an investment commitment, as per the terms set
forth in the applicable regulation in Argentina;
(vii)
Vista Argentina retains the right to explore and develop the Vaca Muerta formation in the CAT
Exploitation Concessions and seek to obtain one or more independent and separate unconventional
concessions to develop such resources;
(viii)
Vista Argentina and Aconcagua have signed an agreement whereby Vista Argentina will treat and
transport 100% of the crude oil produced in the CAT Exploitation Concessions (except for 25 de
54
Mayo–Medanito and Jagüel de los Machos) until the expiration of the concession titles (including
the potential 10-year extension); and
(ix)
Vista Argentina remains concession title holder until no later than the final closing date on February
28, 2027, when the CAT Concessions will be transferred to Aconcagua, subject to provincial
approvals.
The Entre Lomas crude oil transportation concession, which includes an oil treatment plant geographically
located in the Entre Lomas Río Negro concession and a net book value of US$20 million as of December 31, 2022,
was excluded from the Conventional Assets Transaction.
In December 2024, Vista Argentina and Aconcagua entered into an amendment to the terms of the
Conventional Assets Transaction, effective October 1, 2024, that included the transfer of ownership of the 60% share
of the natural gas produced by the CAT Exploitation Concessions from Aconcagua to Vista Argentina. Under the
original agreement, this share in natural gas production was held by Aconcagua and sold to Vista at a fixed price of
US$1 per million Btu. As a result of the amendment, starting on October 1, 2024, Vista Argentina retains (a) 40% of
crude oil production and reserves and (b) 100% of natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, gasoline, and condensate
production and reserves, in both cases with respect to the CAT Exploitation Concessions.
Vaca Muerta Sur Project
On December 16, 2024, Vista Argentina announced its participation as a shareholder in VMOS S.A.
(“VMOS”), alongside YPF, Pampa Energía S.A., and Pan American Sur S.A., in connection with the Vaca Muerta Sur
Project. Between December 20, 2024 and March 7, 2025, Pluspetrol S.A., Chevron (through two subsidiaries), Shell
(through two subsidiaries) and Gas y Petróleo del Neuquén S.A. also confirmed their participation as shareholders in
VMOS (collectively, the “VMOS Shareholders”).
On December 13, 2024, Vista Argentina, YPF, Pampa Energía S.A., and Pan American Sur S.A.
unanimously approved the construction of the Vaca Muerta Sur crude oil export pipeline (“VMOS Project”). The
VMOS Project is expected to span approximately 437 kilometers and will include a loading and unloading terminal
with interconnected monobuoys, as well as a tank and storage yard.
The VMOS Project is expected to have an initial transportation capacity of up to 550,000 bbl/d during
commercial operations, with the potential to expand to 700,000 bbl/d if required (“VMOS Project Expansion”).
According to the current construction schedule, commercial operations are expected to commence in the second half
of 2027. The VMOS Shareholders have committed an aggregate volume of approximately 450,000 bbl/d of capacity.
The estimated total investment required for the VMOS Project is approximately US$3 billion, which is
expected to be financed through capital contributions from the VMOS Shareholders and third-party financing to be
secured by VMOS during 2025.
Vista Argentina holds a minority equity interest in VMOS and has secured firm transportation, storage, and
dispatch capacity in the VMOS Project for 50,000 bbl/d, with an option to increase its capacity allocation in the event
of the VMOS Project Expansion.
VMOS intends to develop the VMOS Project under the “Incentive for Large Investments Framework”
(“RIGI” for its acronym in Spanish), in accordance with the provisions of the Ley de Bases, Decree No. 794/2024, and
other applicable Argentine regulations. On March 20, 2025, the VMOS Project was approved under RIGI and,
therefore, classified as a “strategic long-term export project.”
Additionally, on December 13, 2024, Vista Argentina entered into a firm crude oil transportation agreement
with VMOS under the terms of Decree No. 115/2019, securing the terms and conditions for the transportation,
storage, and dispatch of crude oil.
55
Main Subsidiaries
Vista Energy Argentina S.A.U.
Vista Energy Argentina S.A.U. (formerly “Vista Oil & Gas Argentina S.A.,” and prior thereto “Petrolera
Entre Lomas S.A.”) is an Argentine company with offices in Buenos Aires and Neuquén. As of December 31, 2024,
Vista Argentina held working interests in the following concessions: (i) 100% working interest in the exploitation
concessions Bajada del Palo Oeste and Bajada del Palo Este, located in the Province of Neuquén, (ii) 84.62% working
interest in the exploitation concession Coirón Amargo Norte, located in the Province of Neuquén, (iii) 50% working
interest in the Aguada Federal and Bandurria Norte unconventional exploitation concessions, located in the Province
of Neuquén, (iv) 90% working interest in the unconventional exploitation concession Águila Mora, located in the
Province of Neuquén, and (v) 1.50% non-operating working interest in the exploitation concession Acambuco,
located in the Province of Salta, operated by Pan American Energy LLC (Argentine Branch) (“Pan American”). As a
result of the Conventional Assets Transaction, Vista Argentina transferred the operations of six conventional assets in
Argentina, effective March 1, 2023. See “—Transaction to Increase Focus on Shale Oil Operations in Vaca Muerta.”
As of December 31, 2024, Vista Argentina had 488 direct employees.
Vista Energy Holding I, S.A. de C.V.
Vista Energy Holding I, S.A. de C.V. (formerly, “Vista Oil & Gas Holding I, S.A. de C.V.”) is a Mexican
company with administrative offices in Mexico City incorporated for purposes of, among other things, participating
as a partner, shareholder or investor in all kinds of businesses or entities, whether commercial or civil, associations,
trusts, or of any other nature, whether Mexican or foreign, from their inception or by acquiring shares, equity interests
or other kind of interests, regardless of the name they are given, in all kind of corporations, as well as carrying-out
any activities in the energy sector. As of December 31, 2024, it held a 100% interest in Vista Argentina and a 100%
indirect interest in AFBN, S.R.L., Aluvional S.A. and Aleph Midstream. As of December 31, 2024, Vista Holding I
had no employees.
Vista Energy Holding II, S.A. de C.V.
Vista Energy Holding II, S.A. de C.V. (formerly, “Vista Oil & Gas Holding II, S.A. de C.V.”) is a Mexican
company with administrative offices in Mexico City incorporated for purposes of exploring and extracting
hydrocarbons in Mexico, as well as to participate as a partner, shareholder or investor in all kinds of businesses or
entities, whether commercial or civil, associations, trusts, or of any other nature, whether Mexican or foreign, from
their inception or by acquiring shares, equity interests or other kind of interests, regardless of the name they are given,
in all kind of corporations, as well as carrying-out any activities in the energy sector. It is the holder of 100% working
interests in the CS-01. As of December 31, 2024, Vista Holding II had 14 employees.
AFBN, S.R.L.
AFBN, S.R.L. (formerly, “ConocoPhillips Argentina Ventures S.R.L.”) (“AFBN”) is a company organized
and existing under the laws of Argentina dedicated to the E&P of hydrocarbons and the commercialization of oil,
natural gas and NGL. As of December 31, 2024, it held a 50% non-operated working interest in the Aguada Federal
and Bandurria Norte unconventional exploitation concessions, both in the Neuquina Basin. As of December 31, 2024,
AFBN had no direct employees. Vista Holding I holds a 4.31% direct interest in AFBN. The remaining interest is
held by Vista Argentina with 14.80% and Vista Holding VII S.A.R.L with 80.89%, the latter being a wholly-owned
legal entity. As of the date of this annual report, AFBN is in the process of being merged into our subsidiary Vista
Argentina. The Preliminary Agreement establishes January 1, 2025, as the effective date of the Merger. For
information regarding the merger of AFBN into Vista Argentina, please see “—Recent Developments—Corporate
Reorganization.”
Aleph Midstream S.A.
Aleph Midstream S.A. (“Aleph Midstream”) is a company organized and existing under the laws of
Argentina that commenced operations in August 2019 as a player focused on providing gathering, processing and
midstream services for oil and gas production in the Neuquina Basin. As of December 31, 2024, Aleph Midstream
had no direct employees. As of December 31, 2024, Vista Holding I held a 100% direct interest in Aleph Midstream.
56
As of the date of this annual report, Aleph Midstream is in the process of being merged into Vista Argentina. The
Preliminary Agreement establishes January 1, 2025, as the effective date of the Merger. For information regarding the
merger of Aleph Midstream into Vista Argentina, please see “—Recent Developments—Corporate Reorganization.”
Aluvional S.A.
Aluvional S.A. is a company organized and existing under the laws of Argentina dedicated to the extraction
of sand, stone, pebbles, granitic and/or calcareous materials and other natural resources that are used for the hydraulic
stimulation of unconventional oil and gas exploitation in the Provinces of Neuquén, Río Negro, Mendoza, and La
Pampa. Aluvional S.A. holds 10-year term concessions of 15 quarries of siliceous sand, all of them located in the
Province of Río Negro, and certain additional assets in the Province of Neuquén. Vista Holding I holds a 95% direct
interest in Aluvional S.A. The remaining 5% interest is held by Vista Argentina. As of December 31, 2024, Aluvional
S.A. had 16 employees.
Argentina
Overview
During the year ended December 31, 2024, our production was concentrated in the Neuquina Basin, mostly
in our development hub in Vaca Muerta.
We have approximately 205,600 net acres located in the Vaca Muerta shale oil formation in six concessions:
Bajada del Palo Oeste, Bajada del Palo Este, Águila Mora, Aguada Federal, Bandurria Norte and Coirón Amargo
Norte. We operate 100% of our shale net acreage. As of December 31, 2024, we had tied-in 117 shale oil wells
targeting the Vaca Muerta formation in Bajada del Palo Oeste, 17 wells in Bajada del Palo Este, 13 wells in Aguada
Federal, and two wells in Águila Mora. This brought our shale production to 64.1 Mboe/d during 2024, up from 43.3
Mboe/d in 2023, boosted by strong individual well performance.
We have a significant inventory of up to approximately 1,150 ready-to-drill, short-cycle, drilling locations
targeting the Vaca Muerta shale oil formation within our core development acreage, which provides us with more
than 15 years of drilling inventory at the current drilling pace. Our drilling inventory is currently located in the Bajada
del Palo Oeste, Bajada del Palo Este, Aguada Federal, Bandurria Norte, Águila Mora and Corión Amargo Norte
blocks. We intend to expand our drilling inventory by testing additional landing zones. See “—Drilling Activities.”
As of December 31, 2024, we also owned working interests in non-operated conventional assets in the
Noroeste Basin. As a result of the Conventional Assets Transaction, we transferred the operations of six conventional
assets in the Neuquina basin, effective March 1, 2023. See “—Transaction to Increase Focus on Shale Oil Operations
in Vaca Muerta.”
As of December 31, 2024, our total proved reserves in Argentina were 365.5 MMboe, of which 86%
consisted of oil reserves. Our average daily production for the year ended December 31, 2024, was 69.0 Mboe/d, of
which 86.6% was crude oil, 12.9% natural gas and the remaining 0.4% was NGL. We have reduced our average
lifting cost from US$5.1 per boe during the year ended December 31, 2023, to US$4.6 per boe for the year ended
December 31, 2024.
Crude Oil Production and Natural Gas Production in Argentina
The table below outline the average oil, gas and NGL net production, for the periods ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022.
Average net oil production
(Mbbl/d)(1)
for the year ended December 31,
Average net gas production
(MMm3/d)(1)
for the year ended December 31,
Average net NGL production
(Mbbl/d)(1)
for the year ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
2022
Block
Neuquina Basin
57
Average net oil production
(Mbbl/d)(1)
for the year ended December 31,
Average net gas production
(MMm3/d)(1)
for the year ended December 31,
Average net NGL production
(Mbbl/d)(1)
for the year ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
2022
Block
Bajada del Palo Oeste
46.1
28.7
26.4
1.05
0.80
0.79
0.05
0.03
—
Bajada del Palo Este
6.0
4.4
2.5
0.06
0.06
0.06
0.02
0.05
0.03
Aguada Federal
4.3
2.3
1.2
0.08
0.05
0.03
0.01
0.00
—
Águila Mora
0.7
1.2
—
0.04
0.02
—
—
—
—
Bandurria Norte
0.0
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Entre Lomas Río Negro (3)
0.9
1.1
2.4
0.9
0.08
0.12
0.20
0.27
0.36
Jagüel de los Machos (3)
0.7
1.0
2.2
0.05
0.05
0.11
—
—
—
25 de Mayo–Medanito SE (3)
0.7
1.0
2.3
0.01
0.01
0.03
—
—
—
Entre Lomas Neuquén (3)
0.4
0.4
1.0
0.01
0.02
0.08
0.02
0.06
0.05
Jarilla Quemada(2) (3)
0.1
0.1
0.2
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.00
0.01
0.01
Coirón Amargo Norte
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.00
0.00
0.00
—
—
—
Charco del Palenque(2) (3)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Noroeste Basin
Acambuco
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.01
0.02
0.02
—
—
—
(1) Oil production is comprised of the production of crude oil, condensate and natural gasoline. Natural gas production excludes natural gas
consumption. NGL production is comprised of the production of propane and butane (LPG) and excludes natural gasoline.
(2) Jarilla Quemada consolidates the Agua Amarga production information (Jarilla Quemada plus Charco del Palenque production).
(3) Assets transferred to Aconcagua, effective on March 1, 2023. See “—Transaction to Increase Focus on Shale Oil Operations in Vaca
Muerta.”
Concessions
Our Argentine concession agreements have no change of control provisions, though any assignment of these
concessions is subject to the prior authorization by the provincial executive branch where the concession is located.
For the four years prior to the expiration of each of these concessions, the concession holder must provide technical
and commercial justifications for leaving any inactive and non-producing wells unplugged. Each of these concessions
can be terminated for default in payment obligations and/or breach of material statutory or regulatory obligations. We
may also voluntarily relinquish acreage to the Argentine authorities.
As of the date of this annual report, we have working interests in the following oil and gas concessions in
Argentina:
Bajada del Palo Oeste
Bajada del Palo Oeste has 62,641 gross acres with exposure to core shale oil in the Vaca Muerta acreage.
Our current drilling inventory targeting the Vaca Muerta shale oil formation amounts to up to 550 locations located in
this concession. We intend to expand such drilling inventory by testing additional stacked pay zones.
We are the operator and holder of 100% of the unconventional exploitation concession granted for the
Bajada del Palo Oeste block in the Neuquina Basin located in the Province of Neuquén. This block has proved
reserves of 240.7 MMboe of shale reserves and 1.5 MMboe of conventional reserves as of December 31, 2024, and
production of 52.8 Mboe/d (87% representing oil) for the year ended December 31, 2024. The 35-year term
unconventional exploitation concession was granted to us in December 2019 and expires on December 19, 2053. In
connection with the granting of such unconventional concession, as of December 31, 2024, we have already fulfilled
the commitment to drill eight horizontal wells for a total investment of US$105.6 and US$14.7 million related
facilities.
During 2024, we completed and tied-in nine pads (pad BPO-22 to BPO-30), adding 34 shale oil wells and
taking the shale oil well count in Bajada del Palo Oeste to 117 at year-end 2024. Total shale production in 2024
increased to 64.1 Mboe/d, out of which 52.2 Mboe/d corresponds to the shale production of Bajada del Palo Oeste.
We believe the productivity of our wells demonstrate the quality of our Vaca Muerta acreage. As of December
31, 2024, the cumulative production of our average well after 720 days on production (represented by the wells in
pads BPO-1 to BPO-14) was performing 6% above our Bajada del Palo Oeste type curve.
58
(1) Normalized to a standard well design of 2,800 meters lateral length and 47 frac stages well
(2) Normalized average cumulative production of wells in pads BPO-1 to BPO-30 for 90 days, pads BPO-1 to BPO-21 for one year, and pads
BPO-1 to BPO-15 for two years. Excludes cube development pilot in pads BPO-16 and BPO-17
Additionally, the 90-day performance of our first 90 wells compares favorably with horizontal oil wells
drilled in Vaca Muerta and tied in since 2012, as shown in the charts below. We believe this reflects the quality of our
acreage and our leading operating performance among peers.
On June 28, 2021, Vista Argentina formed an unincorporated joint venture with Trafigura for the joint
development of five pads, each consisting of four wells at Bajada del Palo Oeste, effective July 1, 2021 (“Farm-out
Agreement I”). Under the Farm-out Agreement I, Trafigura has a contractual right to 20% of the hydrocarbon
production and an obligation to cover 20% of the capital expenditures, royalties, and direct taxes. In turn, Trafigura
paid Vista Argentina a total of US$25,000,000 in instalments and a fee for various costs. Vista Argentina retains 80%
of the hydrocarbon production rights and born 80% of the associated costs. Trafigura also had an option to participate
in two additional pads under similar terms. As of the date of this annual report, seven pads comprising 28 wells have
been completed under Farm-out Agreement I.
On October 11, 2022, Vista Argentina entered into a similar joint venture with Trafigura for the development
of three additional pads at Bajada del Palo Oeste, effective October 1, 2022 (“Farm-out Agreement II,” and together
with Farm-out Agreement I, the “Farm-out Agreements”). Under Farm-out Agreement II, Trafigura has contractual
right to 25% of the hydrocarbon production and an obligation to cover 25% of the capital expenditures and related
costs, royalties, and direct taxes. In turn, Trafigura also agreed to pay Vista Argentina US$1,700,000 per tied-in well
and additional fees based on production and crude oil price improvements. Vista retains 75% of the production rights
and born 75% of the costs. The Farm-out Agreement II also extended a crude oil sales and purchase agreement with
Trafigura. As of the date of this annual report, three pads with 12 wells have been completed under Farm-out
Agreement II.
59
On December 16, 2024, Vista Argentina agreed to assume Trafigura’s interest in the Farm-out Agreements,
effective January 1, 2025. As a result, as of the date of this annual report, Vista Argentina holds rights to 100% of the
production from the pads subject to the terms in the Trafigura Agreement. See “—Recent Development—Farm-out
Agreements.”
Bajada del Palo Este
We are the operator and holder of 100% of the exploitation concession granted for the Bajada del Palo Este
block in the Neuquina Basin located in the Province of Neuquén. Bajada del Palo Este has 48,853 gross acres with
exposure to shale oil Vaca Muerta acreage. We estimate there are up to 150 new well locations to be drilled in this
block.
As of December 31, 2024, we had tied-in 17 shale wells on the block. This block has 73.2 MMboe of shale
reserves and 0.2 MMboe of conventional reserves as of December 31, 2024. Production of the block was 6.4 Mboe/d
(94% representing oil) for the year ended December 31, 2024.
The 35-year term unconventional exploitation concession was granted on December 20, 2018, and expires on
December 19, 2053. The unconventional exploitation concession includes a commitment to perform an initial pilot
plan, during which Vista committed to (i) drill five new horizontal wells, and (ii) construct surface facilities, for a
total investment of approximately US$51.9 million. As of December 31, 2024, we have no pending commitments in
this block.
Aguada Federal
Aguada Federal is an unconventional exploitation concession in the Neuquina Basin located in the Province
of Neuquén, covering approximately 24,058 gross acres. On September 16, 2021, we acquired a 50% non-operated
working interest in Aguada Federal from ConocoPhillips Petroleum Holdings B.V. (“ConocoPhillips”) On January
17, 2022, we acquired an additional 50% non-operated working interest from Wintershall DEA Argentina S.A. and,
therefore, as of such date, we became the operator and sole concession holder of the block.
As of December 31, 2024, we had tied-in 13 shale wells on the block. The block had proved reserves of 45.1
MMboe as of December 31, 2024, and production of 4.8 Mboe/d (72% representing oil) for the year ended December
31, 2024. We estimate that there are up to 150 new well locations to be drilled in this block. The concession expires
on December 20, 2050. As of the date of this annual report, we have no pending commitments in this block.
Águila Mora
We are the operator and holder of a 90% participation interest in the unincorporated joint venture with Gas y
Petróleo del Neuquén S.A. (“G&P”) (which owns the remaining 10% participation interest) for the unconventional
exploitation concession over the Águila Mora block in the Neuquina Basin located in the Province of Neuquén, which
covers approximately 23,475 gross acres. The block had proved reserves of 0.5 MMboe as of December 31, 2024, and
production of 0.9 Mboe/d (72% representing oil) for the year ended December 31, 2024. We estimate there are up to
100 new well locations to be drilled in this block.
On November 29, 2019, the Province of Neuquén issued the Decree No. 2597 pursuant to which G&P was
granted an unconventional exploitation concession over the Águila Mora block for a term of 35 years (renewable
upon termination and subject to certain conditions for successive 10-year extensions) in replacement of the existing
exploration permit over the block.
G&P holds the mining rights over Águila Mora. Vista (i) holds a 90% working interest in a joint venture
with G&P for the E&P of the hydrocarbons in Águila Mora; and (ii) is the operator of Águila Mora.
The abovementioned unconventional exploitation concession includes the commitment to perform an initial
pilot, during which Vista committed to (i) return to production three wells previously drilled and completed by the
former operator, (ii) drill two new horizontal wells, and (iii) build surface facilities, for a total investment of
60
approximately US$32.8 million. As of the date of this annual report, we have no pending commitments. The
concession expires on November 28, 2055.
Bandurria Norte
Bandurria Norte is an unconventional exploitation concession in the Neuquina Basin located in the Province
of Neuquén, which covers approximately 26,404 gross acres. On September 16, 2021, we acquired a 50% non-
operated working interest in the Bandurria Norte concession from ConocoPhillips. On January 17, 2022, we acquired
an additional 50% working interest from Wintershall DEA Argentina S.A. and therefore, as of such date, we became
the operator and sole concession holder of the block. The block has no proved reserves as of December 31, 2024, and
has production of 0.01 Mboe/d (100% representing oil) for the year ended December 31, 2024. Since 2017, a total of
four horizontal wells have been drilled in this concession, all of which proved hydrocarbon production, prior to being
shut-in in 2019. We estimate there are up to 150 new well locations to be drilled in this block. The concession expires
in 2050. As of the date of this annual report, we have no pending commitments in this block.
Coirón Amargo Norte
We are the operator and holder of an 84.6% working interest in the unincorporated joint venture for the
exploitation concession for Coirón Amargo Norte in the Neuquina Basin located in the Province of Neuquén, which
covers approximately 26,598 gross acres. This block has no proved reserves as of December 31, 2024, and has a
production of 0.1 Mboe/d (84% representing oil) for the year ended December 31, 2024. The concession expires on
February 22, 2037. There are no pending capital commitments.
Based on the solid productivity results of our pilot in Bajada del Palo Este, we have added 50 new well
locations to the drilling inventory in Coirón Amargo Norte.
Acambuco
We hold a 1.5% working interest in the unincorporated joint venture for the exploitation concession for
Acambuco in the Noroeste Basin located in the Province of Salta, which covers approximately 293,747 gross acres.
The operator of this block is Pan American which holds a 52% interest. The remaining interests are held by YPF,
which holds 22.5% interest, Shell Argentina, which holds 22.5%, and Northwest Argentina, which holds the
remaining 1.5% interest. This block has proved net reserves of 0.5 MMboe as of December 31, 2024, and a net
production of 0.1 Mboe/d (31% representing oil) for the year ended December 31, 2024. San Pedrito Exploitation lot
under the Acambuco concession expires in 2036, whereas the Macueta Exploitation lot, also under the Acambuco
concession, expires in 2040. There are no pending capital commitments.
CAT Exploitation Concessions
As a result of the Conventional Assets Transaction, effective March 1, 2023, Aconcagua became the operator
of the following concessions in the Neuquina basin, in Argentina: Entre Lomas Neuquén, located in the Province of
Neuquén, and Entre Lomas Río Negro, Jarilla Quemada, Charco del Palenque, Jagüel de los Machos and 25 de
Mayo–Medanito SE, each located in the Province of Río Negro. Vista remains the concession title holder until no
later than the final closing date on February 28, 2027, when the CAT Exploitation Concessions will be transferred to
Aconcagua, subject to provincial approvals. See “—Transaction to Increase Focus on Shale Oil Operations in Vaca
Muerta.”
On December 6, 2024, pursuant to Decree No. 491/2024, the Province of Río Negro approved a 10-year
extension in favor of Vista Argentina for its non-operated conventional exploitation concessions in the following
areas: (i) Entre Lomas and 25 de Mayo–Medanito SE, together with their associated transportation concessions, each
extended until 2036; and (ii) Jagüel de los Machos, extended until 2035. In connection with the extension of these
concessions, the Company assumed additional investment commitments, as described below.
As of the date of this annual report, the Company had the following pending commitments, including those
assumed under the terms of the above-mentioned concession extensions. In Entre Lomas, Río Negro, the Company is
committed to drilling and completing four development wells with an estimated cost of US$10.5 million, making
capital investments in 21 well workovers and abandoning two wells for an estimated cost of US$7.0 million, and
61
adjusting new and existing facilities for an estimated cost of US$3.1 million. In 25 de Mayo–Medanito SE and Jagüel
de los Machos, the Company is committed to drilling and completing five development wells with an estimated cost
of US$7.7 million, making capital investments in 23 well workovers and abandoning 19 wells for an estimated cost of
US$10.0 million, and adjusting new and existing facilities for an estimated cost of US$1.4 million. Pursuant to the
Conventional Assets Transaction Agreement, Aconcagua has assumed all investment commitments, as well as costs,
taxes, and royalties related to the CAT Exploitation Concessions.
Vista retains the right to explore and develop the Vaca Muerta formation in the CAT Exploitation
Concessions and seek to obtain one or more independent and separate unconventional concessions to develop such
resources.
Overview of Exploitation Concessions in Argentina
For an overview of the framework governing oil and gas exploitation concessions in Argentina, see
“— Industry and Regulatory Overview—Oil and Gas Regulatory Framework in Argentina.”
Mexico
CS-01 Block
We hold a 100% interest in the license agreement entered into with CNH for block CS-01, which we operate.
The block covers approximately 14,332 gross acres and is located in the state of Tabasco. As of December 31, 2024,
the block had proved reserves of 9.8 MMboe. During 2024, average production of CS-01 was 0.6 Mboe/d (97%
representing oil). This license agreement will terminate in 2047. As of the date of this annual report, we have no
pending investment commitments.
Oil and Natural Gas Reserves
Reserves
The information included in this annual report regarding proved reserves is derived from estimates of the
proved reserves as of December 31, 2024, in the 2024 Reserves Report prepared by D&M. The 2024 Reserves Report
is included as Exhibit 99.1 to this annual report.
D&M is an independent reserves engineering consultant. The 2024 Reserves Report is based on information
provided by us and presents an appraisal as of December 31, 2024, of oil and gas reserves located in the Entre Lomas
Río Negro, Entre Lomas Neuquén, Bajada del Palo Oeste, Bajada del Palo Este, Charco del Palenque, Jarilla
Quemada, Coirón Amargo Norte, Acambuco, Jagüel de los Machos, 25 de Mayo–Medanito SE, Aguada Federal,
Águila Mora and Bandurria Norte blocks in Argentina and of our oil and gas reserves located in the CS-01 block in
Mexico.
We believe our evaluators’ estimates of remaining proved recoverable oil and gas reserve volumes to be
reasonable. Pursuant to Rule 4-10 of Regulation S-X, promulgated by the SEC, proved oil and gas reserves are those
quantities of oil and gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable
certainty to be economically producible-from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing
economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations-prior to the time at which contracts providing
the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether
deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation. The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have
commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will commence the project within a reasonable time.
The Company considers that its remaining estimated volumes of oil and gas proved recoverable reserves are
fair and that these estimates were prepared according to SEC regulations and ASC 932, as amended. Consequently,
crude oil prices used in determining proved reserves were the average price during the 12 months prior to the end date
of December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively, determined as an unweighted average of the first day of the month for
each month within these periods. Moreover, since there are no natural gas prices available in the benchmark market in
Argentina, we used the average gas prices for the previous year to determine gas reserves. In addition, for certain gas
62
volumes, Vista will obtain an incentive price subsidized by the Argentine government through Plan GasAr round. A
weighted average price is estimated for certain areas per subsidized and unsubsidized volume.
The following table sets forth summary information about the oil and natural gas net proved developed and
undeveloped reserves of the assets owned by Vista in Argentina and Mexico as of December 31, 2024. The proved
developed and undeveloped reserves estimates included below were calculated at their respective working interest
percentages.
Crude oil,
condensate
and NGL(1)
(MMbbl)
Consumption plus
natural gas sales(2)
(MMboe)
Consumption plus
natural gas sales(2)
(Bcf)
Total proved
reserves (MMboe)
% Oil
Net Proved developed:
109.1
20.1
113.0
129.2
84%
Argentina
107.0
19.4
109.0
126.4
85%
Mexico
2.1
0.7
4.0
2.8
74%
Net Proved undeveloped:
213.5
32.5
182.6
246.0
87%
Argentina
208.2
30.9
173.2
239.1
87%
Mexico
5.3
1.7
9.4
6.9
76%
Total Net Proved
322.6
52.7
295.7
375.2
86%
Argentina
315.2
50.3
282.3
365.5
86%
Mexico
7.4
2.4
13.4
9.8
76%
Total figures may not add up due to rounding.
(1) Our hydrocarbon liquid volumes include crude oil, condensate and NGL (LPG and natural gasoline). We do not include separate
figures for NGL reserves because they represented less than 1% of our proved developed and undeveloped reserves as of December
31, 2024, respectively.
(2) Natural gas consumption represented 9% of total natural gas reserves (consumption plus natural gas sales) as of December 31, 2023,
and 12% as of December 31, 2024.
As of December 31, 2024, the oil and gas proved reserves of the assets we own (developed and undeveloped)
totaled 375.2 MMboe (322.6 MMbbl of oil, condensate and NGL and 295.7 Bncf, or 52.7 MMboe of gas). Proved
undeveloped reserves of crude oil, condensate and NGL represented 57% of our total proved reserves.
Total Proved Developed
Total Proved Undeveloped
Total Proved
Crude oil,
condensate
and
NGL(1)
Consumption plus
natural gas sales(2)
Total of oil and
gas proved
developed
reserves
Crude oil,
condensate
and
NGL(1)
Consumption
plus natural gas
sales(2)
Total of oil
and gas
proved
undeveloped
reserves
Crude oil,
condensate
and
NGL(1)
Consumption
plus natural gas
sales(2)
Total of oil and
gas proved
reserves
(MMbbl)
(MMboe)
(Bcf)
(MMboe)
(MMbbl)
(MMboe)
(Bcf)
(MMboe)
(MMbbl)
(MMboe)
(Bcf)
(MMboe)
Argentina:
Bajada del Palo Oeste
80.8
14.3
80.3
95.1
125.9
21.3
119.8
147.2
206.6
35.6
200.1
242.3
Bajada del Palo Este
17.2
1.7
9.7
18.9
50.3
4.1
23.2
54.4
67.5
5.8
32.8
73.4
Charco del Palenque
0.1
0.0
0.2
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.0
0.2
0.1
Coirón Amargo Norte
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Entre Lomas Rio Negro
0.7
1.2
6.9
2.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.7
1.2
6.9
2.0
Entre Lomas Neuquén
0.1
0.1
0.6
0.2
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.1
0.6
0.2
Jagüel de los Machos
0.4
0.3
1.8
0.8
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.4
0.3
1.8
0.8
Jarilla Quemada
0.0
0.0
0.2
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.2
0.0
25 de Mayo–Medanito SE
0.5
0.1
0.7
0.6
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.5
0.1
0.7
0.6
Acambuco
0.1
0.5
2.6
0.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.5
2.6
0.5
Aguada Federal
6.7
1.0
5.4
7.6
32.0
5.4
30.3
37.4
38.7
6.4
35.7
45.1
Águila Mora
0.4
0.1
0.6
0.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.4
0.1
0.6
0.5
Bandurria Norte
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
63
Argentina Subtotal
107.0
19.4
109.0
126.4
208.2
30.9
173.2
239.1
315.2
50.3
282.3
365.5
Mexico:
CS-01
2.1
0.7
4.0
2.8
5.3
1.7
9.4
6.9
7.4
2.4
13.4
9.8
Mexico Subtotal
2.1
0.7
4.0
2.8
5.3
1.7
9.4
6.9
7.4
2.4
13.4
9.8
Total
109.1
20.1
113.0
129.2
213.5
32.5
182.6
246.0
322.6
52.7
295.7
375.2
(1) Our hydrocarbon liquid volumes include crude oil, condensate and NGL (LPG and natural gasoline). We do not include separate
figures for NGL reserves because they represented less than 1% of our proved developed and undeveloped reserves as of December
31, 2024.
(2) Natural gas consumption represented 9% of total natural gas reserves (consumption plus natural gas sales) as of December 31, 2023,
and 12% as of December 31, 2024.
Changes in our proved undeveloped reserves during 2024
As of December 31, 2024, we had an estimated volume of proved undeveloped reserves of 246.0 MMboe.
This compares to an estimate of proved undeveloped reserves of 229.7 MMboe as of December 31, 2023. The total
increase of 16.3 MMboe (+16.6 MMbbl of crude oil, condensate and NGL and -2.09 Bcf of natural gas) in proved
undeveloped reserves in 2024 is attributable to:
Argentina:
•
An increase of 53.16 MMboe (+48.04 of crude oil, condensate and NGL and +28.75 Bcf of natural gas)
due to extensions and discoveries, mainly related to the drilling activity targeting the Vaca Muerta
formation in: (a) the Aguada Federal concession (+4.11 MMbbl of crude oil, condensate and NGL and
+3.48 Bcf of natural gas), (b) the Bajada del Palo Este concession (+24.9 MMbbl of crude oil, condensate
and NGL and +12.55 Bcf of natural gas) and (c) the Bajada del Palo Oeste concession (+19.64 MMbbl of
crude oil, condensate and NGL and +12.72 Bcf of natural gas);
•
A decrease of 35.63 MMboe (-30.92 MMbbl of crude oil, condensate and NGL and -26.47 Bcf of natural
gas) due to the conversion of proved undeveloped reserves to proved developed reserves as a result of: (a)
the drilling success in Vaca Muerta formation of 21 wells (five pads) in Bajada del Palo Oeste (-24.99
MMbbl of crude oil, condensate and NGL and -23.36 Bcf of natural gas); (b) the drilling success of five
wells (two pads) in Bajada del Palo Este (-5.61 MMbbl of crude oil, condensate and NGL and -2.82 Bcf
of natural gas); and (c) the recategorizations in Bajada del Palo Oeste (i.e., Farm-out Agreements) (-0.32
MMbbl of crude oil, condensate and NGL and -0.29 Bcf of natural gas); and
•
A decrease of 0.69 MMboe (-0.28 MMbbl of crude oil, condensate and NGL and -2.32 Bcf of natural gas)
due to revisions to previous estimates related to: (a) changes in the development plan in Bajada del Palo
Este conventional (-0.17 MMbbl of crude oil, condensate and NGL and -0.44 Bcf of natural gas); (b) an
adjustment in Aguada Federal due to the latest well results (-0.82 Bcf of natural gas); and (c) combined
effects in other blocks (-0.11 MMbbl of crude oil, condensate and NGL and -1.06 Bcf of natural gas);
Mexico:
•
A decrease of 0.58 MMboe (-0.22 MMbbl of crude oil, condensate and NGL and -2.05 Bcf of natural gas)
related to the revision to previous estimates due to the change in proved undeveloped reserves plan due to
the latest results in the drilling campaign.
During 2024, we invested US$442.1 million (corresponding to the drilling, completion and tie-in activities
and tie-in facilities of 26 gross or net new shale wells) to convert proved undeveloped reserves to proved developed
reserves. During 2023, we invested US$200.9 million (corresponding to the drilling, completion and tie-in activities
of 16 gross new shale wells or 14 net new shale wells) to convert proved undeveloped reserves to proved developed
reserves.
64
We plan to put 100% of our reported 2024 year-end proved undeveloped reserves into production through
activities to be implemented within five years of initial disclosure.
As a result of the Conventional Assets Transaction, we transferred the operations of six conventional assets
in Argentina, effective March 1, 2023. See “—Transaction to Increase Focus on Shale Oil Operations in Vaca
Muerta.”
Reserves Estimation Process—Internal Controls
We maintain an internal staff of petroleum engineers and geoscience professionals who work closely with
our independent reserves engineering consultants to ensure the integrity, accuracy and timeliness of data used by our
independent reserves engineering consultants in their estimation process and who have knowledge of the specific
properties under evaluation. Our Chief Operations Officer, Matías Weissel, is primarily responsible for overseeing the
preparation of our reserves estimates and for the internal control over our reserves estimation. He has more than 20
years of experience in E&P and oilfield services. See “Item 6—Directors, Senior Management and Employees—
Executive Team.”
In order to ensure the quality and consistency of our reserves estimates and reserves disclosures, we maintain
and comply with a reserves process that satisfies the following key control objectives:
•
estimates are prepared using generally accepted practices and methodologies;
•
estimates are prepared objectively and free of bias;
•
estimates and changes therein are prepared on a timely basis;
•
estimates and changes therein are properly supported and approved; and
•
estimates and related disclosures are prepared in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Throughout each fiscal year, our technical team meets with Independent Qualified Reserves Engineers, who
are provided with full access to complete and accurate information pertaining to the properties to be evaluated and all
applicable personnel. This independent assessment of the internally-generated reserves estimates is beneficial in
ensuring that interpretations and judgments are reasonable and that the estimates are free of preparer and management
bias.
Recognizing that reserves estimates are based on interpretations and judgments, there might be differences
between the proved reserves estimates prepared by us and those prepared by an Independent Qualified Reserves
Engineer. Although such differences were discussed in the technical meetings, the reports include figures estimated
by our Independent Qualified Reserves Engineer. Once the process is finished, the Independent Qualified Reserves
Engineer sends a preliminary copy of the reserves report to members of our senior management, who act as a
Reserves Review Committee. Our Chief Operations Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Executive Officer,
Chief Financial Officer and Investor Relation and Strategic Planning Officer are part of this committee.
Independent Reserves Engineer Consultants
The 2024 reserves estimates of the assets we own in Argentina and Mexico were certified by D&M, a global
oil and gas consultancy that has been offering technical, commercial, and strategic advice to the oil and gas industry
since 1936. Vista asked D&M to prepare the 2024 Reserves Report which was issued on January 27, 2025, covering
reserves as of December 31, 2024, of the assets we own in Argentina and Mexico. For the year ended December 31,
2024, the technical person within the third-party engineering firm overseeing the preparation of the reserves estimates
presented in our filing for Argentina and Mexico was Mr. Federico Dordoni. For disclosure describing the
qualifications of D&M’s technical person primarily responsible for overseeing our reserves evaluation, see Exhibit
99.1 to this annual report.
Technology Used in Reserves Estimation
According to SEC guidelines, proved reserves are those quantities of oil and gas which, by analysis of
geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with “reasonable certainty” to be economically producible—from
65
a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods and
government regulations—prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence
indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for
the estimation
The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain
that it will commence the project within five years. The term “reasonable certainty” implies a high degree of
confidence that the quantities of oil and/or natural gas actually recovered will equal or exceed the estimate.
Reasonable certainty can be established using techniques that have been proved effective by actual production from
projects in the same reservoir or an analogous reservoir or by other evidence using reliable technology that establishes
reasonable certainty. Reliable technology is a grouping of one or more technologies (including computational
methods) that have been field tested and have been demonstrated to provide reasonably certain results with
consistency and repeatability in the formation being evaluated or in an analogous formation.
There are various generally accepted methodologies for estimating reserves including volumetric, decline
analysis, material balance, simulation models and analogies. Estimates may be prepared using any deterministic
methods. The particular method chosen should be based on the evaluator’s professional judgment as being the most
appropriate, given the geological nature of the property, the extent of its operating history and the quality of available
information. It may be appropriate to employ several methods in reaching an estimate for the property.
Estimates must be prepared using all available information (open and cased hole logs, core analyses,
geologic maps, seismic interpretation, production/injection data and pressure test analysis). Supporting data, such as
working interest, royalties and operating costs, must be maintained and updated when such information changes
materially.
Our estimated proved reserves as of December 31, 2024 are based on estimates generated through the
integration of available and appropriate data, utilizing well-established technologies that have been demonstrated in
the field to yield repeatable and consistent results. Data used in these integrated assessments include information
obtained directly from the subsurface via wellbore, such as well logs, reservoir core samples, fluid samples, static and
dynamic pressure information, production test data, and surveillance and performance information. The data utilized
also include subsurface information obtained through indirect measurements, including high quality 2-D and 3-D
seismic data, calibrated with available well controls. Where applicable, geological outcrop information was also
utilized. The tools used to interpret and integrate all this data included both proprietary and commercial software for
reservoir modeling, simulation and data analysis. In some circumstances, where appropriate analog reservoir models
are available, reservoir parameters from these analog models were used to increase the reliability of our reserves
estimates.
Acreage
As of December 31, 2024, our total developed and undeveloped operated acreage in Argentina and Mexico,
both gross and net, was as follows. The table includes the total acreage by us and our subsidiaries, joint operations
and associates.
Total Acreage
Total Developed Acreage Total Undeveloped Acreage
Gross
Net
Gross
Net
Gross
Net
Argentina...........................................
212,029
205,591
32,704
31,208
179,325
174,383
Mexico ..............................................
14,332
14,332
13,591
13,531
0,741
0,741
Figures are approximate amounts.
As of December 31, 2024, we held a non-operated working interest of 1.5% in Acambuco, which had
293,747 gross acres, of which 18,311 acres were developed and 275,436 acres were undeveloped. As a result of the
Conventional Assets Transaction, we transferred the operations of six conventional assets in Argentina, effective
March 1, 2023. As of December 31, 2024, these assets had a combined gross acreage of 359,200, of which 70,178
acres were developed and 289,022 acres were undeveloped. See “—Transaction to Increase Focus on Shale Oil
Operations in Vaca Muerta.”
66
Productive Wells
As of December 31, 2024, we owned and operated 310 gross productive wells, 300 net productive wells and
three injector wells. Below is a table showing our total gross and net operated productive wells in Argentina and
Mexico as of December 31, 2024. The table includes the total gross and net operated productive wells by us and our
subsidiaries. We did not drill any exploratory wells during 2024.
Oil
Gas
Total
Gross
Net
Gross
Net
Gross
Net
Argentina.......................................................................
279
269
31
31
310
300
Mexico ..........................................................................
6
6
0
0
6
6
Figures are approximate amounts.
We hold a non-operated working interest of 1.5% in Acambuco. As of December 31, 2024, Acambuco had a
total of five productive wells (representing five gross wells and zero net wells for the Company). As a result of the
Conventional Assets Transaction, we transferred the operations of six conventional assets in Argentina, effective
March 1, 2023. As of December 31, 2024, these assets had a total of 602 gross productive wells. See “—Transaction
to Increase Focus on Shale Oil Operations in Vaca Muerta.”
Present Activities
The following table shows the number of wells in Argentina and Mexico, operated by Vista, that are in the
process of being drilled or were in active completion stages, and the number of wells suspended or waiting on
completion as of December 31, 2024. For more information on our present activities, see “—Drilling Activities.”
Wells in process of being drilled or in
active completion in Argentina
Wells in process of being drilled or
in active completion in Mexico
Oil wells......................................
Gross....................................
28
0
Net .......................................
28
0
Gas wells.....................................
Gross....................................
0
0
Net .......................................
0
0
We hold a non-operated working interest of 1.5% in Acambuco. As of December 31, 2024, Acambuco had a
total of zero wells in process of being drilled or in active completion. As a result of the Conventional Assets
Transaction, we transferred the operations of six conventional assets in Argentina, effective March 1, 2023. As of
December 31, 2024, these assets had a total of two gross gas wells in process of being drilled or in active completion.
See “—Transaction to Increase Focus on Shale Oil Operations in Vaca Muerta.”
Production
The following tables set forth information on our oil and natural gas production volumes in Argentina and
Mexico for the years ended December 31, 2024, December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Production of Crude Oil(1)
(in thousands barrels)
Production of Natural gas
sales(2) (in millions of cubic feet)
Block
Working
interest
Operator
2024
2023
2022
2024
2023
2022
Argentina
Neuquina Basin
Bajada del Palo Oeste
100%
Vista
16,868.65
10,501.18
9,631.42
13,570.83
10,293.94
10,215.23
Bajada del Palo Este
-(4)
Vista
2,190.28
1,623.49
928.21
733.45
813.83
812.97
67
Aguada Federal
100%
Vista
1,565.54
1,673.56
899.48
1,067.97
1,233.63
662.04
Águila Mora
90%
Vista
238.50
428.01
—
520.39
287.27
—
Bandurria Norte
100%
Vista
2.48
—
—
—
—
—
Entre Lomas Río Negro
-(4)
Aconcagua (4)
320.97
500.42
990.52
1,199.41
1,065.73
1,483.85
Jagüel de los Machos
-(4)
Aconcagua (4)
248.79
352.14
811.20
635.16
594.19
1,407.85
25 de Mayo–Medanito SE
-(4)
Aconcagua (4)
256.49
373.90
829.10
126.67
166.53
414.39
Entre Lomas Neuquén
-(4)
Aconcagua (4)
131.68
170.82
374.04
132.00
200.85
1,035.63
Jarilla Quemada(3)
-(4)
Aconcagua (4)
30.85
43.65
78.45
123.92
150.08
123.56
Coirón Amargo Norte
86.4%
Vista
25.39
60.57
77.10
27.43
14.55
15.73
Charco del Palenque(3)
-(4)
Aconcagua (4)
—
—
—
—
—
—
Noroeste Basin
Acambuco
1.5%
Pan American
14.45
6.41
5.94
180.31
304.00
258.91
Mexico
CS-01
100%
Vista
218.76
227.40
167.19
35.03
77.03
31.39
(1) Oil production is comprised of production of crude oil, condensate, natural gasoline, and NGLs.
(2) Natural gas production excludes natural gas consumption.
(3) Jarilla Quemada consolidates the Agua Amarga production information (Jarilla Quemada plus Charco del Palenque production).
(4) Assets transferred to Aconcagua, effective on March 1, 2023. See “—Transaction to Increase Focus on Shale Oil Operations in Vaca
Muerta.”
As a result of the Conventional Assets Transaction, we transferred the operations of six conventional assets in
Argentina, effective March 1, 2023. See “—Transaction to Increase Focus on Shale Oil Operations in Vaca Muerta.”
Capital Expenditures
As of the year ended December 31, 2024, we invested US$1,296.8 million, of which US$996.3 million
correspond to drilling and completion activity in Vaca Muerta, where we completed 50 new net wells during the year.
As of the year ended December 31, 2024, capital expenditures in development facilities were US$228.8 million and
capital expenditures in geological and geophysical studies, IT and other projects totaled US$71.6 million.
As of the year ended December 31, 2023, we invested US$734.3 million, of which US$501.9 million
correspond to drilling and completion activity in Vaca Muerta, where we completed 31 new net wells during the year.
As of the year ended December 31, 2024, capital expenditures in development facilities were US$168.7 million and
capital expenditures in geological and geophysical studies, IT and other projects totaled US$63.7 million.
As of the year ended December 31, 2022, we invested US$540.0 million, of which US$361.6 million
correspond to our Vaca Muerta development, where we completed 26 new net wells during the year. As of the year
ended December 31, 2024, capital expenditures in conventional drilling and workover activities were US$12.5 million
and capital expenditures in associated facilities and others totaled US$165.9 million.
Drilling Activities
As of the date of this annual report, our drilling activities are concentrated in Argentina.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, as operators, we drilled 50 net wells in Argentina and zero net
wells in Mexico and performed zero workovers. All of these drilled and completed net wells targeted oil-weighted
formations and no net wells targeted gas formations.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, as operators, we drilled 32 net wells in Argentina and six net
wells in Mexico and performed one workovers. All of these drilled and completed net wells targeted oil-weighted
formations and no net wells targeted gas formations.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, as operators, we drilled 26 net wells and performed five
workovers. Among the drilled and completed wells, 24 new net wells targeted oil-weighted formations, whereas two
net wells targeted gas formations.
68
The tables below set forth the number of net wells drilled by us as operators in each of the last three years,
by type (development or exploratory) and productivity (productive or dry).
Argentina
For the Year Ended December 31,
Oil
development
net well –
productive
Gas
development
net well –
productive
Oil
development
net well –
dry
Gas
development
net well –
dry
Exploratory
net well –
productive
Exploratory
net well –
dry
2022
24
2
0
0
0
0
2023
32
0
0
0
0
0
2024
50
0
0
0
0
0
Mexico
For the Year Ended December 31,
Oil
development
net well –
productive
Gas
development
net well –
productive
Oil
development
net well –
dry
Gas
development
net well –
dry
Exploratory
net well –
productive
Exploratory
net well –
dry
2022
0
0
0
0
0
0
2023
0
0
0
0
6
0
2024
0
0
0
0
0
0
We hold a non-operated working interest of 1.5% in Acambuco. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we
did not participate in any drilling activities in Acambuco. As a result of the Conventional Assets Transaction, we
transferred the operations of six conventional assets in Argentina, effective March 1, 2023. During the year ended
December 31, 2024, two gross wells were drilled in these assets. See “—Transaction to Increase Focus on Shale Oil
Operations in Vaca Muerta.”
One Team Contracts
We use a contracting approach (“One Team Contracts”) which aims to align the economic interests of Vista
and key contractors through performance-based remunerations. Operationally, we aim to integrate our operating team
with our service providers’ team by sharing common objectives and goals and by using same key performance
indicators, which provide economic incentives to the personnel of all companies working under the One Team
Contracts scope. The One Team Contracts program covers the most important suppliers in our shale oil development:
(i) One Team Drilling, which involves SLB and Nabors drilling, and (ii) One Team Completion, which involves SLB
and Brent Energía y Servicios.
Transportation and Treatment
In our operated blocks in Argentina, we treat and transport our oil, gas and water production in existing
transportation treatment facilities that have sufficient capacity to process and deliver our current hydrocarbon
production. As of the date of this annual report, these existing treatment facilities are comprised of several oil and gas
pipelines, nine tank batteries distributed throughout the blocks, two oil treatment plant, two water treatment plants and
six gas compression stations.
All multiphase production from Bajada del Palo Oeste, Bajada del Palo Este, Aguada Federal and Coirón
Amargo Norte is gathered at primary separation batteries. The oil is then transported via pipeline to the Entre Lomas
treatment plant, which has a processing capacity of 75,000 barrels per day, where it is treated to meet sales
specifications. Oil for sale is subsequently transported from the Entre Lomas processing plant into the Oldelval
pipeline system. In 2024, a second oil processing plant, with a capacity of 15,000 barrels per day, was commissioned
at Bajada del Palo Oeste. Oil for sale from this facility is pumped into the Vaca Muerta Norte pipeline, which
connects to Chile through the Trasandino pipeline.
Water is treated at, and pumped to disposal wells from, the Bajada del Palo water treatment plant (PIAS Borde
Montuoso; 25,000 bbl/d capacity) and the Entre Lomas water treatment plant (80,000 bbl/d capacity). Gas production
69
from Bajada del Palo Oeste and shale production of Bajada del Palo Este is compressed and dehydrated in four
compressor stations.
Gas for sale is injected into TGS Vaca Muerta system at Tratayen for further treatment, and finally injected
into the TGS or TGN systems. Part of the gas production from Aguada Federal is boosted and sent to a low-pressure
gathering system in a neighboring block. Gas is then treated and compressed into TGS sales pipelines.
During 2024, new capacity for high pressure gas evacuation was installed, allowing the integration of Aguada
Federal with the Bajada del Palo Oeste gas evacuation system. Gas from Coirón Amargo Norte is dehydrated and
injected into the TGN Centro Oeste system. Conventional Gas from Bajada del Palo Este production is injected into
Entre Lomas gas treatment plant (45 MMscf/d capacity), which injects spec gas into the TGS system.
Águila Mora production is separated in the block. Gas is compressed, dehydrated and injected into a gas
pipeline on a neighboring block, which injects into the TGS Vaca Muerta system. Oil and water produced in Águila
Mora are trucked to a tank battery at Bajada del Palo Oeste, where fluids are incorporated into the Bajada del Palo
Oeste systems described above.
As a result of the Conventional Assets Transaction with Aconcagua, the gas complex in Entre Lomas Central
Production Facility is now operated by Aconcagua. Vista Argentina and Aconcagua have signed two agreements,
whereby (i) Aconcagua will treat and dispatch the natural gas corresponding to Vista Argentina injected at the Entre
Lomas Central Production Facility, and (ii) Vista Argentina will treat and transport the crude oil and water
corresponding to Aconcagua arising from Agua Amarga and Entre Lomas.
Midstream
Once treated, we use the oil pipeline system and oil tankers to transport oil to our customers. Oil is
customarily sold through contracts whereby producers are responsible for transporting produced oil from the field to
refinery gate or a port for shipping, with all costs and risks associated with transportation borne by the producer. Gas,
however, is sold at the point of injection of the gas pipeline system near the oil field and, therefore, the customer bears
all transportation costs and risks associated therewith.
Oil and gas transportation in Argentina partly operates in an “open access” non-discriminatory environment
under which producers have equal and open access to the transportation infrastructure. Under certain open access
rules, transportation capacity can be secured by oil producers if oil production levels are sustained month over month.
As of the date of this annual report, we have secured open access capacity in the Oldelval pipeline. In addition, we
maintain storage capacity at the oil Terminal located in Puerto Rosales, near Bahía Blanca from which oil is delivered
to our end customers.
As of the date of this report, our existing open access capacity in Oldelval was 43 Mbbl/d (includes 9 Mbbl/d
corresponding to friction-reducing agents in use as of May 2024). In addition, we hold 12 Mbbl/d of pipeline capacity
in the Vaca Muerta Norte and Trasandino pipelines to access Chile. We are also awarded a crude oil transportation
capacity of 31.5 Mbbl/d in the project to expand the Oldelval pipeline from Allen to Puerto Rosales, which became
fully online during March 2025. As a result, as of the date of this report, we held approximately 87 Mbbl/d of oil
pipeline transportation capacity. We also held approximately 37 Mbbl/d of oil transportation capacity through
trucking.
70
(1) Based on contracts signed by Vista and data provided by project operators. Actual delivery dates and capacity might change subject to
execution. Oldelval pipeline includes 9 Mbbl/d corresponding to friction-reducing agents in use as of May 2024.
Additionally, we have acquired capacity in two expansion projects, as shown below:
•
On January 27, 2023, the Company, through its subsidiary Vista Argentina, was awarded storage
and dispatch capacities of 225 Mbbl and 37.4 Mbbl/d, respectively, in the project executed by
Oiltanking Ebytem S.A. to expand the Puerto Rosales marine terminal and pumping station by
1,887 Mbbl and 315 Mbbl/d, respectively. Accordingly, the Company committed to making an
upfront payment of US$28.4 million between 2023 and 2025, which will be recovered from the
monthly service fee. The expansion project is expected to commence operations in the second
quarter of 2025.
•
On December 16, 2024, the Company, through its subsidiary Vista Argentina, entered into an
agreement with YPF S.A., Pampa Energía S.A., and Pan American Sur S.A. for the construction of
the VMOS Project. Between December 20, 2024 and March 7, 2025, Pluspetrol S.A., Chevron
(through two subsidiaries), Shell (through two subsidiaries) and Gas y Petróleo del Neuquén S.A.
also confirmed their participation. Under this agreement, the Company was allocated firm
transportation, storage, and dispatch capacity of 50 Mbbl/d in the VMOS Project. The project is
expected to have a total capacity of 550 Mbbl/d in its first stage, which is anticipated to be fully
operational in the second half of 2027. See “—Vaca Muerta Sur Project.”
For more detail on the midstream infrastructure network in Argentina, see “—Industry and Regulatory
Overview—Oil and Gas Regulatory Framework in Argentina—Oil Midstream and Downstream.”
Delivery Commitments
We are committed to providing fixed and determinable quantities of crude oil, natural gas and NGL in the
near future under a variety of contractual arrangements, some of them under firm arrangements and others on a spot
basis.
As of December 31, 2024, 21% of our oil production was subject to monthly delivery commitments in the
domestic market and 11% of our oil production was subject to delivery commitments in the international markets.
According to our estimates, as of December 31, 2024, our contractual delivery commitments, could be met with our
own production.
71
For natural gas, in April 2024 we signed annual commitments for the period May 2024 to April 2025, which
added to the commitments already assumed with the Plan GasAr until 2028 representing approximately 90% of our
marketable total production, with seasonal pricing arrangements. The remainder is sold to the spot market. The annual
commitments for the period May 2025 to April 2026 are expected to be signed by the end of April 2025.
For LPG, our Propane production was not subject to delivery commitments during 2024. Regarding Butane
we deliver under a National Decree approximately 75% of our annual production to guarantee local LPG cylinders
demand for residential consumers.
Customers and Marketing
Oil Markets
In Argentina, our crude oil production was sold both to domestic refineries and exported during 2024, 2023
and 2022. During 2024, we exported 49% of our oil sales volumes, compared to 52% in 2023 and 44% in 2022.
During 2024, 68% of our oil sales volumes were sold at export parity, combining sales to international buyers and
domestic buyers paying export-parity prices, compared to 57% during 2023. In the past three years, our main
domestic customers were Raizen and Trafigura. Approximately 99% of our oil is produced in the Neuquina Basin and
is referred to as Medanito crude oil, a light sweet crude oil generally demanded by Argentine refiners in the domestic
market, as well as by international refiners. Production from our Neuquina Basin properties is transported to Puerto
Rosales, a major industrial port in the southern region of the Province of Buenos Aires through the Oldelval pipeline
system, then goes to either the domestic refining market, which consists of seven active refiners with a total installed
capacity of 620 Mbbl/d, or to international customers through maritime transportation. Additionally, as of May 2023,
we initiated oil exports to Chile through the Trasandino oil pipeline. Even though we prioritize long-term
relationships with domestic customers, we have developed relationships with international customers in order to
establish a diversified portfolio for our expected production increase in the upcoming years.
In Mexico, 100% of our crude oil production is sold to Pemex. See “—Industry and Regulatory Overview—
Mexico’s Oil and Gas Industry Overview.”
Natural Gas Markets and NGL
In Argentina, we have established a diversified portfolio of customers for natural gas. Our primary customers
in 2024 were industrial customers, representing 48% of our total natural gas sales volumes for such period. In 2023,
our primary customers were also industrial customers, representing 45% of our total natural gas sales volumes for
such period. Argentina has a highly developed natural gas market and a sophisticated infrastructure in place to deliver
natural gas to cross-border export markets through several gas pipelines or to industrial and residential customers in
the domestic market. However, natural gas markets in Argentina are regulated by the Argentine government. Even
though the Argentine government sets the price at which natural gas producers sell volumes to residential customers,
volumes that are sold to industrial and other customers are not regulated and pricing varies with seasonal factors and
industry category. We generally sell our natural gas to Argentine customers pursuant to short-term contracts and in
the spot market. The Neuquina Basin is served by a substantial gas pipeline network that delivers gas to the Buenos
Aires metropolitan and surrounding areas, and the industrial regions of Bahía Blanca and Rosario. Natural gas
produced in our Neuquina Basin properties is readily marketed due to accessibility to such infrastructure. Our
properties are well situated in the Basin with four major pipelines in close proximity. In Mexico, all the natural gas
production is sold to Pemex.
In relation to the Plan GasAr, on December 22, 2022, through Resolution No. 860/2022 of the SdE, Vista
Argentina was awarded a base volume of 0.86 MMcm/d at an annual average price of US$3.29/MMBtu, applicable
until December 31, 2024. On April 19, 2023, through Resolution No. 265/2023 of the SdE, the base volume awarded
to Vista Argentina was increased to 1.14 MMcm/d, maintaining the annual average price of US$3.29/MMBtu,
applicable for a four-year period as from January 1, 2025. See “—Industry and Regulatory Overview—Oil and Gas
Regulatory Framework in Argentina—Plan GasAr 2020-2024.”
With regards to our NGL production, we comply with domestic commitments set by the Argentine
government with the objective of ensuring the supply for propane and bottled butane for residential uses. Our
remaining NGL production is marketed within the Neuquina Basin.
72
Competition
The oil and gas industry is competitive, and we may encounter strong competition from other independent
operators and from major oil companies in acquiring and developing concessions or oil agreements. In Argentina, we
compete for resources with state-controlled YPF, as well as with privately-owned companies such as Pan American,
Pluspetrol, Tecpetrol, Chevron, Total, Compañía General de Combustibles, among others. In Mexico, we compete for
resources with Pemex, the state-owned company, and local and international oil companies.
Intellectual Property
Our intellectual property is an essential element of our business, and our success depends, at least in part, on
our ability to protect our core technology and intellectual property. To accomplish this, we rely on a combination of
patent, trade secret, trademark and other intellectual property laws, confidentiality agreements and license agreements
to establish and protect our intellectual property rights. As of December 31, 2024, we had all our trademarks duly
registered with the regulatory authorities, noting as well that patent applications is not part of our usual business.
Information Technology
We rely on our information technology systems and automated machinery to efficiently manage our
production processes and operate our business. Vista is a cloud-native company that has developed a strategy over the
years to operate its technology stack in a multicloud environment. We use various public cloud providers (e.g., AWS,
GCP, and Azure) for digital products and on-premises systems for SCADA and DCS operations. Our partners of
choice for high-availability servers and storage include Dell, IBM, and NetApp; for networking and firewalls, we rely
on Cisco; and for administrative processes and internal controls, we use SAP and satellite solutions, which
standardize our operations across the organization.
As with other organizations, our information technology systems are susceptible to damage or interruptions
caused by cyber-attacks and security breaches. We adhere to the Cybersecurity Framework developed by the U.S.
Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (“NIST”). We evaluate, in collaboration
with a top-tier third-party consultant, our maturity level against this framework, monitor current cybersecurity trends,
and review disclosure research. Our cybersecurity strategy is aligned with NIST’s six core functions, as defined in the
February 2024 release (version 2.0), to identify cybersecurity gaps and requirements. In 2024, we achieved and
maintained a NIST maturity level that exceeds our target of 3.5.
We consolidate all information from the various applications and real-time databases, which come from our
operational sensors, into multicloud Data Lakes. From there, we perform data integrations, develop products, and
create AI solutions with a high-quality, data-driven approach focused on business value. The use of real-time acquired
data to enable Near Real-Time decision-making is critical, which is why we have connected our field offices and
facilities to the internet via a high-bandwidth fiber optic network (>200mbps) with sufficient redundancy to ensure
+95% uptime, in line with our Cloud strategy.
We depend on digital technology, including information systems to process financial and operational data,
analyze seismic and drilling information, estimate oil and gas reserves, and utilize real-time systems to monitor and
control production. Due to the critical nature of this infrastructure and the increased accessibility provided by internet
connectivity, our systems are exposed to a heightened risk of cyber-attacks. See “Item 3—Key Information—Risk
Factors—Detailed Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—Our industry has become increasingly
dependent on digital technologies to carry out daily operations and is subject to increasing cybersecurity threats “
and “Item 16K—Cybersecurity.”
Environmental Policy
In 2021, we announced our ambition to reduce GHG emissions through a multi-year decarbonization plan.
This five-year plan prioritizes selected projects from our abatement cost curve based on their carbon abatement
potential and cost efficiency. We forecast a reduction of more than 80% in our scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions
intensity, from 39 kgCO2e/boe in 2020 to 7 kgCO2e/boe in 2026. In 2024, we recorded a scope 1 and 2 GHG
emissions intensity of 8.8 kgCO2e/boe, representing a 44% reduction compared to 15.6 kgCO2e/boe in 2023.
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Additionally, we are developing our own portfolio of nature-based solutions (“NBS”) projects to capture
carbon in soil and forests. In 2022, we established Aike, a Vista subsidiary dedicated to designing, managing, and
executing carbon offset projects, staffed with leading local experts. Aike aims to generate carbon credits of the
highest quality, meaning that their impact is measurable, additional, permanent and positive for local communities
and biodiversity. We believe NBS represents the most actionable, proven, efficient, and scalable carbon removal
alternative currently available. Aike is developing 13 NBS projects in Argentina, across seven Provinces (Salta,
Formosa, Corrientes, Santa Fe, Cordoba, San Luis and Buenos Aires), including mixed afforestation and reforestation
with native and exotic species, forest conservation, improved forest management, and regenerative agriculture and
livestock projects.
By developing a top-tier NBS portfolio, we expect to generate a volume of carbon credits by 2026 that, from
that year on, will be equivalent or potentially higher than the annual carbon emissions from our operation.
Emissions and carbon credits calculation methodology
Vista’s GHG emissions inventory reports two of the most prevalent GHG emissions components in oil and
gas operations: CH4 and CO2. In addition, the calculated emission totals include N2O as well. Although emissions of
the other GHG emissions components may exist in the Company’s operation, their relative contribution to the total
GHG emissions is considered immaterial.
Emissions from CO2, N2O, and CH4 are calculated and converted into total CO2e emissions by multiplying
the emissions of each constituent by its respective global warming potential.
The GHG emissions inventory for Vista was developed following best practices and industry guidelines for
quantifying, reporting, and managing GHG emissions. Specifically, the Company adheres to: (i) the IPIECA
Petroleum Industry Guidelines for Reporting Greenhouse Gas Emissions (2011) and (ii) the American Petroleum
Institute (“API”) Compendium of Greenhouse Gas Methodologies for the Oil and Natural Gas Industry (2009). The
inventory calculations apply standardized methodologies provided in the API Compendium for Vista’s relevant
emission sources, with emission factors derived from published references within the API Compendium. Where
actual operational emission factors or parameters are available, these values are incorporated into the GHG emissions
inventory to enhance accuracy and representativeness.
Vista’s GHG emissions inventory is structured according to the Operational Control approach, meaning
each asset owned and operated by the Company is reported at 100% of its emissions in Argentina. Vista’s operated
assets in Argentina include the following concessions: Águila Mora, Aguada Federal, Bajada del Palo Oeste, Bajada
del Palo Este, Coirón Amargo Norte, and the Entre Lomas treatment plant. Our emissions information excludes the
emissions arising from concession areas that we do not operate in Argentina and from our operated asset in Mexico.
The GHG emissions inventory is further categorized by emission sources within each area of this organizational
structure.
Vista’s GHG emission inventory tool is classified into scope 1 and 2 sources, as shown below:
GHG Source Category
GHG Emissions Sources
Scope 1 Sources
Stationary combustion
Heaters (i.e., treaters and ovens)
Gas turbine / centrifugal compressor drivers
Internal combustion engines
Mobile combustion
Automobiles
Light duty trucks
Flares
Flares
Fugitives
Onshore oil and gas production equipment component leaks (e.g., valves, connectors, open-ended lines, etc.)
Venting
Glycol dehydrators
Natural gas-operated chemical injection pumps
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Natural gas-operated pneumatic devices
Storage tank flashing losses
Tank blanketing using natural gas
Maintenance and turnaround activities
Other venting (i.e., blowdowns and emergency shutdowns)
Scope 2 Sources
Indirect energy
Imported electricity
Imported electricity by a third party
It should be noted that the inventory excludes GHG emissions sources with insignificant potential for GHG
emissions that are immaterial to the total emissions quantified (also referred to as de minimis sources). Examples of
insignificant sources include fire-fighting equipment and laboratory equipment.
For many GHG emission sources, there are multiple options for determining the emissions, often with
different accuracies. In general, emissions from a particular source are derived by applying an emission factor (“EF”)
for a specific type of source or event with the corresponding activity factor. EFs used in the calculation methods come
from published sources, referenced in the API Compendium and derived from publications by the IPCC, the EIA, the
Gas Research Institute, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Where possible, EFs are derived based on site-specific gas compositional data. In many instances for
combustion sources, the CO2 EF represents the application of material balance principles and the assumption that
100% of the carbon available in the fuel stream is oxidized to CO2. In addition, for flaring sources; a destruction
efficiency of 98% is assumed to calculate the CH4 EF.
After GHG emissions inventory tool is completed and results obtained for every calendar year, a third-party
verification is carried out. GHG emission inventory results are only published once the verification is completed, and
the calculations verified.
Health and Safety Policy
The implementation of additional safety procedures in our operations in consistency with our Health and
Safety Policy, such as training, work permits, internal audits, drills, tailgate safety meetings, job safety analysis and
risk evaluations, has led to a reduction in the number of workforce safety incidents.
Our safety management system is applied following an Operating Management System (“OMS”) framework
and covers all our employees and contractors working in our offices, fields and providing services. The OMS was
designed based on recommended practices for the oil and gas industry and according to IOGP and IPIECA guidelines.
In 2024, our TRIR was 0.59 (based on 6.7 million work hours during the period) as compared to a 0.18
(based on 5.6 million work hours during the period) as of December 31, 2023, and 0.86 (based on 4.6 million work
hours during the period) as of December 31, 2022. In 2024, a fatality occurred during a drilling operation conducted
by Nabors for Vista. We had no fatalities due to workforce incidents involving Vista employees related to operations
in the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
ESG Matters
We aim to develop our business sustainably. We strive to protect the environment where we operate, with
special focus on GHG emissions, water management, energy efficiency and waste management.
Regarding emissions, our goal is to reduce our operating scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions intensity by more
than 80%, reaching 7 kgCO₂e/boe in 2026, compared to 39 kgCO₂e/boe in 2020. Additionally, we are executing a
portfolio of NBS projects through our subsidiary Aike in Argentina. By developing a top-tier NBS portfolio, we
expect to generate a volume of carbon credits by 2026 that, from that year on, will be equivalent, or potentially
higher, to the annual carbon emissions from our operations.
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We believe our value resides in our oil producing assets, as much as in our teams and their commitment to
operational excellence. In this respect, health and safety are the cornerstones to ensure our teams achieve best
performance, and we have made it a Company priority to provide our people with the highest oil and gas industry
standards when it comes to occupational health and safety, as set by IOGP and IPIECA.
In addition, we seek to create a working environment where high performance, teamwork, innovation, agility
and responsibility are values shared by all in our staff. We are firm believers in the value of developing an
organizational culture that works in appreciation of each person, promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at all
levels. To support this, we implement various initiatives through our Vista Diversity, Equity & Inclusion program.
We are also committed to the development of the communities in which we operate by fostering an inclusive
business model and strengthening the sense of belonging through open dialogue, active collaboration, volunteering,
and social engagement.
Additionally, we seek to operate our business responsibly, ethically, and in alignment with the interests of
our stakeholders. We are committed to effective and sustainable corporate governance, which we believe strengthens
accountability, promotes the long-term interests of our stakeholders, and helps build public trust in our Company. As
a public company, our business and corporate governance practices comply with the regulations set forth by the SEC
of the United States applicable to foreign private issuers and the CNBV of Mexico rules, as well as with national
regulations in the countries where we operate.
During 2024, we made good progress across all ESG fronts. The main highlights are summarized below:
Environmental
•
Significant progress in the Company’s decarbonization plan, resulting in a 28% year-over-year
reduction in absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions, from 308 MtCO2e in 2023 to 222 MtCO2e in
2024. Additionally, the Company recorded a scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions intensity of
8.8 kgCO2e/boe for the year, a 44% year-over-year reduction.
•
Increased renewable energy consumption by 50,800 MWh, representing 59% of total energy use,
while reducing energy intensity by 30% year-over-year.
•
Continued execution of NBS projects, currently working on 13 projects (two ARR, one REDD+,
one IFM, four regenerative livestock, five regenerative agriculture) across more than 43,000
hectares in the Provinces of Corrientes, Salta, Santa Fe, Buenos Aires, Formosa, Córdoba, and San
Luis in Argentina.
•
For more information, please see “—Environmental Policy.”
Social
•
Recorded a consolidated TRIR of 0.6, remaining below the 1.0 target for the fifth consecutive year.
•
Advanced gender initiatives through the hiring and development of female talent: increased the
proportion of women in new hires by 3 p.p. to 29%, maintaining the share of female employees at
24%; increased female representation in middle management positions from 24% in 2023 to 32% in
2024; and implemented a new edition of the mentoring program for female talent, engaging 20
committed young professionals.
•
Advanced gender initiatives through the development of female talent: female representation in
middle management positions increased from 24% in 2023 to 32% in 2024. We also executed a new
edition of the mentoring program for female top talent, engaging 20 committed young
professionals. Additionally, we issued new policies and conducted workshops to enhance employee
awareness on gender-related initiatives.
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•
Invested US$2.2 million in social programs across Argentina and Mexico, focusing on five key
verticals: Education, Local Development, Rural Development, Institutional Strength and Inclusion,
and Values in Sports and Health.
Governance
•
Approved the Integrity Policy for Contractors and Suppliers, a condensed version of our Code of
Ethics and Conduct, designed to outline key ethical principles applicable to our service providers
performing activities for Vista. Training sessions were held for contractors’ and suppliers’
personnel.
•
Strengthened internal communications on whistleblower channels.
•
Enhanced transparency reporting by improving: (i) our climate-related disclosure, (ii) our Task
Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) disclosure, and (iii) alignment between
Vista’s ESG framework, key initiatives, and UN Sustainable Development Goals.
•
Achieved a NIST cybersecurity score of 3.6 and recorded zero critical cybersecurity incidents.
We expect to publish our 2024 Sustainability Report in the second quarter of 2025. The report is expected to
align with (i) Global Reporting Initiative (“GRI”) Standards, including GRI 1 (Foundation 2021), GRI 2 (General
Disclosures 2021), GRI 3 (Material Topics 2021) and GRI 11 (Oil and Gas Sector 2021), and (ii) the Sustainability
Accounting Standards Board for industry-specific ESG topics relevant to our financial performance and long-term
value creation. For the fourth consecutive year, the 2024 Sustainability Report will include information aligned with
the recommendations published by the TCFD. Additionally, we expect to report our contribution to the UN
Sustainable Development Goals. Our ESG progress is aligned with the 10 universal principles of the UN Global
Compact and will serve as our 2024 Communication on Progress Report under the UN Global Compact framework.
The 2024 Sustainability Report will be published on our website. Information contained on, or accessible through, our
website is not incorporated by reference in, and will not be considered part of, this annual report.
VX Ventures
VX Ventures AenP (“VX Ventures”) is Vista’s corporate venture capital fund, launched with an initial US$12.5
million funding commitment (which yearly investments represent less than 1% of Vista’s capital expenditures), with
the objective of developing new businesses that can thrive through the energy transition and support Vista becoming a
lower carbon and lower cost company. During 2023, funding was increased by US$2.5 million reaching a total of
US$15 million.
During 2024, we continued to pursue entrepreneurial, agile and dynamic companies that may become key
agents of change and leverage Vista’s technical and project management skills with an entrepreneurial drive to access
new markets.
Moreover, VX Ventures plays a role of exposing Vista to the optionality of new businesses that can potentially
scale up and can also help us secure the access and retention of top talent.
Each investment is funded through specific special purpose vehicles controlled by Vista, where certain relevant
executives of the Company are given the option to co-invest through class B shares with no political rights to incentivize
their engagement and align their interests with those of the invested project.
As part of our VX Ventures portfolio, which as of December 31,2024 includes investments in 19 start-ups
and early-stage companies, we have created and funded Aike NBS S.A.U. (“Aike”) to deliver top-quality carbon
offsets through the development of NBS projects, including forestry and soil carbon capture projects. Aike aims to
also provide services to third companies to help them to fulfill their NBS project development needs and achieve their
carbon capture objectives which will in turn benefit Vista by providing larger scale for its NBS projects. Aike has
already started providing services to us in connection with Vista´s own NBS portfolio.
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Insurance
We maintain insurance coverage of types and amounts that we believe to be customary and reasonable for
companies of our size and with similar operations in the oil and gas industry. However, as is customary in the
industry, we do not insure fully against all risks associated with our business, either because such insurance is not
available, insurance coverage is subject to a cap or because premium costs are considered prohibitive.
Currently, our insurance program includes, among other things, construction, fire, vehicle, technical,
liability, director’s and officer’s liability and employer’s liability coverage. Our insurance includes various limits and
deductibles or retentions, which must be met prior to or in conjunction with recovery. A loss not fully covered by
insurance could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
General Regulatory Matters
We and our operations are subject to various stringent and complex international, federal, state and local
environmental, health and safety laws and regulations in the countries in which we operate that govern matters
including the emission and discharge of pollutants into the ground, air or water, the generation, storage, handling, use
and transportation of regulated materials and human health and safety. These laws and regulations may, among other
things:
•
require the acquisition of various permits or other authorizations or the preparation of environmental
assessments, studies or plans (such as well closure plans) before seismic or drilling activity
commences;
•
enjoin some or all of the operations of facilities deemed not in compliance with permits;
•
restrict the types, quantities and concentration of various substances that can be released into the
environment in connection with oil and natural gas drilling, production and transportation activities;
•
require establishing and maintaining bonds, reserves or other commitments to plug and abandon wells;
and
•
require remedial measures to mitigate or remediate pollution from our operations, which, if not
undertaken, could subject us to substantial penalties.
INDUSTRY AND REGULATORY OVERVIEW
Argentina’s Oil and Gas Industry Overview
Argentina has five producing oil and gas basins: Neuquina, Noroeste, Cuyana, Golfo San Jorge, and Austral.
As of December 31, 2023, Argentina’s oil and gas reserves totaled 6,054 MMboe, as reported by the SdE. In 2024,
Argentina’s oil production was 716.4 Mbbl/d, while its gas production reached 138.6 MMm³/d. Production from the
Vaca Muerta formation, which is located within the Neuquina basin, accounted for 389.5 Mbbl/d of oil (54% of total
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production) and 69.2 MMm³/d of gas (50% of total production), having recorded an oil production CAGR (compound
annual growth rate) of 34% over the last five years.
Argentina Oil Production (Mbbl/d)
Source: Argentine Secretariat of Energy.
Vaca Muerta Shale Formation
The Vaca Muerta formation, located in the Neuquina Basin, is considered one of the most prominent shale
plays globally, and has already become the largest commercial shale development outside North America. The
development of the Vaca Muerta formation plays an important role in the Argentine economy, and therefore the
federal and provincial governments have introduced changes to the regulatory framework for E&P of unconventional
hydrocarbons to attract investments.
Recent regulatory reforms, as well as significant reductions in well costs and improvements in production
rates over the past decade, have attracted over 30 oil and gas companies to Vaca Muerta, both domestic and IOCs,
including YPF, Vista, Shell, Pan American, Pluspetrol, Tecpetrol, Chevron, Total, Equinor, Petronas and Dow. Most
of these companies, which hold acreage adjacent to our concessions, are already investing in their projects in full
development mode, or in some cases are conducting project pilots.
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Vaca Muerta Location, Thermomaturity Map and Main Concession Owners
Source: Company’s Information and Press Articles
Vaca Muerta exhibits similar geological properties than several of the most prominent shale plays in the
United States. The table below sets forth the geological characteristics of Vaca Muerta compared to top tier U.S. share
plays.
Play
Total Organic Content
(%)
Thickness
(m)
Reservoir Pressure
(psi)
Vaca Muerta
3-10
30-450
4,500-9,500
Eagle Ford.............................................
3-5
30-100
4,500-8,500
Wolfcamp (Permian) ...............................
3
200-300
4,600
Barnett..................................................
4-5
60-90
3,000-4,000
Haynesville ...........................................
0.5-4
60-90
7,000-12,000
Marcellus ..............................................
2-12
10-60
2,000-5,500
Source: Company estimates, Argentine Ministry of Economy, Argentine Secretariat of Energy and the EIA.
Vaca Muerta acreage is estimated at more than 8.6 million acres, containing 16 Bnbbl of oil resources and
308 Tcf of gas resources. Such resources are equivalent to approximately 100 years and 200 years of domestic oil and
gas consumption, respectively. The top five oil operators are YPF, Vista, Shell, Pan American and Pluspetrol. Most
concessions are within the 30,000 to 100,000 acres range, which is significantly larger than the average leasehold in
the United States. The terms of concessions in Argentina are also competitive compared to those in the United States,
with unconventional concessions of 35 years and flat royalties of 12%.
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Over the past years, Vaca Muerta has increased significantly its well activity from 102 new wells in 2019 to
401 new wells in 2024. The cumulative well count increased to 2,110 by year-end 2024. The quantity of active
drilling rigs in the basin has also increased during the period, as shown below. Currently, approximately 30% of its
surface area is under development.
Total Shale Well Count, cumulative
Source: Argentine Secretariat of Energy.
New Wells on Production and Drilling Rig Count, per year
Source: Company estimates, Economía y Energía Consulting, Argentine Secretariat of Energy
Oil and gas production from Vaca Muerta was 847 Mboe/d during 2024, a 23% increase compared to 2023.
Production from Vaca Muerta reached 894 Mboe/d in January 2025. The shale oil production during 2024 was mainly
driven by Loma Campana, La Amarga Chica, Bajada del Palo Oeste (held and operated by Vista) and Bandurria Sur,
which combined contributed with 245 Mbbl/d. Shale gas production was mainly driven by Fortín de Piedra, Aguada
Pichana Este, Aguada Pichana Oeste and La Calera, which combined contributed with 256 Mboe/d.
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Gross Shale Oil and Gas Production (Mboe/d)
Source: Argentine Secretariat of Energy.
Vaca Muerta production has played a significant role in offsetting the decline of other basins in Argentina
and increasing total oil and gas production, positioning Argentina as a structural oil exporter of light crude oil since
2022. As shown below, oil exports have increased from 68 Mbbl/d in 2019 to 187 Mbbl/d in 2024. Additionally, Vaca
Muerta has allowed Argentina to reduce natural gas imports, both from neighboring Bolivia and Chile, and via LNG,
which have decreased from 19.1 MMm³/d in 2019 to 7.8 MMm³/d in 2024. This trend has contributed significantly to
improving Argentina’s balance of trade. According to the Argentine Ministry of Economy, Argentina’s energy trade
balance was negative for US$4.4 billion in 2022 and reverted to a positive balance of US$5.7 billion in 2024.
Argentina Oil Exports (Mbbl/d)
Source: Argentine Secretariat of Energy, Ministry of Economy.
Argentina Natural Gas Imports (MMm3/d)
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Source: Argentine Secretariat of Energy, Ministry of Economy.
Argentina Energy Trade Balance (US$ billion)
Source: Argentine Secretariat of Energy, Ministry of Economy.
Vaca Muerta is in a relatively early stage of its development compared to shale plays in the United States.
The Permian Basin is a good analogue for Vaca Muerta, with similar geological characteristics and a long history of
unconventional hydrocarbon development. However, Vaca Muerta has even more thickness than the Permian, with up
to five different pay zones already tested in different blocks of the basin. As of December 31, 2024, operators have
drilled around 2,100 wells in Vaca Muerta compared to around 50,000 in the Permian and more than 200,000 across
all U.S. shale plays. It is possible that Vaca Muerta could have a growth trajectory similar to that of the Permian
Basin or other U.S. shale plays in the coming years. The growing investment in Vaca Muerta is similar to the early
stages of the Permian Basin’s remarkable growth since 2008, becoming one of the most prolific shale plays in the
world.
After an initial period of incorporating the technology required for unconventional development, progressing
along the learning curve, and adopting best practices, the average well productivity per lateral foot in Vaca Muerta
now exceeds its shale peers in the United States.
Best-in-class average well productivity
First 365 days cumulative production, Mbbl per 1,000 feet of lateral
Source: Rystad Energy ShaleWellCube. Includes only horizontal oil wells put on production in 2021-2022.
Oil Midstream and Downstream
The Argentine crude oil pipeline network connects the producing basins with domestic refineries, which are
located in the Province of Buenos Aires (i.e., La Plata, Bahía Blanca, Dock Sud, Campana), the Cuyo Basin
(i.e., Luján de Cuyo), the Neuquina Basin (i.e., Plaza Huincul) and the Noroeste Basin (i.e., Refinor). These refineries
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have a combined refining capacity of an estimated 620 Mbbl/d: La Plata has an approximate capacity of 200 Mbbl/d,
Bahía Blanca 40 Mbbl/d, Dock Sud 110 Mbbl/d, Campana 95 Mbbl/d, Luján de Cuyo 125 Mbbl/d, Plaza Huincul 25
Mbbl/d and Refinor 25 Mbbl/d. Argentina’s key crude pipeline is the Oleoductos del Valle S.A. (“Oldelval”) system,
with an oil pipeline from Puesto Hernández and Allen in the Neuquina Basin to Puerto Rosales near Bahía Blanca,
transporting approximately 65% of the production from the Neuquina Basin, with a capacity of approximately
540,000 bbl/d.
In Puerto Rosales, a marine export terminal is operated by Oiltanking Ebytem S.A. (“OTE”), a company
owned by YPF (30%) and Oiltanking (70%). The OTE facilities have 18 tanks with a storage capacity of 3 MMbbl, of
which 1,070 Mbbl are used to store Medanito-type crude oil. OTE also owns two buoys, Punta Ancla and Punta
Cigueña, with capacities of 106,000 and 70,000 deadweight tonnage, respectively. These two buoys provide services
mainly for loading and unloading Panamax vessels.
In early 2023, the Trasandino pipeline connecting the Argentine system to Chile became operational after
being shut for more than a decade. This enabled export flows from the Neuquina Basin to Chile starting in May 2023.
This pipeline has a total capacity of 110,000 bbl/d. In November 2023, the Vaca Muerta Norte pipeline, with 157,000
bbl/d of capacity, connecting Loma Campana to Puesto Hernández and the Trasandino pipeline, was commissioned.
As of the date of this annual report, OTE is executing an expansion project to expand the Puerto Rosales
marine terminal and pumping station by 1,887 Mbbl and 315 Mbbl/d, respectively.
Additionally, in December 2024, the VMOS Project was announced, consisting of a new pipeline from Allen
to Punta Colorada in the Province of Río Negro, storage facilities, and a new port in a deep-water location. The
VMOS Project will have an estimated initial capacity of 550,000 bbl/d and is expected to be completed in the second
half of 2027.
The remaining oil production that is not refined and consumed in Argentina is exported. During 2024,
Argentina exported 187 Mbbl/d, according to INDEC, of which an estimated of 150 Mbbl/d were exported from the
Neuquina basin. The companies in the Neuquina basin exported 71 Mbbl/d in total to Chile during 2024 and the rest
via the Atlantic (from Bahía Blanca).
Vaca Muerta Key Oil Midstream Projects
sSource: Based on data provided by project operators and Company estimates.
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Oil and Gas Regulatory Framework in Argentina
The Argentine Hydrocarbons Law, as amended by Law No. 26,197, Law No. 27,007 and Law No. 27,742
(Ley de Bases) is the main body of legislation for oil and gas E&P. The enforcement authority for the Argentine
Hydrocarbons Law is the SdE. As a result of the amendment of the Argentine Hydrocarbons Law by means of the
Law No. 26,197, each Province has its own enforcement authority. In particular, the Province of Neuquén has passed
its own Argentine Hydrocarbons Law No. 2,453, among other laws and regulations on these activities. The
transportation, distribution and marketing of gas are independently regulated by the Natural Gas Law, also amended
by the Ley de Bases.
Exploration and Production
The E&P of oil and natural gas is carried out through exploration permits and exploitation concessions.
Nevertheless, the Argentine Hydrocarbons Law permits surface reconnaissance of territories not covered by
exploration permits or exploitation concessions, subject to prior authorization of the surface owner and the application
authority.
In the event that holders of an exploration permit discover commercially exploitable quantities of oil or gas,
such holders are entitled to obtain an exclusive concession for the production and exploitation of the relevant reserves.
The exploitation concession provides its holder the exclusive right to produce oil and gas from the area covered by the
concession. An exploitation concession also entitles the holder to obtain a transportation authorization for transporting
of the oil and gas produced.
Holders of exploration permits and exploitation concessions are required to carry out all necessary works to
find or extract hydrocarbons, using appropriate techniques, and to make the investments specified in their respective
permits or concessions. In addition, holders must avoid damage to oil and gas fields and hydrocarbon waste, and
undertake adequate measures to prevent accidents and damages.
Both holders of exploration permits and holders of exploitation concessions must pay an annual fee based on
the land area covered by the corresponding permit or concession (as provided in Section 7 of the Argentine
Hydrocarbons Law). Holders of exploitation concessions are required to pay for such concessions, and to make
certain royalty payments to the Argentine government.
Exploration Permits and Exploitation Concessions
The Argentine Hydrocarbons Law and its amendments regulate exploration and exploitation activities as
follows:
•
Conventional Exploration Permits: the term for conventional exploration permits is divided into
two periods of up to three years each, plus a discretionary extension of up to five years, granting a
maximum validity of 11 years. The extension is optional for the permit holder who has fulfilled the
investment and other obligations under their responsibility. For offshore operation permits, each
period of the basic exploration term for conventional objectives may be increased by one year.
•
Unconventional Exploration Permits: the term for these permits is divided into two periods of up
to four years each, plus a discretionary extension of up to five years, granting a maximum validity
of 13 years. The extension is optional for the permit holder who has fulfilled the investment and
other obligations under their responsibility.
•
Concessions: the term for the exploitation of conventional resources is 25 years, while for the
exploitation of unconventional resources, a term of 35 years is established, including a pilot test of
up to five years. In the case of offshore operations, concessions are granted for periods of up to 30
years. Due to the modifications introduced by the Ley de Bases, the federal or provincial executive
branch, as applicable, may determine in new concessions—at the time of defining the terms and
conditions—other periods (of up to 10 years) additional to the aforementioned periods. These
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periods cannot be set perpetually, unlike the previous regulation, which allowed the possibility of
granting successive extensions for periods of 10 years. Concessions granted prior to the enactment
of the Ley de Bases will continue to be governed by the terms established by the legal framework
existing at the date of approval of the Ley de Bases.
•
Royalties: The Hydrocarbons Law established a 12% monthly royalty rate to be paid by the
concessionaire for the production of liquid hydrocarbons extracted at the wellhead and for the
volume of natural gas extracted and effectively utilized, with the granting authority having the
ability to reduce such rate by up to 5% in exceptional cases, taking into account the productivity,
conditions, and location of the wells, and to increase it by 3% upon the first extension.
Concessions granted prior to the enactment of the Ley de Bases remain subject to this regime,
requiring payment of the 12% royalty on the wellhead value of crude oil production and on the
volume of natural gas sold, as well as an extraordinary royalty in certain extended concessions. In
contrast, the Ley de Bases replaced the fixed 12% rate with a percentage to be determined in the
awarding process, applied to the production and effectively utilized liquid and gaseous
hydrocarbons. It preserved the authority’s ability to reduce the rate by up to 5% in exceptional
cases, while eliminating the 3% increase upon the first extension. The Ley de Bases also
introduced the possibility of applying a reduced rate of up to 50% for projects involving: (i)
Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) or Improved Oil Recovery (IOR) techniques, (ii) the exploitation of
extra-heavy oils (requiring special treatment due to poor quality or high viscosity), and (iii)
offshore exploitation. Concessions granted following the entry into force of the Ley de Bases are
governed by the regime established therein.
Exploration permits and exploitation concessions constitute an acquired right that cannot be extinguished
without legal compensation. However, concessions or permits expire in the case of certain breaches detailed
exhaustively in Article 80 of the Argentine Hydrocarbons Law. Concessionaires or permit holders can also partially
or totally renounce the surface area of a permit or concession at any time. If an exploration permit is renounced, the
permit holder will be obliged to pay the committed and unmet investment amounts (Articles 20 and 81 of the
Argentine Hydrocarbons Law).
Reserves and Resources Certification in Argentina
The estimation of reserves and resources in Argentina is mainly governed by Resolution SdE No. 324/2006
and SdE Resources Resolution No. 69-E/2016. These regulations require holders of exploration permits and
exploitation concessions to file by March 31 of each year estimates of natural gas and oil reserves and resources
existing as of December 31 of the previous year. Estimates must be certified by an external auditor and sent to the
SdE. Information is required to be presented following the criteria approved by the SPE, the WPC (World Petroleum
Council) and the AAPG (American Association of Petroleum Geologists), which are widely accepted internationally.
The information regarding Vista’s proved reserves in this annual report has been prepared according to the
definitions of Rule 4-10(a) of Regulation S-X or the SPE’s Petroleum Resources Management System, which differ
from the relevant guidelines published by the SdE.
Transportation
The Ley de Bases introduced significant changes to the hydrocarbon transportation regime in Argentina,
establishing a comprehensive framework for transport and processing authorizations managed by federal or provincial
authorities. Existing transportation concessions will continue to operate under their original terms. The Argentine
Hydrocarbons Law grants producers the exclusive right to obtain transportation authorizations for oil, gas, and their
by-products as specified in the law and related decrees.
These authorizations permit the construction and operation of essential facilities for hydrocarbon transport,
such as pipelines, storage, plants, and other necessary infrastructure, all subject to prevailing legislation and technical
standards.
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Holders of exploitation concessions are entitled to transportation authorizations. If the construction of
permanent works exceeds the concession limits, they must obtain additional authorizations. If the works remain
within the concession limits, the authorization is optional and granted under the same conditions as the exploitation
concession.
The duration of transportation authorizations aligns with the terms of the associated exploitation concessions.
Upon expiration, the facilities revert to state ownership. Extensions of 10 years can be requested if obligations are met
and hydrocarbons are being transported at the time of the request. Transport and processing authorizations do not
grant exclusive rights to the holders.
Authorized transporters must carry third-party hydrocarbons without discrimination, provided there is
available capacity and no technical impediments. Unused transportation capacity must be made available to third
parties, subject to the needs of the authorized transporter.
Federal or provincial authorities will establish rules for coordinating transportation systems. Tariffs for
hydrocarbon transportation and related services are regulated, with maximum amounts set by Resolution SdE No.
5/04, as amended. These changes aim to streamline the hydrocarbon transportation and processing framework,
ensuring fair access and efficient operation within the sector.
Argentine Registry of Hydrocarbon Exploration and Exploitation Companies
To be holders of exploration permits or exploitation concessions, irrespective of the Province where the
activities are developed, companies must be registered with the Argentine Registry of Hydrocarbon Exploration and
Exploitation Companies maintained by the SdE. Such holders and concessionaires must have adequate financial
resources, pursuant to Disposition No. 335/2019 issued by the Sub-Secretariat of Hydrocarbons, and technical
capabilities to perform the operations involved in the rights bestowed upon them. Further, such holders shall assume
exclusive responsibility for liabilities associated with E&P activities. Registration with the Registry is also a
requirement to be able to be an operator of permits and concessions and has to be annually renewed and can be
revoked if technical capacity cannot be proved. Holders of permits and concessions shall establish legal domicile
within Argentina.
In all cases, the company or association of companies holding the permit or concession must maintain such
net equity throughout the term of the permit or concession. These equity requirements may be satisfied by means of
financial or other guarantees.
Crude Oil Market Regulation
The Argentine Hydrocarbons Law empowers the Argentine Executive Branch to set the national policy with
respect to the exploitation, processing, transportation, storage, industrialization and commercialization of
hydrocarbons.
The Ley de Bases introduced amendments to Law No. 26,741 and the Argentine Hydrocarbons Law, to allow
concessionaires, refineries, and/or hydrocarbon marketers to freely export hydrocarbons and/or their derivatives
without needing to meet domestic demand. Additionally, it stipulates that the Argentine government may not
intervene in setting commercialization prices in the domestic market at any stage of production.
Until 2024, exports of crude oil and oil by-products in Argentina required prior registration in the Argentine
Registry of Export Operations Agreements and authorization by the SdE. The Ley de Bases modified the Argentine
Hydrocarbons Law, establishing that, although prior registration in the Argentine Registry of Export Operations
Agreements is required, producers of crude oil and oil by-products may freely export hydrocarbons and/or their
derivatives, absent objection by the SdE, no longer being needed it express authorization. The effective exercise of
this right is subject to regulations issued by the Argentine Executive Branch, which must, among other aspects, take
into account: (i) the standard requirements applicable to access to technically proven resources; and (ii) that any
objection by the SdE may only (a) be raised within 30 days from the date on which the SdE becomes aware of the
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export, and (b) must be based on technical or economic grounds related to the security of supply. Once said term has
elapsed, the SdE may not raise any objection whatsoever, see “—Ley de Bases.”
Gas Market Regulation
As mentioned in previous sections, gas E&P activities are regulated by the Argentine Hydrocarbons Law,
whereas natural gas transportation and distribution are regulated by means of the Natural Gas Law.
In order to foster the production of natural gas, the Argentine government adopted different stimulus
programs over the past years, such as the Plan GasAr implemented by means of Decree No. 892/2020 (amended by
Decree No. 730/2022).
Plan GasAr 2020-2024
By means of Decree No. 892/2020, (amended by Decree No. 730/2022), the Argentine government
implemented the Argentine Plan for the Promotion of Natural Gas Production – Supply and Demand Scheme 2020-
2024 (Plan de Promoción de la Producción de Gas Natural Argentino – Esquema de Oferta y Demanda 2020-2024).
The Plan GasAr established the framework for the implementation of direct contracts (initially lasting four
years, with the possibility of extension by the SdE for additional one-year periods) between gas producers, on the one
hand, and gas distributors and/or sub-distributors (to meet priority demand) and CAMMESA (to meet the demand of
thermal power plants), on the other. These contracts were awarded, and the price of gas at the point of entry into the
transportation system (“PIST” for its acronym in Spanish) was determined through a tender procedure carried out by
the SdE. The Argentine government may make monthly payments corresponding to a portion of the price of natural
gas in the PIST to provide indirect subsidies to end users.
On November 4, 2022, Decree No. 730/2022 was published in the Argentine Official Gazette, extending the
Plan GasAr until the year 2028.The Plan GasAr is based on (i) voluntary participation by producers, public
distribution service providers, and sub-distributors (making direct acquisitions from producers) and CAMMESA; (ii)
a competitive scheme where the SdE calls for the signing of direct contracts between producers on one side, and
priority demand (distribution licensees and/or sub-distributors) as well as the demand from thermal power plants
(with CAMMESA) on the other; (iii) a framework of free market competition regarding the price of gas in the PIST,
subject to the conditions set by the Argentine government.
Ley de Bases
On July 8, 2024, the Ley de Bases was published in the Argentine Official Gazette, introducing amendments
to the Natural Gas Law and the Argentine Hydrocarbons Law.
The main amendments to the Argentine Hydrocarbons Law include:
•
Expanding the self-sufficiency paradigm of the Argentine Hydrocarbons Law to incorporate the
maximization of economic profits to encourage new investments;
•
Eliminating restrictions on hydrocarbon exports and establishing the freedom to market and export
hydrocarbons and their derivatives;
•
Prohibiting the Argentine government from intervening in the pricing of oil, gas, and refined
products in the domestic market;
•
Including hydrocarbon processing and storage activities within the regulatory framework;
•
Allowing the conversion of concessions from conventional to unconventional exploitation until
December 31, 2028;
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•
Defining specific requirements for bidding on new areas and eliminating the possibility of
extending exploitation concessions for new concessions;
•
Modifying the fees payable by concession and permit holders;
•
Revising the royalty regime, except for concessions already awarded;
•
Replacing transportation concessions with a system of transportation and storage authorizations, as
well as hydrocarbon processing authorizations; and
•
Allowing foreign companies to participate in public bids for permits and concessions.
The main amendments to the Natural Gas Law include the following:
•
Eliminating the requirement to obtain prior authorization for natural gas imports;
•
Removing the limitation that previously required the domestic market supply to remain unaffected;
•
Establishing a special framework for LNG, guaranteeing firm export conditions that, once
authorized, cannot be modified;
•
Extending the duration of licenses for natural gas transportation and distribution services from 10 to
20 years; and
•
Creating the Ente Nacional Regulador del Gas y la Electricidad to replace ENRE and ENARGAS,
assuming their functions.
On November 28, 2024, Decree No. 1057/2024 was published in the Argentine Official Gazette, regulating
various aspects of the Ley de Bases related to the reform of the Argentine Hydrocarbons Law and the Natural Gas
Law through three annexes.
The key provisions include:
•
Reinforcing free market principles, including unrestricted exportation, supply security, and aligning
domestic prices with international standards. The decree prioritizes resource efficiency, long-term
contracts, and global trade integration. Applicants for permits and concessions must be domiciled in
Argentina and meet financial solvency, net worth, and technical capacity requirements;
•
Ensuring free exportation upon compliance with specified conditions. Exporters must submit
detailed technical and commercial information. Any objections must be resolved within 30 business
days, and in the absence of objections, a free exportation certificate is issued;
•
Providing details regarding the conversion of concession areas, allowing unconventional
exploitation without subdivision;
•
Establishing open-access requirements for unused transport capacity, with certain exceptions.
Transport authorizations do not require public bidding and are not classified as public services;
•
Allowing entities involved in hydrocarbons to participate in the LNG market, subject to regulatory
requirements. The export process includes a resource availability declaration, a technical and
economic solvency assessment, and a project consistency evaluation. Any objections must be
resolved within 120 business days. A free exportation authorization, valid for 30 years, is issued
upon approval;
•
Requiring LNG exporters to periodically verify resource availability and report significant changes.
Authorizations may be revoked for non-compliance. Rights may be transferred with prior approval;
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•
Extending the renewal period for transport and distribution concessions from 10 to 20 years.
Applications must be submitted 54 months before expiration; and
•
Mandating the SdE to collaborate with the Provinces and the City of Buenos Aires to establish
uniform environmental legislation, covering licensing, well abandonment, and environmental
liabilities, to ensure responsible and sustainable management within the hydrocarbons sector.
Special Frameworks to Access to the Foreign Exchange Market
For more information, see “Item 10—Additional Information—Exchange Controls—Specific Provisions For
Income From The Foreign Exchange Market.”
Sustainability
Argentina has regulation regarding the protection of the environmental on a federal, provincial and
municipal level, as well as in the Argentine Constitution.
For instance, Argentina applies the “polluter pays” principle and requires a mandatory approval of an
environmental impact assessment for conducting risky activities. Moreover, legislation guarantees the right to access
to environmental information, public participation in the environmental decision-making process, and access to
justice in environmental matters. Environmental insurance is required, and reporting duties are also established.
Argentina has approved several human rights international treaties and, in particular, related to the environment.
A procurement regime applicable to the Argentine government has been established by means of Decrees
No. 1023/01 and No. 1030/16, which requires to consider sustainability in the decision-making process in the
acquisition of services and goods by the public administration. Furthermore, Decree No. 31/2023 declares a national
public priority policy for the sustainable management of resources used by national public agencies. Those practices
provide for the efficient management of the following: electricity; water; natural gas; waste; public procurement;
accessibility; sustainable mobility; and green areas and spaces.
Likewise, by means of its Resolution No. 635/2022 (as amended by its Resolution No. 668/2022) the
Argentine Ministry of Transportation approved the National Sustainable Transportation Plan. Its main objective is to
promote energy transition and efficiency in transportation to achieve sustainable mobility. Such plan contains a set of
strategies and policies to be implemented by 2030, promoting the reduction of GHG emissions. Other sustainability
regulations have been passed. Its impact on the oil and gas industry has yet to be assessed.
In addition, as a member of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (“UNFCCC”) and a Party
to the Paris Agreement, Argentina has committed to submit its Nationally Determined Contributions (“NDCs”),
which are basically the proposed climate actions. The emission limit committed by Argentina, according to the
information that emerges from the updated NDCs in October 2021, is not to exceed the net emission of 349 million
tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) in the year 2030. This goal is applicable to all sectors of the economy.
The NDCs set forth that towards 2030, the Argentine Republic will carry out an energy transition, focusing
its efforts on the promotion of energy efficiency, renewable energies, and the promotion of distributed generation,
using natural gas as a transition fuel during this period.
In order to follow up on this commitment -which aim is to contribute to the standards set forth in the Paris
Agreement- Argentina must draft and report to the UNFCCC the National Green House Gases Inventory (INGEI for
its acronym in Spanish). In addition, by means of Resolution No. 363/2021 issued by the Argentine Ministry of
Environment and Sustainable Development, Argentina has created the National Registry of Climate Change
Mitigation Projects, where the existing mitigation projects are registered. The scope of such register has not been
determined as of the date of this annual report; therefore, its application cannot yet be defined.
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Argentine Regulatory Framework in Connection with Climate Change
The UNFCCC, which entered into force on March 21, 1994, aims to stabilize the GHG concentrations in
the atmosphere to a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.
On February 16, 2005, the Kyoto Protocol to the UNFCCC (“Kyoto Protocol”) entered into force. The
Kyoto Protocol, which deals with the reduction of certain GHG emissions (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide,
hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride) in the atmosphere, was in force until 2020 as a
consequence of the ratification of the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol.
Argentina approved UNFCCC by Federal Law No. 24,295 in December 1993, the Kyoto Protocol by
Federal Law No. 25,438 on June 20, 2001, and the Doha Amendment by Federal Law No. 27,137 on April 29, 2015.
The 2015 UN Climate Change Conference adopted by consensus the Paris Agreement, which is known to
be the successor of the Kyoto Protocol (which was approved in Argentina by Federal Law No. 27,270). The Paris
agreement deals with GHG emission reduction measures, targets to limit global temperature increases and requires
countries to review and “represent a progression” in their intended nationally determined contributions. International
treaties together with increased public awareness related to climate change may result in increased regulation to
reduce or mitigate GHG emissions.
Furthermore, Argentine Law No. 26,190, as amended and complemented by Law No. 27,191 and its
implementing decrees, established a legal framework which promotes an increase in the participation of energies from
renewable sources in Argentina’s electricity market. In this line, in 2019, the Argentine Congress enacted Law No.
27,520 on Minimal Standards on Global Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, which focused on implementing
policies, strategies, actions, programs and projects that can prevent, mitigate or minimize the damages or impacts
associated with climate change.
Moreover, the Argentine Registry of Climate Change Mitigation Projects was established (Argentine
Environmental Ministry Resolution No. 363/2021). In addition, the SdE has set forth the “National Program for the
Measurement and Reduction of Fugitive Emissions from Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production Activities”
(Resolution No. 970/2023); the Argentine Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development has approved the
“Second National Plan for Adaptation and Mitigation to Climate Change” (Resolution No. 146/2023); the SdE has
approved the “National Energy Transition Plan to 2030” (Resolution No. 517/2023) and the “Guidelines and
Scenarios for the Energy Transition to 2050” (Resolution No. 518/2023).
In addition, Resolution No. 23/2023, issued by the former Argentine Ministry of Environment, approved
the Guide for the Preparation of Environmental Impact Studies incorporating the problem of climate change and the
Guide on Public Participation in Environmental Evaluation. Implementation of these guides is voluntary.
Under Law No. 27,191, by December 31, 2017, 8% of the electricity consumed must come from renewable
sources, reaching 20% by December 31, 2025. It sets five stages to achieve the final goal: (i) 8% by December 31,
2017; (ii) 12% by December 31, 2019; (iii) 16% by December 31, 2021; (iv) 18% by December 31, 2023; and (v)
20% by December 31, 2025. It is within this framework that the Argentine government launched the RenovAr
programs. As of December 31, 2024, electricity originated from renewable sources represented 16.3% of the total
demand according to the data released by CAMMESA.
At the provincial level, Neuquén has passed the Provincial Law No. 3,454 of August 2024 (Decree No.
1039/2024), which established the principles and strategies corresponding to the public policies for climate change.
It’s main objective is to encourage and promote a model of sustainable development, the transition to renewable
energy, scientific and technological development and the involvement of citizens, private companies and non-
governmental organizations.
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Mexico’s Oil and Gas Industry Overview
According to the U.S. International Trade Administration, Mexico is the thirteenth largest producer of oil in
the world and twenty-first in oil reserves. Mexico has significant hydrocarbon resources with estimated oil and gas
proved developed and undeveloped reserves of 8.4 Bnboe and 3P reserves of 23.1 Bnboe, in each case as of
December 31, 2023, according to the CNH. Multiple formations exist to develop productive fields.
The Mexican subsurface has multiple geological plays and provides sizeable opportunities across the risk
spectrum, from onshore mature fields to large deep-water projects. While oil and gas reserves are strongly
concentrated in Southeast Basin plays, prospective resources are spread across multiple plays across several basins,
which could lead to more opportunities for oil and gas participants to access previously untapped reservoirs.
Mexican Oil and Gas Reserves as of December 31, 2024
(Bnboe)
Reserves
Geological Basin
Cumulative
production (1)
1P
3P
Southeast ............................................................................................................
89.6
6.0
14.0
Tampico Misantla .................................................................................................
5.9
0.9
5.1
Burgos................................................................................................................
0.1
0.1
0.4
Veracruz .............................................................................................................
0.7
0.9
2.2
Sabinas ...............................................................................................................
0.1
0.0
0.0
Others (2) .............................................................................................................
0.0
0.0
0.0
Deepwater ...........................................................................................................
0.0
0.4
1.4
Total Mexico .......................................................................................................
96.5
8.4
23.1
(1)
Information as of December 31, 2024.
(2)
Includes Cinturón Plegado de Chiapas and Plataforma Burro-Picachos.
Source: Pemex and CNH.
Although the largest resources are in the offshore and shale plays, substantial potential still exists in onshore
conventional reservoirs. Mexico’s shale resource base is among the largest in the world and is located only a few
hundred miles away from the more developed U.S. shale plays with which the formations share many similarities.
According to the EIA, technically recoverable shale resources, estimated at 545 Tcf of natural gas and 13.1 Bnbbl of
oil, are potentially larger than the country’s proven conventional reserves.
Multiple E&P plays across basins
Source: EIA.
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There were four principal means for private entities to invest in Mexico’s E&P sector: E&P Agreements,
Pemex farm-outs agreement, E&P services contract and comprehensive services exploration and extraction contracts
(“CSIEE”).
The CNH was formerly entitled to allocate E&P Agreements, for which prequalification requirements were
established, including operational, technical, financial, and legal capabilities. The bidding process was conducted by a
committee of CNH members. Such tenders were discontinued at the end of 2018. In October 2021, the Mexican
government presented the Five-Year Plan for 2020-2024, pursuant to which the previous administration determined
that it would not undertake new bids to award contractual areas for E&P activities until the current contracts
demonstrated profitability. The current administration has publicly maintained its position of not resuming CNH
tenders.
Farm-outs were a mechanism by which Pemex, as license holder, assigned an interest in the license to
another party through a bidding process conducted by CNH in collaboration with Pemex. Pemex used farm-outs to
partner with international E&P operators with the financial resources and expertise to accelerate development and
extract value from its hydrocarbon asset base. The current administration has publicly maintained its position of not
resuming farm-out tenders.
Regarding E&P services contract migrations, Pemex was entitled to migrate existing oil and gas integrated
E&P services contracts to production-sharing agreements or licenses to continue boosting investment in the E&P
sector, transforming the relationship with Pemex from a service contractor model into a joint venture. These contracts
were signed by Pemex and private companies before the energy reform under President Peña Nieto. The last E&P
services contract migration took place in 2018. There were no migrations during the last presidential term, in which
Pemex focused mostly on awarding a few CSIEE contracts.
The current administration, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum since October 1, 2024, has prioritized
economic activities in energy and sustainable development. In January 2025, citizen consultation forums were held to
contribute to the construction of the 2025-2030 National Development Plan, which was submitted by President
Sheinbaum to the Mexican House of Representatives for approval on February 28, 2025. The plan establishes that the
fundamental target of oil production through Pemex, set at 1.8 million barrels per day, will continue to be domestic
consumption. One of the plan’s main strategies is to increase hydrocarbon reserves in a sustainable manner through
strategic E&P projects. Once published, this plan, along with the announced Pemex 2025-2030 Work Plan, will
clarify key aspects of the current government’s stance on E&P activities.
For additional context on the regulatory changes in Mexico, see “—Industry and Regulatory Overview—
Mexico’s Oil and Gas Industry Overview—Oil and Gas Regulatory Framework in Mexico.”
Oil and Gas Regulatory Framework in Mexico
Upstream and Downstream
In 2013, the Mexican Constitution was amended leading to the opening of the oil, natural gas, and power
sectors to private investment. In 2014, the Mexican Congress passed secondary laws to implement the reforms. The
reforms allowed the Mexican government to grant contracts to private-sector entities in the upstream sector through
public tenders. These amendments allowed private-sector entities to obtain permits for the processing, refining,
marketing, transportation, storage, import and export of hydrocarbons.
The legislation enacted in 2014 included the Mexican Hydrocarbons Law (Ley de Hidrocarburos), which
preserved the concept of state ownership over hydrocarbons while located in the subsoil but allowed private
companies to take ownership over the hydrocarbons once they were extracted. The Mexican Hydrocarbons Law
allowed private-sector entities holding a permit granted by the Mexican Energy Regulatory Commission (Comisión
Reguladora de Energía) (“CRE”) to store, transport, distribute, commercialize and carry out direct sales of
hydrocarbons, as well as to own and operate pipelines and liquefaction, regasification, compression and de-
93
compression stations or terminals, and related equipment in accordance with technical and other regulations. In
addition, private-sector entities could import or export hydrocarbons subject to a permit from the SENER.
However, on October 31, 2024, a constitutional reform was published in the Mexican Federal Official
Gazette, redefining the nature and role of Pemex and CFE, strengthening state control over the energy sector, and
orienting their operations toward public service and social welfare.
Additionally, on December 20, 2024, a constitutional reform was published in the Mexican Federal Official
Gazette, in terms of organic simplification, providing for the dissolution of various entities, including the COFECE,
CRE and CNH. For additional context on the regulatory changes in Mexico concerning the COFECE, see “Item 3—
Key Information—Risk Factors—Detailed Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Argentine and Mexican Economic and
Regulatory Environments—Measures adopted by the antitrust authority in Mexico could have a material adverse
effect on our results and financial condition.”
Lastly, on March 18, 2025, the Mexican Congress enacted new secondary legislation overhauling the energy
sector and, thus, repealing and replacing the Mexican Hydrocarbons Law and several other federal statutes. For more
information, see “—Energy Reform 2025.”
Reserves and Resources Certification in Mexico
On August 13, 2015, CNH published a set of guidelines that governs the valuation and certification of
Mexico’s reserves and the related contingency resources. The CNH’s guidelines follow the same SPE/WPC/AAPG
international standards as those described with respect to the reserves and resources certification process in Argentina
(see “Item 4—Information on the Company—Industry and Regulatory Overview—Oil and Gas Regulatory
Framework in Argentina—Reserves and Resources Certification in Argentina”). Therefore, the processes for reserves
classification and certification in Mexico are similar to those described with respect to Argentina.
Economic valuation criteria established by the CNH for proved reserves also follow the SEC’s definitions in
Rule 4-10(a) of Regulation S-X which establishes that selling prices considered shall be the average price during the
12-month period prior to the ending date of the period covered by the report, determined as an unweighted arithmetic
average of the first day-of-the-month price for each month within such period.
State Oil Company
As a result of the energy reform sponsored by President Peña Nieto, Pemex was transformed from a
decentralized public entity into a productive state-owned company on October 7, 2014. However, following the
enactment of the Energy Reform 2025, Pemex’s status was changed from a productive state-owned company to a
public state-owned company sectorized under SENER. Accordingly, Pemex remains wholly owned by the Mexican
government. Moreover, the Energy Reform 2025 included the expedition of a new law governing Pemex (i.e., Ley de
la Empresa Pública, Petróleos Mexicanos). Lastly, as a result of the Energy Reform 2025, Pemex’s productive
subsidiaries, including Pemex-Exploración y Producción, were dissolved and merged into a single Pemex by
operation of law.
Energy Reform 2025
On March 18, 2025, the Mexican Government enacted a reform of the energy sector (“Energy Reform
2025”), comprising of new legislation comprising: (i) the Public State-Owned Company Law for CFE; (ii) the Public
State-owned Company Law for Pemex; (iii) the Electric Sector Law; (iv) the Hydrocarbons Sector Law; (v) the
Energy Planning and Transition Law; (vi) the Biofuels Law; (vii) the Geothermal Law; and (viii) the Mexican Energy
Commission Law. In addition amendments were adopted to: (a) the Mexican Petroleum Fund for Stabilization and
Development Law (Ley del Fondo Mexicano del Petróleo para la Estabilización y el Desarrollo); (b) the Organic
Law of the Federal Public Administration (Ley Orgánica de la Administración Pública Federal) and (c) the
Hydrocarbons Revenue Law (Ley de Ingresos Sobre Hidrocarburos).
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The Energy Reform 2025 modifies the regulatory framework for the hydrocarbons and electricity sectors. It
strengthens state-owned enterprises, reorganizes administrative structures, promotes energy self-sufficiency, and
supports the transition to renewable energy.
Furthermore, the Energy Reform 2025 introduces a new regulatory framework for CFE and Pemex to align
with their revised constitutional status as public state-owned companies. It includes special provisions addressing
their budgets, debt, subsidiaries and affiliates, sustainability, and contracting practices. The Energy Reform 2025
provides that the activities of CFE and Pemex shall not be considered monopolistic and mandates the implementation
of austerity measures, including the adoption of guidelines and execution programs with annual targets, financing
mechanisms, and private sector participation under new regulations governing development schemes. In line with the
foregoing, Pemex shall not be subject to the open access obligations applicable to the Mexican midstream industry,
nor to the applicable unbundling obligations.
The Energy Reform 2025 establishes that the exploration and extraction of hydrocarbons shall be carried out
under three schemes. First, self-development entitlements (asignaciones para desarrollo propio), which shall be
exclusively held by Pemex and under which Pemex shall be the sole operator. Pemex may, however, enter into
service agreements with third parties, provided such agreements are structured to achieve the highest productivity and
profitability, and the consideration is payable in cash. Second, the SENER may grant mixed development entitlements
(asignaciones para desarrollo mixto). This scheme allows for private investment partnerships in projects led by
Pemex, which must retain at least 40% participation. Private companies may contribute technical, operational, or
financial expertise and may assume operatorship of the project. Under this scheme, private companies may recover up
to 30% of costs—or up to 40% in exceptional cases, subject to the approval of Pemex’s board and SENER—and may
share in up to 60% of project income, production, or profit, while also assuming part of the associated risks. Third, if
Pemex is unwilling or unable to undertake hydrocarbons development under the aforementioned schemes, SENER
may, on an exceptional basis, execute E&P Agreements. This scheme shall be subject to the issuance of bidding
guidelines by SENER. Such agreements may take the form of service agreements, production-sharing agreements,
profit-sharing agreements, or license agreements.
Additionally, the Energy Reform 2025 underscores the importance of national energy security, public well-
being, and resource sustainability, positioning CFE and Pemex as key guarantors of energy production. However,
until the corresponding secondary legislation is enacted, the full impact on the oil and gas industry remains uncertain.
The Energy Reform 2025 has also entailed an administrative reorganization under which the functions of the
CNH and the CRE have been transferred to SENER and to a newly established authority, the CNE. In this regard, it is
noteworthy that SENER will exercise regulatory authority over the E&P sector. For example, authorizations for
prospecting and exploration of hydrocarbons shall require SENER’s prior approval. Likewise, SENER shall be
responsible for approving the modification, cancellation, and termination of E&P Agreements, as well as the
corresponding exploration and development plans.
Notably, the Energy Reform 2025 provides for the creation of the Mexican Energy Planning Council
(Consejo de Planeación Energética), which will be responsible for ensuring binding and orderly planning, supporting
the energy transition, and promoting sustainable energy practices. The reform also contemplates the development of a
sectoral energy program, an energy transition plan, and specific development plans for both the electricity and
hydrocarbons sectors.
Lastly, pursuant to the transitional provisions of the Energy Reform 2025, the administrative provisions
previously issued by the CRE and the CNH shall remain in force to the extent they do not conflict with the new laws.
Regulations under the new Mexican Hydrocarbons Sector Law shall be issued within six months, during which time
the existing regulatory framework will remain applicable. E&P Agreements shall continue to be governed by their
original terms and conditions, in accordance with the legal provisions in effect at the time of their granting. Permits
and authorizations previously issued by the CNH, CRE, and SENER shall remain valid under the terms and
conditions under which they were granted.
.
95
Transportation
Before the President Peña Nieto’s energy reform, Pemex had exclusivity on certain activities such as
processing, storage, transportation, distribution and marketing of petroleum products. The aforesaid energy reform
allowed private sector participation in the construction and operation of oil products storage and transportation
facilities. In such regard, transportation activities required a permit issued by CRE and were subject to open access
principles. Pursuant to the Energy Reform 2025, the CNE shall issue the corresponding transportation permits and the
open access obligations shall remain in place and applicable to the shippers, with the exception of Pemex. Moreover,
the Energy Reform 2025 provides that the creation of new integrated storage and transportation systems or the
addition of new infrastructure thereof shall prioritize Pemex in the capacity assignment.
Market Regulations
In the past, the Mexican government has imposed price controls on the sales of natural gas, NGL, gasoline,
diesel, gas oil intended for domestic use, fuel oil and other products. Nonetheless, currently, sale prices of gasoline
and diesel have been fully liberalized and are determined by the free market. However, in late February 2025,
President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration entered into a voluntary agreement with gas station owners in Mexico
to cap the price of regular gasoline at Ps.24 per liter for an initial period of six months. Such measure aimed at
alleviating financial pressures on consumers. Said agreement excludes border regions due to their unique cost
structures and fiscal incentives.
The import and export of petroleum products, petrochemicals, and hydrocarbons, as well as their
commercialization within Mexican territory, are regulated activities subject to permits issued by SENER and,
previously, by CRE, respectively. Pursuant to the Energy Reform 2025, CRE’s functions have been partially
assumed by SENER, while several downstream-related responsibilities have been transferred to the newly established
Mexican Energy Commission. Currently, in all onshore projects, private operators sell their entire hydrocarbon
production domestically to Pemex.
Federal Environmental Law
The Mexican Federal Environmental Liability Law (Ley Federal de Responsabilidad Ambiental) enacted on
July 7, 2013 regulates environmental liability arising from damages to the environment including remediation and
compensation. In the event of intentional and unlawful action or inaction, the responsible party will be fined up to
approximately 68 million Mexican Pesos for 2025. This liability regime is independent from administrative, civil or
criminal liability regimes, which may be applicable depending on the performed conduct.
Environmental liability may be attributed to an entity for conduct carried out by its representatives,
managers, directors, employees, or officers who are directly involved in operations. The statute of limitations to claim
environmental liability is 12 years from the date of the environmental damage. The law allows the interested parties to
solve disputes by means of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, provided that public interest or third-party
rights are not affected.
Mexican Judicial Reform
On September 15, 2024, a constitutional reform was published in the Mexican Federal Official Gazette,
introducing significant changes to Mexico’s judicial system (“Mexican Judicial Reform”). The reform mandates the
popular election of judges, magistrates, and Supreme Court justices. It has faced strong opposition from the judiciary,
leading to nationwide strikes from August 19, 2024, to October 30, 2024. These disruptions have affected judicial
proceedings, potentially causing delays in litigation and dispute resolution.
See “Item 3—Key Information—Risk Factors—Detailed Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Argentine and
Mexican Economic and Regulatory Environments—Economic and political developments in Mexico may adversely
affect Mexican economic policy and, in turn, our operations.”
96
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The following diagram shows our main subsidiaries as of December 31, 2024:
(1) As of the date of this annual report, AFBN, Aleph Midstream, and Vista Holding VII S.A.U. are in the process of being merged into our
subsidiary Vista Argentina. For information regarding the merger, please see “Item 4—Information on the Company—Recent
Developments—Corporate Reorganization.”
(2) Assets transferred to Aconcagua, effective on March 1, 2023.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
We hold both freehold and leasehold interests, but no specific interest is individually material to us. Most of
our property, consisting of oil and gas reserves, oil and gas wells and corporate office buildings are located in
Argentina. In each of the countries in which we operate, the states (federal or provincial) are the exclusive owner of
all hydrocarbon resources located in such country and have full authority to determine the rights, royalties or
compensation to be paid by private investors for the exploration or production of any hydrocarbon reserves.
In Argentina, the Provinces are the exclusive owners of all onshore hydrocarbon resources and have full
authority to determine the rights, royalties or compensation to be paid by private investors for the exploration or
production of any hydrocarbon reserves. The Provinces grant these rights through exploitation concessions. In
Mexico, prior to the Energy Reform 2025, the Mexican State performed E&P activities through entitlements, granted
to public state-owned companies, or by granting public state-owned companies or private entities, individually or
under a consortium, E&P agreements. With the implementation of the Energy Reform 2025, the Mexican State may
carry out E&P activities through self-development entitlements (asignaciones para desarrollo propio) or mixed
development entitlements (asignaciones para desarrollo mixto) granted to Pemex, or, on an exceptional basis,
97
through E&P agreements awarded pursuant to a public bidding process conducted by SENER. Entitlements and E&P
agreements are subject to different regulatory regimes. For more information, see “—Industry and Regulatory
Overview—Oil and Gas Regulatory Framework in Argentina” and “—Industry and Regulatory Overview—Oil and
Gas Regulatory Framework in Mexico.”
We are subject to several environmental laws and regulations promulgated by local and federal governments
in Argentina and Mexico which may affect the utilization of the assets. In addition, other environmental issues may
influence the Company’s use of property, plant and equipment. See “Item 3—Key Information—Risk Factors—
Detailed Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—The oil and gas industry is subject to particular
operational and economic risks” and “—ESG Matters.”
ITEM 4A.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 5.
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
This section contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may
differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including,
without limitation, those set forth in “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 3—Key Information—Risk Factors”
and the matters set forth in this annual report generally.
The following discussion is based on, and should be read in conjunction with our Audited Financial Statements
and related notes contained in this annual report.
ITEM 5.A
OPERATING RESULTS
The table below presents our selected financial data as of and for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 2024. Our historical results for any prior period do not necessarily indicate results to be expected
for any future period.
The selected consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023
and 2022 and the selected consolidated statement of financial position as of December 31, 2024, and 2022, have been
prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards as issued by the IASB and have been derived from our
Audited Financial Statements included elsewhere in this annual report.
The entire summary financial information included in the following tables is denominated in U.S. Dollars.
The financial data that has been derived from our Audited Financial Statements was prepared in accordance with
IFRS Accounting Standards. For further information, see “Presentation of Information—Financial Statements and
Information.”
You should read the information below in conjunction with our Audited Financial Statements, including the
notes thereto, as well as the sections “Presentation of Information.”
98
Year
ended December
31, 2024
Year
ended December
31, 2023
Year
ended December
31, 2022
(in thousands of US$)
Revenue from contracts with customers
1,647,768
1,168,774
1,187,660
Cost of sales
Operating costs
(116,526)
(94,685)
(133,385)
Crude oil stock fluctuation
1,720
(2,058)
(500)
Royalties and others
(243,950)
(176,813)
(188,677)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(437,699)
(276,430)
(234,862)
Other non-cash costs related to the transfer of conventional assets
(33,570)
(27,539)
-
Gross profit
817,743
591,249
630,236
Selling expenses
(140,334)
(68,792)
(59,904)
General and administrative expenses
(108,954)
(70,483)
(63,826)
Exploration expenses
(138)
(16)
(736)
Other operating income
54,127
203,812
26,698
Other operating expenses
(1,261)
302
(3,321)
Reversal (impairment) of long- lived assets
4,207
(24,585)
-
Operating profit
625,390
631,487
529,147
Interest income
4,535
1,235
809
Interest expense
(62,499)
(21,879)
(28,886)
Other financial income (expense)
23,401
(65,484)
(67,556)
Financial income (expense), net
(34,563)
(86,128)
(95,633)
Profit before income tax
590,827
545,359
433,514
Current income tax (expense)
(426,288)
(16,393)
(92,089)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
312,982
(132,011)
(71,890)
Income tax (expense)
(113,306)
(148,404)
(163,979)
Profit for the year, net
477,521
396,955
269,535
Other comprehensive income
Other comprehensive income that shall not be reclassified to profit
(loss) in subsequent periods
- (Loss) profit from actuarial remediation related to employee benefits
(10,200)
6,565
(4,181)
- Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
3,570
(2,298)
1,463
Other comprehensive income for the year
(6,630)
4,267
(2,718)
Total comprehensive profit for the year
470,891
401,222
266,817
Earnings per share
Basic (US$ per share):
4.979
4.237
3.068
Diluted (US$ per share):
4.633
4.000
2.755
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
1,092,452
870,658
764,540
Adjusted EBITDA Margin(2)
65%
69%
64%
Adjusted Net Income (3)
193,902
491,431
371,775
ROACE (4)
24%
39%
40%
(1) We calculate Adjusted EBITDA as profit for the year, net, plus income tax expense, financial income (expense), net, depreciation,
depletion and amortization, transaction costs related to business combinations and gain from asset disposals, restructuring and
reorganization expenses, gain related to the transfer of conventional assets, other non-cash costs related to the transfer of conventional
assets and (reversal) impairment of long- lived assets. We present Adjusted EBITDA because we believe it provides investors with a
supplemental measure of the financial performance of our core operations that facilitates period to period comparisons on a consistent
basis. Our management uses Adjusted EBITDA, among other measures, for internal planning and performance measurement purposes.
Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of liquidity or operating performance under IFRS and should not be construed as an alternative to
net profit, operating profit, or cash flow provided by operating activities (in each case, as determined in accordance with IFRS). See
“Presentation of Information—Non-IFRS Financial Measures.”
(2) We calculate Adjusted EBITDA Margin as the ratio of Adjusted EBITDA to revenue from contracts with customers plus Gain from
Exports Increase Program. See “Presentation of Information—Non-IFRS Financial Measures.”
(3)
We calculate Adjusted Net Income as profit for the year, net, plus deferred income tax (expense), changes in fair value of warrants, gain
related to the transfer of conventional assets, other non-cash costs related to the transfer of conventional assets and (reversal)
99
impairment of long- lived assets. We add back these four adjustments since they are non-cash items that do not reflect the fair net
income generation of the Company. See “Presentation of Information—Non-IFRS Financial Measures.”
(4) We calculate ROACE as Adjusted EBITDA, plus depreciation, depletion and amortization, gain related to the transfer of conventional
assets and other non-cash costs related to the transfer of conventional assets, divided by the sum of the average total debt and average
total shareholders’ equity. For purposes of this definition, total debt is comprised of current borrowings, non-current borrowings, current
lease liabilities and non-current lease liabilities. See “Presentation of Information—Non-IFRS Financial Measures.”
The following table sets forth the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Net Debt,
Adjusted Net Income and ROACE:
Year ended
December 31,
2024
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
(in thousands of US$)
Profit for the year, net ...........................
477,521
396,955
269,535
Income tax expense ..............................
113,306
148,404
163,979
Financial income (expense), net
34,563
86,128
95,633
Depreciation, depletion and amortization ..
437,699
276,430
234,862
Restructuring and reorganization expenses
-
276
531
(Reversal) impairment of long-lived assets
(4,207)
24,585
-
Gain related to the transfer of conventional assets
-
(89,659)
-
Other non-cash costs related to the transfer of
conventional assets
33,570
27,539
-
Adjusted EBITDA ..............................
1,092,452
870,658
764,540
Revenue from contracts with customers....
1,647,768
1,168,774
1,187,660
Gain from Exports Increase Program
43,911
86,173
-
Adjusted EBITDA Margin...................
65%
69%
64%
Year ended
December 31, 2024
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
(in thousands of US$)
Profit for the year, net
477,521
396,955
269,535
Adjustments:
(+) Deferred Income tax (expense)
(312,982)
132,011
71,890
(+) Changes in the fair value of Warrants
-
-
30,350
(+) (Reversal) impairment of long-lived assets
(4,207)
24,585
-
(+) Gain related to the transfer of conventional assets
-
(89,659)
-
(+) Other non-cash costs related to the transfer of
conventional assets
33,570
27,539
-
Adjustments to Net Income
(283,619)
94,476
102,240
Adjusted Net Income
193,902
491,431
371,775
As of December
31, 2024
As of December
31, 2023
As of December 31,
2022
(in thousands of US$)
Current and non-current borrowings...........................
1,448,567
616,055
549,332
Cash, bank balances and other short-term investments ...
764,307
213,253
244,385
Net Debt ..............................................................
684,260
402,802
304,947
As of December
31, 2024
As of December
31, 2023
As of December
31, 2022
(in thousands of US$)
Adjusted EBITDA
1,092,452
870,658
764,540
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(437,699)
(276,430)
(234,862)
Gain related to the transfer of conventional assets
-
89,659
-
Other non-cash costs related to the transfer of conventional
assets
(33,570)
(27,539)
-
Average current and non-current borrowings .....................
1,032,311
582,694
580,153
Average current and non-current lease liabilities ................
83,064
49,831
28,134
Average total shareholders’ equity
1,434,114
1,045,538
704,660
ROACE
24%
39%
40%
100
Selected Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Assets
Noncurrent assets
Property, plant and equipment
2,805,983
1,927,759
Goodwill
22,576
22,576
Other intangible assets
15,443
10,026
Right-of-use assets
105,333
61,025
Biological assets
10,027
-
Investments in associates
11,906
8,619
Trade and other receivables
205,268
136,351
Deferred income tax assets
3,565
5,743
Total noncurrent assets
3,180,101
2,172,099
Current assets
Inventories
6,469
7,549
Trade and other receivables
281,495
205,102
Cash, bank balances and other short-
term investments
764,307
213,253
Total current assets
1,052,271
425,904
Total assets
4,232,372
2,598,003
Equity and liabilities
Equity
Capital stock
398,064
517,874
Other equity instruments
32,144
32,144
Legal reserve
8,233
8,233
Share-based payments
45,628
42,476
Share repurchase reserve
129,324
79,324
Other accumulated comprehensive
income (losses)
(11,057)
(4,427)
Accumulated profit (losses)
1,018,877
571,391
Total equity
1,621,213
1,247,015
Liabilities
Noncurrent liabilities
Deferred income tax liabilities
64,398
383,128
Lease liabilities
37,638
35,600
Provisions
33,058
12,339
Borrowings
1,402,343
554,832
Employee benefits
15,968
5,703
Total noncurrent liabilities
1,553,405
991,602
Current liabilities
Provisions
3,910
4,133
Lease liabilities
58,022
34,868
Borrowings
46,224
61,223
Salaries and payroll taxes
32,656
17,555
Income tax liability
382,041
3
Other taxes and royalties
47,715
36,549
Trade and other payables
487,186
205,055
Total current liabilities
1,057,754
359,386
Total liabilities
2,611,159
1,350,988
Total equity and liabilities
4,232,372
2,598,003
Dividends and Shares
Number of shares
95,285,453
95,355,432
Source of Revenues
Vista is principally engaged in the oil and gas E&P business. Our oil and gas operations derive revenues
mainly from the production and sale of crude oil, natural gas, and NGL. During the year ended December 31, 2024,
oil sales contributed 95.5% of our total revenues, natural gas sales contributed 4.3% of our total revenues and NGL
sales contributed 0.2% of our total revenues. During the year ended December 31, 2023, oil sales contributed 93.9%
of our total revenues, natural gas sales contributed 5.8% of our total revenues and NGL sales contributed 0.3% of our
total revenues. During the year ended December 31, 2022, oil sales contributed 93.7% of our total revenues, natural
101
gas sales contributed 5.8% of our total revenues and NGL sales contributed 0.5% of our total revenues. During 2024,
2023 and 2022, most of our revenues were generated in Argentina.
Our sales volumes impact directly our results of operations. As reservoir pressure declines, production from
a given well, or group of wells, in a formation decreases. Growth in our future production and reserves will depend on
the development of our acreage and the corresponding capital expenditure, which will determine our ability to add
proved reserves in excess of our production. Accordingly, we plan to maintain our focus on adding reserves by further
drilling our shale oil acreage in Vaca Muerta. Our ability to add reserves through acquisitions is dependent on many
factors, including prevailing market conditions and our ability to raise capital, obtain regulatory approvals, procure
drilling rigs and personnel and successfully identify and consummate acquisitions.
Our business is inherently volatile due to the influence of external factors, such as domestic and international
demand, market prices, availability of financial resources for our business plan and its corresponding costs and
government regulations. Consequently, our past financial condition, results of operations and the trends indicated by
such results and financial condition may not be indicative of current or future financial conditions, results of
operations or trends.
We sell our oil and gas to many creditworthy purchasers. Since our production is sold in the commodities
market, where several customers or markets are accessible to us, we do not believe the loss of any customer would
have a material adverse effect on our business.
Production Results and Other Operating Data
The following table sets forth summary unaudited information about the oil and natural gas historical
production volumes and other relevant operating and financial data of the assets we own in Argentina and Mexico.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the historical production volumes and other relevant operating data included
below were calculated at their respective working interest percentages. Royalties payable to the Provinces have not
been deducted from our net production amounts given that substantially all of our production is currently in Argentina
and under Argentine law royalties constitute a production tax payable in cash (and do not give the Provinces a direct
interest in such production to make lifting and sales arrangements independently). We account for royalties as cost of
sales.
As of the year ended December 31
2024
2023
2022
Net production volumes(1):
Oil (MMbbl)
22.1
15.8
14.6
-- Argentina
21.9
15.6
14.4
-- Mexico
0.2
0.2
0.2
Natural Gas (Bncf)
18.4
15.2
16.5
-- Argentina
18.3
15.1
16.5
-- Mexico
0.0
0.1
0
NGL (MMboe)
0.1
0.2
0.2
-- Argentina
0.1
0.2
0.2
-- Mexico
0.0
0
0
Total (MMboe)
25.5
18.7
17.7
-- Argentina
25.3
18.4
17.5
-- Mexico
0.2
0.2
0.2
Average daily net production (boe/d)
69,660
51,149
48,560
-- Argentina
69,046
50,488
48,087
-- Mexico
615
661
473
Average realized sales price:
Oil (US$/bbl)
69.2
66.7
72.3
Natural Gas (US$/MMBtu)
3.2
3.5
4.0
NGL (US$/tn)
324.4
351.3
377
Average realized sales price (US$/boe)
61.4
58.4
63.7
Average unit costs (US$/boe)(2):
Operating costs
4.6
5.1
7.5
Royalties (3)
7.2
6.9
8.2
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
17.2
14.8
13.3
Other data (in thousands of US$)
Operating costs
116,526
94,685
133,385
Royalties (3)
184,441
128,723
144,837
102
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
437,699
276,430
234,862
(1) Measured based on our working interest. There was no production due to others during the applicable periods. Oil production is
comprised of production of crude oil, condensate and natural gasoline. Natural gas production excludes natural gas consumption. NGL
production is comprised of production of propane and butane (LPG) and excludes natural gasoline.
(2) We calculate average unit costs per boe by dividing operating costs, royalties or depreciation, depletion and amortization for the
relevant period, as applicable, by average daily net production multiplied by days in each period (365 days for 2022, 365 days for 2023
and 366 days for 2024).
(3) Measured based on our working interest. Royalties are applied to the total production of the concessions, and are calculated by applying
the applicable royalty rate to the production, after discounting certain expenses in order to obtain the value of crude oil, natural gas and
liquefied gas volumes at the wellhead.
The following table highlights certain operating data through the end of the fourth quarter of 2024:
Three-month
period ended
December 31,
2024
Three-month
period ended
September 30,
2024
Three-month
period ended
June 30, 2024
Three-month
period ended
March 31, 2024
Average Brent Crude Oil Price (US$/bbl)(1)..................
74.0
78.5
85.0
81.8
Average Medanito Crude Oil Price (US$/bbl)(2) ............
66.9
70.3
69.4
67.0
Average Natural Gas Price (US$/MMBtu)(3).................
2.7
3.8
3.4
2.7
Net production volumes:
Oil (MMbbl) ................................................
6.76
5.84
5.21
4.30
Natural Gas (Bncf) ........................................
5.87
4.60
4.06
3.85
NGL (MMboe) .............................................
0.04
0.04
0.01
0.02
Total (Mboe) .........................................................
7.85
6.70
5.94
5.01
Average realized sales price:
Oil (US$/bbl) ...............................................
67.1
68.4
71.8
70.3
Natural Gas (US$/MMBtu) .............................
2.3
3.8
3.9
2.8
NGL (US$/tn) ..............................................
360
315
299
236
Lifting Cost (US$/boe)...................................
4.7
4.7
4.5
4.3
Number of conventional wells drilled as operator ..........
0
0
0
0
Number of shale wells drilled as operator ....................
13
12
14
11
Revenue from contracts with customers.......................
471,318
462,383
396,715
317,352
(1) Source: Bloomberg.
(2) Light oil extracted from the Neuquina Basin. Source: Argentine Secretariat of Energy.
(3) Source: Argentine Secretariat of Energy and US$/AR$ exchange rate according to Communication “A” 3500 of the BCRA.
Factors Affecting our Results of Operations
Our operations are affected by a number of factors, including:
(i)
the volume of crude oil, natural gas and liquid gas we produce and sell;
(ii)
pricing dynamics and pricing regulation;
(iii)
hydrocarbon export regulations set by the Argentine and Mexican governments and domestic
supply requirements;
(iv)
international and domestic prices of crude oil and oil products;
(v)
discount of our oil production to market prices;
(vi)
our capital expenditures and financing availability;
(vii)
supply chain dynamics and cost increases;
(viii) market demand for hydrocarbon products;
(ix)
operational risks, labor strikes and other forms of public protest;
(x)
taxes, including export taxes;
(xi)
regulation of capital flows;
103
(xii)
exchange rates;
(xiii) interest rates; and
(xiv)
changes to demand for hydrocarbon products and related services as the result of global trends
such as conflicts, pandemics and consumer behavior.
Our business is inherently volatile due to the influence of external factors, such as domestic demand, market
prices, availability of financial resources for our business plan and its corresponding costs and government
regulations and policies. Consequently, our past financial condition, results of operations and trends indicated by such
results and financial condition may not be indicative of current or future financial conditions, results of operations or
trends.
Discovery and Exploitation of Reserves
Our results of operations depend to a large extent on our level of success in the development of our shale oil
acreage. While we have geological reports evaluating certain proved, contingent and prospective reserves in our
blocks, there is no assurance that we will continue to be successful in the exploration, appraisal, development and
commercialization of oil and gas. The calculation of our geological and petrophysical estimates is complex and
imprecise, which means it is possible that our future exploration or appraisal in undeveloped acreage will not result in
additional discoveries, and, even if we are able to successfully make such discoveries, it is uncertain whether the
discoveries will be commercially viable to produce.
Funding our capital expenditures partially relies on oil prices remaining close to, or higher than, our
estimates together with other factors to generate sufficient cash flow. Low oil prices may affect our revenues, which
in turn may affect our debt capacity and our capacity to remain within the leverage ratios defined in the covenants in
our financing agreements, as well as our cash flow from operations. Our operations, investor confidence and share
price could be adversely affected if we are not able to generate enough cash flows to fund our future operating
expenses and capital expenditures.
If average realized oil prices are higher than expected, we would have the ability to allocate additional
capital to engage in new projects, potential acquisition opportunities and accelerate the pace of existing operations, in
all cases leading to a potential increase in our oil and gas production and cash flows.
Our operations results would be adversely affected in the event that our oil and natural gas reserves and the
capital return do not meet our expectations. In addition, we focus on several factors when analyzing new investment
in our blocks or potential acquisitions. As a consequence, it is uncertain whether we will focus on the development of
our current assets or make any acquisitions to increase our current production and reserves. Our business, results from
operations and financial condition may be materially affected if we do not deploy the necessary capital expenditures
to increase the reserves of our current blocks or increase our reserves through profitable acquisition opportunities.
Availability and Reliability of Infrastructure
Our business depends on the availability and reliability of operating, gathering and treatment facilities in the
areas we operate, and the expansion of midstream capacity to take hydrocarbon production to our customers. Prices,
together with the availability of equipment and infrastructure, with the corresponding maintenance thereof, affect our
ability to follow our investment plan to operate our business, and thus our operations results and financial condition.
See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Business Overview—Transportation and Treatment.”
Contractual Obligations
Unconventional concessions have 35-year terms under the Argentine Hydrocarbons Law. To maintain our
exploitation rights granted by the provincial executive branch, we are required to comply with certain investment
commitments, typically related to the drilling and completion of new wells as per a project pilot approved by the
provincial executive branch. These pilots must be executed within a fixed timeframe, typically between three and five
years. Operating and maintenance costs may increase significantly due to adverse local or international market
conditions, such as local recession, foreign exchange volatility, or high financing costs, which could hinder our ability
to meet these investment commitments within the agreed timeframe on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. A
104
substantial and unjustified failure to comply with such investment commitments could ultimately lead to the forfeiture
of our exploitation rights, with the provincial executive branch declaring the expiration of the concession, which
could materially impact our ability to grow our business. See “Item 5.A Operating Results—Factors Affecting our
Results of Operations—Contractual Obligations.”
The Argentine and Mexican Economies
Our financial condition and results of operations depend to a significant extent on macroeconomic and
political conditions prevailing from time to time in Argentina, and to a lesser extent in Mexico.
The general performance of the Argentine economy affects the demand for energy, while inflation,
fluctuations in currency exchange rates and social stability affect our costs and our margins. Inflation primarily affects
our business by increasing operating costs in Argentine Pesos.
The following table sets forth key economic indicators in Argentina during the periods indicated:
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
Real GDP (% change) (1)
(1.7)
(1.6)
5.3
10.4
(9.9)
Nominal GDP (in millions of AR$)(1)
579,245,803 191,404,997 82,650,240
46,687,236
27,021,238
CPI variation (in %) (1)
117.8
211.4
94.8
50.9
36.1
Nominal Exchange Rate (in AR$./US$ at period end) (2)
1,032.5
808.5
177.1
102.8
84.1
(1) Source: INDEC. Preliminary and provisional data are shown as stated by INDEC.
(2) Source: Data in accordance with foreign exchange rate set forth in Communication “A” 3,500 issued by the BCRA.
For more information on these macroeconomic and political conditions, see “Item 3—Key Information—Risk
Factors—Detailed Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Argentine and Mexican Economic and Regulatory
Environments.”
Foreign Exchange Rates
The following tables show, for the periods indicated, certain information regarding the exchange rates of the
Argentine Peso to the U.S. Dollar, expressed in nominal Argentine Pesos per U.S. Dollar (according to Communication
“A” 3500 of the BCRA). See “Item 10—Additional Information—Exchange Controls.”
Average(1) End of Period
Year Ended December 31, 2020
70.6
84.1
Year Ended December 31, 2021 .................................................................................................
95.2
102.8
Year Ended December 31, 2022 .................................................................................................
130.6
177.1
Year Ended December 31, 2023 .................................................................................................
295.2
808.5
Year Ended December 31, 2024 .................................................................................................
916.3
1,032.5
Month Ended September 31, 2024 ..............................................................................................
961.8
970.9
Month Ended October 31, 2024 ..................................................................................................
981.6
990.8
Month Ended November 30, 2024 ..............................................................................................
1,001.8
1,011.8
Month Ended December 31, 2024...............................................................................................
1,020.7
1,032.5
Month Ended January 31, 2025 ..................................................................................................
1,043.6
1,053.5
Month Ended February 28, 2025.................................................................................................
1,058.5
1,064.4
Month Ended March 31, 2025 ....................................................................................................
1,069.0
1,073.9
(1)
Yearly data reflect average of month-end rates. Monthly data reflect average of day-end rates.
Source: Data in accordance with foreign exchange rate set forth in Communication “A” 3,500 issued by the BCRA.
105
The following tables show, for the periods indicated, certain information regarding the exchange rates of the
Mexican Peso to the U.S. Dollar, expressed in nominal Mexican Pesos per U.S. Dollar (price to settle obligations
published by Banco de México).
Average(1)
End of Period
Year Ended December 31, 2019 ..........................................................................................
19.3
18.9
Year Ended December 31, 2020
21.5
19.9
Year Ended December 31, 2021 ..........................................................................................
20.3
20.6
Year Ended December 31, 2022 ..........................................................................................
20.1
19.4
Year Ended December 31, 2023 ..........................................................................................
17.7
17.0
Year Ended December 31, 2024 ..........................................................................................
18.3
20.3
Month Ended September 31, 2024 .......................................................................................
19.6
19.6
Month Ended October 31, 2024 ...........................................................................................
19.7
20.0
Month Ended November 30, 2024 .......................................................................................
20.3
20.4
Month Ended December 31, 2024........................................................................................
20.3
20.3
Month Ended January 31, 2025 ...........................................................................................
20.5
20.6
Month Ended February 28, 2025..........................................................................................
20.5
20.4
Month Ended March 31, 2025 .............................................................................................
20.2
20.3
(1)
Reflects average of day-end rates.
Sources: Banco de México
Most of our sales are directly denominated in U.S. Dollars or indexed to the U.S. Dollar. We collect a
significant portion of our revenues in Argentine Pesos pursuant to prices which are indexed to the U.S. Dollar, mainly
revenues resulting from the sale of crude oil and natural gas, which sales are invoiced in U.S. Dollars using the U.S.
Dollar/Argentine Peso exchange rate as of the date of issuance of the invoice payable within a 15- to 57-day payment
period. However, our invoices are subject to adjustment to the prevailing U.S. Dollar/Argentine Peso exchange rate in
effect as of the date of payment. Any significant increase in the Argentine Peso price as a result of a decline in the
Argentine Peso/U.S. Dollar exchange rate could lead to decreased sales volumes as a result of increases in the
effective price in Argentine Pesos paid by our customers for natural gas and crude oil. We are exposed to the risk that
purchasers of our natural gas and crude oil may be unable to pay amounts owed to us following a material devaluation
of the Argentine Peso.
Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations
Since September 1, 2019, different Argentine governments with the purpose of strengthening the normal
functioning of the economy, fostering a prudent administration of the exchange market, reducing the volatility of
financial variables, and containing the impact of the variations of financial flows on the real economy, foreign
exchange controls were reinstated in Argentina. However, Javier Milei’s administration has changed the
macroeconomic program to focus on eliminating the federal government’s fiscal deficit and substantially reducing
monetary issuance. Despite President Milei announcing that exchange controls would be lifted by the end of 2025,
which is one of the main objectives of the current government, no official plan nor timeline for this event has been
disclosed. See “Item 10—Additional Information—Exchange Controls.”
The value of the Argentine Peso compared to other currencies depends, among other factors, on the level of
international reserves held by the BCRA, which have also shown significant fluctuations in recent years, as well as on
the fiscal and monetary policies adopted by the Argentine government. The Argentine macroeconomic environment,
in which we operate, was affected by the continuous depreciation of the Argentine Peso, which in turn had a direct
impact on our financial and economic position. See “Item 3—Key Information—Risk Factors—Detailed Risk
Factors—Risks Related to our Company—We are exposed to foreign exchange risks related to our operations in
Argentina and Mexico.”
Policy and Regulatory Developments in Argentina and Mexico
The Argentine and Mexican oil and gas industry have been subject to reforms during the past five years and
there can be no assurance that future reforms or reversal of existing ones will not have an adverse impact on our
revenues and results of operations. Our business is, to a large extent, dependent upon regulatory conditions prevailing
106
in the countries in which we operate, and our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected by
regulatory changes in these countries. Additionally, the regulatory burden on the oil and gas industry increases the
cost of doing business in the industry and consequently affects profitability.
For more information regarding policy and regulatory developments relating to the oil and gas industry in
Argentina, see “Item 4—Information on the Company—Industry and Regulatory Overview—Argentina’s Oil and Gas
Industry Overview.” For more information regarding policy and regulatory developments relating to the oil and gas
industry in Mexico, see “Item 4—Information on the Company—Industry and Regulatory Overview—Mexico’s Oil
and Gas Industry Overview.”
Seasonality
Although there is some historical seasonality to the prices that we are paid for our production, seasonality
does not play a significant role in our ability to conduct our operations, including drilling and completion activities as
planned in our budgets. For example, seasonal demand behavior during winter and autumn affects the prices that we
receive for our production. However, the impact of such seasonality has historically not been material.
Warrants
Under IFRS, a contract to issue a variable number of common shares, such as warrants, should be classified
as a financial liability and measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in the consolidated statement
of profit or loss and comprehensive income. On March 2, 2023, Vista concluded the process with the CNBV to
update the registration of Vista’s warrants in the RNV. These warrants have been accounted for as a liability and are
subject to adjustment of their fair market value at each reporting period. The determination of fair market value is
subject to assumptions and estimates and changes to these assumptions and estimates could impact the valuation of
the warrants, which could in turn have an effect on our consolidated statement of profit or loss and comprehensive
income. On March 15, 2023, Vista exercised all outstanding warrants on a cashless basis resulting in the early
termination of all outstanding warrants. Holders of the warrants received one series A share for every 31 warrants
owned by each holder. Holders only received whole series A shares (not fractions). In addition, holders of warrants
received a payment in Mexican Pesos for any fractions held by them. As of the date of this annual report, there are no
outstanding warrants.
Deferred Income Tax
Under IFRS, the difference between the book value of property, plant and equipment (measured in U.S.
Dollars, our functional currency) and the tax basis of such property, plant and equipment (which tax basis is
expressed in Argentine Pesos or Mexican Pesos, as applicable, and may not be re-valued due to foreign exchange
fluctuations under applicable tax laws) is a temporary difference to be considered in the calculation of deferred
income tax. For more information, see Note 2.4.14.2 to our Audited Financial Statements. In addition to property,
plant and equipment, we recognize deferred tax assets with respect to the temporary difference between the
accounting and tax basis of the well plugging and abandonment provisions relating to our oil and gas properties.
On December 29, 2017, the Argentine government enacted Law No. 27,430 which introduced several
changes to the Argentine ITL (as defined below) as well as to other federal taxes. Pursuant to Law No. 27,430 the
income tax rate for Argentine companies would be gradually reduced from 35% to 30% commencing on tax periods
initiated after January 1, 2018 and through December 31, 2019, and to 25% commencing on tax periods initiated after
January 1, 2020 (an additional income tax withholding on actual or presumed dividend distributions to Argentine
resident individuals or to foreign resident shareholders was also enacted at a 7% and 13% rate, respectively, so that an
aggregate 35% tax burden is completed). On December 23, 2019, the Solidarity Law was published in the Argentine
Official Gazette, providing –among many other federal tax aspects, including the creation of the so-called “PAIS
Tax”- the suspension of the application of the 25% corporate tax rate for one tax period. Pursuant to further
clarifications unofficially made by the Argentine tax authorities, the 25% corporate tax rate (coupled with the 13%
income tax withholding on actual or presumed dividend distributions of profits) would be applicable as of tax periods
initiated after January 1, 2021. Through Law No. 27,630, the income tax rate applicable to Argentine companies is
again modified, establishing a progressive tax rate system with a rate of 25% to 35% based on the accumulated net
taxable income and a 7% withholding applicable to any distribution of dividends or profits made by such entities to
individuals’ resident in Argentina and to beneficiaries abroad, regardless of the tax period in which such dividends or
107
profits are made available to the shareholders. These amendments are applicable to tax periods beginning on or after
January 1, 2021. Despite these changes, there are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax
determination is still uncertain. We recognize liabilities for potential tax claims based on estimates of whether
additional taxes will be due in the future. For more information, see Note 2.4.14 to our Audited Financial Statements.
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
IFRS requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities,
revenues and expenses, among other line times, relating to our oil and gas properties. Actual results could differ from
such estimates. Depreciation, depletion and amortization rates can fluctuate as a result of development costs,
acquisitions, impairments, as well as changes in proved reserves or proved developed reserves. For more information,
see Note 2.4.2.1 and 2.4.4 of our Audited Financial Statements.
Oil and Gas Market Conditions
The oil and gas industry is cyclical, and commodity prices are highly volatile. Following the oil price crash
during the COVID-19 pandemic, global oil prices returned to pre-pandemic levels by early 2022. In the first half of
2022, Brent crude oil prices increased, driven by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which led to
sanctions from several countries, including the United States and European Union member states. These sanctions
raised concerns about global energy supply, as Russia was the world’s third-largest oil producer and the largest oil
exporter. As a result, Brent crude oil prices rose from US$77.8/bbl on December 31, 2021, to US$85.9/bbl on
December 31, 2022, with an annual average of US$99.0/bbl, representing a 39% increase year-over-year.
In 2023, oil demand growth was lower than expected due to weaker economic growth and rising interest
rates, leading to a decline in Brent crude oil prices from US$85.9/bbl on December 31, 2022, to US$77.0/bbl on
December 31, 2023, with an annual average of US$82.3/bbl, a 17% decrease year-over-year.
During 2024, oil demand growth remained below expectations. Combined with stronger non-OPEC supply
growth, this contributed to a further decline in Brent crude oil prices from US$77.0/bbl on December 31, 2023, to
US$74.6/bbl on December 31, 2024, with an annual average of US$79.8/bbl, representing a 3% decrease year-over-
year.
It is likely that commodity prices will continue to fluctuate due to global supply and demand, inventory
supply levels, weather conditions, geopolitical and other factors. Additionally, the oil and gas industry is subject to a
number of operational trends, some of which affect the basins where we operate. Oil and gas companies are
increasingly utilizing new techniques to lower drilling costs and increase efficiency of operations.
The operating results and cash flows of our business are susceptible to risks related to the volatility of
international oil prices. Due to regulatory, economic and government policy factors, oil prices in Argentina in the past
have lagged behind the prevailing prices in the international market. Furthermore, Argentina’s government has
imposed export duties and other restrictions on exports in the past that have prevented companies from benefiting
from the full increase in international oil prices. During 2022, the average annual Brent crude oil price stood at
US$99.0/bbl, and our average realization price was US$72.3/bbl, 27% below the average annual Brent crude oil price
and 22% below export parity for Medanito oil price, which stood at US$92.7/bbl. During 2023, the average annual
Brent crude oil price stood at US$82.3/bbl, and our average realization price was US$66.7/bbl, 19% below the
average annual Brent crude oil price and 7% below export parity for Medanito oil price, which stood at US$72.0/bbl.
During 2024, the difference between our average realized price and export parity for Medanito oil narrowed to 2%.
The price of natural gas in Argentina has been regulated by a series of government measures intended to
ensure domestic supply at affordable prices for end consumers. Therefore, gas producers can elect to sell natural gas
to distribution companies in the regulated market at prices established by the relevant authorities. As of December 31,
2024, we sold 9.0 million MMBtu to the regulated internal market under Plan GasAr. See “Item 4—Information on
the Company—Industry and Regulatory Overview— Oil and Gas Regulatory Framework in Argentina—Plan GasAr
2020-2024.” Alternatively, gas producers can also (or only) sell their surplus gas production on the deregulated
market, either in Argentina or potentially, and subject to meeting certain requirements, through exports. Historically,
gas prices in the regulated market have lagged the deregulated and regional market prices. However, this has been
reverted during 2023 and 2024. In 2024, our average realization price in the regulated market (i.e., Plan GasAr) was
108
US$3.3/MMBtu and our average realization price in the domestic deregulated market (i.e., sales to industrial clients)
was US$1.9/MMBtu.
The following table highlights the quarterly average price trends for crude oil and natural gas in U.S. Dollars
for the periods presented:
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Q4
Q3
Q2
Q1
Average Brent Crude Oil Price
(per bbl)(1)
74.0
78.5
85.0
81.8
82.3
99.0
71.0
43.2
43.2
71.7
54.7
Average Medanito Crude Oil Price
(per bbl)(2)
66.9
70.3
69.4
67.0
60.8
67.1
53.1
40.6
54.0
65.0
56.5
Average Natural Gas Price (per
MMBtu)(3)
2.7
3.8
3.4
2.7
3.4
3.2
2.9
2.3
3.4
4.4
3.8
(1) Source: Bloomberg.
(2) Light oil extracted from the Neuquina Basin. Source: Argentine Secretariat of Energy.
(3) Source: Argentine Secretariat of Energy and US$/AR$ exchange rate according to Communication “A” 3500 of the BCRA.
A sustained drop in oil, natural gas and NGL prices may not only decrease our revenues but may also reduce
the amount of oil, natural gas and NGL that we can produce economically and therefore potentially lower our oil,
natural gas and NGL reserve quantities.
Results of Operations
The following discussion relates to certain financial and operating data for the years indicated. You should
read this discussion in conjunction with our Audited Financial Statements and the accompanying notes thereto. We
measure our performance by our Profit for the year, net for the period, gross profit and operating profit and use these
metrics to make decisions about allocating resources and to evaluate our financial performance.
109
P
Year ended December 31, 2024 compared to year ended December 31, 2023
Year ended December 31, 2024
Year ended December 31, 2023
(in thousands of
US$ except per
share data)
(% of revenues)
(in thousands of
US$ except per
share data)
(% of revenues)
Revenue from contract with customers
1,647,768
100%
1,168,774
100%
Cost of sales
(830,025)
(50)%
(577,525)
(49)%
Gross profit
817,743
50%
591,249
51%
Selling expenses
(140,334)
(9)%
(68,792)
(6)%
General and administrative expenses
(108,954)
(7)%
(70,483)
(6)%
Exploration expenses
(138)
(0)%
(16)
(0)%
Other operating income
54,127
3%
203,812
17%
Other operating expenses
(1,261)
0%
302
0%
Reversal (impairment) of long- lived assets
4,207
0%
(24,585)
(2)%
Operating profit
625,390
38%
631,487
54%
Interest income
4,535
0%
1,235
0%
Interest expense
(62,499)
(4)%
(21,879)
(2)%
Other financial income (expense)
23,401
1%
(65,484)
(6)%
Financial income (expense), net
(34,563)
(2)%
(86,128)
(7)%
Profit before income tax
590,827
36%
545,359
47%
Current income tax (expense)
(426,288)
(26)%
(16,393)
(1)%
Deferred income tax (expense)
312,982
19%
(132,011)
(11)%
Income tax (expense)
(113,306)
(7)%
(148,404)
(13)%
Profit for the year, net
477,521
29%
396,955
34%
Other comprehensive income
Other comprehensive income that shall not be
reclassified to profit or (loss) in subsequent
periods
(Loss) profit from actuarial remediation related
to employee benefits
(10,200)
(1)%
6,565
1%
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
3,570
0%
(2,298)
(0)%
Other comprehensive income for the year
(6,630)
0%
4,267
0%
Total comprehensive profit for the year
470,891
29%
401,222
34%
Earnings per share
Basic (In US$ per share):
4.979
N/A
4.237
N/A
Diluted (In US$ per share):
4.633
N/A
4.000
N/A
110
Revenue from contracts with customers
The detail of our revenues from contracts with customers is the following:
Types of goods
For the year ended
December 31, 2024
For the year ended
December 31, 2023
Revenues from crude oil sales.......................................................
1,573,069
1,097,316
Revenues from natural gas sales ....................................................
71,756
67,290
Revenues from NGL sales............................................................
2,943
4,168
Revenue from contracts with customers.......................................
1,647,768
1,168,774
Total revenue from contracts with customers increased to US$1,647.8 million during the year ended
December 31, 2024, compared to US$1,168.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023. Such increase was
mainly driven by oil production growth.
Revenues from crude oil increased to US$1,573.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2024,
compared to US$1,097.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, which represented 96% and 94% of our
total revenue from contracts with customers, respectively. Such increase was primarily driven by an increase in oil
sales volumes of 39% and an increase in realized crude oil price of 4% year-over-year.
Total volume of crude oil sold increased to 21.9 MMbbl during the year ended December 31, 2024,
compared to 15.7 MMbbl during the year ended December 31, 2023, mainly driven by a 36% production growth
year-over-year, which in turn resulted from 50 shale oil wells tied-in during 2024, increasing the total number of
cumulative shale wells tied-in to 149 at year-end. This activity boosted oil production, which increased 39% year-
over-year during 2024.
Average realized crude oil sales prices increased to US$69.2/bbl during the year ended December 31, 2024,
compared to US$66.7/bbl during the year ended December 31, 2023. Such increase was mainly driven by a 12%
increase in domestic prices (including 37% of domestic volumes sold at export parity prices, up from 9% during
2023) and partially offset by a decrease in export prices of 2%.
In 2024, 10.6 MMbbl of crude oil, or 49% of total crude oil volumes, were sold to export markets for a total
revenue of US$807.5 million, which, net of export duties of US$59.5 million, amounted to US$748.0 million. In
2023, 8.2 MMbbl of crude oil, or 52% of total crude oil volumes, were sold to export markets for a total revenue of
US$642.2 million, which, net of export duties of US$48.4 million, amounted to US$593.8 million. Combining sales
to international and domestic markets, 68% of our sales were conducted at export parity prices, an increase from 57%
in 2023.
Revenues from natural gas increased to US$71.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2024,
compared to US$67.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, which represented 4% and 6% of our total
revenue from contracts with customers, respectively. Such increase was primarily driven by a 17% increase in natural
gas sales volumes and partially offset by a 9% decrease in realized natural gas prices.
Total volume of natural gas sold increased to 3.9 MMboe during the year ended December 31, 2024,
compared to 3.3 MMboe during the year ended December 31, 2023.
The average realized natural gas sales price was US$3.2/MMBtu during the year ended December 31, 2024,
a 9% decrease compared to US$3.5/MMBtu during the year ended December 31, 2023. Such decrease was mainly
driven by lower prices to industrial customers at US$1.9/MMBtu in 2024, compared to US$2.3/MMBtu in 2023.
Revenues from NGL decreased to US$2.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to
US$4.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, which represented less than 1% of our total revenue from
contracts with customers during both periods.
111
During the year ended December 31, 2024, 99% of our revenue was generated by our oil and gas properties
in Argentina, as well as during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Cost of Sales
For the year
ended December
31, 2024
For the year
ended December
31, 2023
(in thousands of US$)
Operating costs...................................................
(116,526)
(94,685)
Crude oil stock fluctuation ...................................
1,720
(2,058)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization.................
(437,699)
(276,430)
Royalties and others ............................................
(243,950)
(176,813)
Other non-cash costs related to the transfer of
conventional assets ..............................................
(33,570)
(27,539)
Cost of sales......................................................
(830,025)
(577,525)
Cost of sales increased to US$830.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to
US$577.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2023. Total cost of sales included operating costs, fluctuations
in the inventory of crude oil, depreciation, depletion and amortization, royalties and others, and other non-cash costs
related to the transfer of conventional assets.
Operating costs increased to US$116.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to
US$94.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, which represented 14% and 16% of our total cost of
sales, respectively. Operating costs per produced barrel decreased to US$4.6/boe during the year ended December 31,
2024, from US$5.1/boe during the year ended December 31, 2023. This decrease was primarily driven by the dilution
of fixed costs due to production growth and partially offset by inflation in U.S. Dollars impacting Argentine Peso-
denominated expenditures.
The crude oil stock fluctuation increased to a gain of US$1.7 million during the year ended December 31,
2024, compared to a loss of US$2.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2023. This was primarily due to the
increase in crude oil stock at the end of the period.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization increased to US$437.7 million during the year ended December 31,
2024, compared to US$276.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, which represented 53% and 48% of
our total cost of sales, respectively. This increase was primarily driven by higher capital expenditures and total
production in 2024 compared to 2023.
Royalties and others increased to US$244.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to
US$176.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, which represented 29% and 31% of our total cost of
sales, respectively. This increase was primarily driven by the above-mentioned increase in crude oil production and
prices.
Other non-cash costs related to the transfer of conventional assets was US$33.6 million during the year
ended December 31, 2024, compared to US$27.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, which
represented 4% and 5% of our total cost of sales, respectively. These non-cash were mainly related to the
Conventional Assets Transaction.
Gross Profit
Gross profit increased to US$817.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to
US$591.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, which represented 50% and 51% of our total revenue
from contracts with customers, respectively.
Selling Expenses
Selling expenses increased to US$140.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to
US$68.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, which represented 9% and 6% of our total revenue from
112
contracts with customers, respectively. This increase was primarily driven by an increase of 167% in transport costs
due to a higher amount of crude oil volumes transported by trucks in 2024 compared to 2023.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses increased to US$109.0 million during the year ended December 31,
2024, compared to US$70.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, which represented 7% and 6% of our
total revenue from contracts with customers, respectively. This increase was primarily driven by a 61% increase in
salaries and payroll taxes, a 51% increase in share-based payments and a 414% increase in taxes, rates and
contributions, in all cases during 2024 compared to 2023.
Exploration Expenses
Exploration expenses increased to US$0.14 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to
US$0.02 million during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Other Operating Income
Other operating income decreased to US$54.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared
to US$203.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023. This decrease was mainly driven by (i) no gains
related to the Conventional Assets Transaction in 2024, compared to US$89.7 million in 2023, (ii) US$36.0 million of
lower gains from the Exports Increase Program, and (iii) US$24.4 million lower gains related to the gain from the
Farm-out Agreements with Trafigura.
Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses resulted in a loss of US$1.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2024,
compared to a gain of US$0.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
Impairment of long-lived assets resulted in a gain of US$4.2 million during the year ended December 31,
2024, related to the concessions CS-01 in Mexico, compared to a loss of US$24.6 million during the year ended
December 31, 2023.
Operating Profit
Operating profit decreased to US$625.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to
US$631.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, which represented 38% and 54% of our total revenue
from contracts with customers, respectively.
Interest Income
Interest income increased to US$4.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to US$1.2
million during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Interest Expense
As of December 31, 2024, the interest expense increased to US$62.5 million from US$21.9 million for the
year ended December 31, 2023. This increase was primarily due to new debt issuances at a higher interest rate.
Other Financial Results
Other financial results totaled a gain of US$23.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to
a loss of US$65.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. This change was primarily driven by the
remeasurement of borrowings arising from financial liabilities incurred in Argentina, adjusted by the reference
113
stabilization ratio (“UVA”), recorded in 2023, and a 156% decrease in other financial results, partially offset by a
102% increase in net foreign exchange rate changes.
Profit Before Income Taxes
Profit before income taxes totaled US$590.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to
US$545.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Income Tax expense
Our income tax expenses totaled US$113.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to
US$148.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2023. This change was primarily driven by a net effect of (i)
an increase in current income tax expenses from US$16.4 million in 2023 to US$426.3 million in 2024, and (ii) a
decrease in deferred income tax, from a an expense of US$132.0 million in 2023 to a gain of US$312.9 million in
2024, mainly driven by the deferred tax inflation adjustment from our main subsidiary Vista Argentina, and the
depreciation of the Argentine Peso with respect to the U.S. Dollar affecting the Company’s tax deductions of
nonmonetary assets.
Profit for the year, net
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the profit for the year, net totaled US$477.5 million, compared to
US$397.0 million during year ended December 31, 2023.
114
Year ended December 31, 2023 compared to year ended December 31, 2022
Year ended December 31, 2023
Year ended December 31, 2022
(in thousands of
US$ except per
share data)
(% of revenues)
(in thousands of
US$ except per
share data)
(% of revenues)
Revenue from contract with customers
1,168,774
100%
1,187,660
100%
Cost of sales
(577,525)
(49)%
(557,424)
(47)%
Gross profit
591,249
51%
630,236
53%
Selling expenses
(68,792)
(6)%
(59,904)
(5)%
General and administrative expenses
(70,483)
(6)%
(63,826)
(5)%
Exploration expenses
(16)
(0)%
(736)
(0)%
Other operating income
203,812
17%
26,698
2%
Other operating expenses
302
0%
(3,321)
(0)%
Reversal (Impairment) of long- lived
assets
(24,585)
(2)%
-
0%
Operating profit
631,487
54%
529,147
45%
Interest income
1,235
0%
809
0%
Interest expense
(21,879)
(2)%
(28,886)
(2)%
Other financial income (expense)
(65,484)
(6)%
(67,556)
(6)%
Financial income (expense), net
(86,128)
(7)%
(95,633)
(8)%
Profit before income tax
545,359
47%
433,514
37%
Current income tax (expense)
(16,393)
(1)%
(92,089)
(8)%
Deferred income tax (expense)
(132,011)
(11)%
(71,890)
(6)%
Income tax (expense)
(148,404)
(13)%
(163,979)
(14)%
Profit for the year
396,955
34%
269,535
23%
Other comprehensive income
Other comprehensive income that shall
not be reclassified to profit or (loss) in
subsequent periods
(Loss) profit from actuarial
remediation related to employee
benefits
6,565
1%
(4,181)
(0)%
Deferred income tax benefit
(expense)
(2,298)
(0)%
1,463
0%
Other comprehensive income that
shall not be reclassified to profit or
loss in subsequent years, net of taxes
4,267
0%
(2,718)
(0)%
Total comprehensive profit for the
year
401,222
34%
266,817
22%
Earnings per share
Basic (In US$ per share):
4.237
N/A
3.068
N/A
Diluted (In US$ per share):
4.000
N/A
2.755
N/A
115
Revenue from contracts with customers
The detail of our revenues from contracts with customers is the following:
Types of goods
For the year ended
December 31, 2023
For the year ended
December 31, 2022
Revenues from crude oil sales.......................................................
1,097,316
1,113,411
Revenues from natural gas sales ....................................................
67,290
68,663
Revenues from NGL sales............................................................
4,168
5,586
Revenue from contracts with customers.......................................
1,168,774
1,187,660
Total revenue from contracts with customers decreased to US$1,168.8 million during the year ended
December 31, 2023, compared to US$1,187.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. Such decrease was
mainly driven by lower realized oil prices, partially offset by oil production growth.
Revenues from crude oil decreased to US$1,097.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2023,
compared to US$1,113.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, which represented 94% of our total
revenue from contracts with customers during both periods. Such decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in
realized crude oil price of 8%, partially offset by an increase in crude oil sales volumes of 7% year over year.
Total volume of crude oil sold increased to 15.7 MMbbl during the year ended December 31, 2023,
compared to 14.8 MMbbl during the year ended December 31, 2022, mainly driven by a 5% production growth year-
over-year, which in turn resulted from 31 shale oil wells tied-in during 2023, increasing the total number of shale
wells on production to 99 at year-end. This activity boosted oil production, which increased 8% year-over-year during
2023. On a pro forma basis, adjusted by the transfer of the conventional assets as of March 1, 2023, oil production
grew 20% year-over-year during 2023.
Average realized crude oil sales prices decreased to US$66.7/bbl during the year ended December 31, 2023,
compared to US$72.3/bbl during the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease that was mainly driven by a lower
Brent crude oil price, which decreased 17% during 2023 compared to 2022, on average.
In 2023, 8.2 MMbbl of crude oil, or 52% of total crude oil volumes, were sold to export markets for a total
revenue of US$642.2 million, which, net of export duties of US$48.4 million, amounted to US$593.8 million. In
2022, 6.6 MMbbl of crude oil, or 44% of total crude oil volumes, were sold to export markets for a total revenue of
US$605.0 million, which, net of export duties of US$45.4 million, amounted to US$559.6 million.
Revenues from natural gas decreased to US$67.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2023,
compared to US$68.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, which represented 6% of our total revenue
from contracts with customers during both periods. Such decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in the realized
natural gas price, which decreased 13% during 2023 compared to 2022.
Total volume of natural gas sold increased to 3.3 MMboe during the year ended December 31, 2023,
compared to 3.0 MMboe during the year ended December 31, 2022.
The average realized natural gas sales prices was US$3.5/MMBtu during the year ended December 31, 2023,
a 13% decrease compared to US$4.0/MMBtu during the year ended December 31, 2022. Such decrease was mainly
driven by lower prices to industrial customers at US$2.3/MMBtu during 2023, compared to US$3.7/MMBtu in 2022.
Revenues from NGL decreased to US$4.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to
US$5.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, which represented less than 1% of our total revenue from
contracts with customers during both periods.
116
During the year ended December 31, 2023, 99% of our revenue was generated by our oil and gas properties
in Argentina, as well as during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Cost of Sales
For the year
ended December
31, 2023
For the year
ended December
31, 2022
(in thousands of US$)
Operating costs...................................................
(94,685)
(133,385)
Crude oil stock fluctuation ...................................
(2,058)
(500)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization.................
(276,430)
(234,862)
Royalties and others ............................................
(176,813)
(188,677)
Other non-cash costs related to the transfer of
conventional assets ..............................................
(27,539)
-
Cost of sales......................................................
(577,525)
(557,424)
Cost of sales increased to US$577.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to
US$557.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. Total cost of sales included operating costs, fluctuations
in the inventory of crude oil, depreciation, depletion and amortization, royalties and others, and other non-cash costs
related to the transfer of conventional assets.
Operating costs decreased to US$94.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to
US$133.4 during the year ended December 31, 2022, which represented 16% and 24% of our total cost of sales,
respectively. Operating costs per produced barrel decreased to US$5.1/boe during the year ended December 31, 2023,
from US$7.5/boe during the year ended December 31, 2022. This decrease was primarily driven by the savings
generated by the Conventional Assets Transaction to fully-focus on shale oil operations as of March 1, 2023,
economies of scale driven by production volume growth, and focus on cost efficiency.
The crude oil stock fluctuation increased to US$2.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2023,
compared to US$0.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. This was primarily due to the decrease in
crude oil stock at the end of the period.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization increased to US$276.4 million during the year ended December 31,
2023, compared to US$234.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, which represented 48% and 42% of
our total cost of sales, respectively. This increase was primarily driven by higher capital expenditures and total
production in 2023 compared to 2022.
Royalties and others decreased to US$176.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to
US$188.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, which represented 31% and 34% of our total cost of
sales, respectively. This decrease was primarily driven by the above-mentioned decrease in realized oil price and
realized natural gas price.
Other non-cash costs related to the transfer of conventional assets was US$27.5 million during the year
ended December 31, 2023, which represented 5% of our total cost of sales during the period. These non-cash were
mainly related to the Conventional Assets Transaction.
Gross Profit
Gross profit decreased to US$591.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to
US$630.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, which represented 51% and 53% of our total revenue
from contracts with customers, respectively.
Selling Expenses
Selling expenses increased to US$68.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to
US$59.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, which represented 6% and 5% of our total revenue from
117
contracts with customers, respectively. This increase was primarily driven by an increase of 104% in Fees and
compensation for services, and 15% in Transport, in both cases during 2023 compared to 2022.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses increased to US$70.5 million during the year ended December 31,
2023, compared to US$63.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, which represented 6% and 5% of our
total revenue from contracts with customers, respectively. This increase was primarily driven by a 40% increase in
Share-based payments, a 39% increase in Employee Benefits and a 19% increase in Fees and compensation for
services, in all cases during 2023 compared to 2022.
Exploration Expenses
Exploration expenses decreased to US$0.02 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to
US$0.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Other Operating Income
Other operating income increased to US$203.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared
to US$26.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. This increase was mainly driven by the gains related to
the Conventional Assets Transaction and the gains related to the repatriation of 27% of the export proceeds of the
fourth quarter of 2023 at the bluechip swap exchange rate, as per applicable regulations.
Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses resulted in a gain of US$0.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2023,
compared to a loss of US$3.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Impairment of long-lived assets was US$24.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, mainly
related to the concession CS-01 in Mexico, compared to null during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Operating Profit
Operating profit increased to US$631.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to
US$529.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, which represented 54% and 45% of our total revenue
from contracts with customers, respectively.
Interest Income
Interest income increased to US$1.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to US$0.8
million during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Interest Expense
As of December 31, 2023, the interest expense decreased to US$21.9 million from US$28.9 million for the
year ended December 31, 2022. This decrease was primarily due to new debt issuances at a lower interest rate.
Other Financial Results
Other financial results totaled a loss of US$65.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to
a loss of US$67.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. This change was primarily due to a 183% decrease
in the discount of assets and liabilities at present value, a 210% decrease in changes in the fair value of financial
118
assets and a 45% in net changes in foreign exchange rate, partially offset by a 36% increase in revaluations of loans
originated by financial liabilities incurred in Argentina adjusted by the UVA.
Profit Before Income Taxes
Profit before income taxes totaled a gain of US$545.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2023,
compared to a loss of US$433.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Income Tax expense
Our income tax expenses totaled a loss of US$148.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2023,
compared to a loss of US$164.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. This change was primarily driven
by a net effect of (i) an decrease in current income tax expenses from US$92.1 million to US$16.4 million compared
to the year ended December 31, 2022, and (ii) an increase in deferred income tax expense of US$132.0 million in
2023, compared to US$71.9 million in 2022, mainly driven by the deferred tax inflation adjustment from our main
subsidiary Vista Argentina, and the depreciation of the Argentine Peso with respect to the U.S. Dollar affecting the
Company’s tax deductions of non-monetary assets.
Profit for the year, net
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the profit for the year, net totaled US$397.0 million, compared to
US$269.5 million during year ended December 31, 2022.
119
ITEM 5.B
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our financial condition and liquidity are and will continue to be influenced by a variety of factors, including:
•
•
changes in oil, natural gas and liquid gas prices and our ability to generate cash flows from our
operations;
•
our capital expenditure requirements; and
•
the level of our outstanding indebtedness and the interest we are obligated to pay on this indebtedness.
On August 15, 2017, we completed our US$650 million initial global offering of 65,000,000 series A shares
and 65,000,000 warrants exercisable for such series A shares (“Warrants”), generating net proceeds to us, after
offering expenses, of US$640 million. The series A shares and warrants issued pursuant to our initial global offering
are listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange.
As of the date of this annual report, there are no outstanding warrants as a result of the automatic exercise of
all outstanding warrants on a cashless basis. See “Item 10—Additional Information—Memorandum and Articles of
Association—Warrants.”
Concurrently with our initial global offering, Vista Sponsor Holdings, L.P. and the Executive Team
purchased a total of 29,680,000 warrants exercisable for series A shares in a private placement (“Sponsor Warrants”),
generating gross proceeds to us of US$14,840,000. The Sponsor Warrants were identical to and fungible with the
Warrants. As of the date of this annual report, there are no outstanding Sponsor Warrants as a result of the automatic
exercise of all outstanding warrants on a cashless basis. See “Item 10—Additional Information—Memorandum and
Articles of Association—Warrants.”
On April 4, 2018, the date we consummated our acquisition of certain assets from Pampa Energia S.A. and
Pluspetrol Resources Corporation:
•
we entered into a bridge loan agreement (“Bridge Loan”) with Citibank, N.A., Credit Suisse AG
Cayman Islands Branch and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc. in an aggregate principal amount
equal to US$260.0 million, maturing on February 11, 2019, bearing interest at a variable rate
between 3.25% and 5%. The Bridge Loan was prepaid in full on or about July 19, 2018 with the
proceeds of the Credit Agreement.
•
approximately 31.29% of holders of series A shares exercised their redemption rights, as a result of
which 20,340,685 series A shares were redeemed for an amount of US$204.6 million. The holders
of remaining series A shares were capitalized net of the deferred offering expenses paid to the
underwriters in our initial global offering for an amount of US$442.5 million, and
•
we obtained from a private placement transaction a capital contribution of US$95,000,000
representing 9,500,000 series A shares that were paid in.
For more information on this acquisition, please see “Presentation of Information─The Initial Business
Combination” in Vista’s annual report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on April 30, 2020.
In July 2019, we completed a global offering consisting of a follow-on public offering in Mexico of our
series A shares and an international public offering in the United States and other countries of our series A shares
represented by American Depositary Shares on the NYSE for a total amount of 10,906,257 series A shares (including
all over-allotment options). Our ADSs began trading on the NYSE on July 26, 2019, under the ticker symbol “VIST.”
The gross proceeds of the global offering amounted to approximately US$101 million, before fees and expenses.
As of the date of this annual report, 3,215,454 shares became outstanding as the Warrants in their original
terms have been exercised in full. See “Item 10—Additional Information—Memorandum and Articles of
Association—Warrants.”
We believe that our working capital is sufficient for our present requirements.
120
Indebtedness
As of December 31, 2024, we had a total outstanding indebtedness of US$1,448.6 million.
The following table summarizes the Company’s outstanding debt obligations, including bilateral loan
agreements, bond issuances, and other financing arrangements as of December 31, 2024. These obligations include
secured and unsecured loans, corporate bonds issued under the Company’s Notes Program, and other credit facilities,
each with varying maturities, interest rates, and repayment structures.
Bond / Bank loan
Nominal
amount
Outstanding
Interest Rate
Maturity
Amortization
(in millions of US$)
Series VI (1)
10.00
0.00
3.24%
04/12/2024
Bullet
Series XI (1)
9.20
0.00
3.48%
27/08/2025
Bullet
Series XII
100.80
97.47
5.85%
27/08/2031
Fifteen semi-annual installments from August
27, 2024 until maturity date
Series XIII (1)
43.50
0.00
6.00%
08/08/2024
Bullet
Series XIV (1)
40.51
0.00
6.25%
10/11/2025
Bullet
Series XV
13.50
13.54
4.00%
20/01/2025
Bullet
Series XVI
104.30
103.95
0.00%
06/06/2026
Bullet
Series XVII
39.10
37.81
0.00%
06/12/2026
Bullet
Series XVIII
118.50
115.66
0.00%
03/03/2027
Bullet
Series XIX
16.50
16.41
1.00%
03/03/2028
Bullet
Series XX
13.50
13.48
4.50%
20/07/2025
Bullet
Series XXI
70.00
67.17
0.99%
11/08/2028
Bullet
Series XXII
14.70
14.66
5.00%
05/06/2026
Bullet
Series XXIII
92.20
73.31
6.50%
06/03/2027
Bullet
Series XXIV
46.60
46.86
8.00%
03/05/2029
Four semi-annual installments from November 3,
2027, until maturity date
Series XXV
53.20
53.11
3.00%
08/07/2028
Bullet
Series XXVI
150.00
151.57
7.65%
10/10/2031
Three consecutive annual installments from
October 10, 2029 until maturity date
Series XXVII(2)
600.00
597.42
7.63%
10/12/2035
Three consecutive annual installments from
December 10, 2033 until maturity date
Santander International
11.70(3)
0.07
1.80%
20/01/2026
Bullet
Santander International
43.50(3)
0.08
2.05%
02/07/2026
Bullet
Santander International
13.50(3)
0.03
2.45%
04/01/2027
Bullet
ConocoPhillips
25.00
25.84
SOFR + 2%
26/09/2026
Bullet
Citibank
20.00
20.01
5.00%
26/04/2026
Bullet
Patagonia
0.55
0.14
11.0%
08/01/2025
Bullet
Total
1,448.6
(1) As of December 31, 2024, these bond series had been repaid in full.
(2) On December 10, 2024, Vista Argentina issued US$600 million aggregate principal amount of 7.625% senior notes due 2035 (the “2035
Notes”) under the Notes Program. The offering of the 2035 Notes was conducted as a private placement in the United States under Rule
144A and an offshore offering in reliance on Regulation S of the Securities Act.
(3) As of December 31, 2024, it includes US$24.35 million of collateralized capital. The carrying amount corresponds to interest.
As of the date of this annual report, we are not in arrears in the payment of principal and interest, as
applicable, on any of the aforementioned bonds and loans.
121
Other Contractual Obligations
As of December 31, 2024, the Company also has other commitments and contractual obligations as follows:
Payments due by period
Total
Short Term (less than one year)
Long Term (more than one year)
(in thousands of US$)
Employee Benefit Plan
12,367
1,339
11,028
Lease Agreements
116,328
63,004
53,324
Total
128,695
64,343
64,352
Capital Expenditures
The amount and allocation of future capital expenditures will depend upon a number of factors, including
our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities and our ability to execute our drilling program. We
periodically review our capital expenditure budget to assess changes in current and projected cash flows, debt
requirements and other factors. If we are unable to obtain funds when needed or on acceptable terms, we may not be
able to finance the capital expenditures necessary to maintain our production or proved reserves. We intend to fund
our capital expenditures with cash generated from our operations, cash on hand, and debt and equity financing.
Because we operate a high percentage of our acreage, capital expenditure amounts (in addition to our capital
expenditures committed under our concessions) and timing are largely discretionary and within our control. We
determine our capital expenditures depending on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, existing
commitments under the concessions, the success of our drilling activities, prevailing and anticipated prices for oil and
natural gas, the availability of necessary equipment, infrastructure and capital, the receipt and timing of required
regulatory permits and approvals, seasonal conditions, drilling and acquisition costs and the level of participation by
other working interest owners. A deferral of planned capital expenditures, particularly with respect to drilling and
completing new wells, could result in a reduction in anticipated production and cash flows. Moreover, we may be
required to unbook some portion of our current proved undeveloped reserves if such deferral of planned capital
expenditures implies that we will be unable to develop such reserves within five years of their initial booking.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, we made total capital expenditures of US$1,296.8 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we made total capital expenditures of US$734.3 million. During the year
ended December 31, 2022, we made total capital expenditures of US$540.0 million.
As part of the terms and conditions governing the concession agreements relating to our oil and gas
properties in Argentina, we are committed to making capital investments for drilling and completing wells,
performing well workovers and investing in facilities. We have estimated the amount of capital expenditures required
to comply with our commitments under such concessions based on the historical costs of drilling and completing
wells, performing well workovers and investing in facilities.
According to our best estimates, as of the date of this annual report, our remaining investment commitments
include drilling and completing nine development wells, executing 44 workovers, and abandoning 21 wells in Entre
Lomas, 25 de Mayo–Medanito SE, and Jagüel de los Machos.
Pursuant to the Conventional Assets Transaction agreement, Aconcagua has assumed all past investment
commitments, along with the associated costs, taxes, and royalties related to the CAT Exploitation Concessions.
Capital expenditures related to these commitments amount to an estimated US$40 million. For more
information on these investment commitments, see Note 29 to our Audited Financial Statements.
122
Cash Flows
The following table sets forth our cash flows for the periods indicated:
For the year ended
December 31,
2024
For the year ended
December 31,
2023
For the year ended
December 31,
2022
Cash flows provided by (used in) ...............................
Operating activities .........................................
959,026
712,033
689,771
Investing activities ..........................................
(1,051,876)
(699,313)
(582,712)
Financing activities ..........................................
641,211
19,556
(143,201)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents .
548,361
32,276
(36,142)
The ability of our Argentine entities to purchase non-Argentine currency in Argentina and to transfer any
funds in the form of dividends, loans or advances to any non-Argentine entities (including affiliates) is subject to
certain foreign exchange restrictions, as further described in “Item 3—Key Information—Risk Factors—Detailed Risk
Factors—Risks Related to the Argentine and Mexican Economic and Regulatory Environments—Current Argentine
exchange controls and the implementation of further exchange controls could adversely affect our results of
operations” and “Item 10—Additional Information—Exchange Controls—Specific Provisions For Income From The
Foreign Exchange Market.”
Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2024, net cash generated by operating activities was US$959.0 million,
primarily driven by an operating profit of US$625.4 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash generated by operating activities was US$712.0 million,
primarily driven by an operating profit of US$631.5 million.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash generated by operating activities was US$689.8 million,
primarily driven by an operating profit of US$529.1 million.
Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2024, net cash used in investing activities was US$1,051.9 million, mainly
due to payments of US$1,052.5 million for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash used in investing activities was US$699.3 million, mainly
due to payments of US$688.4 million for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash used in investing activities was US$582.7 million, mainly
due to payments of US$479.0 million for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment, and the payment of
US$115.0 million for the acquisition of assets of AFBN. The cash flow used in investing activities was mainly spent
in the development of Vaca Muerta in Bajada del Palo Oeste and Aguada Federal.
Cash Flows Provided by (used in) Financing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2024, cash used in financing activities was US$641.2. This was
primarily due to new loans for US$1,320.9 million, which was partially offset by loan principal repayments of
US$470.4 million and share repurchases for US$99.8 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, cash used in financing activities was US$19.6. This was
primarily due to new loans for US$318.2 million, which was partially offset by loan principal repayments of
US$211.5 million.
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During the year ended December 31, 2022, cash used in financing activities was US$143.2 million. This was
primarily generated by loan principal repayments of US$195.1 million, which was partially offset by a new loans for
US$128.8 million.
Treasury Policies
Our internal policies relating to the Company’s treasury include that the board of directors is responsible for
determining our financial strategy, comprising dividend policy, investment of our resources, cash flow and working
capital strategies, mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity issuances, share repurchases, derivative strategies, asset
purchases and leases, and the Company’s indebtedness, among others, subject in any case (where applicable) to the
approval of our shareholders when required by law or in accordance with our by-laws.
ITEM 5.C
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTS, PATENTS AND LICENSES, ETC.
Not applicable.
ITEM 5.D
TREND INFORMATION
See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Industry and Regulatory Overview.”
In addition to the information set forth in this section, additional information about the trends affecting our
business can be found in “Item 3—Key Information—Risk Factors—Detailed Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our
Business and Industry.” You should also read our discussion of the risks and uncertainties that affect our business in
“Item 3—Key Information—Risk Factors—Detailed Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Argentine and Mexican
Economic and Regulatory Environments.”
ITEM 5.E
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
Critical accounting policies are policies that require us to exercise judgment or involve a higher degree of
complexity in the application of the accounting policies that currently affect our financial condition and results of
operations. The accounting judgments and estimates we make in these contexts require us to calculate variables and
make assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain. In each case, if we had made other estimates, or if changes
in the estimates occur from period to period, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially
affected.
See Note 3 to our audited financial statements for a summary of the critical accounting judgments and
estimates applicable to us. There are many other areas in which we use estimates about uncertain matters, but we
believe the reasonably likely effect of changes or differences within critical accounting judgments and estimates
would not have a material impact on our financial statements.
ITEM 6.
DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
Board of Directors
Under the Mexican Securities Market Law, public companies must have a board of directors comprised of no
more than 21 members, of which at least 25% must be independent. Independent members must be selected based on
their experience, ability and reputation at the issuer’s shareholders’ meeting; whether or not a director is independent
must be determined by the issuer’s shareholders and such determination may be challenged by the CNBV. The
Mexican Securities Market Law permits then-acting members of the board of directors (as opposed to shareholders) to
select, under certain circumstances and on a temporary basis, new members of the board of directors.
Boards of directors of public companies are required to meet at least four times during each calendar year
and have the following principal duties:
•
determine general strategies applicable to the issuer;
•
approve guidelines for the use of corporate assets;
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•
approve, on an individual basis, transactions with related parties, subject to certain limited
exceptions;
•
approve unusual or exceptional transactions and any transactions that imply the acquisition or sale
of assets with a value equal to or exceeding 5% of the issuer’s consolidated assets or that imply the
provision of collateral or guarantees or the assumption of liabilities equal to or exceeding 5% of the
issuer’s consolidated assets;
•
approve the appointment or removal of the chief executive officer;
•
approve waivers in respect of corporate opportunities;
•
approve accounting and internal control policies;
•
approve the chief executive officers’ annual report and corrective measures for irregularities; and
•
approve policies for disclosure of information.
Directors have the general duty to act for the benefit of the issuer, without favoring a shareholder or group of
shareholders.
Our board of directors is responsible for the oversight of our business and is comprised of six members, five
of which are independent. Set forth below are the name, age, position and biographical description of each of our
current directors.
Name
Position
Independent*
Age
Appointed
Term Expires on
Miguel Galuccio
Chairman
No
56
2017
No expiration date
Susan L. Segal
Director
Yes
72
2017
No expiration date
Mauricio Doehner Cobian
Director
Yes
50
2017
No expiration date
Pierre-Jean Sivignon
Director
Yes
68
2018
No expiration date
Gerard Martellozo
Director
Yes
69
2022
No expiration date
Germán Losada
Director
Yes
40
2022
No expiration date
* Independent under NYSE standards, applicable SEC rules and the CNBV Rules.
Miguel Galuccio serves as our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. He is currently an independent
member of the board of directors of SLB, the largest global oil services company. From May 2012 to April 2016, Mr.
Galuccio served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of YPF, Argentina’s largest oil company. Under his
leadership, the company became the largest producer of hydrocarbons from shale formations globally outside North
America. Prior to joining YPF, Mr. Galuccio held various international positions at SLB, spanning North America,
the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Russia, and China. His last role at the firm was as President of SLB
Production Management. He also served as President of Integrated Project Management, General Manager for
Mexico and Central America, and Real-Time Reservoir Manager. Additionally, Mr. Galuccio is a founder and board
member at GridX, a company investing in next-generation biotech startups. Mr. Galuccio holds a bachelor’s degree in
petroleum engineering from the Instituto Tecnológico de Buenos Aires in Argentina.
Susan Segal serves as an independent member of our Board of Directors. Ms. Segal was elected President
and CEO of Americas Society/Council of the Americas in 2003 after having worked in the private sector with Latin
America and other emerging markets for over 30 years. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Segal was a partner at Chase
Capital Partners/JPMorgan Partners focusing on private equity in Latin America and pioneering early-stage venture
capital investing in the region. As a banker, she focused on investment banking, building an emerging-market bond-
trading unit, and the Latin American debt crisis of the 1980s and early 1990s where she lead the Bank’s Restructuring
effort and chaired the Chilean and Philippine Advisory Committees. Ms. Segal is a board member at Mercado Libre,
Vista and Robinhood as well as an Honorary Director of Scotiabank. She is also a board member of Americas
Society/Council of the Americas, the Tinker Foundation, the Bretton Woods Committee and a member of the Council
on Foreign Relations. Ms. Segal has received numerous awards and honors: including the Orden Bernardo O’Higgins,
Chile; the Orden de San Carlos, Colombia; the Orden del Águila Azteca, Mexico; the Orden al Mérito por Servicios
Distinguidos – Gran Oficial, Peru; and recognition as the North American-Chilean Chamber of Commerce’s
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Honorary Chilean of the Year. In 2022, Ms. Segal was recognized by Colombian President Iván Duque with the
Orden de Boyacá in the category of Grand Cross; and was honored by the government of Ecuador with the National
Order of Honorato Vásquez in the grade of Commander in September 2023.
Mauricio Doehner Cobian serves as an independent member of our Board of Directors. Mr. Doehner is
Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Enterprise Risk Management and Social Impact at CEMEX and is a
member of its Executive Committee, reporting directly to the CEO. Mr. Doehner began work with CEMEX in 1996
and has held various executive positions in areas such as Strategic Planning, Institutional Relations and
Communications and Business Risk Management for Europe, Asia, Middle East, South America, and Mexico. While
acting in such capacities, he has led interactions and collaboration with several governments worldwide, as well as
engaging in evaluation of tax structures, public policy initiatives, corporate social responsibility, communications, and
crisis management. Further, he worked in Mexico’s Presidential Administration in 2000, leading its relationship with
Mexican NGO’s, dealing with diverse issues such as government reforms and the national budget. Mr. Doehner also
worked at Violy Byorum & Partners Investment Bank. Currently, he is the Vice President of the Mexican Employers’
Confederation (COPARMEX), Vice-president of the Confederation of Industrial Chambers (CONCAMIN) and a
member of the boards of the Trust for the Americas organization affiliated to the Organization of American States
(OAS), the Center of Citizen Integration (CIC), the Industrials Club of Monterrey, the Museum of Modern Art of
Monterrey (MARCO), the Mexican Business Coordinating Council (CCE), the School of Social Sciences and
Government at Tecnológico de Monterrey, and a member of the GAP Group within the Consejo Mexicano de
Negocios (CMN). He is also a contributor to Expansión Magazine. Mr. Doehner holds a bachelor’s degree in
economics from Tecnológico de Monterrey, a master’s degree in business administration from IESE/IPADE, a
professional certificate in competitive intelligence from the FULD Academy of Competitive Intelligence in Boston,
Massachusetts and, a Master in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School. Mauricio is a board member of
the Advisory Board of the Center for U.S. - Mexican Studies (USMEX) at the School of Global Policy and Strategy
(GPS) at UC San Diego.
Pierre-Jean Sivignon serves as an independent member of our Board of Directors. Mr. Pierre-Jean Sivignon
was an advisor to the Chairman and CEO of Carrefour Group in Paris until December 2018, where he previously held
the positions of Deputy CEO, CFO and Member of the Executive Board as well as Chairman of the Board of their
publicly traded subsidiary in Brazil. Prior experience includes positions as the Chief Financial Officer, Executive
Vice President, Member of the Board of Management at both Royal Philips Electronics in Amsterdam and at Faurecia
(now Forvia) Group in Paris. He also held various high level financial and managerial positions with the SLB Group
in different locations, including New York and Paris. Mr. Sivignon served in the past as an independent director of
the Supervisory Boards of Imerys, Technip FMC (both companies traded on the Paris Stock Exchange), and Imperial
Brands plc (which traded on London Stock Exchange). Mr. Sivignon graduated from French baccalaureate with
honors in France and received an MBA from ESSEC (Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales)
also in France.
Gerard Martellozo serves as an independent member of our Board of Directors. Mr. Martellozo developed
his career at SLB for over 40 years, retiring in 2019 as Vice President of Human Resources globally. Prior to
assuming this position in 2014, he served as Senior Advisor to SLB’s chief executive officer, based in Houston,
Texas, United States. Gérard joined SLB in 1979 after completing a Master in Engineering at the Ecole Nationale
Superieure de l’Aeronautique et de l’Espace (Sup’Aero), France. He began his oilfield career as a wireline field
engineer, quickly progressing into operations management with assignments in Spain, Italy, France, Nigeria, Algeria
and Venezuela. After his experience in industry operating matters, he transitioned into Human Resources and worked
with most of the company’s oilfield services business sectors over the next 20 years. From 2010 to 2012 he was HR
Director of the company’s drilling group and responsible for integrating the several major oilfield services companies
purchased by SLB including Cameron, Smith, M-I and Geoservices. Gérard Martellozo is currently the Chairman of
the Board for the SLB Foundation. Before that, he joined the board of the Foundation in March 2014 to continue to
lend his support to SLB’s long-term commitment to promoting women in technology in the world at large. He was
also co-founder of Partnerjob.com, for which he served as treasurer from 2003 to its sale in 2017 to NetExpat.
Germán Losada serves as an independent member of our Board of Directors. Mr. Losada is a Co-founder,
Chairman and COO at VEMO, a leading integrated clean mobility company in Latin America. Mr. Losada has 12
years of experience in private equity, focused on the energy sector in Europe, United States and Latin America, with a
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strong expertise in building start-ups. He was a founding team member of Riverstone’s Latin America efforts, where
he led the decarbonization growth equity and infrastructure investments. Mr. Losada serves as Chairman of VEMO
and is a member of the Boards of Directors of Energía Real, White River Renewables and A2 Renovables.
Previously, Mr. Losada worked in the European private equity group of First Reserve and in the investment banking
division of Goldman Sachs in its Global Natural Resources and Latin America groups. Mr. Losada graduated from the
University of San Andres in Argentina, where he earned a degree in Business Administration.
For a detailed description of the operation and authorities of our board of directors, see “Item 10—Additional
Information—Memorandum and Articles of Association—Board of Directors.”
Duties and Liabilities of Directors
The Mexican Securities Market Law also imposes duties of care and loyalty on directors.
The duty of care generally requires that directors obtain sufficient information and be sufficiently prepared to
support their decisions and to act in the best interest of the issuer. The duty of care is discharged, principally, by
requesting and obtaining from the issuer and its officers all the information required to participate in discussions,
obtaining information from third parties, attending board meetings and disclosing material information in possession
of the relevant director. Failure to act with care by one or more directors subjects the relevant directors to joint
liability with the other directors involved in an action for damages and losses caused to the issuer and its subsidiaries,
which may be limited (except in the instances of bad faith, or illegal acts or willful misconduct) under the company’s
bylaws or by resolution of a shareholders’ meeting. Liability for a breach of the duty of care may also be covered by
indemnification provisions and director and officer liability insurance policies.
The duty of loyalty primarily consists of a duty to maintain the confidentiality of information received in
connection with the performance of a director’s duties and to abstain from discussing or voting on matters where the
director has a conflict of interest. In addition, the duty of loyalty is breached if a shareholder or group of shareholders
is knowingly favored or if, without the express approval of the board of directors, a director takes advantage of a
corporate opportunity. The duty of loyalty is also breached if a shareholder or group of shareholders is knowingly
favored, if the director discloses false or misleading information or fails to register any transaction in the issuer’s
records that could affect its financial statements or causes material information not to be disclosed or to be modified.
The duty of loyalty is also breached if the director uses corporate assets or approves the use of corporate assets in
violation of an issuer’s policies. The violation of the duty of loyalty subjects the offending director to joint liability
for damages and losses caused to the issuer and its subsidiaries. Liability also arises if damages and losses result from
benefits obtained by the directors or third parties, as a result of activities carried out by the directors. Liability for
breach of the duty of loyalty may not be limited by the company’s bylaws, by resolution of a shareholders’ meeting or
otherwise.
Claims for breach of the duty of care or the duty of loyalty may be brought solely for the benefit of the issuer
(as a derivative suit) and may only be brought by the issuer or by shareholders representing at least 5% of any
outstanding shares.
As a safe-harbor for directors, the liabilities specified above will not be applicable if the director acted in
good faith and (i) complies with applicable law and the bylaws, (ii) acted based upon information provided by
officers, external auditors or third-party experts, the capacity and credibility of which may not be the subject of
reasonable doubt, (iii) selected the more adequate alternative in good faith or in a case where the negative effects of
such decision may not have been foreseeable, based upon the then available information, and (iv) actions were taken
in compliance with resolutions adopted at the shareholders’ meeting.
Under the Mexican Securities Market Law, the issuer’s chief executive officer and principal executives are
also required to act for the benefit of the company and not of a shareholder or group of shareholders. Principally,
these executives are required to submit to the board of directors for approval the principal strategies for the business,
to submit to the audit committee proposals relating to internal control systems, to disclose all material information to
the public and to maintain adequate accounting and registration systems and internal control mechanisms.
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Board Committees
The Mexican Securities Market Law requires us to have an Audit and Corporate Governance Committee,
which must be composed of at least three independent members under the Mexican Securities Market Law. We
believe that all members of the Audit and Corporate Governance Committees are independent under the Mexican
Securities Market Law and comply with the requirements of Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act. On May 10, 2018, the
Board created a Compensation Committee with the intention of (i) setting the compensation strategy for our executive
officers and directors, (ii) setting compensation levels for the CEO, and (iii) approving compensation policies for C-
suite executives upon CEO recommendation.
Audit Committee
The members of our Audit Committee are:
•
Pierre-Jean Sivignon (chair);
•
Mauricio Doehner Cobian;
•
Germán Losada; and
•
Gerard Martellozo.
The members of our Audit Committee are independent under NYSE standards, applicable SEC rules and the
CNBV Rules.
There is no expiration date on the term of the appointment of the members of our audit committee. For a
detailed description of the operation and authorities of our audit committee, see “Item 10—Additional Information—
Memorandum and Articles of Association—Audit and Corporate Practices Committees.”
Corporate Practices Committee
The members of our Corporate Practices Committee are:
•
Mauricio Doehner Cobian (chair);
•
Pierre-Jean Sivignon;
•
Susan L. Segal;
•
Germán Losada; and
•
Gerard Martellozo.
There is no expiration date on the term of the appointment of the members of our Corporate Practices
Committee. For a detailed description of the operation and authorities of our audit committee, see “Item 10—
Additional Information—Memorandum and Articles of Association—Audit and Corporate Practices Committees.”
Compensation Committee
The members of our Compensation Committee are:
•
Gerard Martellozo (chair);
•
Pierre-Jean Sivignon;
•
Mauricio Doehner Cobian;
•
Germán Losada; and
•
Susan L. Segal
For a detailed description of the operation and authorities of our audit committee, see “Item 10—Additional
Information—Memorandum and Articles of Association—Audit and Corporate Practices Committees.”
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Agreements with Directors
There are no agreements between us and the members of our Board of Directors that provide for any benefits
upon termination of their designation as directors. None of our directors maintains service contracts with us except as
described in “Item 7—Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Major Shareholders” and “Item 7—
Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions.”
Executive Team
The following table sets forth the members of our Executive Team as of the date of this annual report.
Name
Position
Age
Appointment
Miguel Galuccio
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
56
August 1, 2017
Pablo Manuel Vera Pinto
Chief Financial Officer
47
August 1, 2017
Juan Garoby
Chief Technology Officer
54
August 1, 2017
Alejandro Cherñacov
Strategic Planning and Investor Relations Officer
43
August 1, 2017
Matías Weissel
Chief Operations Officer
39
January 14, 2025
Miguel Galuccio. See “Item 6—Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Board of Directors.”
Pablo Manuel Vera Pinto has served as our Chief Financial Officer since August 1, 2017, and has been
involved with us since our incorporation on March 22, 2017. From October 2012 to February 2017, he held the
position of Director of Business Development at YPF. Mr. Vera Pinto also served as Director of Transformation at
YPF from May 2012 to September 2012 and was a member of the boards of directors of several YPF-related
companies, including the fertilizer company Profertil S.A. (a joint venture between Agrium of Canada and YPF), the
electricity generation company Central Dock Sud S.A. (a partnership between Enel of Italy, YPF, and Pan American),
and the gas distribution company MetroGAS S.A. (controlled by YPF and acquired from BG in 2012). Prior to his
work at YPF, Mr. Vera Pinto collaborated with a private investor group specializing in restructuring. Over his career,
he has gained extensive experience in operational and financial management, having served as Restructuring
Manager, CFO, and CEO of various controlled companies. He also held positions in strategic consulting with
McKinsey & Company in Europe and in investment banking at Credit Suisse First Boston in New York. Mr. Vera
Pinto holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from Universidad Torcuato Di Tella in Buenos Aires and an MBA
from INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France.
Juan Garoby has served as our Chief Technology Officer since January 14, 2025. Prior to this role, he served
as Chief Operations Officer from August 1, 2017, to January 14, 2025. He has been involved with us since our
incorporation on March 22, 2017. Mr. Garoby served as Interim Vice President of Exploration & Production at YPF
from August 2016 to October 2016, Head of Drilling and Completions from April 2014 to August 2016, and Head of
Unconventional from June 2012 to April 2014, during which time he also served as President of YPF Servicios
Petroleros S.A., a YPF-owned drilling contractor. Prior to his tenure at YPF, Mr. Garoby worked at SLB as
Operations Manager for Europe and Africa. He has also held several positions at Baker Hughes, including Director of
Baker Hughes do Brasil, Country Manager of Baker Hughes Centrilift Brazil, and Country Manager of Baker Hughes
Centrilift Ecuador & Peru. Mr. Garoby holds a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from the Instituto
Tecnológico de Buenos Aires (ITBA) in Argentina.
Alejandro Cherñacov has served as our Strategic Planning and Investor Relations Officer since August 1,
2017, and has been involved with us since our incorporation on March 22, 2017. Mr. Cherñacov served as Chief
Financial Officer at Jagercor Energy Corp, a small-cap Canadian Securities Exchange-listed E&P company, from
January 2015 to February 2017. Previously, he served as Investor Relations Officer at YPF, where he was responsible
for repositioning the company in both local and international capital markets. Mr. Cherñacov held several positions in
YPF’s E&P department, with his last role being responsible for the upstream portfolio management process across
Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia. Mr. Cherñacov holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the Universidad de
Buenos Aires, a master’s degree in finance from the Universidad Torcuato Di Tella in Buenos Aires, and a
professional certificate in strategic decision and risk management from Stanford University in Palo Alto, California.
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Matías Weissel has served as our Chief Operations Officer since January 14, 2025, and has been involved
with us since April 2018. From April 2018 to January 14, 2025, he held the position of Operations Manager,
overseeing Vista’s operations in Vaca Muerta. Between 2010 and 2018, Mr. Weissel worked at YPF, where he was
part of the teams responsible for developing Vaca Muerta. During his tenure, he held various positions, including
Project Leader for Loma Campana and Manager of Unconventional Projects. Mr. Weissel holds a degree in Industrial
Engineering from the Instituto Tecnológico de Buenos Aires (ITBA).
Javier Rodríguez Galli has served as our General Counsel since August 1, 2017. Mr. Rodríguez Galli is a
partner at the law firm Bruchou & Funes de Rioja – Abogados, with offices in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he has
led the Oil and Gas practice area since joining the firm in 2005. In recent years, he has acted as legal counsel for
various international oil companies that have invested in Argentina, particularly in the development of shale
hydrocarbons. In December 2014, he advised Petronas, the national oil company of Malaysia, in its negotiations and
agreements with YPF that led to the joint venture between the two companies in the La Amarga Chica area in
Neuquén to produce shale. Mr. Rodríguez Galli is currently a board member of Petronas E&P Argentina, S.A. He has
also participated in numerous national and international negotiations related to oil and gas acquisitions, divestments,
joint ventures, and strategic alliances and has extensive experience in corporate matters. From 1999 to 2005, he
served as General Counsel for Molinos Río de la Plata, an Argentine leader in food and commodities controlled by
the Pérez Companc family. From 1993 to 1999, he was an in-house counsel at YPF, Argentina’s largest oil and gas
company, providing legal services to its international business development group. Mr. Rodríguez Galli graduated
with honors from the Law School of Universidad de Buenos Aires in 1991, obtained a master’s degree from the
London School of Economics in 1993, and a diploma from the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies at Oxford
University in 1996.
Actions by our Executive Team
Our Chief Executive Officer and the other relevant officers (including members of our Executive Team) are
required under the Mexican Securities Market Law to focus their activities on maximizing shareholder value in our
Company. Our Chief Executive Officer and senior management may be held liable for damages to us, our subsidiaries
and others for the following: (i) favoring a single group of shareholders, (ii) approving transactions between us, or our
subsidiaries, with related persons without complying with applicable legal requirements, (iii) taking advantage of our
subsidiaries’ assets for their own personal gain contrary to Company policy (or authorizing a third-party to do so on
their behalf), (iv) making inappropriate use of our, or our subsidiaries’ non-public information or (v) knowingly
disclosing or revealing false or misleading information.
Our Chief Executive Officer and the other relevant officers (including members of our Executive Team) are
required under the Mexican Securities Market Law to act for the benefit of our Company and not that of a particular
shareholder or group of shareholders. Our Chief Executive Officer is also required to (i) implement the instructions of
our shareholders (as delivered during a shareholders’ meeting) and our board of directors, (ii) submit to our board of
directors for approval the principal strategies for the business, (iii) submit to the audit and corporate practices
committees proposals for systems of internal control, (iv) disclose all material information to the public and
(v) maintain adequate accounting and registration systems and mechanisms for internal control. Our Chief Executive
Officer and the members of the other relevant officers (including members of our Executive Team) are also subject to
the same fiduciary duty obligations as our directors.
Our executive team also plays an important role from an ESG perspective. During 2022, we redefined our
internal ESG framework with annual and mid-term objectives. Each of our senior managers is the project leader for
one or more initiatives in our ESG framework. Each initiative has objectives, which are executed as projects, by each
team and a project leader, who is responsible for moving each initiative forward. On a quarterly basis, the project
leaders present the progress of their work program to the Executive Team and the Corporate Practices Committee,
which in turn presents key aspects and conclusions to the Board of Directors.
Family Relationships
There are no family or kinship relationships among our directors and the members of our Executive Team.
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Compensation
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the aggregate remuneration paid by the Company to key
management personnel for services in all capacities to the Issuer and its subsidiaries was US$49.6 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2024, the remuneration paid by the Issuer to each member of the Board
of Directors, excluding the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer, consisted of: (i) a fee of
US$80,000, plus an additional US$30,000 for each Committee Chair, payable in four quarterly installments, and (ii)
10,000 series A shares, pursuant to the terms of the LTIP. The right to receive such remuneration was contingent
upon attendance at a minimum of four meetings of the Company’s Board of Directors during the 2024 fiscal year.
Long-Term Incentive Plan
On March 22, 2018, a shareholders’ meeting authorized the Plan (as defined above). The purpose of the plan
is to provide the means for the Company and its subsidiaries to attract and retain talented people as officers, directors,
employees and consultants which are key to the Company and its subsidiaries, enhancing the profitable growth of the
Company and its subsidiaries. That same shareholders’ meeting vested our Board of Directors with the authority to
administer the Plan and approved the reservation of 8,750,000 series A shares issued by the Company on
December 18, 2017, for the implementation of the Plan. Share purchase plans are classified as equity-settled
transactions on the grant date. As of the date of this annual report, 471,260 Restricted Stock, 1,736,144 Stock
Options, and 2,494,463 Performance Restricted Stock are outstanding under the Plan. The exercise prices and
expiration dates of the Stock Options outstanding under the Plan are as follows (i) 110,000 Stock Options at an
exercise price of US$2.10 per series A share, expiring on April 29, 2030, (ii) 40,650 Stock Options at an exercise
price of US$2.85 per series A share, expiring on February 25, 2031, (iii) 493,828 Stock Options at an exercise price
of US$7.05 per series A share, expiring on February 23, 2032, (iv) 513,378 Stock Options at an exercise price of
US$17.83 per series A share, expiring on February 23, 2033, (v) 385,203 Stock Options at an exercise price of
US$29.66 per series A share, expiring on January 2, 2034, (vi) 8,998 Stock Options at an exercise price of US$32.02
per series A share, expiring on February 20, 2034, and (vii) 184,087 Stock Options at an exercise price of US$54.09
per series A share, expiring on January 2, 2035. The following paragraphs describe the principal terms and conditions
of the Plan.
Type of Awards. The Plan permits different awards in the form of Stock Options, Restricted Stock or
Performance Restricted Stock. Performance Restricted Stock vests based on the attainment of performance goals over
a period of time to be determined by the Manager in consultation with the Board of Directors and/or the
Compensation Committee and set forth in the corresponding award notice.
Plan Administration. The Plan is administered by our Board of Directors and/or the Compensation
Committee. The Board may delegate certain authority under the Plan to some individual or individuals among the
officers of the Company. The administrator of the Plan has the power and authority to determine the persons who are
eligible to receive awards, the number of awards, as well as other terms and conditions of awards.
Award Agreement. Any award granted under the Plan is evidenced by an award agreement or a certificate
issued by the Company that sets forth terms, conditions and limitations for such award, which may include the
number of Restricted Stock or Stock Options awarded, the exercise price, the provisions applicable in the event of the
participant’s employment or service terminates, among other provisions. The Board may amend the terms of the Plan
and/or any particular award, provided that no such amendment shall impair the rights of any participant under the
Plan.
Eligibility. We may grant awards to directors, officers, employees and consultants of our Company or any of
our Subsidiaries.
Vesting Schedule. Except as otherwise set forth by the Plan regarding certain cases of termination (with or
without cause) of employment or service, resignation, retirement, disability and/or death, Restricted Stock and Stock
Options shall vest and become non-forfeitable in accordance with the following calendar: (i) 33% on the first
anniversary, (ii) 33% on the second anniversary and (iii) 34% on the third anniversary of the date of grant. If a change
of control event occurs, such participant’s Restricted Stock and options will be immediately vested and exercisable.
131
Exercise of Stock Options. Vested options will become exercisable during 10 years since the date of grant.
The exercise price per share under a Stock Option shall be the Fair Market Value per share on the date of grant. The
number of Stock Options to be awarded to an Eligible Person shall be determined by the Manager at the time of grant
following the Black-Scholes method.
Transfer Restrictions. Except under the laws of descent and distribution or otherwise permitted by the plan
administrator, the participant will not be permitted to sell, transfer, pledge or assign any option.
Termination and amendment of the Plan. Our board of directors may amend, alter or discontinue the Plan,
but no amendment, alteration or discontinuation shall be made if such amendment, alteration or discontinuation would
impair the rights of a participant under any award.
Implementation of Plan; Trust. On March 26, 2019, the Company entered into the trust agreement No. 3844
with Banco INVEX, S.A., Institución de Banca Múltiple, INVEX Grupo Financiero in its capacity as trustee (i)
implement and manage the terms of the Plan, and (ii) transfer the shares underlying the awards, as and when required,
in accordance with the terms of the Plan and subject to fulfillment of any requirements set forth in applicable law. On
December 2, 2022 an amendment to such trust agreement was entered into in order to allow distributing the respective
awards, not only based on shares but also in ADSs representing rights with respect to shares.
On February 6, 2023, the Company filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-8, which relates to
the registration of series A shares to be offered and sold under the Plan.
Business Address of the Members of our Board of Directors and Executive Team
The business address of the members of our Company’s board of directors and the members of our
Executive Team is: Torre Mapfre, 18th Floor, 243 Paseo de la Reforma Avenue, Colonia Renacimiento, Alcaldía
Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, 06600, Mexico.
Share Ownership
As of the date of this annual report, Susan Segal, Pierre-Jean Sivignon, Gerard Martellozo, German Losada,
Mauricio Doehner Cobian and our Chief Operations Officer held series A shares and/or ADSs of the Company, in
each case representing less than 1% of our outstanding shares.
As of the date of this annual report, our Chairman owned (i) 6,245,671 series A shares (a portion of which is
held in the form of ADSs), (ii) 597,898 vested Stock Options, (iii) 330,204 unvested Stock Options, (iv) 189,668
Restricted Stock, and (v) 1,112,961 Performance Restricted Stock. The exercise prices and expiration dates of the
Stock Options held by the Chairman are as follows (i) 281,186 Stock Options at an exercise price of US$7.05 per
series A share, expiring on February 23, 2032, (ii) 305,895 Stock Options at an exercise price of US$17.83 per series
A share, expiring on February 23, 2033, (iii) 223,955 Stock Options at an exercise price of US$29.66 per series A
share, expiring on January 2, 2034, and (iv) 117,066 Stock Options at an exercise price of US$54.09 per series A
share, expiring on January 2, 2035.
As of the date of this annual report, our Chief Financial Officer owned (i) 1,513,667 series A shares (a
portion of which is held in the form of ADSs), (ii) 134,638 vested Stock Options, (iii) 78,923 unvested Stock Options,
(iv) 45,528 Restricted Stock, and (v) 284,788 Performance Restricted Stock. The exercise prices and expiration dates
of the Stock Options held by our Chief Financial Officer are as follows (i) 61,861 Stock Options at an exercise price
of US$7.05 per series A share, expiring on February 23, 2032, (ii) 67,297 Stock Options at an exercise price of
US$17.83 per series A share, expiring on February 23, 2033, (iii) 55,429 Stock Options at an exercise price of
US$29.66 per series A share, expiring on January 2, 2034, and (iv) 28,974 Stock Options at an exercise price of
US$54.09 per series A share, expiring on January 2, 2035.
As of the date of this annual report, our Chief Technology Officer owned (i) 1,438,504 series A shares (a
portion of which is held in the form of ADSs), (ii) 134,638 vested Stock Options, (iii) 49,949 unvested Stock Options,
(iv) 30,085 Restricted Stock, and (v) 286,357 Performance Restricted Stock. The exercise prices and expiration dates
of the Stock Options held by our Chief Technology Officer are as follows (i) 61,861 Stock Options at an exercise
price of US$7.05 per series A share, expiring on February 23, 2032, (ii) 67,297 Stock Options at an exercise price of
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US$17.83 per series A share, expiring on February 23, 2033, and (iii) 55,429 Stock Options at an exercise price of
US$29.66 per series A share, expiring on January 2, 2034.
As of the date of this annual report, our Strategic Planning and Investor Relations Officer owned (i)
1,198,381 series A shares (a portion of which is held in the form of ADSs), (ii) 122,399 vested Stock Options, (iii)
71,748 unvested Stock Options, (iv) 41,391 Restricted Stock, and (v) 258,898 Performance Restricted Stock. The
exercise prices and expiration dates of the Stock Options held by our Strategic Planning and Investor Relations
Officer are as follows (i) 56,238 Stock Options at an exercise price of US$7.05 per series A share, expiring on
February 23, 2032, (ii) 61,179 Stock Options at an exercise price of US$17.83 per series A share, expiring on
February 23, 2033, and (iii) 50,390 Stock Options at an exercise price of US$29.66 per series A share, expiring on
January 2, 2034, and (iv) 26,340 Stock Options at an exercise price of US$54.09 per series A share, expiring on
January 2, 2035.
Except as set forth above, none of our directors or executive officers held Restricted Stock, Performance
Restricted Stock or Stock Options, in each case and with respect to each such instrument, representing 1% or more of
our outstanding shares as of the date of this annual report.
Employees
As of December 31, 2024, we had 528 employees, of which 510 were in Argentina and 18 in Mexico.
The following table shows the employee headcount for Vista for the periods presented:
As of December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Vista...................................................
528
470
465
As of December 31, 2024, December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, 55%, 54% and 59%, respectively, of
our employees in Argentina were represented by one union and benefitted from a collective bargaining agreement
between such union and our subsidiaries.
Since 2017, we have not experienced any material labor-related problems or major labor disturbances, and
our relations with the unions are stable. However, we cannot guarantee that we will not experience any conflicts with
our employees in the future, including with our unionized employees in the context of future negotiations of our
collective bargaining agreements, which could result in events such as strikes or other disruptions that could have a
negative impact on our operations. For further information on risk of labor disputes, see “Item 3—Key Information—
Risk Factors—Detailed Risk Factors—Risks Related to our Company—We employ a highly unionized workforce and
could be subject to labor actions such as strikes, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.”
As of December 31, 2024, there were also approximately 700 outsourced staff that access our operations on
a daily basis to provide services. Although we have policies regarding compliance with labor and social security
obligations for our contractors, we can provide no assurance that the contractors’ employees will not initiate legal
actions against us seeking indemnification based upon a number of Argentine judicial labor court precedents that
established that the ultimate beneficiary of employee services is joint and severally liable with the contractor, which is
the employee’s formal employer. See “Item 3—Key Information—Risk Factors—Detailed Risk Factors—Risks
Related to our Company—We face risks related to certain legal proceedings.”
We are firmly committed to providing the necessary tools for our workforce to grow technically and advance
their careers within the Company. We have designed a professional development plan for technical training: the
technical career program. First, we identified a matrix of critical competencies needed for the different technical
positions. We conduct a gap analysis of our workforce and identify the skills needed to improve the qualification of
our teams. Each career has a technical mentor and a person who evaluates the progress of individuals at each step of
their career. We believe Vista has exceptional and experienced mentors who come from technical backgrounds and
have been specifically involved with Vaca Muerta since the beginning of development.
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ITEM 6.F
DISCLOSURE OF A REGISTRANT’S ACTION TO RECOVER ERRONEOUSLY
AWARDED COMPENSATION
Not applicable.
ITEM 7.
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 7.A
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
Our outstanding capital stock consists of two series of shares: series A shares and series C shares, in each
case registered with the RNV and listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange. As of December 31, 2024, our capital stock
was represented by 95,285,451 series A shares, and two series C shares. As of the date of this annual report, our
capital stock was represented by 98,150,716 series A shares, and two series C shares. Each series of shares grants the
same rights and obligations to its holders, including corporate and economic rights.
The following table sets forth certain information known to us of our shareholders who are beneficial owners
of more than 5% of our series A shares and series C shares as of the date of this annual report (except as set forth
below), which is the most recent practicable date as to which we have information available. In computing the number
of series A shares beneficially owned by a person or entity and the percentage ownership of that person or entity, we
deemed to be outstanding all series A shares subject to stock options or restricted stock held by that person or entity
that are currently exercisable or that will become exercisable or vested, as applicable, within 60 days of the date of
this annual report. series A shares issuable pursuant to stock options or restricted stock are deemed outstanding for
computing the percentage ownership of the person or entity holding such options but are not outstanding for
computing the percentage of any other person or entity.
Shareholders
Amount
% of class
Series A shares
Al Mehwar Commercial Investments LLC (1)
12,822,581
13.06%
Miguel Galuccio (2)
6,843,569
6.97%
(1)
Al Mehwar Commercial Investments LLC is a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Investment Council Company P.J.S.C. which is a joint
stock company established by the Government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi Investment
Council Company P.J.S.C. is wholly owned by Mubadala Investment Company P.J.S.C., which is itself wholly owned by the
Government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
(2)
As of the date of this annual report, our Chairman owned (i) 6,245,671 series A shares (a portion of which is held in the form of
ADSs), (ii) 597,898 vested Stock Options, (iii) 330,204 unvested Stock Options, (iv) 189,668 Restricted Stock, and (v) 1,112,961
Performance Restricted Stock.
As of December 31, 2024, there were 80,924,355 ADSs outstanding (representing rights to 80,924,355 series A
shares or 85% of outstanding series A shares). As of December 31, 2024, there was one registered holder of ADSs in
the United States. It is not practicable for us to determine the number of our ADSs or series A shares beneficially
owned in the United States. Likewise, we cannot readily ascertain the domicile of the final beneficial owners
represented by ADS record holders in the United States or the domicile of the beneficial owners of our series A
shares, either directly or indirectly.
As of the date of this annual report, the Company is not directly nor indirectly controlled by another company, a
government, or by any other individual or legal entity. In addition, we hereby represent that we are not aware of any
commitment that could represent a change of control in our corporate structure.
ITEM 7.B
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
We enter into transactions with our shareholders and with companies that are owned or controlled, directly
or indirectly, by us in the normal course of our business. Any transactions with such related parties have been made
consistent with normal business operations using terms and conditions available in the market and are in accordance
with applicable law.
The following table provides the total amount of transactions that have been entered into with related parties
for the relevant financial period/year.
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Key management personnel remuneration
Consolidated for the year ended December
31, 2024
Short-term employee benefits......................................
20,861
Share-based payment transactions ................................
28,776
Total......................................................................
49,637
The amounts disclosed in the table are the amounts recognized as an expense during the reporting
period/year related to key management personnel.
ITEM 7.C
INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
Not applicable.
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
See Item 18 for our Audited Financial Statements. For a description of events that have occurred since the date of the
Company’s Financial Statements, see “Item 4—Information on the Company—Recent Developments.”
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, we may be subject to various lawsuits, claims and proceedings that arise in the normal
course of business, including employment, commercial, environmental, safety and health matters. For example, from
time to time, we receive notice from regulatory authorities in connection with the fulfillment of certain environmental,
health and/or safety matters. It is not presently possible to determine whether any such matters will have a material
adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
For more information on the legal proceedings see Notes 22.3 and 28 to the Audited Financial Statements.
DIVIDENDS
Under Mexican law, subject to the satisfaction of certain quorum requirements, only shareholders at a
general meeting have the authority to declare a dividend. Although not required by law, such declarations typically
follow the recommendation of the Board of Directors. Additionally, under Mexican law, we may only pay dividends
from retained earnings included in financial statements that have been approved at a general shareholders’ meeting,
after all losses from prior fiscal years have been satisfied and after at least 5% of net income (after profit sharing and
other deductions required by Mexican law) has been allocated to legal reserves, up to an amount equal to 20% of our
paid-in capital stock from time to time. We have paid no dividend since our incorporation.
Our Board of Directors is not currently considering the adoption of a dividend policy. Changes in our
operating and financial results, including those derived from extraordinary events, and risks described in “Risk
Factors” that affect our financial condition and liquidity, could limit any distribution of dividends and their amount.
We cannot provide any assurances that we will pay dividends in the future or as to the amount of dividends, if any are
paid.
The amount and payment of future dividends, if any, will be subject to applicable law and will depend upon
a variety of factors that may be considered by our Board of Directors or our shareholders, including our future
operating results, financial condition, capital requirements, investments in potential acquisitions or other growth
opportunities, legal restrictions, contractual restrictions in our current and future debt instruments and our ability to
obtain funds from our subsidiaries. Such factors may limit or prevent the payment of any future dividends and may be
135
considered by our Board of Directors in recommending, or by our shareholders in approving, the payment of any
future dividends.
We are a holding company and our income, and therefore our ability to pay dividends, is dependent upon the
dividends and other distributions that we receive from our subsidiaries. The payment of dividends or other
distributions by our subsidiaries will depend upon their operating results, financial condition, capital expenditures
plans and other factors that their respective boards of directors deem relevant. Dividends may only be paid out of
distributable reserves and our subsidiaries are required to allocate earnings to their respective legal reserve funds prior
to paying dividends to us. In addition, covenants in loan agreements, if any, of our subsidiaries, may limit their ability
to declare or pay cash dividends.
In the event we were to declare dividends they would be paid in Mexican Pesos through Indeval to each
custodian, which would deduct any applicable withholding taxes. In the case of series A shares represented by ADSs,
the depositary will convert the cash dividends it receives in Mexican Pesos into U.S. Dollars at the prevailing rate of
exchange, and thereafter it would distribute the amount so converted to the holders of ADSs, net of conversion
expenses of the depositary. Fluctuations in the Mexican Peso—U.S. Dollar exchange rate will affect the amount of
dividends that ADS holders would receive.
Dividends paid from our distributable earnings that have not been subject to corporate income tax (i.e., that
do not derive from our net after-tax profits account (cuenta de utilidad fiscal neta or “CUFIN”) are subject to a
corporate-level tax payable by us. We are entitled to apply any such tax on the distribution of earnings as a credit
against our Mexican corporate income tax corresponding to the fiscal year in which the dividend was paid or against
the Mexican corporate income tax of the two fiscal years following the date in which the dividend was paid.
Dividends paid from our distributable earnings that have been subject to corporate income tax (i.e., that derive from
the company’s CUFIN balance) are not subject to this corporate-level dividend income tax.
On March 16, 2022, the Board of Directors of the Company called for an Ordinary and Extraordinary
General Shareholders’ meeting, to propose, discuss, and, if applicable, approve a proposal permitting up to US$23.84
million (namely the total net profits for the year 2021, including the retained profits (accumulated results) minus
US$1.26 million, that will be set aside to constitute the legal reserve) to be used for the purchase of the Company’s
own shares during 2022. If the maximum amount of funds set aside for the purchase are not entirely used by
December 31, 2022, the Company may use the remaining amount to repurchase its own shares during 2023. The
amount of funds applicable to be used in 2023 may be increased or modified by any subsequent shareholders’
meeting. The proposal was subsequently approved by the Ordinary and Extraordinary General Shareholders’ meeting
on April 26, 2022.
On October 26, 2022, the Board of Directors of the Company called for an Ordinary General Shareholders’
meeting, to propose, discuss, and, if applicable, approve a proposal permitting up to US$25.63 million (namely the
total net profits for the first nine months of 2022, including the retained profits (accumulated results) minus US$1.35
million, that will be set aside to constitute the legal reserve) to be used for the purchase of the Company’s own shares
during 2022. If the maximum amount of funds set aside for the purchase are not entirely used by December 31, 2022,
the Company may use the remaining amount to repurchase its own shares during 2023. The amount of funds
applicable to be used in 2023 may be increased or modified by any subsequent shareholders’ meeting. The proposal
was subsequently approved by the Ordinary General Shareholders’ meeting on December 7, 2022.
On April 24, 2023, the Shareholder’s Meeting approved an amendment of the maximum amount of funds
that may be used for the purchase of the Company’s shares (or securities representing such shares) for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2023, from the originally approved US$20.1 million to US$50.0 million, the remainder of
which, if any, may be used for the same purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.
On August 6, 2024, the Shareholder’s Meeting approved the maximum amount of funds that may be used for
the purchase of the Company’s shares (or securities representing such shares) for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2024, for US$50.0 million, the remainder of which, if any, may be used for the same purposes for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2025.
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
136
There are no significant changes to the financial information included in the most recent audited financial
statements contained in this annual report, other than as otherwise described in this annual report.
ITEM 9.
THE OFFER AND LISTING
TRADING HISTORY
Our capital stock is comprised of common shares, no par value. Each share entitles the holder thereof to one
vote at shareholders’ meetings. All outstanding shares are fully paid in and our common shares have been listed on the
BMV since 2017. Since July 26, 2019, our ADSs have been listed on the NYSE. The ADSs have been issued by the
Bank of New York as depositary. Each ADS represents one common share.
MARKET INFORMATION
Market of Our Shares
Our ADSs are currently listed on the NYSE under the symbol “VIST.” Each ADS issued by the Depositary
represents rights to one series A share. Our series A shares are listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange under the
symbol “VISTA.” As of December 31, 2024, the variable portion of our outstanding capital stock was comprised by
95,285,451 series A shares, registered with the RNV and listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange. The variable portion
of our capital stock is of unlimited amount pursuant to our bylaws and the applicable laws, whereas the fixed portion
of our capital stock is divided into two series C shares, registered with the RNV and listed on the Mexican Stock
Exchange.
Trading on the Mexican Stock Exchange
The Mexican Stock Exchange, located in Mexico City, is one of two stock exchanges currently operating in
Mexico. Operating continuously since 1907, the Mexican Stock Exchange is organized as a variable capital public
stock corporation (sociedad anónima bursátil de capital variable). Securities trading on the Mexican Stock Exchange
occurs each business day from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Mexico City time, subject to adjustments to operate uniformly
with certain markets in the United States.
Since January 1999, all trading on the Mexican Stock Exchange has been affected electronically. The
Mexican Stock Exchange may impose a number of measures to promote an orderly and transparent trading price of
securities, including the operation of a system of automatic suspension of trading in shares of a particular issuer, when
price fluctuations exceed certain limits.
Settlement of transactions with equity securities on the Mexican Stock Exchange are affected three business
days after a share transaction is agreed to. Deferred settlement is not permitted without the approval of the Mexican
Stock Exchange, even where mutually agreed. Securities traded on the Mexican Stock Exchange are on deposit in
book-entry form through the facilities of Indeval, a privately owned securities depositary that acts as a clearinghouse,
depositary, and custodian, as well as a settlement, transfer, and registration agent for Mexican Stock Exchange
transactions, eliminating the need for physical transfer of securities. Transactions must be settled in Mexican Pesos
except under limited circumstances and in respect of limited transactions in which settlement in foreign currencies
may be permitted.
Market Regulation
In 1924, the CNBV was established to regulate banking activity and in 1946, the Mexican Securities
Commission was established to regulate securities market activity. In 1995, these two entities merged to form the
CNBV.
Among other things, the CNBV regulates the public offering and trading of securities, public companies and
participants in the Mexican securities market (including brokerage houses and the Mexican Stock Exchange), and
imposes sanctions for the illegal use of insider information and other violations of the Mexican Securities Market
Law. The CNBV regulates the Mexican securities market, the Mexican Stock Exchange, and brokerage firms, through
its staff and a board of governors composed of thirteen members.
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Mexican Securities Market Law
The current Mexican Securities Market Law (as amended from time to time) was published in the Mexican
Federal Official Gazette on December 30, 2005, and became effective on June 28, 2006, and is referred to as the
Mexican Securities Market Law.
In particular, the Mexican Securities Market Law:
•
includes private placement exemptions directed to Mexican institutional and qualified investors, and
specifies the requirements that need to be satisfied for an issuer or underwriter to fall within the
exemption;
•
includes improved rules for tender offers, dividing them in either voluntary or mandatory;
•
establishes standards for disclosure of holdings applicable to shareholders of public companies;
•
establishes the role of the board of directors of public companies;
•
defines the role of the chief executive officer and other relevant officers of public corporations;
•
defines the standards applicable to the board of directors and the duties and potential liabilities and
penalties applicable to each director, the chief executive officer and other executive officers and the
audit and corporate governance committee (introducing concepts such as the duty of care, duty of
loyalty and safe harbors for actions attributable to directors and officers);
•
establishes the audit and corporate governance committee and establishes the audit and corporate
governance committee with clearly defined responsibilities;
•
sets forth rights of minority shareholders (including the right to initiate shareholders’ derivative
suits);
•
defines applicable sanctions for violation of law;
•
provides flexibility to allow regulated Mexican brokerage firms to engage in certain limited
activities;
•
regulates stock exchanges, clearinghouses, futures and derivatives markets, and rating agencies;
•
establishes penalties (including incarceration), arising from violations of the Mexican Securities
Market Law and regulations thereunder;
•
establishes that public companies are considered a single economic unit with the entities they
control for reporting accounting and other purposes;
•
establishes concepts such as consortiums, groups of related persons or entities, control and decision-
making power;
•
defines rules relating to the types of securities that may be offered by public companies;
•
sets forth information for share repurchases; and
•
specifies requirements for implementing anti-takeover measures.
In March 2003, the CNBV issued certain general regulations applicable to issuers and other securities market
participants, which regulations have since been amended, or the General Regulations, and in September 2004, the
CNBV issued certain general regulations applicable to brokerage firms. The General Regulations, which repealed
several previously enacted CNBV regulations, provide a consolidated set of rules governing public offerings,
reporting requirements and issuer activity, among other things.
More recently, a decree amending certain provisions on the Mexican Securities Market Law became
effective on December 29, 2023, which contains, among others, certain provisions and adjustments (a) providing
flexibility to issue different series and classes of shares without requiring CNBV authorization and without a
percentage limit, including shares without voting rights, with restricted voting rights, with veto rights, that limit or
expand the distribution of profits or other special economic rights; and (b) allowing to delegate to the board of
directors of public companies the authority to approve capital increases and determine the terms for the subscription
138
of shares issued in connection with such increase, including restrictions on the exercise of preemptive subscription
rights.
Issuance, Registration and Listing Standards
In order to offer securities to the public in Mexico, an issuer must meet specific qualitative and quantitative
requirements. Only securities that have been registered with the RNV, pursuant to approval by the CNBV may be
listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange.
The General Regulations require the Mexican Stock Exchange to adopt minimum requirements for issuers
that seek to list their securities in Mexico. These requirements relate to operating history, financial and capital
structure, and minimum public floats, among other things. The General Regulations also require the Mexican Stock
Exchange to implement minimum requirements (including minimum public floats) for issuers to maintain their listing
in Mexico. These requirements relate to the issuer’s financial condition, capital structure and public float, among
others. The CNBV may waive some of these requirements in certain circumstances. In addition, some of the
requirements are applicable for each series of shares of the relevant issuer.
The CNBV’s approval for registration with the RNV does not imply any kind of certification or assurance
related to the investment quality of the securities, the solvency of the issuer, or the accuracy or completeness of any
information delivered to the CNBV or included in any offering document.
The Mexican Stock Exchange may review compliance with the foregoing requirements and other
requirements at any time, but will normally do so on an annual, semi-annual and quarterly basis. The Mexican Stock
Exchange must inform the CNBV of the results of its review, and this information must, in turn, be disclosed to
investors. If an issuer fails to comply with any of these minimum requirements, the Mexican Stock Exchange will
request that the issuer propose a plan to cure the violation. If the issuer fails to propose a plan, if the plan is not
satisfactory to the Mexican Stock Exchange, or if an issuer does not make substantial progress with respect to the
implementation of the corrective plan, trading of the relevant series of shares on the Mexican Stock Exchange may be
temporarily suspended. In addition, if an issuer fails to implement the plan in full, the CNBV may cancel the
registration of the shares, in which case the majority shareholder or any controlling group will be required to carry out
a tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the issuer in accordance with the tender offer provisions set
forth in the Mexican Securities Market Law (under which all holders must be treated in the same manner).
Reporting Obligations
Issuers of listed shares such as the Company, are required to file unaudited quarterly financial statements and
audited annual financial statements (together with an explanation thereof) and periodic reports, in particular reports
dealing with material events, with the CNBV and the Mexican Stock Exchange. Mexican issuers must file the
following reports:
•
a comprehensive annual report prepared in accordance with the General Regulations, by no later
than April 30 of each year, which must include (i) audited annual financial statements and
(ii) reports on the activities carried out by the audit and corporate governance committee;
•
quarterly reports, within 20 business days following the end of each of the first three quarters and
40 business days following the end of the fourth quarter;
•
reports disclosing material information;
•
reports and disclosure memoranda revealing corporate restructurings such as mergers, spin-offs or
acquisitions or sales of assets, approved by shareholders’ meeting or the board of directors;
•
reports regarding the policies and guidelines with respect to the use of the company’s (or its
subsidiaries) assets by related persons; and
•
details dealing with agreements among shareholders.
Pursuant to the General Regulations, the internal rules of the Mexican Stock Exchange were amended to
implement an automated electronic information transfer system (Sistema Electrónico de Envío y Difusión de
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Información, or SEDI) called the Sistema Electrónico de Comunicación con Emisoras de Valores, or EMISNET, for
information required to be filed with the Mexican Stock Exchange. Issuers of listed securities must prepare and
disclose their financial and other information via EMISNET. Immediately upon receipt, the Mexican Stock Exchange
makes this financial and other information available to the public.
The General Regulations and the rules of the Mexican Stock Exchange require issuers of listed securities to
file through SEDI information that relates to any event or circumstance that could influence an issuer’s share prices
and investor decisions to acquire stock. If listed securities experience unusual price volatility, the Mexican Stock
Exchange must immediately request that an issuer inform the public as to the causes of the volatility or, if the issuer is
unaware of the causes, that it makes a statement to the effect that it is unaware of the causes of such volatility. In
addition, the Mexican Stock Exchange must immediately request that issuers disclose any information relating to
material events when it deems the available public information to be insufficient, as well as instruct issuers to clarify
information when necessary. The Mexican Stock Exchange may request that issuers confirm or deny any material
event that has been disclosed to the public by third parties when it deems that the material event may affect or
influence the price of the listed securities. The Mexican Stock Exchange must immediately inform the CNBV of any
such request. In addition, the CNBV may also make any of these requests directly to issuers. An issuer may delay the
disclosure of material events if:
•
the information is related to transactions that have not been consummated;
•
there is no public information in the mass media relating to the material event; and
•
no unusual price or volume fluctuation occurs.
If an issuer elects to delay the disclosure of material, it must implement adequate confidentiality measures
(including maintaining a log with the names of parties in possession of confidential information and the date when
each such party became aware of the relevant information).
Similarly, if an issuer’s securities are traded on both the Mexican Stock Exchange and a foreign securities
exchange, the issuer must simultaneously file the information that it is required to file pursuant to the laws and
regulations of the foreign jurisdiction with the CNBV and the Mexican Stock Exchange.
Suspension of Trading
In addition to the authority of the Mexican Stock Exchange under its internal regulations described above,
the CNBV and the Mexican Stock Exchange may suspend trading in an issuer’s securities:
•
if the issuer does not disclose a material event;
•
failure by the issuer to timely or adequately comply with its reporting obligations;
•
significant exceptions or comments contained in the auditors’ opinions of the issuer’s financial
statements, or determinations that such financial statements were not prepared in accordance with
the applicable accounting procedures and policies; or
•
upon price or volume volatility or changes in the trading of the relevant securities that are not
consistent with the historic performance of the securities and cannot be explained solely through
information made publicly available pursuant to the General Regulations.
The Mexican Stock Exchange must immediately inform the CNBV and the general public of any suspension.
An issuer may request that the CNBV or the Mexican Stock Exchange permit trading to resume if it demonstrates that
the causes triggering the suspension have been resolved and that it is in full compliance with periodic reporting
requirements. If an issuer’s request has been granted, the Mexican Stock Exchange will determine the appropriate
mechanism to resume trading (which may include a bidding process to determine applicable prices). If trading in an
issuer’s securities is suspended for more than 20 business days and the issuer is authorized to resume trading without
conducting a public offering, the issuer must disclose via SEDI, before trading may resume, a description of the
causes that resulted in the suspension.
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Under consent regulations, the Mexican Stock Exchange may consider the measures adopted by other non-
Mexican exchanges to suspend and/or resume trading of an issuer’s shares, in cases where the relevant securities are
simultaneously traded on stock exchanges located outside of Mexico.
Insider Trading, Trading Restrictions and Tender Offers
The Mexican Securities Market Law contains specific regulations regarding insider trading, including the
requirement that persons in possession of information deemed privileged abstain (i) from directly or indirectly,
trading in the relevant issuer’s securities, or derivatives with respect to such securities, the trading price of which may
be affected by such information, (ii) from making recommendations or providing advice to third parties to trade in
such securities, and (iii) disclosing or communicating such privileged information to third parties (except for persons
to whom such information must be disclosed as a result of their positions or employment).
Pursuant to the Mexican Securities Market Law, the following persons must notify the CNBV of any
transactions undertaken by them with respect to a listed issuer’s securities, whether on a case-by-case basis or
quarterly:
•
members of a listed issuer’s board of directors;
•
shareholders directly or indirectly controlling 10% or more of a listed issuer’s outstanding capital
stock; and
•
officers.
These persons must also inform the CNBV of the effect of the transactions within five days following their
completion. In addition, insiders must abstain from purchasing or selling securities of the issuer within three months
from the last sale or purchase, respectively.
Also, directors and relevant officers that are holders of 1% or more of the outstanding shares of a Mexican
public company, must disclose their holdings and the relevant issuer.
Subject to certain exceptions, any acquisition of a public company’s shares that results in the acquirer
owning 10% or more, but less than 30%, of an issuer’s outstanding capital stock, must be publicly disclosed to the
CNBV and the Mexican Stock Exchange by no later than one business day following the acquisition.
Any acquisition or disposition by certain insiders that results in such insider increasing or decreasing in 5%
or more such insider’s holdings in shares of the public company to which it is related must also be publicly disclosed
to the CNBV and the Mexican Stock Exchange no later than one business day following the acquisition or
disposition. The Mexican Securities Market Law requires that convertible securities, warrants and derivatives to be
settled in kind be considered in the calculation of share ownership percentages of public companies.
Tender Offers
The Mexican Securities Market Law contains provisions relating to public tender offers and certain other
share acquisitions occurring in Mexico. Under the Mexican Securities Market Law, tender offers may be voluntary or
mandatory. Both are subject to prior approval of the CNBV and must comply with general legal and regulatory
requirements. Voluntary tender offers, or offers where there is no requirement that they be initiated or completed, are
required to be made pro rata. Any intended acquisition of a public company’s shares that results in the acquirer
owning 30% or more requires the acquirer to make a mandatory tender offer for the greater of (i) the percentage of the
capital stock intended to be acquired, or (ii) 10% of the company’s outstanding capital stock, provided that if such
acquisition is aimed at obtaining control, then the potential acquirer is required to launch a mandatory tender offer for
100% of the company’s outstanding capital stock (however, under certain circumstances, the CNBV may permit an
offer for less than 100%). The tender offer must be made at the same price to all shareholders and classes of shares.
The board of directors, with the advice of the audit and corporate governance committee, must issue its opinion in
respect of the fairness of the price applicable to any mandatory tender offer, which may be accompanied by an
independent fairness opinion. Directors and the chief executive officer of a public company, in respect of which a
tender offer has been made, must disclose whether or not each of them will tender his respective shares in the tender
offer.
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Under the Mexican Securities Market Law, all tender offers must be open for at least 20 business days and
purchases thereunder are required to be made pro rata to all tendering shareholders. The Mexican Securities Market
Law also permits the payment of certain amounts to a controlling shareholder over and above the offering price if
these amounts are fully disclosed, approved by the board of directors, and paid solely in connection with non-compete
or similar obligations. The law also provides exceptions to the mandatory tender offer requirements and specifically
sets forth remedies for non-compliance with these tender offer rules (e.g., suspension of voting rights, possible
annulment of purchases, etc.) and other rights available to prior shareholders of the issuer.
Anti-Takeover Protections
The Mexican Securities Market Law provides that public companies may include anti-takeover provisions in
their by-laws if such provisions (i) are approved by a majority of the shareholders, without shareholders representing
20% or more of the capital stock present at the meeting voting against such provision, and (ii) do not contravene legal
provisions related to tender offers or have the effect of disregarding the economic rights related to the shares held by
the acquiring party.
ITEM 10.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
General
We were incorporated on March 22, 2017, with public deed number 79,311 and registered with the Mexican
Public Registry of Commerce in Mexico City, under commercial folio number N-2017024493, as a capital stock
corporation. A copy of our bylaws can be obtained from the CNBV or the Mexican Stock Exchange and is available
for review at www.bmv.com.mx.
Pursuant to the shareholders resolutions that approved our initial public offering as documented by public
deed number 80,566 on July 28, 2017 and registered with the Mexican Public Registry of Commerce in Mexico City,
under commercial folio number N-2017024493, we became a publicly traded company of variable capital stock
(sociedad anónima bursátil de capital variable) and approved amendments to our bylaws in order to comply with
applicable provisions in the Mexican Securities Market Law.
You may obtain a copy of our current bylaws from us or from the Mexican Stock Exchange through the
following website: www.bmv.com.mx and www.vistaenergy.com. An English translation of our current bylaws is
available from us upon request via email at ir@vistaenergy.com.
Corporate Purpose
Pursuant to Article three of our bylaws, the corporate purpose of Vista is to engage, among others, in the
following activities:
(i)
acquire, by any legal means, any type of assets, stock, partnership interests, equity interests or
interests in any kind of commercial or civil companies, associations, partnerships, trusts or any kind
of entities within the energy sector, whether such entities are Mexican or foreign, at the time of their
inception or at a later time as well as sell, assign, transfer, negotiate, encumber or otherwise dispose
of or pledge such assets, stocks, equity interests or interests;
(ii)
participate as a partner, shareholder or investor in all businesses or entities, whether mercantile or
civil, associations, trusts or any other nature, whether Mexican or foreign, from their inception or by
acquiring shares, equity interests or other kind of interests, regardless of the name they are given, in
all kind of incorporated companies, as well as to exercise the corporate and economic rights derived
from such participation and to buy, vote, sell, transfer, subscribe, hold, use, encumber, dispose,
modify or auction under any title, such shares, equity interests or other kind of interests, as well as
participations of all kind in entities subject to applicable law, as it is necessary or convenient;
(iii)
issue and place shares representative of its social capital, either through public or private offerings,
in national or foreign stock exchange markets;
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(iv)
issue or place warrants, either through public or private offerings, by shares representing their
capital stock or any other type of securities, in domestic or foreign stock exchange markets; and
(v)
issue or place negotiable instruments, debt instruments or any other value, either through public or
private offerings, in domestic or foreign stock exchange markets.
Capital Stock
Our capital stock is variable. The amount of the fixed portion of our capital stock that is not subject to rights
of withdrawal is Ps.3,000, represented by two series C common, nominative shares no par value. As of December 31,
2024, the two series C shares are held by the Company, and no economic or corporate rights might be exercised in
connection therewith. The variable portion of our capital stock subject to rights of withdrawal is unlimited and
represented by series A shares, which are ordinary, nominative, no par value and grant equal economic and corporate
rights and obligations to their holders. As of December 31, 2024, the variable portion of our outstanding capital stock
was comprised by 95,285,451 series A shares. Our series A shares may be subscribed to and paid for by Mexican or
foreign individuals or corporations, as well as by any other foreign entities with or without legal entity. Our series B
shares (which were ordinary, nominative, with no par value and grant the same economic and corporate rights and
obligations to their holders) have been cancelled and at their time, were subscribed and paid by our Strategic Partners
(otherwise referred to herein as the Sponsor) and the independent directors of the Company and were converted into
series A shares as approved at an ordinary general shareholders’ meeting.
On August 1, 2017, prior to the closing of our initial public offering in Mexico, Vista and its strategic
partners, Vista Sponsor Holdings, L.P. (an entity controlled by senior personnel from Riverstone Investment Group
LLC) together with Miguel Galuccio, Pablo Vera Pinto, Juan Garoby and Alejandro Cherñacov (collectively, the
“Sponsor”), entered into a strategic partners agreement (“Strategic Partners Agreement”) in connection with the
private placement of the Sponsor Warrants. Pursuant to the Strategic Partners Agreement, the parties agreed, among
other things, (i) to purchase the Sponsor Warrants, (ii) that the Sponsor Warrants may be exercised without cash
payment as described in “Item 10—Additional Information—Memorandum and Articles of Association—Warrants,”
(iii) in the event that the warrants terminate early and the Sponsor Warrants expire without being exercised, the
parties agreed to issue another security or instrument that permits them to purchase series A shares in the same
manner as the expired Sponsor Warrants, and (iv) to certain lockup provisions, which have expired as of the date of
this annual report. As of the date of this annual report, there are no outstanding warrants. As of the date of this annual
report, and as a consequence of the exercise of all outstanding warrants on March 15, 2023, the Strategic Partners
Agreement has come to an end as the terms thereof are no longer applicable.
On March 22, 2018, a shareholders’ meeting authorized the Plan. That same shareholders’ meeting approved
the reservation of 8,750,000 series A shares issued by the Company on December 18, 2017, for the implementation of
the Plan. Additionally, the series A shares repurchased by the Company through our buy-back program may be
allocated to the Plan. As of the date of this annual report, 11,284,006 series A shares have been vested and are
outstanding in connection with the Plan. If all series A shares currently reserved for the Plan, in addition to all the
shares repurchased through the ongoing buy-back program, became outstanding, our issued and outstanding share
capital would increase 0.6% from 98,150,716 series A shares outstanding as of the date of this annual report to
98,781,026 series A shares. See “Item 6—Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Long-Term Incentive
Plan.”
At an ordinary general shareholders’ meeting, our shareholders may approve the issuance of other types of
shares including those who have special rights or limited rights to holders and/or securities with respect to such
shares.
Warrants
On October 4, 2022, Vista held a warrant holders’ meeting during which the warrant holders approved the
amendments to the warrant indenture and the global certificate that covers such Warrants proposed by the Company,
by means of which a cashless exercise mechanism was implemented that entitled the warrant holders to, in their sole
discretion or at Vista’s discretion (in the latter case, with respect to all outstanding warrants and without any further
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request, notice or communication required to or from Holders or any other person), obtain one series A share for each
31 Warrants owned.
During the period between October 10, 2022 and March 7, 2023, the warrants holders exercised 75,144,465
warrants, and as a result of such exercise, 2,424,015 additional series A shares became outstanding.
On March 7, 2023, Vista concluded the process with the CNBV to update the registration of Vista’s warrants
in the RNV enabling the Automatic Cashless Exercise. On March 15, 2023, by virtue of such Automatic Cashless
Exercise, and after giving effect thereto, the 24,535,535 outstanding Warrants were exercised, equivalent to 791,439
additional series A shares became outstanding. By virtue of the exercise of all warrants (i.e., those exercised by the
Holders before the Automatic Cashless Exercise, plus those exercised pursuant to such Automatic Cashless Exercise),
the total number of series A shares that became outstanding is 3,215,454. As of the date of this annual report, there
are no outstanding warrants.
Movements in Our Capital Stock
Capital stock increases shall be made pursuant to resolutions adopted by our shareholders in general
shareholders’ meetings.
Increases of our capital stock in its fixed portion are approved by resolutions taken by our shareholders in
extraordinary shareholders’ meetings, with a corresponding amendment to our bylaws, while the modification of our
capital stock in its variable portion is approved in ordinary shareholders’ meetings, which shall be formalized before a
notary public, without it being necessary that the relevant public deed is recorded before the public registry of
commerce of our corporate domicile.
Additionally, we may affect capital increases due to the capitalization of shareholders’ equity accounts,
pursuant to Article 116 of Mexico’s General Law of Commercial Companies, or any other provision replacing it from
time to time and other applicable law, through payment in cash or in kind, capitalization of liabilities or by any other
means allowed by applicable law. Regarding the increases by means of capitalization of shareholders’ equity
accounts, all shares shall have the right to the proportional part that correspond to them in the increase, without it
being necessary to issue new shares representing the increase.
Capital increases, except for those arising from our acquisition of our own securities, shall be recorded in a
capital variation registry book, which we are required to maintain pursuant to Article 219 of Mexico’s General Law of
Commercial Companies, or any other provision replacing it from time to time and other applicable law.
We may keep unsubscribed shares resulting from capital increase in treasury, or otherwise cancel such
shares, in both cases a prior capital decrease shall be resolved by a shareholders’ meeting to the extent necessary.
Our capital stock may only be reduced upon approval of our shareholders through resolutions adopted by
them in either ordinary or extraordinary shareholders’ meetings, in accordance with the provisions set forth in Article
12 of our bylaws except for (i) the separation of shareholders as described in Article 206 of Mexico’s General Law of
Commercial Companies or any other provision replacing it from time to time, and other applicable law; and (ii) the
acquisition of our own shares in accordance with our bylaws, the Mexican Securities Market Law and other
applicable law.
We may only reduce the fixed portion of our capital stock upon approval of our shareholders through
resolutions adopted by them at an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, the amendment of our bylaws and the
formalizing of the relevant meeting minutes before a notary public. We may also reduce the variable portion of our
capital stock upon approval by our shareholders through resolutions adopted by them at an ordinary shareholders’
meeting, the minutes of which shall be formalized before a notary public; provided that when the shareholders
exercise their separation right or when the decreases are a result of the reacquisition of our own shares, no resolution
from the shareholders’ meeting will be needed.
We may reduce our capital stock to absorb losses in the event that any shareholder exercises its right of
separation pursuant to Article 206 of Mexico’s General Law of Commercial Companies, or any other provision
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replacing it from time to time and other applicable law, as well as a result of the reacquisition by the Company of our
own shares pursuant to our bylaws, or in any other case allowed under applicable law.
Capital reductions to compensate losses will be carried out proportionally among all the shares representing
our capital stock, without it being necessary to cancel shares since they do not have par value.
Holders of securities that are part of the variable portion of our capital stock may not exercise their right of
withdrawal described in Article 220 of Mexico’s General Law of Commercial Companies, or any other provision
replacing it from time to time, pursuant to Article 50 of the Mexican Securities Market Law, any other provision
replacing it from time to time and other applicable law.
We shall register all capital reductions in our capital variations registry book, except for reductions resulting
from repurchase of our own shares.
Voting Rights
Pursuant to our bylaws, each series of our shares grants the same rights and obligations to holders thereof,
including economic rights, since all holders of the shares participate equally, without any distinction, in any dividend,
repayment, amortization or distribution of any nature on the terms further described herein.
Our bylaws provide that, we may issue shares of different series or classes, with no voting rights, with
limited corporate rights or with limited voting rights.
Non-voting shares shall not count for determining the necessary quorum to call to order a general
shareholders’ meeting. Limited or restricted voting shares will count only in determining the necessary quorum to call
to order shareholders’ meetings in which their vote is needed or special meetings.
Resolutions adopted at any general shareholders’ meeting in which the issuance of shares with different
series or classes is approved shall set forth the rights, limitations, restrictions and all other characteristics
corresponding to such shares.
Shareholders’ Meetings
A general shareholders’ meeting acts as our supreme body and authority. General shareholders’ meetings
may be ordinary or extraordinary, as well as special, and shall always be held in our corporate domicile, except for
cases of force majeure or acts of God.
Pursuant to Mexican law and our bylaws, general shareholders’ meetings require 15 calendar days’ advance
notice to be legally convened upon first or subsequent calls. Extraordinary general shareholders’ meetings are
convened to approve any of the matters referred to in Article 182 of Mexico’s General Law of Commercial
Companies, Articles 48, 53 and 108 of the Mexican Securities Market Law, or any other provisions replacing them
from time to time and other applicable law, as well as those provisions contained in Articles 9 and 19 of our bylaws.
All other general shareholders’ meetings shall be ordinary meetings, including those meetings which address
increases and reductions to the variable portion of our capital stock.
Special shareholders’ meetings shall convene to handle any matter that may affect the rights granted to the
holders of a series of our shares and shall be subject to the applicable provisions in our bylaws that were established
for extraordinary general shareholders’ meetings, in respect to attendance and voting quorums, as well as
formalization of minutes.
An ordinary general shareholders’ meeting shall be held at least once each year within the first four months
following the end of the previous fiscal year in order to approve the matters listed in the agenda for such meeting, the
matters described in Article 181 of Mexico’s General Law of Commercial Companies, or any other provision
replacing it from time to time, as well as to do any of the following:
(i)
discuss, approve or modify reports of the chairmen of both the audit committee and the corporate
practices committee;
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(ii)
discuss, approve or modify reports of our Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Article 28, Section
IV, and Article 44, Section XI, of the Mexican Securities Market Law, or any other provision
replacing them from time to time and other applicable law;
(iii)
discuss, approve or modify reports of the board of directors, pursuant to sub-paragraph (b) of
Article 172 of Mexico’s General Law of Commercial Companies, or any other provision replacing
it from time to time and other applicable law;
(iv)
review the opinion of the board of directors regarding the content of the Chief Executive Officer’s
reports;
(v)
decide on the use of profits, if any;
(vi)
appoint members of our board of directors, the Secretary and Deputy Secretary and the members of
committees, as well as their respective substitutes, as the case may be, and appoint or remove the
chairmen of both the audit committee and the corporate practices committee;
(vii)
determine the independence of directors;
(viii)
determine the maximum amount of corporate funds that may be used for the repurchase of our own
securities;
(ix)
approve transactions that we intend to carry out in the course of the fiscal year, when such
transactions, or a series of transactions considered together on an aggregate basis based on certain
shared characteristics (as determined by the Mexican Securities Market Law), represent an amount
that is 20% or more of our consolidated assets, determined on the basis of the value of our
consolidated assets at the end of the immediately preceding quarter (in such meetings, the
shareholders with limited or restricted voting rights may vote); and/or
(x)
handle any other matter in accordance with applicable law and that is not specifically reserved by
law to be taken up at an extraordinary general shareholders’ meeting.
An extraordinary general shareholders’ meeting shall handle any of the matters described in Article 182 of
Mexico’s General Law of Commercial Companies or any other provision replacing it from time to time. In addition,
shareholders at such an extraordinary meeting may do any of the following:
(i)
amend our bylaws to prevent an acquisition of our securities that would provide an acquirer or
acquirers control of our Company;
(ii)
increase our capital stock pursuant to the terms of Article 53 of the Mexican Securities Market Law,
or any other provision replacing it from time to time;
(iii)
cancel the registration any of our capital stock or the certificates representing such securities with
the RNV;
(iv)
generally, amend our bylaws;
(v)
approve the cancellation of shares representing our capital stock with distributable profits and the
issuance of dividend certificates or limited-voting, preferential or any other kind of shares different
from ordinary shares; and/or
(vi)
handle any other matter in accordance with applicable law or our bylaws that expressly requires a
special quorum or is specifically reserved by law to be taken up at an extraordinary general
shareholders’ meeting.
Any general shareholders’ meeting may be called by our board of directors, the Chairman of the Board of
Directors, our Secretary or either the Audit Committee or Corporate Practices Committee. The holders of shares with
voting rights representing 10% or more of our capital stock may also request a general shareholders’ meeting,
individually or collectively, from the Chairman of the board of directors or to the relevant committee, notwithstanding
the percentage set forth under Article 184 of Mexico’s General Law of Commercial Companies.
A shareholder request for a general shareholders’ meeting may be granted so long as such request meets the
requirements set forth in Article 185 of Mexico’s General Law of Commercial Companies, any other provision
replacing it from time to time and other applicable law. If a call is not made within 15 calendar days following the
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request date, a civil or district court judge of the Company’s domicile will make such a call at the request of any
interested shareholder, who must prove the ownership of its shares for such purposes.
Calls for general shareholders’ meetings shall be published in the electronic system established by the
Mexican Ministry of Economy for such purposes and may be published in one of the newspapers of largest
circulation in the corporate domicile of the Company within at least 15 calendar days prior to the date on which the
relevant meeting is intended to take place, pursuant to applicable law.
From the date of notice of a general shareholders’ meeting to the date on which the meeting is held, we will
make available to the shareholders, in our offices, immediately and free of charge, all information that we may deem
necessary to vote on matters at the meeting, including the forms described in Section III of Article 49 of the Mexican
Securities Market Law, or any other provision replacing it from time to time and other applicable law.
General shareholders’ meetings may be held without prior notice (as described above) in the event that all
the shares representing the capital stock with voting rights, or the relevant series of shares (in the event of a special
meeting) are present or represented at the time of the voting at a meeting.
Notwithstanding the foregoing and in accordance with the second paragraph of Article 178 of Mexico’s
General Law of Commercial Companies, or any other provision replacing it from time to time and other applicable
law, shareholders may adopt resolutions by unanimous written consent without a meeting, which will have the same
validity and effectiveness as if such resolutions had been approved in a general shareholders’ meeting.
Shareholders may be represented at general shareholders’ meetings by an attorney-in-fact that has a power-
of-attorney granted pursuant to the forms described in Section III of Article 49 of the Mexican Securities Market Law,
or any other provision replacing it from time to time and other applicable law or pursuant to a power of attorney
granted pursuant to applicable law.
To be admitted to a general shareholders’ meeting, shareholders shall be duly registered in our stock registry
book managed in accordance with Article 128 of Mexico’s General Law of Commercial Companies, or any other
provision replacing it from time to time and other applicable law, or they may present certificates issued by the
Indeval or any other institution that acts as a depository of securities in accordance with the Mexican Securities
Market Law.
To attend a special or general shareholders’ meeting, the relevant shareholder must prove to the Secretary
non-member of our board of directors that it does not require the prior approval by our board of directors pursuant to
Article 9 of our bylaws.
Ordinary and extraordinary general shareholders’ meetings shall be presided over by the Chairman of the
board of directors or, in his or her absence, by such person as determined by the shareholders at the relevant meeting
through a majority vote of shares present.
The Secretary non-member of the board of directors or the Deputy Secretary shall act as secretary of the
general shareholders’ meetings or, in his or her absence, by such person as determined by the shareholders at the
relevant meeting through a majority vote of shares present.
The chairman of the general shareholders’ meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors (escrutadores), from
the shareholders, shareholders’ representatives or invitees attending the relevant meeting, who shall determine the
existence or absence of a quorum, and who shall count the votes cast upon request by the chairman of the meeting.
The secretary of the general shareholders’ meeting shall prepare the minutes of such meeting, such minutes
to be transcribed into our general shareholders’ meetings’ minutes registry and signed by both the chairman and the
secretary of the relevant meeting as well as by the individuals who acted as inspectors. Any records regarding such
meetings that were not able to transact matters because of a lack of quorum shall also be signed by the chairman, the
secretary and the inspectors of the relevant meeting.
An ordinary general shareholders’ meeting shall be duly convened if, after first call of those present, at least
50% of the outstanding shares representing our capital stock are represented at such meeting. Decisions of an ordinary
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general shareholders’ meeting are approved by a simple majority of the shares with voting rights represented at such
meeting. In the event of second or further calls, an ordinary general shareholders’ meeting shall be deemed duly
convened, regardless of the number of present or represented shares, and decisions shall be approved by the simple
majority of the shares present with voting rights.
An extraordinary general shareholders’ meeting shall be duly convened if, after the first call, at least 75% of
the outstanding shares representing our capital stock are represented at such meeting. In the event of second or further
calls, an extraordinary general shareholders’ meeting shall be deemed duly convened if most of our common stock is
represented.
The resolutions adopted by an extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, irrespective of whether it was convened
as the result of the first, second or subsequent call, will be valid if taken by a majority of the shares of our capital
stock outstanding (and not held in treasury), except in the case of (i) cancellation of the registration with the RNV of
the shares representing our capital stock or the warrants representing them, in which case the affirmative vote of 95%
of the shares of our capital stock outstanding (and not held in treasury), will be required, and (ii) an amendment to our
bylaws, in which case the affirmative vote of 65% of the shares of our capital stock outstanding (and not held in
treasury), will be required.
Unanimous written consents adopted outside general shareholders’ meeting shall be transcribed in our
shareholders’ meetings minutes registry book. Files containing copies of the minutes from each general shareholders’
meeting and each unanimous written consent, along with attendance lists, proxies, call copies, if any, and documents
submitted to discussion, such as board of directors’ reports, our financial statements and other relevant documents,
shall be formed and kept by us.
In the event that any minutes of a general shareholders’ meeting or any unanimous written consent cannot be
registered in our shareholders’ meetings minutes registry book, we will formalize such minutes or unanimous written
consent before a notary public in Mexico.
The minutes of general shareholders’ meetings, as well as the records of such meetings that were not held
due to lack of quorum, will be signed by Chairman and Secretary of such shareholders’ meetings.
Profit distribution (dividends)
Generally, at an annual ordinary general shareholders’ meeting, our Board of Directors presents the financial
statements corresponding to the preceding fiscal year to the shareholders for their approval. Once the general
shareholders’ meeting approves those financial statements, all of the shares outstanding at the time of the declaration
of a dividend or other distribution have the right to participate in that dividend or distribution.
Board of Directors
Composition
Our Board of Directors is responsible for the general oversight of our Company. The Board of Directors
comprises a maximum of 21 directors, which number may be changed from time to time upon resolutions adopted at
a general shareholders’ meeting, and of which at least 25% shall be independent pursuant to Articles 24 and 26 of the
Mexican Securities Market Law, or any other provision replacing it from time to time and other applicable law.
An alternate director may be appointed in place of each director; provided, however, that alternates for
independent directors shall have the same independence qualifications of the independent director on whose behalf
they are acting.
Directors are considered independent when they meet the requirements for independence set forth in Article
26 of the Mexican Securities Market Law, or any other provision replacing it from time to time and any other
guidance or regulation issued by the CNBV.
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Director independence is determined by resolution adopted at an ordinary general shareholders’ meeting.
The CNBV prior right of hearing of the company and of the director, may reject the independence determination of
any director within 30 Business Days’ notice of the initial determination of said director’s independence.
Directors may or may not be shareholders and shall serve on the Board of Directors until removed and a
successor is appointed, provided that at all times they shall have legal capacity to perform their duties and shall not be
prevented from executing business. At all times the provisions contained in the second paragraph of Article 24 of the
Mexican Securities Market Law shall be complied with.
The Board of Directors may appoint provisional directors, without input from a shareholders’ meeting, in the
case of the death or disability of a director or expiration of his or her term. A general shareholders’ meeting shall
ratify such appointments or appoint the new directors in the meeting following such event.
Directors may only be removed by resolution adopted at an ordinary general shareholders’ meeting.
Directors shall be appointed by a majority vote of shareholders at an ordinary general shareholders’ meeting;
provided that for each 10% of outstanding capital stock held, a minority holder has the right to appoint one director.
Each year, the Chairman of the Board of Directors shall be appointed either at a general shareholders’
meeting or at a meeting of the Board of Directors. The chairman of the Board of Directors shall execute and carry out
resolutions adopted at general shareholders’ meetings and meetings of the Board of Directors without the need for a
special resolution.
The Secretary non-member of the Board of Directors and the Deputy Secretary shall be appointed at either
an ordinary general shareholders’ meeting or at a meeting of the Board of Directors, as applicable. The Secretary shall
not be a director but must carry out the obligations and duties prescribed by applicable law.
Temporary or permanent absences in the board of directors shall be covered by such directors’ appointed
alternates. The Chairman of the board of directors shall have a tie-breaking vote in all matters.
The Chairman of the board of directors may be of any nationality, will chair the meetings of the Board of
Directors and, in his or her absence, such meetings will be chaired by one of the directors appointed by a majority
vote of the other attending directors.
Meetings of the Board of Directors
A meeting of the Board of Directors may be called either by the chairman of the Board of Directors, the
chairman of the audit committee, the chairman of the corporate practices committee, the Secretary non-member of the
Board of Directors or 25% of the directors by means of written notice, including, but not limited to, fax or email, to
all directors at least ten calendar days prior to the date set for such meeting. In the event that all directors are present,
a meeting may be called to order without advance notice.
Our independent auditor may be called to attend any meeting of the Board of Directors with the right to
speak but without voting rights; provided, however, that such auditor will never be present when matters which may
raise a conflict of interest are discussed or that may compromise their independence.
Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at least four times during each fiscal year, in the corporate
domicile of our Company, however, a meeting may be held outside of our corporate domicile or abroad if a majority
of the directors approves it, and to allow meetings of the Board of Directors to be held by telephone or by video
conference or by any other means that enables the effective and simultaneous participation of its members.
The minutes of meetings of the Board of Directors shall be transcribed into the Board of Directors’ meetings
minutes book and shall be signed by all persons in attendance or, if expressly authorized by agreement at the meeting,
solely by the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Secretary non-member of the Board of Directors. A record
and copies of the minutes and/or unanimous written consents of each meeting of the Board of Directors, as well as
transcripts of any calls and any relevant documents regarding meetings, shall be kept by us.
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A meeting of the Board of Directors may be duly convened when a majority of directors are present. The
Board of Directors shall make decisions through resolutions adopted by a majority vote of directors; in the event of a
tie, the chairman of the Board of Directors shall cast the deciding vote.
Will be valid and legal all decisions made outside of meetings of the Board of Directors as long as taken by
unanimous written consent of all directors and signed by all of the directors. The document in which the written
confirmation is evidenced shall be sent to the Secretary of the Company, who will transcribe the relevant resolutions
in the corresponding minutes book and shall indicate that such resolutions were adopted pursuant to our bylaws.
Authority of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors represents our Company in business and corporate matters and has general powers of
attorney for lawsuits and legal proceedings and acts of administration and ownership, in accordance with the terms set
forth in Article 2554 of the Civil Code for the Federal District (Código Civil para el Distrito Federal) and the
correlative provisions of the civil codes for each of the states of Mexico and the Mexican Federal Civil Code (Código
Civil Federal). The Board of Directors shall represent us before all types of administrative and judicial authorities,
federal, state or municipal, before the Arbitration and Conciliation Board (Junta de Conciliación y Arbitraje) and
other labor authorities and arbitrators. The powers, include, but are not limited to, the following:
performing all transactions and executing, amending and terminating agreements entered into pursuant
to carrying out our corporate purposes;
opening, managing and canceling bank accounts, including, but not limited to, the authority to appoint
signatories who may draw funds from such account;
withdrawing all types of deposits;
appointing and removing the chief executive officer and setting his or her total compensation, as well as
the establishing policies for the appointment and total compensation of other relevant directors;
granting and revoking general and special powers of attorney;
opening and closing branch offices, agencies and dependencies;
executing all resolutions adopted at general shareholders’ meetings;
representing our Company where we may have an interest or other participation in other companies or
entities, as well as buying or subscribing for shares or partnership interests therein, at the time of such
entities’ incorporation or at any other time;
filing all types of claims and amparo proceedings, participating in arbitration, assigning and/or
encumbering assets, receiving payments and discussing, negotiating, executing and reviewing collective
or individual labor agreements;
initiating criminal claims and complaints, and act as an adjudicant before the Argentine Public
Prosecutor (Ministerio Público Argentino);
accepting on our behalf mandates of legal entities or persons, either national or foreign;
authorizing our Company or our subsidiaries to make real or personal guarantees, as well as any
fiduciary involvement in order to secure our liabilities and become a joint obligor, guarantor, surety and
an obligor in general in compliance with third-party liabilities and establish the necessary guarantees in
order to secure such compliance;
approving information and communication policies for shareholders and the market;
calling for ordinary and extraordinary general and special shareholders’ meetings and executing the
resolutions thereof;
creating committees and appointing directors to serve as members on such committees (except for the
appointment and ratification of chairmen of the audit committee and corporate practices committee, who
shall be appointed by resolution at a general shareholders’ meeting);
establishing strategies to fulfill our corporate purposes;
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taking any action authorized by Article 28 of the Mexican Securities Market Law or any other provision
replacing it from time to time;
resolve on any capital stock increase, determine the subscription terms of the shares object of the
increase, including the exclusion of the preemptive subscription right in connection with the issuance of
shares that are object of the delegation, as such authority may be delegated by the general shareholders’
meeting of Vista, under the terms of its by-laws and Article 55 of the Mexican Securities Market Law.
approving the terms and conditions for the public offering and transfer of our treasury shares issued
pursuant to Article 53 of the Mexican Securities Market Law;
appointing the person or persons in charge of carrying out the acquisition or placement of shares
authorized by a shareholders’ meeting, pursuant to Article 56 of the Mexican Securities Market Law, as
well as the terms and conditions of such acquisitions and placements, within the limits set forth by the
Mexican Securities Market Law and the relevant shareholders’ meeting, and inform the shareholders’
meeting of the result, in any fiscal year, of the exercise of such authorities;
appointing provisional directors, pursuant to the provisions of the Mexican Securities Market Law;
approving the terms and conditions of settlements through which the liability of any director for breach
of the duties of diligence or loyalty is resolved;
general power of attorney for lawsuits and collections and acts of administration for labor matters,
including, without limitation, as further detailed in our bylaws and power of attorney for lawsuits and
collections and for acts of administration for labor matters so that the Board of Directors may act as our
representative in all labor maters and have the authorities to execute all kinds of agreements and carry
out all kinds of actions in such regard;
granting, revoking and canceling general and special powers of attorney within the scope of its authority
and granting their substitution and delegation authority, except for those authorities the exercise of
which is limited to the Board of Directors pursuant to applicable law or our bylaws; and
entering into any and all necessary or convenient legal acts, agreements and/or documents.
The Board of Directors, when applicable, shall additionally have, pursuant to the terms set forth in Article 9
of Mexico’s General Law of Negotiable Instruments and Credit Transactions, a general power-of-attorney to issue,
accept and endorse negotiable instruments, as well as to protest them and a general power-of-attorney to open and
cancel bank accounts.
Committees
The general shareholders’ meeting or the Board of Directors may constitute committees that consider
necessary for their operation.
In addition, our Board of Directors will maintain an Audit Committee and a Corporate Practices Committee
in accordance with the Mexican Securities Market Law, the members of such committees to be exclusively comprised
of a minimum of three independent directors appointed by the Board of Directors, pursuant to the terms set forth in
Article 25 of the Mexican Securities Market Law, any other provision replacing it from time to time and other
applicable law.
The Audit Committee, the Corporate Practices Committee and other committees created pursuant to our
bylaws, shall meet in the form and frequency established by each such committee in the first or last board meeting
held during each year (in the latter case regarding the calendar of meetings to be held during the following fiscal
year), without the need to call for the members for each meeting when such meetings have been previously scheduled
in accordance with the meeting calendar approved by the relevant committee for such purposes; provided, however,
that in order for such meetings to be duly convened, a majority of the members shall be present and resolutions shall
be approved by a majority vote of the members of such committee.
In addition, each committee shall meet when decided by its chairman, the Secretary non-member of the
Board of Directors or any of its members, upon prior notice given at least three Business Days in advance to all the
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members of the committee and the required alternates. The independent auditor of the Company may be invited to the
meetings of the committees, as an invitee with the ability to speak but not to vote.
Decisions may be made outside of meetings of the committees and will have the same validity as if they had
been approved in the session as long as they are approved by unanimous written consent of all committee members
and signed by all of the members thereof. Likewise, the committees may meet at any moment, without prior notice, if
all members are present.
Committees may not delegate their authorities as a whole to any person, but they may appoint deputies to
implement their resolutions. The chairman of each committee will be entitled to individually implement such
resolutions without needing express authorization. Each committee created pursuant to our bylaws shall inform the
Board of Directors on an annual basis about the activities it performs or when it considers that facts or actions
material for the Company have occurred. Minutes shall be prepared for each meeting of a committee, which shall be
transcribed in a special minutes book. The minutes shall evidence the attendance of the members of the committee
and the resolutions adopted, and they shall be signed by the individuals present and the Chairman and Secretary.
Meetings of the Committees may be held by telephone or by video conference or by any other means that
enables the effective and simultaneous participation of its members.
For all that is not provided herein or in the Mexican Securities Market Law, committees shall operate
pursuant to rules set by our Board of Directors, unless otherwise prescribed in our bylaws or in the Mexican
Securities Market Law.
Committees shall keep the Board of Directors appraised of their activities at least once a year.
Duties of Directors
The Mexican Securities Market Law imposes a duty of diligence and loyalty on the members of the board of
directors, the members of the board’s committees, the chief executive officer and on the relevant officers from which
the chief executive officer seeks assistance. Such duty of diligence requires them to obtain sufficient information and
to be sufficiently prepared in order to act in the best interest of the Company. The duty of diligence is complied with,
mainly, by searching for and obtaining all the information that may be necessary in order to make decisions
(including by means of hiring independent experts), attending sessions of the board of directors, of the committee in
which they participate and disclosing to the board of directors relevant information in the possession of the relevant
director or officer. Default of such duty of diligence by a board member subjects him or her to joint liability along
with other board members that are liable in connection with the damages and lost profits caused to the Company or its
subsidiaries.
The duty of loyalty mainly consists of a duty to act in the best interest of the Company and includes,
primarily, the duty to maintain confidentiality of the information that the board members receive in connection with
the performance of their duties, abstaining from voting in matters in respect to which they have a conflict of interest
and abstaining from taking advantage of business opportunities of the Company. It is a violation of the duty of loyalty
for a director to take actions that wrongfully benefit one or more shareholders, or for a director, without prior express
consent of the disinterested members of the board of directors, to take a corporate opportunity that belongs to the
Company or its subsidiaries.
It is also a violation of the duty of loyalty for a director to (i) use our assets, or consents to the use of our
assets, in violation of any of our policies or (ii) disclose false or misleading information, order not to record, or
prevent the recording of any transaction in our registries, which could affect our financial statements or cause
important information to be improperly modified or not disclosed.
A director’s failure to comply with the duty of diligence or the duty of loyalty shall make him or her jointly
liable with other directors or officers who have also failed to comply therewith for any damages caused to our
Company resulting therefrom in the cases in which they have acted in bad faith, willfully or illegally.
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As a means of protection for our board members regarding breaches of the duty of diligence or the duty of
loyalty, the Mexican Securities Market Law provides that directors will not be liable for the breach of such duties in
the event that the board member acted in good faith and (a) in compliance with applicable law and our bylaws,
(b) based on facts and information provided by our officers, independent auditors or experts whose credibility and
reliability may not be reasonably questioned, and (c) elects the most suitable alternative in good faith or when the
negative effects of such decision may not be reasonably foreseen based on the information available. Mexican courts
have not interpreted the meaning of such provision and, therefore, its scope and meaning are uncertain.
Board members will be jointly liable with previous board members regarding irregularities caused by any
prior board member if such irregularities are not reported to the audit committee and the corporate practices
committee.
The members of the board of directors and the committees have no obligation to guarantee the performance
of their positions.
The provisions regarding the duty of loyalty of the second and third paragraphs of Article 34 of the
Securities Market Law must be observed.
The liability resulting from the breach of the duty of diligence or the duty of loyalty should be exclusive in
favor of the Company, as the case may be, and may be exercised by the Company or by the shareholders who,
individually or jointly, represent ownership of shares (including limited, restricted or non-voting shares) representing
5% or more of the share capital.
The members of the Board of Directors or the members of the committees should not be in default when they
act in good faith or when any liability exclusion mentioned in Article 40 of the Mexican Securities Market Law, any
other provision replacing it from time to time and other applicable law.
Audit and Corporate Practices Committees
The oversight of our management and conduct and execution of our business shall be vested in the board of
directors through the Audit Committee and the Corporate Practices Committee, as well as our independent auditor.
The chairman of the audit committee and the chairman of the corporate practices committee shall be bound
to provide an annual report pursuant to Article 43 of the Mexican Securities Market Law or any other provision
replacing it from time to time.
Audit Committee
The audit committee shall be comprised of a minimum of three members, who shall be independent and shall
be appointed at a general shareholders’ meeting or a meeting of the board of directors upon a proposal by the
Chairman of the board of directors, except for the chairman of the Audit Committee, who shall be appointed and/or
removed from office exclusively by resolution adopted at a general shareholders’ meeting. The chairman of the Audit
Committee must also satisfy the requirements described in Article 43, Section II of the Mexican Securities Market
Law to serve.
The audit committee shall perform the functions described in Article 42, Section II of the Mexican Securities
Market Law, any other provision replacing it from time to time, guidance and/or regulation handed down by the
CNBV and other applicable law. These functions include, but are not limited to giving an opinion to the board of
directors about matters entrusted to the Audit Committee, discussing the financial statements of our Company with
the persons responsible for preparing them, informing the board of directors about the state of affairs concerning the
internal control and audit systems of our Company, preparing an opinion about accounting policies and criteria and, in
general, overseeing the corporate conduct of our Company.
We shall have an independent auditor to perform audits in compliance with the Mexican Securities Market
Law.
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Corporate Practices Committee
The corporate practices shall be comprised of a minimum of three members, who shall be independent and
shall be appointed at a general shareholders’ meeting or a meeting of the Board of Directors upon a proposal by the
Chairman of the board of directors, except for the chairman of the Corporate Practices Committee, who shall be
appointed and/or removed from office exclusively by resolution adopted at a general shareholders’ meeting. The
chairman of the Corporate Practices Committee must also satisfy the requirements described in Article 43, Section I
of the Mexican Securities Market Law to serve.
The corporate practices committee shall have the functions described in Article 42, Section I of the Mexican
Securities Market Law, any other provision replacing it from time to time, guidance and/or regulation handed down
by the CNBV and other applicable law. These functions include, among others derived from the Mexican Securities
Market Law, issuing an opinion to the board of directors as requested about matters related to compliance with the
Mexican Securities Market Law and our bylaws, requesting opinions from independent experts in connection with
matters to be submitted for approval to the board of directors or in respect to which there is a conflict of interest,
calling shareholders’ meetings and supporting the board of directors in the preparation of reports.
Indemnification
Pursuant to our bylaws, we shall indemnify and hold harmless the members, alternates and officers of the
Board of Directors, the Audit Committee, the Corporate Practices Committee, any other Committees created by us,
the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary non-members of the Board of Directors, and the Chief Executive Officer and
other relevant officers, in relation to the performance of their duties, such as any claim, demand, proceeding or
investigation initiated in Mexico or in any of the countries in which our shares are registered or listed, other securities
issued on the basis of such shares or other fixed or variable income securities issued by us, or in any jurisdiction
where we, or the companies we control, operate, in which such persons may be parties as members of such bodies,
owners or alternates, and officials, including the payment of any damages or losses that have been caused and the
amounts necessary to arrive, if deemed appropriate, to a transaction, as well as the total fees and expenses of lawyers
(reasonably and documented) and other advisors to be retained to ensure the interests of such persons in the
aforementioned cases, on the understanding that the Board of Directors shall be the body empowered to resolve, in the
aforementioned cases, whether it considers convenient to retain the services of lawyers and other different advisors to
those who are advising us in the relevant case. This indemnity shall not apply if such claims, demands, proceedings or
investigations result from gross negligence, willful misconduct, bad faith or illegally pursuant to the applicable law of
the indemnified party concerned. Furthermore, we may purchase, in favor of the members of the Board of Directors,
the Audit Committee, the Corporate Practices Committee and any other committees formed by us, of the Chief
Executive Officer or any other relevant officer, the insurance, bond or guarantee which covers the amount of the
indemnity for the damages caused by his/her performance within our organization or entities controlled by us or in
which we have significant influence, except in the event of acts of malice or bad faith, or illicit acts in accordance
with the Mexican Securities Market Law or other applicable law.
Dissolution and Liquidation
The Company shall be dissolved upon occurrence of any of the events described in Article 229 of Mexico’s
General Law of Commercial Companies, any other provision replacing it from time to time and other applicable law.
In each case, the registration with the RNV of the shares representing the capital stock of the Company and the
warrants representing such shares shall be canceled.
Once the Company has been dissolved, it shall be placed in liquidation, which would be administered by one
or more liquidators, who in such case shall act together as determined by resolution at a general shareholders’
meeting. Such general shareholders’ meeting will also set the termination date of the liquidator’s employment with
the Company and their compensation.
The liquidator or liquidators will proceed with the liquidation and the pro rata distribution of the value of the
remaining assets of the Company, if any, to shareholders, in accordance with Mexico’s General Law of Commercial
Companies.
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Preferred Subscription Rights
Except for the capital increases approved by the shareholders’ meetings, shareholders shall have, in
proportion to the number of shares they hold when the relevant increase is resolved, preemptive rights to subscribe for
new stock issuances to maintain their current percentage of ownership. The foregoing preemptive right must be
exercised within 15 calendar days following our approval of such new stock issuance, as published in the electronic
system of Mexican Ministry of Economy.
The preferred subscription right provided in Article 132 of Mexico’s General Law of Commercial
Companies shall not be applicable in the event of capital increases made (i) pursuant to Article 53 of the Mexican
Securities Market Law, (ii) an issuance of convertible securities, (iii) in a conversion of a series of shares to another
series upon resolution adopted at a general shareholders’ meeting, (iv) as a result of the merger of our Company,
whether as a continuing or disappearing company or (v) as a consequence of the placement of repurchased shares in
terms of applicable law.
Redemption
We may redeem shares with distributable profits without need to reduce our capital stock; provided that, in
addition to complying with Article 136 of Mexico’s General Law of Commercial Companies, or any other provision
replacing them from time to time and other applicable law, we comply with the following:
•
if the redemption is intended to redeem all shares held by our shareholders, such redemption shall
be made so that the shareholders shall continue to have the same proportion of shares they had
before such redemption took place;
•
if the redemption is intended to redeem shares that are listed on a stock exchange, such redemption
will be made through the acquisition of our own shares on such said stock exchange in accordance
with the terms and conditions approved by resolution at a general shareholders’ meeting, which
may delegate to the board of directors or special deputies the authority to determine the system,
prices, terms and other conditions for that end and the relevant shareholders’ resolutions shall be
published in the electronic system of the Mexican Ministry of Economy; and
•
the redeemed shares and the certificates representing them are canceled, with the corresponding
capital decrease.
Minority Rights
The bylaws provide the following minority rights:
•
pursuant to the provisions set forth in Article 50, Section III of the Mexican Securities Market Law,
or any other provision replacing it from time to time and other applicable law, the holders of shares
with voting rights (even limited or restricted) represented in an ordinary or extraordinary general
shareholders’ meeting, holding 10% or more of our outstanding capital stock either individual or
jointly, may request to postpone a meeting for one time only, for three calendar days and without a
new call needed with respect to the voting on any matter on which they consider themselves not to
be sufficiently informed, notwithstanding the percentage provided in the Article 199 of Mexico’s
General Law of Commercial Companies, or any other provision replacing it from time to time or
any other applicable provisions;
•
the holders of shares with voting rights (even limited or restricted) that individually or jointly
represent 20% or more of our outstanding capital stock, may oppose in court resolutions adopted at
general shareholders’ meetings regarding matters on which they have voting rights, notwithstanding
the percentage referred to in Article 201 of Mexico’s General Law of Commercial Companies, or
any other provision replacing it from time to time provided that certain requirements are fulfilled;
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•
shareholders that, individually or jointly, are holders of the shares with voting rights (even limited
or restricted rights) representing 10% or more of our outstanding capital stock, shall have cause of
action against any or all of our board members, directors, the Chief Executive Officer or any other
relevant officer for failing to comply with his or her duty of diligence and duty of loyalty or against
such legal entity that such person manages or over which he or she has a significant influence; and
•
shareholders that, individually or jointly, hold shares with or without voting rights that represent
10% or more of our outstanding capital stock, shall have the right to appoint and/or remove from
office, upon resolution adopted at a general shareholders’ meeting, one director for each 10% of
outstanding capital stock held such board member may only be removed from office if all the
members of the board of directors are removed, in which case the board members who were
removed shall not be appointed again during the 12 months following from the date of such
removal.
Restrictions on the Transfer of Shares
Every direct or indirect acquisition or attempted acquisition of our capital stock of any nature and regardless
of the name it is given, under any title or legal structure, with the intention of carrying-out, be it in one or several
simultaneous or successive transactions or acts of any legal capacity, with no time limitation between them, in a
private transaction or through a stock exchange, whether in Mexico or abroad, including structured transactions such
as mergers, corporate restructures, spin-offs, consolidations, allocations or guaranties executions or other similar
transactions or legal acts (any such operation, an “Acquisition”), by one or more persons, related persons (grupo de
personas or “group”) under the Mexican Securities Market Law, business group or consortium, will require approval
through a written resolution adopted by our board of directors, each time that the number of shares to be acquired,
when added to any shares already owned, results in the acquiring party 10% or more of our capital stock. Once a
holder holds such percentage of our capital stock, the holder must notify the board of directors through notice
provided to the Chairman or Secretary, in our corporate domicile, of any subsequent acquisition of 2% or more of our
outstanding capital stock. For the avoidance of doubt, no additional authorization is required to carry-out such
acquisitions or to execute a voting agreement until the ownership percentage in our outstanding capital stock is equal
to or greater than 20%.
Shareholders must request a favorable opinion from the board of directors, in writing, for the execution of
written or oral agreements, regardless of their name or title or classification, as a consequence of which voting
associations, block voting or binding or joint voting mechanisms or covenants are formed or adopted or certain shares
are combined or shared in any other manner, such agreement resulting in a change of control of our Company or an
effective 20% ownership of our outstanding capital stock (each, a Voting Agreement and jointly, the Voting
Agreements), except for temporary Voting Agreements that are executed in connection with a general shareholders’
meeting, with the purpose of appointing minority members of the board of directors.
For such purposes, the person who individually, or jointly with related persons, group, business group or
consortium that intends to carry out any Acquisition or execute any Voting Agreement, shall make a written
authorization request to the board of directors and shall contain the following information:
•
the number and class or series of shares held by the applicable person or persons and/or any related
persons thereof, the group, business group or consortium (a) be it as an owner or co-owner, directly or
through any person or related person, and/or (b) regarding shares subject to an executed Voting
Agreement;
•
the number and class or series of shares that it intends to acquire, whether directly or indirectly, by any
means, through Acquisition or that is the subject of a Voting Agreement; as well as the minimum price
to be paid for each share related with the corresponding acquisition.
•
(a) the percentage which the shares referred to in subsection (i) above represents of the total of our
issued and outstanding shares, and (b) the percentage that the sum of the shares referred to in
subsections (i) and (ii) above represent of our issued and outstanding shares; provided that for (a) and
(b) the total of our issued and outstanding shares may be determined by the total number of shares that
we report as outstanding to the stock exchange on which they are listed;
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•
the identity and nationality of the person or persons, group, business group or consortium that intends to
carry-out an Acquisition or execute a Voting Agreement; provided that if any of them is a corporate
entity, the identity and nationality of each of the partners, shareholders, founders, beneficiaries or any
equivalent thereto that ultimately has direct or indirect control of such entity in accordance with our
bylaws;
•
the reasons and objectives pursuant to which the person or persons, group of persons, business group or
consortium that intends to carry-out an Acquisition or execute a Voting Agreement, in particular if they
intend to acquire, directly or indirectly, (a) shares in addition to those referred in the authorization
request, (b) 20% ownership of our capital stock, (c) control of our Company, or (d) significant influence
in our Company, as well as the intended role with respect to the policies and management of our
Company and any amendment they would like to propose with respect to the policies and management
of our Company;
•
if the person or persons, group, business group or consortium have direct or indirect ownership in the
capital stock or in the management and operation of a competitor or any related person to a competitor,
if they have any economic or business relationship with a competitor or with any related person to a
competitor or if any related person of theirs is a competitor;
•
if they have the authority to acquire shares or execute a Voting Agreement, in accordance with our
bylaws and applicable law, or if they are in the process of obtaining any such authorization or consent
from any person, and the terms and timing on which they expect to obtain it;
•
the origin of the funds they intend to use to pay the price of the shares requested; provided that with
respect to funds obtained from financing, the requesting party shall specify the identity and nationality
of the person providing such funding and if such person is a competitor or a related person to a
competitor, and any documentation evidencing the financing and the terms and conditions thereof. The
board of directors may request from the person that sends such a request, if considered necessary to
guarantee the payment of the corresponding Acquisition price and before granting authorization in
accordance with the above, additional evidence regarding the financing (including evidence that there
are no prohibitive covenants pursuant to such financing) or, the formation or granting of a (a) bailment,
(b) guarantee trust, (c) irrevocable letter of credit, (d) deposit or (e) any other type of guarantee, up to
the equivalent amount of 100% of the price of the shares that are to be acquired or that are the subject
matter of the corresponding transaction or agreement, naming the shareholders, directly or through our
Company, as beneficiaries, with the purposes of securing the compensation of the losses and lost profits
that our Company or its shareholders may suffer as a consequence of the incorrect information presented
or of the request, or for any action or omission of the petitioner, directly or indirectly, or as a
consequence of the impossibility to complete the relevant transaction, for any cause, related or not to the
financing;
•
the identity and nationality of the financial institution that would act as broker, in the event that the
Acquisition in question is through a public offering;
•
if, there is to be a public offering, a copy of the offering circular or similar document, to be used for the
acquisition of the shares or regarding the corresponding transaction or agreement, and a representation
stating if such document has been authorized by the competent regulatory authorities (including the
CNBV); and
•
a domicile in Mexico City, Mexico, to receive notices regarding the filed request.
In the event that the board of directors resolves, due to the impossibility of knowing certain information upon
receiving the request, that such information may not yet be disclosed, the board of directors may, at its sole discretion,
waive the compliance of one or more of the aforementioned requirements:
•
within 15 business days following the date upon which the request referred to above has been received,
the Chairman or Secretary shall call a meeting of the board of directors to discuss and resolve the matter
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of the requested authorization (notice for such meetings shall be made in writing and sent in accordance
with our bylaws); and
•
the board of directors may request from the person intending to carry-out the Acquisition or execute the
corresponding Voting Agreement, additional documentation and clarifications as it sees fit to adequately
analyze the request, to agree upon the authorization request as filed; provided that any request of such
nature on behalf of the board of directors shall be made during the subsequent 20 calendar days
following the receipt of the request, and provided that such request will not be considered as final and
complete until the person who intends to carry-out the Acquisition or execute the Voting Agreement,
files all the additional information and makes all the clarifications requested by the Board of Directors.
The board of directors shall resolve any authorization request it receives pursuant to the terms of our bylaws
within 90 calendar days following the delivery of the request or on the date in which such request is finalized as
discussed above.
The board of directors shall adopt a resolution approving or rejecting the request; provided that if the board
of directors does not issue such resolution within the aforementioned 90-calendar days, the request shall be deemed as
rejected. In all cases, the board of directors will act in accordance with the guidelines set forth in “Item 10—
Additional Information—Memorandum and Articles of Association” and shall justify their decision in writing.
•
To consider a meeting of the board of directors duly convened, by first or subsequent call, to deal with any
matter regarding an authorization request or agreement referred herein, the attendance of at least 66% of
incumbent directors or their alternates is required. Such resolutions will be valid and adopted when approved
by 66% of the members of the Board of Directors.
•
In the event that the board of directors authorizes the requested Acquisition or the execution of a proposed
Voting Agreement, and such Acquisition or agreement results or would be likely to result in (a) the
acquisition of 30% or more of our capital stock or, but without involving a change of control, in addition to
any authorization requirement established in our bylaws, the person or group intending to carry out the
Acquisition or enter into the Voting Agreement the acquisitions of shares or the conclusion of the respective
Voting Agreement which is the object of the authorization, shall first execute a tender offer for the greater of
(i) the percentage of the Company’s capital stock equivalent to the proportion of shares in circulation that is
intended to be acquired or (ii) 10% of the Company’s capital stock, under the authorized conditions resolved
by the board of directors, or (b) a change of control, in addition to any authorization requirement established
in our bylaws, the person or group, intending to carry out the Acquisition or execute the Voting Agreement,
shall first execute a tender offer for 100% of our outstanding shares, under the authorized conditions
resolved by the board of directors. The tender offer referred to in the paragraph above shall be completed
within 90 calendar days following the date on which the authorization was granted by the Board of
Directors; provided that such term may be extended by an additional 60 calendar days in the event that any
relevant governmental authorizations required for such purposes are pending.
The price to be paid for each of the shares will be the same, regardless of their class or series.
In the event that the board of directors receives, prior to or at the completion of the Acquisition or the
execution of a Voting Agreement, an offer from a third-party, stated in a request to carry out an acquisition of at least
the same amount of shares, on better terms for the owners and shareholders of the Company (including type of
compensation and price), the board of directors will have the authority to consider, after the submission of both
requests, and to authorize such a second request, suspending the authorization previously granted; provided that any
approval shall have no effects on the obligation of carrying out a tender offer in accordance with our bylaws and
applicable law.
•
Acquisitions that do not result in (i) the acquisition of 20% of our capital stock or (ii) a change of control or
(iii) the acquisition of significant influence regarding the Company may be registered in our stock registry
book after authorization by the board of directors and the completion of such transactions. Acquisitions or
Voting Agreements that result in (i) or (ii) above, may be registered in our stock registry book upon the
completion of a tender offer pursuant to the terms discussed above. Consequently, in such case it will not be
possible to exercise the rights arising from the shares until such tender offer is concluded.
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•
The board of directors may deny authorization for a requested Acquisition or for the execution of a proposed
Voting Agreement, in which case it will inform, in writing, the basis and reasons for such denial. The
requesting party will have the right to request and hold a meeting with the board of directors, or with an ad-
hoc committee appointed thereby, to explain, extend or clarify the terms of its request, as well as
communicate its position in writing to the board of directors.
General Provisions
For the purposes herein, it is to be understood that shares belong to the same person, when such shares are
(i) owned by any related person or (ii) owned by any entity, provided that such entity is owned by the aforementioned
person. Likewise, a person or group that acted jointly or coordinated with others to acquire shares, regardless of the
legality of such transaction, whether through simultaneous or successive transactions will be deemed as the same
person for the purposes herein. The board of directors will determine if one or more persons that intend to acquire
shares or execute Voting Agreements shall be considered as the same person for the purposes set forth herein.
In its assessments of authorization requests, the board of directors shall take into consideration the following
factors and any other as deemed pertinent, acting in good faith and in the best interests of our Company and
shareholders and in compliance with their duties of loyalty and diligence pursuant to the terms of the Mexican
Securities Market Law and our bylaws: (i) the price offered by the potential buyer and the type of compensation
planned as part of such offer; (ii) any other relevant terms or conditions included in such offer such as to the viability
of the offer and the origin of the funds to be used for the acquisition; (iii) the credibility, solvency and reputation of
the potential buyer; (iv) the effect of the proposed Acquisition or the proposed Voting Agreement on our business,
including our financial and operational position as well as our business prospects; (v) potential conflicts of interest
(including those where the person making the request is a competitor, or an affiliate of a competitor, as described in
the paragraphs above) in the event that the Acquisition or Voting Agreement is not with regard to 100% of the shares;
(vi) the reasons stated by the requestor to carry out the Acquisition or execute the Voting Agreement; and (vii) the
quality, precision and truthfulness of the information provided in the request.
If the Acquisition or the execution of a Voting Agreement is to occur, without first receiving authorization in
advance and in writing from the board of directors, the shares part of such Acquisition or in connection with such
Voting Agreement will not be granted any rights to vote in any general shareholders’ meeting and will be made at the
buyer’s, group of buyers’ or parties’ to the relevant contract, agreement or covenant own liability. The shares part of
such Acquisition or Voting Agreement that has not been approved by the board of directors shall not be registered in
our stock registry book, the entries made beforehand shall be canceled and we shall not acknowledge or give any
value to the records or listings as described in Article 290 of the Mexican Securities Market Law, or any other
provision which might replace it from time to time and other applicable law, and they shall not be considered as proof
of ownership of shares or grant attendance rights for general shareholders’ meetings and shall give no legitimacy for
the exercise of any legal action, including those of a procedural nature.
The authorizations granted by the board of directors described above will have no effect if the information
and documentation on which the authorization was based and granted is not true, complete and/or legal.
In the event of any failure to comply with what is set forth above, the board of directors may adopt, among
others, the following measures: (i) the rescission of the transactions, with mutual restitution to the parties thereto, or
(ii) the sale of the shares part of such Acquisition, to a third-party approved by the board of directors at the minimum
reference price as determined by the Board of Directors.
The above shall not be applicable to (i) share acquisitions through inheritance or legacy or to affiliates or
vehicles wholly controlled by the person or entity carrying out the transfer, (ii) share acquisition or the execution of a
Voting Agreement by us, or by a trust formed by us, (iii) share acquisition made by Strategic Partner or (iv) the
transfer into a control trust or similar entity which the shareholders may form at the time of an initial public offering
of our shares in Mexico.
The above applies in addition to the statutes and general rules regarding the acquisition of securities in the
markets in which the shares, other securities related thereto or rights derived therefrom are listed. In the event that our
bylaws run counter, in part or in whole, to any laws or general provisions thereof, then such laws shall prevail.
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These provisions of our bylaws will be registered with the public registry of commerce of our domicile and
shall be transcribed in the share certificates representing our capital stock in order to be opposable vis-à-vis third
parties. The provisions included of our bylaws described above with respect to restrictions on transfers of shares may
only be amended or removed from the bylaws by resolution upon approval of at least 95% of the Company’s shares at
the time of such resolution.
Delisting or Cancellation of the Registration of the Shares with the RNV
In the event that we decide to cancel the registration of our series A shares before Mexico’s National
Securities Registry by resolution adopted at an extraordinary general shareholders’ meeting, upon approval of at least
95% of our capital stock or if our registration is canceled by resolution of the CNBV after this offering is completed,
prior to such cancellation, we shall make a tender offer within a maximum period of 180 calendar days beginning at
the time in which the demand or authorization from the CNBV, as the case may be, becomes effective, in accordance
with Article 108 of the Mexican Securities Market Law, or any other provision replacing it from time to time and
other applicable law. That offer shall be extended solely to those persons who do not belong to the group of
shareholders that exercises control over us. Shareholders exercising control (as defined in the Mexican Securities
Market Law) will be collaterally liable to the Company for carrying out a tender offer of the outstanding shares in the
event of our liquidation or a cancellation request from the CNBV.
In accordance with Article 108 of the Mexican Securities Market Law and Article 101 of the Mexican
Securities Market Law, our board of directors shall prepare, no later than the tenth Business Day after the beginning
of the public tender offer, a hearing of the Audit and Corporate Practices Committee, and shall disclose to the
investing public, its opinion with respect to the price of the public tender offer and the conflict of interests that, as the
case may be, each of the members of the board of directors has in connection with the offering. Such opinion may be
accompanied with another one issued by an independent expert. Likewise, the members of the board of directors and
the Chief Executive Officer of the Company shall disclose to the public, along with the opinion, the decision they will
take with respect to the shares of the Company they own and the derivative securities of the Company they own.
Loss of Rights over the Shares
We are incorporated under the laws of Mexico. As required by Mexican law, any non-Mexican who, either at
the time of our incorporation or at any time thereafter, acquires shares or any interest, formally undertakes, before the
Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to be considered as a Mexican national with respect to its interests in the
Company, as well as the property, rights, concessions, participation or interests held by the Company, and the rights
and obligations deriving from the agreements to which the Company is a party, and further undertakes not to invoke
the protection of its home government with respect to such interest. Upon the breach of such undertaking, such person
is under penalty of forfeiting such shares or interests in favor of the Mexican government. Mexican law requires that
such a provision be included in the bylaws of all Mexican corporations unless such bylaws or applicable law prohibit
ownership of shares by non-Mexican persons.
Reductions of our capital stock may be resolved to absorb losses in the event that any shareholder exercises
its right of separation in terms of Article 206 of Mexico’s General Law of Commercial Companies, or any other
provision replacing it from time to time and other applicable law.
MATERIAL CONTRACTS
For information regarding our material contracts, see “Item 4—Information on the Company—Business
Overview—Our Operations—Argentina—Concessions” and “Item 5.B Liquidity and Capital Resources—
Indebtedness.”
EXCHANGE CONTROLS
From 1991 until the end of 2001, Law No. 23,928 (Convertibility Law) established a fixed exchange rate of
AR$ 1/US$. On January 6, 2002, Law No. 25,561 formally put an end to that U.S. Dollar-Argentine Peso parity.
Following a brief period during which the Argentine government established a temporary dual exchange rate system
pursuant to the Law No. 25,561, the Argentine Peso has been allowed to float freely against other currencies since
February 2002, although the Argentine government has the power to intervene by buying and selling foreign currency
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on its own account, a practice in which it engages on a regular basis. On December 23, 2019, Law No. 27,541
(“Solidarity Law”) was published, which again declared the public emergency until December 31, 2020. See “Item
3—Key Information—Risk Factors—Detailed Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Argentine and Mexican Economic
and Regulatory Environments—Significant fluctuations in the value of the Argentine Peso could adversely affect the
Argentine economy and our business and results of operations in Argentina.”
Currency controls that tightened restrictions on capital flows, and the official exchange rate between the
Argentine Peso and the U.S. Dollar and transfer restrictions that substantially limit the ability of companies to retain
foreign currency or make payments abroad are currently in place in Argentina and have been for alternating periods
during the past years. By means of Decree No. 609/2019 dated September 1, 2019, as amended, the Argentine
Executive Branch reinstated foreign exchange controls and authorized the BCRA to (a) regulate access to the foreign
exchange market for the purchase of foreign currency and outward remittances; and (b) set forth regulations to avoid
practices and transactions aimed at eluding, through the use of securities and other instruments, the measures adopted
through the Decree No. 609/2019. At present, foreign exchange regulations have been (i) extended indefinitely, and
(ii) consolidated in a single set of regulations, Communication “A” 7,914, as subsequently amended and
supplemented from time to time by BCRA’s communications (“Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations”).
The BCRA requested the Argentine Securities Commission (Comisión Nacional de Valores) (“CNV”) to
implement aligned measures to avoid elusive practices and operations. In this sense, the CNV, in line with the
provisions of Section 3 of the Decree, established various measures to avoid such elusive practices and operations.
The following table sets forth the annual low, high, average and period-end exchange rates for the periods
indicated, expressed in nominal Argentine Peso per U.S. Dollar, based on rates quoted by the BCRA (Communication
“A” 3,500). The Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not report a noon buying rate for the Argentine Peso.
Low
High
Average (1)
Period End
(Argentine Pesos per U.S. Dollar)
Year ended December 31,
2018
18.42
40.90
29.32
37.81
2019
37.04
60.00
49.23
59.90
2020
59.82
84.15
71.61
84.15
2021
84.70
102.75
95.80
102.75
2022
103.04
177.13
133.55
177.13
2023
361.02
808.48
641.99
808.48
2024
811.15
1,032.50
916.25
1,032.50
Month
January 2025
1,032.75
1,053.50
1,043.56
1,053.50
February 2025
1,053.92
1,064.38
1,058.46
1,064.38
March 2025
1,064.38
1,073.89
1,069.03
1,073.88
(1)
Calculated using the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during the period (for annual periods), and the average of
the exchange rates on each day during the period (for monthly periods).
No representation is made that Argentine Peso amounts have been, could have been or could be converted into U.S. Dollars at the
foregoing rates on any of the dates indicated.
Specific Provisions For Income From The Foreign Exchange Market
Entry and Settlement of the Proceeds from the Export of Goods Through the Foreign Exchange Market
The Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations established that revenues from exports of goods must be
entered and settled in Argentine Pesos through the foreign exchange market and proceeds from exports of goods must
be entered and settled through the foreign exchange market within 20 business days following their collection.
Decree No. 28/2023 published on December 13, 2023, established: (i) the export countervalue of the services
included in Subsection c) of paragraph 2 of Section 10 of Law No. 22,415 (Código Aduanero) and its amendments
(which refers to services rendered in Argentina, with effective use or exploitation carried out abroad); and (ii) the
countervalue of the export of goods included in the Common Nomenclature of MERCOSUR (“NCM”), including pre-
financing and/or post-financing of exports from abroad or a liquidation advance; 80% of such countervalue must be
brought into the country in foreign currency and/or negotiated through the foreign exchange market, and for the
remaining 20% must be carried out through purchase and sale transactions with negotiable securities acquired with
liquidation in foreign currency and sold with liquidation in local currency.
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In the case of funds received or credited abroad, the deposit and liquidation for the amount equivalent to the
usual expenses debited by the financial entities abroad for the transfer of funds to the country may be considered as
completed.
There are some exceptions to the obligation to settle through the foreign exchange market which are
described in the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations.
Obligation to Settle Foreign Currency from Exports of Services
Payments received for the provision of services by residents to non-residents must be entered and settled
through the foreign exchange market within 20 business days from the date of its collection abroad or in Argentina or
its crediting to foreign accounts.
In the case of funds received or credited abroad, the collection and liquidation may be considered completed
for the amount equivalent to the usual expenses debited by the financial entities abroad for the transfer of funds to the
country.
The aforementioned provisions of Decree No. 28/2023 are also applicable to the export of services. See “—
Entry and Settlement of the Proceeds from the Export of Goods Through the Foreign Exchange Market.”
Application of Export Revenues
The Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations authorize the application of export revenues to the repayment
of: (i) pre-financing of exports and export financing granted or guaranteed by local financial entities; (ii) pre-
financing of exports and export advances settled in the foreign exchange market, provided that the corresponding
transactions have been executed through public deeds or public registries; (iii) financial indebtedness under contracts
entered into prior to August 31, 2019 that provide for the cancellation thereof through the application abroad of export
funds; (iv) other foreign financial indebtedness subject to certain requirements as set forth in Sections 7.9 and 7.10 of
the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations; and (v) advances, pre-financing and post-financing from abroad with
partial liquidation under the provisions of Decrees No. 492/2023, No. 549/2023, No. 597/2023 and No. 28/2023.
Likewise, it allows keeping export revenues abroad to guarantee the payment of new indebtedness, provided certain
requirements are met.
Financial Indebtedness With Foreign Countries
According to Section 2.4 of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations for resident debtors to be able to
access the foreign exchange market to repay financial indebtedness with foreign countries disbursed as from
September 1, 2019, the loan proceeds must have been settled through the foreign exchange market and the transaction
must have been declared in the External Assets and Liabilities Survey (as defined below, see “—Other Specific
Provisions—BCRA Information Framework”). Accordingly, although settlement of the loan proceeds is not
mandatory, failure to settle will preclude future access to the foreign exchange market for repayment purposes.
BCRA Communication “A” 8,059 dated July 4, 2024, removed the requirement of prior conformity of the
BCRA for access to the foreign exchange market to make interest payments on commercial debts for the import of
goods and services with related foreign counterparties as long as the interest maturity occurs as from July 5, 2024.
This communication also established that prior approval from the BCRA, as outlined in Sections 3.3 and
3.5.6 of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations, is not required to access the foreign exchange market for
making interest payments on commercial debts not mentioned in the previous paragraph and on financial
indebtedness, provided that the creditor is a related counterparty to the debtor. This is contingent upon meeting other
applicable requirements and ensuring that the payment is made simultaneously with the settlement for an amount not
less than the interest amount for which the foreign exchange market is accessed. This includes: (i) new financial
indebtedness abroad with an average life of at least two years and a grace period of at least one year for the payment
of principal, both counted from the date the market access is materialized, and (ii) new direct investment contributions
from non-residents.
The new financial indebtedness abroad and new foreign direct investment contributions used within this
framework: (i) may be entered and settled by the debtor of the foreign indebtedness whose interest is being paid or by
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another resident company related to the debtor and its economic group, and (ii) may not be counted for the purposes
of other mechanisms considered in the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations.
Specific Provisions On Access To The Foreign Exchange Market
General Requirements
As a general rule, and in addition to the specific rules of each transaction for access, certain general
requirements must be complied with by a local company or individual to access the foreign exchange market for the
purchase of foreign currency or its transfer abroad (i.e., payments of imports and other purchases of goods abroad;
payment of services rendered by non-residents; distribution of profits and dividends; payment of principal and interest
on foreign indebtedness; interest payments on debts for the import of goods and services, among others) without
requiring prior approval from the BCRA. In this regard, the local company or individual must file an affidavit stating
that:
(1) (a) At the time of access to the foreign exchange market, all of its foreign currency holdings in Argentina
are deposited in accounts in financial institutions, and (b) at the beginning of the day on which it requests
access to the foreign exchange market, it does not hold Argentine certificates of deposit (“CEDEARs”)
representing foreign shares and/or available liquid foreign assets that together have a value greater than
US$100,000 (funds deposited abroad that constitute reserve or guarantee funds under debt contracts with
foreign countries, or funds granted as guarantee for derivatives arranged abroad are excluded from this
limit). If the customer is a local government, foreign currency holdings deposited with local financial
institutions must also be accounted up to December 31, 2024. For these purposes, “liquid foreign assets”
are considered to be holdings of banknotes and coins in foreign currency, cash in gold coins or bars of good
delivery, demand deposits in financial institutions abroad and other investments that allow immediate
availability of foreign currency. On the other hand, funds deposited abroad that cannot be used by the client
because they are reserve or guarantee funds created by virtue of the requirements set forth in foreign debt
contracts or funds created as guarantee for derivative transactions arranged abroad should not be considered
as liquid foreign assets available. In the event that the client is a local government and exceeds the
established limit, the institution may also accept an affidavit from the client stating that the excess was used
to make payments for the foreign exchange market through swap and/or arbitrage operations with the
deposited funds.
(2) It undertakes the obligation to settle in the foreign exchange market, within five business days of its
availability, the funds received abroad from the collection of loans granted to third parties, time deposits, or
the sale of any type of asset, to the extent that the asset subject to the sale was acquired, the deposit
constituted or the loan granted after May 28, 2020.
(3) On the date of access to the foreign exchange market and in the previous 90 calendar days: (a) did not
arrange sales in Argentina of securities with settlement in foreign currency, (b) did not exchange securities
issued by residents for foreign assets, (c) did not transfer securities to depository entities abroad, (d) did not
acquire in Argentina securities issued by non-residents with settlement in Argentine Pesos, (e) did not
acquire CEDEARs representing foreign shares, (f) did not acquire securities representing private debt
issued in foreign jurisdiction, and (g) did not deliver funds in local currency or other local assets (except
funds in foreign currency deposited in local financial institutions) to any entity (whether physical or legal,
resident or non-resident, related or not), receiving as prior or subsequent consideration, directly or
indirectly, by itself or through a related, controlled or controlling entity, foreign assets, crypto-assets or
securities deposited abroad.
(4) It undertakes the obligation not to enter into any of the transactions described in paragraph (3) above from
the time it requests access to the foreign exchange market and for 90 calendar days thereafter.
(5) Section 3.16.3 of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations add that, in the event that the customer
requesting access to the exchange market is a legal entity, in order for the transaction not to be covered by
the requirement of prior approval by the BCRA must be submitted to the corresponding financial
institution:
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(a) An affidavit evidencing that within the term provided in Section 3.16.3.4. (90 days prior to
accessing the foreign exchange market) it has not delivered in Argentina any funds in local
currency or other liquid local assets, except funds in foreign currency deposited in local financial
institutions, to any person or legal entity, except those directly associated with regular
transactions in the course of its business, or
(b) (i) as required by Section 3.16.3.3. of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations, an affidavit
stating details of the physical or legal persons exercising a direct control relationship over the
client and of other legal persons with which it is part of the same economic group. In determining
the existence of a direct control relationship, the types of relationships described in Section
1.2.2.1 of the Large Exposures Regulation should be considered. Companies sharing a control
relationship of the type defined in Sections 1.2.1.1 and 1.2.2.1 of the Large Exposures
Regulations should be considered as members of the same “economic group” (Economic Group
Description Affidavit); and (ii) that on the day on which it requests access to the market and in
the 90 days prior to that date, it has not delivered in Argentina any funds in local currency or
other liquid local assets, except funds in foreign currency deposited in local financial institutions,
to any individual or legal entity that exercises a direct control relationship over it, or to other
companies with which it is part of the same economic group, except those directly associated with
regular transactions between residents for the acquisition of goods and/or services.
(c) The provisions of Section 3.16.3.4. of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations (as detailed
in (b)(ii) above) may be deemed to have been complied with if the customer seeking access has
submitted:
(i) an affidavit initialed by each physical or legal person detailed in Section 3.16.3.3. to
whom the client has delivered funds under the terms provided in Section 3.16.3.4.,
recording what is required in Sections 3.16.3.1., 3.16.3.2. and 3.16.3.4.; or
(ii) an Economic Group Affidavit of each person or legal entity declared in the affidavit
indicated in Section 3.16.3.3. (i.e., all Direct Controlling Entities and the declared
members of the economic group), stating the provisions of Sections 3.16.3.1. and
3.16.3.2. of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations; or
(iii) a statement from each of the individuals or legal entities declared in the affidavit
indicated in Section 3.16.3.3.3 (i.e., all the Direct Controlling Entities and the declared
members of the economic group), stating that within the term set forth in Section
3.16.3.4. has not received in Argentina any funds in local currency or other liquid local
assets, except for funds in foreign currency deposited in local financial entities, except
for those directly associated to usual transactions between residents for the acquisition
of goods and/or services, which have come from the client or from any person detailed
in Section 3.16.3.3. to whom the client has delivered funds under the terms set forth in
Section 3.16.3.4.
Section 3.16.4 of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations establish that companies shall require the
prior approval of the BCRA to grant access to the foreign exchange market to individuals or legal entities included by
the ARCA in the database of invoices or equivalent documents classified as apocryphal by such agency. This
requirement will not be applicable for access to the foreign exchange market for the cancellation of foreign currency
financing granted by local financial institutions, including payments for foreign currency consumption made by credit
or purchase cards.
Communication “A” 8,108, enacted on September 19, 2024, states that transfers to foreign depository entities
of securities made in connection with a repurchase of debt securities by Argentine residents should not be included in
affidavits for Sections 3.16.3.1. and 3.16.3.2. of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations.
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Imports Payments
Section 3.1 of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations allow access to the foreign exchange market for
the payment of imports of goods, establishing different conditions depending on whether they are payments of
imports of goods with customs entry registration, or payments of imports of goods with pending customs entry
registration. It also provides for the reestablishment of the “SEPAIMPO,” the import payment tracking system, for the
purpose of monitoring import payments, import financing and the demonstration of the entry of goods into the
country.
In addition, the local importer must designate a local financial entity to act as a monitoring bank, which will
be responsible for verifying compliance with applicable regulations, including, among others, the settlement of import
financing and the entry of imported goods.
Communication “A” 7,917 issued on December 13, 2023, later amended by Communication “A” 8,035
issued on July 30, 2024, substantially modified the regime of access to the foreign exchange market for the payment
of imports of goods and services, establishing the following regarding the access to the foreign exchange market for
the payment of imports of goods, effective as of December 13, 2023:
(1) The SIRA in “EXIT” status shall not be a requirement for access to the foreign exchange market: It shall
not be necessary for access to the foreign exchange market to have a declaration made through the SIRA in
“SALIDA” status as a requirement for access to the foreign exchange market, nor to validate the operation
in the “Single Current Account for Foreign Trade” computer system.
(2) Payments for imports of goods with customs entry registration as from December 13, 2023: Entities may
provide access to the foreign exchange market without prior BCRA approval to make deferred payments
for imports of goods with customs entry registration as from December 13, 2023, in addition to the other
applicable regulatory requirements, when it is verified that the payment complies with the following
schedule, according to the type of goods:
(a) from its customs entry registration, the payment of the FOB value corresponding to the following
goods may be made: (i) petroleum or bituminous mineral oils, their preparations and residues
(subchapters 2709, 2710 and 2713 of the NCM); (ii) petroleum gases and other gaseous
hydrocarbons (subchapter 2711 of the NCM); (iii) bituminous coal without agglomeration
(subchapters 2701.12.00 of the NCM), when the importation is carried out by an electricity
generation plant; (iv) electricity (subchapters 2716.00.00 of the NCM) and (v) imports formalized
from April 15, 2024 of natural uranium, enriched uranium and their compounds or zirconium and
its manufactures when corresponding to subchapter 8109.91.00 of the NCM, that are intended for
the production of energy or fuels, formalized from April 15,2024.
(b) from 30 days from the date of registration of customs entry, payment of the FOB value
corresponding to the following goods may be made: (i) pharmaceutical products and/or inputs
used in their local processing, other goods related to health care or food for human consumption
covered by the provisions of the Section 155 Tris of the Argentine Food Code, whose tariff
positions according to the NCM are detailed in Section 12.3. of the Argentine Foreign Exchange
Regulations; (ii) fertilizers and/or phytosanitary products and/or inputs that may be intended for
local processing, whose tariff positions are detailed in Section 12.2. of the Argentine Foreign
Exchange Regulations; (iii) imports formalized from March 15, 2024, corresponding to basic
consumer goods whose subchapter of the NCM are detailed in Section 12.4. of the Argentine
Foreign Exchange Regulations; and (d) imports formalized from April 15, 2024, by individuals or
legal entities that qualify as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) according to the
provisions of the “Determination of the condition of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises”
regulations, provided that they do not correspond to goods included in section 10.10.1.3 of the
Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations. The entity must have the importer’s affidavit stating
that the goods will be used for the purposes foreseen in this section, except when dealing with
operations covered under item (iii).
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(c) from 180 calendar days from the date of registration of customs entry, payment of the FOB value
corresponding to the following goods may be made: (a) finished automobiles (subchapter 8703 of
the NCM); (b) those corresponding to the tariff positions detailed in Section 12.1 of the Argentine
Foreign Exchange Regulations that are not covered in the preceding Sections, regardless of their
FOB unit value.
On June 27, 2024, the BCRA issued Communication “A” 8,054, which stated that access
to the foreign exchange market to make deferred payments for imports formalized from June 28,
2024 may be made as from 120 calendar days from the customs entry registration of the goods.
On July 23, 2024, the BCRA issued Communication “A” 8,074, which established that
access to the foreign exchange market to make deferred payments for the FOB value of imports
formalized from August 1, 2024, may be made as from 90 calendar days from the customs entry
registration of the goods. Pursuant to BCRA Communication “A” 8,108, payments for imports
formalized on or after September 20, 2024 can be made within 60 days of customs entry.
(d) for the remaining goods, the payment of their FOB value may be made within the following terms
counted from the registration of the customs entry of the goods:
(i) 25% after 30 calendar days.
(ii) An additional 25% after 60 calendar days.
(iii) An additional 25% after 90 calendar days.
(iv) The remaining 25% as from 120 calendar days.
BCRA Communication “A” 8,074 also established access to the foreign exchange market
for deferred payments for imports formalized as of August 1, 2024. This Communication allows
for 50% of the FOB value to be made as from 30 calendar days after customs clearance of the
goods, with the remainder to be made as from 60 calendar days later.
(e) Freight and insurance as part of the purchase condition agreed with the seller may be paid in full
as from the first date on which the importer has access to make deferred payments by virtue of the
transported goods, except when related to the goods covered in Section 10.10.1.3 of the Argentine
Foreign Exchange Regulations, for which access to the foreign exchange market to cancel their
value will be available as from 30 calendar days from the customs entry registration of the goods.
Entities may also be able to access the foreign exchange market without BCRA’s prior approval to make
deferred payments for new imports of goods with customs entry registration as from December 13, 2023 when, in
addition to the other applicable regulatory requirements, the payment falls within the situations set forth in Section
10.10. 2 of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations, as updated by Communication “A” 7945 dated January 01,
2024, Communication “A” 7950 dated January 25, 2024, Communication “A” 7980 dated March 14, 2024,
Communication “A” 7980 dated March 14, 2024, Communication “A” 7990 dated April 11, 2024, Communication
“A” 7998 dated April 30, 2024, Communication “A” 8035 dated June 3, 2024, Communication “A” 8094 dated
August 22, 2024, and Communication “A” 8133 dated November 21, 2024.
Access to the foreign exchange market to make payments with pending customs registration shall require the
prior approval of the BCRA except when, in addition to the other applicable requirements, the payment falls within
the situations set forth in Section 10.10. 2 of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations updated by
Communication “A” 7945 dated January 01, 2024, Communication “A” 7950 dated January 25, 2024,
Communication “A” 7980 dated March 14, 2024, Communication “A” 7980 dated March 14, 2024, Communication
“A” 7980 dated March 14, 2024, Communication “A” 7990 dated April 11, 2024, Communication “A” 7998 dated
April 30, 2024, Communication “A” 8035 dated June 3, 2024, Communication “A” 8094 dated August 22, 2024, and
Communication “A” 8133 dated November 21, 2024.
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(1)
Payments of imports with pending customs entry registration or before the deadlines set forth in the
preceding sections: Access to the foreign exchange market to make payments with pending customs entry
registration or deferred payments before the terms set forth in Section (b) above, when the remaining
applicable requirements are met, only in the case of financing, new pre-financing or advance payments or
under specific benefits.
(2)
Stock of debt. Imports of Goods:
(a)
Access to the foreign exchange market to make import payments for goods whose customs
entry registration occurred up to December 12, 2023, in addition to the remaining applicable
requirements, shall require the prior conformity of the BCRA except when they are
transactions financed by financial entities or official credit agencies or international
organizations; among other situations.
(b)
Access to financial entities to cancel obligations derived from letters of credit or guaranteed
letters issued or granted as from December 13, 2023, within the framework of an import in
which it is required to have a SIRA declaration will be conditioned to the entity having
documentation that proves, at the date of issuance or granting, the guaranteed transaction was
compatible with the terms and conditions set forth in Section (a) above and 2.2. herein.
Payment Of Foreign Debts For The Importation Of Goods and/or For Services Effectively Rendered and/or
Accrued
On December 22, 2023, the BCRA issued Communication “A” 7,925, requiring importers with outstanding
debts for goods imported and services received until December 12, 2023 (“Import Debt Stock”), to subscribe to
“Bonds for the Reconstruction of a Free Argentina” (“BOPREAL”). This requirement was subsequently incorporated
into Section 10.11 of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations, as amended by Communication “A” 8035.
Generally, prior approval from the BCRA is required to access the foreign exchange market for the payment of the
Import Debt Stock. However, certain exceptions are outlined in the regulations.
Importers of goods may subscribe the BOPREAL for up to the amount of the outstanding debt for their
imports of goods with customs entry registration up to and including December 12, 2023. The amount of the
BOPREAL that importers may subscribe will be adjusted to the outstanding amount registered in the BCRA’s
SEPAIMPO system. Importers of services accrued up to December 12, 2023, may also subscribe the BOPREAL for
up to the amount of the outstanding debt for such transactions. Importers of goods and services that, prior to January
31, 2024, subscribe the series offered (maturity in 2027), and for an amount equal to or greater than 50% of the
outstanding amount of the Import Debt Stock, will be able to access the foreign exchange market as from February 1,
2024 to pay the Import Debt Stock for the equivalent of 5% of the amount subscribed of such series.
Likewise, access to the foreign exchange market is authorized for the payment of the Import Debt Stock by
means of an exchange and/or arbitrage with the funds deposited in a local bank account and originated in collections
of principal and interest in foreign currency of the BOPREAL.
Importers subscribing to BOPREAL may sell them with settlement in foreign currency in Argentina or
abroad or transfer them to depositories abroad, for up to the amount acquired in the primary subscription without
limiting their ability to access the foreign exchange market. Likewise, Communication “A” 7,935 established that
those who have subscribed BOPREAL in primary bidding may, as from April 1, 2024, carry out sales transactions of
securities against foreign currency for the difference between the nominal value bid and the sale price in the
secondary market obtained from the sale of the BOPREAL, without violating the sworn statements set forth in
Sections 3.16.3.1. and 3.16.3.2. of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations.
In turn, through Communication “A” 8,055 dated June 28, 2024, BCRA established that if clients complete a
sale operation with a repurchase obligation using BOPREAL acquired in primary bidding, the following conditions
must be met:
(1) The sale of securities at the origin of the transaction should not be considered for the purposes of
preparing the affidavit provided for in Sections 3.16.3.1. and 3.16.3.2. of the Argentine Foreign Exchange
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Regulations, in line with the provisions of the first paragraph of Section 4.7.2. of the Argentine Foreign
Exchange Regulations.
(2) The above-mentioned sale does not allow the client to conclude securities transactions for the difference
between the value obtained from the sale and the nominal value of the securities.
(3) Once the client has regained possession of the BOPREAL, the securities will be treated in the same way
as those acquired in the primary offer.
Payment For Services Rendered By Non-Residents
Pursuant to Section 3.2 of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations, entities may access the foreign
exchange market to make payments for services rendered by non-residents as long as they have documentation to
support the existence of the service.
In the case of commercial debts for services, access is granted as from the expiration date, provided that it is
verified that the operation is declared, if applicable, in the last due presentation of the External Assets and Liabilities
Survey.
Communication “A” 7,953 issued on January 26, 2024, substantially modified the regime of access to the
foreign exchange market for the payment of imports of goods and services. Said Communication established the
following regarding access to the foreign exchange market for the payment of imports of services, effective as of
December 13, 2023:
Access To The Foreign Exchange Market For The Payment Of Services:
Entities may give access to the foreign exchange market to make payments for non-residents services that
were or will be rendered as of December 13, 2023, when, in addition to the other applicable regulatory requirements,
the transaction falls within one of the situations detailed below:
(1) the payment corresponds to a transaction that falls under the following concept codes:
S03. Passenger Transportation Services.
S06. Travel (excluding transactions associated with withdrawals and/or consumption with resident
cards with non-resident suppliers or non-resident cards with Argentine suppliers).
S23. Audiovisual services.
S25. Government services.
S26. Health services by travel assistance companies.
S27. Other health services.
S29. Transactions associated with withdrawals and/or consumptions with resident cards with non-
resident suppliers or non-resident cards with Argentine suppliers.
(2) Expenses paid to foreign financial entities for their usual operations.
(3) The payment corresponds to an operation under the concept “S30. Freight services for goods import
operations” for services rendered or accrued from December 13, 2023. The payment is made after a
period equivalent to the time in which the transported goods could start to be paid, as per item 1.2, has
elapsed since the date of rendering of the service. This excludes freight services for goods covered in
Section 10.10.1.3 of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations, for which access to the foreign
exchange market to settle their value will be available 30 calendar days after the date of rendering of the
service.
(4) The payment corresponds to an operation that falls under item “S24. Other personal, cultural and
recreational services” rendered or accrued as from December 13, 2023 and the payment is made after a
period of 90 calendar days from the date of rendering or accrual of the service has elapsed.
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(5) The payment corresponds to a transaction corresponding to a service not included in items 2.2.i) to
2.2.iv) and rendered by a counterparty not related to the resident as of December 13, 2023 and is made
after 30 calendar days from the date of rendering or accrual of the service. This deadline will also apply
to transfers abroad by local agents for their collection in Argentina of funds corresponding to services
provided by non-residents to residents.
(6) The payment corresponds to a transaction corresponding for a service not included in items 2.2.i) to
2.2.iv) and rendered by a counterparty related to the resident as of December 13, 2023. The payment is
made after 180 calendar days have elapsed from the date of rendering or accrual of the service.
Transactions originating from the provision of services by related counterparties will continue to be
subject to this requirement even if there is a change in the creditor or debtor that results in no longer
having a relationship between the creditor and the resident debtor.
Stock Of Debt Of Imports Of Services
Access to the foreign exchange market for payments for non-resident services rendered and/or accrued up to
December 12, 2023, in advance of the deadlines foreseen in Sections 13.2.3. to 13.2.6 of the Argentine Foreign
Exchange Regulations is admissible when, in addition to the other applicable requirements, the following situations
are verified:
(i)
The customer accesses the foreign exchange market with funds originated from a financing of imports of
services granted by a local financial institution from a foreign line of credit to the extent that the maturity
dates and the amounts of principal to be paid of the financing granted are compatible with those provided
for in Section 13.2 of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations.
(ii)
If the financing is granted prior to the date of rendering or accrual of the service, the terms set forth in
Section 13.2 of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations shall be computed as from the estimated
date of rendering or accrual plus 15 calendar days.
(iii)
The customer has access to the foreign exchange market simultaneously with the settlement of funds for
advances or pre-financing of exports from abroad or pre-financing of exports granted by local financial
entities with funding in foreign credit lines, to the extent that the stipulations of Section 13.3.1 of the
Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations regarding maturity dates and the amounts of principal to be
paid for the financing are complied with.
(iv)
The customer accesses the foreign exchange market simultaneously with the settlement of funds
originated in a financial indebtedness abroad, to the extent that the provisions of Section 13.3.1 of the
Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations regarding maturity dates and principal amounts payable on the
financing are complied with.
The portion of the financial indebtedness abroad that is used by virtue of the provisions of this Section
may not be computed for the purposes of other specific mechanisms that enable access to the foreign
exchange market as from the entry and/or settlement of this type of transactions.
(v)
In the case that the payment for imports of services is performed within the framework of the mechanism
provided for in Section 7.11 of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations.
(vi)
The customer has a “Certification for the regimes of access to foreign currency for the incremental
production of oil and/or natural gas” (Decree No. 277/22) issued within the framework of the provisions
of Section 3.17 of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations.
(vii)
The payment corresponds to the cancellation of transactions financed or guaranteed prior to December
13, 2023, by local or foreign financial entities.
(viii)
The payment corresponds to the cancellation of transactions financed or guaranteed prior to December
13, 2023, by international organizations and/or official credit agencies.
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Payments of services abroad up to December 12, 2023
The BCRA’s prior approval shall be required for access to the foreign exchange market to make payments
for non-resident services rendered or accrued up to December 12, 2023, except when in addition to the other
applicable requirements, the entity verifies the Sections 13.4.1. to 13.4.8.
External Financial Indebtedness
In order for resident debtors to be able to access the foreign exchange market to cancel foreign financial
indebtedness disbursed as of September 1, 2019, it is necessary that the loan proceeds have been settled through the
foreign exchange market and that the transaction has been declared in the External Assets and Liabilities Survey.
Repayment Of Foreign Currency Debt Among Residents
Access to the foreign exchange market for the repayment of debts and other obligations in foreign currency
between residents, contracted as of September 1, 2019, is prohibited.
However, it establishes as exceptions the cancellation as from its maturity of principal and interest of:
•
Financing in foreign currency granted by local financial entities (including payments for
consumption in foreign currency through credit cards).
•
Foreign currency liabilities between residents instrumented through public registries or deeds on or
before August 30, 2019.
•
Issuances of debt securities made on or after September 1, 2019, with the purpose of refinancing
foreign currency obligations between residents instrumented through public registries or public
deeds before August 30, 2019, and involving an increase in the average life of the obligations.
•
The payment, at maturity, of the principal and interest services of new issues of debt securities
made on or after November 29, 2019, with public registration in Argentina, denominated and
payable in foreign currency in Argentina, to the extent that: (i) they are denominated and subscribed
in foreign currency, (ii) the respective principal and interest services are payable in Argentina in
foreign currency and (iii) the totality of the funds obtained with the issue are settled through the
foreign exchange market.
•
Promissory notes with a public offering issued under General Resolution CNV No. 1003/24 and
related regulations, denominated and subscribed in foreign currency whose principal and interest
services are payable in Argentina in foreign currency, provided that all the funds obtained have
been settled through the foreign exchange market.
•
Issues made as from January 7, 2021 of debt securities with public registration in Argentina
denominated in foreign currency and whose services are payable in foreign currency in Argentina,
to the extent that they have been delivered to creditors to refinance pre-existing debts with
extension of the average life, when it corresponds to the amount of the refinanced capital, interest
accrued up to the refinancing date and, to the extent that the new debt securities do not mature
before 2023, the amount equivalent to the interest that would accrue until December 31, 2022 on the
indebtedness that is refinanced early and/or on the deferral of the refinanced principal and/or on the
interest that would accrue on the amounts so refinanced.
•
The issuance of debt securities with public registry in Argentina that were included in Section
7.11.1.5 of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations, to the extent that the record of customs
entry of goods for a value equivalent to the financing received is demonstrated.
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Principal Payments Under Related Counterparty Debt Until December 31, 2024
BCRA’s prior approval is required to access the foreign exchange market to make payments abroad of
principal and interest of financial debts when the creditor is a counterparty related to the debtor. This requirement is
applicable until December 31, 2024, in accordance with Section 3.5.6 of the Argentine Foreign Exchange
Regulations. Likewise, these debts will continue to be subject to prior approval even if there is a change in the
creditor or the debtor which means that there is no longer a link between the creditor and the resident debtor.
The BCRA’s prior approval shall not be required (i) in the case of local financial institutions’ own
transactions; (ii) in the case of a financial indebtedness abroad with an average life of not less than two years and the
funds have been deposited and settled through the foreign exchange market as from October 2, 2020; (iii) in the case
of a financial indebtedness abroad that meets all of the following conditions: (a) the funds have been used to finance
projects within the framework of the Plan for the Promotion of Argentine Natural Gas Production - Supply and
Demand Scheme 2020-2024 established in Section 2 of Decree No. 892/2020 (“Plan GasAr 2020-2024” or “Plan
GasAr”), (b) the funds have been deposited and settled through the foreign exchange market as from November 16,
2020, (c) the indebtedness has an average life of not less than two years. Likewise, the aforementioned conformity
shall not be applicable when (1) the client has a “Certification of Increase in Exports of Goods” for the years 2021 to
2023, issued within the framework of the provisions of Section 3.18. for the equivalent of the amount of capital to be
paid, (2) in the case of a financial indebtedness abroad with an average life of not less than two years, settled between
August 21, 2021 and December 12, 2023, and which was originally used to pay commercial debts for the import of
goods and services that originated the issuance of a Certificate of Entry of New Financial Indebtedness Abroad within
the framework of Section 3.19; (3) in the case of a financial indebtedness abroad with an average life of not less than
two years originated between August 27, 2021 and December 12, 2023, originated in a refinancing with the creditor
of commercial debts for the importation of goods and services within the framework of the provisions of Section 3.20.
The entity must have a certification for access to the foreign exchange market issued within the five previous business
days, by the entity that registered with the BCRA within the concept code “P17. Registration of refinancing of
commercial debt under Section 20 of Communication “A” 7,626;” (4) the customer has a Certification for the regimes
of access to foreign currency for the incremental production of oil and/or natural gas, issued within the framework of
the provisions of Section 3.17, for the equivalent of the amount of capital to be paid; (5) it is a financial indebtedness
abroad included in the mechanism of Section 7.11 and the access date is consistent with the conditions required to be
included in such mechanism.
Section 3.5.4 of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations establish that, as long as the requirement to
obtain prior approval to access the foreign exchange market to pay, at maturity, the principal and interests of external
financial indebtedness, such requirement will not be applicable when the use of the funds has been the financing of
projects within the framework of the Plan GasAr 2020-2024; when the funds have been deposited and settled through
the foreign exchange market as from November 16, 2020 and the average life of the indebtedness is not less than two
years.
Access To The Foreign Exchange Market For The Payment Of New Issues Of Debt Securities
Entities may access to the foreign exchange market for the payment of principal and services of debt
securities denominated and publicly registered abroad when the debtor has settled through the foreign exchange
market an amount equivalent to the face value of the external indebtedness.
The aforementioned requirement will be deemed to be met for the portion of debt securities publicly
registered abroad issued as from January 7, 2021, intended to refinance pre-existing debt by extending their average
life, for an amount equivalent to the refinanced principal, and provided that the new securities do not have a principal
maturity schedule within two years, for interest accrued through the date of refinancing and, interest that would
accrue during the first two years on the refinanced indebtedness and/or on the deferral of the refinanced principal
and/or interest that would accrue on the refinanced amounts.
Duly Registered Securities That Are Denominated And Payable In Foreign Currency In Argentina
Pursuant to Section 2.5 of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations, resident debt issuers will have
access to the foreign exchange market for the payment at maturity of principal and interest of duly registered debt
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security issues that are denominated and payable in foreign currency in Argentina, to the extent that (i) they are fully
subscribed in foreign currency, and (ii) provided that the proceeds of the issue are previously settled through the
foreign exchange market.
On June 28, 2024, the BCRA issued Communication “A” 8,055, thereby establishing that financial entities
may also provide resident clients with access to the foreign exchange market with the objective of repaying the
principal and interest on debt securities denominated in foreign currency, either in Argentina or abroad. This will be
permitted provided that the other applicable requirements are met, and on the condition that the securities in question
have been fully subscribed abroad and all funds received have been settled in the foreign exchange market. In the
event that the payment must be made abroad, access to the foreign exchange market may be granted up to three
business days before the due date of the principal and/or interest.
It was additionally established that, in the event a sale transaction is concluded with a repurchase obligation
through the utilization of BOPREAL bonds procured through primary bidding, there is no obligation to consider the
sale of said securities at their origin for purposes of affidavit preparation, as outlined in Sections 3.16.3.1 and 3.16.3.2
of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations. This aligns with the stipulations of the initial paragraph of Section
4.7.2 of said regulations. Nevertheless, this sale will not permit the client to complete transactions involving the
securities in question, given that the proceeds from the sale will not cover the nominal value of the securities, as
stipulated in the second paragraph of the aforementioned section.
Once the client has regained possession of the BOPREAL bonds, the securities will receive the same
treatment as those acquired in primary bidding.
Access To The Foreign Exchange Market By Guarantee Trusts For The Payment Of Principal And Interest
Pursuant to Section 3.7 of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations, Argentine guarantee trusts created
to guarantee principal and interest payments of resident debtors may access the foreign exchange market to make such
payments at their scheduled maturity, to the extent that, in accordance with the applicable regulations in force, the
debtor would have had access to the foreign exchange market to make such payments directly. Also, under certain
conditions, a trustee may access the foreign exchange market to guarantee certain principal and interest payments on
foreign financial debt and anticipate access to the foreign exchange market.
Profit And Dividend Payment
Pursuant to Section 3.4 of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations, access to the foreign exchange
market for the transfer of foreign currency abroad for the payment of dividends and profits to non-resident
shareholders is subject to the prior approval of the BCRA, unless the following requirements are met:
(i) Dividends must correspond to closed and audited balance sheets.
(ii) The total amount paid to non-resident shareholders shall not exceed the amount in Argentine Pesos that
correspond according to the distribution determined by the shareholders’ meeting.
(iii) If applicable, the External Assets and Liabilities Survey must have been complied with for the
transactions involved.
(iv) The company falls within one of the following situations and fulfills all the conditions stipulated in
each case:
(a) Records direct investment contributions settled as of January 17, 2020. In which case, (i) the
total amount of transfers made in the foreign exchange market for the payment of dividends
to non-resident shareholders may not exceed 30% of the total value of the capital
contributions made in the relevant local company that have entered and been settled through
the foreign exchange market as of January 17, 2020, (ii) access will only be granted after
the expiration of a term of not less than 30 calendar days as from the settlement date of the
last capital contribution taken into account to determine the aforementioned 30% capital
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cap, and (iii) the definitive capitalization of the capital contributions must be accredited or,
failing that, the filing of the registration procedure of the capital contribution with the Public
Registry must be evidenced. In this case, the accreditation of the definitive capitalization
must be made within 365 calendar days following the date of the initial filing with the
Public Registry.
(b) Profits generated in projects under the Plan GasAr 2020-2024. In this case, (i) the profits
generated by the foreign direct investment contributions entered and settled through the
foreign exchange market as from November 16, 2020, destined to the financing of projects
framed within the Plan GasAr 2020-2024. If the client is a direct beneficiary of Decree No.
277/2022, the value of the benefits of the decree used by the client, directly or indirectly,
shall be deducted from the amount allowed in the preceding paragraph, (ii) the access to the
foreign exchange market occurs no earlier than two years from the date of settlement in the
foreign exchange market of the contribution that allows the framing in this section, and (iii)
the client must submit the documentation supporting the definitive capitalization of the
contribution.
(c) The client must have a Certification of Increased Exports of Goods for the years 2021 to
2023, issued in accordance with Section 3.18 of the Argentine Foreign Exchange
Regulations, for the equivalent value of the profits and dividends being paid.
(d) It has certification under the foreign exchange access regimes for incremental production of
oil and/or natural gas.
(e) The client engages in an exchange and/or arbitration transaction with funds deposited in a
local account and originating from collections in foreign currency of principal or interest on
BOPREAL.
Cases that do not comply with the above conditions will require the prior approval of the BCRA to access the
foreign exchange market for the purchase of foreign currency for the distribution of profits and dividends.
On April 30, 2024, the BCRA established, via Communication “A” 7,999, that clients may subscribe to
BOPREAL for an amount equivalent to the profits and dividends pending payment to non-resident shareholders, in
accordance with the distribution determined by the shareholders’ meeting, in local currency. It is the responsibility of
the entity completing the subscription on behalf of the client to verify compliance with the established requirements.
Moreover, clients may access the foreign exchange market for the payment of profits and dividends,
provided that the applicable requirements are met, by carrying out an exchange and/or arbitration with funds
deposited in a local account and originating from collections of principal and interest in foreign currency of
BOPREAL.
In addition, with regard to the profits and dividends accrued in Argentine Pesos within Argentina by non-
residents from September 1, 2019, and which have not been remitted abroad, it was established, among other things,
that non-resident clients may subscribe to BOPREAL. BOPREAL may be subscribed for up to the equivalent amount
in local currency of the profits and dividends collected from September 1, 2019, according to the distribution
determined by the shareholders’ meeting, adjusted by the latest available CPI published by the INDEC at the
subscription date. The entity that completes the subscription offer on behalf of the client must have documentation
that supports and verifies compliance with the indicated conditions.
Other Specific Provisions
Securities Transactions
According to CNV General Resolution No. 988/2023, sales of marketable securities with settlement in
foreign currency, in any jurisdiction and regardless of the law under which they are issued may be made, provided
that a minimum holding period of one business day counted as of its accreditation at the Central Depository Agent of
Negotiable Securities (Agente Depositario Central de Valores Negociables), to the extent that the purchases of the
marketable securities in question have been made against Argentine Pesos.
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Likewise, transfers to foreign depository institutions of marketable securities purchased with Argentine
Pesos, regardless of the law under which they are issued, must comply with a minimum holding period of one
business day as from the date of deposit of such marketable securities, unless such accreditation (i) results from a
primary placement of marketable securities issued by the Argentine National Treasury or by the BCRA, in the
framework of the Communication “A” 7,918, as amended, (ii) or refers to CEDEARs traded in markets regulated by
the CNV. Intermediaries and trading agents must verify compliance with the aforementioned minimum holding
period of marketable securities.
It should be noted that the aforementioned provisions do not extend to transfers of securities to foreign
depositary entities made by the client for the purpose of participating in a debt securities exchange issued by the
Argentine government, local governments, or resident private sector issuers. The client is required to present the
relevant certification for the exchanged debt securities.
In accordance with the prevailing CNV regulations, local brokers are obliged to comply with the following
requirements prior to executing or registering any of the aforementioned securities transactions in CNV-authorized
markets:
(a) In the event that the trade is to be performed by non-resident clients that do not qualify as foreign
brokers, it is the responsibility of the broker to ensure that the trades are for the account of the client and
financed with the client’s own funds. Furthermore, the broker must ensure that the trades do not exceed
Ps.200 million per day.
(b) In the event that the trade is to be performed by non-resident clients that qualify as foreign brokers,
whether acting for their own account or on behalf of Argentine clients, it is the responsibility of the
broker to ensure that the trades do not exceed Ps.200 million per client per day. In the event that a
foreign broker is acting in the capacity of a depositary for shares issued by a local issuer and is
undertaking the trade for the purpose of distributing dividends to holders of ADRs, GDRs, or analogous
certificates held in custody abroad, said broker shall not be subject to the aforementioned requirement.
(c) In the event that the trade is to be performed by resident clients acting for their own portfolio and
financed with their own funds, the above-mentioned daily trading limit does not apply.
The aforementioned trade restrictions do not apply to BOPREAL acquired in primary bidding and to the sale
of securities with settlement in foreign currency and in the local jurisdiction previously acquired in Argentine Pesos
by individual or corporate resident clients with funds from UVA mortgage loans. These clients must be granted the
funds by financial entities authorized to act as such under terms of Law No. 21.526. Furthermore, the proceeds from
these sales must be applied to the purchase of real estate in Argentina within the framework of the aforementioned
credits.
Communication “A” 8,099
Communication “A” 8,099 of the BCRA establishes the regulations pertaining to the foreign exchange
benefits for Single Project Vehicles (“VPU,” the Spanish acronym for such) that have adhered to the RIGI. The
BCRA has established:
(i) exceptions to the mandatory inflow and settlement of export proceeds in foreign currency made by
a VPU adhering to the RIGI.
(ii) exceptions to the mandatory inflow and settlement of foreign currency arising from export of
services.
(iii) access to the foreign exchange market to make payments of certain expenses;
(iv) access to the foreign exchange market to make payments of dividends to non-resident shareholders
(v) application abroad of proceeds from exports of goods; and
(vi) exchange stability applicable to the VPU on the date of adherence to the RIGI.
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BCRA Information Framework
On December 28, 2017, the BCRA replaced the information regimes established in Communications “A”
3,602 and “A” 4,237 with Communication “A” 6,401 (and the complementary Communication “A” 6,795), a unified
framework applicable from December 31, 2017 (“External Assets and Liabilities Survey”) (Relevamiento de Activos y
Pasivos Externos). The reporting requirements under the information regime are contingent upon the final balance of
foreign assets and liabilities:
•
For individuals or entities whose balance, acquisition, or sale of external assets and liabilities at the end of a
given calendar year is equal to or exceeds the equivalent of US$50 million, a quarterly declaration prior to
the end of each quarter and an annual declaration, which permits the correction, affirmation, or update of
quarterly declarations, must be filed.
•
For individuals or entities whose balance, acquisition, or sale of external assets and liabilities at the
conclusion of a given calendar year exceeds US$10 million but does not exceed US$50 million, an annual
declaration is the sole requisite form of compliance.
•
For individuals or entities whose balance, acquisition, or sale of external assets and liabilities at the
conclusion of a specified calendar year exceeds US$1 million but does not exceed US$10 million, a
streamlined annual declaration is the sole requisite documentation.
Individuals or entities for whom the balance or acquisition or sale of foreign assets and liabilities at the end
of a given calendar year is less than US$1 million are exempt from reporting obligations.
Access to the foreign exchange market for the repayment of foreign financial debt and other operations is
contingent upon the debtor’s compliance with the External Assets and Liabilities Survey. See “—Specific Provisions
on Access to the Foreign Exchange Market—External Financial Indebtedness.”
Advance Notice of Foreign Exchange Operations
Entities authorized to operate with foreign currency are obliged to provide the BCRA with information on
outgoing operations through the Foreign Exchange Market for daily amounts equal to or greater than the equivalent of
US$10,000. This information must be provided at the end of each business day and with two business days’ notice.
Clients are obliged to inform financial entities in advance, so that they can comply with the requirements of this
information regime. Consequently, as long as the other requirements established in the Argentine Foreign Exchange
Regulations are simultaneously met, they can process foreign exchange transactions.
On August 8, 2024, the BCRA issued Communication “A” 8,085, which established that from August 14,
2024, the daily amount from which compliance with this information regime will be required as a prerequisite for
access to the foreign exchange market will be increased to the equivalent of US$100,000. Furthermore, the document
indicated that as of August 9, 2024, the “Foreign Exchange Information Registry for Exporters and Importers of
Goods,” as outlined in Section 3.16.5 of the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations, will be revoked.
Argentine Criminal Foreign Exchange Regulations
The Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations establish that transactions that do not comply with the exchange
regulations established by the Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations will be subject to the Criminal Argentine
Foreign Exchange Regulations (Law No. 19,359 and amendments).
For further information on the exchange control restrictions and regulations in force, you should consult your
legal advisors and read the applicable rules mentioned in this document, as well as their amendments and
complementary regulations, which are available on the website: http://www.infoleg.gob.ar/ or on the BCRA’s website:
https://www.bcra.gob.ar/, as applicable. The information contained in these websites is not part of this annual report
and is not deemed to be incorporated herein.
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TAXATION
Mexican Tax Considerations
General
The following summary of the Mexican federal income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and
disposition of our series A shares or ADSs, is based upon the federal tax laws of Mexico as in effect on the date of
this annual report, which are subject to change. Mexico has also entered into and is negotiating several tax treaties
with other countries, that may have an impact on the tax treatment of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our
series A shares or ADSs.
This summary is not a comprehensive discussion of all the tax considerations that may be relevant to a
particular investor’s decision to purchase, hold, or dispose of series A shares or ADSs. In particular, this summary is
directed only to Non-Mexican Holders that acquired our series A shares or ADS and does not address tax
consequences to Holders that are regarded as residents of Mexico for tax purposes, Holders who may be subject to
special tax rules, such as tax exempt entities, entities or arrangements that are treated as disregarded for Mexican or
other jurisdictions’ income tax purposes, persons or group of persons under the Mexican Securities Market Law that
own or are treated as owning, either, 10% or more of our stock by vote or value, or the control of our Company, or
persons owning our shares before they were originally registered in the RNV maintained by the CNBV. Moreover,
this summary does not address the applicable tax treatment in Mexico for transactions not conducted through an
authorized Mexican or international recognized stock markets, nor through registered or protected transactions.
For purposes of this summary, an “International Holder” is the holder of our series A shares or ADSs that (i)
is not regarded as resident of Mexico under current domestic tax laws, and (ii) is not a non-Mexican resident with a
permanent establishment in Mexico for tax purposes.
You should consult your own tax advisors about the consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and
disposition of the series A shares or ADSs, including the relevance to your particular situation of the
considerations discussed below and any consequences arising under foreign, state, local or other tax laws.
This description assumes that you are an ADS holder. If you hold the ADSs indirectly, you must rely
on the procedures of your broker or other financial institution to assert the rights of ADS holders described in
this section. You should consult with your broker or financial institution to find out about those procedures.
ADSs
In accordance with provisions of the current Administrative Tax Regulations ADSs would be regarded as
securities that exclusively represent our series A shares which are registered in the RNV maintained by the CNBV;
therefore, should be treated as placed among the investing public at large (colocadas entre el gran público
inversionista.)
Taxation of Dividends
Gross amount of any distribution of cash or property with respect to our series A shares or ADSs that is paid
out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits would be subject to a 10% withholding income tax which
would be withheld by the Mexican custodian in INDEVAL. Withholding tax would be computed on the Mexican
Peso denominated amount distributed as dividend.
Mexican custodians in INDEVAL are obliged to issue tax receipts for taxes withheld on dividend
distributions, which should be issued under the name of the depositary in case of ADSs or brokers where International
Holders maintain their global accounts to hold our series A shares.
The 10% withholding tax rate may be reduced under certain tax treaties entered by Mexico with other
countries, if formal requirements are complied with and disclosure is made to the Mexican custodian by the
depositary or the broker with respect to the effective beneficiary of the dividend income. A 5% withholding tax rate
may apply for International Holders that are U.S. companies that are resident for tax purposes in the U.S. and that are
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entitled to access U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty benefits, to the extent such International Holders that are U.S. companies
own 10% or more of the voting shares of the Company.
Taxation of Dispositions of series A shares or ADSs
The sale or the disposition of series A shares carried out through a Mexican authorized stock exchange
market (e.g., Bolsa Mexicana de Valores or Bolsa Institucional de Valores) would be exempt from Mexican income
tax, as long as the International Holder furnishes an affidavit to its Mexican financial intermediary, stating, under
oath, that it is a resident for tax purposes in a country with which Mexico has an income tax treaty in force and
provides its tax identification number; otherwise, the Mexican financial intermediary should withhold 10% tax on the
capital gain derived from the transaction.
Considering that our series A shares underlying the ADSs are registered with the RNV, the sale or
disposition of ADSs would not be subject to Mexican income tax if (i) the transaction is carried out through NYSE or
other recognized markets as defined in the Mexican Federal Tax Code, and (ii) the International Holder is a tax
resident of a country with which Mexico has in force a treaty for the avoidance of double taxation.
Deposits and withdrawals of series A shares by International Holders in exchange for ADSs and the
surrender of ADRs to the depositary for exchanging ADRs for uncertificated ADSs should not result in the realization
of gain or loss for Mexican income tax purposes.
In the event that the sale or the disposition of series A shares were to be carried out other than through a
Mexican authorized stock exchange market (e.g., Bolsa Mexicana de Valores or Bolsa Institucional de Valores) such
disposition should be subject to a 25% Mexican income tax on the gross proceeds derived from the transaction which
should be directly paid by the International Holder before the Mexican tax authorities within the subsequent 15-
business days after the transaction is conducted. Alternatively, if formal requirements are complied with, International
Holders could elect to compute its tax liability with the 35% income tax on the capital gain. International Holders that
are residents of countries with which Mexico has a tax treaty in force may be entitled to benefits that would reduce or
eliminate Mexican taxes imposed on the sale or disposition of series A shares if formal requirements are complied
with.
Value Added Tax
Dividend distributions, the purchase and the sale or disposition of the series A shares or ADSs are exempt of
Value Added Tax.
Tax impact of the Labor Reform
Mexican tax provisions prohibit the tax deduction of payments related to services companies under the
concept of subcontracting or outsourcing, or specialized services from contractors that do not have the authorization
from the Mexican Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare. Specialized services cannot (a) include activities equal or
similar to the activities performed by the employees of the contracting party, or (b) cover the main economic activity
of the contracting party.
Payments or consideration made for the subcontracting of personnel will not be considered as strictly
necessary expenses, therefore, they will not be deductible for income tax purposes, nor creditable for value added tax.
In addition, the tax provisions disallow any tax effects to the specialized services paid when they are carried out by
the provider’s personnel that originally used to be employed by the beneficiary and were transferred by any legal
means from the service provider to the beneficiary.
Note that pursuant to the labor reform, for Mexican entities to deduct payments for subcontracting
specialized services, and credit the VAT related to such payments, the Mexican entity requires to receive certain
documentation from the specialized service provider. Under the terms of the labor reform, the tax authorities may
impose fines ranging from approximately US$10,250 to US$20,550 to the specialized service providers that fail to
deliver the documentation for each obligation to deliver information not complied with. Furthermore, the labor reform
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establishes that Mexican entities subcontracting personnel will be joint and severally liable with the contracting party
for the employment-related taxes triggered by the employees associated to the services or works rendered.
Also, using deceptive practices to conceal the provision of subcontracting personnel would constitute tax
fraud.
Other Mexican Taxes
There are currently no Mexican estate, gift, stamp, registration, or similar taxes payable with respect to the
purchase, ownership or disposition of our series A shares or ADSs. The inheritance of our series A shares or ADSs
received by a non-Mexican resident would be subject to income tax at the rate of 25% on the fair-market-value of the
series A shares or ADSs inherited.
United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
The following is a summary of material U.S. federal income tax considerations that are likely to be relevant
to the purchase, ownership and disposition of our series A shares or ADSs by a U.S. Holder (as defined below).
This summary is based on provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”), and
regulations, rulings and judicial interpretations thereof, in force as of the date thereof, and the Convention Between
the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the United Mexican States for the Avoidance
of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income dated September 18, 1992
(as amended by any subsequent protocols) (“U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty”). Those authorities may be changed at any
time, perhaps retroactively, so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those summarized
below.
This summary is not a comprehensive discussion of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to a
particular investor’s decision to purchase, hold, or dispose of series A shares or ADSs. In particular, this summary is
directed only to U.S. Holders that hold series A shares or ADSs as capital assets and does not address tax
consequences to U.S. Holders who may be subject to special tax rules, such as banks, brokers or dealers in securities
or currencies, traders in securities electing to mark to market, financial institutions, life insurance companies, tax
exempt entities, entities or arrangements that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes (or
partners therein), holders that own or are treated as owning 10% or more of our stock by vote or value, persons
holding series A shares or ADSs as part of a hedging or conversion transaction or a straddle, or persons whose
functional currency is not the U.S. Dollar. Moreover, this summary does not address state, local or foreign taxes, the
U.S. federal estate and gift taxes, or the Medicare contribution tax applicable to net investment income of certain non-
corporate U.S. Holders, or alternative minimum tax consequences of acquiring, holding or disposing of series A
shares or ADSs.
For purposes of this summary, a “U.S. Holder” is a beneficial owner of series A shares or ADSs that is
(1) (a) a citizen or resident of the United States, (b) a U.S. domestic corporation or (c) otherwise subject to U.S.
federal income taxation on a net income basis in respect of such series A shares or ADSs and (2) fully eligible for
benefits under the U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty.
You should consult your own tax advisors about the consequences of the acquisition, ownership, and
disposition of the series A shares or ADSs, including the relevance to your particular situation of the
considerations discussed below and any consequences arising under foreign, state, local or other tax laws.
ADSs
In general, if you are a U.S. Holder of ADSs, you will be treated, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as
the beneficial owner of the underlying series A shares that are represented by those ADSs.
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Taxation of Dividends
Subject to the discussion below under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company Status,” the gross amount of
any distribution of cash or property with respect to our series A shares or ADSs (including any amount withheld in
respect of Mexican withholding taxes) that is paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as
determined for United States federal income tax purposes) will generally be includible in your taxable income as
ordinary dividend income on the day on which you receive the dividend, in the case of series A shares, or the date the
depositary receives the dividends, in the case of ADSs, and will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction
allowed to corporations under the Code.
We do not expect to maintain calculations of our earnings and profits in accordance with U.S. federal income
tax principles. U.S. Holders therefore should expect that distributions generally will be treated as dividends for U.S.
federal income tax purposes.
If you are a U.S. Holder, dividends paid in a currency other than U.S. Dollars generally will be includible in
your income in a U.S. Dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the day you receive the
dividends, in the case of series A shares, or the date the depositary receives the dividends, in the case of series A
shares represented by ADSs. Any gain or loss on a subsequent sale, conversion or other disposition of such non-U.S.
currency by such U.S. Holder generally will be treated as ordinary income or loss and generally will be income or loss
from sources within the United States. A U.S. Holder should consult its own tax advisors regarding the treatment of
any foreign currency gain or loss realized with respect to any currency received as a dividend on the series A shares.
The U.S. Dollar amount of dividends received by an individual with respect to the series A shares or ADSs
will be subject to taxation at a preferential rate if the dividends are “qualified dividends.” Subject to certain exceptions
for short-term positions, dividends paid on the series A shares or ADSs will be treated as qualified dividends if:
•
the series A shares or ADSs are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United
States, or we are eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive tax treaty with the United States that
the U.S. Treasury determines is satisfactory for purposes of this provision and that includes an
exchange of information program; and
•
we were not, in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid, and are not, in the year in
which the dividend is paid, a passive foreign investment company (a “PFIC”).
The ADSs are listed on the NYSE, and will qualify as readily tradable on an established securities market in
the United States so long as they are so listed. In addition, the U.S. Treasury has determined that the U.S.-Mexico Tax
Treaty meets the requirements for reduced rates of taxation, and we believe we are eligible for the benefits of the
U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty. Based on our financial statements and our current expectations regarding the value and
nature of our assets and the sources and nature of our income, we do not believe that we were a PFIC for our 2024 or
2023 taxable years, and we do not anticipate becoming a PFIC for our current taxable year or in the foreseeable
future. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of the reduced dividend tax rate in
light of their own particular circumstances.
Subject to generally applicable limitations and conditions, Mexican withholding tax on dividends paid at the
appropriate rate applicable to the U.S. Holder may be eligible for a credit against such U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal
income tax liability. These generally applicable limitations and conditions include requirements adopted by the U.S.
Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) in regulations promulgated in December 2021, and any Mexican tax will need to
satisfy these requirements in order to be eligible to be a creditable tax for a U.S. Holder. In the case of a U.S. Holder
that is either (i) eligible for, and properly elects, the benefits of the U.S.-Mexico Tax Treaty, or (ii) consistently elects
to apply a modified version of these rules under temporary guidance issued in 2023 and complies with specific
requirements set forth in such guidance, the Mexican tax on dividends will be treated as meeting the new
requirements and therefore as a creditable tax. In the case of all other U.S. Holders, the application of these
requirements to the Mexican tax on dividends is uncertain, and we have not determined whether these requirements
have been met. If the Mexican tax on dividends is not a creditable tax for a U.S. Holder or the U.S. Holder does not
elect to claim a foreign tax credit for any foreign income taxes paid or accrued in the same taxable year, the U.S.
Holder may be able to deduct the Mexican tax in computing such U.S. Holder’s taxable income for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. Dividend distributions with respect to our series A shares or ADSs will constitute income from
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sources without the United States and, for U.S. Holders that elect to claim foreign tax credits, generally will constitute
“passive category income” for foreign tax credit purposes.
The availability and calculation of foreign tax credits and deductions for foreign taxes depend on a U.S.
Holder’s particular circumstances and involve the application of complex rules to those circumstances. The temporary
guidance discussed above also indicates that the Treasury and the IRS are considering proposing amendments to the
December 2021 regulations and that the temporary guidance can be relied upon until additional guidance is issued
that withdraws or modifies the temporary guidance. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the
application of these rules to their particular situations.
U.S. Holders that receive distributions of additional series A shares or ADSs or rights to subscribe for series
A shares or ADSs as part of a pro rata distribution to all our shareholders generally will not be subject to U.S. federal
income tax in respect of the distributions, unless any holder of our shares or ADSs has the right to receive cash or
property instead, in which case the U.S. Holder will generally be treated as if it received cash equal to the fair market
value of the distribution.
Taxation of Dispositions of series A shares or ADSs
Subject to the discussion below under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company Status,” upon a sale,
exchange or other disposition of the series A shares or ADSs, U.S. Holders will realize capital gain or loss for U.S.
federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. Dollar value of the amount
realized on the disposition and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis, determined in U.S. Dollars, in the series A shares or
ADSs. Such gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if the ADS or series A shares have been held
for more than one year. Long-term capital gain realized by a U.S. Holder that is an individual generally is subject to
taxation at a preferential rate. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
A U.S. Holder generally will not be entitled to credit any Mexican or Argentine tax imposed on the sale or
other disposition of the series A shares or ADSs against such U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, except
in the case of a U.S. Holder that consistently elects to apply a modified version of the U.S. foreign tax credit rules that
is permitted under temporary guidance issued in 2023 and complies with the specific requirements set forth in such
guidance. Additionally, capital gain or loss recognized by a U.S. Holder on the sale or other disposition of the series
A shares or ADSs generally will be U.S. source gain or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. Consequently, even
if the withholding tax qualifies as a creditable tax for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes, a U.S. Holder may not be able
to credit the tax against its U.S. federal income tax liability unless such credit can be applied (subject to generally
applicable conditions and limitations) against tax due on other income treated as derived from foreign sources. If the
Mexican or Argentine tax is not a creditable tax, the tax would reduce the amount realized on the sale or other
disposition of the series A shares or ADSs even if the U.S. Holder has elected to claim a foreign tax credit for other
taxes in the same year. The temporary guidance discussed above also indicates that the Treasury and the IRS are
considering proposing amendments to the December 2021 regulations and that the temporary guidance can be relied
upon until additional guidance is issued that withdraws or modifies the temporary guidance. U.S. Holders should
consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of the foreign tax credit rules to a sale or other disposition of
the series A shares or ADSs and any Mexican or Argentine tax imposed on such sale or disposition.
If a U.S. Holder sells or otherwise disposes of our series A shares or ADSs in exchange for currency other
than U.S. Dollars, the amount realized generally will be the U.S. Dollar value of the currency received at the spot rate
on the date of sale or other disposition (or, if the shares are traded on an established securities market at such time, in
the case of cash basis and electing accrual basis U.S. Holders, the settlement date). An accrual basis U.S. Holder that
does not elect to determine the amount realized using the spot exchange rate on the settlement date will recognize
foreign currency gain or loss equal to the difference between the U.S. Dollar value of the amount received based on
the spot exchange rates in effect on the date of the sale or other disposition and the settlement date. A U.S. Holder
will generally have a tax basis in the currency received equal to the U.S. Dollar value of the currency received at the
spot rate on the settlement date. Any currency gain or loss realized on the settlement date or the subsequent sale,
conversion, or other disposition of the non-U.S. currency received for a different U.S. Dollar amount generally will be
U.S.-source ordinary income or loss, and will not be eligible for the reduced tax rate applicable to long-term capital
gains. If an accrual basis U.S. Holder makes the election described in the first sentence of this paragraph, it must be
applied consistently from year to year and cannot be revoked without the consent of the IRS. A U.S. Holder should
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consult its own tax advisors regarding the treatment of any foreign currency gain or loss realized with respect to any
currency received in a sale or other disposition of the series A shares or ADSs.
Deposits and withdrawals of series A shares by U.S. Holders in exchange for ADSs will not result in the
realization of gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Status
Special U.S. tax rules apply to investors in companies that are considered to be PFICs. We will be classified
as a PFIC in a particular taxable year if, taking into account our proportionate share of the income and assets of our
subsidiaries under applicable “look-through” rules, either
•
75% or more of our gross income for the taxable year is passive income; or
•
the average percentage of the value of our assets that produce or are held for the production of
passive income is at least 50%.
For this purpose, passive income generally includes dividends, interest, gains from certain commodities
transactions, rents, royalties and the excess of gains over losses from the disposition of assets that produce passive
income.
Based on our financial statements and our current expectations regarding the value and nature of our assets
and the sources and nature of our income, we do not believe that we were a PFIC for our 2024 or 2023 taxable years,
and we do not anticipate becoming a PFIC for our current taxable year or in the foreseeable future. However, the
determination whether we are a PFIC must be made annually based on the facts and circumstances at that time.
Accordingly, we cannot be certain that we will not be a PFIC for the current year or future years. If we are classified
as a PFIC, you will generally be subject to a special tax at ordinary income tax rates on “excess distributions”
(generally, any distributions that you receive in a taxable year that are greater than 125% of the average annual
distributions that you have received in the preceding three taxable years, or your holding period, if shorter), and gains
that you recognize on the disposition of your series A shares or ADSs. Under these rules (a) the excess distributions
or gains will be allocated ratably over your holding period, (b) the amount allocated to the current taxable year and
any taxable year prior to the first taxable year in which we are a PFIC will be taxed as ordinary income, and (c) the
amount allocated to each of the other taxable years will be subject to tax at the highest rate of tax in effect for the
applicable class of taxpayer for that year, and an interest charge for the deemed deferral benefit will be imposed with
respect to the resulting tax attributable to each such other taxable year. Classification as a PFIC may also have other
adverse tax consequences, including, in the case of individuals, the denial of a step-up in the basis of your series A
shares or ADSs at death.
If you are a U.S. Holder that owns an equity interest in a PFIC, you generally must annually file IRS Form
8621, and may be required to file other IRS forms. A failure to file one or more of these forms as required may toll
the running of the statute of limitations in respect of each of your taxable years for which such form is required to be
filed. As a result, the taxable years with respect to which you fail to file the form may remain open to assessment by
the IRS indefinitely, until the form is filed.
You should consult your own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax considerations discussed
above and the consequences to you if we are treated as a PFIC.
Foreign Financial Asset Reporting.
Individual U.S. Holders that own “specified foreign financial assets” with an aggregate value in excess of
US$50,000 on the last day of the taxable year, or US$75,000 at any time during the taxable year, are generally
required to file an information statement along with their tax returns, currently on Form 8938, with respect to such
assets. “Specified foreign financial assets” include any financial accounts held at a non-U.S. financial institution, as
well as securities issued by a non-U.S. issuer that are not held in accounts maintained by financial institutions. Higher
reporting thresholds apply to certain individuals living abroad and to certain married individuals. Regulations extend
this reporting requirement to certain entities that are treated as formed or availed of to hold direct or indirect interests
in “specified foreign financial assets” based on objective criteria. U.S. Holders who fail to report the required
information could be subject to substantial penalties. In addition, the statute of limitations for assessment of tax would
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be suspended, in whole or part. Prospective investors are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding
the possible application of these rules, including the application of the rules to their particular circumstances.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
Dividends paid on, and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, the series A shares or ADSs to a U.S.
Holder generally may be subject to the information reporting requirements of the Code and may be subject to backup
withholding unless the U.S. Holder provides an accurate taxpayer identification number and makes any other required
certification or otherwise establishes an exemption. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. The amount of any
backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. Holder will be allowed as a refund or credit against the U.S. Holder’s
U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner.
A holder that is not a “United States person” (as defined in the Code) may be required to comply with
certification and identification procedures in order to establish its exemption from information reporting and backup
withholding.
Argentine Tax Considerations
The Argentine Income Tax Law (“ITL”) imposes a capital gains tax on the sale or, transfer or any other act
of disposition by non-Argentine residents of shares or other participations in foreign entities when the following two
conditions are simultaneously met: (i) 30% or more of the market value of the shares, stakes, quotas, securities, or
other kind of participations that the seller holds in the foreign entity is, at the time of the sale or at any time during the
12 months prior to the sale, derived from attributable to assets located in Argentina owned directly or indirectly by the
foreign entity, and (ii) the participation being transferred represents (at the time of the sale or transfer or during the 12
prior months) at least 10% or more of the equity of the foreign entity. In this line, Argentine regulations foresee that,
in certain cases, shares sold by related persons must be aggregated for this purpose). The applicable tax rate would
generally be 15% (calculated on the actual net gain or a presumed net gain equal to 90% of the sale price to the extent,
in both cases, the seller does not reside in non-cooperative jurisdictions, or the invested funds do not come from non-
cooperative jurisdictions) of the proportional value that corresponds to the Argentine assets. This tax on indirect
transfers only applies to participations in foreign entities acquired after the effective date of the tax reform, in force
from January 1, 2018. Additionally, this capital gains tax shall not apply if the transfer is made within the same
economic group in the terms established by the regulatory decree of the ITL.
Since our Argentine assets currently represent more than 30% of the value of our total assets on a
consolidated basis, a holder that sells or transfers our common shares, acquired after January 1, 2018, could be subject
to the Argentine capital gains tax to the extent the mentioned requisites are met.
Argentine holders are encouraged to consult a tax advisor as to the Argentine tax consequences derived from
the holding of, and any transactions relating to, the ADSs and series A shares.
DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY
Any SEC filings we make are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website: www.sec.gov.
ANNUAL REPORT TO SECURITY HOLDERS
Not applicable.
ITEM 11.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our activities are exposed to market risk, including the exchange rate risk, the interest rate risk and the price
risk. Financial risks are those derived from financial instruments we are exposed to during or at the closing of each
fiscal year. Risk management systems and policies are reviewed on a regular basis to reflect changes in market
conditions and our activities, with a focus not placed on the individual risks of the business units’ operations, but with
a wider perspective focused on monitoring risks affecting the whole portfolio. Financial risk management is
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controlled by the Financial Department, which identifies, evaluates and covers financial risks. Our risk management
strategy seeks to achieve a balance between profitability targets and risk exposure levels.
For further information on our market risks, please see Note 18.6.1.1 to our Audited Financial Statements.
ITEM 12.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
American Depositary Shares
The Bank of New York Mellon is the depositary of the ADS program. Each ADS represents one series A
share (or a right to receive one series A share) deposited with Banco S3 Caceis México, S.A., Institución de Banca
Múltiple, as custodian for the depositary in Mexico. The depositary’s office at which the ADSs will be administered,
and its principal executive office are located at 240 Greenwich Street, New York, New York 10286.
ADS holders may be unable to exercise voting rights with respect to the shares underlying the ADSs at our
shareholders’ meetings, and preemptive rights may be unavailable to non-Mexican holders of ADSs. Mexican law
governs shareholder rights. The depositary will be the holder of the series A shares underlying the ADSs. Registered
holders of ADSs, have ADS holder rights. A deposit agreement among us, the depositary, ADS holders, and all other
persons indirectly holding or beneficially owning ADSs sets out ADS holder rights as well as the rights and
obligations of the depositary. New York law governs the deposit agreement and the ADSs. To exercise any
shareholder rights directly, ADSs holders need to surrender their ADSs to become a direct shareholder.
Depositary Fees and Expenses
Persons depositing or withdrawing shares or ADS holders must pay:
For:
US$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)
Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of
shares or rights or other property
Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the
deposit agreement terminates
US$0.05 (or less) per ADS
Any cash distribution to ADS holders
A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed
to you had been shares and the shares had been deposited for issuance of
ADSs
Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited securities
(including rights) that are distributed by the depositary to ADS holders
US$0.05 (or less) per ADS per calendar year
Depositary services
Registration or transfer fees
Transfer and registration of shares on our share register to or from the
name of the depositary or its agent when you deposit or withdraw shares
Expenses of the depositary
Cable and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided in the
deposit agreement)
Converting foreign currency to U.S. Dollars
Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian has
to pay on any ADSs or shares underlying ADSs, such as stock transfer
taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes
As necessary
Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the
deposited securities
As necessary
The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares
or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects
fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion
of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by
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deduction from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of
participants acting for them. The depositary may collect any of its fees by deduction from any cash distribution
payable (or by selling a portion of securities or other property distributable) to ADS holders that are obligated to pay
those fees. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are
paid.
From time to time, the depositary may make payments to us to reimburse us for costs and expenses generally
arising out of establishment and maintenance of the ADS program, waive fees and expenses for services provided to
us by the depositary or share revenue from the fees collected from ADS holders. For the year ended December 31,
2024, the depositary reimbursed us a gross amount of US$50,000 in connection with the ADS program.
In performing its duties under the deposit agreement, the depositary may use brokers, dealers, foreign
currency dealers or other service providers that are owned by or affiliated with the depositary and that may earn or
share fees, spreads or commissions.
The depositary may convert currency itself or through any of its affiliates and, in those cases, acts as
principal for its own account and not as agent, advisor, broker or fiduciary on behalf of any other person and earns
revenue, including, without limitation, transaction spreads, that it will retain for its own account. The revenue is based
on, among other things, the difference between the exchange rate assigned to the currency conversion made under the
deposit agreement and the rate that the depositary or its affiliate receives when buying or selling foreign currency for
its own account. The depositary makes no representation that the exchange rate used or obtained in any currency
conversion under the deposit agreement will be the most favorable rate that could be obtained at the time or that the
method by which that rate will be determined will be the most favorable to ADS holders, subject to the depositary’s
obligations under the deposit agreement. The methodology used to determine exchange rates used in currency
conversions is available upon request.
You will be responsible for any taxes or other governmental charges payable on your ADSs or on the
deposited securities represented by any of your ADSs. We, the depositary bank and the custodian may withhold or
deduct from any distribution the taxes and governmental charges payable by holders and the depositary may sell any
and all property on deposit to pay the taxes and governmental charges payable by holders. You will be liable for any
deficiency if the sale proceeds do not cover the taxes that are due.
The depositary may refuse to register any transfer of your ADSs or allow you to withdraw the deposited
securities represented by your ADSs until those taxes or other charges are paid. It may apply payments owed to you
or sell deposited securities represented by your ADSs to pay any taxes owed and you will remain liable for any
deficiency. If the depositary sells deposited securities, it will, if appropriate, reduce the number of ADSs to reflect the
sale and pay to ADS holders any proceeds, or send to ADS holders any property, remaining after it has paid the taxes.
You are required to indemnify us, the depositary and the custodian for any claims with respect to taxes based on any
tax benefit obtained for you.
ITEM 13.
DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
None.
ITEM 14.
MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE
OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM 15.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We have evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the
effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to 13a-15(e)
and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act, as of December 31, 2024.
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There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures,
including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures.
Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving
their control objectives. Based upon our evaluation, we, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer, concluded that as of December 31, 2024, our disclosure controls and procedures were
effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or
submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in
the applicable rules and forms, and that it is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Annual Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial
reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal
control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer, and monitored by our board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements for external
reporting purposes in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB, and it includes those policies and procedures that:
(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions,
dispositions of our assets, and treasury policies; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as
necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS, and that receipts and expenditures
are being made only in accordance with authorization of our management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that
could have a material effect on our financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect
misstatements. Therefore, effective control over financial reporting cannot, and does not, provide absolute assurance
of achieving our control objectives. Also, projection of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal controls to
future periods is subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the
degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
As of the year ended December 31, 2024, our management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of
our internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the criteria established in the publication “Internal
Control – Integrated Framework (2013),” issued by the Committee of the Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission, as well as the rules set by the SEC in its Final Rule “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over
Financial Reporting and Certification of Disclosure in Exchange Act Periodic Reports.”
Based on the assessment performed, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting
was effective as of the end of the period covered by this annual report.
Attestation report of the registered public accounting firm
Reference is made to the report of EY Argentina (as defined below) on page F-3 of this annual report.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered
by this annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over
financial reporting.
During 2024, the Company completed the fifth year of implementation of specific standards for the SOX and
performed a management assessment over internal control.
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ITEM 16.
RESERVED
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
The Board of Directors of Vista has determined that Pierre Jean Sivignon is the Audit Committee financial
expert. We believe that Mr. Sivignon possesses the attributes of an Audit Committee financial expert set forth in the
instructions to Item 16A of Form 20-F. Under Argentine law and Rule 10A-3 Mr. Sivignon is an independent director.
See “Item 6—Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Board of Directors.”
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS
We have adopted a code of ethics and conduct (“Code of Ethics and Conduct”) that applies to all Vista’s
officers and employees and third parties (contractors, suppliers, partners) which interact with Vista which is posted on
our web site at: www.vistaenergy.com. We did not modify or amend our Code of Ethics and Conduct during the year
ended December 31, 2024. In addition, we did not grant any waivers to our Code of Ethics and Conduct during the
year ended December 31, 2024.
Our Code of Ethics and Conduct defines the way in which we conduct our businesses, and it is designed to
help us comply with our obligations, to respect one another at the workplace and to act with integrity in the market.
Our Code of Ethics and Conduct expressly sets forth, among other matters, that no one shall offer, in the name of
Vista, directly or indirectly through third parties, anything of value to a public officer, or to his/her representatives,
and particularly for the purposes of obtaining or maintaining a business, influencing business decisions or receiving
an unfair advantage.
Additionally, Vista’s mission to conduct business in an ethical manner also entails the commitment of
maintaining accuracy in our accounting books, financial statements and accounting records. Our accounting records,
including our financial statements, management reports, contracts and agreements, must always be accurate and
reflect the economic facts and transactions with integrity and accuracy, pursuant to the professional accounting
standards and the laws governing Vista. All of Vista’s transactions, regardless of their amount, must be properly
authorized, executed and recorded. Upon a determination that our Code of Ethics and Conduct has been violated, the
Company shall take any appropriate disciplinary action.
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Audit and Non-Audit Fees
Our independent registered public accounting firm is Pistrelli, Henry Martin y Asociados S.A. (successor of
Pistrelli, Henry Martin y Asociados S.R.L.) (member of Ernst & Young Global Limited) (“EY Argentina”), beginning
with the audit of the year ended December 31, 2023. In 2022, and from 2017, our independent registered public
accounting firm was Mancera, S.C. (member of Ernst & Young Global Limited). See “Item 16F—Change in
Registrant’s Certifying Accountant.”
The following table provides details in respect of audit, audit related, and tax fees billed by the independent
registered public accounting firm and other member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited involved in the PCAOB
audit (collectively, “EY”) for professional services:
2024
2023
(in thousands of US$)
Audit fees
1,249
851
Audit- related fees
17
49
Tax fees
298
290
Total fees
1,564
1,190
Audit Fees. Audit fees in the above table are the aggregate fees rendered by EY in connection with the audit
of our annual financial statements and the review of our quarterly financial information and services that are normally
provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings.
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Audit-related Fees. Audit-related fees in the above table are the aggregate fees billed by EY for assurance
and other services related to the performance of the audit
Tax Fees. Tax fees in the above table are fees billed by EY for allowed tax compliance, tax advice and tax
planning.
The policy of our audit committee is to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services provided by EY,
including audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services as described above, other than those for
de minimis services which are approved by the audit committee prior to the completion of the audit.
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
Not applicable.
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED
PURCHASERS
Period
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
Average Price
Paid per
Share
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
Maximum Approximate
Dollar Value of Shares that
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or Programs
January 2024
-
-
-
-
February 2024
-
-
-
-
March 2024
-
-
-
-
April 2024
-
-
-
-
May 2024 (from 5/6 to 5/23) (1)
1,062,355
47.05
1,062,355
$0
June 2024
-
-
-
-
July 2024
-
-
-
-
August 2024 (from 8/8 to 8/30) (2)
933,843
44.82
933,843
$4,333,649
September 2024 (on 9/3) (2)
85,000
49.38
1,018,843
$0
October 2024
-
-
-
-
November 2024
-
-
-
-
December 2024
-
-
-
-
(1) On April 24, 2023, at the Annual Ordinary and Extraordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting, the Company’s shareholders approved a
US$50 million share repurchase reserve to acquire the Company’s own shares. As of December 31, 2024, the share repurchase reserve
had been executed in full.
(2) On August 6, 2024, at the Ordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting, the Company’s shareholders approved a US$50 million share
repurchase reserve to acquire the Company’s own shares. As of December 31, 2024, the share repurchase reserve had been executed in
full.
ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
The disclosure called for by this Item 16F was previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for
the year ended December 31, 2023, filed on April 23, 2024.
ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Corporate Governance Practices
Companies listed on the NYSE must comply with the corporate governance standards provided under
Section 303A of the NYSE Listed Company Manual. As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to follow home
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country practices in lieu of Section 303A, except that we are required to comply with Sections 303A.06, 303A.11 and
303A.12(b) and (c) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual. Under Section 303A.06, we must have an audit committee
that meets the independence requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. Under Section 303A.11, we must
disclose any significant ways in which their corporate governance practices differ from those followed by domestic
companies under NYSE listing standards. Finally, under Section 303A.12(b) and (c), we must promptly notify the
NYSE in writing after becoming aware of any non-compliance with any applicable provisions of this Section 303A
and must annually make a written affirmation to the NYSE.
The table below briefly describes the significant differences between our Mexican corporate governance
rules and the NYSE corporate governance rules.
Section
NYSE Corporate Governance Rules
Mexican Corporate Governance Rules
303A.01
A listed company must have a majority of independent
directors. “Controlled companies” are not required to comply
with this requirement.
A listed company must have at least 25% of independent
directors. All listed companies must comply with this
requirement.
303A.02
No director qualifies as “independent” unless the board of
directors affirmatively determines that the director has no
material relationship with the listed company (whether directly
or as a partner, shareholder, or officer of an organization that
has a relationship with the company), and emphasizes that the
concern is independence from management. The board is also
required, on a case-by-case basis, to express an opinion with
regard to the independence or lack of independence, of each
individual director.
The shareholder’s meeting of a listed company in which a
director is appointed or ratified, or where such appointment or
ratification is informed, must affirmatively determine whether
such director qualifies as independent. Under the Mexican
Securities Market Law (i) shareholders that individually or as
a group control the listed company, (ii) officers, employees or
examiners of the listed company or its affiliates;
(iii) individuals with significant influence or command
authority (as defined below) over the listed company or its
affiliates, among other persons, cannot be appointed as
independent directors. There is test with respect to
independence from the management as such.
303A.03
The non-management directors of a listed company must meet
at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management.
There is no such requirement.
303A.04
A listed company must have a nominating/corporate
governance committee composed entirely of independent
directors, with a written charter that covers certain minimum
specified duties. “Controlled companies” are not required to
comply with this requirement.
A listed company must have a corporate governance
committee with at least three members appointed by the board
of directors and which members must all be independent. The
corporate governance committee of a listed company that is
controlled by a person or group maintaining 50% or more of
its outstanding capital stock may be formed by a majority of
independent members.
303A.05
A listed company must have a compensation committee
composed entirely of independent directors, with a written
charter that covers certain minimum specified duties.
“Controlled companies” are not required to comply with this
requirement.
There is no such requirement.
303A.06
A listed company must have an audit committee with a
minimum of three independent directors who satisfy the
independence requirements of Rule 10A-3, with a written
charter that covers certain minimum specified duties.
A listed company must have an audit committee with at least
three members appointed by the board of directors and which
members must all be independent. The minimum duties of
this committee are set forth in the Mexican Securities Market
Law, which include, among other things, supervising external
auditors, discuss yearly financial statements and, when
applicable, recommend their approval, informing the board of
directors of existing internal controls and irregularities that it
encounters, investigate breaches of operating policies internal
control and internal audit systems and supervise the activities
of the chief executive officer.
As a foreign private issuer, we are required to comply with
Section 303A.06, other than the requirement to have a
minimum of three members on our audit committee.
188
Section
NYSE Corporate Governance Rules
Mexican Corporate Governance Rules
303A.08
Shareholders must be given the opportunity to vote on all
equity-compensation plans and material revisions thereto, with
limited exemptions set forth in the NYSE rules.
Stock options plans for employees and pensions plans of a
listed company and its affiliates, and similar structures, must
be approved by the shareholders’ meeting of the listed
company. Such plan must provide for a general and
equivalent treatment to all employees in similar situations.
303A.09
A listed company must adopt and disclose corporate
governance guidelines that cover certain minimum specified
subjects.
The by-laws of a listed company must comply with the
corporate governance provided for in the Mexican Securities
Market Law.
303A.10
A listed company must adopt and disclose a code of business
conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees, and
promptly disclose any waivers of the code for directors or
executive officers.
A company listed in the Mexican Stock Exchange must adopt
the code of ethics issued by the board of directors of such
exchange and represent its knowledge of the best corporate
practices code.
303A.12
(a)
Each listed company CEO must certify to the NYSE
each year that he or she is not aware of any violation by
the company of NYSE corporate governance listing
standards.
There is no such requirement.
(b)
Each listed company CEO must promptly notify the
NYSE in writing after any executive officer of the listed
company becomes aware of any non-compliance with
any applicable provisions of this Section 303A.
There is no such requirement.
(c)
Each listed company must submit an executed Written
Affirmation annually to the NYSE. In addition, each
listed company must submit an interim Written
Affirmation as and when required by the interim Written
Affirmation form specified by the NYSE.
The secretary of the board of directors of a company listed in
the Mexican Stock Exchange must disclose, at least once a
year, the obligations, liabilities and recommendations
resulting from the code of ethics, the best corporate practices
code and the rules issued by the Mexican Stock Exchange to
the directors of a listed company.
As a foreign private issuer, we are required to comply with
Section 303A.12.
ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
ITEM 16I.
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable.
ITEM 16J.
INSIDER TRADING POLICIES
We have adopted insider trading policies and procedures governing the purchase, sale, and other dispositions
of Vista’s securities by directors, senior management, and employees that are reasonably designed to promote
compliance with applicable insider trading laws, rules and regulations, and any listing standards applicable to us. The
latest update to these policies was made on February 26, 2025. For further information on our insider trading policy,
please refer to Exhibit 11.1 to this annual report.
ITEM 16K. CYBERSECURITY
Risk Management and Strategy
Our risk management framework includes regular assessments and updates to our cybersecurity policies,
aligning them closely with industry best practices and emerging threats. We emphasize a proactive approach,
integrating cybersecurity considerations into our strategic planning and operational processes. This ensures that
189
potential risks are identified and mitigated before they can impact our operations. Additionally, our strategy is
structured according to the categories of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, providing a solid and standardized
foundation for our cybersecurity practices.
Govern
•
Cybersecurity processes are overseen by our Cybersecurity team, which reports to the Innovation and
Technology Manager, who in turn reports to the CTO. The leader of our Cybersecurity team has over 12
years of experience in the field across various industries.
•
The Cybersecurity team provides quarterly reports to the Cybersecurity Internal Committee, which oversees
and sponsors the cybersecurity strategy. This committee has received fundamental cybersecurity training
from a top-tier third-party consultant. Our CTO, who chairs the committee, provides quarterly updates to the
Corporate Practices Committee of the Board of Directors.
•
As part of our management process, the committee receives quarterly reports on the following key
performance indicators:
o NIST Maturity Score;
o Number of critical incidents that occurred during the period;
o Distribution of cybersecurity monitoring alerts within the period;
o Number of critical risk scenarios identified with a level 1 post-mitigation rating (highest impact and
probability of occurrence);
o Percentage of employees who completed mandatory cybersecurity training; and
o Average results of controlled phishing exercises.
•
The Company’s cybersecurity and information security strategy is based on comprehensive risk assessment,
mitigation, and resilience readiness. This is achieved through a threat intelligence-driven approach,
application controls, and reinforced ransomware defense mechanisms. The framework follows several
international standards, including NIST Special Publication 800-53 for general IT controls, ISA/IEC
standards for industrial automation, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework for evaluating overall readiness, and
SOX for assessing internal controls.
•
We have implemented a Cybersecurity Policy and Standards, which serve as a comprehensive framework for
our cybersecurity rules, technical standards, and procedures. This document is aligned with our corporate
operating management system and establishes guidelines for developing, implementing, and enhancing
procedures to protect information from unauthorized access and misuse, ensure the availability of critical
systems, and maintain data protection and integrity. This policy is the cornerstone of our information
security management system and an integral part of our cybersecurity governance framework.
Identify
•
We maintain a comprehensive process for assessing, identifying, and managing material risks from
cybersecurity threats, including risks related to business operations disruption, financial reporting systems,
intellectual property theft, fraud, extortion, harm to employees or customers, violation of privacy laws,
litigation and legal risks, and reputational risks.
•
Risk assessments are conducted on an ongoing basis. The likelihood and impact of each risk are determined
using a qualitative risk assessment methodology. Risks are identified from various sources, including
vulnerability scans and penetration tests. We monitor our infrastructure and applications to detect evolving
cyber threats and possible intrusions. The assessment results are reported quarterly to Company management
through our cybersecurity risk matrix in accordance with the established cybersecurity governance model.
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•
Third-party risk management is integral to our approach, involving rigorous due diligence and continuous
monitoring of our vendors and partners to ensure alignment with our cybersecurity standards.
Protect
•
This function is built on advanced security technologies and is managed by a team of experts with significant
experience in cybersecurity best practices.
•
The Company employs comprehensive policies, software, training programs, and hardware solutions to
safeguard and monitor its environment. These measures include multifactor authentication for all critical
systems, firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and vulnerability and identity management
systems.
•
Our platform incorporates a suite of technologies, including encryption, antivirus, multi-factor
authentication, firewalls, and patch management. These technologies are designed to protect and maintain
the integrity of systems and computers across our organization.
•
Our Cybersecurity team regularly tests security controls through penetration testing, vulnerability scanning,
and attack simulation activities.
•
The Cybersecurity team conducts annual information security awareness training for all employees, performs
internal phishing tests, provides targeted training for employees who click on phishing attempts, mandates
security training for new hires, and publishes cybersecurity newsletters to address emerging or urgent
security threats.
Detect and Respond
•
We have a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan that outlines the procedures for handling cybersecurity
incidents based on their severity and ensures cross-functional coordination. Additionally, we have
established a Cybersecurity Detection and Response team to provide real-time enterprise visibility into cyber
incidents.
•
Our business strategy, operational results, and financial condition have not been significantly impacted by
cybersecurity threats or past incidents. However, we cannot guarantee that they will remain unaffected by
such risks or future significant incidents. Over the past four fiscal years, we have not experienced any
significant information security breaches, and expenses incurred from minor breaches have been
insignificant. This includes penalties and settlements, of which there have been none.
Recover
•
The Company conducts cybersecurity tabletop and crisis management exercises facilitated by an independent
third party to simulate breach and other information security scenarios. The facilitator poses questions to
participants and provides insights into typical responses from other companies in similar situations. These
exercises help assess and enhance response strategies, improving practices, procedures, and technologies.
ITEM 17.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 18.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Our Audited Financial Statements are included in this annual report beginning on page F-1.
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ITEM 19.
EXHIBITS
Documents filed as exhibits to this annual report:
1.1
English translation of bylaws (as amended) of the registrant (incorporated by reference to Vista´s
registration statement on Form 20-F filed by Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. on April 23, 2024).
2.1
Form of Deposit Agreement among Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. (formerly known as Vista Oil &
Gas, S.A.B. de C.V.), The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, and the owners and holders
from time to time of American Depositary Shares issued thereunder (incorporated by reference to
our registration statement on Form F-6 filed with the SEC on July 2, 2019).
2.2
Description of rights of each class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (included as Exhibit 2.2 of the Form 20-F filed by Vista Energy, S.A.B. de
C.V. (formerly known as Vista Oil & Gas, S.A.B. de C.V.), on April 30, 2020 and incorporated by
reference herein).
4.1
English translation of concession agreement regarding the Entre Lomas concession in the Province
of Neuquén, dated June 11, 2009, among Petrolera Entre Lomas S.A., APCO Argentina Inc.
(Sucursal Argentina) and the Province of Neuquén (incorporated by reference from Vista’s
registration statement on Form F-1 filed with the SEC on July 2, 2019).
4.2
English translation of concession agreement regarding the Entre Lomas concession in the Province
of Río Negro, dated December 9, 2014, among Petrolera Entre Lomas S.A. and the Province of Río
Negro (incorporated by reference from Vista’s registration statement on Form F-1 filed with the
SEC on July 2, 2019) (“Entre Lomas Rio Negro Concession Agreement”).
4.3
English translation of concession agreement regarding the Jagüel de los Machos and 25 de Mayo–
Medanito SE concessions in the Province of Río Negro, dated December 9, 2014, among Petrobras
Argentina S.A. and the Province of Río (incorporated by reference from Vista’s registration
statement on Form F-1 filed with the SEC on July 2, 2019) (“Jagüel de los Machos and 25 de Mayo–
Medanito SE Concession Agreement”).
4.4
Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan as approved by the Compensation Committee of
the Board of Vista on February 22, 2023 (included as Exhibit 4.8 of the Form 20-F filed by Vista
Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. on April 24, 2023 and incorporated by reference herein).
192
4.5
English translation of the amendment to Entre Lomas Rio Negro Concession Agreement and Jagüel
de los Machos and 25 de Mayo–Medanito SE Concession Agreement, dated November 29, 2024,
by and between Vista Energy Argentina S.A.U and the Province of Neuquén.
8.1
List of Subsidiaries.
11.1
Insider Trading Policy
12.1
Certification of Miguel Galuccio of Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
12.2
Certification of Pablo Manuel Vera Pinto of Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. pursuant to Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
13.1
Certification of Miguel Galuccio and Pablo Manuel Vera Pinto pursuant to U.S.C. Section 1350, as
adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
15.1
Consent Letter dated April 9, 2025, prepared by DeGolyer and MacNaughton.
15.2
Consent Letter dated April 9, 2025, prepared by Pistrelli, Henry Martin y Asociados S.A. (successor
of Pistrelli, Henry Martin y Asociados S.R.L.) (member of Ernst & Young Global Limited).
15.3
Consent Letter dated April 9, 2025, prepared by Mancera, S.C. (member of Ernst & Young Global
Limited).
97.1
Policy for the Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation (included as Exhibit 97.1 of the
Form 20-F filed by Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. on April 23, 2024 and incorporated by reference
herein).
99.1
Reserves Report dated January 27, 2025, prepared by DeGolyer and MacNaughton.
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
193
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
SIGNATURE
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly
caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V.
By: /s/ Miguel Galuccio
Name:
Miguel Galuccio
Title:
Chief Executive Officer
By:
/s/ Pablo Manuel Vera Pinto
Name: Pablo Manuel Vera Pinto
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
Date: April 9, 2025
F-1
INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024, and 2023 and for the years ended December 31, 2024,
2023 and 2022
Reports of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm ..................................................................................... F-2
Consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2024,
2023 and 2022 ................................................................................................................................................................. F-6
Consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2024, and 2023 ........................................................ F-7
Consolidated statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 ......................... F-8
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 .................................. F-11
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 ................................................................................................................................................ F-13
Auditor Data Elements
December 31, 2024 and 2023
December 31, 2022
Auditor Name
Pistrelli, Henry Martin y Asociados
S.A. (member of Ernst & Young
Global Limited)
Mancera, S.C. (member of Ernst
& Young Global Limited)
Auditor Location
Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
Auditor Firm ID 01449
01284
F-2
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V.:
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. (the Company)
as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, changes
in equity and cash flows for the two years in the period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to
as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with IFRS Accounting Standards as issued
by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in
Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
(2013 framework) and our report dated April 9, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are
required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to
error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements,
whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a
test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the
financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that
was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that
are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The
communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken
as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit
matter or on the account or disclosure to which it relates.
Impact of estimated proved oil and gas reserves on the depreciation of Oil and Gas
Properties and Production Wells and Facilities
Description of the
matter
As described in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements, at December 31, 2024, Oil and
Gas Properties and Production Wells and Facilities was $2,485,056 thousand and had an associated
depreciation expense for 2024 of $415,963 thousand. As described in Note 3.2.5, depreciation of
those assets is calculated using the unit-of-production method based on proved oil and gas reserves,
developed and not developed as applicable, based on the estimates certified by an independent
reserves engineering consultant.
Proved oil and gas reserves are those quantities of natural gas, crude oil, and natural gas liquid
which by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty
to be economically producible from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under
existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations. Judgment is
required by the independent reserves engineering consultant in evaluating geological and
engineering data when estimating oil and gas reserves. Estimating reserves also requires the
selection and evaluation of inputs, including historical production, oil and gas price assumptions,
and future operating and capital cost assumptions, among others.
F-3
Auditing the Company’s depreciation calculation is complex because of the use of the work of the
independent reserves engineering consultant and the evaluation of management’s determination of
the inputs described above used by the independent reserves engineering consultant in estimating
proved oil and gas reserves.
How We Addressed
the Matter in our
Audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of the
Company’s controls over its process to calculate the depreciation, including management’s controls
over the completeness and accuracy of the financial data provided to the independent reserves
engineering consultant for use in estimating proved oil and gas reserves.
Our audit procedures included, among others, evaluating the professional qualifications and
objectivity of the independent reserves engineering consultant and management’s qualified person
responsible for overseeing the preparation of the proved oil and gas reserve estimates. In addition,
we evaluated the completeness and accuracy of the financial inputs described above used by the
independent reserves engineering consultant in estimating proved oil and gas reserves by agreeing
them to source documentation, and we identified and evaluated corroborative and contrary
evidence. We also tested the mathematical accuracy of the depreciation calculation, including
comparing the proved oil and gas reserves amounts used in the calculation to the certified reserve
report prepared by the independent reserves engineering consultant.
/s/ PISTRELLI, HENRY MARTIN Y ASOCIADOS S.A.
Member of Ernst & Young Global Limited
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2023.
City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
April 9, 2025
F-4
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of
Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V.
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V.’s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December
31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Vista Energy, S.A.B. de
C.V. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on
the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States) (PCAOB), the consolidated statements of financial position of Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. as of December 31, 2024
and 2023, the related consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flow
for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes, and our report dated April 9, 2025
expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for
its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s
Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are
required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained
in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a
material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed
risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides
a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures
that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the
company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ PISTRELLI, HENRY MARTIN Y ASOCIADOS S.A.
Member of Ernst & Young Global Limited
City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
April 9, 2025
F-5
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of
Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, changes in equity
and cash flows for the period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated
financial statements”) of Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. (“the Company”) In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements
present fairly, in all material respects, the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2022, in
conformity with IFRS Accounting Standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 2.6 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has elected to change its method of accounting
for the presentation of export duties in the consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income for the year
ended December 31, 2022.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public
Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company
in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to
error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform an audit of its internal control over financial
reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for
the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due
to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis,
evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial
statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Mancera, S.C.
A member practice of
Ernst & Young Global Limited
We have served as the Company’s auditor from 2017 to 2023
Mexico City, Mexico
April 24, 2023
except for note 2.6, as to which date is April 23, 2024
F-6
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars)
Notes
Year ended
December
31,2024
Year ended
December
31,2023
Year ended
December
31,2022
Revenue from contracts with customers
5
1,647,768
1,168,774
1,187,660
Cost of sales:
Operating costs
6.1
(116,526)
(94,685)
(133,385)
Crude oil stock fluctuation
6.2
1,720
(2,058)
(500)
Royalties and others
6.3
(243,950)
(176,813)
(188,677)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
13/14/15
(437,699)
(276,430)
(234,862)
Other non-cash costs related to the transfer of
conventional assets
3.2.7
(33,570)
(27,539)
-
Gross profit
817,743
591,249
630,236
Selling expenses
7
(140,334)
(68,792)
(59,904)
General and administrative expenses
8
(108,954)
(70,483)
(63,826)
Exploration expenses
9
(138)
(16)
(736)
Other operating income
10.1
54,127
203,812
26,698
Other operating expenses
10.2
(1,261)
302
(3,321)
Reversal (impairment) of long- lived assets
3.2.2
4,207
(24,585)
-
Operating profit
625,390
631,487
529,147
Interest income
11.1
4,535
1,235
809
Interest expense
11.2
(62,499)
(21,879)
(28,886)
Other financial income (expense)
11.3
23,401
(65,484)
(67,556)
Financial income (expense), net
(34,563)
(86,128)
(95,633)
Profit before income tax
590,827
545,359
433,514
Current income tax (expense)
16
(426,288)
(16,393)
(92,089)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
16
312,982
(132,011)
(71,890)
Income tax (expense)
(113,306)
(148,404)
(163,979)
Profit for the year, net
477,521
396,955
269,535
Other comprehensive income
Other comprehensive income that shall not be reclassified to
profit (loss) in subsequent years
- (Loss) profit from actuarial remeasurement related to
employee benefits
23
(10,200)
6,565
(4,181)
- Deferred income tax benefit (expense)
16
3,570
(2,298)
1,463
Other comprehensive income for the year
(6,630)
4,267
(2,718)
Total comprehensive profit for the year
470,891
401,222
266,817
Earnings per share
Basic (in US Dollars per share)
12
4.979
4.237
3.068
Diluted (in US Dollars per share)
12
4.633
4.000
2.755
Notes 1 through 33 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F-7
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Consolidated statements of financial position as of December 31, 2024 and 2023
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars)
Notes As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Assets
Noncurrent assets
Property, plant and equipment
13
2,805,983
1,927,759
Goodwill
14
22,576
22,576
Other intangible assets
14
15,443
10,026
Right-of-use assets
15
105,333
61,025
Biological assets
2.4.17
10,027
-
Investments in associates
2.4.16
11,906
8,619
Trade and other receivables
17
205,268
136,351
Deferred income tax assets
16
3,565
5,743
Total noncurrent assets
3,180,101
2,172,099
Current assets
Inventories
19
6,469
7,549
Trade and other receivables
17
281,495
205,102
Cash, bank balances and other short-term investments
20
764,307
213,253
Total current assets
1,052,271
425,904
Total assets
4,232,372
2,598,003
Equity and liabilities
Equity
Capital stock
21.1
398,064
517,874
Other equity instruments
21.1
32,144
32,144
Legal reserve
21.2
8,233
8,233
Share-based payments
45,628
42,476
Share repurchase reserve
21.2
129,324
79,324
Other accumulated comprehensive income (losses)
(11,057)
(4,427)
Accumulated profit (losses)
1,018,877
571,391
Total equity
1,621,213
1,247,015
Liabilities
Noncurrent liabilities
Deferred income tax liabilities
16
64,398
383,128
Lease liabilities
15
37,638
35,600
Provisions
22
33,058
12,339
Borrowings
18.1
1,402,343
554,832
Employee benefits
23
15,968
5,703
Total noncurrent liabilities
1,553,405
991,602
Current liabilities
Provisions
22
3,910
4,133
Lease liabilities
15
58,022
34,868
Borrowings
18.1
46,224
61,223
Salaries and payroll taxes
24
32,656
17,555
Income tax liability
16
382,041
3
Other taxes and royalties
25
47,715
36,549
Trade and other payables
26
487,186
205,055
Total current liabilities
1,057,754
359,386
Total liabilities
2,611,159
1,350,988
Total equity and liabilities
4,232,372
2,598,003
Notes 1 through 33 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F-8
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year ended December 31, 2024
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars)
Capital
stock
Other equity
instruments
Legal
reserve
Share-based
payments
Share
repurchase
reserve
Other
accumulated
comprehensive
income (losses)
Accumulated
profit (losses) Total equity
Amounts as of December 31, 2023
517,874
32,144
8,233
42,476
79,324
(4,427)
571,391
1,247,015
Profit for the year, net
-
-
-
-
-
-
477,521
477,521
Other comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-
-
-
(6,630)
-
(6,630)
Total comprehensive income
-
-
-
-
-
(6,630)
477,521
470,891
Ordinary General Shareholders’ meeting on
August 6, 2024 (1):
Creation of share repurchase reserve
-
-
-
-
50,000
-
(50,000)
-
Board of Directors’ meeting on December 5,
2024 (2):
Reduction of capital stock
(19,965)
-
-
-
-
-
19,965
-
Share repurchase (2)
(99,846)
-
-
-
-
-
-
(99,846)
Share-based payments
1
-
-
3,152 (3)
-
-
-
3,153
Amounts as of December 31, 2024
398,064
32,144
8,233
45,628
129,324
(11,057)
1,018,877
1,621,213
(1) See Note 21.2.
(2) See Note 21.1.
(3) Including 34,923 share-based payments (Note 8), net of tax charges.
Notes 1 through 33 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F-9
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year ended December 31, 2023
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars)
Capital
stock
Other equity
instruments
Legal
reserve
Share-based
payments
Share
repurchase
reserve
Other
accumulated
comprehensive
income (losses)
Accumulated
profit (losses) Total equity
Amounts as of December 31, 2022
517,873
32,144
2,603
40,744
49,465
(8,694)
209,925
844,060
Profit for the year, net
-
-
-
-
-
-
396,955
396,955
Other comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-
-
-
4,267
-
4,267
Total comprehensive income
-
-
-
-
-
4,267
396,955
401,222
Ordinary and Extraordinary General
Shareholders’ meeting on April 24, 2023 (1):
Creation of legal reserve
-
-
5,630
-
-
-
(5,630)
-
Creation of share repurchase reserve
-
-
-
-
29,859
-
(29,859)
-
Share-based payments
1
-
-
1,732 (2)
-
-
-
1,733
Amounts as of December 31, 2023
517,874
32,144
8,233
42,476
79,324
(4,427)
571,391
1,247,015
(1) See Note 21.2.
(2) Including 23,133 share-based payments (Note 8), net of tax charges.
Notes 1 through 33 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F-10
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year ended December 31, 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars)
Capital
stock
Other equity
instruments
Legal
reserve
Share-based
payments
Share
repurchase
reserve
Other
accumulated
comprehensive
income (losses)
Accumulated
profit (losses) Total equity
Amounts as of December 31, 2021
586,706
-
-
31,601
-
(5,976)
(47,072)
565,259
Profit for the year, net
-
-
-
-
-
-
269,535
269,535
Other comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-
-
-
(2,718)
-
(2,718)
Total comprehensive income
-
-
-
-
-
(2,718)
269,535
266,817
Ordinary and Extraordinary General
Shareholders’ meeting on April 26, 2022:
Creation of legal reserve
-
-
1,255
-
-
-
(1,255)
-
Creation of share repurchase reserve
-
-
-
-
23,840
-
(23,840)
-
Board of Directors’ meeting on September 27,
2022 (1):
Reduction of capital stock
(39,530)
-
-
-
-
-
39,530
-
Warrant Holders’ meeting on October 4,
2022:
Cashless exercises of warrants
-
32,144 (2)
-
-
-
-
-
32,144
Ordinary and General Shareholders’ meeting on
December 7, 2022:
Creation of legal reserve
-
-
1,348
-
-
-
(1,348)
-
Creation of share repurchase reserve
-
-
-
-
25,625
-
(25,625)
-
Share repurchase (1)
(29,304)
-
-
-
-
-
-
(29,304)
Share-based payments
1
-
-
9,143 (3)
-
-
-
9,144
Amounts as of December 31, 2022
517,873
32,144
2,603
40,744
49,465
(8,694)
209,925
844,060
(1) See Note 21.1.
(2) Including 32,894 of cashless exercise of warrant (Note 18.3 and 18.5.1), net of 750 related to expenses.
(3) Including 16,576 share-based payments (Note 8), net of tax charges.
Notes 1 through 33 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
F-11
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars)
Notes
Year ended
December 31,
2024
Year ended
December 31,
2023
Year ended
December 31,
2022
Cash flows from operating activities:
Profit for the year, net
477,521
396,955
269,535
Adjustments to reconcile net cash flows
Items related to operating activities:
Other non-cash costs related to the transfer of conventional
assets
3.2.7
33,570
27,539
-
Share-based payments
8
34,923
23,133
16,576
Net increase (decrease) in provisions
10.2
1,261
(578)
2,790
Net changes in foreign exchange rate
11.3
453
(18,458)
(33,263)
Discount of assets and liabilities at present value
11.3
(933)
(2,137)
2,561
Discount for well plugging and abandonment
11.3
1,312
2,387
2,444
Income tax expense
16
113,306
148,404
163,979
Employee benefits
23
489
300
502
(Reversal of) allowance for expected credit losses
7 / 17
-
-
(36)
Items related to investing activities:
Gain related to the transfer of conventional assets
3.2.7 / 10.1
-
(89,659)
-
(Reversal) impairment of long-lived assets
3.2.2
(4,207)
24,585
-
Gain from farmout agreement
10.1
-
(24,429)
(18,218)
Interest income
11.1
(4,535)
(1,235)
(809)
Changes in the fair value of financial assets
11.3
(14,120)
(19,437)
17,599
Depreciation and depletion
13/15
431,788
272,371
231,746
Amortization of intangible assets
14
5,911
4,059
3,116
Items related to financing activities:
Interest expense
11.2
62,499
21,879
28,886
Amortized cost
11.3
1,649
1,810
2,365
Interest expense on lease liabilities
11.3
3,093
2,894
1,925
Remeasurement in borrowings
11.3
-
72,044
52,817
Other financial income (expense)
11.3
(14,855)
26,381
(9,242)
Changes in the fair value of warrants
11.3
-
-
30,350
Changes in working capital:
Trade and other receivables
(210,622)
(81,260)
(34,515)
Inventories
6.2
(1,720)
2,058
500
Trade and other payables
109,334
61,230
40,183
Payments of employee benefits
23
(424)
(283)
(254)
Salaries and payroll taxes
(16,247)
(26,441)
2,877
Other taxes and royalties
(23,396)
(43,507)
(8,024)
Provisions
2,295
(1,359)
(2,265)
Income tax payment
(29,319)
(67,213)
(74,354)
Net cash flows provided by operating activities
959,026
712,033
689,771
F-12
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars)
Notes
Year ended
December 31,
2024
Year ended
December 31,
2023
Year ended
December 31,
2022
Cash flows from investing activities:
Payments for acquisitions of property, plant and equipment
and biological assets
(1,052,530)
(688,437)
(479,025)
Proceeds from the transfer of conventional assets
3.2.7
10,734
10,000
-
Payments for acquisitions of other intangible assets
14
(11,328)
(7,293)
(6,030)
Payments for acquisitions of investments in associates
(3,287)
(2,176)
(3,466)
Interest received
11.1
4,535
1,235
809
Proceeds from farmout agreement
10.1
-
26,650
20,000
Prepayment of leases
17
-
(14,292)
-
Payments for the acquisition of AFBN assets
29.2.5
-
(25,000)
(115,000)
Net cash flows (used in) investing activities
(1,051,876)
(699,313)
(582,712)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings
18.2
1,320,897
318,169
128,788
Payment of borrowings principal
18.2
(470,351)
(211,499)
(195,091)
Payment of borrowings interest
18.2
(53,897)
(22,993)
(34,430)
Payment of borrowings cost
18.2
(7,631)
(1,779)
(1,670)
Payment of lease
15
(56,641)
(36,780)
(11,494)
Share repurchase
21.1
(99,846)
-
(29,304)
Proceeds from (payments of) other financial results
11.3
8,680
(25,562)
-
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
641,211
19,556
(143,201)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
548,361
32,276
(36,142)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
20
209,516
241,956
311,217
Effect of exposure to changes in the foreign currency rate and
other financial results of cash and cash equivalents
(2,267)
(64,716)
(33,119)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
548,361
32,276
(36,142)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
20
755,610
209,516
241,956
Significant transactions that generated no cash flows
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment through increase
in trade and other payables
341,448
152,607
138,543
Changes in well plugging and abandonment with an impact in
property, plant and equipment
13 / 22.1
23,325
(930)
(713)
Disposal for transfer of conventional assets through increase in
trade and other receivables
3.2.7
-
(116,071)
-
Notes 1 through 33 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-13
Note 1. Group information
1.1 General information
Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. (“VISTA”, the “Company” or the “Group”), formerly known as Vista Oil & Gas, S.A.B. de C.V., was
organized as variable-capital stock company on March 22, 2017, under the laws of the United Mexican States (“Mexico”). The
Company adopted the public corporation or “Sociedad Anónima Bursátil de Capital Variable” (“S.A.B. de C.V.”), on July 28, 2017.
On April 26, 2022, Vista Oil & Gas, S.A.B. de C.V. changed the Company's corporate name to "Vista Energy S.A.B. de C.V.".
The Company made an initial public offering in the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) on July 25, 2019 and started operating
under ticker symbol “VIST” as from the following day. It issued additional Series A shares in the Mexican Stock Exchange (“BMV
by Spanish acronym) on the same date under ticker symbol “VISTA”.
The Company’s corporate purpose is:
(i)
Acquiring, by any legal means, all kinds of assets, shares, interests in companies, equity interests or interests in all types of
companies, either profit-making or nonprofit entities, associations, business corporations, trusts or other entities operating in the
energy sector, in Mexico or in another country, or in any other industry;
(ii) Participating as a partner, shareholder or investor in all types of businesses or profit-making or nonprofit entities, associations,
trusts, in Mexico or in another country, or of any other nature;
(iii) Issuing and placing shares representing its capital stock, either through public or private offerings, in domestic or foreign
securities markets;
(iv) Issuing and placing warrants, either through public or private offerings, in relation to shares representing their capital stock or
other types of securities, in domestic or foreign securities markets, and
(v) Issuing or placing negotiable instruments, debt instruments or other guarantees, either through public or private offerings, in
domestic or foreign securities markets.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company´s main activity, through its subsidiaries, is the exploration and production of Crude oil and
Natural gas (“Upstream”); and is the owner of the following exploitation concessions:
In Argentina
In the Neuquén basin:
(i)
100% in the conventional exploitation concessions (not operated) as detailed below:
-
25 de Mayo - Medanito S.E., located in the Province of Río Negro and maturing in 2036 (Note 28.5);
-
Jagüel de los Machos, located in the Province of Río Negro and maturing in 2035 (Note 28.5);
-
Entre Lomas Neuquén and Entre Lomas Río Negro, maturing in 2026 and 2036, respectively (Note 28.5);
-
Jarilla Quemada (in Agua Amarga area); located in the Province of Río Negro and maturing in 2040; and
-
Charco del Palenque (in Agua Amarga area) located in the Province of Río Negro and maturing in 2034.
These areas are operated by Petrolera Aconcagua Energía S.A. ("Aconcagua") (Note 3.2.7).
(ii) 100% in the unconventional exploitation concessions (operated) as detailed below:
- Bajada del Palo Oeste and Bajada del Palo Este, located in the Province of Neuquen, both maturing in 2053;
- Aguada Federal and Bandurria Norte, located in the Province of Neuquen, both maturing in 2050.
(iii) 84.62% in Coirón Amargo Norte conventional exploitation concession (operated); located in the Province of Neuquen, maturing
in 2036.
(iv) 90% in Águila Mora unconventional exploitation concession (operated); located in the Province of Neuquen, maturing in 2054.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-14
In the Northwest basin:
(v) 1.5% in Acambuco conventional exploitation concession (not operated), composed of two exploitation plots “San Pedrito” and
“Macueca”, located in the Province of Salta, with maturing in 2036 and 2040, respectively. These areas are operated by Pan American
Energy.
In Mexico
(i)
100% in CS-01 area (operated), located in Tabasco, and maturing in 2047.
Additionally, as of December 31, 2024, the Company is the owner of the following transportation concessions through its subsidiaries:
In Argentina
(i)
100% in the Federal transportation concession, which extends from Borde Montuoso oilfield (in Bajada de Palo Oeste area,
Province of Neuquén) to La Escondida pumping station, maturing in 2053;
(ii) 100% in the Entre Lomas Crude oil transportation concession, which extends from the oil pipeline connecting the crude treatment
plant located in Charco Bayo oilfield in Entre Lomas area to its interconnection with the Crude oil trunk transportation system
in La Escondida, maturing in 2036 (Note 28.5);
(iii) 100% in the 25 de Mayo-Medanito S.E. Crude oil transportation concession, which extends from the oil pipeline connecting the
crude treatment plant located in 25 de Mayo-Medanito S.E. area (Río Negro) to its interconnection with the Crude oil trunk
transportation system in “Medanito”, maturing in 2036 (Note 28.5). This concession is operated by Aconcagua (Note 3.2.7);
(iv) 100% in the Entre Lomas gas transportation concession, which extends from the gas pipeline connecting the gas treatment plant
located in Charco Bayo oilfield in Entre Lomas Area, to its interconnection with the gas trunk transportation system in the
Province of Río Negro, maturing in 2036 (Note 28.5). This concession is operated by Aconcagua (Note 3.2.7);
(v) 100% in the Jarilla Quemada gas transportation concession, which extends from the gas pipeline connecting such oilfield to the
Medanito-Mainqué gas pipeline, maturing in 2048. This concession is operated by Aconcagua (Note 3.2.7);
As of December 31, 2024, the main office is located in the City of Mexico, Mexico, at Pedregal 24, 4th floor, Colonia Molino del
Rey, Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo, zip code 11040. However, on March 1, 2025, it relocated to City of Mexico, Mexico, at Mapfre Tower,
Paseo de la Reforma Avenue 243, 18th floor, Colonia Renacimiento, Alcaldía Cuauhtémoc, zip code 06600.
1.2 Significant transactions for the year
1.2.1 Corporate bond (“ON”) issuance under New York legislation by Vista Energy Argentina S.A.U. (“Vista Argentina”)
On December 10, 2024, the Company, through its subsidiary Vista Argentina, issued ON XXVII for 600,000 and an average 10-year
term. It will be amortized in equal parts in 2033, 2034 and 2035; and has an annual interest rate of 7.625% payable on a semi-annual
basis.
This ON is governed by United States and other foreign jurisdictions pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the U.S. Securities
Act of 1933. It is issued under the “Programa de Notas” approved by the National Securities Commission in Argentina (“CNV” by
its Spanish acronym).
For further information, see Note 18.1.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-15
1.2.2 Agreement signed with Trafigura Argentina S.A. (“Trafigura”) related to the joint investment agreements (“farmout
agreements I and II”) in Bajada del Palo Oeste area
On December 16, 2024, the Company, through its subsidiary Vista Argentina agreed to the assignment of Trafigura’s interest in the
aforementioned farmout agreements I and II in its own favor (Note 29.2.1.1 and 29.2.1.2); effective as from January 1, 2025, at which
time the Company will hold rights to 100% of the production from the pads subject to the agreement (the “Agreement”).
Under the Agreement, Vista Argentina will pay 128,000 to Trafigura in 48 monthly and consecutive installments through December
2028.
In addition, Vista Argentina and Trafigura signed a crude oil marketing agreement (“COMA”), which will be effective from January
1, 2025, to December 31, 2028, by virtue of which Vista will sell 10,000 m³ of Crude oil per month to Trafigura.
The amount payable by Trafigura under the COMA will be offset with Vista’s obligations under the Agreement.
As of December 31, 2024, the Agreement had no accounting impacts on the consolidated financial statements.
1.2.3 Agreement for “Vaca Muerta Sur” pipeline (the “Pipeline”)
1.2.3.1 Firm Transportation Service Agreement for Vaca Muerta Centro Pipeline (“VMOC” by Spanish Acronym)
On December 18, 2024, the Company, through its subsidiary Vista Argentina, signed an agreement with YPF S.A. (“YPF”) to provide
firm transportation services in VMOC. It was thus awarded a crude oil transportation capacity of 4,500 m3/d during phase I, increasing
to 6,800 m3/d by phase II, which is expected to begin no later than December 31, 2026.
The agreement has a 15 year-term, beginning when the pipeline starts transporting hydrocarbons (“commencement date”).
Pursuant to this agreement, the Company undertook to make an upfront investment equal to a portion of the capital investments
required to build the VMOC, which will be recovered from the monthly service fee in equal and consecutive installments as from
commencement date.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company has not made any disbursements related to this agreement (Note 33).
1.2.3.2 Vaca Muerta Sur Pipeline (“VMOS” by Spanish Acronym)
On December 13, 2024, the Company, through its subsidiary Vista Argentina, signed an agreement with YPF, Pampa Energía S.A.
and Pan American Sur S.A. (hereinafter, the “shareholders”) to acquire a minority interest in VMOS S.A., created to carry out the
Vaca Muerta Sur project aimed at building a crude oil export pipeline for Vaca Muerta Sur (the “Project.”)
The expected extension of the Project is 437 km, joining Allen’s pumping station to Punta Colorada. It is also expected to have a
loading and unloading port terminal with interconnected single buoy moorings and a tank and storage yard. In addition, this pipeline
will transport up to 550,000 oil barrels per day (“bbl/d”), which may be increased up to 700,000 bbl/d. Business operations are
scheduled to begin during the second half of 2027.
This Project will require an estimated investment of 3 billion, to be funded through shareholder contributions and third-party financing.
The Company through its subsidiary Vista Argentina holds an initial minority interest of 14.1%, which may change depending on the
entry of other shareholders into the Project, and has been awarded a transportation, storage and dispatch capacity in the Project of
50,000 bbl/d, under a firm transportation contract.
The Company recognizes its investment in VMOS S.A. under the equity method within “Investments in associates” (Note 2.4.16).
As of December 31, 2024, the Company has granted an advance for 4,741 to VMOS S.A., recognized in “Trade and other receivables”
under “Balances with related parties” (Note 17 and 33).
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-16
Note 2. Basis of preparation and material accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation and presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024, and 2023, and for the years ended December 31, 2024,
2023 and 2022, were prepared in accordance with the IFRS Accounting Standards issued by the International Accounting Standards
Board (“IASB”).
They were prepared on a historical cost basis, except for certain financial assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value. The
figures contained herein are stated in US Dollars (“USD”) and are rounded to the nearest thousand, unless otherwise stated.
These consolidated financial statements were approved by management for inclusion in the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F
on April 9, 2025, and the subsequent events through that date are considered (Note 33).
2.2 New accounting standards, amendments and interpretations issued by the IASB
2.2.1 New effective accounting standards, amendments and interpretations issued by the IASB adopted by the Company
Amendments to International Accounting Standards 1 (“IAS”): Presentation of Financial Statements. Classification of
Liabilities as Current or Non-current
In October 2022, the IASB published changes to certain paragraphs of IAS 1 to specify the requirements for classifying liabilities as
current or non-current. The amendments clarify:
(i) What is meant by a right to defer settlement;
(ii) That a right to defer must exist at the end of the reporting period;
(iii) That classification is unaffected by the likelihood that an entity will exercise its deferral right and;
(iv) That only if an embedded derivative in a convertible liability is itself an equity instrument would the terms of a liability not impact
its classification.
The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2024.
The amendments had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the current accounting policies are aligned to
the amendments.
Amendments to IAS 7: Statements of Cash Flows, and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) 7: Financial
Instruments: Disclosures – Disclosure of Supplier Finance Arrangements
On May 25, 2023, the IASB published amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7 whereby it introduces new disclosure requirements in IFRS
Standards to enhance the transparency and, thus, the usefulness of the information provided by entities about supplier finance
arrangement. The new requirements aim to facilitate a better understanding of supplier finance arrangements on an entity’s liabilities,
cash flows and exposure to liquidity risk.
The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2024.
The amendments had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the current accounting policies are aligned to
the amendments.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-17
Amendments to IFRS 16: Leases. Recognition of lease liabilities in a sale and leaseback
In September 2022, the IASB published amendments to IFRS 16 related to the recognition of lease liabilities in a sale and leaseback.
The amendment specifies the requirements that a seller-lessee should use to measure the lease liability arising in a sale to ensure the
seller-lessee does not recognize any amount of the gain or loss that relates to the right of use it retains.
The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2024.
These amendments had not impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, since it has no sale and leaseback transactions.
2.2.2 New accounting standards, amendments and interpretations issued by the IASB not yet effective
IFRS 18: Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements
On April 9, 2024, the IASB issued IFRS 18 - Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements, amending IAS 1 - Presentation of
Financial Statements to introduce new requirements for the presentation and disclosure of information in financial statements and the
related explanatory notes, as well as the requirement to disclose Management-defined performance measures.
Among others, IFRS 18 requires companies to classify revenue and expenses of “Statement of profit and other comprehensive income”
in the following categories: (i) operating: (ii) investing; (iii) financing; (iv) income tax, and (v) discontinued transactions. It also sets
forth the requirement to file subtotals and totals for: (i) operating profit or loss; (ii) profit or loss before financing and income tax, and
(iii) profit or loss for the period.
In addition, it requires that companies disclose Management-defined Performance Measures (“MPM”) in a note to the financial
statements, explaining the calculation method, and reconciliation with the financial information filed, among others.
Finally, limited-scope amendments were made to the following standards: (i) IAS 7 - Statement of Cash Flows; (ii) IAS 8- Accounting
Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors, and (iii) IAS 34- Interim Financial Reporting.
The amendments will become effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2027. Early adoption is allowed.
The Company is assessing the impact of IFRS 18 on its consolidated financial statements.
Amendments to IAS 21: The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates - Lack of Exchangeability
In August 2023, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 21 - The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates to clarify when entities
are required to assess if a currency is exchangeable into another currency, and how to determine the exchange rate when a currency is
not exchangeable.
The amendments also require that information be disclosed so that the users of the financial statements may assess how the lack of
exchangeability affects profit and financial position, and cash flows.
The amendments will become effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2025. Early adoption is allowed, but
comparative information cannot be restated.
The Company is assessing the impact of these amendments on its consolidated financial statements.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-18
2.3 Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries.
2.3.1 Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Company has control, which occurs if and only if the Company has all the following:
(i)
Power over the entity;
(ii) Exposure or rights to variable returns from its involvement with the entity; and
(iii) The ability use its power over the entity to affect the amount of the investor’s returns.
The Company reassesses whether it controls a subsidiary if facts or circumstances indicate that there are changes to 1 or more of the
3 elements of control mentioned above.
When the Company does not have a majority of the voting rights of an investee, it has power over the latter when the voting rights are
sufficient to give it the practical ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee unilaterally.
The Company assesses all facts and circumstances to determine whether voting rights are sufficient to give it power over an entity,
including:
(i)
The size of the Company’s holding of voting rights relative to the size and dispersion of holdings of the other vote holders;
(ii) potential voting rights held by the Company, other vote holders or other parties;
(iii) rights arising from other contractual arrangements; and
(iv) any additional facts and circumstances that indicate the Company has, or does not have, the current ability to direct the relevant
activities at the time that decisions need to be made, including voting patterns at previous shareholders’ meeting.
Relevant activities are those that most significantly affect the subsidiary’s performance, such as the ability to approve an operating
and capital budget and the power to appoint Management personnel, among others.
Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date the Company obtains control over them and ceases when such control ends. Specifically,
profit and expenses of a subsidiary acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated statements of profit or loss
and other comprehensive income as from the date in which the Company obtains control until it assigns or loses such control.
Intercompany transactions, balances and income or losses are deleted. The subsidiaries’ financial statements are adjusted when needed
to align their accounting policies to the Company’s accounting policies.
Below are the Company’s main subsidiaries:
Subsidiary name
Equity interest
Place of
business
Main activity
December 31,
2024
December 31,
2023
December 31,
2022
Vista Energy Holding I, S.A. de C.V.
(“Vista Holding I”)
100%
100%
100%
Mexico
Holding company
Vista Energy Holding II, S.A. de C.V.
(“Vista Holding II”)
100%
100%
100%
Mexico
Exploration and
production (1)
Vista Energy Holding III, S.A. de C.V.
100%
100%
100%
Mexico
Services
Vista Energy Holding IV, S.A. de C.V.
100%
100%
100%
Mexico
Services
Vista Oil & Gas Holding V B.V.
100%
100%
100%
Netherland Holding company
Vista Holding VII S.A.U. (2) (4)
100%
100%
100%
Argentina
Holding company
Vista Argentina (4)
100%
100%
100%
Argentina
Exploration and
production (1)
Aleph Midstream S.A. (“Aleph”) (4)
100%
100%
100%
Argentina
Services (3)
Aluvional S.A. (“Aluvional”)
100%
100%
100%
Argentina
Mining and industry
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-19
Subsidiary name
Equity interest
Place of
business
Main activity
December 31,
2024
December 31,
2023
December 31,
2022
AFBN S.R.L. (“AFBN”) (4)
100%
100%
100%
Argentina
Exploration and
production (1)
VX Ventures Asociación en Participación
100%
100%
100%
Mexico
Holding company
(1) Its refers to the exploration and production of Natural gas and Crude oil.
(2) On December 20, 2024, the nationalization of Vista Holding VII S.á.r.l., company originally established in Luxembourg, was registered, adjusting the Company to
Argentine legislation, and changing its corporate name to Vista Holding VII S.A.U. (“Vista Holding VII”)
(3) Including operations related to the capture, treatment, transport and distribution of hydrocarbons and derivatives.
(4) As of December 31, 2024, the Companies’ directors decided to merge by absorption into Vista Argentina of Vista Holding VII, Aleph, AFBN, with Vista Argentina.
It will become effective as from January 1, 2025 and of the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements is pending approval by the enforcement authority.
2.3.2 Changes in interests
Changes in the Company’s working interests in its subsidiaries that do not result in a change in control of the subsidiary are accounted
for as equity transactions. The carrying amount of the Company’s interests is adjusted to reflect the changes in interests in the
subsidiaries.
When the Company ceases to consolidate or book a subsidiary for loss of control, joint control or significant influence, any retained
working interest in the entity is remeasured at fair value with the change in the carrying amount recognized in the consolidated
statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. This fair value becomes the initial carrying amount for the purposes of
subsequently booking retained interest as the associate, joint venture or financial asset.
In addition, any amount previously recognized in other comprehensive income in relation to such entity is booked as if the Company
had directly disposed of the related assets or liabilities. This may mean that the amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive
income are reclassified to profit or loss.
If the working interest in a joint venture or associate is reduced, but the entity retains the joint control or significant influence, only a
proportion of the previously recognized amounts in other comprehensive income is reclassified to profit or loss.
2.3.3 Joint arrangements
According to IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements, investments are classified as joint operations or joint venture, depending on contractual
rights and obligations. The Company has joint operations but has no joint venture.
Joint operations
A joint operation is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the assets, and
obligations for the liabilities, relating to the arrangement. Joint control exists only when decisions about the relevant business activities
require the unanimous consent of the parties that collectively control the arrangement.
When the Company carries out activities under joint operations, recognize in proportion to its interest:
(i)
Its assets and liabilities held jointly;
(ii) Its revenue from the sale of its share of the output of the joint operation; and
(iii) Its expenses, including its share of any expenses incurred jointly.
The Company books its assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses related to its interest in a joint operation according to the IFRS
applicable. They were included in the consolidated financial statements in the related accounts. Interest in joint operations were based
on the latest financial statements or financial information available as of every year-end considering significant subsequent events and
transactions, and management information available. The financial statements or the financial information of the joint operations are
adjusted, if needed, so that the accounting policies are consistent with the Company’s accounting policies.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-20
See Note 1.1 and 29 for further information on the Company’s joint operations.
2.3.4 Business combination
The acquisition method is used to book business combinations, regardless of whether equity instruments or other assets are acquired.
The consideration transferred for these acquisitions comprises:
(i)
The fair value of transferred assets;
(ii) The liabilities incurred to former owners of the acquired business;
(iii) The equity interests issued by the Company;
(iv) The fair value of any asset or liability from a contingent consideration arrangement; and
(v) The fair value of any previously held equity interest in the subsidiary.
Identifiable assets acquired and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are initially measured at fair values at the
date of purchase.
The costs related to the acquisition are booked as incurred expenses. Goodwill is an excess of:
(i)
The consideration transferred; and
(ii) The fair value of net identifiable assets acquired.
If the fair value of the acquiree’s net identifiable assets exceeds these amounts, before recognizing profit, the Company reassesses
whether it has correctly identified all assets acquired and liabilities assumed, reviewing the procedures employed to measure the
amounts to be recognized at the acquisition date. If the assessment still results in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in
relation to the total consideration transferred, gain from a bargain purchase is recognized directly in the consolidated statements of
profit or loss and other comprehensive income.
When the settlement of any cash consideration is deferred, the future amounts payable is discounted at their present value at the
exchange date. The discount rate used is the entity’s incremental borrowing rate, being the rate at which a similar borrowing could be
obtained under comparable terms and conditions.
Contingent consideration will be recognized at its fair value at the acquisition date. Contingent consideration is classified as equity or
as a financial liability. The amounts classified as a financial liability are remeasured at fair value with changes in fair value through
the consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. Contingent consideration classified as equity is not
remeasured and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity.
When the Company acquires a business, it assesses the financial assets acquired and liabilities incurred in relation to its adequate
classification and designation according to contractual terms, economic circumstances and relevant conditions as of the acquisition
date.
Oil reserves and resources acquired that may be measured reliably are recognized separately at fair value upon the acquisition. Other
potential reserves, resources and rights, which fair values cannot be measured reliability, are not recognized separately but are
considered part of goodwill.
If the business combination is performed in stages, the previously held equity interest in the acquiree is measured at acquisition-date
fair value. Profit or loss from such remeasurement is recognized in the consolidated statements of profit or loss and other
comprehensive income.
The Company has a maximum period of 12 months from the date of acquisition to finalize the acquisition accounting. When it is
incomplete as of the end of the year in which the business combination takes place, the Company reports provisional amounts.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-21
2.4 Summary of material accounting policies
2.4.1 Segment information
The operating segments are reported in a consistent manner with the internal reports provided by the Executive Management
Committee (the “Committee” that is considerate the “Chief Operating Decision Maker” or “CODM”).
The CODM is the highest decision-making authority, in charge of allocating resources and establishing the performance of the entity’s
operating segments and was identified as the body executing the Company’s strategic decisions.
2.4.2 Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is measured using the cost model, the asset is valued at cost less depreciation and any subsequent
accumulated impairment loss.
Subsequent costs are included in the carrying amount of the asset or are recognized as a separate asset, as the case may be, only when
it is probable that future economic benefits may flow to the Company and the cost of the asset may be measured reliably, otherwise
such costs are charged to profit or loss during the reporting period in which they are incurred.
Works in progress are booked at cost less any impairment loss, of applicable.
Profit and loss from the sale of property, plant and equipment is calculated by comparing the consideration received with the carrying
amount of the date in which the transaction was carried out.
2.4.2.1 Depreciation methods and useful lives
Estimated useful lives, residual values and the depreciation method are reviewed at every period-end, and changes are recognized
prospectively. An asset is impaired when its carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount.
The Company considers climate-related matters, including physical and energy transition risks, and determines if applicable
regulations may affect the useful life or residual value of property, plant and equipment; for example, should machines and facilities
using fuel fossils be prohibited or restricted, or if additional energy efficiency requirements are introduced (Note 2.4.19).
The Company amortizes drilling costs applicable to productive and in development, and production facilities, according to the unit of
production method ("UDP" by Spanish acronym), applying the proportion of Crude oil and Natural gas produced to prove and develop
Crude oil and Natural gas reserves, as the case may be.
The mineral properties is amortized applying the proportion of produced Crude oil and Natural gas to total estimated Crude oil and
Natural gas proved reserves.
The costs of acquiring properties with unproved reserves are valued at cost, and their recoverability is assessed regularly based on
geological and engineering estimates of the reserves and resources expected to be proved during the life of each concession and are
not depreciated.
Capitalized costs related to the acquisition of properties and the extension of concessions with proved reserves were depreciated per
field based on a UDP by applying the proportion of produced Crude oil and Natural gas to estimated total proved oil and gas reserves.
(Note 2.4.2.3).
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-22
The Company’s remainder items of property, plant and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method based on their
estimated useful lives, as detailed below:
Buildings
50 years
Machinery and installations
10 years
Equipment and furniture
10 years
Vehicles
5 years
Computer equipment
3 years
Land does not depreciate.
2.4.2.2 Assets for oil and gas exploration
The Company adopts the successful effort method to account for its oil and gas exploration and production activities.
This method implies the capitalization of: (i) the cost of acquiring properties in oil and gas exploration and production areas; (ii) the
cost of drilling and equipping exploration wells arising from the discovery of commercially recoverable reserves; (iii) the cost of
drilling and equipping development wells; located in proved reserves areas; and (iv) estimated well plugging and abandonment
obligations.
Exploration and evaluation involve the search for hydrocarbon resources, the assessment of its technical viability and the assessment
of the commercial feasibility of an identified resource.
According to the successful effort method, exploration costs such as geological and geophysical ("G&G") costs, excluding the costs
of exploration wells and 3D seismic testing in operating concessions, are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.
These capitalized costs are subject to technical, commercial and administrative review, and a review of impairment indicators at least
once a year. When there is sufficient management information indicating impairment, the Company conducts an impairment test
according to the policies described in Note 3.2.2.
Estimated well plugging and abandonment obligations in hydrocarbon areas, discounted at a risk-adjusted rate, are capitalized in the
cost of assets and are amortized using the UDP method. A liability for the estimated value of discounted amounts payable is also
recognized. Changes in the measurement of these obligations as a consequence of changes in the estimated term, the cost or discount
rate are added to or deducted from the cost of the related asset.
2.4.2.3 Rights and Concessions
Rights and concessions are booked as part of property, plant and equipment and are depleted on the UDP over the total proved reserves
of the relevant area. The calculation of the UDP rate for the depreciation of development costs considers expenses incurred to date
and authorized future development expenses.
2.4.2.4 Goodwill and Other intangible assets
(i) Goodwill
Goodwill arises during an initial business combination and represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value
of net assets acquired. After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less cumulative impairment losses.
To conduct impairment tests, goodwill is allocated as from acquisition date to each cash-generating unit ("CGU"), which represents
the lowest level within the Company at which the goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes. Goodwill is tested once
a year.
When goodwill is allocated to a CGU and part of the transaction within such unit is eliminated, goodwill related to such eliminated
transaction is included in the carrying amount of the transaction to determine gain or loss on sale.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-23
The Company constantly assesses weather-related risks, including physical and energy transitions risks in measuring the recoverable
value of the business credit (Note 2.4.19).
(ii) Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets acquired separately are measured using the cost model; after initial recognition, the asset is valued at cost less
amortization and any subsequent accumulated impairment loss.
Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method; software licenses are amortized over their estimated 3 year useful life.
The amortization of these assets is recognized in the consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.
The estimated useful life, residual value and amortization method are reviewed at every period-end, and changes are recognized
prospectively.
2.4.3 Leases
The Company has lease contracts for various items of buildings, facilities and machinery, which are recognized under IFRS 16.
The Company recognizes right-of-use assets at the commencement date of the underlying asset is available for use. Right-of-use assets
are measured at cost, net of the accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, and are adjusted by the remeasurement of lease
liabilities. The cost of assets includes the amount for recognized liabilities, direct costs initially incurred, and payments made until the
commencement date. Unless the Company is reasonably certain that it will obtain the ownership of the leased asset at the end of the
contract, these assets are depreciated under the straight-line method during the lease term.
Right-of-use assets are subject to impairment, as mentioned on the accounting policy, to impairment of long -lived assets other than
goodwill (Note 3.2.2).
The Company recognizes lease liabilities measured at the present value of the payments to be made during the lease term. These
payments include fixed payments, variable payments dependent on an index or rate, and the purchase option and the penalty payments
from lease termination. The Company determines the lease term as the noncancellable lease term, together with any period covered
by an option to extend the agreement if it is reasonably certain that it will exercise that option. To calculate the present value of lease
payments, the Company uses the incremental borrowing rate at the lease contract.
After the commencement date, liabilities will be increased to reflect the accretion of interest and will be reduced by the payments
made. In addition, the carrying amount of lease liabilities are remeasured if there is an amendment, a change in the lease term, a
change in the fixed or in-substance fixed payments or a change in the assessment to buy the underlying asset.
The Company applies the exemption to recognize short-term leases (i.e., those leases for a term under 12 months as from the
commencement date with no call option). Also, the low-value asset exemption also applies to low-value items. The lease payments of
low-value assets are recognized as expenses under the straight-line method during the lease term.
2.4.4 Impairment of property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and identifiable intangible assets (“long -lived assets”)
other than goodwill
Other long-lived assets with a definite useful life undergo impairment tests whenever events or changes in circumstances have
indicated that their carrying value may not be recoverable. When the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its recoverable amount, an
impairment loss is recognized for the value of the asset. An asset’s recoverable amount is the higher of (i) the fair value of an asset
less costs of disposal and (ii) its value in use.
Assets are tested for impairment at the lowest level in which there are separately identifiable cash flows largely independent of the
cash flows of other groups of assets or CGUs. Amortized long-lived assets are reviewed for potential reversal of impairment at the
end of each reporting period.
The Company constantly assesses weather-related risks, including physical and energy transitions risks, could have a significant
impact and its eventual inclusion in the cash flows to determine the recoverable value (Note 2.4.19).
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-24
See Note 3.2.2 for further information on impairment of long-lived assets other than Goodwill.
2.4.5 Foreign currency translation
2.4.5.1 Functional and presentation currency
The functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries is the USD, the currency of the primary economic context in entity
operates. To determine the functional currency, the Company makes judgments, and it must be reconsiders in the event of a change
in conditions that may determine the primary economic context.
The presentation currency of the Company is USD.
2.4.5.2 Transactions and balances
Transactions in a currency other than the functional currency (“foreign currency”) are accounted for at the exchange rate as of each
transaction date. Foreign exchange gains and losses from the settlement of transactions and the translation at the closing exchange
rate of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are recognized in the consolidated statements of profit or loss
and other comprehensive income in “Other financial income (expense)” under “Net changes in foreign exchange rate”.
Monetary balances in foreign currency are converted at each country’s official exchange rate as of every year-end.
2.4.6 Financial instruments
2.4.6.1 Financial assets
2.4.6.1.1 Classification
(i) Financial assets at amortized cost
Financial assets are classified and measured at amortized cost provided that they meet the following criteria: (i) the purpose of the
Company’s business model is to maintain the asset to collect the contractual cash flows; and (ii) contractual conditions, on specific
dates, give rise to cash flows only consisting in payments of principal and interest on the outstanding principal.
(ii) Financial assets at fair value
Financial assets are classified and measured at fair value through the consolidated statements of other comprehensive income if the
financial assets are held in a business model whose objective is achieved by obtaining contractual cash flows and selling financial
assets. However, financial assets are classified and measured at fair value through the consolidated statements of profit or loss if any
of the aforementioned criteria is not met.
2.4.6.1.2 Recognition and measurement
Upon initial recognition, the Company measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, the transaction costs that are directly attributable
to the acquisition of the financial asset.
The Company reclassifies financial assets when and only when it changes its model for managing these assets.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-25
2.4.6.1.3 Impairment of financial assets
The Company recognizes an allowance for Expected Credit Losses (“ECL”) for all financial assets not held at fair value through profit
or loss. ECLs are based on the difference between contractual cash flows owed and all the cash flows that the Company expects to
receive.
For trade and other receivables, the Company calculates an allowance for ECL at each reporting date.
Expected credit losses in trade and other receivables are estimated on a case-by-case basis according to the debtor’s history of
noncompliance and an analysis of the debtor’s financial position, adjusted by the general economic conditions of the industry, its
current assessment and a management forecast of conditions as of the reporting date.
The Company recognizes an ECL of a financial asset when contractual payments are more than 90 days past due or when the internal
or external information shows that it is unlikely that the pending contractual amounts be received.
A financial asset is derecognized when there is no fair expectation to recover contractual cash flows.
2.4.6.1.4 Offsetting of financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities are disclosed separately in the consolidated statement of financial position unless the following criteria
are met: (i) the Company has a legally enforceable right to set off the recognized amounts, and (ii) the Company intends either to
settle on a net basis or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. A right to set off is that available to the Company to
settle a payable to a creditor by applying against it a receivable from the same counterparty.
2.4.6.2 Financial liabilities and equity instruments
Liabilities and equity instruments issued by the Company are classified as financial liabilities or equity according to the substance of
the agreement and its definition.
(i) Financial liabilities
A contractual agreement is classified as a financial liability and is measured at fair value with changes in the consolidated statements
of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.
The financial liabilities are initially recognized at fair value and after that, at their amortized cost (using the effective interest method)
or at fair value through the consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.
The effective interest method is used in the calculation of the amortized cost of a financial liability and in the allocation of interest
expense during the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments
throughout the expected life of the financial liability.
The Company derecognizes financial liabilities when obligations are discharged, cancelled or expired. The difference between the
carrying amount of such financial liability and the consideration paid is recognized in the consolidated statements of profit or loss and
other comprehensive income.
When an existing financial liability is replaced by another one in terms that are substantially different from the original term or the
terms of an existing liability change substantially, it results in the derecognition of the original liability and recognition of a new
liability. The difference in the related accounting values is recognized in the consolidated statements of profit or loss and other
comprehensive income.
Borrowings are recognized initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred and collateral if any. Financial liabilities related to
purchasing value units ("UVA" by Spanish acronym) are adjusted by the benchmark stabilization coefficient ("CER" by Spanish
acronym) at each closing date, recognizing the effects on "Other financial income (expense)" under “Remeasurement in borrowings”.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-26
(ii) Equity instruments
An equity instrument is any agreement that evidences an interest in the Company’s equity and is recognized for the amount of profit
earned for the issuance of the equity instrument, net of direct issuance costs.
(iii) Compound financial instruments
The component parts of a compound instrument issued by the Company are classified separately as financial liabilities and equity
instruments according to the substance of the contractual arrangements and the definitions of a financial liability and an equity
instrument. An equity instrument is a conversion option that will be settled by the exchange of a fixed amount of cash or another
financial asset for a fixed number of Company own equity instruments.
The fair value of the liability component, if any, is estimated using the prevailing market interest rate for similar nonconvertible
instruments. This amount is recorded as a liability at amortized cost using the effective interest method until extinguished upon
conversion or at the instrument redemption date.
A conversion option classified as equity is determined by deducting the liability component amount from the fair value of the
compound instrument as a whole. It is recognized and included in equity, net of income tax effects, and it not subsequently remeasured.
Moreover, the conversion option classified as an equity instrument remains in equity until the conversion option is exercised, in which
case, the balance recognized in equity is transferred to another equity account. When the conversion option is not exercised at the
redemption date of negotiable obligations, the balance recognized in equity is transferred to retained earnings. No profit or loss is
recognized in the statement of profit or loss after the conversion or redemption of the conversion option.
Transaction costs related to the issuance of compound financial instruments are allocated to liability and equity components in
proportion to the allocation of gross proceeds. Transaction costs related to the equity component are recognized directly in equity.
Transaction costs related to the liability component are included in the carrying amount of liability component and are amortized
throughout the life of negotiable obligations using the effective interest method.
2.4.7 Recognition of revenue from contracts with customers and other income
2.4.7.1 Revenue from contracts with customers
Revenue from contracts with customers related to the sale of Crude oil, Natural gas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (“LPG”) is
recognized when control of the assets is transferred to the customer.
It is recognized for an amount of consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for these assets, recognizing
a credit under “Oil and gas accounts receivable (net of allowance for expected credit losses)” (Note 17).
As of December 31, 2024, the normal credit term is 15 days for Crude oil sales and 57 days for Natural gas and LPG sales. The
Company has reached the conclusion that it acts as principal in its revenue agreements because it regularly controls assets before
transferring them to the customer.
In Note 5.1 revenues was broken down by (i) product type and (ii) distribution channels. All Company revenue is recognized at a
point in time.
2.4.7.2 Contract balances
Contract assets
A contract asset is defined as the right to obtain a consideration in exchange for the goods or services transferred to the customer.
Should goods or services be transferred before receiving the agreed-upon payment or consideration, a contract asset is recognized for
the consideration received. The Company has no contract assets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-27
Contract liabilities
A contract liability is the obligation to transfer goods or services to a customer for which the Company has received consideration. If
the customer pays consideration before the Company transfers the goods or services, it recognizes a contract liability. When the
Company fulfills its obligations according to the agreement, liabilities are recognized as revenue.
2.4.7.3 Other operating income
The Company discloses its other operating income in Note 10.1, and mainly included: (i) gain related to the transfer of conventional
assets (Note 3.2.7); (ii) gain from Exports Increase Program (Note 2.5.2); (iii) gain from farmout agreement (Note 29.2.1.1 and
29.2.1.2) and; (iv) services that are not directly related to the Company main activity.
The Company recognizes revenue over time using an input method to measure progress toward service completion.
2.4.8 Inventories
Inventories are made up of Crude oil and materials and spare parts, and they are measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value.
The cost of Crude oil inventories includes production expenses and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present
location and condition to make the sale. The cost of materials and spare parts is determined using the weighted average cost method.
The net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated direct costs necessary to
make the sale.
The recoverable amount of these assets is assessed at each reporting date, and the resulting loss is recognized in the consolidated
statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.
Significant materials and spare parts, that the Company does not expects to use in the next 12 months, are included in “Property, plant
and equipment”.
2.4.9 Cash and cash equivalents
For the presentation of the consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include: (i) cash on hand and demand
deposits banks and financial institutions; and (ii) other short-term highly liquid investments originally maturing in 3 or less months,
readily convertible into known cash amounts and subject to insignificant risk of changes in value.
Overdrafts in checking accounts, if any, are disclosed within current liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position.
They are not disclosed in the consolidated statement of cash flows as they do not comprise the Company’s cash and cash equivalents.
2.4.10 Equity
Changes in equity were accounted for according to legal or regulatory standards; and Company decisions and the Company's
accounting policies and decisions.
(i) Capital stock
Capital stock is made up of shareholder contributions, share-based payments; net of shares repurchased in market. It is represented by
outstanding shares at nominal value and is made up of Series “A” and “C” shares.
(ii) Other equity instruments
The other equity instruments are related to a capital stock generated by a cashless exercise of warrants, which allowed to the holders,
obtains 1 Series A share for each 31 Warrants owned (Note 18.3 and 21.1).
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-28
(iii) Legal reserve
The legal reserve according to the Mexican Business Associations Law, required to allocate at least 5% of net profit for the year based
on the Company’s nonconsolidated financial statements, and must be increase until it is equal to 20% of capital.
(iv) Share repurchase reserve
The share repurchase reserve is related to the creation of a reserve for the acquisition of the Company’s own shares, which is subject
to Mexico’s Securities Market Law provisions and should be approved by the Ordinary Shareholders’ meeting in compliance with the
following requirements:
(i) it should be made in an authorized stock exchange in Mexico;
(ii) it should be carried out at market price unless it involves public offerings authorized by the Mexican Banking and Securities
Commission (“CNBV” by Spanish acronym).
(v) Other accumulated comprehensive income (losses)
Other accumulated comprehensive income comprises actuarial gains and losses for defined benefit plan remeasurement and the related
tax effect.
(vi) Accumulated profits (losses)
Accumulated profits or losses comprise retained earnings or accumulated losses that were not distributed, the amounts transferred
from other comprehensive income and prior-year adjustments. They may be distributed as dividends by Company decision, provided
that they are not subject to legal or contractual restrictions.
Similarly, for capital reduction purposes, these distributions will be subject to income tax assessment according to the applicable rate,
except for remeasured contributed capital stock or distributions from the net taxable profit account (“CUFIN, by Spanish acronym).
2.4.11 Employee benefits
2.4.11.1 Salaries and payroll taxes
Salaries and payroll taxes expected to be settled within 12 months after period-end are recognized for the amounts expected to be paid
and are disclosed in “Salaries and payroll taxes” current in the consolidated statement of financial position (Note 24).
Costs related to compensated absences, such as vacation, bonuses and incentives are recognized as they are accrued.
In Mexico, the employees’ share in profit (“PTU, by Spanish acronym”) is paid to qualifying employees; is calculated using the
income tax base, except for the following:
(i) The employees’ share in Company profit paid during the year or prior-year tax losses pending application; and
(ii) Payments that are also exempt for employees.
The PTU is recognized in the consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income under “Employee benefits”.
The PTU amount allocated to each worker should not exceed the higher of the equivalent to 3 months of their current salary or the
average PTU collected by the employee over the previous 3 years. Should the PTU assessed be lower than or equal to such cap, the
PTU incurred will be determined by applying 10% of the Company’s taxable profit. Should the incurred PTU exceed such limit, the
cap should be applied, and it will be considered the PTU incurred for the period.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-29
2.4.11.2 Employee benefits
The Company maintains a defined benefit plan described in Note 23. Which are related to a series of pension benefits that certain
employees will receive at retirement, depending on factors, such as age, years of service and compensation. According to the
conditions established in each plan, the benefit may consist of a single payment or payments supplementary to pension system
payments.
The cost of employee defined benefit plans is recognized periodically according to the contributions made by the Company.
Labor cost liabilities are accumulated in the periods in which employees render the services that give rise to the consideration.
The defined benefit obligation liability recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position is the present value of the defined
benefit obligation, net of the fair value of plan assets. The defined benefit obligation is calculated at least as of every year-end by
independent actuaries through the projected unit credit method. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is assessed
discounting estimated future cash outflows using future actuarial assumptions on the demographic and financial variables that affect
the assessment of such amounts.
Actuarial profit and losses derived from changes in actuarial assumptions are recognized in other comprehensive income in the period
in which they arise, and that shall not be reclassified to profit (loss) in subsequent years, likewise, the costs of past services are
recognized immediately in the consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.
2.4.12 Borrowing costs
General or specific borrowings costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of assets that necessarily require
a substantial period of time to be ready for their intended use or sale are added to the cost of these assets until they are ready for their
intended use or sale.
Income earned on the temporary investment of specific borrowings is deducted from borrowings costs eligible for capitalization. Other
borrowings costs are accounted for in the period in which they are incurred.
For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company has not capitalized borrowings costs because it had no
qualifying assets, except for interest on the discount at present value on lease liabilities disclosed in Note 15.
2.4.13 Provisions and contingent liabilities
The Company recognizes provisions when the following conditions are met: (i) it has a present or future obligation as a result of a
past event; (ii) it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation; and (iii) a reliable estimate can be
made. No provisions for operating future losses are recognized.
In the case of provisions in which the time value of money is significant (as is the case of well plugging and abandonment and
environmental remediation), these provisions are determined as the present value of the expected cash outflow for settling the
obligation. Provisions are discounted at a rate that reflects current market conditions as of the date of the statement of financial position
and, as the case may be, the risks specific to the liability. When the discount is applied, the increase in the provision due to the passage
of time is recognized as a financial cost in the consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.
2.4.13.1 Provision for contingencies
Provisions for probable contingencies are measured at the present value of the amounts expected to be made to settle the present
obligation, considering the best information available upon preparing the financial statements, based on the opinion of the Company’s
legal counsel. Estimates are regularly reviewed and adjusted.
Potential contingent liabilities are: (i) obligations from past events and whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence or
nonoccurrence of uncertain future events not wholly within the entity’s control; or (ii) present obligations from past events that will
not likely require an outflow of resources for its settlement, or which amount cannot be estimated reliably. These liabilities are
disclosed in notes to the consolidated financial statements (Note 28).
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-30
Contingent liabilities which probability is remote are not disclosed.
2.4.13.2 Well plugging and abandonment provision
The Company recognizes a provision for well pugging and abandonment when there is a legal or constructive obligation as a result of
past events, it is probable that a cash flow will be required to settle the obligation, and the amount to be disbursed can be reliably
estimated.
In general, the obligation arises when the asset is installed, or the wells of land or environment at the site is modified.
When the liability is initially recognized, the present value of estimated costs is capitalized, increasing the carrying amount of the
assets related to the Crude oil and Natural gas extraction insofar as they were incurred for the development or construction of the well.
The other provisions from an enhanced development or construction of the Crude oil and Natural gas production wells and facilities
increase the cost of the related asset when the liability arises.
The changes in the estimated time or cost of well plugging and abandonment are afforded a prospective treatment by booking an
adjustment to the related provision and asset.
2.4.13.3 Provision for environmental remediation
The provision for environmental remediation is recognized when it is likely that a soil remediation be conducted, and costs may be
estimated reliably. Generally, the timing of recognition of these provisions coincides with the commitment to a formal plan of action
or, if earlier, on divestment or on closure of inactive sites.
The amount recognized is the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation. To consider the time value of money,
the recognized value is the present value of the estimated future expense. The effect of such estimate is recognized in the consolidated
statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.
It assesses if climate risks, including physical and energy transition risks, may have a major impact. If so, such risks are included in
cash flows projected for estimating environment remediation costs (Note 2.4.19).
2.4.14 Income tax
Income tax for the period includes current and deferred income tax. Income tax is recognized in the consolidated statements of profit
or loss and other comprehensive income except if it is related to items recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.
Current and deferred tax assets and liabilities were not discounted and are stated at nominal values.
Income tax rates effective in Argentina and Mexico stand at 35% and 30% as of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
For further information, see Note 16, 30.2 and 30.4.
2.4.14.1 Current income tax
The Company recognizes a current income tax liability as of every year-end, calculated based on effective laws enacted by the related
tax authorities.
The Company regularly assesses the positions adopted in the tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulations
are subject to interpretation. When tax treatments are uncertain and it is probable that a tax authority will accept the tax treatment
afforded by the Company, income tax is recognized according to their calculations and interpretations. If it is not considered likely,
the uncertainty is shown using the most likely amount method or the expected value method depending on the method that best predicts
the resolution to the uncertainty.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-31
The Company does business in several jurisdictions and is governed by effective laws enacted by each tax authority. The final
assessment of current income tax for certain transactions and calculations is uncertain as there are cases in which tax regulations are
subject to Company interpretation.
2.4.14.2 Deferred income tax
Deferred income tax is calculated using the liability method by comparing the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying
amounts in the financial statements to assess temporary differences.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are booked at nominal values and measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period
in which the liability is settled or the asset realized based on tax rates (and tax laws) enacted as of period-end.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are only offset when there is a legally enforceable right and they are related to income tax
levied by the same tax authority.
Deferred income tax assets are recognized only insofar as it is probable that future taxable profit will be available and may be used to
offset temporary differences. The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and reduced
to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient profit will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.
2.4.15 Share-based payments
The Company grants to some employees shared-based compensation; whereby employees receive as consideration for equity
instruments (equity-settled transactions).
Equity-settled transactions
The cost of equity-settled transactions is determined by the fair value at vesting date using a proper valuation method (Note 31).
Such cost is recognized in the consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income in “General and administrative
expenses” under “Share-based payments” along with the related capital increase during the period in which the service is rendered
and performance conditions.
On March 22, 2018, the Company approved a Long-Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP") whose goal is to attract and retain talented persons
such as officers, directors, employees and consultants. The LTIP includes the following mechanisms for rewarding and retaining key
personal:
(i) Stock option plan (“SOP”)
The stock option plan grants the participant the right to buy a number of shares over certain term. The cost of the equity-settled plan
is measured at grant date considering the specific terms and conditions. The equity-settled compensation cost is recognized in the
consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income in “General and administrative expenses” under “Share-
based payments”.
(ii) Restricted stock (“RS”)
The restricted stock plan grants the participant additional benefits are met through a stock option plan which has been classified as an
equity-settled share-based payment. The cost of the equity-settled plan is measured at grant date considering the specific terms and
conditions. The equity-settled compensation cost is recognized in the consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive
income in “General and administrative expenses” under “Share-based payments”.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-32
(iii) Performance restricted stock ("PRS")
The performance restricted stock grants the participant, which entitle them to receive PRS after having reached certain performance
targets over a service period. PRS are classified as equity-settled share-based payments. The cost of the equity-settled plan is measured
at grant date considering the specific terms and conditions. The equity-settled compensation cost is recognized in the consolidated
statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income in “General and administrative expenses” under “Share-based payments”.
2.4.16 Investments in associates
An associate is an entity over which the Company has significant influence, being the power to participate in the financial and
operating policy decisions of the associate but not control or join control over it. The considerations regarding control and significant
influence are similar to those made by the Company in relation to its subsidiaries (Note 2.3.1).
Investments are initially recognized at acquisition cost and then using the equity method whereby interests are recognized in profit or
loss and in equity. The equity method is used as from the date when the significant influence over the associates is exercised.
The associates’ financial statements were prepared using the same policies employed in preparing these consolidated financial
statements.
The Company’s interests in the associates’ net profits or losses, after acquisition, are recognized in the statements of profit or loss and
other comprehensive income.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the amount of investments in associates was 11,906 and 8,619, respectively.
2.4.17 Biological assets
Biological assets are measured at initial recognition, and at the end of each reporting period, at fair value less estimated costs to sell
at the point of harvest or collection.
Changes in fair value at initial or subsequent recognition are recognized in the period in the consolidated statement of profit or loss
and other comprehensive income.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company has biological assets for 10,027, mainly related of tree plantations, and its fair value less costs
to sell are similar to replacement cost, as they are at the initial growth cycle.
Tree plantations are classified as non-current biological assets because they are not expected to be harvested within the next 12 months.
2.4.18 Going concern
The Board oversees the Group’s cash position regularly and liquidity risk to ensure that there are sufficient funds to meet expected
financing, operating and investing requirements.
Considering the macroeconomic context, the result of operations and the Group’s cash position as of December 31, 2024 and 2023,
the Directors asserted, upon approving the financial statements, that the Group may reasonably be expected to fulfill its obligations in
the foreseeable future. Therefore, these consolidated financial statements were prepared on a going concern basis.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-33
2.4.19 Climate-Related Matters
The Company frequently assesses the potential impact of climate-related matters in the estimates and assumptions used as basis for
some items in the financial statements.
Even though the Company considers that its business model will continue to be feasible after transition to a low-carbon economy,
climate-related matters increase uncertainty in the following estimates and assumptions:
(i) Useful life of property, plant and equipment: upon reviewing the expected useful life and residual value of assets, the Company
considers climate-related matters and the legislation that may restrict the use of assets or require major capital expenditure (Note
2.4.2.1).
(ii) Impairment of long -lived assets and business credit: upon assessing the recoverable value of these assets, the Company considers
climate-related matters, and climate change regulations (Note 3.2.1 and 3.2.2).
(iii) Environmental remediation liabilities: the Company considers the potential impact of climate-related matters upon estimating
future decommissioning costs (Note 2.4.13.3).
Even though the Company considers climate-related matters have no major impact in the consolidated financial statements, it regularly
assesses relevant changes and developments.
2.5 Regulatory framework
A- Argentina
2.5.1 Regulatory framework for oil and gas activity
In Argentina, oil and gas exploration, exploitation and trade is governed by Law No. 17,319 and its amendments (“Argentine
Hydrocarbons Law”), which establishes the regulatory framework for the exploration, exploitation, transportation and marketing of
hydrocarbons (oil and natural gas) in the country.
The main modifications to the Argentine Hydrocarbons Law are detailed below:
(i) Law No. 27,007:
-
It sets the terms for exploration permits and operating and transport concessions, distinguishing between conventional and
unconventional concessions, the continental platform and territorial marine reserves;
-
The 12% payable as royalties are still effective to the grantor by operating concessionaires on the extraction of liquid hydrocarbon
byproducts in wellheads and Natural gas production. In case of an extension, additional royalties will be paid up to 3% up to a
maximum 18% for the following extensions; and
-
It prevents the Argentine government and provinces from reserving new areas in the future in favor of public or mixed companies
or entities, regardless of their legal type. Therefore, the agreements entered into by provincial companies for the exploration and
development of reserved areas before the amendment are safeguarded.
However, the Province of Neuquén has its own Hydrocarbon Law No. 2,453. Hence, the Company’s assets in the Province of Neuquén
are governed by such law, whereas the remainder assets located in the Provinces of Río Negro and Salta follow Law No. 17,319, and
its subsequent amendments.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-34
(ii) Law No. 27,742:
On June 28, 2024, Argentina’s House of Representatives approved Law of Bases and Points of Departure for the Freedom of
Argentineans No. 27,742, as well as Law of Palliative and Relevant Tax Measures No. 27,743 (jointly, “the Bases Law”). On July 8,
2024, the Bases Law was enacted through Presidential Decrees No. 592/2024 and No. 593/2024, respectively, published in the Official
Bulletin.
These law’s main objective is deregulating the Argentine economy and adjust the state’s operation and structure; declaring a public
administrative, economic, financial, and energetic emergency for a year, and grant the Argentine Executive (“PEN” by Spanish
acronym) delegated legislative powers, as main measures.
Regarding the main amended to the Argentine Hydrocarbons Law, as follows:
-
Eliminates the concept of hydrocarbon self-supply existing at the time, with the objective of maximizing corporate profits from
the exploitation of resources;
-
Establishes that the Executive (National or Provincial, as the case may be) may grant storage permits and authorizations for
hydrocarbon processing, under the requirements and conditions set forth by the Argentine Hydrocarbons Law;
-
Grants producers rights to trade, transport, and industrialize hydrocarbons and by-products, while prohibiting the National
Executive from intervening or setting prices;
-
Establishes the free export and import of hydrocarbons and by-products, eliminating the Department of Energy’s authority to
challenge export permits;
-
Amends the acquisition system and terms for unconventional concessions following the reconversion of conventional concessions;
-
Authorizes the regulatory authority to grant concessions for terms other than those established in Argentine Hydrocarbons Law;
-
Amends the extension system for new concessions;
-
Mandates that new concessions be awarded through a bidding process upon expiration of existing concessions.
The Bases Law also sets forth the creation of an Incentive Regime for Large Investments (the “RIGI” by Spanish acronym), which
provides stability and offers tax, customs, and foreign exchange benefits for projects in various sectors, including the energy and oil
& gas, subject to specific conditions.
The RIGI was established and published in the Official Bulletin on August 23, 2024, through Presidential Decree No. 749/2024,
applicable to the oil & gas sector solely for the following activities: (i) construction of treatments plants, natural gas separation plants,
oil & gas pipelines, and polyducts, and storage facilities; (ii) transportation and storage of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons; (iii)
petrochemical plants, including fertilizer production and refinery; (iv) natural gas production, collection, treatment, processing,
fractioning, liquefaction and transportation for export of liquefied natural gas, as well as the infrastructure works required to develop
the industry, and (v) offshore exploration and exploitation of liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons.
The Bases Law had no significant impact on these consolidated financial statements.
2.5.2 Exports Increase Program
On October 3, 2023, the Department of Energy (“SE” by Spanish acronym) through Resolution No. 808/23, established that the
exporters of Crude oil, Natural gas and by-products (that meet certain conditions) may receive 25% of the funds obtained from exports
through securities acquired in foreign currency and sold in local currency.
On October 23, 2023, the PEN, through Necessity and Urgency Decree (“DNU” by Spanish acronym) No. 549/23, set forth the Export
Increase Program, by virtue of which 30% of the funds obtained from exports may be received through securities market, effective
through November 17, 2023.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-35
On November 20, 2023, the PEN through DNU No. 597/23 amended the percentages setting 50% as the amount obtained from export
to be received through the securities market, effective until December 10, 2023. It also ratified the exporters should pay duties, taxes
and other items based on the exceptional and temporary countervalue related to these payments.
On December 13, 2023, the PEN through DNU No. 28/23 amended the percentages setting 20% as the amount to be received through
the securities market in foreign currency, currently in place.
For the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, the Company recognized a gain of 45,201 and 81,232 in “Other operating income”
under “Gain from Exports Increase Program” (Note 10.1).
2.5.3 Gas market
2.5.3.1 Argentine promotion plan to stimulate Natural gas production: 2020-2024 supply and demand system (“Gas IV Plan”)
On November 13, 2020, through Presidential Decree No. 892/2020, the PEN approved Gas IV Plan, whereby it declared that the
promotion of Natural gas production is both a matter of public interest and a priority.
On December 15, 2020, through Resolution No. 391/2020, the SE awarded volumes and prices, for which the Company entered into
agreements with Compañía Administradora del Mercado Mayorista Eléctrico S.A. (“CAMMESA”), Integración Energética Argentina
S.A. (“IEASA”) and other distribution to supply Natural gas for electric power generation and residential consumption, respectively.
Moreover, through Presidential Decree No. 730/2022 of November 3, 2022, the Argentine government replaced Presidential Decree
No. 892/2020, thus extending the term of the Gas IV Plan through December 31, 2028.
On December 22, 2022, through Resolution No. 860/2022, of the SE, the Company, through its subsidiary Vista Argentina, was
awarded a base volume of 0.86 million cubic meters per day (“Mcm/d”) at an annual average price of 3.29 USD/MMBTU (Millions
of British Themal Units (“MMBTU”)), applicable until December 31, 2024.
The Company was granted a permit by the SE to export Natural gas to Chile according to the following volumes:
(i)
0.15 Mcm/d for the period elapsed from January through April 2022;
(ii) a variable volume for May through September 2022; and
(iii) 0.45 Mcm/d for the period elapsed from October 2022 through April 2023.
On April 19, 2023, through Resolution No. 265/2023 of the SE, the base volume awarded to Vista was increased to 1.14 Mcm/d,
maintaining the annual average price of 3.29 USD/MMBTU, applicable for a 4-year period as from January 1, 2025.
The Company was granted a permit by the SE to export Natural gas to Chile according to the following volumes:
(i)
0.02 Mcm/d for the period elapsed from July through September 2023;
(ii) 0.43 Mcm/d for the period elapsed from October 2023 through April 2024;
(iii) 0.17 Mcm/d for the period elapsed from May through September 2024;
(iv) 0.43 Mcm/d for the period elapsed from October through December 2024;
(v) 0.17 Mcm/d for the period elapsed from January through April 2025;
(vi) 0.15 Mcm/d for the period elapsed from May through September 2025; and
(vii) 0.17 Mcm/d for the period elapsed from October through December 2025.
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company received a net amount of 3,839 and 5,189, respectively.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the receivables related to such plan stand at 3,007 and 1,245, respectively (Note 17).
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-36
2.5.4 Royalties and others
(i) Royalties
As mentioned in Note 2.5.1, royalties are governed by Law No. 17,319, as amended, and are calculated by applying 12% to the selling
price after discounting certain expenses with the purpose of taking the value of the cubic meter of Crude oil, Natural gas and LPG to
wellhead prices.
(ii) Export duties
Law No. 27,541, issued in December 2019, sets the maximum rate for export duties of hydrocarbons and mining at 8%.
Royalties and export duties are recognized in the consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income in “Cost
of sales” under “Royalties and others” (Note 6.3).
B-
Mexico
2.5.5 Exploration and production activities regulatory framework
In 2013, Mexico introduced several amendments to Mexico’s Constitution that led to opening Crude oil, Natural gas and energy to
private investments. As part of the energy reform, Petróleos Mexicanos (“PEMEX” by Spanish acronym) transformed from a
decentralized public entity into a productive state-owned enterprise. Mexico’s Hydrocarbon Law, that preserves state property over
subsoil hydrocarbons but allows private companies to assume responsibility for hydrocarbons once extracted.
These amendments also allow private sector entities to obtain permits for the processing, refining, marketing, transportation, storage,
import and export of hydrocarbons.
Therefore, empowers private-sector entities to request the granting of a permit from Mexico’s Energy Regulatory Commission (“CRE”
by Spanish acronym) to store, transport, distribute, trade and sell hydrocarbons. In addition, private-sector entities can import or export
hydrocarbons subject to a permit issued by Mexico’s Ministry of Energy (the “SENER” by Spanish acronym).
The National Hydrocarbon Commission (the “CNH” by Spanish acronym) conducts rounds of bid granting agreements to oil
companies and business consortia. It interacts with PEMEX and private companies and manage all exploration and production
(“E&P”) agreements. The agreements for the transport, storage, distribution, compression, liquefaction, decompression,
regassification, trade and sale of Crude oil, oil byproducts and Natural gas are granted by the CRE.
In May 2021, Mexican Hydrocarbons Law Reforms (the “Reforms”) was published in the Official Bulletin. In general, the Reforms
affect the permit system under Mexican Hydrocarbon Law by granting enhanced powers to the SENER and the CRE to grant, review,
and revoke the different permits under such law. The Reforms also regain public control of the Mexican oil trading sector.
2.5.6 Royalties and others
The consideration payable to the Mexican government will be made up of:
(i) Contractual installment for exploration phase
It applies to the areas that do not have a development plan approved by the CNH and it is calculated monthly using the instalment
established for each square kilometer comprising the areas covered by the contract.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-37
(ii) Royalties
Royalties apply to the concessions’ total output and are calculated by applying the contractual percentage to the selling price. The
contractual percentage is 45%, which will be adjusted as established in the contract. There is also a variable royalty, which will be
applied to each type of hydrocarbon by applying the related rate to the selling price. Royalties are included in the consolidated
statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income in “Cost of sales” under “Royalties and others” (Note 6.3).
2.6 Comparative Information
As of December 31, 2023, the Company has made a change in the “Export Duties” presentation in the “Royalties and others” (Note
6.3), which was previously included in “Revenues from contract with customers”.
The comparative information for the year ended December 31, 2022, has been reclassified to ensure consistent filing with the
consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
“Revenues from contract with customers” and “Royalties and others” increased by 43,840 for the year ended December 31, 2022.
These changes had no effect on the net profit for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Note 3. Significant accounting judgements estimates and assumptions
Preparing the consolidated financial statements requires that the Company make future judgments and estimates, apply significant
accounting judgments and make assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the figures for assets and liabilities,
revenue and expenses.
The estimates and judgments used in preparing the consolidated financial statements are constantly evaluated and are based on the
historical experience and other factors considered to be fair in accordance with current circumstances. Future profit (loss) may differ
from the estimates and evaluations made as of the date of preparation of these consolidated financial statements.
3.1 Significant judgments in the application of accounting policies
Below are the significant judgments other than those involving estimates (Note 3.2) that Management made and that have a material
impact on the figures recognized in the consolidated financial statements.
3.1.1 Contingencies
The Company is subject to several claims, trials and other legal proceedings that arose during the ordinary course of business. The
Company’s liabilities with respect to such claims, trials and other legal proceedings cannot be estimated with an absolute certainty.
Therefore, the Company periodically reviews each contingency status and assesses the potential liability, employing the criteria
mentioned in Note 22.3; hence, Management makes estimates mainly with the legal counsel’s assistance.
Contingencies include pending lawsuits for potential damage or third-party claims in the Company’s ordinary course of business and
claims from disputes related to the interpretation of applicable legislation.
3.1.2 Environmental remediation
The costs incurred in limiting, neutralizing or preventing environmental pollution are capitalized only if at least one of the following
conditions is met: (i) these costs are related to security improvements; (ii) environmental pollution risk is prevented or limited; or (iii)
the costs incurred in preparing assets for sale and the carrying amount (which considers these costs) of these assets does not exceed
the related recovery value.
The liabilities related to future remediation costs are booked when, based on environmental assessments, the likelihood of occurrence
of these liabilities is high and costs may be reasonably estimated. The actual recognition and amount of these provisions is generally
based on the commitments acquired by the Company to realize them, such as an approved remediation plan or the sale or disposal of
an asset. The provision is recognized on the basis that the future remediation commitment will be required.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-38
The Company measures liabilities based on the best estimate of the present value of future costs using the information currently
available and by applying current environmental laws and regulations and the Company’s existing environmental policies.
3.1.3 Business combinations
The acquisition method implies the measurement at fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business
combination at acquisition date.
The Company determines that it has acquired a business when the acquired set of activities and assets include an input and a substantive
process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create an output. The acquired process is considered substantive if it is
critical to the ability to continue producing outputs, and the inputs acquired include an organized workforce with necessary skills,
knowledge or experience to perform those processes or else it significantly contributes to the ability to produce outputs and is
considered unique or scarce or cannot be replaced without significant cost, effort or delay in the ability to continue producing outputs.
In cases where an oil and gas property acquisition transaction does not compliance the above conditions, the Company considers that
it must be recognized as an asset acquisition.
When the Company determines that it has acquired a business, to determine the fair value of identifiable assets, the Company uses the
valuation approach that is most representative for each asset. These methods are the (i) income approach through indirect cash flows
(net present value of expected future cash flows) or through the multi-period excess earnings method; (ii) cost approach (replacement
value of the asset adjusted by loss due to physical impairment, functional and economic obsolescence); and (iii) market approach
through a comparable transaction method.
Also, to determine the fair value of liabilities assumed, the Company considers the likelihood of cash outflows that will be required
for each contingency and calculates the estimates with the legal counsel’s assistance based on available information and the litigation
and resolution/settlement strategy.
Management significant judgment is required to choose the approach to be used and estimate future cash flows. Actual cash flows and
values may differ significantly from expected future cash flows and the related values obtained through the aforementioned valuation
techniques.
As of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company has not registered any business combinations.
3.1.4 Joint arrangements
The Company assesses whether it has joint control on an arrangement, analyzing the activities and decisions about these relevant
activities that require unanimous consent. The Company determined that the relevant activities for joint arrangements are those related
to operating decisions, including the approval of the annual budget and the approval of service suppliers. The considerations made to
assess joint control are the same as those needed to determine control on subsidiaries as established in Note 2.3.1.
Judgment is also required to classify a joint arrangement. Which requires that the Company assess its rights and obligations under the
agreement.
3.1.5 Functional currency
The functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries is the USD (Note 2.4.5.1), the currency of the primary economic context
in entity operates. To determine the functional currency, the Company makes judgments. The Company reconsiders the functional
currency in the event of a change in conditions that may determine the primary economic context.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-39
3.2 Key sources of uncertainty in estimates
Below are the main estimates that entail significant impact in the Company’s assets, liabilities and profit or loss:
3.2.1 Impairment of goodwill
Goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment or more frequently if there are events or changes in circumstances showing that the
recoverable amount of the CGU related to goodwill should be analyzed. Whether goodwill is impaired is assessed by considering
the recoverable amount of the CGUs to which it is allocated. Impairment is recognized when the recoverable amount of the CGU is
lower than its carrying amount (including goodwill).
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company has goodwill for 22,576 (Note 14) related to the initial business combination.
The assessment of whether goodwill of a CGU or group of CGUs is impaired involves Management estimates on highly uncertain
matters, including the assessment of the appropriate group of CGUs for goodwill impairment testing. The Company supervises
goodwill for internal management purposes based on its only business segment.
Upon testing goodwill for impairment, the Company uses the approach described in Note 3.2.2.
No goodwill impairment losses were recognized as of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
3.2.2 Impairment of long-lived assets other than goodwill
Long-lived assets are tested for impairment at the lowest level in which there are separately identifiable cash flows largely independent
of the cash flows of other groups of assets or CGUs.
In Argentina, oil and gas properties were grouped as follow:
- As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, (i) operated exploitation concessions of unconventional oil and gas; and (ii) non-operating
concessions of conventional oil and gas.
- As of December 31, 2022, (i) operated exploitation concessions of conventional oil and gas; (ii) operated exploitation concessions
of unconventional oil and gas; and (iii) non-operating concessions of conventional oil and gas.
The Company also identified only 1 CGUs in Mexico: (i) operated exploitation concessions of conventional oil and gas, as of
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
To assess whether there is evidence that a CGU may be impaired, external and internal sources of information are analyzed, provided
that the events or changes in circumstances show that the book value of an asset or CGU may not be recovered. Some examples of
these events are changes in the Group’s business plans, physical damage testing, or, in the case of oil and gas assets, decrease of
estimated reserves or increases in estimated future development expenses or dismantling costs, the behavior of Crude oil international
prices and demand, the regulatory framework, expected capital investments and changes in demand. Should there be an indication of
impairment, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the asset or CGU.
The recoverable amount of a CGU is the highest of (i) its fair value less selling price or costs of disposal, and (ii) its value in use.
When the carrying amount of a CGU exceeds its recoverable amount, the CGU is deemed impaired, and it is reduced to its recoverable
amount. Due to the nature of the Company’s activities, the information on the fair value less selling price of an asset or CGU is usually
difficult to obtain unless negotiations are underway with potential buyers or similar transactions. Consequently, unless otherwise
stated, the recoverable amount used in impairment testing is the value in use.
The value in use of each CGU is estimated using the present value of future net cash flows. Each GGU’s business plans, which are
approved annually by the Company, are the main sources of information to determine the value in use.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-40
As the initial step in drafting these plans, the Company establishes different assumptions on market conditions, such as Crude oil,
Natural gas and LPG prices. These assumptions consider existing prices, the balance between global supply and demand of Crude oil
and Natural gas. Upon assessing the value in use, estimated future cash flows are adjusted to consider the specific risks of the group
of assets and are discounted at present value using a discount rate that reflects the current market assessments of the time value of
money.
The Company assesses whether there is an indication that previously recognized impairment losses have reversed or decreased as of
each reporting date. A previously recognized impairment loss is reversed only if here has been a change in the estimates used in
determining the recoverable amount of the asset.
The assessment of whether an asset or CGU is impaired and to which extent involves Company estimates on highly uncertain issues
such the effects of inflation on exploitation expenses, discount rates, production profiles, reserves and resources and commodity future
prices. It requires that assumptions be made when assessing the proper grouping of items of property, plant and equipment in a CGU.
Actual cash flows and values may differ significantly from expected future cash flows and related amounts obtained using discount
techniques, which could create major changes in the accounting values of the Group’s assets.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company did not identify indications of reversal or impairment related with goodwill and long -lived
assets other than goodwill in Argentina. However, the Company identified reversal of impairment indicators to the CGU in Mexico,
mainly resulting from the recovery of the local price of Natural gas. Therefore, the Company performed an impairment testing; using
estimated cash flows per CGU, to determine the recoverable amount of the long -lived assets and compare it against carrying amount
of CGU.
As result of the analysis performed, for the year ended December 31, 2024 the Company recorded a reversal of impairment of 4,207
related to the CGU operated exploitation concessions of conventional oil and gas exploration and production in Mexico.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company identified impairment indicators, mainly resulting from the decline in the international price
of Crude oil in Mexico and local price of Natural gas in Argentina. Therefore, the Company performed an impairment testing; using
estimated cash flows per CGU, to determine the recoverable amount of the long -lived assets and compare it against carrying amount
of CGU.
As result of the analysis performed, for the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded an impairment of 22,906 related
to the CGU operated exploitation concessions of conventional oil and gas exploration and production in Mexico and 1,679 related to
the CGU for non-operating exploitation concessions of conventional oil and gas exploration and production in Argentina.
As of December 31, 2022, the Company did not identify indications of impairment related to goodwill and long-lived assets other
than goodwill in Argentina and Mexico.
Main assumptions used
Below are the key assumptions used in assessing the recoverable value of the aforementioned CGUs, if any, and the sensitivity
analyses:
As of December 31, 2024
As of December 31, 2023
As of December 31, 2022
Argentina
Mexico
Argentina
Mexico
Argentina
Mexico
Discount rates (after taxes)
9.9%
7.4%
12.9%
6.0%
11.9%
7.9%
Discount rates (before taxes)
18.2%
8.3%
21.9%
8.2%
18.7%
11.6%
Prices of Crude oil, Natural gas
and LPG
Crude oil (USD/bbl) (1)
2023
-
-
-
-
80.3
72.2
2024
-
-
82.4
73.4
92.8
88.3
2025
73.3
60.7
79.0
70.9
84.0
79.9
2026
70.7
61.6
72.6
64.5
79.3
78.3
2027
67.3
62.9
66.4
61.3
79.3
78.3
As from 2028
67.4
61.4
66.4
61.3
79.3
78.3
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-41
As of December 31, 2024
As of December 31, 2023
As of December 31, 2022
Argentina
Mexico
Argentina
Mexico
Argentina
Mexico
Natural gas - local prices
(USD/MMBTU)
As from
3.0
4.0
2.8
3.3
3.9
3.0
LPG - local prices (USD/tn)
As from
301.8
-
296.3
-
250.4
-
(1) The prices correspond to Brent and Maya, for Argentina and Mexico, respectively.
(i) Discount rates: Discount rates represent the present market value of the Company’s specific risks considering the time value of
money and the individual risks of the underlying assets that have not been considered in cash flow estimates. The discount rate is
calculated based on the Company’s specific circumstances and is derived from the weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”) with
the proper adjustments to reflect risks and determine the rate before taxes. The income tax rate used is the tax rate effective in Argentina
and Mexico standing at 35% and 30%, respectively. The WACC considers the cost of debt and cost of capital and considered public
market data of certain companies deemed comparable (“comparable companies”) based on the industry, region and main activity.
(ii) Prices of Crude oil, Natural gas and LPG: Expected commodity prices are based on Management estimates and available market
data.
The Company considered discounts for Crude oil prices based on the quality of the Crude oil produced in each CGU. The dynamics
of the domestic Crude oil and liquid fuels markets in Argentina and Mexico are also considered. The changes in Brent and Maya
prices was estimated using the average market analysis forecasts.
To forecast the local price of Natural gas used the average price received from gas sales in each CGU. Natural gas prices are adjusted
by the calorific value of gas produced in each CGU.
The Company’s long-term assumption for Crude oil prices reflects the judgment that the market can produce enough oil to meet global
demand sustainably.
(iii) Production and reserve volumes: the production level and the reserves is based on the reports certificated by external consultants
and different risk factors were also applied to determine the expected value of each type of reserve (Note 32).
Sensitivity to changes in assumptions
Regarding the assessment of the value in use as of December 31, 2024, and 2023, the Company considers that there are no reasonably
possible changes in any of the abovementioned main assumptions that may cause the carrying amount of any CGU to decrease its
recoverable amount, except for the following:
As of December 31, 2024
As of December 31, 2023 As of December 31, 2022
Argentina Mexico
Argentina (1) Mexico
Argentina (2)
Mexico
Discount rate (on the basis)
+ 10%
+ 10%
+ 10%
Carrying amount
-
(3,138)
(136)
(2,559)
-
-
Expected prices of Crude oil, Natural gas and
LPG
- 10%
- 10%
- 10%
Carrying amount
-
(14,012)
(349)
(13,402)
(41,816)
-
(1) Related to the non-operating concessions of conventional oil and gas CGU.
(2) Related to the operated concessions of conventional oil and gas CGU.
The aforementioned sensitivity analysis may not be representative of the actual change in the carrying amount because it is unlikely
that the change in the assumptions would occur in isolation as some assumptions may be correlated.
For further information climate-related matters see Note 2.4.19.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-42
As of December 31, 2024, and 2023, the net carrying amount of property, plant and equipment, other intangible assets and right-of-
use assets is disclosed in Note 13, 14 and 15, respectively.
3.2.3 Current and deferred income tax
3.2.3.1 Current income tax
The Company recognizes a current income tax liability as of every year-end, calculated according to effective laws enacted by the
related tax authorities and, if necessary, provisions are recognized based on the amounts payable to tax authorities. However, there
are some transactions and calculations which tax assessment is uncertain as sometimes tax regulations are subject to Company
interpretation.
When tax treatments are uncertain and it is probable that a tax authority will accept the tax treatment afforded by the Company, income
tax is recognized according to their calculations and interpretations. If it is not considered likely, the uncertainty is shown using the
most likely amount method or the expected value method depending on the method that best predicts the resolution to the uncertainty.
3.2.3.2 Deferred income tax
Deferred tax assets are reviewed as of each reporting date and are amended according to the probability that the tax base allow the
total or partial recovery of these assets. Upon assessing the recognition of deferred tax assets, the Company considers whether it is
probable that some or all assets are not realized, which depends on the generation of future taxable profit in the periods in which these
temporary differences become deductible. To this end, the Company considers the expected reversal of deferred tax liabilities, future
taxable profit projections and tax planning strategies.
The assumptions on the generation of future taxable profit depend on the Company estimates of future cash flows, which are affected
by sales and production volumes; Crude oil and Natural gas prices; operating costs; well plugging and abandonment costs; capital
expenses; and the judgment on the application of tax laws effective in each jurisdiction.
Insofar as future cash flows and taxable profit substantially differ from the Group’s estimates, the Group’s capacity to realize net
deferred tax assets booked at reporting date may be affected. Moreover, future changes in the tax laws in the jurisdictions in which
the Group operates may hinder its capacity to obtain tax deductions in future periods.
3.2.4 Well plugging and abandonment
Well plugging and abandonment at the end of the exploitation concession term requires that Company Management calculate the
number of wells, the long-term costs of abandonment and the remaining time until abandonment. The technological, cost, policy,
environment and safety issues change constantly and may give rise to differences between actual costs and future estimates.
Well plugging and abandonment estimates should be adjusted by the Company at least annually or in the event of changes in the
assessment criteria assumed.
Well plugging and abandonment liabilities stand at 32,438 and 15,287, as of December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively (Note 22.1).
3.2.5 Oil and gas reserves
Oil and gas items of property, plant and equipment are depreciated using the UDP method over total proved reserves (developed and
not developed as applicable). Proved oil and gas reserves are those quantities of Natural gas, Crude oil, and LPG which by analysis
of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible from a given date
forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations.
The useful life of each property, plant and equipment asset is assessed at least annually considering the physical limitations of the
goods and the assessments of the economically recoverable reserves in the field in which the asset is located.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-43
There are several uncertainties in the estimate of proved reserves and future production plans, development costs and prices, including
several factors that are beyond the Company’s control. In estimating reserves involves a certain degree of uncertainty and depend on
the quality of the engineering and geological data available as of the estimate date and their interpretation and judgment.
Reserve estimates are adjusted by changes in the assessment criteria or at least annually. These reserves are based on the estimates
certified annually by independent reserve engineering consultant.
The Company uses the information obtained from the reserve calculation in determining the depreciation of assets used in oil and gas
areas, and in assessing their recoverability (Note 3.2.1, 3.2.2, 13 and 32).
3.2.6 Share-based payments
The fair value estimate of share-based payments requires the determination of the most appropriate valuation model, which depends
on the terms and conditions of the award. This estimate also requires the assessment of the most appropriate input for the valuation
model, including the remaining life of stock options, and the shares volatility.
To measure the fair value of share-based payments at grant date, the Company employs the Black & Scholes model. The carrying
amount, hypotheses and models used in estimating the fair value of transactions involving share-based payments are disclosed in Note
31.
3.2.7 Agreement signed with Aconcagua related to conventional assets (“transfer of conventional assets”)
On February 23, 2023, the Company approved the agreement signed by its subsidiary Vista Energy Argentina S.A.U. (“Vista
Argentina”) with Aconcagua for the operations in the following concessions of the Neuquina Basin, Argentina (the “Transaction”):
(i) the Entre Lomas upstream concession located in the Province of Neuquén; (ii) Entre Lomas, Jarilla Quemada, Charco del Palenque,
Jagüel de los Machos and 25 de Mayo-Medanito S.E upstream concessions located in the Province of Río Negro (jointly, the
“Exploitation Concessions”); (iii) the Entre Lomas and Jarilla Quemada gas transportation concession located in the Province of Río
Negro, and (iv) the 25 de Mayo-Medanito S.E. Crude oil transportation concession located in the Province of Río Negro (jointly with
the Exploitation concessions the “Concessions”).
The Transaction consists of a two-phase operation as described below:
(i) The First Phase or Operating Period, which became effective on March 1, 2023, (“Effective Date”) and will remain in place until
the “Closing Date”, which will be: (i) the date when Vista Argentina has received 4 million barrels of Crude oil and 300 million
standard cubic meters (m3) of Natural gas (9,300 kilocalories per m3); or (ii) February 28, 2027 (“Deadline"), whichever comes
first.
If Aconcagua fails to meet the aforementioned point (i) and prior of the Deadline, must pay VISTA the undelivered production
according to the average price of the Neuquén Basin for the last 12 months.
(ii) The Second Phase will begin on Closing Date, and Vista Argentina and Aconcagua will request the Provinces of Río Negro and
Neuquén (“the Provinces”) to approve the assignment of the Concessions. Thus, the Second Phase will end when the Concessions
are transferred to Aconcagua through province approval and the Transaction will then be formalized.
Under the terms of the Transaction, during the Operating Period, Vista Argentina maintains the ownership of the Concessions, and
Aconcagua: (i) pays 26,468 in cash (10,000 on February 15, 2023, (“Signature Date”) and 10,734 and 5,734 in March 2024 and 2025,
respectively); (ii) will operate the Concessions on an as is where is basis, and (iii) pays 100% of Vista’s share capex, operating cost,
as well as assumes any other cost, including royalties and taxes related to the operation of Concessions.
The Concession transaction is governed by a joint operating agreement between both parties. Among other issues, it is established
that Vista Argentina maintains the right to explore and develop the Vaca Muerta formation in the exploitation concessions, and that it
may obtain one or more independent and separate unconventional concessions to develop such resources.
In addition, the Parties signed Natural gas processing and sales agreements whereby Aconcagua undertakes to provide Vista Argentina
with certain additional volumes of Natural gas, and to process and deliver the Natural gas applicable to Vista Argentina.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-44
Finally, if Aconcagua fails to comply with its obligations, which either in part or in full exceed 250, Vista Argentina may regain
control of the Concessions.
As of December 31, 2023, as a consequence of the Transaction, the Company received 10,000 in cash; and recognized: (i) an initial
accounts receivable for a total amount of 205,730 in “Trade and other receivables” under “Receivable related to the transfer of
conventional assets” (Note 17); (ii) a disposal of 120,529 and 5,542 in “Property, plant and equipment” and “Goodwill”,
respectively (Note 13 and 14), and (iii) a gain of 89,659 in “Other operating income” under “Gain related to transfer of conventional
assets” (Note 10.1) resulting from the difference between the initial consideration and the residual value deletion of net assets
included in the Transaction.
This consideration is related to the committed funds and the initial credit recognized, which is equivalent to the discounted value of
the agreed-upon volumes of Crude oil, Natural gas and LPG to be received during the Operating Period. For the valuation of
receivables, the Company has estimated the terms and costs of supplying these volumes and the discount rate applicable.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company received 10,734 related with the Transaction.
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized 33,570 and 27,539 in the consolidated statement of profit
or loss under “Other non-cash costs related to the transfer of conventional assets”, mainly related to the cost related for supplying the
volumes of Crude oil, Natural gas and LPG by Aconcagua under the agreement, which were discounted from the initial credit
recognized for the transaction.
Note 4. Segment information
The CODM is in charge of allocating resources and assessing the performance of the operating segment. It supervises operating profit
(loss) and the performance of the indicators related to its oil and gas properties on an aggregate basis to make decisions regarding the
location of resources, negotiate with international suppliers and determine the method for managing contracts with customers.
The CODM considers as a single segment the exploration and production of Crude oil, Natural gas and LPG (including E&P
commercial activities), through its own activities, subsidiaries and interests in joint operations and based on the nature of the business,
customer portfolio and risks involved. The Company aggregated no segment as it has only one.
For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, the Company generated 99% and 1% of its revenues related to assets located
in Argentina and Mexico, respectively.
The accounting criteria used by the subsidiaries to measure profit or loss, assets and liabilities of the segments are consistent with
those used in these consolidated financial statements.
The following chart summarizes noncurrent assets per geographical area:
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Argentina
3,128,742
2,122,735
Mexico
51,359
49,364
Total noncurrent assets
3,180,101
2,172,099
Note 5. Revenue from contracts with customers
Year ended
December 31, 2024
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
Goods sold
1,647,768
1,168,774
1,187,660
Total revenue from contracts with customers
1,647,768
1,168,774
1,187,660
Recognized at a point in time
1,647,768
1,168,774
1,187,660
The Company’s transactions and main revenue are described in Note 2.4.7. Revenue is derived from contracts with customers.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-45
5.1 Information broken down by revenue from contracts with customers
Type of products
Year ended
December 31, 2024
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
Revenues from crude oil sales
1,573,069
1,097,316
1,113,411
Revenues from natural gas sales
71,756
67,290
68,663
Revenues from LPG sales
2,943
4,168
5,586
Total revenue from contracts with customers
1,647,768
1,168,774
1,187,660
Distribution channels
Year ended
December 31, 2024
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
Exports of crude oil
807,526
642,155
604,977
Local crude oil
765,543
455,161
508,434
Local natural gas
51,898
46,931
55,132
Exports of natural gas
19,858
20,359
13,531
LPG sales
2,943
4,168
5,586
Total revenue from contracts with customers
1,647,768
1,168,774
1,187,660
5.2 Performance obligations
The Company’s performance obligations are related to the transfer of goods to customers. The E&P business involves all the
activities related to Crude oil and Natural gas exploration, development and production. Revenue is mainly derived from the
sale of produced Crude oil, Natural gas and LPG to third parties at a point in time.
Note 6. Cost of sales
6.1 Operating costs
Year ended
December 31, 2024
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
Fees and compensation for services
62,006
48,729
66,155
Salaries and payroll taxes
27,310
21,072
22,344
Employee benefits
9,333
5,926
6,481
Consumption of materials and spare parts
4,377
4,933
16,824
Transport
4,221
5,214
5,963
Easements and fees
3,288
4,547
11,427
Other
5,991
4,264
4,191
Total operating costs
116,526
94,685
133,385
6.2 Crude oil stock fluctuation
Year ended
December 31, 2024
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
Crude oil stock at beginning of the year (Note 19)
2,664
4,722
5,222
Less: Crude oil stock at end of the year (Note 19)
(4,384)
(2,664)
(4,722)
Total Crude oil stock fluctuation
(1,720)
2,058
500
6.3 Royalties and others
Year ended
December 31, 2024
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
Royalties
184,441
128,723
144,837
Export duties
59,509
48,090
43,840
Total royalties and others
243,950
176,813
188,677
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-46
Note 7. Selling expenses
Year ended
December 31, 2024
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
Transport
88,257
33,006
28,686
Taxes, rates and contributions
24,960
14,908
16,522
Fees and compensation for services
15,481
10,490
5,137
Tax on bank account transactions
11,636
10,388
9,595
(Reversal of) allowance for expected credit losses
(Note 17)
-
-
(36)
Total selling expenses
140,334
68,792
59,904
Note 8. General and administrative expenses
Year ended
December 31, 2024
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
Salaries and payroll taxes
37,587
23,300
27,178
Share-based payments (Note 31)
34,923
23,133
16,576
Fees and compensation for services
13,377
11,764
9,848
Taxes, rates and contributions (1)
9,687
1,884
1,859
Employee benefits
6,020
4,678
3,360
Institutional promotion and advertising
2,324
2,174
2,066
Other
5,036
3,550
2,939
Total general and administrative expenses
108,954
70,483
63,826
(1) For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, including 8,017, 1,072 and 279, respectively, related to personal assets tax.
Note 9. Exploration expenses
Year ended
December 31, 2024
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
Geological and geophysical expenses
138
16
736
Total exploration expenses
138
16
736
Note 10. Other operating income and expenses
10.1 Other operating income
Year ended
December 31, 2024
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
Gain from Exports Increase Program (1)
45,201
81,232
-
Other services income
8,926
8,492
8,480
Gain related to the transfer of conventional assets (2)
-
89,659
-
Gain from farmout agreement (3)
-
24,429
18,218
Total other operating income
54,127
203,812
26,698
(1) The years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, mainly included 43,911 and 86,173 of gain, net of related costs (Note 2.5.2).
(2) See Note 3.2.7.
(3) The years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022, including 26,650 and 20,000 of receipts received by Trafigura, related to the farmout agreements I and II (Note
29.2.1.1 and 29.2.1.2), net of disposals of oil and gas properties and goodwill for 2,051 and 170; 1,654 and 128, respectively (Note 13 and 14).
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-47
10.2 Other operating expenses
Year ended
December 31, 2024
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
(Provision for) contingencies (1) (Note 22.3)
(688)
(69)
(379)
(Provision for) environmental remediation (1)
(Note 22.2)
(359)
(485)
(2,133)
(Provision for) reversal of materials and spare parts
obsolescence (1)
(214)
1,132
(278)
Restructuring and reorganization expenses (2)
-
(276)
(531)
Total other operating expenses
(1,261)
302
(3,321)
(1) These transactions did not generate cash flows.
(2) For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company booked restructuring expenses including payments, fees and transaction costs related to the changes in the
Group’s structure.
Note 11. Financial income (expense), net
11.1 Interest income
Year ended
December 31, 2024
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
Financial interest
4,535
1,235
809
Total interest income
4,535
1,235
809
11.2 Interest expense
Year ended
December 31, 2024
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
Borrowings interest (Note 18.2)
(62,499)
(21,879)
(28,886)
Total interest expense
(62,499)
(21,879)
(28,886)
11.3 Other financial income (expense)
Year ended
December 31, 2024
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
Amortized cost (Note 18.2)
(1,649)
(1,810)
(2,365)
Changes in the fair value of warrants (Note 18.5.1)
-
-
(30,350)
Net changes in foreign exchange rate
(453)
18,458
33,263
Discount of assets and liabilities at present value
933
2,137
(2,561)
Changes in the fair value of financial assets
14,120
19,437
(17,599)
Interest expense on lease liabilities (Note 15)
(3,093)
(2,894)
(1,925)
Discount for well plugging and abandonment (Note
22.1)
(1,312)
(2,387)
(2,444)
Remeasurement in borrowings (1)
-
(72,044)
(52,817)
Other (2)
14,855
(26,381)
9,242
Total other financial income (expense)
23,401
(65,484)
(67,556)
(1) Related to borrowings in UVA adjusted by CER (Note 18.2).
(2) For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, including 6,175 incomes; and 819 and 2,515 from loss related to the ON swapping (Note 18.1 and 18.2),
respectively. These are non-cash.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-48
Note 12. Earnings per share
a) Basic
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the Company’s profit by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding
during the year.
Year ended
December 31, 2024
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
Profit for the year, net
477,521
396,955
269,535
Weighted average number of ordinary shares
95,906,449
93,679,904
87,862,531
Basic earnings per share
4.979
4.237
3.068
b) Diluted
Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the Company’s profit by the weighted average number of ordinary shares
outstanding during the year, plus the weighted average of dilutive potential ordinary shares.
Potential ordinary shares will be considered dilutive when their conversion to ordinary shares may reduce earnings per share or
increase losses per share. They will be considered antidilutive when their conversion to ordinary shares may result in an increase in
earnings per share or a reduction in loss per share.
The calculation of diluted earnings per share does not involve a conversion; the exercise or other issue of shares that may have an
antidilutive effect on loss per share, or when the exercise price is higher than the average price of ordinary shares during the year, no
dilution effect is booked, as diluted earnings per share is equal to basic earnings per share.
Year ended
December 31, 2024
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
Profit for the year, net
477,521
396,955
269,535
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (1)
103,077,629
99,232,919
97,830,538
Diluted earnings per share
4.633
4.000
2.755
(1) As of December 31, 2024, the Company has 95,285,453 outstanding shares (Note 21.1) that cannot exceed 98,781,028 shares.
Likewise, in accordance with IFRS the average number of ordinary shares with a potential dilutive effect amounts to 103,077,629.
As of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company holds 1,840,530, 3,705,757 and 4,854,408, respectively, Series A shares to
be used in the LTIP, that, on the date of this consolidated financial statements, are currently unvested. Consequently, they are not
included in the weighted average number of ordinary shares to calculate diluted earnings per share.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-49
Note 13. Property, plant and equipment
The changes in property, plant and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2024, are as follows:
Land and
buildings
Vehicles, machinery,
facilities, computer
hardware and
furniture and
fixtures
Oil and gas
properties
Production
wells and
facilities
Works in
progress
Materials and
spare parts
Total
Cost
Amounts as of December 31, 2023
12,574
43,524
498,707
2,036,644
123,015
44,955
2,759,419
Additions
-
-
-
23,325 (1)
1,034,608
238,831
1,296,764
Transfers
(4,310)
11,102
-
1,154,325
(966,416)
(194,701)
-
Disposals
-
(560)
-
-
-
-
(560)
Reversal of impairment of long-lived assets (2)
-
-
2,201
2,493
-
-
4,694
Amounts as of December 31, 2024
8,264
54,066
500,908
3,216,787
191,207
89,085
4,060,317
Accumulated depreciation
Amounts as of December 31, 2023
(232)
(15,239)
(80,655)
(735,534)
-
-
(831,660)
Depreciation
-
(6,563)
(21,044)
(394,919)
-
-
(422,526)
Disposals
-
339
-
-
-
-
339
Reversal of impairment of long-lived assets (2)
-
-
(92)
(395)
-
-
(487)
Amounts as of December 31, 2024
(232)
(21,463)
(101,791)
(1,130,848)
-
-
(1,254,334)
Net value
Amounts as of December 31, 2024
8,032
32,603
399,117
2,085,939
191,207
89,085
2,805,983
(1) Related to the re-estimation of well plugging and abandonment (Note 22.1). This transaction did not generate cash flows.
(2) See Note 3.2.2.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-50
The changes in property, plant and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2023, are as follows:
Land and
buildings
Vehicles, machinery,
facilities, computer
hardware and furniture
and fixtures
Oil and gas
properties
Production wells and
facilities
Works in
progress
Materials and
spare parts
Total
Cost
Amounts as of December 31, 2022
10,794
43,522
513,164
1,607,895
153,948
41,958
2,371,281
Additions
-
1
-
-
636,189
98,124
734,314
Transfers
3,474
7,551
-
738,092
(666,739)
(82,378)
-
Disposals
-
(13)
(2,475) (1)
(930)
(2)
-
-
(3,418)
Impairment of long -lived assets (3)
-
-
(11,982)
(16,393)
-
-
(28,375)
Disposals related to the transfer of conventional assets (4)
(1,694)
(7,537)
-
(292,020)
(383)
(12,749)
(314,383)
Amounts as of December 31, 2023
12,574
43,524
498,707
2,036,644
123,015
44,955
2,759,419
Accumulated depreciation
Amounts as of December 31, 2022
(300)
(15,587)
(67,947)
(681,108)
-
-
(764,942)
Depreciation
(3)
(4,921)
(13,634)
(246,238)
-
-
(264,796)
Disposals
-
10
424 (1)
-
-
-
434
Impairment of long -lived assets (3)
-
-
502
3,288
-
--
3,790
Disposals related to the transfer of conventional assets (4)
71
5,259
-
188,524
-
-
193,854
Amounts as of December 31, 2023
(232)
(15,239)
(80,655)
(735,534)
--
-
(831,660)
Net value
Amounts as of December 31, 2023
12,342
28,285
418,052
1,301,110
123,015
44,955
1,927,759
(1) Related to the farmout agreement I and II mentioned in Note 29.2.1.1 and 29.2.1.2.
(2) Related to the re-estimation of well plugging and abandonment (Note 22.1). This transaction did not generate cash flows.
(3) See Note 3.2.2.
(4) See Note 3.2.7.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-51
Note 14. Goodwill and other intangible assets
Below are the changes in goodwill and other intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2024:
Goodwill
Other intangible
assets
Cost
Amounts as of December 31, 2023
22,576
24,396
Additions
-
11,328
Amounts as of December 31, 2024
22,576
35,724
Accumulated amortization
Amounts as of December 31, 2023
-
(14,370)
Amortization
-
(5,911)
Amounts as of December 31, 2024
-
(20,281)
Net value
Amounts as of December 31, 2024
22,576
15,443
Below are the changes in goodwill and other intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2023:
Goodwill
Other intangible
assets
Cost
Amounts as of December 31, 2022
28,288
18,246
Additions
-
7,293
Disposals
(170) (1)
-
Disposals related to the transfer of conventional
assets (2)
(5,542)
(1,143)
Amounts as of December 31, 2023
22,576
24,396
Accumulated amortization
Amounts as of December 31, 2022
-
(11,454)
Amortization
-
(4,059)
Disposals related to the transfer of conventional
assets (2)
-
1,143
Amounts as of December 31, 2023
-
(14,370)
Net value
Amounts as of December 31, 2023
22,576
10,026
(1) Related to the farmout agreement I and II mentioned in Note 29.2.1.1 and 29.2.1.2.
(2) See Note 3.2.7.
Goodwill arises from the initial business combination, mainly due to the Company’s capacity to tap into unique synergies from
managing a portfolio of acquired oil and existing plots of land.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, it was allocated to operated exploitation concessions of unconventional oil and gas CGU.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-52
Note 15. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities
The carrying amount of the Company’s right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, as well as the changes for the years ended in
December 31, 2024, and 2023, are detailed below:
Right-of-use assets
Total lease
liabilities
Land and
Buildings
Facilities and
machinery
Total
Amounts as of December 31, 2023
388
60,637
61,025
(70,468)
Reestimation
1,428
9,799
11,227
(11,301)
Additions
14,423
63,458
77,881
(63,458)
Depreciation (1)
(688)
(44,112)
(44,800)
-
Payments
-
-
-
56,641
Interest expense (2)
-
-
-
(7,074)
Amounts as of December 31, 2024
15,551
89,782
105,333
(95,660)
(1) Including the depreciation of drilling services capitalized as “Works in progress” for 35,538.
(2) Including drilling agreements capitalized as “Works in progress” for 3,981.
Right-of-use assets
Total lease
liabilities
Land and
Buildings
Facilities and
machinery
Total
Amounts as of December 31, 2022
986
25,242
26,228
(29,194)
Additions
-
63,336
63,336
(68,499)
Reestimation
(14)
1,450
1,436
(1,675)
Depreciation (1)
(584)
(29,391)
(29,975)
-
Payments
-
-
-
36,780
Interest expense (2)
-
-
-
(7,880)
Amounts as of December 31, 2023
388
60,637
61,025
(70,468)
(1) Including the depreciation of drilling services capitalized as “Works in progress” for 22,400.
(2) Including drilling agreements capitalized as “Works in progress” for 4,986.
In line with Note 2.4.3, short-term and low-value lease agreements were recognized under “General and administrative
expenses” in the statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income for 121, 69 and 118 for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-53
Note 16. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities, and income tax expense
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities break down as follows:
As of January
1, 2024
Profit (loss)
Other
comprehensive
income (loss)
As of December
31, 2024
Tax losses and other unused tax credits (1)
7,932
(7,710)
-
222
Provisions
4,270
(1,608)
-
2,662
Employee benefit
1,255
32,700
3,570
37,525
Other
27
(27)
-
-
Assets for deferred income tax
13,484
23,355
3,570
40,409
Property, plant and equipment
(278,724)
232,175
-
(46,549)
Tax inflation adjustment
(102,239)
66,575
-
(35,664)
Trade and other receivables
(11,700)
918
-
(10,782)
Right-of-use assets, net
3,305
(8,284)
-
(4,979)
Borrowings
(968)
(2,082)
-
(3,050)
Inventories
(379)
213
-
(166)
Short-term investments
(164)
112
-
(52)
Liabilities for deferred income tax
(390,869)
289,627
-
(101,242)
Deferred income tax, net
(377,385)
312,982
3,570
(60,833)
As of January
1, 2023
Profit (loss)
Other
comprehensive
income (loss)
As of December
31, 2023
Tax losses and other unused tax credits (1)
4,717
3,215
-
7,932
Provisions
4,706
(436)
-
4,270
Right-of-use assets, net
1,038
2,267
-
3,305
Employee benefit
3,909
(356)
(2,298)
1,255
Other
1,447
(1,420)
-
27
Assets for deferred income tax
15,817
3,270
(2,298)
16,789
Property, plant and equipment
(146,154)
(132,570)
-
(278,724)
Tax inflation adjustment
(108,363)
6,124
-
(102,239)
Trade and other receivables
(1,347)
(10,353)
-
(11,700)
Borrowings
(921)
(47)
-
(968)
Inventories
(898)
519
-
(379)
Short-term investments
(1,210)
1,046
-
(164)
Liabilities for deferred income tax
(258,893)
(135,281)
-
(394,174)
Deferred income tax, net
(243,076)
(132,011)
(2,298)
(377,385)
(1) As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company has recognized Net Operating Loss (“NOL”) based on the analysis of expected future taxable income
in the following years, generated in Argentina.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset in the following cases: (i) when there is a legally enforceable right to offset
tax assets and liabilities; and (ii) when deferred income tax charges are related to the same tax authority. The following amounts,
are disclosed in the consolidated statement of financial position:
As of December 31, 2024 As of December 31, 2023
Deferred income tax assets, net
3,565
5,743
Deferred income tax assets, net
3,565
5,743
As of December 31, 2024 As of December 31, 2023
Deferred income tax liabilities, net
64,398
383,128
Deferred income tax liabilities, net
64,398
383,128
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-54
Income tax breaks down as follows:
Year ended
December 31,
2024
Year ended
December 31,
2023
Year ended
December 31,
2022
Income tax
Current income tax
(426,288)
(16,393)
(92,089)
Deferred income tax
312,982
(132,011)
(71,890)
Income tax (expense) charged in the statement of
profit or loss
(113,306)
(148,404)
(163,979)
Deferred income tax charged to other comprehensive
income
3,570
(2,298)
1,463
Total income tax (expense)
(109,736)
(150,702)
(162,516)
For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s effective rate was 19%, 27% and 38%, respectively.
The differences between the effective and statutory rate mainly include: (i) the application of the tax adjustment for inflation
in Argentina; (ii) the depreciation of the Argentine peso (“ARS”) with respect to the USD affecting the Company’s tax
deductions of nonmonetary assets; and (iii) the accumulative tax losses not recognized in the period.
Below is the reconciliation between income tax expense and the amount resulting from the application of the tax rate to profit
income tax:
Year ended
December 31,
2024
Year ended
December 31,
2023
Year ended
December 31,
2022
Profit before income tax
590,827
545,359
433,514
Effective income tax rate
30%
30%
30%
Income tax at the effective tax rate pursuant to effective
tax regulations
(177,248)
(163,608)
(130,054)
Items that adjust income tax (expense) / benefit:
Nondeductible expenses
(12,797)
(13,328)
(18,735)
Inflation adjustment (1)
(236,920)
(146,077)
(153,517)
Effect on the measurement of monetary and
nonmonetary items at functional currency
372,379
196,841
169,058
Unrecognized tax losses and other assets
(20,047)
(7,156)
(15,568)
Effect related to tax losses
12,197
-
-
Application of tax credits
(14,818)
16,077
6,229
Effect related to the difference in tax rate other than
Mexican statutory rate
(32,902)
(34,317)
(25,762)
Other
(3,150)
3,164
4,370
Total income tax (expense)
(113,306)
(148,404)
(163,979)
(1) See Note 30.2.
As of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, VISTA and some subsidiaries in Mexico carry accumulated tax losses not recognized
for which no deferred tax asset has been recognized. According to Mexican legislation, these accumulated tax losses not
recognized shall be adjusted annually by the applicable index. Below are the updated accumulated tax losses not recognized
and their due dates:
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
As of December 31,
2022
2027
5,372
6,185
5,166
2028
63,097
72,643
60,727
2029
18,533
32,126
27,113
As from 2030
116,421
83,735
36,203
Total accumulated tax losses not recognized
203,423
194,689
129,209
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-55
Income tax liabilities break down as follows:
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Current
Income tax, net of withholdings and prepayments
382,041
3
Total current
382,041
3
Note 17. Trade and other receivables
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Noncurrent
Other receivables:
Prepayments, tax receivables and other:
Advance payments for transportation services (1)
134,436 34,660
Receivables related to the transfer of conventional assets (2)
57,194
70,526
Prepaid expenses and other receivables (3)
11,820
27,414
Turnover tax
164
5
Value added tax (“VAT”)
-
462
203,614
133,067
Financial assets:
Receivables from joint operations
1,243
2,936
Loans to employees
411
348
1,654
3,284
Total noncurrent trade and other receivables
205,268
136,351
Current
Trade:
Oil and gas accounts receivable (net of allowance for
expected credit losses)
77,351
59,787
77,351
59,787
Other receivables:
Prepayments, tax credits and other:
VAT
90,704
19,713
Receivables related to the transfer of conventional assets (2)
46,018
86,043
Prepaid expenses and other receivables
9,322
9,381
Advance payments for transportation services (1)
7,054
-
Income tax
4,431
13,409
Turnover tax
2,867
385
160,396
128,931
Financial assets:
Accounts receivable from third parties (4)
29,040
7,804
Receivables from joint operations
5,586
6,581
Balances with related parties (Note 1.2.3.2 and 27)
4,741
-
Gas IV Plan (Note 2.5.3.1)
3,007
1,245
Advances to directors and loans to employees
742
557
Other
632
197
43,748
16,384
Other receivables
204,144
145,315
Total current trade and other receivables
281,495
205,102
(1) Related to the Duplicar Plus Project implemented by Oleoductos del Valle S.A. (“Oldelval”) and the project to expand the Puerto Rosales maritime terminal
and pumping station implemented by Oiltanking Ebytem S.A. (Oiltanking”) (Note 28.1 and 28.2).
(2) Related to the accounts receivable recognized as a result of the Transaction mentioned in Note 3.2.7.
(3) As of December 31, 2023, includes 14,292 related to prepayment of leases.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-56
(4) As of December 31, 2024, includes 13,200 with Aconcagua, related to the extension of the concessions (Note 28.5). As detailed in Note 3.2.7, Aconcagua
assumes all obligations and payables from applicable Concessions until the end of the Operating Period; however, the Company maintains 100% ownership.
Due to the short-term nature of current trade and other receivables, it carrying amount is considered similar to its fair value.
The fair values of noncurrent trade and other receivables do not differ significantly from it carrying amounts either.
As of December 31, 2024, in general accounts receivable has a 15-day term for sales of Crude oil and a 57-day term for sales
of Natural gas and LPG.
The Company sets up a provision for trade receivables when there is information showing that the debtor is facing severe
financial difficulties and that there is no realistic probability of recovery, for example, when the debtor goes into liquidation or
files for bankruptcy proceedings. Trade receivables that are derecognized are not subject to compliance activities. The
Company recognized an allowance for expected credit losses against all trade receivables that are 90 days past due because
based on its history these receivables are generally not recovered.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023 the provision for expected credit losses was recorded for 41 and 52 respectively.
The changes in the provision for expected credit losses of trade and other receivables are as follows:
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
As of December 31,
2022
Amounts at beginning of year
(52)
(231)
(406)
Foreign exchange differences
11
179
139
Allowances for expected credit losses (Note 7)
-
-
36
Amounts at end of year
(41)
(52)
(231)
As of the date of these consolidated financial statements, maximum exposure to credit risk is related to the carrying amount
of each class of accounts receivable.
Note 18. Financial assets and liabilities
18.1 Borrowings
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Noncurrent
Borrowings
1,402,343
554,832
Total noncurrent
1,402,343
554,832
Current
Borrowings
46,224
61,223
Total current
46,224
61,223
Total Borrowings
1,448,567
616,055
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-57
Below are the maturity dates of Company borrowings (excluding lease liabilities) and their exposure to interest rates:
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Fixed interest
Less than 1 year
45,381
60,373
From 1 to 2 years
185,356
81,900
From 2 to 5 years
404,395
392,550
Over 5 years
787,592
55,382
Total
1,422,724
590,205
Variable interest
Less than 1 year
843
850
From 1 to 2 years
25,000
-
From 2 to 5 years
-
25,000
Over 5 years
-
-
Total
25,843
25,850
Total Borrowings
1,448,567
616,055
See Note 18.5.2 for information on the fair value of the borrowings.
The carrying amount of borrowings as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 of the Company through its subsidiary Vista Argentina,
is as follows:
Company
Execution date
Currency
Principal
Interest
Annual
rate
Maturity date
As of
December
31, 2024
As of
December
31, 2023
Santander
International
January, 2021
USD
11,700
Fixed
1.80%
January, 2026
68 (1)
68 (1)
Santander
International
July, 2021
USD
43,500
Fixed
2.05%
July, 2026
79 (1)
79 (1)
Santander
International
January, 2022
USD
13,500
Fixed
2.45%
January, 2027
28 (1)
28 (1)
ConocoPhillips
Company
January, 2022
USD
25,000 Variable
SOFR (2)
+ 2.01%
September, 2026
25,843
25,850
Citibank N.A.
April, 2024
USD
45,000
Fixed
5.00%
April, 2026
20,009
-
Banco Patagonia S.A.
July, 2024
USD
548
Fixed
11.00%
January, 2025
144
-
Total
46,171
26,025
(1) As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, it includes 24,350 of collateralized capital. The carrying amount corresponds to interest.
(2) Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”).
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-58
Moreover, Vista Argentina issued ON, under the name “Programa de Notas” approved by CNV. The following chart shows
the carrying amount of ON as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Instrument
Execution
date
Currency
Principal
Interest
Annual
rate
Maturity
date
As of
December
31, 2024
As of
December
31, 2023
ON VI
December, 2020 USD-linked (1)
10,000
Fixed
3.24%
December, 2024
-
9,997
ON XI
August, 2021
USD-linked (1)
9,230
Fixed
3.48%
August, 2025
- (2)
9,231
ON XII
August, 2021
USD-linked (1)
100,769
Fixed
5.85%
August, 2031
97,467
102,556
ON XIII
June, 2022
USD
43,500
Fixed
6.00%
August, 2024
-
43,458
ON XIV
November, 2022
USD
40,511
Fixed
6.25%
November, 2025
- (2)
36,484
ON XV
December, 2022
USD
13,500
Fixed
4.00%
January, 2025
13,539
13,476
ON XVI
December, 2022 USD-linked (1)
63,450
Fixed
0.00%
June, 2026
63,429
63,231
May, 2023
USD-linked (1)
40,785
(3)
Fixed
0.00%
June, 2026
40,525
40,525
ON XVII
December, 2022 USD-linked (1)
39,118
Fixed
0.00%
December, 2026
37,805 (4)
38,948
ON XVIII
March, 2023
USD-linked (1)
118,542
Fixed
0.00%
March, 2027
115,657 (4)
117,979
ON XIX
March, 2023
USD-linked (1)
16,458
Fixed
1.00%
March, 2028
16,414
16,396
ON XX
June, 2023
USD
13,500
Fixed
4.50%
July, 2025
13,477
13,357
ON XXI
August, 2023
USD-linked (1)
70,000
Fixed
0.99%
August, 2028
67,170 (4)
69,749
ON XXII
December, 2023
USD
14,669
Fixed
5.00%
June, 2026
14,657
14,643
ON XXIII
March, 2024
USD
60,000
Fixed
6.50%
March, 2027
40,569 (4)
-
May, 2024
USD
32,203
Fixed
6.50%
March, 2027
32,722
-
ON XXIV
May, 2024
USD
46,562
Fixed
8.00%
May, 2029
46,860
-
ON XXV
July, 2024
USD-linked (1)
53,195
Fixed
3.00%
July, 2028
53,111
-
ON XXVI
October, 2024
USD
150,000
Fixed
7.65%
October, 2031
151,573
-
ON XXVII
December, 2024
USD
600,000
Fixed
7.63%
December, 2035
597,421 (5)
-
Total
1,402,396
590,030
Total Borrowings
1,448,567
616,055
(1) Subscribed in USD, payable in ARS at the exchange rate applicable on maturity date.
(2) As of December 31, 2024 the Company pre-settled ON XI and XIV.
(3) On May 29, 2023, the Company settled ON VII by: (i) issuing additional ON XVI for 40,785 (which generated no cash flows); and (ii) paid remind principal
and interest. The Company recognized 819 related to the loss from the issuance of the swap mentioned (Note 11.3).
(4) The carrying amounts of ONs XVII; XVIII; XXI and XXIII include 1,200, 2,500, 2,650 and 20,000, respectively, of ONs repurchased by the Company.
(5) See Note 1.2.1.
As of December 31, 2024, certain Vista Argentina’s ON contains covenants that will limit its ability to, among other things: (i) incur additional indebtedness
and guarantee indebtedness; (ii) pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem our capital stock; (iii) prepay, redeem or repurchase
certain debt; (iv) make loans and investments; (v) enter into agreements that restrict its subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends, transfer assets or make
intercompany loans; (vi) incur or permit to exist certain Liens; (vii) sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of assets; (viii) enter into sale and lease-back
transactions; (ix) enter into transactions with affiliates; and (x) consolidate, amalgamate, merge.
With respect to the limitation on incurrence of indebtedness, Vista Argentina will not, and will not permit any of its subsidiaries, if any, to, directly or
indirectly, incur any indebtedness. The company or any of its subsidiaries may incur indebtedness if, at the time of and immediately after giving pro forma
effect to the incurrence thereof and the application of the net proceeds therefrom:
(i) its Net Leverage Ratio (“NLR”) would not exceed 3.50. The NLR is calculated as the proportion of (a) Net debt (Borrowings and Lease liabilities minus
Cash, bank balances and other short-term investments) to (b) EBITDA (“Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization”);
(ii) its Interest Coverage ratio (“ICR”) would not be less than 2.00. The ICR is calculated as the proportion of (a) EBITDA to (b) interest expenses for the
year.
All of the financial ratios and limitations described above will no longer apply if (i) the ON have an Investment Grade Rating from at least two Rating
Agencies and (ii) no event of default has occurred and is continuing.
As of December 31, 2024, Vista Argentina has been in compliance with all the covenants of its ON.
See Note 33 for information on subsequent borrowings events.
On October 29, 2024, Vista Argentina increased the amount of the “Programa de Notas”, approved by CNV for a total
principal up to 3,000,000 or its equivalent in other currencies.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-59
18.2 Changes in liabilities from financing activities
Changes in the borrowings were as follows:
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Amounts at beginning of year
616,055
549,332
Proceeds from borrowings (1)
1,320,897
358,954
Payment of borrowings principal (1)
(470,351)
(252,284)
Payment of borrowings interest
(53,897)
(22,993)
Payment of borrowings cost
(7,631)
(1,779)
Borrowings interest (2) (Note 11.2)
62,499
21,879
Amortized cost (2) (Note 11.3)
1,649
1,810
Remeasurement in borrowings (2) (3) (Note 11.3)
-
72,044
Changes in foreign exchange rate (2)
(20,654)
(111,727)
Other financial expense (2) (Note 11.3)
-
819
Amounts at end of year
1,448,567
616,055
(1) As of December 31, 2023, proceeds from borrowings and payments of borrowings principal include 40,785 related to the ON swapping mentioned in Note
18.1. These transactions did not generate cash flows.
(2) These transactions did not generate cash flows.
(3) Related to ON VIII and X, which amounts were in UVA and adjusted by CER. As of December 31, 2023, they were pre- settled by the Company.
18.3 Warrants
Along with the issuance of Series A ordinary shares in the Initial Public Offering (“IPO”), the Company placed 65,000,000
warrants to purchase a third of Series A ordinary shares at an exercise price of 11.50 USD/share (the "Series A warrants.").
Under those terms they expired on April 4, 2023, or earlier if after the exercise option the closing price of a Series A share is
equal to or higher than the price equal to USD 18.00 during 20 trading days within a 30-day trading, and the Company opts for
the early termination of the exercise term. Should the Company opt for the early termination, it will be entitled to declare that
Series A warrants will be exercised "with no payment in cash.” Should the Company opt for the exercise with no payment in
cash, the holders of Series A warrants that choose to exercise the option should deliver and receive a variable number of Series
A shares resulting from the formula established in the deed of issue of warrants that captures the average of the equivalent in
USD of the closing price of Series A shares during a 10-day period.
Almost at the same time, the Company’s promoters purchased 29,680,000 warrants to purchase a third of Series A ordinary
shares at an exercise price of 11.50 USD/share (the "warrants") for 14,840 in a private placement made at the same time as the
IPO closing in Mexico. Warrants are identical and fungible with Series A warrants; however, the former could have differences
regarding the early termination and may be exercised for cash or no cash for a variable number of Series A shares at the
discretion of the Company’s promoters or authorized assignees. If warrants are held by other persons, then they will be
exercised on the same basis as the other securities.
The warrants exercise period began on August 15, 2018.
On February 13, 2019, the Company completed the sale of 5,000,000 warrants for the purchase of a third of Series A ordinary
shares in agreement with the forward purchase agreement and certain subscription commitment at an exercise price of 11.50
USD/share (the “warrants”).
On October 4, 2022 the meeting of holders of the Warrants issued by the Company (identified with the ticker symbol
“VTW408A-EC001” - the “Warrants”), approved the amendments to the warrant indenture and the global certificate that covers
such Warrants, by means of which a cashless exercise mechanism was implemented that entitles the holders, to obtain 1 Series
A share representative of the capital stock of the Company for each 31 Warrants owned.
As of October 4, 2022, the liability for warrants was settled for 32,894, an amount equal to the 3,215,483 Series “A” shares
and was recognized under “Other equity instruments” (Note 18.5.1 and 21.1).
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-60
Thus, as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, a total of 1,176,811 and 2,038,643 Series A shares were issued, respectively. They
have no nominal value (Note 21.1).
As of the date of these consolidated financial statements, there are no optional stocks pending to be exercised or outstanding.
18.4 Financial instruments by category
The following chart includes the financial instruments broken down by category:
As of December 31, 2024
Financial assets /
liabilities at
amortized cost
Financial assets /
liabilities at fair
value
Total financial
assets / liabilities
Assets
Trade and other receivables (Note 17)
1,654
-
1,654
Total noncurrent financial assets
1,654
-
1,654
Cash, bank balances and other short-term investments
(Note 20)
119,841
124,065
243,906
Trade and other receivables (Note 17)
121,099
-
121,099
Total current financial assets
240,940
124,065
365,005
Liabilities
Borrowings (Note 18.1)
1,402,343
-
1,402,343
Lease liabilities (Note 15)
37,638
-
37,638
Total noncurrent financial liabilities
1,439,981
-
1,439,981
Borrowings (Note 18.1)
46,224
-
46,224
Trade and other payables (Note 26)
487,186
-
487,186
Lease liabilities (Note 15)
58,022
-
58,022
Total current financial liabilities
591,432
-
591,432
As of December 31, 2023
Financial assets /
liabilities at
amortized cost
Financial assets /
liabilities at fair
value
Total financial
assets / liabilities
Assets
Plan assets (Note 23)
-
5,438
5,438
Trade and other receivables (Note 17)
3,284
-
3,284
Total noncurrent financial assets
3,284
5,438
8,722
Cash, bank balances and other short-term investments
(Note 20)
35,292
156,163
191,455
Trade and other receivables (Note 17)
76,171
-
76,171
Total current financial assets
111,463
156,163
267,626
Liabilities
Borrowings (Note 18.1)
554,832
-
554,832
Lease liabilities (Note 15)
35,600
-
35,600
Total noncurrent financial liabilities
590,432
-
590,432
Borrowings (Note 18.1)
61,223
-
61,223
Trade and other payables (Note 26)
205,055
-
205,055
Lease liabilities (Note 15)
34,868
-
34,868
Total current financial liabilities
301,146
-
301,146
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-61
Below are income, expenses, profit, or loss from each financial instrument:
For the year ended December 31, 2024:
Financial assets
/ liabilities at
amortized cost
Financial assets
/ liabilities at
fair value
Total
financial
assets /
liabilities
Interest income (Note 11.1)
4,535
-
4,535
Interest expense (Note 11.2)
(62,499)
-
(62,499)
Amortized cost (Note 11.3)
(1,649)
-
(1,649)
Net changes in foreign exchange rate (Note 11.3)
(453)
-
(453)
Discount of assets and liabilities at present value (Note 11.3)
933
-
933
Changes in the fair value of financial assets (Note 11.3)
-
14,120
14,120
Interest expense on lease liabilities (Note 11.3)
(3,093)
-
(3,093)
Discount for well plugging and abandonment (Note 11.3)
(1,312)
-
(1,312)
Other (Note 11.3)
14,855
-
14,855
Total
(48,683)
14,120
(34,563)
For the year ended December 31, 2023:
Financial assets /
liabilities at
amortized cost
Financial assets /
liabilities at
fair value
Total financial
assets /
liabilities
Interest income (Note 11.1)
1,235
-
1,235
Interest expense (Note 11.2)
(21,879)
-
(21,879)
Amortized cost (Note 11.3)
(1,810)
-
(1,810)
Net changes in foreign exchange rate (Note 11.3)
18,458
-
18,458
Discount of assets and liabilities at present value (Note 11.3)
2,137
-
2,137
Changes in the fair value of financial assets (Note 11.3)
-
19,437
19,437
Interest expense on lease liabilities (Note 11.3)
(2,894)
-
(2,894)
Discount for well plugging and abandonment (Note 11.3)
(2,387)
-
(2,387)
Remeasurement in borrowings (Note 11.3)
(72,044)
-
(72,044)
Other (Note 11.3)
(26,381)
-
(26,381)
Total
(105,565)
19,437
(86,128)
For the year ended December 31, 2022:
Financial assets /
liabilities at
amortized cost
Financial assets /
liabilities at
fair value
Total financial
assets /
liabilities
Interest income (Note 11.1)
809
-
809
Interest expense (Note 11.2)
(28,886)
-
(28,886)
Amortized cost (Note 11.3)
(2,365)
-
(2,365)
Changes in the fair value of warrants (Note 11.3)
-
(30,350)
(30,350)
Net changes in foreign exchange rate (Note 11.3)
33,263
-
33,263
Discount of assets and liabilities at present value (Note 11.3)
(2,561)
-
(2,561)
Changes in the fair value of financial assets (Note 11.3)
-
(17,599)
(17,599)
Interest expense on lease liabilities (Note 11.3)
(1,925)
-
(1,925)
Discount for well plugging and abandonment (Note 11.3)
(2,444)
-
(2,444)
Remeasurement in borrowings (Note 11.3)
(52,817)
-
(52,817)
Other (Note 11.3)
9,242
-
9,242
Total
(47,684)
(47,949)
(95,633)
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-62
18.5 Fair value
This note includes information on the Company’s method for assessing the fair value of its financial assets and liabilities.
18.5.1 Fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
The Company classifies the measurements at fair value of financial instruments using a fair value hierarchy, which shows the
relevance of the variables applied to carry out these measurements. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels:
- Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
- Level 2: data other than the quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for assets or liabilities, either directly (that
is prices) or indirectly (that is derived from prices);
- Level 3: data on the asset or liability that are based on information that cannot be observed in the market (that is, non-
observable data).
The following chart shows the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2024 and 2023:
As of December 31, 2024
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets
Financial assets at fair value through profit
or loss
Short-term investments
124,065
-
-
124,065
Total assets
124,065
-
124,065
As of December 31, 2023
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Assets
Financial assets at fair value through profit
or loss
Plan assets
5,438
-
-
5,438
Short-term investments
156,163
-
-
156,163
Total assets
161,601
-
-
161,601
The value of financial instruments traded in active markets is based on quoted market prices as of the date of these
accompanying consolidated financial statements. A market is considered active when quoted prices are available regularly
through a stock exchange, a broker, a specific sector entity or regulatory agency, and these prices reflect regular and current
market transactions between parties at arm’s length. The quoted market price used for financial assets held by the Company is
the current offer price. These instruments are included in Level 1.
For financial instruments not traded in an active market, the fair value is determined using appropriate valuation techniques.
These valuation techniques maximize the use of observable market data, when available, and minimize the use of Company’s
specific estimates. Should all significant variables used to establish the fair value of a financial instrument be observable, the
instrument is included in Level 2.
Should one or more variables used in determining the fair value not be observable in the market, the financial instrument is
included in Level 3.
There were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 from December 31, 2023, through December 31, 2024.
As of December 31, 2022, the fair value of warrants was determined using the Black & Scholes model considering the expected
volatility of the Company’s ordinary shares upon estimating the future volatility of Company share price. The risk-free interest
rate for the expected useful life of warrants was based on the available return of benchmark government bonds with an
equivalent remainder term upon the grant. The expected life was based on the contractual terms.
The Company settled the financial liabilities for warrants as of December 31, 2022.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-63
Reconciliation of level 3 measurements at fair value:
As of December 31, 2022
Amounts at beginning of year
2,544
Changes in the fair value of warrants (Note 11.3)
30,350
Other equity instruments (Note 18.3)
(32,894)
Amounts at end of year
-
18.5.2 Fair value of financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value (but require fair value disclosures)
Except for the information included in the following chart, the Company considers that the carrying amounts of financial assets
and liabilities recognized in the consolidated financial statements approximate to its fair values, as explained in the related
notes.
As of December 31, 2024
Carrying
amount
Fair
value
Level
Liabilities
Borrowings
1,448,567
1,391,352
2
Total liabilities
1,448,567
1,391,352
As of December 31, 2023
Carrying
amount
Fair
value
Level
Liabilities
Borrowings
616,055
516,699
2
Total liabilities
616,055
516,699
18.6 Risk management objectives and policies concerning financial instruments
18.6.1 Financial risk factors
The Company’s activities are exposed to several financial risks: market risk (including exchange rate risk, price risk and interest
risk), credit risk and liquidity risk.
Financial risk management is included in the Company’s global policies, and it adopts a comprehensive risk management
policy focused on tracking risks affecting the entire Company. This strategy aims at striking a balance between profitability
targets and risk exposure levels. Financial risks are derived from the financial instruments to which the Company is exposed
during period-end or as of every year-end.
The Company’s financial department controls financial risk by identifying, assessing and covering financial risks. The risk
management systems and policies are reviewed regularly to show the changes in market conditions and the Company’s
activities. This section includes a description of the main risks and uncertainties, which may adversely affect the Company’s
strategy, performance, operational results and financial position.
18.6.1.1 Market risk
(i) Exchange rate risk
The Company’s financial position and results of operations are sensitive to exchange rate changes between USD and ARS. As
of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company performed foreign exchange currency transactions and the impact in the results
of the year is recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss in “Other financial income (expense)”.
Most Company revenues are denominated in USD, or the changes in sales follow the changes in USD listed price.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-64
During the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, ARS depreciated by about 28% and 356%, respectively.
The following chart shows the sensitivity to a modification in the exchange rate of ARS to USD while maintaining the
remainder variables constant. Impact on profit before taxes is related to changes in the fair value of monetary assets and
liabilities denominated in currencies other than the USD, the Company’s functional currency. The Company’s exposure to
changes in foreign exchange rates for the remainder currencies is immaterial.
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Changes in exchange rate
+/- 10%
+/- 10 %
Effect on profit or loss before income taxes
38,108 / (38,108)
658 / (658)
Effect on equity before income taxes
38,108 / (38,108)
658 / (658)
Inflation in Argentina
As of December 31, 2024, and 2023, the 3 year cumulative inflation rate stood at about 1,219%, and 814%, respectively.
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the inflation rate was 117.8% and 211.4%, respectively.
(ii) Price risk
The Company’s investments in financial assets classified “at fair value through profit or loss” are sensitive to the risk of changes
in market prices derived from uncertainties on the future value of these financial assets.
The Company estimates that provided that the remainder variables remain constant, a revaluation (devaluation) of each market
price detailed below will give rise to the following increase (decrease) in profit (loss) for the year before taxes in relation to
the financial assets at fair value through profit or loss detailed in Note 18.5 to the consolidated financial statements:
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Changes in Argentine government bonds
+/- 10%
+/- 10%
Effect on profit before income tax
869 / (869)
374 / (374)
Changes in mutual funds
+/- 10%
+/- 10%
Effect on profit before income tax
11,537 / (11,537)
15,243 / (15,243)
(iii) Interest rate risk
The purpose of interest rate risk management is to minimize finance costs and limit the Company’s exposure to interest rate
increases.
For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 the average interest rate for borrowings in ARS was 41.98%, 3.37%
and 41.42%, respectively.
Variable-rate indebtedness exposes the Company’s cash flows to interest rate risk due to potential volatility. Fixed-rate
indebtedness exposes the Company to interest rate risk on the fair value of its liabilities as they could be considerably higher
than variable rates. As of December 31, 2024, and 2023, about 2% and 4% of indebtedness was subject to variable interest
rates, respectively.
For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 the variable interest rate of borrowings denominated in USD stood at
7.42%, 9.32% and 4.55% respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2022, the variable rate of borrowings denominated in ARS stood at 36.31%.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-65
The Company expects to lessen its interest rate exposure by analyzing and assessing (i) the different sources of liquidity
available in domestic and international financial and capital markets (if available); (ii) alternative (fixed or variable) interest
rates, currencies and contractual terms available for companies in a sector, industry and risk similar to the Company’s; and (iii)
the availability, access and cost of interest rate hedge contracts. Hence, the Company assesses the impact on profit or loss of
each strategy on the obligations that represent the main positions to the main interest-bearing positions.
The Company considers that the risk of an increase in interest rates is low; therefore, it does not expect substantial debt risk.
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company did not use derivative financial instruments to mitigate interest
rate risks.
18.6.1.2 Credit risk
The Company establishes credit limits according to Management definitions based on internal or external ratings. It performs
ongoing credit assessments on the customers’ financial capacity, which minimizes the potential risk of doubtful accounts. The
customer’s credit risk is managed according to the Company’s procedures and controls. Pending accounts receivable are
monitored on a regular basis.
Credit risk represents the exposure to potential losses from customer noncompliance with the obligations assumed. This risk is
mainly derived from economic and financial factors.
The Company established a reserve for expected credit losses that represents the best estimate of potential losses related to
trade and other receivables.
The Company has the following credit risk concentration with respect to its interest in all receivables as of December 31, 2024,
and 2023, and revenue per year.
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Percentages to total trade receivables:
Customers
Raizen Argentina S.A.
28%
41%
ENAP Refinerías S.A.
28%
18%
PEMEX
15%
21%
For the year ended
December 31, 2024
For the year ended
December 31, 2023
Percentages to revenue from contracts with customers per product:
Crude oil
Raizen Argentina S.A.
25%
24%
Trafigura
20%
16%
Trafigura Pte LTD
19%
16%
ENAP Refinerías S.A.
15%
7%
Valero Marketing and Supply Company
-%
10%
Repsol Trading USA Corp.
-%
10%
Natural gas
Cinergia Chile S.p.a
28%
30%
CAMMESA
13%
8%
No other individual customer has an interest in total trade receivables or revenue exceeding 10% for the years reported.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-66
The Company keeps no securities as insurance. It assesses risk concentration with respect to trade and other receivables as high
because its customers are concentrated as detailed below.
Below is the information on the credit risk exposure of the Company’s trade receivables (Note 17):
As of December 31, 2024
To fall due
Less than 90
days
More than
90 days
Total
Gross amount at default of oil and gas accounts receivable
74,391
2,960
41
77,392
Expected credit losses
-
-
(41)
(41)
Net amount at default of oil and gas accounts receivable
77,351
As of December 31, 2023
To fall due
Less than 90
days
More than
90 days
Total
Gross amount at default of oil and gas accounts receivable
57,873
1,914
52
59,839
Expected credit losses
-
-
(52)
(52)
Net amount at default of oil and gas accounts receivable
59,787
The credit risk of mutual funds and other financial investments is limited since the counterparties are banks with high credit
ratings. If there are no independent risk ratings, the risk control area assesses the customer’s solvency based on prior
experiences and other factors.
18.6.1.3 Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is related to the Company’s capacity to finance its commitments and carry out its business plans with stable
financial sources, indebtedness level and the maturity profile of the financial payable. The Company’s Finance department
makes cash flow projections.
The Company supervises the updated projections on liquidity requirements to ensure the sufficiency of cash and liquid financial
instruments to meet operating needs. These projections consider the plans to finance if applicable, external regulatory or legal
requirements, such as, for example, restrictions in the use of foreign currency.
Excess cash flow and the amounts above the working capital requirement are managed by the Finance department that mainly
invests the surplus in mutual funds and money market funds by choosing instruments with timely due dates and currencies and
proper credit quality and liquidity to provide sufficient margin according to the aforementioned projections.
The Company diversifies its sources of funding between banks and capital markets and is exposed to refinancing risk upon
expiry.
Below is the assessment of the Company’s liquidity risk as of December 31, 2024, and 2023:
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Current assets
1,052,271
425,904
Current liabilities
1,057,754
359,386
Liquidity index
0.994
1.185
The following table includes an analysis of the Company’s financial liabilities grouped according to their maturity dates and
considering the remainder period until contractual expiry date as from the date of the financial statements.
The amounts included in the table are no discounted contractual cash flows.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-67
As of December 31, 2024
Financial
liabilities except
borrowings
Borrowings
Total
To fall due:
Less than 1 year
545,208
46,224
591,432
From 1 to 2 years
14,453
210,356
224,809
From 2 to 5 years
17,310
404,395
421,705
Over 5 years
5,875
787,592
793,467
Total
582,846
1,448,567
2,031,413
As of December 31, 2023
Financial
liabilities except
borrowings
Borrowings
Total
To fall due:
Less than 1 year
239,923
61,223
301,146
From 1 to 2 years
11,898
81,900
93,798
From 2 to 5 years
16,120
417,550
433,670
Over 5 years
7,582
55,382
62,964
Total
275,523
616,055
891,578
18.6.1.4 Other risks
Access to the foreign exchange market in Argentina
Below is the regulatory framework established by the Central Bank of Argentina (“BCRA” by Spanish acronym) during the
years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, whereby it introduced certain restrictions and adjustments on hoarding and
consumption of currencies other than the ARS, and for the acquisition of currency that may be accessed by the Company:
(i) Communiqué “A” 7552, as supplemented
On July 21, 2022, through Communiqué “A” 7552, the BCRA set a maximum holding of 100,000 Argentine certificates of
deposit (“CEDEAR” by Spanish Acronym) for parties accessing the official foreign exchange market. Through several BCRA
communiqués the latest of February 10, 2025 (Communiqué “A” 8191) the following provisions are kept effective.
The entity should have a sworn statement specifying, among others, the natural or artificial persons that exert direct control;
and the evidence of the day in which market access is requested, showing that in the previous 90 calendar days (a) no securities
were sold, swapped, or transferred in foreign currency in Argentina; (b) no securities issued by nonresidents were acquired in
Argentine pesos in Argentina; (c) no Argentine certificates of deposit that represent foreign shares, or securities representing
private debt issued abroad were acquired; (d) no funds in local currency, or other local assets (except for funds in foreign
currency deposited in local financial entities) were delivered to any human or artificial person, resident or not, related or not,
in exchange of prior or subsequent consideration, either directly or indirectly, on its own or through a related entity, subsidiary,
or parent company, external assets, crypto assets or securities deposited abroad.
The aforementioned sworn statements should be issued according to Communiqué provisions, and the Foreign Transactions
and Exchange regulations.
As of the date of issuance of these financial statements, Communiqué “A” 7552, as supplemented, remains effective.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-68
(ii) Communiqué “A” 8137, as supplemented
On November 28, 2024, through Communiqué “A” 8137, the BCRA extended to 20 business days the term to enter into the
exchange market and convert foreign currency from the collections of exports of goods and services; the proceeds from the
sale of non-produced non-financial assets, and the reimbursements for the payments of imports made on the foreign exchange
market, among others.
Also, the term for the collection of goods exported is governed by points 7.1.1.1.to 7.1.1.5, Foreign Transactions and Exchange,
as revised; i.e., the maximum term set regardless of the date of collection or additional withholding.
The BCRA also established that the prepayments and pre- and post-financing from abroad should be entered into the foreign
exchange market within 20 business days as from the date of collection or disbursement abroad. For exports falling under the
scope of Presidential Decree No. 28/23, the previous is considered met when the exporter has entered into Argentina and
converted into Argentine pesos on the foreign exchange market an amount not less than 80% of the countervalue of the
prepayments, pre- and post-financing, and for the portion not settled, has acquired securities in foreign currency and sold them
in Argentine pesos in Argentina.
(iii) Communiqué "A" 8035, as supplemented
On June 3, 2024, through Communiqué "A" 8035, the BCRA amends Communiqué “A” 7914 issued on December 7, 2023,
and: (a) introduces some amendments to Foreign Transactions and Exchange regulations regarding access to the foreign
exchange market for processing payments for imports of goods, and (b) extends the validity of the restrictions to access the
foreign exchange market for certain financial payables through December 31, 2024.
(iv) Communiqué “A” 8191, as supplemented
On February 10, 2025, through Communiqué “A” 8191, the BCRA amended Communiqué “A” 8035 introducing substantial
changes to access the foreign exchange market for the payment of imports of goods and services:
-
The statement is not required to have “SALIDA” status in Argentina’s system for imports (“SIRA” by Spanish Acronym)
to access the foreign exchange market.
-
Entities may access the foreign exchange market without the BCRA’s prior approval to make deferred payments for imports
of goods with customs entry registration in compliance with the regulation.
Therefore, in the case of (a) petroleum oil or bituminous minerals, its related preparations and residues; (b) petroleum gases
and other gaseous hydrocarbons; (c) not agglomerated bituminous coal; (d) electric power; (e) cleared imports of natural and
enriched uranium and its compounds, heavy water or zirconium to be used in manufacturing energy or fuels, the entity may
access the foreign exchange market without the BCRA’s prior approval.
(v) Communiqué "A" 8118
On October 21, 2024, Communiqué "A" 8118 established that the foreign exchange market to make deferred payments for
imports cleared as from that date may be accessed after 30 calendar days from customs entry registration of the goods.
(vi) Communiqué "A" 8133
On November 21, 2024, BCRA Communiqué "A" 8133 set forth that importers may pay suppliers with own funds deposited
in their local bank accounts or proceeds from their sales in foreign currency within 30 days the minimum term under
Communiqué “A” 8118.
Capital goods may be paid in advance provided that own funds deposited in local bank accounts in foreign currency are used.
The related documentation should be provided in the case of remaining goods. This benefit applies to goods cleared in customs
as from December 13, 2024.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-69
(vii) Communiqué “A” 7925, as supplemented
BCRA Communiqué “A” 7925 of December 22, 2023, set the requirements for importers with outstanding payments abroad
for the imports of goods or services cleared through December 12, 2023, to be able to subscribe Bonds for the Reconstruction
for Free Argentina (“BOPREAL” by Spanish Acronym). These requirements were added to Communiqué “A” 8191. BCRA’s
prior approval is required to access the foreign exchange market to pay payables for imports unless the transaction falls under
any of the assumptions established therein.
Importers of goods and services may subscribe BOPREAL up to the amount payable for their imports. They may sell these
bonds in foreign currency in Argentina or abroad up to the amount acquired in the primary subscription, without limiting their
access to the foreign exchange market.
Also, Communiqué “A” 7935 set forth that as from April 1, 2024, subscribers of BOPREALs in primary biddings for payables
for the import of goods and services may sell securities in foreign currency for the difference between the nominal value bid
and the selling price on the secondary market obtained for the sale of BOPREALs.
(viii) Communiqué “A” 8161, as supplemented
On December 19, 2024, through Communiqué "A" 8161, the BCRA rendered void the BCRA’s prior approval required to
access the clients’ foreign exchange market to pay when due compensatory interest accrued as from January 1, 2025, over the
remaining original value of financial payables to related parties abroad.
It also clarified that interest due as of December 31 or punitive interest or other equivalent interest accrued as from January 1,
2025, will still require prior approval.
It also established that the rest of the provisions in points 3.3.3. and 3.5.6. concerning foreign exchange market access to settle
principal and interest of trade and financial payables to creditors that are parties related to the resident debtor will remain
effective as from January 1, 2025.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company implemented the necessary actions to comply with the aforementioned
communiqués and continues to monitor new changes in the regulatory framework and the impact of settling payables in
currencies other than the ARS.
Note 19. Inventories
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Crude oil stock (Note 6.2)
4,384
2,664
Materials and spare parts
2,082
4,651
Assigned crude oil stock
3
234
Total inventories
6,469
7,549
Note 20. Cash, bank balances and other short-term investments
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Cash in banks
520,401
21,798
Money market funds
119,841
35,292
Mutual funds
115,368
152,426
Argentine government bonds
8,697
3,737
Total cash, bank balances and other short-term
investments
764,307
213,253
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and at bank and investments maturing within 3 months. For the consolidated
statement of cash flows purposes below is the reconciliation between cash, bank and short-term investments and cash and cash
equivalents:
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-70
Note 21. Capital stock and capital risk management
21.1 Capital stock
The following chart shows a reconciliation of the movements in the Company’s capital stock for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022:
Series A
Series C
Total
Amounts as of December 31, 2021
586,706
-
586,706
Number of shares
88,629,877
2
88,629,879
Reduction of capital stock
(39,530)
-
(39,530)
Number of shares
-
-
-
Cashless exercises of warrants
-
-
-
Number of shares
2,038,643
-
2,038,643
Share repurchase
(29,304)
-
(29,304)
Number of shares repurchased
(3,234,163)
-
(3,234,163)
Shares to be granted in LTIP
1
-
1
Number of shares
972,121
-
972,121
Amounts as of December 31, 2022
517,873
-
517,873
Number of shares
88,406,478
2
88,406,480
Cashless exercises of warrants
-
-
-
Number of shares
1,176,811
-
1,176,811
Shares to be granted in LTIP
1
-
1
Number of shares
5,772,141
-
5,772,141
Amounts as of December 31, 2023
517,874
-
517,874
Number of shares
95,355,430
2
95,355,432
Reduction of capital stock
(19,965)
-
(19,965)
Number of shares
-
-
-
Share repurchase
(99,846)
-
(99,846)
Number of shares repurchased (1)
(2,081,198)
-
(2,081,198)
Shares to be granted in LTIP
1
-
1
Number of shares
2,011,219
-
2,011,219
Amounts as of December 31, 2024
398,064
-
398,064
Number of shares
95,285,451
2
95,285,453
(1) As of the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements, the shares repurchased are held in Treasury.
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Cash, bank balances and other short-term investments
764,307
213,253
Less
Argentine government bonds
(8,697)
(3,737)
Cash and cash equivalents
755,610
209,516
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-71
1) Series A Shares
- Reduction of capital stock
On September 27, 2022, the Board of Directors Meeting approved the reduction of the variable portion of the Company’s
capital stock of 39,530, for the absorption of accumulated losses as of August 31, 2022, shown on the Company’s
nonconsolidated financial statements. On December 7, 2022, through Ordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting this transaction
was ratified. This transaction did not require the cancellation of Series A shares as they have no nominal value. Likewise, this
operation did not generate any tax effect in Mexico.
On December 5, 2024, the Board of Directors Meeting approved the reduction of the variable portion of the Company’s capital
stock of 19,965, for the absorption of accumulated losses as of October 31, 2024, shown on the Company’s nonconsolidated
financial statements. This transaction did not require the cancellation of Series A shares as they have no nominal value.
Likewise, this operation did not generate any tax effect in Mexico.
- Cashless exercises of warrants
On October 4, 2022 the meeting of holders of the Warrants issued by the Company (identified with the ticker symbol
“VTW408A-EC001” – the “Warrants”), approved the amendments to the warrant indenture and the global certificate that
covers such warrants, by means of which a cashless exercise mechanism was implemented that entitles the holders, to obtain
1 Series A share representative of the capital stock of the Company for each 31 Warrants owned (Note 18.3). As a result, a
maximum of 3,215,483 shares will become outstanding once all Warrants are converted. Similarly, on March 2, 2023, the
CNBV authorized the automatic exercise without cash payment, so on March 15, 2023, by virtue of this automatic exercise,
all outstanding warrants were exercised. Therefore, as of the date of these consolidated financial statements, there are no
outstanding warrants.
Thus, as of December 31, 2022, and 2023, 2,038,643 and 1,176,811 Series A shares were issued, respectively. They have no
nominal value and the resulting amount of this swap, which stands at 32,144, is disclosed in “Other equity instruments.”
- Share repurchase
During the years ended as of December 31, 2022 and 2024, the Company repurchased 3,234,163 and 2,081,198 Series A shares
for a total amount of 29,304 and 99,846, which are held in treasury. This operation did not generate any tax effect in Mexico.
For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, the Company granted 972,121; 5,772,141 and 2,011,219 Series A
shares related to the LTIP.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company’s variable capital stock amounts to 95,285,451 and 95,355,430 fully
subscribed and paid Series A shares with no face value, respectively, each entitled to one vote.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company’s authorized capital includes 33,506,788 and 33,436,809 Series A ordinary
shares, respectively held in Treasury.
2) Series C
The variable portion of capital stock is an unlimited amount according to the Company’s bylaws and laws applicable, whereas
the fixed amount is divided into 2 Series C shares.
On March 17, 2023, Vista concluded a transaction that resulted in the acquisition of 2 Series C outstanding shares according
to the share buy-back program authorized by the Company’s shareholders. These Series C shares are in the Company’s
possession.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-72
21.2 Legal reserve and share repurchase reserve
Under Mexican Business Associations Law, the Company is required to allocate 5% of net profit for the year to increase the
legal reserve until it is equal to 20% of capital based on the Company’s nonconsolidated financial statements.
On August 6, 2024, through the Ordinary General Shareholders' Meeting, the Company's shareholders approved an increase
of a fund to acquire own shares for 50,000 based on the Company’s nonconsolidated financial statements.
On April 24, 2023, through the Ordinary and Extraordinary General Shareholders' Meeting, the Company's shareholders
approved an increase of a fund to acquire own shares for 29,859, and the increase of the legal reserve for 5,630, both based on
the Company’s nonconsolidated financial statements.
On April 26, 2022, through the Ordinary and Extraordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting, the Company’s shareholders
approved the creation of a fund to acquire own shares for 23,840, and the creation of the legal reserve for 1,255, both based on
the Company’s nonconsolidated financial statements.
On December 7, 2022, through the Ordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting, the Company’s shareholders approved an increase
of a fund to acquire own shares for 25,625 and the increase of the legal reserve for 1,348, both based on the Company’s
nonconsolidated financial statements.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the total amount of legal reserve is 8,233, respectively. Moreover, as of December 31,
2024 and 2023, the total amount of share repurchase reserve is 129,324 y 79,324, respectively. As of the date of these
consolidated financial statements, the Company repurchased the shares mentioned in Note 2.1.
21.3 Capital risk management
Upon managing its capital, the Company aims at protecting its capacity to continue operating as a going concern and generate
profit for its shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders, as well as maintain an optimal capital structure.
The Company monitors its capital based on the leverage ratio. This ratio is calculated by dividing: (i) the net debt (borrowings
and liabilities for leases less cash, banks and short-term investments) by (ii) total equity.
The leverage ratio as of December 31, 2024, and 2023, is as follows:
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Total borrowings and lease liabilities
1,544,227
686,523
Less: Cash, bank balances and other short-term investments
(764,307)
(213,253)
Net debt
779,920
473,270
Total equity
1,621,213
1,247,015
Leverage ratio
48.11%
37.95%
No changes were made in capital management objectives, policies or processes for the years ended December 31, 2024, and
2023.
Note 22. Provisions
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Noncurrent
Well plugging and abandonment
31,026
12,191
Environmental remediation
2,032
148
Total noncurrent provisions
33,058
12,339
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-73
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Current
Environmental remediation
2,484
936
Well plugging and abandonment
1,412
3,096
Contingencies
14
101
Total current provisions
3,910
4,133
22.1 Provision for well plugging and abandonment
According to applicable regulations in the countries where the Company (either directly or indirectly through its subsidiaries)
conducts oil and gas exploration and production activities, it should carry costs related to well plugging and abandonment. As
of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company has a trust to plug and abandon wells in Mexico; however, it did not grant any
asset as security to settle these obligations in Argentina.
The provision for well plugging and abandonment represents the present value of dismantling costs related to oil and gas
properties expected to be incurred through the end of each concession, when oil and gas producing wells to cease operations.
These provisions were created based on the operator’s or the Company’s internal estimates, as appropriate.
Assumptions based on the current economic context were made, so the Company considers that it is a reasonable basis to
estimate future liabilities. These estimates are reviewed periodically to consider substantial changes in assumptions. However,
the actual costs of well plugging and abandonment will ultimately depend on future market prices for the plugging and
abandonment works needed. Moreover, wells will probably be plugged and abandoned when plots of land cease to produce at
economically feasible rates. They will also depend on Crude oil and Natural gas future prices, which are uncertain by nature.
The discount rate used in calculating the provision as of December 31, 2024, ranges between 5.15% and 5.57% whereas it
ranges between 4.40% and 11.09% as of December 31, 2023.
The Company conducted a sensibility analysis related to the discount rate. The increase or decrease of such rate by 10% would
have 10% impact on well plugging and abandonment.
Below are the changes in the provision for well plugging and abandonment for the year:
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Amounts at beginning of year
15,287
32,524
Discount for well plugging and abandonment (Note 11.3)
1,312
2,387
Increase (decrease) in the change in capitalized estimates (Note 13)
23,325
(930)
(Decrease) in the change in estimates of conventional assets (1)
(7,486)
(18,697)
Foreign exchange differences
-
3
Amounts at end of year
32,438
15,287
(1) According to Note 3.2.7, the Company carries a payable to Aconcagua since the latter assumes all well plugging and abandonment obligations derived
from the Concessions involved in the transaction through the end of the Operating Period. However, the Company still owns 100% of such concessions (Note
1.1).
22.2 Provision for environmental remediation
The Company performs environmental impact assessments for new projects and investments, and the environmental
requirements and restrictions imposed on these new projects had no major adverse effects on the Company’s businesses to
date.
The Company conducted a sensibility analysis related to the discount rate. The increase or decrease of such rate by 10% would
have no significant impact on the environmental remediation obligation.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-74
Below are the changes in the provision for environmental remediation for the year:
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Amounts at beginning of year
1,084
1,821
Increases (Note 10.2)
359
485
Increase in the change in estimates of conventional assets (1)
3,442
624
Foreign exchange differences
(369)
(1,846)
Amounts at end of year
4,516
1,084
(1) According to Note 3.2.7, the Company carries a payable to Aconcagua since the latter assumes all environmental remediation obligations derived from the
Concessions involved in the transaction through the end of the Operating Period. However, the Company still owns 100% of such concessions (Note 1.1).
22.3 Provision for contingencies
The Company (directly or indirectly through its subsidiaries) is part of commercial, tax and labor litigations and claims arising
from the ordinary course of business. Upon estimating the amounts and likelihood of occurrence, the Company considered its
best estimate with the assistance of legal advisors.
The assessment of the estimates may change in the future due to new developments or unknown events upon assessing the
provision. Consequently, the adverse resolution of the proceedings and claims assessed could exceed the provision set.
The Company’s total claims, and legal actions amount to 14 and 101, from which it has estimated a probable loss of 14 and
101 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The Company, considering its legal counsel’s opinion, estimates that the provision amount is sufficient to cover potential
contingencies. It has booked a provision or disclosed all claims or other issues in these consolidated financial statements, either
individually or in the aggregate.
Below are the changes in the provision for contingencies for the year:
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Amounts at beginning of year
101
171
Increases (Note 10.2)
688
69
Amounts incurred for payments
(751)
(46)
Foreign exchange differences
(24)
(93)
Amounts at end of year
14
101
Note 23. Employee benefits
The employee benefit plans originally applies to Company employees that meet certain conditions, such as, for example, having
participated uninterruptedly in the defined benefit plan, and that, having joined the Company before May 31, 1995, they have
the required number of years in service and are therefore eligible to a certain amount according to plan provisions.
It is based on the last computable salary and the number of years worked after deducting the benefits from the Argentine
pension system managed by the Federal Social Security Administration (“ANSES” by Spanish acronym).
Upon retirement, these employees are entitled to a monthly payment at constant value that is updated every year-end by the
Consumer Price Index (“IPC” by Spanish acronym) published by the Argentine Institute of Statistics and Census (“INDEC by
Spanish acronym). If the variation exceeds 10% during a certain year, the payment will be adjusted temporarily once the
percentage is exceeded.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-75
The plan is backed by assets deposited exclusively by the Company and with no employee contributions to the trust fund. Fund
assets may be invested by the Company in monetary market instruments denominated in USD or certificates of deposit to
preserve accumulated capital and obtain returns in line with a moderate risk profile. Funds are mainly invested in United States
of America bonds, Treasury bonds and trade notes with quality ratings.
The Bank of New York Mellon is the trustee, and Willis Towers Watson is the business agent. Should there be an excess (duly
certified by an independent actuary) of funds to be used to settle the benefits granted under the plan, the Company will be
entitled to use it, in which case the trustee should be notified.
The following charts summarize the components of net expenses, and the obligation recognized in the consolidated financial
statements:
Year ended
December 31, 2024
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
Cost of interest
(476)
(639)
(458)
Cost of services
(13)
(25)
(44)
Settlement
-
364
-
Total
(489)
(300)
(502)
As of December 31, 2024
Present value of
the obligation
Plan assets
Net liabilities
Amounts at beginning of year
(11,295)
5,592
(5,703)
Items classified as loss or profit
Cost of interest
(712)
236
(476)
Cost of services
(13)
-
(13)
Items classified in other comprehensive income
Actuarial remeasurement
(10,331)
131
(10,200)
Payment of contributions
1,805
(1,381)
424
Amounts at end of year
(20,546)
4,578
(15,968)
As of December 31, 2023
Present value of
the obligation
Plan assets
Net liabilities
Amounts at beginning of year
(19,009)
6,758
(12,251)
Items classified as loss or profit
Cost of interest
(909)
270
(639)
Cost of services
(25)
-
(25)
Settlement
364
-
364
Items classified in other comprehensive income
Actuarial remeasurement
6,213
352
6,565
Benefit payments
777
(777)
-
Payment of contributions
1,294
(1,011)
283
Amounts at end of year
(11,295)
5,592
(5,703)
The fair value of asset’s plan as of every year end per category, is as follows:
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Cash and cash equivalents
4,578
154
US government bonds
-
5,438
Total
4,578
5,592
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-76
Below are the estimated payments of benefits expected for the next 10 years. The amounts in the chart show non discounted
cash flows; thus, they do not reconcile with the obligations booked as of year-end:
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Less than 1 year
1,339
974
1 to 2 years
1,344
974
2 to 3 years
1,320
963
3 to 4 years
1,293
946
4 to 5 years
1,264
925
6 to 10 years
5,807
4,242
Below are the significant actuarial estimates used:
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Discount rate
5%
5%
Asset rate of return
5%
5%
Salary rise
1%
1%
The following sensitivity analysis shows the effect of a variation in the discount rate and salaries increase on the obligation
amount.
(i)
Should the discount rate be 1% higher (lower), the defined benefit obligation would decrease by 1,321 (increase by 1,539)
as of December 31, 2024.
(ii) Should the expected salary rise increase (decrease) by 1%, the defined benefit obligation would go up by 7 (go down by
5) as of December 31, 2024.
(iii) Should the discount rate be 1% higher (lower), the defined benefit obligation would decrease by 888 (increase by 1,034)
as of December 31, 2023.
(iv) Should the expected salary rise increase (decrease) by 1%, the defined benefit obligation would go up by 9 (go down by
9) as of December 31, 2023.
This sensitivity analysis was determined based on reasonably possible changes in the related assumptions as of every reporting
year-end based on a change in an assumption with the rest held constant. This is unlikely to occur in actual facts and the changes
in some assumptions may be related. Therefore, the analysis may not be representative of the actual change in the defined
benefit obligation.
Moreover, upon filing the previous sensitivity analysis, the present value of the defined benefit obligation was calculated using
the projected unit credit method as of every reporting year-end, which is the same as the method applied to calculate the defined
benefit obligation liability recognized in the statement of financial position.
The methods and types of assumptions used in preparing the sensitivity analysis did not change with respect to the previous
year.
Note 24. Salaries and payroll taxes
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Current
Provision for bonuses and incentives
23,450
12,657
Salaries and social security contributions
9,206
4,898
Total current salaries and payroll taxes
32,656
17,555
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-77
Note 25. Other taxes and royalties
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Current
Royalties and others
26,008
33,862
Tax withholdings
12,497
1,603
Personal assets tax
8,132
912
Other
1,078
172
Total current other taxes and royalties
47,715
36,549
Note 26. Trade and other payables
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Current
Accounts payable:
Suppliers
435,768
197,019
Customer advances
37,651
7,677
Total current accounts payables
473,419
204,696
Other accounts payables:
Payables to third parties (1)
13,200
-
Extraordinary fee for Gas IV Plan
415
162
Payables to partners of joint operations
152
197
Total other current accounts payables
13,767
359
Total current trade and other payables
487,186
205,055
(1) According to Note 28.5, the Company has an account payable for 13,200, related to the extension of the Concessions. As detailed in Note 3.2.7, Aconcagua
assumes all obligations and payables from applicable Concessions until the end of the Operating Period; however, the Company maintains 100% ownership.
Other than mentioned above, due to the short-term nature of current trade and other payables, their carrying amount is deemed
to be the same as its fair value. The carrying amount of noncurrent trade and other payable does not differ considerably from
its fair value.
Note 27. Related parties transactions and balances
Note 2.3 provides information on the Company’s structure.
(i)
Related parties transactions
Management personnel compensation
Below are the amounts recognized in the consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income related to
Company management personnel:
Year ended
December 31,
2024
Year ended
December 31,
2023
Year ended
December 31,
2022
Share-based payment
28,776
18,618
13,119
Short-term benefits
20,861
13,959
12,990
Total compensation to management personnel
49,637
32,577
26,109
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-78
(ii) Related parties balances
Related to the agreement mentioned in Note 1.2.3.2, as of December 31, 2024, the Company has granted an advanced to the
VMOS S.A. of 4,741, booked under “Trade and other receivables” within the line “Balances with related parties” (Note 17).
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, other than mentioned above, the Company carries no other balances with related parties.
Note 28. Commitments and contingencies
28.1 Duplicar Plus Project - Oldelval
On December 21, 2022, the Company, through its subsidiary Vista Argentina, was awarded a crude oil transportation capacity
of 5,010 cubic meters per day (“m3/d”) under the project to extend the current line from Allen to Puerto Rosales implemented
by Oldelval (transportation concession holder) for 50,000 m3/d. Thus, the Company undertook to make an initial upfront
investment of 118,000 between 2023 and 2025; which may be increased according to the project requirement and will be
recovered from the monthly service fee.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company made disbursements related to this commitment for a total amount of 121,813
and 34,660, respectively recognized in “Trade and other receivables” under “Advance payments for transportation services”
(Note 17).
28.2 Project to expand the Puerto Rosales maritime terminal and pumping station
On January 27, 2023, the Company was awarded a storage and dispatch capacity of 35,666 m3 and 5,944 m3/d, respectively,
under the project to expand the Puerto Rosales marine terminal and pumping station in which Oiltanking Ebytem S.A.
(“Oiltanking”) launched tenders for 300,000 m3 and 50,000 m3/d of storage and dispatching capacity, respectively.
The Company undertook to make an upfront investment of 28,400 between 2023 and 2025, which will be later recovered from
the monthly service fee as from 2026.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company made disbursements related to this commitment, for an amount of 19,677 recognized
in “Trade and other receivables” under “Advance payments for transportation services” (Note 17).
28.3 “Vaca Muerta Norte” Pipeline Agreement
On May 16, 2023, the Company through its subsidiary Vista Argentina, entered into an agreement with YPF, Equinor Argentina
B.V. Sucursal Argentina (“Equinor”) and Shell Argentina S.A. (“Shell”) (jointly the “Parties”), whereby YPF, in its capacity
as the hydrocarbon transportation concession owner of the pipeline Vaca Muerta Norte (“VMN”), assigns to the remainder
parties an undivided interest of the rights and obligations over the Transportation Concession amounting to: (i) 3.5% in favour
of Equinor; (ii) 13.3% to Shell, and (iii) 8% to Vista Argentina (the “Assignment”).
This concession is located in the Province of Neuquén from “La Amarga Chica” area to “Puesto Hernández” area (the
“Transportation Concession”), and will be used to transport the production of all oil and gas areas in which the Parties have,
now or hereafter, a VMN interest.
In addition, the Parties signed (i) an agency agreement whereby Equinor, Shell and Vista Argentina entrusted YPF with the
acts and tasks required to build the VMN and set the costs and expenses to be contributed by each concession holder in
proportion to their interests, and; (ii) an agreement for the joint construction of the VMN, which establishes the terms and
conditions to operate, maintain and use of the aforementioned.
As of the date of these consolidated financial statements, VMN is operational, and this Assignment is pending approval by the
Executive Power of the Province of Neuquén.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-79
28.4 Asociación de Superficiarios de la Patagonia (“ASSUPA” by Spanish acronym)
On July 1, 2004, Vista Argentina was notified of a claim filed against it. In August 2003, ASSUPA filed a lawsuit against 18
companies operating exploitation concessions and exploration permits in the Neuquén basin.
ASSUPA claims remediation for the environmental damages supposedly caused by hydrocarbon exploitation activities, the
creation of an environment restoration fund, and the implementation of measures to prevent future environmental damages.
The plaintiff called the meeting of the Argentine government, the Argentine Federal Council for the Environment (“COFEMA”
by Spanish acronym), the Provinces of Buenos Aires, La Pampa, Neuquén, Río Negro and Mendoza, and the National
Ombudsman. The plaintiff requested, as a precautionary measure, that the accused parties refrain from conducting activities
that harm the environment. Both the subpoena of the National Ombudsman and the preliminary request were rejected by the
Argentine Supreme Court of Justice (“CSJN” by its Spanish acronym). Vista Argentina responded the claim by requesting its
dismissal and opposing to the plaintiff’s request.
On December 30, 2014, the CSNJ issued two interlocutory orders. The order related to the Company supported the claim of
the Provinces of Neuquén and La Pampa and declared that all environmental damages related to local and provincial situations
were outside the scope of its original jurisdiction and that only "interjurisdictional situations" (such as the Río Colorado basin)
would fall under its jurisdiction. The CSNJ also rejected the precautionary measures and other related proceedings. Vista
Argentina, considering the legal counsel’s opinion, concluded that it is unlikely that a cash outflow be required to settle this
obligation.
As of the date of issuance of these financial statements, before the case is opened for trial, the parties are answering the notices
served regarding the prior exceptions and challenges against the evidence filed, which are pending resolution.
28.5 Extension of (non-operated) conventional exploitation concessions and the associated transportation concessions
On December 6, 2024, through Decree No. 491/2024, the Province of Río Negro approved in favor of Vista Argentina the
extension of (non-operated) conventional exploitation concessions for 10 years in the areas:
(i) Entre Lomas and 25 de Mayo - Medanito S.E. and the associated transportation concessions both cases due in 2036, and
(ii) de Jagüel de los Machos through 2035.
Under the extension of the Concessions, the Company, through its subsidiary Vista Argentina, undertook to pay the Province
of Río Negro: (i) 22,000 for the extension, and (ii) a contribution of 4,400 to support institutional development and
strengthening.
Under the terms of the agreement signed with Aconcagua for the transfer of conventional assets (Note 3.2.7), the Company
retains the ownership of the Concessions and will pay the Province the aforementioned amounts. However, Aconcagua, as the
operator, will reimburse Vista for the payments made in relation to these items.
As of December 31, 2024, a total payment of 13,200 was made related to 50% of the commitments assumed. The amount owed
is booked under “Trade and other payables” within the line “Payables to third parties” (Note 26). Also, the receivable from
Aconcagua for the same item is booked in “Trade and other receivables” within the line “Receivables from third parties” (Note
17).
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-80
Note 29. Operations in hydrocarbon consortiums
29.1 General considerations
Hydrocarbon areas are operated by granting exploration permits or exploitation concessions by the federal or provincial
government based on the free availability of hydrocarbons produced.
29.2 Oil and gas areas and interests in joint operations
As of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company, through its subsidiaries, is the owner and part of the joint operations
and consortia for oil and gas exploration and production, as shown below:
29.2.1 Bajada del Palo Oeste and Bajada del Palo Este areas
On December 21, 2018, through Decree No. 2,357/18, the Province of Neuquén approved the division and conversion of the
operating concession in Bajada del Palo; in two unconventional hydrocarbon operating concessions (“CENCH” by Spanish
acronym) so-called Bajada del Palo Este and Bajada del Palo Oeste for 35 years, including the payment of 12% royalties for
the new production of unconventional formations. This decree replaces the conventional operating concession initially granted
and determines the term of the concessions until December 21, 2053.
In turn, Vista Argentina paid the following items to the Province of Neuquén: (i) an exploitation bonus for 1,168; (ii) an
infrastructure bonus for about 2,796; and (iii) 3,935 as corporate social responsibility. Vista Argentina also paid 1,102 as stamp
tax and committed to a major reserve development and exploration plan in the area.
The Company entered into certain agreements with Trafigura over the Bajada del Palo Oeste area, maintains the operation in
Bajada del Palo Oeste and owns 100% in CENCH, as described below:
29.2.1.1 Farmout agreement I
On June 28, 2021, Vista Argentina entered into a farmout agreement with Trafigura (“farmout agreement I”), whereby it
undertook to develop, initially, 5 pads made up of 4 wells each in Bajada del Palo Oeste area. Moreover, Trafigura may hold
interests in up to 2 additional pads under the same terms and conditions. As of the date of theses consolidated financial
statement, all committed pads were put into production.
By virtue of the farmout agreement, a joint venture was established and Trafigura was entitled to contractual rights for 20% of
hydrocarbon output in the pads under the agreement and bear 20% of investment costs, as well as royalties, direct taxes, and
remainder operating and midstream costs.
As part of the farmout agreement, Trafigura agreed to pay to Vista Argentina 25,000 as follows: (i) a 5,000 down payment;
and (ii) 4 payments of 5,000 for each pad, which should be paid upon commencement of hydrocarbon production in each pad
included in the farmout agreement I.
As of the date of these consolidated financial statements, VISTA and Trafigura signed an agreement whereby as of January 1,
2025, the Company will have the rights to 100% of the production of the pads related to the agreement (Note 1.2.2).
29.2.1.2 Farmout agreement II
On October 11, 2022, Vista Argentina entered into a farmout agreement II with Trafigura, whereby it undertook to develop 3
pads in Bajada del Palo Oeste area. Trafigura was entitled to contractual rights for 25% of hydrocarbon output in the pads
under the agreement and bear 25% of investment costs, as well as royalties, direct taxes, and remainder operating and midstream
costs. As of the date of theses consolidated financial statement, all committed pads were put into production.
As part of the farmout agreement II, Trafigura agreed to pay to Vista Argentina 20,400 as follows: (i) 3 payments of 6,800 for
each pad, which should be paid upon commencement of hydrocarbon production in each pad included in the farmout agreement
II.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-81
As of the date of these consolidated financial statements, VISTA and Trafigura signed an agreement whereby as of January 1,
2025, the Company will have the rights to 100% of the production of the pads related to the agreement (Note 1.2.2).
29.2.2 Coirón Amargo Norte
Originally, the Joint operating agreement (“JOA”) Coirón Amargo owned an area located in the Province of Neuquén made up
of an operating concession ("Coirón Amargo Norte") and an evaluation lot ("Coirón Amargo Sur") due in 2036 and 2017,
respectively.
On July 11, 2016, the partners of UT Coirón Amargo signed agreements to assign their interests whereby the area was divided
in 3 independent lots: Coirón Amargo Norte ("CAN"), Coirón Amargo Suroeste (“CASO”) which was assigned to Shell on
April 1, 2021, and Coirón Amargo Sur Este (“CASE”).
CAN was made up of APCO Oil & Gas S.A.U. (“APCO SAU”, currently Vista Argentina), Madalena Energy Argentina S.R.L.
(“Madalena”) and Gas y Petróleo del Neuquén S.A. (“G&P”) with 55%, 35% and 10%, respectively. Vista Argentina is the
operator as from the date and the concession expires in 2036.
According to the Operating Committee’ minutes of December 28, 2017, the carry agreement was signed; thus, the contributions
made and to be made will be recognized as higher assets or expenses, as the case may be, in terms of the amounts actually
disbursed by them, regardless of contractual equity interests.
As from that date and until June 2020, Vista Argentina recognized its 61.11% interest in this joint operation, which is made up
of its 55% contractual equity interest plus the 6.11% incremental portion acquired from G&P.
On July 7, 2020, due to the default in payment by partner Madalena and in agreement with Coirón Amargo Norte JOA, Vista
Argentina, together with its partner G&P decided to remove Madalena from the agreement by subscribing addendum VIII to
the venture agreement for the exploration and exploitation of CAN.
Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources Resolution No. 71/20 approved addendum VIII to the venture agreement and Decree
No. 1,292/2020 of November 6, 2020, ratified such approval retroactively. Consequently, the Company, through its subsidiary
Vista Argentina, increased its interest in the aforementioned JOA from 55% to 84.62% for no consideration.
As from that date, and maintaining the abovementioned carry system, the Company recognizes all its interests in this joint
operation in its consolidated financial statements.
29.2.3 Águila Mora
On August 22, 2018, APCO SAU signed an assignment agreement (the “Águila Mora swap agreement”) whereby:
(i) Vista Argentina assigned to O&G Development Ltd S.A (currently “Shell”) a 35% nonoperated working interest in CASO’s
oil & gas properties;
(ii) Shell assigned to Vista Argentina a 90% operated working interest in Águila Mora’s oil and gas properties, plus a
contribution up to 10,000 to refurbish its existing water infrastructure to benefit Shell and Vista Argentina operations.
Águila Mora swap agreement obtained the approvals from the Province of Neuquén on November 22, 2018. Therefore, as from
that date, the Company acquired a 90% working interest in Águila Mora’s oil and gas properties, becoming the operator.
Through Decree No. 2,597/19 granted by the Province of Neuquén whereby G&P was granted the unconventional operating
concession of Águila Mora area for 35 years, expiring on November 29, 2054.
Vista Argentina maintains for such area a carry agreement for the interest in G&P and includes all its interests in this joint
operation in the consolidated financial statements.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-82
29.2.4. Acambuco
The Company has a 1.5% working interest in operating concession Acambuco, located in the Northwest basin, Province of
Salta. The operating concession operator is Pan American Energy LLC (Sucursal Argentina) with a 52% working interest. The
remainder partners are YPF S.A., Shell, and Northwest Argentina Corporation with an equity of 22.5%, 22.5% and 1.5%,
respectively.
The operating concession Acambuco includes two operating plots:
(i) San Pedrito, which was declared to be marketable on February 14, 2001, and expires in 2036; and
(i) Macueta, which was declared to be marketable on February 16, 2005, and expires in 2040.
29.2.5 Aguada Federal and Bandurria Norte
On September 16, 2021, the Company, through its subsidiary Vista Holding I, acquired 100% of the shares directly and
indirectly held in AFBN; the owner of the 50% nonoperated interest in the nonoperated concession of Aguada Federal and
Bandurria Norte granted by the Province of Neuquén that expires in 2050. The concession was operated by Wintershall, the
owner of the remainder 50%.
Under the transaction terms, Vista made no advance payments, but assumed the carry related to 50% of all investments to
develop the acquired areas. This transaction was recognized as an asset acquisition, according with the accounting policies
including in Note 3.1.3.
On January 17, 2022, the Company, through its subsidiary Vista Argentina, acquired the remainder 50% of the interest operated
in Aguada Federal and Bandurria Norte concessions from Wintershall; the Company became the area operator with con the
100% interest.
Under the second transaction terms, the Company paid a total amount of 140,000, of which 90,000 was paid on the date of the
transaction, and the remaining 50,000, in 8 equal quarterly instalments starting on April 2022. During the year ended December
31, 2023, Vista paid 25,000.
As result of this transaction, Vista recognized an addition of 68,743 in “Property, plant and equipment”.
On September 14, 2022, the Province of Neuquén issued Presidential Decrees No. 1,851/22 and No. 1,852/22 approving the
assignment by Wintershall to Vista Argentina of the mentioned assets.
Al of the date of theses consolidated financial statements, the Companies’ directors decided to merge by absorption of AFBN,
with Vista Argentina, which will become the owner of 100% of the mentioned areas. This merger will become effective as
from January 1, 2025 (Note 2.3.1).
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-83
29.3 Summarized financial information on the operated and nonoperated join operations
Below is the summarized financial information on the operated and nonoperated joint operations involving the Company,
which assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses are not fully consolidated in the Company’s financial statements.
The summarized financial information disclosed below represents the amounts under IFRS of the related interest:
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
Assets
Noncurrent assets
290,683
344,411
Current assets
402
878
Liabilities
Noncurrent liabilities
2,428
1,801
Current liabilities
6,483
11,860
Year ended
December 31, 2024
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
Operating costs
(2,081)
(1,687)
(943)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(62,751)
(78,860)
(43,139)
General and administrative expenses
(227)
(846)
(568)
Other operating income and expenses
-
-
2
Impairment of long -lived assets
-
(1,679)
-
Financial results, net
(118)
1,561
2,484
Total
(65,177)
(81,511)
(42,164)
29.4 Investment commitment
As of December 31, 2024, the Company has the following main commitments pending execution:
A- Argentina
(i)
In the area of Entre Lomas (Province of Río Negro) drill and complete 4 development wells for an estimate cost of 10,520;
intervene 21 wells with workover, and abandon 2 wells for an estimated cost of 7,000; adjust existing and new facilities for an
estimated cost of 3,117; and
(ii) In the areas of 25 de Mayo – Medanito S.E. and Jagüel de los Machos (Province of Río Negro) drill and complete 5
development wells for an estimated cost of 7,685; intervene 23 wells with workover and abandon 19 wells for an estimated
cost of 9,951; and adjust new and existing facilities for an estimated cost of 1,432.
All of commitment mentioned above are subject to the conventional asset assignment agreement mentioned in Note 3.2.7,
which establishes that investment commitments will be fully assumed by Aconcagua, as the area operator and the extension of
the concessions mentioned in Note 28.5.
B- Mexico
The Company has no commitments as of the date of the consolidated financial statements.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-84
Note 30. Tax regulations
A- General
30.1 International tax reform pillar two model rules (“the model”)
On May 23, 2023, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 12 to apply the pillar two model rules published by the Organization
for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”), which establish that this model applies to multinational enterprises
with revenue in excess of Euros 750 million in their consolidated financial statements, they must pay a global minimum tax of
15%.
The main IASB amendments are:
(i) A mandatory temporary exception to the deferred taxes accounting from the jurisdictional implementation of pillar two
income taxes and;
(ii) Disclosure requirements for affected entities to help users of the financial information better understand an entity's exposure
to pillar two income taxes arising from that legislation, particularly before its effective date.
As of the date of these consolidated financial statements, the jurisdictions where the Company mainly operates—Argentina
and Mexico—have not issued the requested regulations on this Model. However, the Group operates in other jurisdictions in
which the rules related to the Model have already been published and are effective for the year beginning January 1, 2024.
Consequently, the Group assessed the Model’s potential income tax exposure based on the reports prepared by each country
and the financial information reported by the subsidiaries and concluded that no impact should be recognized in the
consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024.
The Group keeps track of the Model’s legislative changes and the regulations of the different countries to assess the potential
impact that they may have on the Company’s consolidated cash flows, financial position, and profit or loss.
B- Argentina
30.2 Income tax
General
As established by Law 27,630 issued in 2021, the applicable income tax rate for the Company, through its subsidiaries, is 35%.
On August 16, 2022, the AFIP issued General Resolution No. 5,248/2022 whereby it established one-time payment towards
income tax. For taxpayers whose tax assessed as of December 31, 2021, was equal to or higher than ARS 100,000,000 and
which calculation base for the advance payments for the following tax period exceeded 0 (zero), the one-time payment towards
income tax will amount to 25% of such calculation base. Such amount was paid by the Company, through its subsidiary Vista
Argentina, in 3 equal and consecutive installments equivalents to 8,300 and computed as payment towards income tax for the
year ended as of December 31, 2022.
On July 20, 2023, the AFIP (Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos, currently denominated Agencia de Recaudación y
Control Aduanero “ARCA” by Spanish Acronym) issued General Resolution No. 5,391/2023, which establishes a one-time
payment towards current income tax for taxpayers whose taxable income as of December 31, 2022, before computing prior-
year net operating loss is equal to or higher than ARS 600,000,000, and who have not assessed income tax for that same period,
this one-time payment towards income tax amounts to 15% of such taxable income. As of December 31, 2023, the Company,
through its subsidiary AFBN S.R.L., made payments towards income tax for 979.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-85
On December 4, 2023, the AFIP issued General Resolution No. 5,453/2023, which establishes a one-time payment towards
current income tax, for taxpayers who extract hydrocarbons, manufacture oil refinery products, and generate thermal power
whose taxable income as of December 31, 2022, before computing prior-year net operating loss, is equal to or higher than ARS
600,000,000, and who have not assessed income tax for that same period, this one-time payment towards income tax amounts
to 15% of such taxable income.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company, through its subsidiary Vista Argentina, made payments towards income tax
for 2,974 and 3,031, respectively.
Dividends
Law No. 27,541 on “Social Solidarity and Production Reactivation in the Context of a Public Emergency”, enacted through
Presidential Decree No. 58/2019 suspended the increase in the established a rate by Law No. 27,430 set of 7% rates for the
years beginning on or after January 1, 2021, currently in place.
Tax Inflation Adjustment
Law No. 27,468, issued in the year 2018, established that a third of the positive or negative adjustment for inflation applicable
to the 3 first fiscal years beginning January 1, 2019, be distributed to the year in which the adjustment was determined and the
remaining 2 thirds to the two subsequent tax periods.
However, the Law No. 27,541, issued in the year 2019, amended this distribution and established that a sixth of the positive or
negative adjustment for the first and second year beginning January 1, 2019, be charged to the year in which the adjustment is
determined and the remainder 5 sixths, in equal parts, to the 5 subsequent tax periods, whereas for years beginning January 1,
2021, 100% of the adjustment may be impute in the year in which it is determined.
On December 1, 2022, was published in the Official Bulletin Law No. 27,701, set forth the option to defer the tax adjustment
for inflation for the first 2 fiscal years beginning as from January 1, 2022. Thus, a third of such adjustment may be distributed
to the fiscal year in which the adjustment is assessed and the remaining 2 thirds, in equal parts, to the two subsequent fiscal
years.
This alternative only applies to the companies’ promoting investments in property, plant and equipment for an amount equal
to or higher than ARS 30,000,000 during each of the two fiscal periods subsequent to the computation of the first third. Failing
to comply with this requirement will result in the forfeiture of the benefit.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company, through its subsidiary Vista Argentina, applied the option mentioned
above.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, and despite the disparity in the evolution of the IPC and the exchange rate throughout
the period (Note 18.6.1.1), the Argentine Government did not establish a deferral mechanism for tax inflation adjustment,
resulting in a significant increase in the income tax base.
30.3 Tax for an inclusive and solidary Argentina (“PAIS Tax”)
Law No. 27,541 issued in the year 2019, introduced a tax that is levied on the acquisition of foreign currency for 5 tax years at
a 30% rate. This tax may not be used as payment towards any other tax and is levied on the following cases: (i) purchase of
bills and foreign currency for hoarding purposes; (ii) change in currency to pay the acquisitions of assets or services and
contracts for works made abroad irrespective of the method of payment used; (iii) acquisition of services abroad purchased
from travel and tourism agencies in Argentina; or (iv) acquisition of passenger transportation services to be used abroad.
On July 24, 2023, through Decree No. 377/2023, the PEN set forth that PAIS tax shall also be applied to the acquisition of
foreign currency for the payments of imports of goods and services, at a 7.5% rate for imports of goods and freight, and at a
25% for imports of services. This tax extension does not apply to imports of goods related to power generation.
On December 13, 2023, through Decree No. 29/2023, the PEN increased the rates under PAIS tax applicable to the acquisition
of foreign currency for the payment of imports of goods and freight to 17.50%.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-86
On September 2, 2024, through Presidential Decree No. 777/2024, the Executive reduced to 7.50% the PAIS tax rate applicable
to the acquisition of foreign currency for the payment of imports of goods and freight.
As of the date of these consolidated financial statements, the PAIS tax is no longer in effect, as its validity ended on December
22, 2024, in accordance with Law No. 27,541.
C- Mexico
30.4 Income tax
On October 31, 2019, the Mexican government approved the tax reform. This reform includes the following:
(i)
It limited the deductibility of net interest for the year, equal to the amount resulting from multiplying the taxpayer’s
adjusted taxable profit by 30%. There is an exception with a cap of 20 million Mexican pesos for deductible interest at the
group level in Mexico.
(ii) It amended the Mexican Tax Code (“CFF” by Spanish acronym) to add new circumstances by virtue of which partners,
shareholders, directors, managers or any other person in charge of a company’s management are considered joint and severally
liable.
(iii) the requirement to disclose “reportable schemes” by tax advisors or taxpayers. These schemes are defined as those that
generate, or may generate, a tax benefit and include restructurings, transmission of NOLs, transfer of depreciated assets that
may also be depreciated by the acquirer, the use of NOLs about to become statute-barred and abuse in the application of tax
treaties with foreign residents, among others.
(iv) the considered an organized crime with the related criminal penalties.
The aforementioned reform is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2020.
The Company’s Management concluded that this reform had no major effects on the consolidated financial information as of
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
Note 31. Share-based payments
On March 22, 2018, the Company’s shareholders authorized that the LTIP be implemented to retain key personnel. Thus, the
Board was empowered to manage the plan through an administrative trust. To such end, it set up a reserve of 8,750,000 Series
A shares to be used in the plan; effective as from April 4, 2018.
The plan has the following benefits paid to certain executives and employees that are considered share-based payments:
31.1 Stock Options
The stock option plan grants the participant the right to acquire a number of shares during a certain term. Stock options will be
vested as follows: (i) 33% during the first year; (ii) 33% during the second year, and (iii) 34% during the third year in relation
to the date in which stock options are granted to participants. Once acquired, stock options may be exercised up to 5 or 10 years
as from grant date. The plan establishes that the value of the shares to be granted will be determined using Black & Scholes
model.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-87
The following table shows the number of stock options granted, cancelled and the weighted average exercise price
(“WAEP”) for the year:
Year ended December 31,
2024
Year ended December 31,
2023
Year ended December 31,
2022
Number of
rights to buy
WAEP
Number of
rights to buy
WAEP
Number of
rights to buy
WAEP
At beginning of year
9,865,245
5.98
10,540,228
5.15
9,124,109
4.85
Granted during the year
394,201
29.71
513,379
17.83
1,416,119
7.05
Cancelled during the year (1)
(20,029)
6.21
(1,188,362)
3.68
-
-
At end of year
10,239,417
6.89
9,865,245
5.98
10,540,228
5.15
(1) Related to stock options annulled or cancelled for the year, which has no relation with the options exercised.
The plan established that the value of the options to be granted will be determined using Black & Scholes Model.
The following table shows the inputs used for the plan for the year:
As of December 31,
2024
As of December 31,
2023
As of December 31,
2022
Dividend yield (%)
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
Expected volatility (%)
32.1%
31.4%
33.5%
Risk–free interest rate (%)
4.1%
3.9%
1.9%
Expected life of share options (years)
10
10
10
Weighted average exercise price (USD)
29.71
17.83
7.05
Model used
Black & Scholes
Black & Scholes
Black & Scholes
The remainder life of stock options is based on historical data and current expectations and is not necessarily an indication of
the potential exercise patterns. Expected volatility shows the assumption that historical volatility in a period similar to the life
of options is an indication of future trends, that may not be necessarily the actual result.
The weighted average fair value of options granted during the year ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 stood as 15.07,
8.99, and 3.26, respectively.
According to IFRS 2, stock option plans are classified as settled transactions at grant date.
For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, compensation expense related with such plan are booked in the
consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income stood at 5,316, 4,553, and 3,673, respectively.
31.2 Restricted stock
The restricted stock that are given to the participants of the plan for free or a minimum value once the conditions are achieved.
Restricted Stock is vested as follows: (i) 33% the first year; (ii) 33% the second year; and (iii) 34% the third year with respect
to the date in which the Restricted Stock are granted to the participants.
The following table shows the number of restricted stock granted, cancelled and WAEP for the year:
Year ended December
31, 2024
Year ended December 31,
2023
Year ended December
31, 2022
Number of
Series A
shares
WAEP
Number of
Series A
shares
WAEP
Number of
Series A
shares
WAEP
At beginning of year
6,633,364
6.18
6,669,790
4.89
5,762,338
4.53
Granted during the year
267,033
32.17
519,025
17.83
940,215
7.05
Cancelled during the year (1)
(704,741)
5.96
(555,451)
2.13
(32,763)
2.95
At end of year
6,195,656
7.33
6,633,364
6.18
6,669,790
4.89
(1) Related to restricted stock annulled or cancelled for the year, which has no relation with the restricted stock vested.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-88
For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, compensation expense related with such plan are booked in the
consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income stood at 8,822, 8,839, and 6,372, respectively.
According to IFRS 2, restricted stock plan are classified as settled transactions at grant date. This assessment is the result of
multiplying the total number of Series A shares to be deposited in the administrative trust and the price per share.
31.3 Performance restricted stock
The performance restricted stock that are given to the participants of the plan for free or a minimum value once the conditions
are achieved. Performance restricted stock is vested, based on the performance of different Company´s variables, in the third
year with respect to the date in which the Restricted Stock are granted to the participants.
The following table shows the number of performance restricted stock granted and WAEP for the year:
Year ended December
31, 2024
Year ended December
31, 2023
Year ended December
31, 2022
Number of
Series A
shares
WAEP
Number of
Series A
shares
WAEP
Number of
Series A
shares
WAEP
At beginning of year
5,123,346
10.03
3,705,757
7.05
-
-
Granted during the year
422,941
30.00
1,417,589
17.83
3,705,757
7.05
Cancelled during the year (1)
(21,277)
7.05
-
-
-
-
At end of year
5,525,010
11.57
5,123,346
10.03
3,705,757
7.05
(1) Related to performance restricted stock annulled or cancelled for the year, which has no relation with the performance restricted stock vested .
For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, compensation expense related with such plan are booked in the
consolidated statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income stood at 20,785, 9,741 and 6,531, respectively.
According to IFRS 2, performance restricted stock are classified as settled transactions at grant date. This assessment is the
result of multiplying the total number of Series A shares to be deposited in the administrative trust and the price per share.
Note 32. Supplementary information on oil and gas activities (unaudited)
The following information on Crude oil and Natural gas activities was prepared according to the method established in ASC
932 "Extractive Activities – Oil & gas", amended by ASU 2010 - 03 "Oil and Gas Reserve Estimation and Disclosure,"
published by the Financial Accounting Standard Board (“FASB”) in January 2010 to align current estimation and disclosure
requirements with the requirements in the final rules and interpretations issued by the Security and Exchange Commission
(“SEC”), published on December 31, 2008. This information includes the Company’s Crude oil and Natural gas production
activities in Argentina and Mexico.
Costs incurred
The following table shows capitalized costs and expenses incurred in the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. The
acquisition of properties includes the costs incurred to acquire proved or unproved oil and gas properties. Exploration costs
include the costs required to retain undeveloped properties, seismic acquisition costs, seismic data interpretation, geologic
modelling, costs of drilling exploration wells and drilled well testing. Development costs include drilling costs and equipment
for development wells, the construction of facilities for hydrocarbon extraction, transport, treatment and storage, and all the
costs needed to maintain facilities for existing developed reserves.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-89
Year ended
December 31, 2024
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
Argentina
Mexico
Argentina
Mexico
Argentina Mexico
Acquisition of properties
Proved
-
-
-
-
(68,743)
-
Unproved
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total acquisition of properties
-
-
-
-
(68,743)
-
Exploration
-
(624)
Development (1)
(1,055,599)
(2,472) (615,481)
(17,283) (426,991)
(4,368)
Total costs incurred
(1,055,599)
(2,472) (615,481)
(17,283) (495,734)
(4,992)
(1) Including the re-estimation of well plugging and abandonment (Note 13).
VISTA incurred no costs in entities recognized under the equity method during the aforementioned periods.
Capitalized cost
The following table shows capitalized costs during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, for proved and
unproved Crude oil and Natural gas reserves, and accumulated depreciation:
Year ended
December 31, 2024
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
Argentina
Mexico Argentina
Mexico
Argentina Mexico
Proved properties
Machinery, facilities, software licenses and
other
97,126
928
79,566
928
71,839
723
Oil & gas properties and wells (1) (2)
3,697,835
42,436
2,521,781
36,146 2,108,966
40,381
Works in progress
189,261
1,946
121,808
1,207
148,964
4,984
Gross capitalized costs
3,984,222
45,310
2,723,155
38,281 2,329,769
46,088
Cumulative depreciation
(1,268,049)
(6,566)
(842,024)
(4,006) (773,424)
(2,972)
Total net capitalized costs
2,716,173
38,744
1,881,131
34,275 1,556,345
43,116
(1) Including the re-estimation of well plugging and abandonment (Note 13).
(2) For the year ended December 31, 2024, including a reversal of impairment of long-lived assets of 4,207 in Mexico. For the year ended December 31, 2023,
including impairment of long-lived assets 1,679 in Argentina and 22,906 in Mexico (Note 3.2.2).
VISTA incurred no costs in entities recognized under the equity method during the aforementioned periods.
Results of operations
The following breakdown of results of operations summarizes income and expenses directly related to Crude oil and Natural
gas production for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. Income tax for these periods was calculated using
statutory tax rates.
Year ended
December 31, 2024
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
Revenue from contracts with customers
1,647,768
1,168,774
1,187,660
Total revenue
1,647,768
1,168,774
1,187,660
Production costs excluding depreciation
Operating and other costs
(114,806)
(96,743)
(133,885)
Royalties and others
(243,950)
(176,813)
(188,677)
Other non-cash costs related to the transfer of
conventional assets
(33,570)
(27,539)
-
Total production costs
(392,326)
(301,095)
(322,562)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(437,699)
(276,430)
(234,862)
Exploration expenses
-
-
(624)
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-90
Year ended
December 31, 2024
Year ended
December 31, 2023
Year ended
December 31, 2022
Discount for well plugging and abandonment
liabilities
(1,312)
(2,387)
(2,444)
Impairment of long-lived assets
4,207
(24,585)
-
Operating profit before income tax
820,638
564,277
627,168
Income tax
(246,191)
(169,283)
(188,150)
Crude oil & Natural gas operating profit
574,447
394,994
439,018
VISTA incurred no costs in entities recognized under the equity method during the aforementioned periods.
Estimated Crude oil and Natural gas reserves
Proved reserves as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, are net reserves attributable to Vista certificated by DeGolyer and
MacNaughton for the assets located in Argentina, and Mexico.
Proved Crude oil and Natural gas reserves are the quantities of Crude oil and Natural gas which, by analysis of geoscience and
engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible, from a given date forward, from
known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations prior to the time at
which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless
of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation. The project to extract the hydrocarbons must
have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will commence the project within a reasonable time. In
some cases, substantial investments may be required in related wells and facilities to recover proved reserves.
The Company considers that its remaining estimated volumes of Crude oil and Natural gas proved recoverable reserves are fair
and that these estimates were prepared according to SEC regulations and ASC 932, as amended. Consequently, Crude oil prices
used in determining proved reserves were the average price during the 12 months prior to the end date of December 31, 2024,
and 2023, respectively, determined as an unweighted average of the first day of the month for each month within these periods.
Moreover, since there are no Natural gas prices available in the benchmark market in Argentina, VISTA used the average
Natural gas prices for the year to determine Natural gas reserves. In addition, for certain Natural gas volumes, Vista will obtain
an incentive price subsidized by the Argentine government through “Gas Plan IV”. A weighted average price is estimated for
certain areas per subsidized and unsubsidized volume.
The independent certificators carried out by DeGolyer and MacNaughton as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 in Argentina and
Mexico, covered all the estimated reserves located in the areas operated and not operated by the Company.
In all cases, were audit the estimated reserves according to Rule 4-10 of Regulation S-X issued by the SEC, and according to
the provisions for disclosing Crude oil and Natural gas reserves under FASB ASC 932. We provided all the information
requested during the audit processes. In Argentina royalties paid to the provinces have not been deducted from reported proved
reserves. Gas includes gas sale and consumption.
The volumes of liquid hydrocarbons represent Crude oil, condensate, gasoline and LPG to be recovered in field separation and
plant processing and are reported in million barrels (“MMBbl”) The volumes of Natural gas represent expected gas sales and
the use of fuel in the field and are reported in billion cubic feet (“Bcf”) (109) in standard conditions of 14.7 psia and 60°F. Gas
volumes arise from the separation and processing in the field, which are reduced by injection, venting and shrinkage, and
include the volume of Natural gas consumed in the field for production. Natural gas reserves were converted into liquid
equivalent using the conversion factor of 5.615 cubic feet of Natural gas per 1 barrel of liquid equivalent.
The following tables show proved oil reserves, net (including Crude oil, condensate oil and LPG) and Natural gas reserves,
net, as of December 31, 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021 according to VISTA’s interest percentage in the related concessions:
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-91
Proved reserves as of December 31, 2024
Argentina
Crude oil (1)
Natural gas
Natural gas
Categories of reserves
(MMBbl)
(Bcf)
(MMBbl equivalent)
Proved developed
107.0
109.0
19.4
Proved undeveloped
208.2
173.2
30.8
Total proved reserves
315.2
282.2
50.2
Mexico
Crude oil (1)
Natural gas
Natural gas
Categories of reserves
(MMBbl)
(Bcf)
(MMBbl equivalent)
Proved developed
2.1
4.0
0.7
Proved undeveloped
5.3
9.4
1.7
Total proved reserves
7.4
13.4
2.4
Proved reserves as of December 31, 2023
Argentina
Crude oil (1)
Natural gas
Natural gas
Categories of reserves
(MMBbl)
(Bcf)
(MMBbl equivalent)
Proved developed
71.0
85.5
15.2
Proved undeveloped
191.3
173.3
30.9
Total proved reserves
262.3
258.8
46.1
Mexico
Crude oil (1)
Natural gas
Natural gas
Categories of reserves
(MMBbl)
(Bcf)
(MMBbl equivalent)
Proved developed
1.8
4.5
0.8
Proved undeveloped
5.5
11.4
2.0
Total proved reserves
7.3
15.9
2.8
Proved reserves as of December 31, 2022
Argentina
Crude oil (1)
Natural gas
Natural gas
Categories of reserves
(MMBbl)
(Bcf)
(MMBbl equivalent)
Proved developed
68.3
99.2
17.7
Proved undeveloped
136.8
139.7
24.8
Total proved reserves
205.1
238.9
42.5
Mexico
Crude oil (1)
Natural gas
Natural gas
Categories of reserves
(MMBbl)
(Bcf)
(MMBbl equivalent)
Proved developed
0.2
0.1
0.0
Proved undeveloped
2.7
5.9
1.1
Total proved reserves
2.9
6.0
1.1
Proved reserves as of December 31, 2021
Argentina
Crude oil (1)
Natural gas
Natural gas
Categories of reserves
(MMBbl)
(Bcf)
(MMBbl equivalent)
Proved developed
48.2
90.8
16.2
Proved undeveloped
95.1
99.4
17.7
Total proved reserves
143.3
190.2
33.9
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-92
Mexico
Crude oil (1)
Natural gas
Natural gas
Categories of reserves
(MMBbl)
(Bcf)
(MMBbl equivalent)
Proved developed
0.3
0.2
0.0
Proved undeveloped
3.0
6.0
1.1
Total proved reserves
3.3
6.2
1.1
(1) It refers to Crude oil, condensate, and LPG.
The following table shows the reconciliation of the Company’s reserve data between December 31, 2023, and December 31,
2024:
Argentina
Crude oil (1)
Natural gas
Natural gas
(MMBbl)
(Bcf)
(MMBbl equivalent)
Proved reserves (developed and undeveloped)
Reserves as of December 31, 2023
262.3
258.8
46.1
Increase (decrease) attributable to:
Review of prior estimates (2)
1.4
(5.2)
(0.9)
Extensions and discoveries (3)
73.5
49.2
8.7
Production for the year (4)
(22.0)
(20.6)
(3.7)
Reserves as of December 31, 2024 (5)
315.2
282.2
50.2
(1) It refers to Crude oil, condensate, and LPG.
(2) The changes from prior-estimate revisions of proved developed and undeveloped Crude oil reserves (+1.4 MMbbl) are mainly related to:
(a) in connection with the developed reserve: (i) results of well tests for Aguada Federal (-0.21 MMbbl); (ii) Aguila Mora (-0.47 MMbbl); (iii) Bajada del Palo
Este (-0.96 MMbbl); (iv) Bajada del Palo Oeste (-0.60 MMbbl); (v) Bajada del Palo Oeste (Farmout Agreement I and II) (-0.66 MMbbl and -0.42 MMbbl)
respectively; (vi) other fields (-0.24 MMbbl); (vii) positive results in Bajada del Palo Este (+3.02 MMbbl); Bajada del Palo Oeste (+1.63 MMbbl); and (viii)
combined effect of other fields (+0.59 MMbbl).
(b) in connection with the undeveloped reserve: (i) changes in the development plan in Bajada del Palo Este (-0.11 MMbbl); and (ii) the combined effect of
other fields (-0.17 MMbbl).
The changes from prior-estimate revisions of proved developed and undeveloped Natural gas reserves (-5.2 Bcf) are mainly related to:
(a) in connection with the developed reserve: (i) decreased activity in Bajada del Palo Este (-3.59 Bcf); (ii) lower performance and adjustment of the gas/oil
ratio (“GOR”) in the wells of Bajada del Palo Oeste (-8.49 Bcf); and (iii) effect of other fields (-1.43 MMbbl). The positive results are related to wells in
Aguada Federal (+0.73 Bcf); Bajada del Palo Este (+2.07 Bcf); Baja del Palo Oeste (+1.91 Bcf); Entre Lomas in Rio Negro Province (+3.42 Bcf) and combined
effect of other fields (+2.57 Bcf).
(b) in connection with the undeveloped reserve: (i) they are related to an update in Aguada Federal due to the latest well results (-0.82 Bcf); and (ii) decrease
in the development activities in Bajada del Palo Este, Bajada del Oeste, Bajada del Oeste and fields operated by Aconcagua (-1.5 Bcf).
(3) The changes in the proved developed and undeveloped reserves due to the extension and discovery of Crude oil (+73.5 MMbbl) and Natural gas (+49.2
Bcf) are mainly related to:
(a) in connection with the developed reserve: the increase are related: (i) the drilling success in Vaca Muerta formation of Aguada Federal with a 1 pad (3
wells) incorporating (+2.68 MMbbl y +2.25 Bcf); (ii) Bajada del Palo Este with a 2 pad (8 wells) (+6.80 MMbbl y +3.52 Bcf); (iii) a 4 pad (13 wells) in Bajada
del Palo Oeste incorporating (+15.98 MMbbl y +14.66 Bcf).
Also, there is a neutral effect from the conversion of proved undeveloped reserves to proved developed reserves generated by: (i) the drilling success in Vaca
Muerta formation of 5 pads (21 wells) in Bajada del Palo Oeste adding (+24.99 MMbbl y +23.36 Bcf); (ii) the addition of 2 pads (5 wells) in Bajada del Palo
Este incorporating (+5.61 MMbbl y +2.82 Bcf); as well as (iii) the recategorizations in Bajada del Palo Oeste (Farmout Agreement I and II) adding (+0.32
MMbbl y +0.29 Bcf ).
(b) in connection with the undeveloped reserve enable by the activity of drilling in Vaca Muerta formation of: (i) Aguada Federal adding (+4.11 MMbbl y
+3.48 Bcf), Bajada del Palo Este totaling (+24.29 MMbbl y +12.55 Bcf), and Bajada del Palo Oeste, totaling (+19.64 MMbbl y +12.72 Bcf).
(4) Considering Vista Argentina’s output.
(5) Reserves included in this note have been rounded for ease of presentation. For this reason, certain calculations may have nonmaterial differences in the
sums.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-93
Mexico
Crude oil (1)
Natural gas
Natural gas
(MMBbl)
(Bcf)
(MMBbl
equivalent)
Proved reserves (developed and undeveloped)
Reserves as of December 31, 2023
7.3
15.9
2.8
Increase (decrease) attributable to:
Review of prior estimates (2)
0.3
(2.4)
(0.4)
Production for the year (3)
(0.2)
(0.0)
(0.0)
Reserves as of December 31, 2024 (4)
7.4
13.4
2.4
(1) It refers to Crude oil, condensate, and LPG.
(2) The changes from prior-estimate revisions of proved developed and undeveloped Crude oil reserves (+0.3 MMbbl) and Natural gas (-2.4 Bcf) are mainly
related to:
(a) in connection with the developed reserve: (i) increase of (+0.53 MMbbl) mainly related with successful performance of wells V-1051 and V-1052 and the
last drilling campaign of wells V-1001, V-1002, V-1004 and V-1006; partially offset by (ii) a negative revision due to the adjustment of GOR measured in the
block resulting in a discount of (-0.39 Bcf).
(b) in connection with the undeveloped reserve: (i) (-0.22 MMbbl and -2.05 Bcf) due to the change in PUD development plan due to the latest results in the
drilling campaign.
(3) Considering Vista Holding II’s output.
(4) Reserves included in this note have been rounded for ease of presentation. For this reason, certain calculations may have nonmaterial differences in the
sums.
The following table shows the reconciliation of the Company’s reserve data between December 31, 2022, and December 31,
2023:
Argentina
Crude oil (1)
Natural gas
Natural gas
(MMBbl)
(Bcf)
(MMBbl
equivalent)
Proved reserves (developed and undeveloped)
Reserves as of December 31, 2022
205.1
238.9
42.5
Increase (decrease) attributable to:
Review of prior estimates (2)
(8.2)
(27.8)
(4.9)
Extensions and discoveries (3)
86.5
65.5
11.7
Purchases/sales of onsite proved reserves (4)
(5.4)
(2.6)
(0.5)
Production for the year (5)
(15.7)
(15.1)
(2.7)
Reserves as of December 31, 2023 (6)
262.3
258.8
46.1
(1) It refers to Crude oil, condensate, and LPG.
(2) The changes from prior-estimate revisions of proved developed and undeveloped Crude oil reserves (-8.2 MMbbl) are mainly related to:
(a) in connection with the developed reserve: (i) results of well tests for Aguada Federal (-0.54 MMbbl); (ii) Bajada del Palo Este (-0.71 MMbbl); (iii) Bajada
del Palo Oeste (-0.43 MMbbl); (iv) Bajada del Palo Oeste (Farmout Agreement II) (-1.26 MMbbl) especially in wells targeting the organic horizon; (v) CAN
(-0.31 MMbbl) and the negative revision due to the retroactive adjustment of LPG plant in Entre Lomas Río Negro (-0.88 MMbbl); (vi) positive results in
Bajada del Palo Este (+0.38 MMbbl); Bajada del Palo Oeste (+0.33 MMbbl); Bajada del Palo Oeste (Farmout Agreement II) (+0.77 MMbbl); (vii) combined
effect of other fields (-0.06 MMbbl); and (viii) due to price changes (-0.4 MMbbl) effect.
(b) in connection with the undeveloped reserve: (i) they are related to an adjustment in Aguada Federal due to the latest well results (-5.82 MMbbl); (ii) the
potential combined effect of other fields and rounding (+0.73 MMbbl), which includes the revision of reserves associated with the extension of the economic
life of proved developed reserves in unconventional Bajada del Palo Oeste (Farmout Agreement I and II).
The changes from prior-estimate revisions of proved developed and undeveloped Natural gas reserves (-27.8 Bcf) are mainly related to:
(a) in connection with the developed reserve: (i) they are associated with the lower performance and adjustment of the GOR in the wells of Aguada Federal (-
4.3 Bcf), Bajada del Palo Este (-2.62 Bcf), Bajada del Palo Oeste (-4.51 Bcf), Bajada del Palo Oeste NOC (-3.61 Bcf), Bajada del Palo Oeste (Farmout
Agreement I) (-3.28 Bcf), and Bajada del Palo Oeste (Farmout Agreement II) (-1.44 Bcf); (ii) for price changes, the variation was (-0.41 Bcf); and (iii) the
rest due to the effect of other fields (-1.75 Bcf).
(b) in connection with the undeveloped reserve: (i) they are related to an update in Aguada Federal due to the latest well results (-6.58 Bcf); (ii) the potential
combined effect of other fields and rounding (+0.70 Bcf), which includes the revision of reserves associated with the extension of the economic life of proved
developed reserves in conventional Bajada del Palo Oeste, Bajada del Oeste, Bajada del Oeste (Farmout Agreement I), and Bajada del Oeste (Farmout
Agreement II).
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-94
(3) The changes in the proved developed and undeveloped reserves due to the extension and discovery of Crude oil (+86.5 MMbbl) and Natural gas (+65.5
Bcf) are mainly related to:
(a) in connection with the developed reserve: (i) the drilling success in Vaca Muerta formation of Bajada del Oeste with a pad (3 wells) adding (+3.18 MMbbl
and +3.19 Bcf); (ii) a pad (4 wells) in Bajada del Palo Oeste (Farmout Agreement II), incorporating (+2.7 MMbbl and +2.45 Bcf); (iii) a pad (4 wells) in
Aguada Federal adding (+1.16 MMbbl and +1.44 Bcf), another pad (2 wells) in Águila Mora, adding (+1.51 MMbbl and +1.15 Bcf); and (iv) two wells in
Bajada del Palo Este totaling (+3.10 MMbbl and +0.8 Bcf).
Also, there is a neutral effect from the conversion of proved undeveloped reserves to proved developed reserves generated by: (i) the drilling success in Vaca
Muerta formation of 2 pads (8 wells) in Bajada del Palo Oeste adding (+7.84 MMbbl and +7.90 Bcf); (ii) the addition of 2 pads (8 wells) in Bajada del Palo
Oeste (Farmout Agreement II), incorporating (+6.94 MMbbl and +6.99 Bcf); as well as (iii) the drilling in a well in Entre Lomas Río Negro adding (+0.22
MMbbl and +2.06 Bcf).
(b) in connection with the undeveloped reserve enable by the activity of drilling in Vaca Muerta formation of: (i) 4 pads (15 wells) in Aguada Federal adding
(+9.09 MMbbl and +9.09 Bcf), 11 pads (24 wells) in Bajada del Palo Este totaling (+28.91 MMbbl and +12.05 Bcf), 9 pads (33 wells) in Bajada del Palo
Oeste, totaling (+36.85 MMbbl and +35.33 Bcf).
(4) The changes in the purchase of Crude oil (-5.4 MMbbl) and Natural gas (-2.6 Bcf) are mainly related to the agreement signed with Aconcagua mentioned
in Note 3.2.7.
(5) Considering Vista Argentina’s output.
(6) Reserves included in this note have been rounded for ease of presentation. For this reason, certain calculations may have nonmaterial differences in the
sums.
Mexico
Crude oil (1)
Natural gas
Natural gas
(MMBbl)
(Bcf)
(MMBbl
equivalent)
Proved reserves (developed and undeveloped)
Reserves as of December 31, 2022
2.9
6.0
1.1
Increase (decrease) attributable to:
Review of prior estimates (2)
4.6
10.0
1.7
Production for the year (3)
(0.2)
(0.1)
(0.0)
Reserves as of December 31, 2023 (4)
7.3
15.9
2.8
(1) It refers to Crude oil, condensate, and LPG.
(2) The changes from prior-estimate revisions of proved developed and undeveloped Crude oil reserves (+4.6 MMbbl) are mainly related to:
(a) in connection with the developed reserve: (i) due to the extension of (+0.2 MMbbl) from the successful drilling of two new Vernet-1051 and 1052 blocks;
and (ii) the rounding effect (-0.1 MMbbl).
(b) in connection with the undeveloped reserve: (i) (+0.5 MMbbl) due to the latest drilling and discovery campaigns in Amate and Encajonado formations;
(ii) an increase of (+3.1 MMbbl) because cash-paid royalties for reserves and production volumes are not discounted; and (iii) an increase due to the extension
of acreage from the drilling campaign in the same blocks with Vernet-1053 and 1054 wells, resulting in an increase of (+0.9 MMbbl).
The changes from prior-estimate revisions of proved developed and undeveloped Natural gas reserves (10.0 Bcf) are mainly related to:
(a) in connection with the developed reserve: (i) The lower performance and price decrease (-0.4 Bcf); and (ii) due to the extension of (+3.3 Bcf) from the
successful drilling of two new Vernet-1051 and 1052 blocks.
(b) in connection with the undeveloped reserve: (i) an increase of (+6.4 Bcf) because cash-paid royalties for reserves and production volumes are not
discounted; and (ii) an increase due to the extension of acreage from the drilling campaign in the same blocks with Vernet-1053 and 1054 wells, resulting in
an increase of (+0.7 Bcf).
In addition, there is a neutral effect from the conversion of proved undeveloped reserves to proved developed reserves generated by: (i) the successful drilling
campaign of Vernet-1001, 1002, 1004, 1005, and 1006 (+1.65 MMbbl and +1.67 Bcf).
(3) Considering Vista Holding II’s output.
(4) Reserves included in this note have been rounded for ease of presentation. For this reason, certain calculations may have nonmaterial differences in the
sums
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-95
The following table shows the reconciliation of the Company’s reserve data between December 31, 2021, and December 31,
2022:
Argentina
Crude oil (1)
Natural gas
Natural gas
(MMBbl)
(Bcf)
(MMBbl
equivalent)
Proved reserves (developed and undeveloped)
Reserves as of December 31, 2021
143.3
190.2
33.9
Increase (decrease) attributable to:
Review of prior estimates (2)
9.1
0.9
0.2
Extensions and discoveries (3)
65.4
62.0
11.0
Purchases of onsite proved reserves (4)
2.0
2.0
0.4
Production for the year (5)
(14.6)
(16.3)
(2.9)
Reserves as of December 31, 2022 (6)
205.1
238.9
42.5
(1) It refers to Crude oil, condensate, and LPG.
(2) The changes from prior-estimate revisions of proved developed and undeveloped Crude oil reserves (+9.1MMbbl) are mainly related to:
(a) in connection with the developed reserve: (i) the enhanced performance of the 32 production wells targeting Vaca Muerta unconventional in Bajada del
Palo Oeste concession (+4.78 MMbbl); (ii) the 28 wells drilled in 2022 targeting Vaca Muerta unconventional reservoir in Bajada del Palo Oeste concession,
which comprises the farmout I agreement mentioned in Note 29.2.1. (+2.54 MMbbl); (iii) a combined negative effect from other plots of land (-0.62 MMbbl);
(iv) a price revision for (+0.75 MMbbl).
(b) in connection with the undeveloped reserve: (i) the unconventional Bajada del Palo Oeste concession were revised up, due to a lateral length adjustment,
which had no effect on the type well (+0.87 MMbbl); (ii) the Entre Lomas Rio Negro concession were also revised up due to the addition of a well in Charco
Bayo oilfield targeting Tordillo and Punta Rosada formations (+0.31 MMbbl); (iii) an upward revision was also made in the development plan of Jagüel de
los Machos block due to the addition of 2 (two) wells and 2 (two) workovers (+0.12 MMbbl); (iv) minor changes in the activity of 25 de Mayo-Medanito
block (+0.05 MMbbl); (v) in Bajada del Palo Oeste concession, a downward revision was made related to the removal of two wells targeting Lotena
conventional formation (-0.28 MMbbl); and (vi) a price revision for (+0.58 MMbbl).
The changes from prior-estimate revisions of proved developed and undeveloped Natural gas reserves (+0.9 Bcf) are mainly related to:
(a) in connection with the developed reserve: (i) the enhanced performance GOR adjustment based on the latest trial results of the 32 unconventional production
wells in Bajada del Palo Oeste concession (+4.83 Bcf); (ii) reduced performance of conventional wells in Bajada del Palo Oeste concession (-2.52 Bcf); (iii)
a minor performance in Natural gas wells in Charco Bayo and Piedras Blancas in ELo Río Negro concession (-4.81 Bcf); (iv) a practically null combined
effect in the remainder plots of land (-0.38 Bcf); and (v) a price revisions for (+2.54 Bcf).
(b) in connection with the undeveloped reserve: (i) the unconventional Bajada del Palo Oeste concession were revised up, due to a lateral length adjustment,
which had no effect on the type well (+1.00 Bcf); (ii) the Elo Río Negro concession were also revised up due to the addition of a well in Charco Bayo oilfield
targeting Tordillo and Punta Rosada formations (+1.34 Bcf); (iii) an upward revision was also made in the development plan of Jagüel de los Machos block
due to the addition of 2 wells and 2 workovers (+0.13 Bcf); (iv) minor changes in the activity of 25 de Mayo-Medanito block (+0.02 Bcf); (v) in Bajada del
Palo Oeste concession, a downward revision was made related to the removal of two wells targeting Lotena conventional formation (-2.21 Bcf); and (vi) a
price revisions for (+0.96 Bcf).
(3) The changes in the proved developed and undeveloped reserves due to the extension and discovery of Crude oil (+65.4 MMbbl) and Natural gas (+62.0
Bcf) are mainly related to:
(a) in connection with the developed reserve: (i) the drilling of 16 wells (4 pads) targeting Vaca Muerta formation in Bajada del Palo Oeste concession (+13.44
MMbbl, and +12.30 Bcf): (ii) the drilling of 12 (twelve) wells targeting Vaca Muerta formation in Aguada Federal concession (+7.73 MMbbl, and +8.36 Bcf);
(iii) the drilling of 2 wells (1 pad) in Bajada del Palo Este targeting Vaca Muerta (+2.75 MMbbl, and +0.89 Bcf).
(b) in connection with the undeveloped reserve: (i) the drilling of 13 wells (4 pads) targeting Vaca Muerta formation in Bajada del Palo Oeste concession
(+14.08 MMbbl, +13.91 Bcf); (ii) the drilling of 2 (two) wells (1 pad) in Bajada del Palo Este (+2.71 MMbbl, and +1.39 Bcf); and (iii) the drilling of 28
(twenty-eight) wells (13 pads) in Aguada Federal (+24.69 MMbbl, and +25.15 Bcf).
(4) The changes in the purchase of Crude oil (+2.00 MMbbl) and Natural gas (+2.00 Bcf) reserves are mainly related to the farmout II agreement signed with
Trafigura mentioned in Note 29.2.1.2. As of December 31, 2021, 4 wells were proved undeveloped and the 4 wells were unproved. As of December 31,
2022, the 8 wells are undeveloped proved.
(5) Considering Vista Argentina’s output.
(6) Natural gas internal consumption stood at 11.1% as of December 31, 2022.
(7) Reserves included in this note have been rounded for ease of presentation. For this reason, certain calculations that appear in this note may not sum due to
rounding.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-96
Mexico
Crude oil (1)
Natural gas
Natural gas
(MMBbl)
(Bcf)
(MMBbl
equivalent)
Proved reserves (developed and undeveloped)
Reserves as of December 31, 2021
3.3
6.2
1.1
Increase (decrease) attributable to:
Review of prior estimates (2)
(0.3)
(0.1)
(0.0)
Production for the year (3)
(0.2)
(0.1)
(0.0)
Reserves as of December 31, 2022 (4)
2.9
6.0
1.1
(1) It refers to Crude oil, condensate, and LNG.
(2) The revisions of proved developed Crude oil and condensate and Natural gas reserves are related to an enhanced performance of wells (0.05 MMbbl) and
the latest GOR trends (-0.04 Bcf). The changes in the proved undeveloped Crude oil, condensate and Natural gas reserves (-0.34 MMbbl, -0.02 Bcf) are related
to an adjustment of the type of curve after profit or loss from Vernet-1001 well.
(3) Considering Vista Holding II’s output.
(4) Reserves included in this note have been rounded for ease of presentation. For this reason, certain calculations that appear in this note may not sum due to
rounding.
Standardized measure of future discounted cash flow (net)
The following table describes estimated future cash flows from the future production of proved developed and undeveloped
reserves of Crude oil, condensate, LPG and Natural gas. As established by SEC Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting rules
and ASC 932 of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) relating to Extractive Activities—Oil and Gas
(formerly SFAS 69 Disclosures about Oil and Gas Producing Activities), these cash flows were estimated using the twelve-
month average of the first day-of-the-month benchmark prices as adjusted for location and quality differentials and using a
10% annual discount factor. Future development and abandonment costs include estimated drilling costs, development and
exploitation facilities and abandonment costs. These future development costs were estimated based on VISTA assessments.
Future income tax was calculated by applying the statutory tax rates effective in Argentina in each period.
This standardized measure is not intended to be, and should not be, interpreted as an estimate of the market value of the
Company’s reserves. The purpose of this information is to provide standardized data to help the users of the financial statements
to compare different companies and make certain projections. This information does not include, among others, the effect of
future changes in price costs and tax rates, which past experience shows that they are likely to occur, and the effect of the future
cash flows of reserves that have not been classified as proved reserves yet, of a discount factor that best represents the value of
money over time and of the risks inherent in Crude oil and Natural gas production. These future changes may have a major
impact on future net cash flows disclosed below. Therefore, this information does not necessarily show the Company’s
perception on future discounted cash flow, net, of the hydrocarbon reserve.
As of December 31,
2024 (1)
As of December 31,
2023 (1)
As of December 31,
2022 (1)
Future cash flows
23,298
18,771
16,118
Future production costs
(6,956)
(5,573)
(4,634)
Future development and abandonment costs
(4,244)
(3,198)
(2,142)
Future income tax
(4,249)
(3,477)
(3,009)
Discounted future net cash flows
7,849
6,523
6,333
10% annual discount
(3,817)
(3,133)
(3,092)
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash
flows
4,032
3,390
3,241
(1) Amounts expressed in millions of US Dollars (“MM USD”).
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-97
Changes in the standardized measure of future discounted cash flow (net)
The following table shows the changes in the standardized measure of future discounted cash flow, net, for the years ended
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022:
Year ended December
31, 2024 (1)
Year ended December
31, 2023 (1)
Year ended December
31, 2022 (1)
Standardized measure of future discounted cash flow,
net, at beginning of year
3,390
3,241
1,512
Net changes in selling prices and production costs related to
future production (2)
1,153
(314)
1,170
Net changes in estimated future development costs (3)
327
(3,642)
(2,632)
Net changes from revisions of workload estimates (4)
1,951
(220)
229
Net changes from extensions, discoveries and improvements
(5)
(1,165)
2,240
1,790
Cumulative discount
11
3,333
1,585
Net changes from on-site purchases and sales of minerals (6)
(777)
(131)
55
Sales of Crude oil, LPG and Natural gas produced, net of
production costs
-
841
820
Estimated development costs previously incurred
1,203
(669)
(460)
Net changes in income tax (7)
(2,061)
(1,289)
(852)
Other
-
-
24
Changes in the standardized measure of future
discounted cash flow for the year
642
149
1,729
Standardized measure of future discounted cash flow at
end of year
4,032
3,390
3,241
(1) Amounts expressed in MM USD.
(2) For the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily affected by an increase in the prices of Crude oil, petroleum condensate, Natural gas, and LPG in
Argentina, which increased from 66.50 USD/bbl to 69.44 USD/bbl of Crude oil, condensate, and C5+, from 25.40 USD/bbl to 25.72 USD/bbl of LPG, and
from 3.55 USD per thousand cubic foot (“USD/Kft3) to 3.89 USD/Kft3 of sales gas. Also, for the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily affected by a
decrease in the prices of Crude oil, petroleum condensate, Natural gas, and LPG in Argentina, which decreased from 72.32 USD/bbl to 66.50 USD/bbl of
Crude oil, condensate, and C5+, from 31.19 USD/bbl to 25.40 USD/bbl of LPG, and from 4.86 USD/ Kft3 to 3.55 USD/ Kft3 of sales gas.
(3) For the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, related to cost development revisions of the unconventional area of Bajada del Palo Oeste, Bajada del
Palo Este and Aguada Federal.
(4) For the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, mainly affected by the extension in the economic limits of assets due to a increase or decrease in the
prices of Crude oil, petroleum condensate, Natural gas and LPG, detailed in point (2).
(5) For the year ended December 31, 2024, mainly related to the extension of the proved area due to the addition of 52 wells in proved reserves in Bajada del
Palo Oeste area in Vaca Muerta formation with positive results, also related to the addition of proved reserves from the unconventional Bajada del Palo Este
area with 34 additional wells and a total of 15 wells were added in the unconventional Aguada. Also, for the year ended December 31, 2023, mainly related
to the extension of the proved area due to the addition of 40 wells in proved reserves in Bajada del Palo Oeste area in Vaca Muerta formation with positive
results. Also related to the addition of proved reserves from the unconventional Bajada del Palo Este area with 26 additional wells. A total of 19 wells were
added in the unconventional Aguada Federal area, and a 2-well pad was converted in Águila Mora from probable reserves to proved developed reserves.
(6) For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the agreement with Aconcagua is maintained, granting the operation as from March 1, 2023, with 60%
of the crude oil production on the following concessions: 25 de Mayo-Medanito S.E., Charco del Palenque, Entre Lomas Río Negro, Entre Lomas Neuquén,
Jagüel de los Machos and Jarilla Quemada. (Note 3.2.7).
(7) For the year ended December 31, 2024, and 2023, the change is due to the increase in income tax caused by higher expected revenue mainly from the
extensions and increases in hydrocarbon prices.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-98
Note 33. Subsequent events
The Company assessed events subsequent to December 31, 2024, to determine the need of a potential recognition or disclosure
in these consolidated financial statements. The Company assessed such events through April 9, 2025, date in which these
financial statements were made available for issue.
- On January 2, 2025, Vista Argentina signed a loan agreement with Banco de la Nacion Argentina in ARS for an amount
equivalent of 43,584, at an annual interest rate of 32.88%, with expiration date as of March 31, 2025. The loan was settled
upon maturity for a total amount of principal and interest of 45,241.
- On January 6, 2025, Vista Argentina paid interest for an amount of 114 corresponding to loan agreements signed with Banco
Santander International in July 2021 and January 2022.
- On January 6 and March 18, 2025, under the VMOS agreement, Vista Argentina made payments to VMOS S.A. for 16,690
and 11,960, respectively (Note 1.2.3.2).
- On January 8, 2025, Vista Argentina paid principal and interest for a total amount of 144 corresponding to loan agreement
signed with Banco Patagonia S.A.
- On January 8, 2025, Vista Argentina paid interest for a total amount of 402 corresponding to ON XXV.
- On January 8, 2025, under the VMOC agreement, Vista Argentina made payments to YPF for 16,741 net of taxes (Note
1.2.3.1).
- On January 13, 2025, Vista Argentina paid interest for a total amount of 911 corresponding to loan agreement signed with
ConocoPhillips Company.
- On January 13, 2025, Vista Argentina signed loans agreements with Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. for a total
amount of 66,000; at an annual interest rate between 1.50%, and 1.90%, and expiration date between February 18, 2025, and
April 21, 2025. Likewise, on February 8, 2025, Vista Argentina paid a total amount of principal and interest of 18,027, related
to the mentioned agreements.
- On January 20, 2025, Vista Argentina paid interest for an amount of 73 corresponding to loan agreement signed with Banco
Santander International in January 2021.
- On January 20, 2025, Vista Argentina paid principal and interest corresponding to ON XV for an amount of 13,567. Likewise,
on April 8, 2025, Vista Argentina paid interest corresponding to ON XXV for an amount of 393.
- On January 24, 2025, Vista Argentina signed a loan agreement with Banco de la Nacion Argentina for an amount of 30,000;
at an annual interest rate of 2.00%, and an expiration date on July 23, 2025.
- On January 24, 2025, Vista Argentina signed a loan agreement with Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires for an amount of
20,000 at an annual interest rate of 1.90% and an expiration date on May 29, 2025.
- On January 27, 2025, Vista Argentina signed a loan agreement with Banco Citibank N.A. for an amount of 25,000 at an
annual interest rate of 5.00% and an expiration date on April 26, 2026.
- On January 27, 2025, Vista Argentina signed a loan agreement with Banco ICBC for an amount of 20,000 at an annual interest
rate of 1.75% and an expiration date on March 28, 2025. The loan was settled upon maturity for a total amount of principal
and interest of 20,058.
- On January 28, 2025, Vista Argentina paid interest corresponding to a loan agreement with Banco Citibank N.A. for an
amount of 71.
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
Notes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and for the years ended December
31, 2024, 2023 and 2022
(Amounts expressed in thousands of US Dollars, except otherwise indicated)
F-99
- On January 29, 2025, Vista Argentina signed a loan agreement with Banco de la Provincia de Buenos Aires for an amount of
20,000 at an annual interest rate of 1.90% and an expiration date on May 29, 2025.
- On February 11, 2025, Vista Argentina paid interest corresponding to ON XXI for an amount of 175.
- On February 18, 2025, Vista Argentina signed a loan agreement with Banco Ciudad de Buenos Aires for an amount of 18,000
at an annual interest rate of 2.50% and an expiration date on June 18, 2025.
- On February 27, 2025, Vista Argentina paid principal and interest corresponding to ON XII for an amount of 7,900.
- On February 28, 2025, related to agreement mentioned in Note 3.2.7, Vista Argentina received 5,700 proceed from
Aconcagua.
- On March 3,5 and 6, 2025, Vista Argentina paid interest corresponding to ON XIX, XX and XXIII, for a total amount of
2,500.
- On March 7, 2025, Vista Argentina issued ON XXVIII, related to Programa de Notas (Note 18.1), for an amount of 92,400,
at an annual interest rate of 7.50%, with expiration date as of March 7, 2030.
- On April 1, 2025, Vista Argentina signed loan agreements with Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A.U. for amounts of
37,244 and 27,032, at an annual interest rate of 37.50% and 38.50% and an expiration date on April 30, 2025 and May 30,
2025, respectively.
- On April 4, 2025, Vista Argentina paid interest for an amount of 107 corresponding to loan agreements signed with Banco
Santander International in July 2021 and January 2022.
- On April 7, 2025, Vista Argentina signed a loan agreement with Banco Ciudad de Buenos Aires for an amount of 27,000 at
an annual interest rate of 3.00% and an expiration date on September 2, 2025.
There are no other events or transactions between the closing date and the date of issuance of these consolidated financial
statements, April 9, 2025, that could significantly affect the Company’s financial position or profit or loss.
Exhibit 4.5
TRANSLATION
EXTENSION AGREEMENT FOR THE EXPLOITATION CONCESSIONS
OVER THE AREAS ENTRE LOMAS, 25 DE MAYO – MEDANITO S.E and
JAGÜEL DE LOS MACHOS AND RELATED TRANSPORTATION
CONCESSIONS
In the city of Cipolletti, on November 29, 2024, the PROVINCE OF RÍO NEGRO,
represented in this act by the State Secretary of Energy and Environment, ANDREA
CONFINI, domiciled at Los Arrayanes and Los Sauces in the City of Cipolletti, in her
capacity as ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY of Law No. 17319, hereinafter referred to
as the PROVINCE; and VISTA ENERGY ARGENTINA S.A.U., represented in this
act by JUAN GAROBY in his capacity as attorney, domiciled at Hipólito Yrigoyen 558,
City of Cipolletti, Río Negro, hereinafter referred to as the CONCESSIONAIRE, and
jointly with the PROVINCE referred to as the PARTIES, agree to enter into this
EXTENSION AGREEMENT for the Exploitation Concessions of the hydrocarbon areas:
PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS:
VISTA ENERGY ARGENTINA S.A.U. is the holder of one hundred percent (100%) of
the Exploitation Concessions over the hydrocarbon areas “ENTRE LOMAS”, “25 DE
MAYO – MEDANITO SE” and “JAGÜEL DE LOS MACHOS”; and of the Gas
Transportation Concession “ENTRE LOMAS”, and the Crude Oil Transportation
Concessions “ENTRE LOMAS” and “25 DE MAYO – MEDANITO SE”.
Under Provincial Law Q No. 4818, by Decree No. 1706/14, as ratified by Law No. 5027,
the Renegotiation Agreement for the area “ENTRE LOMAS” was approved; at the date
of execution of the Renegotiation Agreement, the holder was Petrolera Entre Lomas S.A.
In 2018, Petrolera Entre Lomas S.A changed its corporate name into Vista Oil & Gas
Argentina S.A, and subsequently, in 2022, to Vista Energy Argentina S.A.U.
Also, under Provincial Law Q No. 4818, through Decree No. 1708/14 and ratified by Law
No. 5027, the Renegotiation Agreement for the areas “JAGÜEL DE LOS MACHOS”
and “25 DE MAYO – MEDANITO SE” was approved; at the date of execution of the
Renegotiation Agreement, the holder was Petrobras Argentina S.A. After a merger
process, Pampa Energía became the successor of Petrobras Energía S.A. Then, by Decree
No. 806/19, the Provincial Executive Branch authorized the assignment of one hundred
percent (100%) of the participating interest in the Exploitation Concessions “Jagüel de
los Machos” and “25 de Mayo – Medanito SE” to Vista Oil & Gas Argentina S.A., later
on called Vista Energy Argentina S.A.U.
In addition, the Hydrocarbon Transportation Concessions on the oil pipelines and Related
Plants Complex of the areas “25 de Mayo – Medanito SE” and “Entre Lomas”, and on
the gas pipeline and its related Gas Treatment Plant of the area “Entre Lomas” were
granted by Provincial Decrees No. 1821/19, 1822/19, and 1823/19 to Vista Oil & Gas
Argentina S.A.U., later on called Vista Energy Argentina S.A.U.
Under the powers mentioned in the previous paragraph, Vista Energy Argentina S.A.U.
expressed its intention to extend the term of the Exploitation Concessions and of the
related Transportation Concessions, making itself available to the Enforcement Authority
with the purpose of setting the terms and conditions of the requested extensions.
Through Law No. 5733, the Enforcement Authority initiated the EXTENSION process,
thus requiring the CONCESSIONAIRE to file certain documentation and information on
the Exploitation and Transportation Concessions applicable to the EXTENSION
AGREEMENT.
Accordingly, the PROVINCE authorizes the execution of the EXTENSION
AGREEMENT by the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY, after compliance by the
CONCESSIONAIRE with the above-mentioned terms and conditions.
In view of the above, the PARTIES are in a position to execute this EXTENSION
AGREEMENT, which shall be subject to the following sections and the terms and
conditions set forth herein.
Therefore, the PARTIES AGREE as follows:
Section 1: PURPOSE.
The purposes of this instrument is to extend (hereinafter referred to as the “EXTENSION”
or the “EXTENSION AGREEMENT”) the Exploitation Concessions over the areas
“ENTRE LOMAS”, “25 DE MAYO – MEDANITO SE” and “JAGÜEL DE LOS
MACHOS”, and of the Gas Transportation Concession “ENTRE LOMAS”, and of the
Crude Oil Transportation Concessions “ENTRE LOMAS” and “25 DE MAYO –
MEDANITO SE”, located in, and managed by, the PROVINCE and, consequently, to
extend under the terms and conditions set forth in this EXTENSION AGREEMENT, the
term granted by Decrees No. 1706/14 and No. 1708/14, Official Gazette No. 5315 of
December 29, 2014; and Decrees No. 1821/19, 1822/19, and 1823/19, Official Gazette
No. 5837 of December 30, 2019.
The EXTENSION of the term of the Exploitation Concessions and of the Transportation
Concessions previously identified shall be for a ten (10) years, as from the expiration of
their current term in force; in such a way that, according to Article 1 of Law No. 5733,
they shall expire as follows:
1) “ENTRE LOMAS” and related Transportation Concessions, on January 21, 2036;
2) “25 DE MAYO – MEDANITO SE” and related Transportation Concession, on
October 28, 2036;
3) “JAGÜEL DE LOS MACHOS” on September 06, 2035.
The PROVINCE extends the term of the EXPLOITATION CONCESSION of the
AREAS and its related Transportation Concessions, and the CONCESSIONAIRE accepts
such EXTENSION and commits to carry out therein the hydrocarbon exploitation and
supplementary exploration, transportation, and commercialization works and tasks
provided in this EXTENSION AGREEMENT.
Section 2: DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION.
For purposes of interpreting this EXTENSION AGREEMENT, the terms and expressions
defined below shall have the scope and/or meaning set forth in this section.
Terms and expressions in the singular shall include the plural and vice versa.
2.1
EXTENSION AGREEMENT: It shall refer to this legal instrument, which sets
forth the rights and obligations to be assumed by the Parties due to the EXTENSION of
the EXPLOITATION CONCESSION subject matter hereof.
2.2
ANNEX: It shall refer to any supplementary documentation forming part of this
AGREEMENT.
2.3
CONTRIBUTION TO THE INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND
STRENGTHENING: It shall be the commitment assumed by the CONCESSIONAIRE
to make a monetary contribution to the PROVINCE for the financing of building
infrastructure works and/or operational equipment of educational, health and/or
governmental institutions.
2.4
SUPPLEMENTARY PRODUCTION CONTRIBUTION: It refers to the
contribution in cash and/or in kind to be made by the CONCESSIONAIRE to the
PROVINCE consisting of three percent (3%) of the monthly COMPUTABLE OIL AND
GAS PRODUCTION, according to Section 4.4 hereof. The SUPPLEMENTARY
PRODUCTION CONTRIBUTION established in this EXTENSION AGREEMENT
replaces the one in effect for the FIRST EXTENSION PERIOD.
2.5
AREA: It shall refer to the hydrocarbon areas subject matter of this EXTENSION
AGREEMENT called “ENTRE LOMAS”, “25 DE MAYO – MEDANITO SE” and
“JAGÜEL DE LOS MACHOS”, as defined by Decrees No. 1706/14 and 1708/14.
2.6
ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY: It shall mean the State Secretary of Energy and
Environment of the Province of Río Negro.
2.7
EXTENSION
BONUS:
It
shall be the sum of money that the
CONCESSIONAIRE shall make available to the PROVINCE, for the exploitation of the
hydrocarbon resources of its property during the EXTENSION TERM of the
EXPLOITATION CONCESSION, and of the related Transportation Concessions and as
compensation for their exhaustion according to the provisions of Section 4.2 hereof.
2.8
CANON: It shall refer to the annual monetary payment to be made by the holder
of an EXPLOITATION CONCESSION to the PROVINCE as the original holder of the
HYDROCARBONS domain, pursuant to Article 58 of Law No. 17319, as amended
and/or updated.
2.9
ACT OF GOD or EVENT OF FORCE MAJEURE: The definition, scope, and
effects of these terms shall be those set forth in the Argentine Civil and Commercial Code
in all matters not specifically regulated in this EXTENSION AGREEMENT.
2.10
GRANTOR: The Province of Río Negro, represented by the Provincial Executive
Branch, pursuant to Section 98(b) of Law No. 17319, Law No. 26197, and Law No. 4296.
2.11
EXPLOITATION CONCESSION: It shall refer to the set of rights and obligations
arising from Provincial Decrees No. 1706/14 and 1708/14, as well as Section III of Law
No. 17319.
2.12
CONCESSIONAIRE: It shall refer to VISTA ENERGY ARGENTINA S.A.U. as
holder of the EXPLOITATION CONCESSIONS and the related Transportation
Concessions.
2.13
DECREE: It shall be the Administrative Act issued by the Provincial Executive
Branch whereby the EXTENSION AGREEMENT is approved.
2.14
DAY: It shall refer to the 24-hour term as from 0.00 am. Unless otherwise stated,
it is computed as a calendar day. In all cases where the expiration of any deadlines set
forth herein occurs on a non-business DAY, such expiration shall be moved to the first
BUSINESS DAY immediately following at the original time scheduled.
2.15
BUSINESS DAY: It shall be any business day for the Public Administration of
the Province of Río Negro.
2.16
US DOLLAR: It shall refer to the legal currency of the United States of America.
2.17
EDHIPSA: Empresa de Desarrollo Hidrocarburífero Provincial Sociedad
Anónima.
2.18
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY (EIA, for its acronym in Spanish): It
shall refer to the document which describes in detail the characteristics of a project or
activity to be carried out or its amendment, the environmental characteristics of the
implementation site and area of direct influence, and the interaction between both of them.
It must provide a well-founded background for the prediction, identification, and
interpretation of its environmental impact and describe the step or steps to be taken to
prevent, mitigate, and/or compensate its effects.
2.19
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE EXTENSION AGREEMENT: It shall refer to the
DAY after the publication in the Official Gazette of the Province of Río Negro of the
special law ratifying the EXTENSION AGREEMENT.
2.20
INVESTMENT COMPLIANCE BOND: It shall be the guarantee granted by the
CONCESSIONAIRE to ensure compliance with the obligations assumed under Sections
3.3 and 8.2 of ANNEX A, in the event that the remaining activity is included in the
INVESTMENTS AND ACTIVITIES PLAN and/or that the transfer of investments to the
subsequent period is authorized.
2.21
HYDROCARBONS: This term shall refer to the crude oil and natural gas, in any
of the conditions and relations in which they are bound.
2.22
HOUR: It shall be the official time in force in the PROVINCE.
2.23
TECHNICAL INFORMATION: It means the geological, geophysical, reserves,
production, and any other type of information available to the ENFORCEMENT
AUTHORITY about the AREA.
2.24
The PROVINCE: The Province of Río Negro represented by the Provincial
Executive Branch.
2.25
MEASUREMENT: It shall refer to the set of operations automatically performed
which aim at determining the quantitative magnitudes and qualities of the hydrocarbons
produced, treated, fractionated, transported, and stored in an AREA, through methods that
include the use of measuring instruments.
2.26
OPERATOR: It shall be the company carrying out the exploration, assessment,
and exploitation works set forth in the committed INVESTMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
PLAN in the AREA, or the one that may substitute it during the term of the
EXPLOITATION CONCESSION, as proposed by the CONCESSIONAIRE and
accepted by the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY. To such effects, the company
designated as OPERATOR is PETROLERA ACONCAGUA ENERGIA S.A.
2.27
FIRST EXTENSION PERIOD: It shall refer to the time period granted to the
CONCESISONAIRE for ten (10) years as from the expiration of its original concession
term of twenty-five (25) years; i.e., for the “ENTRE LOMAS” area, from January 22,
2016, to January 21, 2026; for the “25 DE MAYO – MEDANITO SE” area, from October
29, 2016, to October 28, 2026, and for the “JAGÜEL DE LOS MACHOS” area, from
September 7, 2015, to September 6, 2025.
2.28
SECOND EXTENSION PERIOD: It shall refer to the time period granted to the
CONCESSIONAIRE for ten (10) years, as from the expiration of the FIRST
EXTENSION PERIOD: i.e., for the “ENTRE LOMAS” area, from January 22, 2026,
until January 21, 2036; for the “25 DE MAYO – MEDANITO SE” area, from October
29, 2026, until October 28, 2036, and for the “JAGÜEL DE LOS MACHOS” area, from
September 7, 2025 until September 6, 2035.
2.29
INVESTMENTS AND ACTIVITIES PLAN PERIOD: It shall be the period of
time granted to the CONCESISONAIRE to carry out the INVESTMENTS AND
ACTIVITIES PLAN, as from the effective date of this EXTENSION AGREEMENT
until the expiration of the SECOND EXTENSION AGREEMENT PERIOD, divided into
SUB-PERIODS:
2.29.1 REMAINING TERM SUB-PERIOD: It is the period of time between the
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE AGREEMENT and the expiration of the FIRST
EXTENSION PERIOD.
2.29.2 EXTENSION SUB-PERIODS: It comprises the SECOND EXTENSION
PERIOD, divided into five SUB-PERIODS of two (2) calendar years each.
2.30
INVESTMENTS AND ACTIVITIES PLAN: It shall mean the plan of
exploitation activities and investments which the CONCESSIONARIE commits to carry
out in the AREA after the granting of the SECOND EXTENSION PERIOD, aiming at
developing and maximizing the reserves discovered and to be discovered through an
operation rationally compatible with the economic and technically adequate exploitation
of the field.
ANNEX A specifies the details of the activities and investments projected for the entire
term of the EXTENSION AGREEMENT, including the REMAINING TERM SUB-
PERIOD, stated in amounts and valued in US Dollars, and differentiated by SUB-
PERIOD.
According to the criteria established in ANNEX A, the activities are classified as follows:
2.30.1 COMMITTED ACTIVITY: It shall refer to those tasks and investments that the
CONCESSIONAIRE firmly commits to perform during the SECOND EXTENSION
PERIOD.
2.30.2 CONTINGENT ACTIVITY: It shall refer to those tasks and investments which
are subject to the results of the COMMITTED ACTIVITIES executed in each SUB-
PERIOD. The CONTINGENT ACTIVITY’s proposal must describe in detail the
connection with the COMMITTED ACTIVITY. They become a firm and enforceable
commitment each time the conditions set forth in Section 5.2 of ANNEX A are satisfied.
2.30.3 REMAINING ACTIVITY: It shall refer to those tasks and investments committed
by the CONCESSIONARIE for the FIRST EXTENSION AGREEMENT PERIOD, the
execution of which, as of the date of this EXTENSION AGREEMENT, is still pending.
As regards the last investment plan timely approved by the ENFORCEMENT
AUTHORITY, the REMAINING ACTIVITY arises and must include the technical-
economic grounds for its postponement. The CONCESSIONAIRE undertakes to perform
the REMAINING ACTIVITY in its entirety at the expiration of the FIRST EXTENSION
PERIOD.
2.31 ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION PLAN: It includes, for each of the
environmental liabilities identified in ANNEX B, the schedule of proceedings based on
achieving the physical-chemical parameters that were found in the sites prior to
contamination. The order and priority of treatment shall be justified within a period of
time, which may not exceed five (5) years from its approval by the ENVIRONMENTAL
ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY.
2.32
FACILITY AND EQUIPMENT ADAPTATION AND MAINTENANCE
PLAN: It is the plan of actions that the CONCESSIONAIRE undertakes to carry out in
the AREA with the purpose of improving the conditions and sustaining them during the
TERM OF THE AGREEMENT aiming at keeping the facilities and other assets of the
area in good conditions and preservation, avoiding any deterioration due to their use, and
responsibly ensuring a normal operation of all assets and facilities. The FACILITY AND
EQUIPMENT ADAPTATION AND MAINTENANCE PLAN shall comply with the
minimum conditions and the procedure detailed in ANNEX C.
2.33
EXTENSION TERM: It shall mean the ten (10)-year extension term of the
EXPLOITATION CONCESSION and the related Transportation Concessions, as from
the expiration of the term granted by Decrees No. 1706/14 and 1708/14, and ratified by
Law No. 5027.
2.34
GAS PRODUCTION: It shall refer to the mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons
extracted from the AREA.
2.35
OIL PRODUCTION: It shall refer to the mixture of liquid hydrocarbons at
atmospheric pressure, coming from a treatment which adjusts its specifications to the
Transport Condition, and that may be constituted by treated and condensed crude oil,
measured in the corresponding government measurement points.
2.36
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM: It is the operating plan
which contemplates the actions to prevent, mitigate, control, compensate, and correct the
possible negative environmental effects or impacts caused in the development of a
project, work, or activity, and the follow-up, assessment, monitoring, and contingency
plans.
2.37
BALANCE OF OUTSTANDING COMMITTED INVESTMENTS PENDING:
The difference at a given date of the investments committed in the INVESTMENTS AND
ACTIVITIES PLAN in force and those actually made, which may be executed in
accordance with the procedure established for such purposes.
2.38
LEASE AUTOMATIC CUSTODY TRANSFER UNIT (LACT Unit): Automatic
Measuring Unit consisting in a measuring and recording bridge installed at a transfer
point.
As used in this AGREEMENT, unless the context expressly indicates otherwise:
-The definitions set forth in this AGREEMENT apply equally to the singular and plural
of such terms, as well as to the masculine, feminine, and neuter gender thereof. Words
in the singular shall be considered to include the plural and vice versa, and words in
one gender shall be considered to include the other genders, as may be inferred from
the context;
-The terms “hereof”, “hereunder”, “hereby”, and “herewith” and words of similar
meaning shall, unless otherwise indicated, be construed as referring to this
AGREEMENT as a whole and not to any particular provision hereof;
-The term “includes” and the word “including” and words of similar meaning shall be
deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”;
-Any reference to a Clause, Section, Paragraph, and Annex shall be to the clauses,
sections, paragraphs, and annexes of this AGREEMENT, unless otherwise indicated;
-The word “or” shall not be construed to mean that one concept excludes the other;
-Any reference to legislation, regulation, or law shall include any amendments thereto or
any succeeding legislation and rules and regulations issued pursuant to such
legislation, regulation, or law;
-References to any person shall include any such person’s successors;
-References to any agreement refer to such agreement as amended from time to time; and
-The headings of sections, clauses, annexes, and/or any other subdivisions of this
AGREEMENT are included for reference purposes only, and in no way shall they
affect the meaning and/or interpretation of the provisions hereof.
Section 3: REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
3.1
OF THE CONCESSIONAIRE:
The CONCESSIONAIRE irrevocably represents and warrants to the PROVINCE the
following:
3.1.1. It shall comply in due time and manner with the INVESTMENTS AND
ACTIVITIES PLAN proposed in accordance with Sections 2.30 and 4.1 of this
EXTENSION AGREEMENT;
3.1.2. It shall carry out the works according to the most rational, modern, and efficient
techniques relevant to the characteristics and magnitude of the reserves proven, assuring
at the same time the maximum production of hydrocarbons compatible with the economic
and technically adequate exploitation of the field; and
3.1.3. It shall comply in due time and manner with the environmental remediation and
restoration tasks, and any other tasks related to the adequacy of facilities, and it shall carry
out the work in accordance with the most rational, modern, and efficient techniques
approved by the Secretary of Environment and Climate Change of the Province and/or
the authority that may substitute or replace it under the legislation in force.
3.2
OF THE PROVINCE:
The PROVINCE hereby irrevocably represents and warrants to the CONCESSIONAIRE
the following:
3.2.1. It has full authority to enter into this EXTENSION AGREEMENT and to perform
its obligations hereunder;
3.2.2. The execution and performance of this EXTENSION AGREEMENT does not
violate any provision of the applicable regulations, as well as any resolution, decision, or
ruling of any national or provincial state and/or judicial authority. Specifically, the
PROVINCE represents and warrants that the EXTENSION AGREEMENT shall be
governed by National Laws No. 17319, No. 26197, with the adjustments of Provincial
Law Q No. 4296;
3.2.3. There is no action, claim, demand, lawsuit, audit, arbitration, investigation, or
proceeding (whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative, or otherwise) which
would prevent the PROVINCE from entering into this EXTENSION AGREEMENT; and
3.2.4. The CONCESSIONAIRE shall have the peaceful use and enjoyment of the
EXPLOITATION CONCESSION and of the related Transportation Concessions also
held by it.
Section 4: GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
4.1
INVESTMENTS AND ACTIVITIES PLAN: The CONCESSIONAIRE
undertakes to carry out the activities and investments included in the INVESTMENT
PLAN until the end of the EXTENSION AGREEMENT which, in accordance with the
criteria set forth in Section 2.30 hereof and ANNEX A hereto, shall include
supplementary Exploitation and Exploration Investments for an aggregate of US
DOLLARS FIFTY FOUR MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED AND SIXTY THREE
THOUSAND (USD 54,863,000), applicable to the EXPLOITATION CONCESSIONS
with the scope detailed in ANNEX A.
4.1.1 If the CONCESSIONAIRE fails to comply with the activities committed in the
INVESTMENTS AND ACTIVITIES PLAN as set forth in ANNEX A, the provisions of
Section 9 shall apply.
4.2
EXTENSION BONUS: Due to the EXTENSION of the term of the
EXPLOITATION
CONCESSIONS,
as
an
EXTENSION
BONUS,
the
CONCESSIONAIRE shall make the PROVINCE a one-time payment for an aggregate
of US DOLLARS TWENTY-TWO MILLION (USD 22,000,000), to be cancelled as
follows:
The payment corresponding to fifty percent (50%), equivalent to the sum of US
DOLLARS ELEVEN MILLION (USD 11,000,000), shall be made within ten (10)
business days of the publication in the Official Gazette of the Decree approving the
EXTENSION AGREEMENT. The remaining balance shall be paid in five (5)
consecutive monthly instalments of US DOLLARS TWO MILLION TWO HUNDRED
THOUSAND (USD 2,200,000) each. The first instalment must be paid no later than
January 5, 2025, and the remaining, no later than the 5th of each subsequent month. Such
amounts shall be paid in Argentine pesos, converted at the exchange rate of Banco de la
Nación Argentina, selling rate, at closing of the third business day prior to the payment
date, into Current Account No. 900001006 at Banco Patagonia S.A. - CBU:
0340100800900001006004 held by the Government of the Province of Río Negro (Tax
Code (CUIT): 30-67284630-3).
4.3
CONTRIBUTION TO THE INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND
STRENGTHENING: The CONCESSIONAIRE undertakes to make a one-time cash
contribution to the PROVINCE for the total amount of US DOLLARS FOUR MILLION
FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND (USD 4,400,000) equivalent to twenty percent (20%)
of the EXTENSION BONUS to be used to finance building infrastructure works and/or
the acquisition of operating equipment for educational and/or health institutions and/or
state agencies. The CONTRIBUTION TO THE INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
AND STRENGTHENING shall be paid to the PROVINCE at the exchange rate of the
Banco de la Nación Argentina, selling rate, at the closing of the third day prior to the
payment date, as follows:
The payment corresponding to fifty percent (50%), equivalent to the sum of US
DOLLARS TWO MILLION TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND (USD 2,200,000), shall be
made within ten (10) business days of the publication in the Official Gazette of the Decree
approving the EXTENSION AGREEMENT. The remaining balance shall be paid in five
(5) consecutive monthly instalments of US DOLLARS FOUR HUNDRED FOURTY
THOUSAND (USD 440,000) each. The first instalment must be paid no later than
January 5, 2025, and the remaining, no later than the 5th of each subsequent month.
Payments shall be made via bank transfer to the account that the PROVINCE must notify
the CONCESSIONAIRE in writing at least two (2) business days before the payment due
date.
4.4
SUPPLEMENTARY
PRODUCTION
CONTRIBUTION:
The
CONCESSIONAIRE undertakes to make a contribution in cash and/or in kind to the
PROVINCE consisting of three percent (3%) of the monthly computable oil and gas
production, to be distributed ninety percent (90%) to the PROVINCE and ten percent
(10%) to EDHIPSA according to the following details:
4.4.1 SUPPLEMENTARY OIL CONTRIBUTION: The cash settlement of the equivalent
amount in cash shall be valued at the closing date of the monthly OIL PRODUCTION,
on the wellhead value of the prices actually obtained by the CONCESSIONAIRE in the
commercialization operations of the monthly volumes produced. Such payment shall be
made through a deposit into Account No. 900001006, CBU: 0340100800900001006004
held by the Government of the Province of Río Negro (Tax Code (CUIT): 30-67284630-
3) and into Account No. 730012233, CBU: 0340251300730012233005, Branch 251, held
by EDHIPSA (Tax Code (CUIT): 30672878825), both at Banco Patagonia, or into other
accounts that the PROVINCE and/or the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY and/or
EDHIPSA may indicate through self-proving means and five (5) BUSINESS DAYS in
advance.
4.4.2. SUPPLEMENTARY GAS CONTRIBUTION: The cash settlement of the
equivalent amount in cash shall be valued at the closing date of the monthly GAS
PRODUCTION, on the wellhead value of the prices actually obtained by the
CONCESSIONAIRE in the commercialization operations of the monthly volumes
produced, which shall be made through a deposit into Account No. 900001006, CBU:
0340100800900001006004 held by the Government of the Province of Río Negro (Tax
Code (CUIT):
30-67284630-3) and into
Account No. 730012233, CBU:
0340251300730012233005, Branch 251, held by EDHIPSA (Tax Code (CUIT):
30672878825), both at Banco Patagonia, or into other accounts that the PROVINCE
and/or the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY and/or EDHIPSA may duly indicate through
self-proving means.
For the payment of the concepts described in Sections 4.4.1 and 4.4.2, the due dates shall
be the same as those established for the payment of ROYALTIES in the resolutions of
the Argentine Secretary of Energy. The exchange rate to be considered shall be such of
the Banco de la Nación Argentina, selling rate, at the closing of the business day prior to
maturity.
4.5
COMMITMENT FOR TRAINING, RESEARCH, AND DEVELOPMENT:
Each year the CONCESSIONAIRE shall pay the PROVINCE, for each
EXPLOITATION CONCESSION and until the expiration of the EXTENSION TERM,
an annual contribution to be used for the aforementioned purposes, which shall
correspond to the amounts detailed below:
4.5.1 US DOLLARS TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND (USD 25,000) when the production
volume of the AREA in the immediately preceding year is up to 500 BOE/day, or
otherwise
4.5.2 US DOLLARS FIFTY THOUSAND (USD 50,000) when the production volume
of the AREA in the immediately preceding year exceeds 500 BOE/day.
For the first annual payment corresponding to the end of the first year of the EXTENSION
AGREEMENT, the CONCESSIONAIRE shall make the payment within sixty (60) days
after the EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE EXTENSION AGREEMENT. Subsequent annual
payments shall be made before February 28 of each year. The COMMITMENT FOR
TRAINING, RESEARCH, AND DEVELOPMENT set forth in this EXTENSION
AGREEMENT shall replace the one in effect for the FIRST EXTENSION PERIOD.
The annual payments shall be made in Argentine pesos converted at the exchange rate of
the Banco de la Nación Argentina, selling rate, at the closing of the day immediately prior
to the payment date.
Payment to the PROVINCE shall be made through a bank transfer to Current Account
No.
900003916
of
Banco
Patagonia
S.A.
(Branch
No.
265),
CBU:
0340265000900003916006, held by the Trust Fund called “Fondo Fiduciario para la
Capacitación, Desarrollo y Fiscalización de la Actividad Hidrocarburífera” (Tax Code
(CUIT) No. 30-71552775-4).
4.6
DEFAULT: Any failure to timely pay the EXTENSION BONUS, the
CONTRIBUTION
TO
THE
INSTITUTIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
AND
STRENGTHENING,
the
ROYALTIES,
the
SURFACE
CANON,
the
SUPPLEMENTARY PRODUCTION CONTRIBUTION, and the COMMITMENT FOR
TRAINING, RESEARCH, AND DEVELOPMENT shall result in the automatic default
of the CONCESSIONAIRE, and shall accrue in favor of the PROVINCE and/or
EDHIPSA, without the need for further demand, default interest between the due date of
the payment obligation and the date of actual payment, equal to those applicable to
general discount operations at the Banco de la Nación Argentina.
For the purpose of calculating interest, amounts expressed in any foreign currency shall
be converted into pesos at the exchange rate of the Banco de la Nación Argentina, selling
rate, at the closing of the day prior to the maturity date.
In the event of a default, the commitment shall not be deemed fulfilled until the principal
obligation and accrued interest in arrears are paid in full.
4.7
AUDIT AND CONTROL:
4.7.1 THE ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY shall enforce on the OPERATOR and/or
THE CONCESSIONAIRE a broad police power, without restrictions or need of prior
notice, through the Hydrocarbons Police Force established by Provincial Law Q No.
2627, as regulated. Such entity is empowered to issue Inspection and/or Violation
Reports, for the purpose of verifying compliance with the tasks of exploration,
exploitation, and transportation of hydrocarbons in the Province of Rio Negro, thus
guaranteeing compliance with the contractual obligations, and with the legal, regulatory,
and technical standards applicable to the activity.
4.7.2 In all cases, the Inspection and Violation Reports issued by the Hydrocarbons Police
Force and received by the personnel affected to the operation of the AREA, regardless of
the contractual relationship with the CONCESSIONAIRE, shall be considered a self-
proving notice for the purposes of this AGREEMENT.
4.7.3 The ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY may request from the CONCESSIONAIRE
additional/expanding documentation or information that it deems pertinent for control
and supervision. It may also carry out audits it deems necessary, on its own account or on
behalf of authorized third parties.
4.7.4 The CONCESSIONAIRE shall file the required information and shall cooperate
with the enforcement of the relevant control activity; it shall also provide the necessary
logistics assistance in case of technical difficulties in accessing the areas for such
purposes.
4.7.5 The INSPECTION REPORTS shall be an agile communication tool between the
operator and/or CONCESSIONAIRE and the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY. They
can be used both to certify any works that have been carried out in the facilities, and to
request information, communicate non-conformities detected during inspections and
request consequent adjustments, or to attend to any need of the ENFORCEMENT
AUTHORITY to perform its activities correctly.
4.7.6 The CONCESSIONAIRE shall respond and/or carry out the corrective measures
observed within the term determined by the reports, or otherwise within 10 business days,
as from its notification.
4.7.7 VIOLATION REPORTS shall be drawn up upon detection of a non-compliance
which is subject to sanction. In such cases, the CONCESSIONAIRE shall make its
disclaimer within 10 business days after notification. The ENFORCEMENT
AUTHORITY shall have the power to assess and determine whether the application of a
fine for the detected violation is applicable, by commencing the corresponding
administrative procedure.
4.8
LOCAL LABOR FORCE: The CONCESSIONAIRE, contractors, and
subcontractors shall hire at least 80% of local labor force, suppliers, and companies to
promote the creation and maintenance of local employment, as well as to strengthen
companies in the Province of Río Negro and their value chain. They shall give priority to
hiring local workers and suppliers, ensuring equivalent conditions in terms of capacity,
responsibility, quality, and price.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, when due to the specificity and/or characteristics of the
tasks to be performed and/or disadvantageous conditions of capacity, responsibility,
quality or price, it is not possible or convenient to hire local labor force, suppliers, and
service companies, the CONCESSIONAIRE may request to the ENFORCEMENT
AUTHORITY the “hiring exception”, and shall have to prove such allegations.
A company shall be considered local if it has its base of operations and pays taxes in the
Province of Río Negro. With respect to the labor force, the person who proves effective
residence in the province on his/her national identity document shall be considered to be
a local person, and the percentage mentioned above shall be respected in equal
proportions for the operative, base, administrative, supervisory, and managerial
personnel.
All procurements shall follow procedures ensuring transparency and competition. The
execution of medium and long-term agreements shall
be favored. The
CONCESSIONAIRE shall have at least one place of operation in the PROVINCE during
the term of the EXTENSION AGREEMENT.
The CONCESSIONAIRE shall upload information into the system called INPRO-
Módulo Compre Rionegrino, and shall update the required information on an annual basis
before March 31 of each year.
Likewise, the CONCESSIONAIRE is required to report annually before March 31 of
each year, on the works scheduled and the awarded companies, making sure that the
correct information is uploaded for an effective management of the hydrocarbon activity
in the Province.
The CONCESSIONAIRE undertakes to issue invitations to participate in the bidding
processes for services to companies from the Province of Río Negro, based on the records
available at the State Secretary of Energy and Environment, Business Chambers, other
State Agencies and the Municipalities of the Province of Río Negro. Such procedure shall
ensure timely and equitable access to relevant information for local companies, and this
communication shall be recorded in the bidding processes. Adequate supervision and
control shall also be promoted to ensure effective compliance with this measure.
On-site controls and audits shall be carried out in the concessioned AREAS to verify the
consistency of the declared information and the effective compliance with the LOCAL
WORKFORCE commitment. In case of non-compliance, discrepancies between the
information provided and the reality found, the corresponding sanctions shall be applied
according to the regulations in force.
4.9
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: The CONCESSIONAIRE shall
contribute to the development of education, environment, health, culture, science and
research, renewable energies, and community development in the PROVINCE, based on
a diagnosis to be made by the PARTIES and in line with the sustainability policy
implemented by the CONCESSIONAIRE.
In such sense, the Corporate Social Responsibility shall be understood as the
CONCESSIONAIRE’s commitment to participate as an integral part of the local and
regional society where it operates, contributing to the sustainable development of the
communities of which it is a part by making investments focusing on creating shared
value and sustained mutual benefits.
Annually, before March 31 of each year, the CONCESSIONAIRE shall submit a
sustainability report which must include the programs and actions implemented,
including indicators which account for the results obtained, and the proposals to be
implemented the following year.
4.10
ENVIRONMENT PRESERVATION:
4.10.1 The CONCESSIONAIRE shall be obliged to comply throughout the term of the
EXPLOITATION CONCESSION with all current legal regulations on environmental
matters, applicable to the holders of such concession and with those that may be issued
in the future, and specifically with the following regulations: Article 41 of the Argentine
Constitution and Articles 84 and 85, consistent with Article 79 of the Constitution of the
Province of Río Negro; Provincial Laws Q No. 2952 (Water Code), M No. 3250
“Comprehensive Management of Special Waste”, and M No. 3266 (Regulation of the
Environmental Impact Assessment Procedure) and their regulatory decrees; National Law
17319, as regulated; Provincial Decree No. 452/05 and Resolutions of the Argentine
Secretary of Energy No. 105/92, 319/93, 341/93, 05/96, 201/96, 24/04, 25/04, and 785/05;
as well as any regulations issued by the competent authority in the future. Specifically,
the CONCESSIONAIRE is obliged to adopt the necessary measures for the prevention
of pollution, both operational and accidental, as well as all regulations for the
abandonment of facilities and the rational use of resources.
4.10.2 The CONCESSIONAIRE undertakes to remediate the historical environmental
liabilities incorporated as ANNEX B to this EXTENSION AGREEMENT, for a total of
US DOLLARS SIX HUNDRED SEVENTEEN THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED AND
TWENTY-FOUR (USD 617,624). The amounts mentioned in each of the items are
estimated based on the current degree of knowledge; therefore, if the remediation works
require a higher amount than the committed amount, the CONCESSIONAIRE shall be
responsible for the total amount, in the same sense, the PROVINCE shall make no claims
in the event that the amounts are lower than the committed amounts.
4.10.3 Current liabilities, i.e., those generated during the operation in the EXTENSION
PERIOD, as a consequence of incidents shall be managed through the Environmental
Incidents module of the INPRO system, and the OPERATOR shall be exclusively
responsible for any remediation and monitoring costs.
4.10.4. Within six (6) months from the effective date of this EXTENSION
AGREEMENT, the CONCESSIONAIRE shall make an Inventory of all inactive wells,
defining their potential and mechanical condition, together with one (1)
ABANDONMENT SCHEDULE of those wells the mechanical condition of which is
totally unknown or the mechanical integrity of which does not guarantee a correct
isolation and which cannot be remedied through current technologies, and which shall be
abandoned as a priority, prior to the schedule of ANNEX B.
4.10.5 Decommissioning of facilities during the term of the EXTENSION AGREEMENT
due to disuse or obsolescence shall require the dismantling of mechanical and electrical
equipment, the removal of civilian facilities and the restoration of the site to conditions
similar to the original ones, including soil remediation if necessary. Such operation shall
be carried out upon the authorization of the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY in
accordance with a site abandonment plan, prepared by the specific OPERATOR of the
relevant facility.
4.10.6 For the development of the activities related to the exploitation of the AREA, the
OPERATOR shall leave a free area to protect them, as detailed below:
For the course of the Colorado River and other smaller permanent courses, the reference
line is the bank line.
For the Casa de Piedra Reservoir, the maximum water level to consider is 285.50 meters
above sea level.
For Lake Pellegrini, the reference limit is 279.62 meters above sea level.
The contingency plan required by Resolution No. 342/93 of the Argentine Secretary of
Energy to be submitted to the Secretary of Hydrocarbons must contain specific annexes
for the prevention of the contamination of soil, surface water, and groundwater, as well
as the risk of flooding due to fluvial flooding and/or rainfall events at the facilities.
4.10.7 The CONCESSIONAIRE assumes the commitment to address different lines of
work to improve energy efficiency, emission reduction, and the sustainability of its
operations. To this end, it shall adopt emission reduction and CARBON FOOTPRINT
criteria specifically aimed at combating climate change, in accordance with the guiding
principles established by Law No. 27520 on Minimum Standards for Adaptation and
Mitigation of Global Climate Change, to which Provincial Law No. 5665 adheres, which
establishes the regulatory framework to adapt the implementation of the aforementioned
national law.
The ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDIES corresponding to projects must include
the assessment of the CARBON FOOTPRINT, justifying the choice in relation to the
alternative with the lowest CARBON FOOTPRINT value.
The quantification of the INVENTORY OF GREENHOUSE GASES (GHG) must be
considered in the Annual Environmental Monitoring Reports or in the Annual Monitoring
of Works and Tasks, which shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of
IRAM 14064 Standard.
4.10.8 The ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY hereby states that in case of non-compliance
in due time and manner, it shall be authorized, through the COMPETENT
ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORITY, to apply the corresponding penalties to the
CONCESSIONAIRE.
4.11
CONDITION OF FACILITIES AND ASSETS
4.11.1 The CONCESSIONAIRE undertakes to respect at least the basic conditions in all
the facilities used in hydrocarbon prospecting, exploration, exploitation, transportation,
and processing operations carried out in the provincial territory with the purpose of
reaching the operational quality and safety standards of the industry, the correct
maintenance during the useful life of the assets delivered by the province, provide safety
to the facilities, quality, and efficiency in the management of resources, and protect the
health of people and the environment through the most modern, rational, and efficient
techniques for the exploitation of the resources.
4.11.2 The CONCESSIONAIRE undertakes to maintain the good condition and
preservation of the facilities and to constantly adapt them, to avoid deterioration due to
their use, under the applicable national, provincial, and municipal laws and regulations.
4.11.3 The CONCESSIONAIRE undertakes to plan in the medium term any adjustments
required by the facilities and to implement the measures to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions progressively.
4.11.4 The CONCESSIONAIRE and/or the OPERATOR undertakes to implement,
within the development of its EXPLOITATION CONCESSION, a FACILITY AND
EQUIPMENT ADAPTATION AND MAINTENANCE PLAN, in accordance with the
provisions of ANNEX C.
4.12
INDUSTRIAL USE OF PUBLIC WATER: The CONCESSIONAIRE shall
pay the PROVINCIAL WATER AUTHORITY on a regular basis the royalties provided
for in Article 43 and related provisions of the Water Code, and the canon for use and
preservation set forth in Article 172 of the Water Code, as regulated, or the rule which
may substitute it.
4.13
QUARRIES: The materials used in the activity must come from mining quarries
duly authorized by the corresponding Provincial Authority. Failure to comply with such
obligation shall make the CONCESSIONAIRE jointly and severally liable for the
violations of the Mining Code of Proceedings that may be applicable to the owner and/or
operator of the quarry.
4.14
INTERNSHIPS:
4.14.1 The CONCESSIONAIRE undertakes to hire, once a year during the EFFECTIVE
DATE OF THE EXTENSION AGREEMENT, up to five (5) students residing in the
Province of Río Negro, under Law No. 26427 and related provisions, to train them in
industry tasks. To the extent permitted by law, the CONCESSIONAIRE may renew the
internship or replace the intern with another student.
4.14.2 The CONCESSIONAIRE shall inform annually, before March 31 of each year,
the list of students that have been incorporated, detailing first and last names, and the
Labor Code (CUIL), and indicating the effective term of the internship.
4.15
VEHICLES AND COMPUTER EQUIPMENT:
4.15.1. One hundred and twenty (120) days after the EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE
EXTENSION
AGREEMENT,
the
CONCESSIONAIRE
shall
provide
the
ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY with the computer equipment and vehicles detailed
below: (a) One (1) Sahara License (physical keys) in the latest version available at the
time of purchase, for the formation of the AREA database or equipment for the
maintenance thereof to be defined by the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY, (b) One (1)
SUV pickup truck, four-wheel drive, diesel engine, cylinder capacity equal to or greater
than 2,750 cc, automatic transmission of 5 speeds or more or CVT, traction control,
stability control, one spare wheel, ABS braking system, power steering, heating, air
conditioning, front and side airbags. Such vehicle shall be delivered with a valid plate
number registered in the PROVINCE’s name, and shall be replaced for another 0 Km
vehicle of identical characteristics, every five (5) years as of the EFFECTIVE DATE OF
THE EXTENSION AGREEMENT and while the EXPLOITATION CONCESSIONS is
in force.
4.15.2 The replaced vehicles shall remain the property of the PROVINCE. All the
equipment and/or elements detailed in this section shall become property of the
PROVINCE from the moment of their delivery by the CONCESSIONAIRE.
4.16
GROSS INCOME TAX: The CONCESSIONAIRE undertakes to pay as from
the EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE EXTENSION AGREEMENT, a rate of three percent
(3%) of the Gross Income Tax for the extraction of liquid and/or gaseous hydrocarbons
dispatched without invoicing outside the PROVINCE, whether they are sold in their state
at the time of extraction or as by-products after undergoing an industrialization processes.
This rate shall be maintained during the term of the EXPLOITATION CONCESSION
and the EXTENSION TERM, with no additional or supplementary charges.
4.17
ROYALTIES:
4.17.1 The Parties hereby establish that the royalty payable by the CONCESSIONAIRE
during the EXPLOITATION CONCESSIONS and the EXTENSION AGREEMENT
shall be twelve percent (12%) on the computable production, which shall be settled in
accordance with the parameters set forth in Law No. 17319, as regulated, supplemented,
and amended.
4.17.2 The Parties agree that, as from the effective date of this EXTENSION
AGREEMENT, the CONCESSIONAIRE shall not apply the discount on treatment
expenses established in Article 14 of Resolution No. 435/04 of the Argentine Secretary
of Energy.
4.17.3 In view of the above, the PARTIES declare that they have nothing to claim from
each other for any discount on treatment expenses incurred prior to the EFFECTIVE
DATE OF THE EXTENSION AGREEMENT.
4.17.4 Until the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY establishes a different procedure, the
CONCESSIONAIRE shall file any and all information related to the ROYALTIES,
SUPPLEMENTARY CONTRIBUTIONS, rectifications, and any other information
additionally required by the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY, respecting the format,
content, and submission means specifically indicated and/or approved by the
ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY.
On the 15th day of each month, the CONCESSIONAIRE shall:
a) upload into the payment module of the INPRO system, the Tax Returns related to the
ROYALTIES corresponding to ANNEX I, II and/or any rectifications, as well as the
Supplementary Contributions and discounts eventually made, together with their
corresponding payment vouchers;
b) send the Tax Returns in mdb format, corresponding to ANNEX I, II and/or any
rectifying documents and the file with the amounts paid or eventually payable, both
to the Province and EDHIPSA and, if applicable, the discounts of the royalty
payments, fully adjusted to the format and instructions given by the
ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY.
4.18
LANDOWNERS: As from the EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE EXTENSION
AGREEMENT, the CONCESSIONAIRE undertakes to update the easement values
according to the corresponding provincial regulations.
Section 5: INFORMATION TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE ENFORCEMENT
AUTHORITY.
5.1
During
the
term
of
the
EXPLOITATION
CONCESSION,
the
CONCESSIONAIRE shall provide in due time and manner to the ENFORCEMENT
AUTHORITY the technical documentation, information, and programs according to the
provisions of the applicable provincial and national regulations in force.
5.2
The CONCESSIONAIRE shall ratify to the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY
within one hundred and twenty (120) days as from the EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE
EXTENSION AGREEMENT, the measurement of the AREA according to the provisions
of Article 20 of Law No. 17319 and Resolution No. 309/1993 of the Argentine Secretary
of Energy.
Section 6: EFFECTIVENESS.
All the obligations and commitments assumed under this EXTENSION AGREEMENT
shall become enforceable as of the day following the publication in the Official Gazette
of the PROVINCE of the special law ratifying it in accordance with the terms and
conditions set forth in this EXTENSION AGREEMENT.
Section 7: STAMP TAX.
7.1
For the purposes of calculating the Stamp Tax, the taxable base of this
EXTENSION AGREEMENT shall be the amount agreed upon as EXTENSION
BONUS, and the CONCESSIONAIRE is obliged to pay such tax in full.
7.2
Payment shall be made within thirty (30) days after the EFFECTIVE DATE OF
THE EXTENSION AGREEMENT.
Section 8: TECHNICAL LIAISON COMMISSION.
8.1
The ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY and the CONCESSIONAIRE shall form a
TECHNICAL LIAISON COMMISSION consisting of two (2) representatives of the
ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY and two (2) representatives of the OPERATOR.
8.2
The Commission shall meet at least once every one-hundred and eighty (180)
days, on a mandatory basis, at the headquarters of the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY,
and shall convene, if necessary, extraordinary meetings, with the participation of other
stakeholders to monitor the development of the exploitation and/or supplementary
exploration activities, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
8.3
The issues discussed at each meeting and the agreements reached shall be
recorded in minutes signed by the PARTIES.
Section 9: DEFAULTS.
9.1
Failure to comply with the obligations and commitments assumed by the
CONCESSIONAIRE under the legislation and the EXTENSION AGREEMENT shall be
sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of CHAPTER VI of the GENERAL AND
SPECIFIC TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PUBLIC BIDS ADDRESSED TO
COMPANIES OWNING HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION CONCESSIONS
LOCATED IN THE PROVINCE OF RÍO NEGRO, included in ANNEX I to Law No.
5733.
Section 10: APPLICABLE LEGISLATION and CONFLICT RESOLUTION.
10.1 The EXTENSION AGREEMENT sets forth all the rights and obligations of the
PARTIES and constitutes the entire, sole, and definitive agreement between the
PARTIES with respect to the subject matter hereof.
The EXTENSION AGREEMENT shall be governed by, and construed in accordance
with, applicable national and provincial laws in force.
The following order of priority shall be observed for rule interpretation purposes in cases
of any controversy:
(a) Articles 31 and 124 of the Argentine Constitution;
(b) National Laws No. 17319, No. 24145, No. 26197 and the Mining Code of the Republic
of Argentina; their Regulatory Decrees and amending laws, and the environmental and
safety standards described in the following paragraphs;
(c) Articles 70 and 79 of the Provincial Constitution;
(d) Provincial Laws Q 4296 and Q 2627 and its Regulatory Decree No. 24/03, Law No.
5594;
(e) Provincial Laws No. 3250 (Comprehensive Management of Special Waste and
Environmental Heritage Safeguard), No. 3266 (Regulation of the Environmental Impact
Assessment Procedure); No. 2952 (Water Code); Provincial Decree 492/05 and
Resolution No. 339/18-SAyDS;
(f) Decrees of the National Executive Branch regulating hydrocarbon activities;
(g) Decrees of the Provincial Executive Branch regulating hydrocarbon activities;
(h) Resolutions of the Argentine Secretary of Energy which regulate hydrocarbon
activities;
(i) Resolutions of the State Secretary of Energy of Río Negro which regulate hydrocarbon
activities;
(j) Resolutions of the Secretary of Hydrocarbons of Río Negro which regulate
hydrocarbon activities;
10.2. The PARTIES shall resolve in good faith, through mutual consultation, any
questions or disputes arising out of, or in connection with, the EXTENSION
AGREEMENT, and they shall attempt to reach an agreement on any such matters or
controversies.
10.3. Any discrepancies which may arise due to differences in the interpretation and
application of this EXTENSION AGREEMENT which cannot be resolved between the
PARTIES shall be submitted to the jurisdiction of the Courts Hearing Administrative
Cases of the First Judicial District of the Province of Río Negro (Tribunales Contencioso
Administrativos de la Primera Circunscripción Judicial de la Provincia de Río Negro),
located in the City of Viedma, excluding and expressly waiving any other applicable
jurisdiction.
The PARTIES execute this EXTENSION AGREEMENT at the place and on the date
stated in the heading, in 3 (three) copies of the same tenor and to a single effect.
[signed]
ANNEX A – INVESTMENT PLAN
Section 1.
INVESTMENT PERIODS.
During the term of the EXTENSION AGREEMENT, the INVESTMENT PLAN shall
apply as from the EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE EXTENSION AGREEMENT and until
the effective expiration of the SECOND EXTENSION AGREEMENT, and it shall be
divided into SUB-PERIODS: the REMAINING TERM, comprised between the
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE EXTENSION AGREEMENT and the expiration of the
term of the FIRST EXTENSION PERIOD; and the SECOND EXTENSION PERIOD,
divided into five (5) SUB-PERIODS of two (2) calendar years each.
Section 2.
CONTENT OF THE INVESTMENTS AND ACTIVITIES PLAN.
2.1
The INVESTMENTS AND ACTIVITIES PLAN consisting in REMAINING
ACTIVITIES, COMMITTED ACTIVITIES and CONTINGENT ACTIVITIES, defined
in Sections 3, 4, and 5 of this ANNEX A, must be followed by a descriptive report of the
exploratory prospects, technical-economic descriptive report of the development projects
related to the type of reserve, with production forecasts, income, costs, and estimated
expenses that must be sufficiently detailed so as to be analyzed and validated by the
ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY.
2.2
As part of the INVESTMENT PLAN, the CONCESSIONAIRE shall prepare an
annual schedule of activities and investments classified by SUB-PERIOD until the
expiration of the SECOND EXTENSION PERIOD, according to the form which is part
of this ANNEX.
Section 3.
REMAINING ACTIVITIES.
3.1
The CONCESSIONAIRE may include in the INVESTMENTS AND
ACTIVITIES PLAN those tasks and investments committed for the FIRST EXTENSION
PERIOD which, with respect to the last INVESTMENT PLAN duly approved by the
ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY, as at the date of this EXTENSION AGREEMENT are
still pending; provided that the CONCESSIONAIRE submits the technical-economic
grounds for its postponement.
3.2.
The commitment to carry out the REMAINING ACTIVITIES must be fulfilled
within the REMAINING TERM SUB-PERIOD, i.e., prior to the expiration date of the
term granted for the FIRST EXTENSION. These activities may not be carried over to the
SECOND EXTENSION term, nor may they be included in the adjustment of the
Investment Plan for Non-compliances provided for in Section 1 of this Annex.
3.3
To secure compliance with the execution of the REMAINING ACTIVITIES,
within thirty (30) calendar days of the EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE EXTENSION
AGREEMENT, the CONCESSIONAIRE shall grant an INVESTMENT COMPLIANCE
BOND for the total amount committed, stated in US dollars.
3.4
With the express authorization of the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY, the
CONCESSIONAIRE may, on a semi-annual basis, substitute the amount of the
INVESTMENT COMPLIANCE BOND, pro rata the certification of activities submitted
by the CONCESSIONAIRE.
3.5
In the event that, at the expiration of the REMAINING TERM SUB-PERIOD, the
ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY determines the total or partial non-compliance with the
REMAINING ACTIVITIES, with a prior notice sent to the CONCESSIONAIRE, the
ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY shall foreclose the INVESTMENT COMPLIANCE
BOND.
Section 4.
COMMITTED ACTIVITIES.
4.1
By accessing the second extension period, the CONCESSIONAIRE shall firmly
commit to perform tasks and investments during the SECOND EXTENSION PERIOD
to continue with the development and exploitation of the AREA following technical-
economic criteria generally acceptable in the industry.
4.2
COMMITTED ACTIVITIES shall include the drilling of new wells, workover of
existing wells, conversion to injector wells, operations, or interventions related to the
execution of secondary and tertiary recovery projects (including polymer/gel injection),
construction of new production facilities, water injection, pumping, transportation, and
treatment of oil and/or gas production and water for secondary and tertiary recovery,
adequacy, improvement, and optimization of surface and deep facilities. It shall also
include exploration works outside the existing exploitation lot, advanced wells or drilling
other horizons within existing exploitation lots, trying to locate other objectives
(deepening of pre-existing wells), including the so-called unconventional wells.
4.3
The commitment of COMMITTED ACTIVITIES must be fulfilled before the
expiration of the SECOND EXTENSION PERIOD, and may be carried back to the
preceding (Anticipation of Activity) or carried forward to the subsequent (Deferral of
Activity) SUB-PERIODS. In this EXTENSION AGREEMENT, “Transfer of Activity”
shall be used interchangeably to refer to the “Anticipation of Activity” or to the “Deferral
of Activity”.
4.4
The Transfer of Activity does not imply nor should it be understood as a
substitution or conversion between COMMITTED ACTIVITY types; it refers to a
temporary change in the schedule.
4.5
Except in the case of an Act of God or an Event of Force Majeure, the
CONCESSIONAIRE may: (a) carry back the COMMITTED ACTIVITIES without
limitation from one SUB-PERIOD to a preceding SUB-PERIOD (“Anticipation of
Activity”) and, (b) carry forward up to thirty percent (30%) of the COMMITTED
ACTIVITIES from one SUB-PERIOD to a subsequent SUB-PERIOD.
4.6
The CONCESSIONAIRE shall submit to the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY
the request for Transfer of Activity together with the relevant technical justifications and
proposed execution terms, thirty (30) days prior to the effective implementation thereof.
At that same time, the CONCESSIONAIRE must submit an adjustment to the schedule
of activities resulting from the Transfer of Activity, if approved.
4.7
Based on operational needs, and with the prior authorization of the
ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY, the COMMITTED ACTIVITIES may be replaced by
other activities according to a conversion ratio to be determined based on the amounts
estimated for each activity (the “Conversion of Activity”).
4.8
The CONCESSIONAIRE shall submit to the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY
the request for Conversion of Activity together with the corresponding technical
justifications and estimated amounts, thirty (30) days prior to the effective
implementation thereof. At the same time, the CONCESSIONAIRE shall submit an
adjustment of the INVESTMENT PLAN resulting from the Conversion of Activity, if
approved.
Section 5.
CONTINGENT ACTIVITIES.
5.1
By accessing the SECOND EXTENSION, the CONCESSIONAIRE must
propose a CONTINGENT ACTIVITY to the results obtained from the execution of the
COMMITTED ACTIVITY to be carried out during the SECOND EXTENSION
PERIOD, aiming at exploiting the potential of the AREAS under the technical-economic
criteria generally acceptable in the industry.
5.2
The enforceability of the CONTINGENT ACTIVITIES shall be assessed based
on the existence of wells to be drilled and/or repaired resulting from the related
COMMITTED ACTIVITIES, with a category of Reserves, identified in the annual report
of Hydrocarbon Reserve Certification for Concession Purposes, prepared by an
independent certifier, for the year immediately following the fulfillment of the
COMMITTED ACTIVITIES of each SUB-PERIOD.
5.3
The Independent Certifier shall be jointly designated between the
ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY and the CONCESSIONAIRE, prior to the end of each
SUB-PERIOD, and the above-mentioned Certifier shall be in charge of verifying the
enforceability of the CONTINGENT ACTIVITIES.
5.4
Within thirty (30) calendar days after confirming the condition of enforceability
of the CONTINGENT ACTIVITY, the CONCESSIONAIRE shall submit an updated
schedule of activities contemplating the execution thereof within the SUB-PERIOD in
progress.
5.5
The provisions related to the transfer of activities and the conversion of activities
established in Sections 4.4 to 4.8 of this ANNEX shall apply to the CONTINGENT
ACTIVITIES as a condition of enforceability.
Section 6.
CONTROL OF ACTIVITIES.
6.1
The control and follow-up of the activities shall be carried out through the
Technical Liaison Commission established in Section 8 of the EXTENSION
AGREEMENT.
6.2
By March 31 of each year, the CONCESSIONAIRE shall submit a statement of
progress of the activities detailing the following: (i) a comparative analysis between the
enforceable REMAINING
ACTIVITIES,
COMMITTED
ACTIVITIES,
and
CONTINGENT ACTIVITIES corresponding to the current sub-period, and the activities
carried out in the year immediately prior to the filing, based on the information provided
by the CONCESSIONAIRE under Resolution No. 2057/05 and the INPRO system, which
shall coincide with each other, and (ii) a projected work schedule for the remaining term
of the current sub-period.
6.3
Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding sections, the ENFORCEMENT
AUTHORITY may request additional information necessary to comply with its control
powers.
Section 7.
CERTIFICATION OF ACTIVITIES.
7.1
The certification of the activities and amounts established for the enforceable
REMAINING ACTIVITIES, COMMITTED ACTIVITIES, and CONTINGENT
ACTIVITIES, as the case may be, shall be carried out once each sub-period has ended,
based on the Liaison Commission Minutes, the information provided in the sworn
statement of Resolution No. 2057/05 of the Argentine Secretary of Energy, and the
INPRO system.
7.2
The CERTIFICATION OF ACTIVITIES of each sub-period issued by the
ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY shall be the only instance where compliance with the
commitments assumed shall be determined.
7.3
The Certification of Activities shall not imply any amendment of the powers of
the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY in the pursuance of the control of the information
obligations imposed on the CONCESSIONAIRE by Resolutions 2057/05 and No. 319/93
of the Argentine Secretary of Energy.
Section 8.
ADJUSTING THE INVESTMENT PLAN.
8.1
Except in the case of an Act of God or an Event of Force Majeure, if at the end
of each sub-period, the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY certifies the existence of a non-
compliance with the committed activities, the CONCESSIONAIRE may submit, within
fifteen (15) business days after receiving the notification certifying the breach, a request
for the adjustment of the investment plan to remedy the above-mentioned non-
compliance, according to the following alternatives:
(i) a deferral of activities to the immediately following sub-period.
(ii) a new alternative investment plan, the content of which shall be equivalent to, or more
demanding than, the estimated number of the activities not performed at the time of
submission, to be carried out in the immediately subsequent sub-period.
The ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY must expressly approve or reject such a request.
8.2
In the event that the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY approves the adjustment of
the investment plan, within thirty (30) calendar days after notification of its approval, the
CONCESSIONAIRE shall grant an INVESTMENT COMPLIANCE BOND for the total
amount of the readjusted activities stated in US dollars.
8.3
With the express authorization of the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY, the
CONCESSIONAIRE may replace the amount of the INVESTMENT COMPLIANCE
BOND every six months, pro rata the certification of activities submitted by the
CONCESSIONAIRE.
8.4
In the event that, upon expiration of the SUB-PERIOD immediately following the
approval of the adjustment of the INVESTMENT PLAN, total or partial non-compliance
with the readjusted activities is verified, after prior notification to the
CONCESSIONAIRE, the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY shall proceed to foreclose
the INVESTMENT COMPLIANCE BOND.
Consolidated Activity (All fields and all categories)
INVESTMENTS IN EXPLOITATION AND
EXPLORATION
REMAINING
TERM
SECOND EXTENSION
TOTAL
Sub-period 1
Sub-period 2
Sub-period 3
Sub-period 4
Sub-period 5
Expiration
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2035
2036
WELL DRILLING
USD thousand
# Wells
$
5,704
3
$
5,704
3
$
5,704
3
$
5,704
3
$
4,167
2
$
2,630
1
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
29,612
15
WORKOVERS AND CONVERSIONS
USD thousand
# Wells
$
3,254
11
$
3,099
11
$
3,249
12
$
3,843
12
$
2,293
12
$
2,143
11
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
16,881
69
WELL ABANDONMENT
USD thousand
# Wells
$
3,620
20
$
200
1
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
3,820
21
UPGRADES TO EXISTING FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
502
$
452
$
396
$
370
$
372
$
393
$
386
$
385
$
391
$
410
$
392
$
--
$
4,449
NEW SURFACE FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
100
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
100
OTHER FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLOITATION
USD thousand
$
13,179
$
9,455
$
9,350
$
8,917
$
6,831
$
5,165
$
386
$
385
$
391
$
410
$
392
$
--
$
54,863
REMAINING INVESTMENTS IN EXPLORATION
WELL DRILLING
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLORATION
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLOITATION
AND REMAINING EXPLORATION
USD thousand
$
13,179
$
9,455
$
9,350
$
8,917
$
6,831
$
5,165
$
386
$
385
$
391
$
410
$
392
$
--
$
54,863
LAW No. 5733 - Annex A – INVESTMENT PLAN
ENTRE LOMAS
Remaining Activity
INVESTMENTS IN EXPLOITATION AND
EXPLORATION
REMAINING
TERM
SECOND EXTENSION
TOTAL
Sub-period 1
Sub-period 2
Sub-period 3
Sub-period 4
Sub-period 5
Expiration
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2035
2036
WELL DRILLING
USD thousand
# Wells
$
2,630
1
$
2,630
1
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
5,260
2
WORKOVERS AND CONVERSIONS
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
WELL ABANDONMENT
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
UPGRADES TO EXISTING FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
NEW SURFACE FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
OTHER FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLOITATION
USD thousand
$
2,630
$
2,630
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
5,260
REMAINING INVESTMENTS IN EXPLORATION
WELL DRILLING
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLORATION
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLOITATION
AND REMAINING EXPLORATION
USD thousand
$
2,630
$
2,630
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
5,260
LAW No. 5733 - Annex A – INVESTMENT PLAN
ENTRE LOMAS
Committed Activity
INVESTMENTS IN EXPLOITATION AND
EXPLORATION
REMAINING
TERM
SECOND EXTENSION
TOTAL
Sub-period 1
Sub-period 2
Sub-period 3
Sub-period 4
Sub-period 5
Expiration
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2035
2036
WELL DRILLING
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
2,630
1
$
2,630
1
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
5,260
2
WORKOVERS AND CONVERSIONS
USD thousand
# Wells
$
1,257
4
$
1,257
4
$
1,257
4
$
943
3
$
943
3
$
943
3
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
6,600
21
WELL ABANDONMENT
USD thousand
# Wells
$
200
1
$
200
1
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
400
2
UPGRADES TO EXISTING FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
339
$
321
$
263
$
230
$
251
$
271
$
265
$
264
$
253
$
289
$
272
$
--
$
3,017
NEW SURFACE FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
100
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
100
OTHER FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLOITATION
USD thousand
$
1,896
$
1,778
$
4,150
$
3,802
$
1,194
$
1,214
$
265
$
264
$
253
$
289
$
272
$
--
$
15,377
REMAINING INVESTMENTS IN EXPLORATION
WELL DRILLING
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLORATION
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLOITATION
AND REMAINING EXPLORATION
USD thousand
$
1,896
$
1,778
$
4,150
$
3,802
$
1,194
$
1,214
$
265
$
264
$
253
$
289
$
272
$
--
$
15,377
LAW No. 5733 - Annex A – INVESTMENT PLAN
ENTRE LOMAS
Contingent Activity
INVESTMENTS IN EXPLOITATION AND
EXPLORATION
REMAINING
TERM
SECOND EXTENSION
TOTAL
Sub-period 1
Sub-period 2
Sub-period 3
Sub-period 4
Sub-period 5
Expiration
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2035
2036
WELL DRILLING
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
2,630
1
$
2,630
1
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
5,260
2
WORKOVERS AND CONVERSIONS
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
150
1
$
300
2
$
300
2
$
300
2
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
1,050
7
WELL ABANDONMENT
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
UPGRADES TO EXISTING FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
NEW SURFACE FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
OTHER FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLOITATION
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
150
$
300
$
2,930
$
2,930
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
6,310
REMAINING INVESTMENTS IN EXPLORATION
WELL DRILLING
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLORATION
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLOITATION
AND REMAINING EXPLORATION
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
150
$
300
$
2,930
$
2,930
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
6,310
LAW No. 5733 - Annex A – INVESTMENT PLAN
25 DE MAYO – MEDANITO S.E.
Remaining Activity
INVESTMENTS IN EXPLOITATION AND
EXPLORATION
REMAINING
TERM
SECOND EXTENSION
TOTAL
Sub-period 1
Sub-period 2
Sub-period 3
Sub-period 4
Sub-period 5
Expiration
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2035
2036
WELL DRILLING
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
WORKOVERS AND CONVERSIONS
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
WELL ABANDONMENT*
USD thousand
# Wells
$
2,520
14
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
2,520
14
UPGRADES TO EXISTING FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
NEW SURFACE FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
OTHER FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLOITATION
USD thousand
$
2,520
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
2,520
REMAINING INVESTMENTS IN EXPLORATION
WELL DRILLING
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLORATION
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLOITATION
AND REMAINING EXPLORATION
USD thousand
$
2,520
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
2,520
* Activity to be defined as per Section 4.10.4 of this Extension Agreement.
LAW No. 5733 - Annex A – INVESTMENT PLAN
25 DE MAYO – MEDANITO S.E.
Committed Activity
INVESTMENTS IN EXPLOITATION AND
EXPLORATION
REMAINING
TERM
SECOND EXTENSION
TOTAL
Sub-period 1
Sub-period 2
Sub-period 3
Sub-period 4
Sub-period 5
Expiration
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2035
2036
WELL DRILLING
USD thousand
# Wells
$
1,537
1
$
1,537
1
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
3,074
2
WORKOVERS AND CONVERSIONS
USD thousand
# Wells
$
1,084
4
$
1,084
4
$
1,084
4
$
542
2
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
3,794
14
WELL ABANDONMENT
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
UPGRADES TO EXISTING FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
104
$
76
$
79
$
66
$
66
$
66
$
66
$
66
$
68
$
66
$
66
$
--
$
787
NEW SURFACE FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
OTHER FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLOITATION
USD thousand
$
2,725
$
2,697
$
1,162
$
608
$
66
$
66
$
66
$
66
$
68
$
66
$
66
$
--
$
7,654
REMAINING INVESTMENTS IN EXPLORATION
WELL DRILLING
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLORATION
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLOITATION
AND REMAINING EXPLORATION
USD thousand
$
2,725
$
2,697
$
1,162
$
608
$
66
$
66
$
66
$
66
$
68
$
66
$
66
$
--
$
7,654
LAW No. 5733 - Annex A – INVESTMENT PLAN
25 DE MAYO – MEDANITO S.E.
Contingent Activity
INVESTMENTS IN EXPLOITATION AND
EXPLORATION
REMAINING
TERM
SECOND EXTENSION
TOTAL
Sub-period 1
Sub-period 2
Sub-period 3
Sub-period 4
Sub-period 5
Expiration
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2035
2036
WELL DRILLING
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
1,537
1
$
1,537
1
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
3,074
2
WORKOVERS AND CONVERSIONS
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
300
2
$
600
4
$
450
3
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
1,350
9
WELL ABANDONMENT
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
UPGRADES TO EXISTING FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
NEW SURFACE FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
OTHER FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLOITATION
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
1,537
$
1,837
$
600
$
450
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
4,424
REMAINING INVESTMENTS IN EXPLORATION
WELL DRILLING
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLORATION
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLOITATION
AND REMAINING EXPLORATION
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
1,537
$
1,837
$
600
$
450
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
4,424
LAW No. 5733 - Annex A – INVESTMENT PLAN
JAGÜEL DE LOS MACHOS
Remaining Activity
INVESTMENTS IN EXPLOITATION AND
EXPLORATION
REMAINING
TERM
SECOND EXTENSION
TOTAL
Sub-period 1
Sub-period 2
Sub-period 3
Sub-period 4
Sub-period 5
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2035
WELL DRILLING
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
WORKOVERS AND CONVERSIONS
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
WELL ABANDONMENT*
USD thousand
# Wells
$
900
5
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
900
5
UPGRADES TO EXISTING FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
NEW SURFACE FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
OTHER FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLOITATION
USD thousand
$
900
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
900
REMAINING INVESTMENTS IN EXPLORATION
WELL DRILLING
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLORATION
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLOITATION AND
REMAINING EXPLORATION
USD thousand
$
900
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
900
* Activity to be defined as per Section 4.10.4 of this Extension Agreement.
LAW No. 5733 - Annex A – INVESTMENT PLAN
JAGÜEL DE LOS MACHOS
Committed Activity
INVESTMENTS IN EXPLOITATION AND
EXPLORATION
REMAINING
TERM
SECOND EXTENSION
TOTAL
Sub-period 1
Sub-period 2
Sub-period 3
Sub-period 4
Sub-period 5
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2035
WELL DRILLING
USD thousand
# Wells
$
1,537
1
$
1,537
1
$
1,537
1
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
4,611
3
WORKOVERS AND CONVERSIONS
USD thousand
# Wells
$
912
3
$
608
2
$
608
2
$
608
2
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
2,737
9
WELL ABANDONMENT
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
UPGRADES TO EXISTING FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
59
$
55
$
55
$
75
$
55
$
56
$
55
$
55
$
71
$
55
$
55
$
645
NEW SURFACE FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
OTHER FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLOITATION
USD thousand
$
2,509
$
2,200
$
2,200
$
683
$
55
$
56
$
55
$
55
$
71
$
55
$
55
$
7,994
REMAINING INVESTMENTS IN EXPLORATION
WELL DRILLING
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLORATION
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLOITATION AND
REMAINING EXPLORATION
USD thousand
$
2,509
$
2,200
$
2,200
$
683
$
55
$
56
$
55
$
55
$
71
$
55
$
55
$
7,994
LAW No. 5733 - Annex A – INVESTMENT PLAN
JAGÜEL DE LOS MACHOS
Contingent Activity
INVESTMENTS IN EXPLOITATION AND
EXPLORATION
REMAINING
TERM
SECOND EXTENSION
TOTAL
Sub-period 1
Sub-period 2
Sub-period 3
Sub-period 4
Sub-period 5
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2035
WELL DRILLING
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
1,537
1
$
1,537
1
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
3,074
2
WORKOVERS AND CONVERSIONS
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
150
1
$
150
1
$
150
1
$
450
3
$
450
3
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
1,350
9
WELL ABANDONMENT
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
UPGRADES TO EXISTING FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
NEW SURFACE FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
OTHER FACILITIES
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLOITATION
USD thousand
$
--
$
150
$
150
$
1,687
$
1,987
$
450
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
4,424
REMAINING INVESTMENTS IN EXPLORATION
WELL DRILLING
USD thousand
# Wells
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
$
--
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLORATION
USD thousand
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
TOTAL INVESTMENT IN EXPLOITATION AND
REMAINING EXPLORATION
USD thousand
$
--
$
150
$
150
$
1,687
$
1,987
$
450
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
--
$
4,424
ANNEX B – ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION
Under this ANNEX, environmental liabilities are classified according to their origin, as
follows:
Historical Liabilities: Those arising during the previous exploration and exploitation
stages, which were not remediated at that time. These liabilities may be large-scale and
complex, and they may represent a significant risk for both the environment and human
health.
Current Liabilities: Those arising during the current operation stage.
Future Liabilities: Those that may arise during the abandonment stage of an oil field.
These liabilities can be of various types, such as soil, groundwater or air contamination,
the presence of out-of-service facilities, or loss of biodiversity.
Section 1. HISTORICAL LIABILITIES.
To determine the Historical Liabilities, the environmental Enforcement Authority will
agree with the CONCESSIONAIRE on the inventory of existing liabilities and its
prioritization for the relevant remediation, according to the sample spreadsheet attached
hereto.
Communications. Communications will always be carried out through letters, meeting
minutes, and inspection and/or violation reports. Any partial release from liabilities will
be made through a technical report from the Enforcement Authority.
Final releases from liabilities will be made through an administrative act of the
environmental Enforcement Authority.
Section 2. CURRENT LIABILITIES.
· From Incidents
· Decommissioning of Facilities
· Repositories for Waste Stockpiles (Hazardous and Household-like Waste)
· Pits of any Kind
Liabilities from Incidents will be fully managed through the INPRO system in compliance
with all the rules issued by the environmental Enforcement Authority.
The Decommissioning of Facilities will be the result of a facility abandonment process
that may potentially generate hazardous waste under Law No. 3250; therefore, the process
begins by submitting an abandonment report to the Secretary of Environment and Climate
Change.
The repositories for soils with hydrocarbons or stockpiles of waste defined as special by
Law No. 3250 will be managed fully in accordance with the terms in that law.
Section 3. FUTURE LIABILITIES.
At the end of the concession period, there will be assets and liabilities on the surface under
concession.
Some environmental liabilities that may be found are, for instance:
· Repositories (Hazardous and Household-like Waste)
· Historical liabilities the remediation of which has not been completed may be included
in this item.
· Current Liabilities (resulting from the operation) that are in process or the treatment of
which has not yet begun.
· Plants and Facilities that have reached the end of their useful life.
· Wells that must be abandoned.
Six months before the end of the concession period an environmental audit of the area
will be SUBMITTED to certify the environmental condition of such area; it will be
performed by an external firm registered with the registry of environmental consultants
and evaluated by the Secretary of Environment and Climate Change. If there are any
remaining environmental liabilities, the CONCESSIONAIRE will present to the
Secretary of Hydrocarbons a REMEDIATION PERFORMANCE BOND posted by the
CONCESSIONAIRE to guarantee compliance of the obligations undertaken in the
PREVIOUS sections, for an amount equal to the total cost of the identified liabilities.
Section 4. ABANDONMENT OF WELLS.
4.1 The CONCESSIONAIRE agrees to abandon all wells subject to Resolution
No. 5/1996 of the Argentine Secretary of Energy and Resolution No. 339/SAYDS/2018
of the Secretary of Environment and Climate Change of the Province as from the
commencement of this EXTENSION AGREEMENT.
4.2 Notwithstanding the dates scheduled for the final abandonment of wells contemplated
in this EXTENSION AGREEMENT, the CONCESSIONAIRE agrees to:
4.2.1 Permanently abandon any well the early final abandonment of which is advisable
according to its priority level according to the criteria and scope stated in Annex I of
Resolution No. 5/96 of the Argentine Secretary of Energy, and Resolution
No. 339/SAyDS/2018 of the Secretary of Environment and Climate Change of the
Province, and/or according to the environmental risk assessed together with the Secretary
of Environment and Climate Change.
4.2.2 Prior to converting a well into an injection well, nearby inactive wells that are at
twice the spacing distance shall be examined to ensure their mechanical integrity through
a hydraulic test and corrosion logging or applying another accepted technique in order to
guarantee that there is no leak risk in the injection grid and/or any impact on aquifers.
Should any anomaly be identified in such wells, they will be repaired and/or abandoned
before starting any injection, according to the applicable legal rules. The parties agree
that the results from this analysis will be submitted to the ENFORCEMENT
AUTHORITY prior to conducting the targeted conversion.
LAW No. 5733 – Annex B – ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION
ENTRE LOMAS
Location
Environmental Situation
Field
Sector - Area - Facility
Coordinates
Remediation
Methodology
Measurement
Method
Unit
Quantity
Investment
Amount in
USD
Execution
Type of Monitoring
and Control
y
x
Beginning
End
Oil-Contaminated Lands
Piedras Blancas
PB-4 Battery Surroundings
2571823
5778258
Bioremediation
To be determined
m3
1064.4
118,056
2024
2025
Partial/final reports
Oil-Contaminated Lands
Charco Bayo
CB-98 Location Surroundings
2575128
5776547
Bioremediation
To be determined
m3
245.7
25,312
2024
2026
Partial/final reports
Oil-Contaminated Lands
Charco Bayo
CB.x-3 Location Surroundings
2576308
5776577
Bioremediation
To be determined
m3
972.6
39,490
2024
2027
Partial/final reports
Oil-Contaminated Lands
Piedras Blancas
PB-85 Location Surroundings
2574328
5777766
Bioremediation
To be determined
m3
149.4
17,448
2024
2027
Partial/final reports
Oil-Contaminated Lands
Piedras Blancas
PB-16 Location Surroundings
2572109
5777628
Bioremediation
To be determined
m3
307.2
25,312
2024
2028
Partial/final reports
Oil-Contaminated Lands
Piedras Blancas
PB-84 Location Surroundings
2572455
5778621
Bioremediation
To be determined
m3
280.5
25,312
2024
2028
Partial/final reports
Oil-Contaminated Lands
Piedras Blancas
PB-15 Location Surroundings, near
Puesto Tilleria
2572428
5777066
Bioremediation
To be determined
m3
386.7
25,312
2024
2029
Partial/final reports
Oil-Contaminated Lands
Piedras Blancas
EMC-3 and Surroundings
2573958
5776718
Bioremediation
To be determined
m3
1634.4
118,056
2024
2029
Partial/final reports
Oil-Contaminated Lands
Charco Bayo
CB-1008 Location Surroundings
2557170
5770767
Bioremediation
To be determined
m3
450
29,504
2024
2030
Partial/final reports
Oil-Contaminated Lands
Charco Bayo
Access Road to Well CB-182
Location
2579628
5774966
Bioremediation
To be determined
m3
117.9
17,448
2024
2030
Partial/final reports
Oil-Contaminated Lands
Charco Bayo
CB-54
2574828
5777062
Bioremediation
To be determined
m3
--
17,450
2024
2031
Partial/final reports
Oil-Contaminated Lands
Charco Bayo
CB-25
2568828
5781222
Bioremediation
To be determined
m3
450
29,504
2024
2025
Partial/final reports
488,204
LAW No. 5733 – Annex B – ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION
25 DE MAYO – MEDANITO S.E.
Location
Environmental Situation
Field
Sector - Area - Facility
Coordinates
Remediation
Methodology
Measurement
Method
Unit
Quantity
Investment
Amount in
USD
Execution
Type of Monitoring
and Control
y
x
Beginning
End
Oil-Contaminated Lands
25 de Mayo/Medanito
PBE.EN.EM-1665
-38,097,305
-67804420
Bioremediation
To be determined
m3
--
14,380
2025
2027
Partial/final reports
Oil-Contaminated Lands
25 de Mayo/Medanito
YPF.RN.EM-322
-38086092
-67829740
Bioremediation
To be determined
m3
--
14,380
2025
2028
Partial/final reports
Oil-Contaminated Lands
25 de Mayo/Medanito
YPF.RN.EM-681
-38040433
-67871370
Bioremediation
To be determined
m3
--
14,380
2025
2029
Partial/final reports
Oil-Contaminated Lands
25 de Mayo/Medanito
PC.RN.EM-1191
-38102663
-67796790
Bioremediation
To be determined
m3
--
14,380
2025
2030
Partial/final reports
Oil-Contaminated Lands
25 de Mayo/Medanito
RN.EM-1024
2603103
5785980
Bioremediation
To be determined
m3
--
14,380
2025
2031
Partial/final reports
Oil-Contaminated Lands
25 de Mayo/Medanito
RN.EM-307
2601349
5785757
Bioremediation
To be determined
m3
--
14,380
2025
2032
Partial/final reports
Oil-Contaminated Lands
25 de Mayo/Medanito
RN.EM-1045
2601574
5786144
Bioremediation
To be determined
m3
--
14,380
2025
2033
Partial/final reports
Oil-Contaminated Lands
25 de Mayo/Medanito
RN.EM-311
2604138
5785595
Bioremediation
To be determined
m3
--
14,380
2025
2034
Partial/final reports
Oil-Contaminated Lands
25 de Mayo/Medanito
RN.EM-417
2599378
5787275
Bioremediation
To be determined
m3
--
14,380
2025
2035
Partial/final reports
129.420
LAW No. 5733 - Annex B – ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION
JAGÜEL DE LOS MACHOS
Location
Environmental Situation
Field
Sector - Area - Facility
Coordinates
Remediation
Methodology
Measurement
Method
Unit
Quantity
Investment
Amount in
USD
Execution
Type of Monitoring and
Control
y
x
Beginning
End
No outstanding environmental issues
ANNEX C
FACILITY CONDITION AND MAINTENANCE
RULES AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING THE PROPER MAINTENANCE OF
RÍO NEGRO’S ASSETS
Section 1.
The rules in this Annex govern the procedures and practices aiming at
meeting, at least, the basic conditions in all facilities to be used for hydrocarbon
prospection, exploration, exploitation, transportation, and processing operations, to be
carried out within the provincial territory to achieve the industry operative quality and
security standards, to maintain the useful life of the assets delivered by the province, to
make the facilities safe, to manage resources properly and efficiently, to protect the health
of people and the environment through the most modern, rational and efficient resource
exploitation techniques.
Section 2.
The CONCESSIONAIRE agrees to constantly adapt the facilities and
equipment for the facilities to remain in proper conditions and prevent them from
deteriorating due to their use, to optimize the use of the assets in the concession area, and
protect the environment from potential contingencies related to the activity, and to
increase the value of those assets thorough investments sustained over time and submit
the necessary improvements for the activity to be properly conducted.
Section 3. The CONCESSIONAIRE shall implement, when developing its
EXPLOITATION CONCESSION, a FACILITY AND EQUIPMENT ADAPTATION
AND MAINTENANCE PLAN on facilities and equipment needed to carry out a regular
operation responsibly, using equipment in proper safe operation conditions, promoting
sufficient preventive maintenance to prevent the occurrence of environmental damages
and damages to the workplace, pursuant to the applicable national, provincial and
municipal legal and regulatory rules.
Such program must be available to the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY whenever it may
so request it. Also, inspectors may request information from the offices used for field
operation and they shall have prompt access to that information.
Section 4. The CONCESSIONAIRE agrees to have the essential instruments necessary
to properly control the operations seeing for the safety and security of the people working
at the facilities, the environment and the equipment involved.
Section 5. The CONCESSIONAIRE shall meet the goals set by the ENFORCEMENT
AUTHORITY: to maintain the integrity of the facilities optimizing their useful life, to
keep conditions that ensure that there are no leaks and/or losses of hydrocarbons or
substances that may harm the environment and people, ensuring the proper service of the
facilities, with no risk for workers, the population, and the environment. Inspectors may
prepare records requiring that any activities and conditionings deemed applicable by the
ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY be added to the FACILITY AND EQUIPMENT
ADAPTATION AND MAINTENANCE PLAN.
Section 6. The CONCESSIONAIRE agrees to prepare a mid-term plan for facility
adaptation and for the implementation of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
progressively.
Section 7. Any previous inspections, records and relevant photographic records
performed or prepared, as applicable, by the Hydrocarbon Police Force and registered in
the PROVINCIAL INFORMATION SYSTEM (the INPRO system) in the exercise of
their duties will be used to determine the current condition of the facilities as from the
effective date of this EXTENSION AGREEMENT.
Section 8. The CONCESSIONAIRE and/or the OPERATOR agree to notify and make
available to the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY any information related to Maintenance
Plans, results of audits on Tanks, Measurement Points (puntos de medición, PM), and
Pressure-exposed Equipment, Production information, incident data, and resulting repairs
in the related facilities, there being no need of a formal request by the ENFORCEMENT
AUTHORITY.
Section 9. According to this Annex, the CONCESSIONAIRE agrees to comply with the
following specific conditions, which are neither restrictive nor exclusive of other
conditions that may be defined through inspection records, letters, or national, provincial
or municipal legal and regulatory provisions that may be applicable.
9.1. INCIDENTS. If there are any environmental incidents caused by failures in the
facilities, the necessary works shall be performed to adapt them as soon as possible and
as provided for by the relevant authority. As regards incidents that may occur after the
effective date of this agreement, the relevant environmental remediation and/or clean up
tasks and facility adaptation tasks shall be carried out timely and as appropriate, and
works will be performed applying the most rational, modern and efficient techniques that
the Secretary of Environment and Climate Change of the Province and/or any authority
replacing it may approve under the current laws.
9.2. NEW PROJECTS. New projects must be planned meeting all requirements
established in this AGREEMENT and they must be submitted to the ENFORCEMENT
AUTHORITY at least 6 months prior to the beginning of the respective works, whether
they be new facilities or changes in design that affect the current processes. The
CONCESSIONAIRE agrees to notify the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY about the
technical construction files, audits, plans, programs, descriptive reports, blueprints,
equipment data sheets, and any such information that the ENFORCEMENT
AUTHORITY may deem necessary to supervise and control the projects in the
concession area.
9.3. VENTING SYSTEMS.
9.3.1. Venting systems must effectively separate liquids from gases, ensure the proper gas
burning through flaring stacks equipped with automatic pilots and remote ignition, thus
preventing, under any circumstances, any possibility of having unburned gases released
into the atmosphere.
9.3.2. All venting systems must measure vented gas, as set forth for in Resolution
No. 557/2022.
9.3.3. The collected fluids must be redirected to the process safely ensuring that no spill
occurs.
9.3.4. The control system of venting systems must effectively prevent any inappropriate
loss of fluids.
9.3.5. In order to comply with the requirements set forth in this section within the effective
term of this agreement, the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY will require at least the
following:
a) Any necessary adaptation must follow a schedule with works being completed within
the first 8 years of effectiveness of this AGREEMENT.
b) If no gas venting measurement is available, then, installing at least one measurement
point per year should be planned.
c) If gas is not flared, then, the relevant adaptation should be planned to end within the
first two (2) years from the effective date of this EXTENSION AGREEMENT.
d) If gases are not properly separated from liquids, then, the necessary adaptation should
be planned to reach the goals, considering at least one Venting System per year.
9.4. TANKS.
9.4.1. Within the first 6 months of effectiveness of this AGREEMENT, the
CONCESSIONAIRE shall submit to the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY the list of its
tanks within the area, whether they are operative or out of service, with their
georeferenced location, the facility to which they belong, and their function within the
process. It shall also submit an electronic file for each tank, containing the forms required
by Resolution No. 785/2005.
9.4.2. In the case of tanks that have not been registered as set forth in that resolution, at
least a history of internal and external inspections, leak prevention systems, audits
performed during the useful life of each tank, the results and execution of any corrective
actions performed based on the audits, and tank repair plans shall be presented.
9.4.3. Throughout the effective term of the EXTENSION AGREEMENT, the following
shall be performed: an Exam Plan, including Routine Operational Exams and Condition
Exams, which will be carried out with such frequency as set forth in Resolution
No. 785/2005 or in such rule as may replace it in the future, and all that information shall
be documented and filed and made available to inspectors at all times. In addition, the
CONCESSIONAIRE shall have an Inspection Plan Based on Risks and Inspection Plans
Based on Intervals defined by API 653.
9.4.4. An inspector of the Secretary of Hydrocarbons shall be present at all inspections,
and notice of those inspections must be given at least 10 days in advance.
9.4.5. If the OPERATOR has unregistered tanks, it shall comply with this requirement
within the first year of the exploitation concession of the area by generating its Form A1.
9.4.6. Any tank lacking the updated audits required by Resolution No. 785/2005, or any
tank that the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY deems subject to auditing—even if such
audit is not yet due under the frequency established by the regulation—shall be audited
within the first year of the exploitation concession for the area.
9.4.7. If the operator has more than 5 tanks that were not audited as set forth in the stated
resolution, then an update plan contemplating at least 3 audits per year as from the first
year of the exploitation concession shall be submitted to fulfill the requirements
established in this section within the effective term of this AGREEMENT.
9.4.8. The audits resulting from the inspections on the equipment must be submitted to
the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY and they will be deemed completed when all the
adaptations recommended by such audits have been made and approved by a subsequent
audit.
9.4.9. The adaptations required as a result of such audits must be performed within the
current year in which the audits were conducted. Otherwise, a duly reasoned conditioning
schedule shall be submitted subject to approval by the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY.
9.4.10. The ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY may request, whenever it deems it
necessary, the tank fitness-for-service evaluation set forth in API 579, that provides
criteria for tank fitness-for-service evaluation by an Authorized Inspector or tank
Engineers trained to conduct such evaluation.
9.5. PRESSURE-EXPOSED EQUIPMENT.
9.5.1. Within the first 6 months of effectiveness of this AGREEMENT, the
CONCESSIONAIRE shall submit to the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY the list of its
pressure-exposed equipment within the area, whether operative or out of service, with
their georeferenced location, the facility to which they belong, and their function within
the process. It shall also submit an electronic file for each piece of equipment, containing
the results of the most recent inspection of the equipment, measures taken based on those
results, resulting repairs, classification of the containers’ risks, interval of inspections
according to their risk classification or inspection program that ensures the mechanical
integrity of containers is fit for the intended service.
9.5.2. An inspector of the Secretary of Hydrocarbons shall be present at all inspections,
and notice of those inspections must be given at least 10 days in advance.
9.5.3. For pressure-exposed equipment not inspected within the last 5 years, an inspection
shall be scheduled within the first 2 years of the beginning of this AGREEMENT.
9.5.4. The audits resulting from equipment inspections must be submitted to the
ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY and they will be deemed completed when all the
adaptations recommended by such audits have been made and approved by a subsequent
audit.
9.5.5. Any adaptation required as a result of the stated audits must follow a schedule to
end within the first 8 years of effectiveness of this AGREEMENT, with a rate of progress
of at least 20% per year as from the third effective year of this agreement.
9.5.6. The ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY may request, whenever it deems it
necessary, the pressure-exposed equipment fitness-for-service evaluation set forth in API
579, which provides criteria for equipment fitness-for-service evaluation by an
Authorized Inspector or Engineers trained to conduct such evaluation.
9.6. MEASUREMENT OF GAS FOR INTERNAL CONSUMPTION.
9.6.1. Within the first effective year of this AGREEMENT, the OPERATOR shall
establish a method for the direct measurement of gas for internal consumption of all its
facilities, using the proper equipment. The ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY shall agree
to the proposed strategy.
9.7. OUT-OF-SERVICE FACILITIES.
9.7.1. Any facility installed in the CONCESSION AREA must be necessary to get the
maximum possible production from it.
9.7.2 If any out-of-service equipment is transferred to other facilities or other concession
areas within or without the Province, such transfer must be previously notified and
explained through a letter to the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY and must be authorized
by that authority.
9.7.3. The operator must submit a report detailing the integrity studies of equipment that
has been out of service for more than 24 months, demonstrating its usefulness. Otherwise,
such equipment must be decommissioned from the fields, properly disposed of, and
removed from the site where it was located, as stated in the Environmental Impact Study.
9.7.4. For out-of-service equipment to be removed from the concession area, an
abandonment schedule shall be set with a rate of progress of 10% per year.
9.8. LIQUID LEAK CONTAINMENT.
All pressure-exposed equipment, collectors, manifolds, pumps, heaters, two or more
fittings together that interrupt the continuity of piping and increase the risk of liquid leaks,
must have concrete basins with curbs or channels to contain such leaks.
Purges in separators must be connected to a collection system that ensures the proper
recovery and recirculation of fluids. Pumps must be housed within an enclosure with a
waterproofed floor that covers all their connections, and their spill collector must be
connected to the battery drainage system to recover any spills that may occur during
operation and/or repair works.
Thus, potential leak containment measures should be taken to minimize the impact and
the harmful effects on environment as much as possible, thus facilitating the removal and
cleaning of such equipment.
9.9. FISCAL MEASUREMENT POINTS.
9.9.1. The CONCESSIONAIRE shall optimize its measurement systems, as set forth in
ARTICLE 1 of Resolution No. 435/2004 of the Argentine Secretary of Energy
(Secretaría de Energía de la Nación, SEN). All possible resources must be provided to
guarantee the use of “a reliable production measurement system with an error of less than
ZERO POINT ONE PER CENT (0.1%) at the transfer point of the exploration permit or
exploitation concession to the transportation concession, refinery or land transportation
system.”
9.9.2. If the CONCESSIONAIRE lacks financial resources or operative possibilities to
comply with this requirement, it shall submit a written request with a proper explanation,
and it will be at the discretion of the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY to grant permission
to carry out an alternative production measurement.
9.9.3. The Points and/or Facilities contemplated in Resolution No. 557/2022 or
Resolution No. 318/2012, as applicable, must be registered in the “REGISTRATION
SYSTEM”, and they shall keep the data in that system updated.
9.9.4. The CONCESSIONAIRE shall maintain, calibrate, and verify the measurement
points, instruments, equipment and all their components, according to the detail and
frequency set forth in Resolution No. 557/2022.
9.9.5. The facilities mentioned in Item 3, Paragraph D, of the Sub-Annex included in
Resolution No. 557/2022 will not require any regular audits, unless the ENFORCEMENT
AUTHORITY requires the performance of an exceptional audit.
9.9.6. An inspector of the Secretary of Hydrocarbons shall be present at all inspections or
when maintenance, calibration, and verification tasks are performed, and notice of those
inspections and tasks must be given at least 10 days in advance.
9.9.7. In the case of Measurement Points, instruments, equipment and all their
components that have not been inspected, maintained, calibrated and verified as
established by Resolution No. 557/2022, they will be scheduled for inspection,
maintenance, calibration and verification, to be performed within the first 6 months of
effectiveness of this AGREEMENT.
9.9.8. Audits resulting from inspections conducted on the equipment must be submitted
to the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY. Such audits will be deemed completed when all
the adaptations recommended by them have been performed and accepted through a
subsequent audit to be conducted within the next 6 months. If the CONCESSIONAIRE
is unable to make the adjustments within 6 months, it shall send a letter duly explaining
the reasons for that failure and offering an alternative, subject to approval by the
ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY.
9.9.9. The CONCESSIONAIRE shall certify the metering point, where the production is
to be released from the exploitation concession area, as provided for in Resolution
No. 557/2022, within the first 12 months of effectiveness of this AGREEMENT. If the
CONCESSIONAIRE is unable to certify its Measurement Points, it shall send a letter
duly explaining the reasons for that failure, subject to approval by the ENFORCEMENT
AUTHORITY.
9.10. GAS RECOVERY AND UTILIZATION.
When batteries and plants located within the provincial territory must process light crude
oils with high vapor pressure, i.e., with a high degree of evaporation, all their equipment
must be connected to a gas recovery system through their vent ports, relief valves, and
elements related to process control or safety.
When the low gas-to-oil ratio does not justify the economic and operational feasibility of
using the gas produced, and this ratio falls below the values established in Article 5 of
Law Q No. 2175, the gas may be directed to flaring through properly designed venting
systems.
In the case of heavy or intermediate crude oils with a low amount of gas in solution, the
breathing gas recovery system of the equipment related to the processes shall be equipped
with elements the discharges of which will be connected to a vent stack to be flared.
9.10.1. The CONCESSIONAIRE shall develop an action plan improving the plant and
battery processes of all the concession area in order to recover gases safely and efficiently,
burning them if it is not advisable to properly utilize such gases and preventing them from
being freely released to the atmosphere.
Such project shall be implemented after the fifth effective year of this Extension, starting
by those plants that process higher flows of gas and/or that operate lighter crude oils.
9.10.2 Jointly with the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY, a plan must be developed to
capture gases unintentionally emitted into the atmosphere, classified as fugitive
emissions, originating from pressurized equipment, tanks, compressors, relief valves,
safety valves, pressure and vacuum valves, flame arresters, etc., which must be connected
to gas venting systems to be properly burned through venting flares or pits. Additionally,
an appropriate strategy must be planned to capture fugitive emissions and progressively
reduce their release.
9.11. SAFETY VALVES.
The safety valves in all facilities shall undergo calibration at least annually when they
work with sweet gas and every 6 months if they work with gas containing sulfur.
9.12. TRANSPORTATION CONCESSIONS.
The provisions in Law Q No. 5594 shall be observed.
9.13. RECOVERY CHAMBERS.
Within the first 6 months of effectiveness of this AGREEMENT,
the
CONCESSIONAIRE shall submit to the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY a report with
the integrity assessments of all the liquid recovery chambers and the tightness assessment
of those chambers. All those chambers which are not tight enough shall be removed from
operation immediately, and all necessary measures shall be taken so that the related
facility may continue operating as usual. The relevant chamber shall be repaired to be
used again under the express authorization of the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY.
9.14. CELLARS.
Within the first 6 months of effectiveness of this AGREEMENT,
the
CONCESSIONAIRE shall submit to the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY a program on
a well-by-well basis stating the frequency for purging and cleaning the well cellars.
9.15. ROADS.
A road maintenance and optimization program shall be submitted quarterly.
9.16. EMERGENCY PITS.
All emergency pits must be empty and clean during normal operations. They must also
be prepared to prevent contingencies, and they may not be used for standard procedures,
but only for unforeseen events inherent to the operation or contingencies. The facilities
must have pits according to the most rational, modern and/or efficient techniques that the
Secretary of Environment and Climate Change of the Province and/or the authority
replacing it may approve according to the current laws.
9.17. HYDROCARBONS AND BY-PRODUCTS FROM OTHER PROVINCES.
The CONCESSIONAIRE and/or the OPERATOR shall report any receipt of
hydrocarbons and by-products coming from other concession areas or provinces. The
relevant Fluid Reception Operating Procedure shall be submitted to the
ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY for evaluation. In addition, the receipt of produced
water, hazardous waste, slop, and any product or by-product intended for treatment or
final disposal within the territory of Río Negro must be reported.
9.18. VENT EXEMPTION REQUEST.
Vent exemption requests must be made in writing to the ENFORCEMENT
AUTHORITY at least 10 running days in advance.
Any accidental gas venting resulting from plant or equipment failure, such as treatment
or compression equipment, are deemed contaminating incidents and, thus, the companies
operating such plants or equipment shall comply with the provisions in Resolution SEN
No. 143/1998. In the case of the PROVINCE OF RÍO NEGRO, the provisions in Decree
No. 656/2004 and Resolution No. 2/2012 are applicable; thus, those environmental
incidents must be reported in the INPRO system.
Each scheduled exemption, whichever the venting term required by the operation may be,
must be requested through a specific submission stating in each case the cause for the
exemption that may eventually apply and the estimated maximum gas flow to be vented,
as and when set forth in Resolution No. 143/1998.
9.19. PIPELINES.
Whenever there are repeated (multiple) ruptures of a pipeline or pipe within less than 10
lineal meters and in a maximum of a 12-month period, the company shall carry out an
integrity assessment to evaluate if it should be replaced or alternatively repaired,
rehabilitated through coatings or new technologies.
Submit that study to the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY with an explanation of the
measures to be taken and stated dates of execution.
With those results, the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY may intervene in the measures
taken, request different adaptations, more information or other type of method to assess
the pipeline integrity.
The ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY states that, if the CONCESSIONAIRE fails to
comply timely and as appropriate, it will be subject to the violation report process stated
in Section 4.7 of the EXTENSION AGREEMENT and the relevant sanctions may be
imposed to it.
ANNEX C – ENTRE LOMAS –
Agreement on Specific Terms and Conditions
The CONCESSIONAIRE agrees to duly remedy the objections regarding the facilities
made by the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY and notified through Letter No. 445/24 of
the Secretary of Hydrocarbons.
The articles of Annex C with the specific features of the Entre Lomas concession area are
mentioned below. Please note that articles unrelated to the area or not requiring a
review/delivery of information are not included.
Article 9.2. New Projects
An annual plan will be submitted in connection with new projects to be executed in that
period.
Information Delivery Date: March - Annually
Article 9.3. Venting Systems
Articles 9.3.1 - 9.3.3 - 9.3.4 - 9.3.5.a - 9.3.5.d
The compressor stations (EMC) and the gas plant (PTG) have a KOD in the venting lines,
which ensure that there are no fluids in the flare stacks.
A risk analysis of the batteries will be performed, and it will include the adaptation plan
where High-Level sensors are placed. These HIGH-LEVEL sensors will be linked to the
SCADA system.
There are 12 batteries in RN.
The plan is to adapt 3 batteries every year, with the execution plan being submitted in
May 2025
Information Delivery Date: May 2025
Article 9.3.2 All Venting Systems Must Measure the Vented Gases in Compliance
with Resolution No. 557/22
Batteries, compressor stations (EMC) and the gas plant (PTG) have venting
measurements. For sensor calibration, sensors must be removed and sent to the
representative for calibration. That will require the shutdown of the plant or compressors.
An instrument calibration plan will be delivered.
Information Delivery Date: March 2025
Article 9.3.5.c Where Gases Do Not Flare, then the Relevant Adaptations Shall Be
Scheduled to be Completed within the First Two Years of the Extension
A detailed examination of the missing batteries will be conducted, and the pluriannual
plan of necessary adaptations will be delivered in March 2025.
Information Delivery Date: March 2025
Section 9.4. Tanks
Article 9.4.
A list of tanks will be delivered stating their location and function within the process and
the facility to which they belong.
Information Delivery Date: March 2025
Article 9.4.2 List of Tanks-Files
Each tank has technical information, inspections and audits.
All the available information complies with the technical, environmental and mechanical
integrity requirements contemplated in the local regulations (Resolution No. 785/05, and
No. 404/94, etc. of the Argentine Secretary of Energy) and in international rules and
standards (API 653, API 575, etc.).
A list will be delivered.
Information Delivery Date: March 2025
Article 9.4.3 Annual Plan
There is an annual plan that complies with local regulations (Resolution SE No. 785/05,
Resolution No. 404/94, etc.) and international rules and standards (API 653, API 575,
etc.).
Information is available for delivery.
Information Delivery Date: December 2024
Article 9.4.5 Tank Registration
Tanks are registered with the Argentine Secretary of Energy, with their relevant forms
according to Resolution No. 785/05. The information delivery date is for the review of a
facility not in a registered location.
Information Delivery Date: December 2024
Article 9.4.6 Audit Plan
There are more than 5 tanks without updated audits; thus, a plan established according to
item 9.4.7 is executed (see that item).
A detailed plan will be delivered with the equipment.
Information Delivery Date: December 2024
Article 9.4.7 (+5 unaudited tks - adaptation plan)
An audit plan was submitted in the Concession Extension Plan
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035
ICTI
16
13
7
9
11
14
15
15
10
8
0
ECE
4
4
3
5
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
A5
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Information Delivery Date: Submitted
Section 9.5. Pressure-Exposed Equipment
Article 9.5. Separators
A list of pressure-exposed equipment will be submitted together with their respective files
and an annual maintenance schedule. Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Article 9.5.2 - 9.5.3 - 9.5.6 Separators-Plans
The pluriannual activity plan arises from a Risk analysis according to API 580/581, from
which the RSAP inspection plans detailed in the table attached arise.
Adaptations, new inspection dates, remaining useful life of the facility, etc. are scheduled
based on the inspection results.
Activity
EMC1 EMC2 EMC3 EMC4 EMC5 ELO BATTERY Grand Total
2025
54
54
42
150
2026
30
28
58
2027
3
3
88
94
Grand Total
54
54
42
33
31
88
302
A thorough pluriannual plan will be delivered as stated above.
Information Delivery Date: December 2024
Article 9.6 Measurement of Gas for Consumption -Direct Measurement
A plan to calibrate measurement points will be submitted.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Article 9.7.3 - 9.7.4 Out-of-Service Facilities
An integrity assessment will be submitted for equipment that has been out of service for
over 24 months, together with an abandonment plan when applicable.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Article 9.8 Leak Containment
The records prepared by the Enforcement Authority will be used for this item; the relevant
adaptations and dates are stated in the facility adaptation spreadsheet attached to the
agreement.
9.9 Fiscal Measurement Points
Article 9.9.1 Resolution No. 435/2004 of the Argentine Secretary of Energy.
Delivery of the relevant calibration certificates under SEN 435, April 2025
We have skids according to Resolution No. 435/2004 for ELO NQN.
Information Delivery Date: April 2025
Articles 9.9.3 - 9.9.9 Registration of the Points or Facilities Contemplated in Resolution
No. 557/22
Review the points for registration with the SE.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Articles 9.9.4 y 9.9.6 Calibration and Maintenance at PM as Frequently as Stated in
Resolution No. 557/22.
Calibrations are made according to the calibration plan in Resolution No. 557/22.
PM GAS: Performed according to the dates stated in the resolution
PM VENTS: They should be calibrated. Overdue.
The calibration certificates will be delivered in May 2025
Information Delivery Date: May 2025
Articles 9.9.7 - 9.9.8 PM Audits
Audits are scheduled to be performed between December 2024 and March 2025 for the
following PM:
PM93 PTG ELO
The relevant PM calibration certificates will be delivered in May 2025.
Information Delivery Date: May 2025
Article 9.9.10 Gas Recovery and Utilization in Batteries and Plants: Release Elements.
An analysis will be performed to define if the values are below those set forth in Article
5, and once that is defined, it will be determined if the development of a gas recovery
project is economically feasible.
An analysis will be submitted, and it will serve as the basis for the annual plan.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Article 9.11. Safety Valves
PSV are calibrated annually. In areas with a high level of sulfur, the system has a rupture
disk in parallel to a valve; thus, in the event of overpressure, it has a dual discharge
capacity.
Certificates for 2024 will be delivered in April 2025 upon compliance with the calibration
plan.
Information Delivery Date: April 2025
Article 9.13 Recovery Chambers
In the case of batteries/plants, they must have devices for gauging ground water; tightness
is determined with them. Those devices will be evaluated to determine their conditions in
each case. A report with the evaluation performed will be delivered.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Article 9.14 Cellars
Their conditions will be evaluated and a plan will be developed based on them. A report
with the evaluation performed will be distributed.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Article 9.15 Roads
Their conditions will be evaluated and a plan will be developed based on them. A report
with the evaluation performed will be distributed.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Article 9.16 Emergency Pits
Their conditions will be evaluated and a plan will be developed based on them. A report
with the evaluation performed will be distributed.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Article 9.17 HC and By-Products from Other Provinces
They will be evaluated and, if something is required, an adaptation plan will be prepared.
Evaluating means to check which companies are delivering or will deliver in the future,
to analyze the impact of the treatment by VISTA of crude oil derived to the Crude
Treatment Plant-ELO.
Information Delivery Date: March 2025
Article 9.18 Vent Exemption Request
The requests will be notified as specified in the format required by the Enforcement
Authority.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Article 9.19 Pipelines
Whenever there are multiple ruptures of a pipeline or pipe within less than 10 lineal
meters and in a maximum of a 12-month period, the company shall carry out an integrity
assessment and consider some kind of repair or replacement, as applicable.
Risk matrices were developed for the pipelines and flowlines installed in the fields.
These analyses resulted in replacement and inspection plans, which are shown in the table
below:
ACTIVITIES OF ENTRE LOMAS’ PIPELINES
STRATEGY
Uni
2025
2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035
Slow Walk-through or Patrol Inspection-ME Km
127.6 136.2 136.2 136.2 136.2 136.2 136.2 136.2 136.2 136.2 136.2
Flowline Replacement
No. of Lines-Tranches
17
14
17
17
17
14
14
13
13
13
13
Pipeline Cathodic Protection (On-Off)
No. of Pipelines
62
62
59
62
55
55
55
55
55
55
55
Cathodic Protection CIPS-DCVG
No. of Pipelines
9
5
6
7
7
7
10
14
10
10
8
Pipeline Cleaning Run
No. of Pipelines
4
5
6
7
5
6
7
7
8
10
8
Intelligent Pig Run
No. of Pipelines
0
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
0
1
2
Adjustments in Several Pipelines
No. of Pipelines
0
4
5
2
4
5
5
4
5
4
3
Flowline and Trunk Pipeline Maintenance and Replacement Plans will be delivered in
June 2025
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
SCHEDULE FOR THE DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS AND RISK ANALYSES
The CONCESSIONAIRE agrees to prepare and deliver to the ENFORCEMENT
AUTHORITY the Descriptive Reports and Risk Analyses for Batteries 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and
6 of Charco Bayo in April 2025.
The Descriptive Reports and Risk Analyses for Batteries 1,2, 4, 6, 7, and 8 of Piedras
Blancas will be delivered in May 2025.
The Descriptive Reports for the Gas Treatment Plant and Motor-compressor Stations 1,
2, and 4, and the Risk Analyses for Motor-compressor Stations 3 and 4, and for the Gas
Treatment Plant will be delivered in June 2025.
ANNEX C – 25 DE MAYO – MEDANITO SE –
Specific Terms and Conditions
The CONCESSIONAIRE agrees to duly remedy the objections regarding the facilities
made by the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY and notified through Letter No. 445/24 of
the Secretary of Hydrocarbons.
The articles of Annex C with the specific features of the 25 de Mayo – Medanito SE
concession area are mentioned below. Please note that articles unrelated to the area or not
requiring a review/delivery of information are not included.
Article 9.2. New Projects
An annual plan will be submitted in connection with new projects to be executed in that
period.
Information Delivery Date: March - Annually
Article 9.3. Venting Systems
Articles 9.3.1 - 9.3.3 - 9.3.4 - 9.3.5.a - 9.3.5.d
The batteries are equipped with High-Level sensors in the battery two-phase separators
that prevent the passage of liquids into the burn pit.
A list of two-phase separators and high-level sensors will be provided.
Information Delivery Date: May 2025
Article 9.3.2 All Venting Systems Must Measure the Vented Gases in Compliance
with Resolution No. 557/22
The batteries are equipped with venting measurements. For sensor calibration, sensors
must be removed and sent to the representative for calibration.
An instrument calibration plan will be delivered.
Information Delivery Date: March 2025
Section 9.4. Tanks
Article 9.4.
A list of tanks will be delivered stating their location and function within the process and
the facility to which they belong.
Information Delivery Date: March 2025
Article 9.4.2 List of Tanks-Files
Each tank has technical information, inspections and audits.
All the available information complies with the technical, environmental and mechanical
integrity requirements contemplated in the local regulations (Resolution No. 785/05, and
No. 404/94, etc. of the Argentine Secretary of Energy) and in international rules and
standards (API 653, API 575, etc.).
A list will be delivered.
Information Delivery Date: March 2025
Article 9.4.3 Annual Plan
There is an annual plan that complies with local regulations (Resolution SE No. 785/05,
Resolution No. 404/94, etc.) and international rules and standards (API 653, API 575,
etc.).
Information is available for delivery.
Information Delivery Date: December 2024
Article 9.4.5 Tank Registration
Tanks are registered with the Argentine Secretary of Energy, with their relevant forms
according to Resolution No. 785/05. The information delivery date is for the review of a
facility not in a registered location.
Information Delivery Date: December 2024
Article 9.4.6 Audit Plan
There are more than 5 tanks without updated audits; thus, a plan established according to
item 9.4.7 is executed (see that item).
A detailed plan will be delivered with the equipment.
Information Delivery Date: December 2024
Article 9.4.7 (+5 unaudited tks - adaptation plan 2024)
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035
ICTI
16
13
7
9
11
14
15
15
10
8
0
ECE
4
4
3
5
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
A5
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Information Delivery Date: Submitted
Section 9.5. Pressure-exposed Equipment
Article 9.5. Separators
RSAP Georeferencing – Studies – Repairs
A list of pressure-exposed equipment will be submitted, together with their respective
files and maintenance schedule.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Articles 9.5.2 - 9.5.3 - 9.5.6 Separators-Plans
The pluriannual activity plan arises from a Risk analysis according to API 580/581, from
which the RSAP inspection plans detailed in the table attached arise.
Adaptations, new inspection dates, remaining useful life of the facility, etc. are scheduled
based on the inspection results.
ACTIVITIES BATTERIES Grand Total
2025
10
10
2026
5
5
Grand total
15
A thorough pluriannual plan will be delivered as stated above.
Information Delivery Date: December 2024
Article 9.6 - Measurement of Gas for Consumption -Direct Measurement
A plan to calibrate measurement points will be submitted.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Articles 9.7.3 - 9.7.4 Out-of-Service Facilities
An integrity assessment will be submitted for equipment that has been out of service for
over 24 months, together with an abandonment plan when applicable.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Article 9.8 Leak Containment
The records prepared by the Enforcement Authority will be used for this item; the relevant
adaptations and dates are stated in the facility adaptation spreadsheet attached to the
agreement.
9.9 Fiscal Measurement Points
Articles 9.9.3 - 9.9.9 Registration of the Points or Facilities Contemplated in Resolution
No. 557/22.
Review the points for registration with the SE.
Information Delivery Date: May 2025
Articles 9.9.4 y 9.9.6 Calibration and Maintenance at PM as Frequently as Stated in
Resolution No. 557/22.
Calibration dates must be adjusted in all cases according to the provisions of Resolution
No. 557/22.
LACT UNIT MEDANITO: It is performed at the established dates.
PM GAS: Performed according to the dates stated in the resolution.
The calibration certificates will be delivered in May 2025
Information Delivery Date: May 2025
Articles 9.9.7 - 9.9.8 PM Audits
Audits are scheduled to be performed between December 2024 and March 2025 for the
following PM:
LACT UNIT MEDANITO
For the remaining PM, audits must be reviewed/scheduled:
PM73 y PM35 MEDANITO: Audit plan shall be delivered in April 2025
Information Delivery Date: April 2025
Article 9.9.10 Gas Recovery and Utilization in Batteries and Plants: Release Elements.
An analysis will be performed to define if the values are below those set forth in Article
5, and once that is defined, it will be determined if the development of a gas recovery
project is economically feasible.
An analysis will be submitted, and it will serve as the basis for the annual plan.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Article 9.11. Safety Valves
PSV are calibrated annually. In areas with a high level of sulfur, the system has a rupture
disk in parallel to a valve; thus, in the event of overpressure, it has a dual discharge
capacity.
Certificates for 2024 will be delivered in April 2025 upon compliance with the calibration plan.
Information Delivery Date: April 2025
Article 9.13 Recovery Chambers
In the case of batteries/EMC/plants, they must have devices for gauging ground water;
tightness is determined with them. Those devices will be evaluated to determine their
conditions in each case. A report with the evaluation performed will be delivered.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Article 9.14 Cellars
Their conditions will be evaluated and a plan will be developed based on them. A report
with the evaluation performed will be distributed.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Article 9.15 Roads
Their conditions will be evaluated and a plan will be developed based on them. A report
with the evaluation performed will be distributed.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Article 9.16 Emergency Pits
Their conditions will be evaluated and a plan will be developed based on them. A report
with the evaluation performed will be distributed.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Article 9.17 HC and By-Products from Other Provinces
They will be evaluated and, if something is required, an adaptation plan will be prepared.
Evaluating means checking which companies are delivering, or will deliver in the future,
to PTC-PIAS Medanito Plant.
Information Delivery Date: March 2025
Article 9.18 Vent Exemption Request
The requests will be notified as specified in the format required by the Enforcement
Authority.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Article 9.19 Pipelines
Whenever there are multiple ruptures of a pipeline or pipe within less than 10 lineal
meters and in a maximum of a 12-month period, the company shall carry out an integrity
assessment and consider some kind of repair or replacement, as applicable.
Risk matrices were developed for the pipelines and flowlines installed in the fields.
These analyses resulted in replacement and inspection plans, which are shown in the table
below:
ACTIVITIES OF MEDANITO’S PIPELINES
STRATEGY
Units
2025
2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031
2032 2033 2034 2035
Slow Walk-through or Patrol Inspection-ME Km
24,4
26,0
26,0
26,0
26,0
26,0
26,0
26,0
26,0
26,0
26,0
Flowline Replacement
No. of Lines-Tranches
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Pipeline Cathodic Protection (On-Off)
No. of Pipelines
3
3
2
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
Cathodic Protection CIPS-DCVG
No. of Pipelines
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
Pipeline Cleaning Run
No. of Pipelines
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
Intelligent Pig Run/ERFV Trial
No. of Pipelines
1
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
Adjustments in Several Pipelines
No. of Pipelines
4
2
2
2
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
Flowline and Trunk Pipeline Maintenance and Replacement Plans will be delivered in
June 2025
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
ANNEX C – JAGÜEL DE LOS MACHOS –
Specific Terms and Conditions
The CONCESSIONAIRE agrees to duly remedy the objections regarding the facilities
made by the ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY and notified through Letter No. 445/24 of
the Secretary of Hydrocarbons.
The articles of Annex C with the specific features of the Jagüel de los Machos concession
area are mentioned below. Please note that articles unrelated to the area or not requiring
a review/delivery of information are not included.
Article 9.2. NEW PROJECTS
An annual plan will be submitted in connection with new projects to be executed in that
period.
Information Delivery Date: March - Annually
Article 9.3. VENTING SYSTEMS
Articles 9.3.1 - 9.3.3 - 9.3.4 - 9.3.5.a - 9.3.5.d
The batteries are equipped with High-Level sensors in the battery two-phase separators
which prevent the passage of liquids into the burn pit.
A list of two-phase separators and high-level sensors will be provided.
Information Delivery Date: May 2025
Article 9.3.2 All Venting Systems Must Measure the Vented Gases in Compliance
with Resolution No. 557/22
The batteries are equipped with venting measurements. For sensor calibration, sensors
must be removed and sent to the representative for calibration.
An instrument calibration plan will be delivered.
Information Delivery Date: March 2025
Section 9.4. TANKS
Article 9.4.
A list of tanks will be delivered stating their location and function within the process and
the facility to which they belong.
Information Delivery Date: March 2025
Article 9.4.2
Each tank has technical information, inspections and audits.
All the available information complies with the technical, environmental and mechanical
integrity requirements contemplated in the local regulations (Resolution No. 785/05, and
No. 404/94, etc. of the Argentine Secretary of Energy) and in international rules and
standards (API 653, API 575, etc.).
A list will be delivered.
Information Delivery Date: March 2025
Article 9.4.3
There is an annual plan that complies with local regulations (Resolution SE No. 785/05,
Resolution No. 404/94, etc.) and international rules and standards (API 653, API 575,
etc.).
Information is available for delivery.
Information Delivery Date: December 2024
Article 9.4.6
There are more than 5 tanks without updated audits; thus, a plan established according to
item 9.4.7 is executed (see that item).
A detailed plan will be delivered annually.
Information Delivery Date: December 2024
Article 9.4.7 (+5 unaudited tks - adaptation plan)
An audit plan was submitted in the Concession Extension Plan
2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035
ICTI
16
13
7
9
11
14
15
15
10
8
0
ECE
4
4
3
5
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
A5
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
A detailed plan will be delivered annually.
Information Delivery Date: December 2024
Article 9.5. PRESSURE-EXPOSED EQUIPMENT
Article 9.5.1
A list of pressure-exposed equipment will be submitted together with their respective files
and an annual maintenance schedule.
Information Delivery Date: March 2025
Article 9.5.2 - 9.5.3 - 9.5.6 Separators-Plans
The pluriannual activity plan arises from a Risk analysis according to API 580/581, from
which the RSAP inspection plans detailed in the table attached arise.
Adaptations, new inspection dates, remaining useful life of the facility, etc. are scheduled
based on the inspection results.
ACTIVITIES BATTERIES Grand Total
2025
3
3
2026
3
3
Grand total
6
A thorough pluriannual plan will be delivered as stated above.
Information Delivery Date: December 2024
Articles 9.7.3 - 9.7.4
An integrity assessment will be submitted for equipment that has been out of service for
over 24 months, together with an abandonment plan when applicable.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Article 9.8
The records prepared by the Enforcement Authority will be used for this item; the relevant
adaptations and dates are stated in the facility adaptation spreadsheet attached to the
agreement.
Article 9.9: FISCAL MEASUREMENT POINTS
Article 9.9.1 Resolution No. 435/2004 of the Argentine Secretary of Energy.
It does not have a meter in compliance with RES 435.
There is a measurement skid that measures everything coming from RN at the PTC inlet.
A technical report will be provided.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Article 9.9.2
An analysis will be delivered together with a technical report as per Article 9.9.1.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Articles 9.9.3 - 9.9.9
Items will be checked and registration will be made with the SE.
Information Delivery Date: January 2025
Articles 9.9.4 y 9.9.6
Calibration dates must be adjusted in all cases according to the provisions of Resolution
No. 557/22.
PM GAS: Performed according to the dates stated in the resolution.
A maintenance and calibration plan will be submitted.
Information Delivery Date: May 2025
9.9.7 - 9.9.8 PM Audits
Audits are scheduled to be performed between December 2024 and March 2025 for the
following PM:
PM76 JDM
Calibration certificates will be delivered in April 2025.
Information Delivery Date: April 2025
Article 9.9.10
An analysis will be performed to define if the values are below those set forth in Article
5, and once that is defined, it will be determined if the development of a gas recovery
project is economically feasible.
An analysis will be submitted, and it will serve as the basis for the annual plan.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Article 9.11. SAFETY VALVES
PSV are calibrated annually. In areas with a high level of sulfur, the system has a rupture
disk in parallel to a valve; thus, in the event of overpressure, it has a dual discharge
capacity.
Certificates for 2024 will be delivered in April 2025 upon compliance with the calibration
plan.
Information Delivery Date: April 2025
Article 9.13 RECOVERY CHAMBERS
In the case of batteries/plants, they must have devices for gauging ground water; tightness
is determined with them. Those devices will be evaluated to determine their conditions in
each case. A report with the evaluation performed will be delivered.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Article 9.14 CELLARS
Their conditions will be evaluated and a plan will be developed based on them. A report
with the evaluation performed will be distributed.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Article 9.15 ROADS
Their conditions will be evaluated and a plan will be developed based on them. A report
with the evaluation performed will be distributed.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Article 9.16 EMERGENCY PITS
Their conditions will be evaluated and a plan will be developed based on them. A report
with the evaluation performed will be distributed.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Article 9.18 VENT EXEMPTION REQUEST
The information requested will be filed to the Enforcement Authority.
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Article 9.19 PIPELINES
Whenever there are multiple ruptures of a pipeline or pipe within less than 10 lineal
meters and in a maximum of a 12-month period, the company shall carry out an integrity
assessment and consider some kind of repair or replacement, as applicable.
Risk matrices were developed for the pipelines and flowlines installed in the fields.
These analyses resulted in replacement and inspection plans, which are shown in the table
below:
ACTIVITIES OF JAGÜEL DE LOS MACHOS’ PIPELINES
STRATEGY
Units
2025
2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035
Slow Walk-through or Patrol Inspection-ME Km
22.5
24.0
24.0
24.0
24.0
24.0 24.0
24.0
24.0
24.0
24.0
Flowline Replacement
No. of Lines-Tranches
1
2
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
Pipeline Cathodic Protection (On-Off)
No. of Pipelines
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Cathodic Protection CIPS-DCVG
No. of Pipelines
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Pipeline Cleaning Run
No. of Pipelines
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
Intelligent Pig Run/ERFV Trial
No. of Pipelines
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Adjustments in Several Pipelines
No. of Pipelines
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Flowline and Trunk Pipeline Maintenance and Replacement Plans will be delivered in
June 2025
Information Delivery Date: June 2025
Exhibit 8.1
List of Subsidiaries of Vista Energy, S.A.B de C.V. as of December 31, 2024
Subsidiary
Jurisdiction of incorporation
Name under which the
subsidiary does business
Vista Energy Argentina S.A.U.
Argentina
Vista Argentina
Vista Energy Holding I, S.A. de C.V.
Mexico
Vista Holding I
Vista Energy Holding II, S.A. de C.V.
Mexico
Vista Holding II
Aleph Midstream S.A.*
Argentina
Aleph Midstream
Aluvional S.A.
Argentina
Aluvional
AFBN S.R.L.*
Argentina
AFBN
* in the process of being merged into Vista Energy Argentina S.A.U.
Exhibit 11.1
VISTA ENERGY, S.A.B. DE C.V.
INSIDER TRADING POLICY
Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. (the “Company”) is a company whose shares are registered on the
Mexican National Securities Registry (Registro Nacional de Valores or “RNV”) and listed on the
Mexican Stock Exchange, S.A.B. de C.V. and the New York Stock Exchange (such stock exchanges,
individually a “Stock Exchange” and collectively, the “Stock Exchanges”).
I.
Purpose
Securities laws of the United States, the United Mexican States (“Mexico”) and other jurisdictions
prohibit trading in the equity or debt securities of a company while in possession of material non-
public information about the company.
Considering the foregoing and in order to (i) take an active role in promoting compliance with such
laws, and preventing insider trading violations by its officers, directors, employees and certain others,
and (ii) comply with the following Mexican regulations:
• Mexican Stock Market Law (Ley del Mercado de Valores or “LMV”);
• The General Provisions Applicable to Issuers of Securities and other Stock Market
Participants (Disposiciones de Carácter General Aplicables a las Emisoras de Valores y a
otros Participantes del Mercado de Valores or “Securities Regulations”); and
• The General Provisions Applicable to Transactions in Securities Conducted by Members of
the Board of Directors, Officers and Employees of Financial Entities and Other Regulated
Entities (Disposiciones de Carácter General Aplicables a las Operaciones con Valores que
Realicen los Consejeros, Directivos y Empleados de Entidades Financieras y Demás
Personas Obligadas),
the Company has adopted the policies and procedures described in this document (the “Policy”).
II.
Definitions
“Relevant Officer”: person who, by virtue of occupying a position in the Company or any entity
controlled by the Company or that controls the Company, makes decisions that may materially affect
the administrative, financial, operational or legal situation of the Company or its subsidiaries together
with the members of the board of directors and secretary of such board of the Company.1
“Material Shareholder”: person who hold (directly or indirectly) more than 10% of the Company’s
stock (together with the members of the board and secretary of the board of such shareholder).
“Company Person”: any other officers, employees, temporary employees, and independent
consultants.
1 Considering the current organizational structure of the Company, in addition to the members of the Board of Directors
and Secretary of such Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and
the Director of Investor Relations are considered “Relevant Officers” as well.
III
Applicability of Policy
This Policy applies to all individuals occupying any position in, or those employed by, the Company
and/or its subsidiaries, including the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “CEO”), the
Relevant Officers, the Material Shareholders and the Company Persons, who execute or intend to
execute, or instruct or intend to instruct the execution of, transactions (including, without limitation,
the subscription, acquisition, disposal or transfer by any means), directly or indirectly, involving (1)
any kind of securities (including those which are registered in the RNV), such as preferred stock,
warrants and convertible debentures, (2) any kind of negotiable instruments representing the
securities described in section (1) above (including, without limitation, American Depositary
Receipts, American Depositary Shares or similar instruments used in foreign markets, representing
the securities described in section (1) above), or (3) any options or derivative financial instruments
which have the securities described in sections (1) and (2) above as underlying assets, including
securities exchangeable thereinto, whether or not issued by the Company, such as exchange-traded
options and/or certificates of deposit, e.g., CEDEARs (such securities, the “Company Securities”,
and such transactions therewith, the “Transactions in Company Securities”).
The restrictions and prohibitions in this Policy on actions by a Company Person also apply to actions
by the spouse and minor children of a Company Person and by adult members of the household of a
Company Person, and any entity that a Company Person directly or indirectly influences or controls
(“Related Persons”). Each Company Person is responsible for ensuring that such Related Persons or
entities do not engage in the activities restricted or prohibited under this Policy.
IV.
Principles Applicable to Transaction in Company Securities
Without prejudice to the provisions of Article 370 of the LMV, all Transactions in Company
Securities conducted by Company Persons (whether by themselves or through a third party), shall be
carried out pursuant to the following principles:
(i)
Transparency in the execution of Transactions in Company Securities.
(ii)
Equal opportunities with respect to other stock market participants in the execution of
Transactions in Company Securities.
(iii)
Protecting the confidence in the stock market.
(iv)
Compliance with the stock market’s uses (usos bursátiles) and good practices.
(v)
Absence of conflicts of interest.
(vi)
Non-possession of Privileged Information (as defined below) related to the securities
with which transactions are carried out.
III.
Reporting Obligations
Each Company Person, other than Material Shareholders, shall receive (upon the commencement of
its relationship with the Company or any of its subsidiaries) a copy of this Policy and sign an
acknowledgement of receipt thereof which shall be kept by the Compliance Office (the
“Compliance Office”) and in which such Company Persons shall acknowledge in writing that they
know, understand, intend to comply with and bind themselves to, this Policy.
Each Company Person that is a Material Shareholder shall receive a copy of this Policy and sign
such acknowledgement at the time it notifies the Company the number of shares it holds pursuant to
Article 49 Bis 3 of the Securities Regulation.
Each Relevant Officer shall deliver to the Compliance Office within 10 business days following the
date at which they were appointed or retained (whichever occurs first) a report describing (1)
securities registered with the RNV, (2) negotiable instruments representing the securities referred to
in section (1) above, and (3) options or derivatives that have the securities or negotiable instruments
referred to in sections (1) and (2) above as underlying assets; in each case, which are owned as of the
date of the report by such Relevant Officer, whether directly or through a third party, as well as any
intermediation agreement or similar agreement entered into by such Relevant Officers as of such date.
All Relevant Officers shall inform the Compliance Office of any intermediation agreement or similar
agreement into which they intend to enter into with any Mexican or foreign counterparty, prior to the
execution thereof.
Each Relevant Officers shall deliver to the Compliance Office, before the 16th day, respectively, of
April, July, October and January of each year, an executed report of all Transactions in Company
Securities such Relevant Officer has conducted during the immediately preceding calendar quarter.
In the event that during the corresponding quarter a Relevant Officer did not conduct any Transaction
in Company Securities, such situation shall be indicated in the report.
All Relevant Officers shall grant their authorization to the financial intermediary with which they
have entered into an intermediation agreement or similar agreement in order for such intermediary to
provide the Company with any information related to the Transactions in Company Securities
conducted under such agreement.
VI.
Statement of Policy
a. General Prohibition Against Insider Trading
No Trading or Tipping on Privileged Information
Any Company Person in possession of Privileged Information about the Company shall under no
circumstance:
(i)
buy, sell or otherwise engage in any transactions, directly or indirectly, in any
Company Securities, which listing or price may be influenced on the basis of such
Privileged Information;
(ii)
make recommendations with respect to Company Securities, which listing or price
may be influenced on the basis of such Privileged Information;
(iii)
disclose such Privileged Information to any third party, unless the respective transferee
is required to access such Privileged Information due to its job, position or
commission; or
(iv)
assist anyone in the above activities.
The above restrictions also apply to transacting in the securities of another company while in
possession of Privileged Information relating to such other company, when that information is
obtained in the course of employment with, or other services performed on behalf of, the Company
or any subsidiary of the Company.
Unless otherwise provided for in this Policy and applicable law, transactions that may be necessary
or justifiable for independent reasons are not excepted from these restrictions. The securities laws do
not recognize mitigating circumstances. In any event, even the appearance of an improper transaction
must be avoided to preserve the Company’s reputation for adhering to the highest standards of
conduct.
Privileged Information
It is not possible to define all categories of material information, as the ultimate determination of
materiality by enforcement authorities will be based on an assessment of all of the facts and
circumstances. Information that is not material at one point in time may later become material, and
vice versa.
In general, information is considered “material” if there is a reasonable likelihood that it would be
considered important to an investor in making a decision to buy, hold or sell securities. Any
information, action or event, of any nature, that could be expected to influence a company’s
securities’ price, whether positive or negative, and whether the change is large or small, constitute a
material event (“Material Event”) and so long as such Material Event is not disclosed through the
Mexican Stock Exchange and broadly to the marketplace (for example, included in a press release)
constitutes “Privileged Information”.
It may be difficult under this standard to determine whether particular information, actions or events
should be considered Material Events, but there are certain categories that are particularly sensitive
and, as a general rule, should always be considered Material Events. Examples of Material Events
under the Securities Regulations include the following:
(i)
In connection with the corporate structure of the Company:
(a) Changes in the corporate structure of the Company.
(b) Changes in the members of the corporate bodies of the Company or of its Relevant
Officers, as well as the reasons that may have motivated such changes.
(c) Amendments to the Company’s by-laws.
(ii)
In connection with the businesses of the Company:
(a) The negotiation or execution of material agreements not in the ordinary course of
business or the amendment or termination thereof.
(b) The execution, breach, resolution or termination of co-operation or joint venture
agreements by the Company or the companies controlled by the Company or in
which the Company has “Significant Influence” (understood as a position that
grants he or she with voting rights of 20% or more over the respective company’s
stock capital).
(c) The execution, breach, resolution, amendment or termination of agreements with
suppliers, clients or governmental agencies of any level, which are crucial for the
fulfilment of the corporate purpose of the Company or the companies controlled
by the Company or in which the Company has Significant Influence.
(d) The participation in biddings or tenders by the Company or the companies
controlled by the Company or in which the Company has Significant Influence,
as well as the results thereof.
(e) The gain or loss of a substantial customer or supplier by the Company or the
companies controlled by the Company or in which the Company has Significant
Influence.
(f) The announcement, development, creation or cancellation of a business line,
product or services by the Company or the companies controlled by the Company
or in which the Company has Significant Influence, or any significant defects or
modifications thereof.
(g) The timing of a new product, service or technology.
(h) Significant pricing changes.
(i) Impending bankruptcy or financial liquidity problems of the Company or the
companies controlled by the Company or in which the Company has Significant
Influence.
(j) Discovery of resources or the development, acquisition or application of new
technology impacting the business of the Company or the companies controlled
by the Company or in which the Company has Significant Influence.
(k) Incorporation, separation, retirement or exclusion of partners or shareholders who
have entered into agreements or who collaborate in the operation related to
financial, legal, technological or administrative affairs of the Company or the
companies controlled by the Company or in which the Company has Significant
Influence.
(l) News or negotiation of the disposition or acquisition of significant assets or a
subsidiary.
(m)Significant cybersecurity incidents.
(iii)
In connection with the Company Securities:
(a) News, negotiation or execution of investment projects, mergers or acquisitions, or
any project that involve the acquisition of shares of the Company which, as a
result, modify its capital structure and, as the case may be, the capital structure of
the companies controlled by the Company or in which the Company has
Significant Influence. This paragraph shall also apply to development, real estate,
energy and infrastructure, investment projects and exchange traded trust notes
(certificados bursátiles fiduciarios de desarrollo, inmobiliarios, de inversion en
energía e infraestructura, o de proyectos de inversion).
(b) As the case may, any changes to the Company’s rating as determined by a rating
agency.
(c) The causes for the acquisition by the Company of the Company’s own shares in
atypical or unusual volumes.
(d) Any information, actions, facts or events related to public offerings of Company
Securities.
(e) The offering of Company Securities in national or foreign stock exchanges, as
well as any decision to de-list such Company Securities.
(f) Stock splits.
(iv)
In connection with the financial situation of the Company:
(a) Financial results.
(b) Deviations in the performance of the Company or the companies controlled by the
Company or in which the Company has Significant Influence, with respect to the
outlook or assumptions previously disclosed.
(c) The granting or obtention of loans or financings which represent a significant
amount of the aggregated capital of the Company. Additionally, the amount of
any loans or financings in which the Company has entered into as of the disclosure
of the Company’s last quarterly report, to the extent such amounts represent 5%
or more of the total assets, liabilities or aggregated capital of the Company.
(d) Relevant changes in strategic assets of the Company.
(e) Material impairments, write-offs or restructurings of the most important liabilities
of the Company or the companies controlled by the Company or in which the
Company has Significant Influence.
(f) Changes in dividend policy as well as any loans or financings in favor of the
Company that involve restrictions or positive or negative covenants, such as the
payment of dividends, or those involving modifications to the capital structure of
the Company.
(g) Projections of future revenues, earnings or losses.
(h) Creation of a material direct or contingent financial obligation.
(v)
In connection with litigation and amendments to the applicable law:
(a) Significant litigation or regulatory exposure due to actual or threatened litigation,
investigation or enforcement activity, or significant developments related thereto.
(b) Collective labor issues of the Company or the companies controlled by the
Company or in which the Company has Significant Influence.
(c) Judicial, administrative or arbitral proceedings which are relevant for the
Company or the companies controlled by the Company or in which the Company
has Significant Influence, as well as the resolutions thereof.
(d) Amendments to laws or regulations that impact the business of the Company or
the companies controlled by the Company or in which the Company has
Significant Influence.
Non-Public Information
For purposes of this Policy, Material Events will not be considered publicly disclosed until they have
been disclosed broadly to the marketplace (for example, included in a press release) and through the
Mexican Stock Exchange and the investing public has had time to absorb the information fully.
Information will be considered to be fully absorbed (1) if the information is released prior to 9:30
a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on a “trading day,” by 9:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on the first trading day
after the information is released and (2) if the information is released on or after 9:30 a.m. U.S.
Eastern Time on a trading day or on a day that is not a trading day, by 9:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time
on the second trading day after the information is released. A “trading day” is a day on which the
Stock Exchange is open for business. If, for example, the Company makes an announcement on
Monday at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time, the information in the announcement would be considered
public starting at 9:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Tuesday (assuming all relevant days are “trading
days”); and if the announcement is made on Monday 9:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time, the information
in the announcement would be considered public starting at 9:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on
Wednesday (assuming all relevant days are “trading days”).
b. Special Restrictions and Prohibitions; Blackout Periods and Trading Windows
The following transactions present heightened legal risk or the appearance of improper or
inappropriate conduct on the part of Company Persons and are restricted or prohibited as follows.
The restrictions and prohibitions apply even if the relevant Company Person is not in possession of
Privileged Information.
Short Sales
Short sales of a security (i.e., the sale of a security that the seller does not own) by their nature reflect
an expectation that the value of the security will decline. Short sales can create inappropriate
incentives and signal to the market a lack of confidence in the Company’s prospects. Accordingly,
no Company Person (other than Material Shareholders) may engage in a short sale of Company
Securities.
Publicly Traded Options
A put is an option to sell a security at a specific price before a set date, and a call is an option or right
to buy a security at a specific price before a set date. Generally, put options are purchased when a
person believes the value of a security will fall, and call options are purchased when a person believes
the value of a security will rise. A transaction in options is, in effect, a bet on the short-term movement
of the Company Securities, and it can give the appearance of trading on the basis of Privileged
Information. Transactions in options may also focus a Company Person’s attention on short-term
performance at the expense of the Company’s long-term objectives. Accordingly, no Company
Person (other than Material Shareholders) may engage in a put, call or other derivative security
transaction relating to Company Securities on an exchange or other organized market or otherwise.
The restriction from the prior sentence does not apply to warrants issued by the Company; for the
avoidance of doubt, the other restrictions described in this Policy do apply to warrants issued by the
Company.
Hedging Transactions
Certain forms of hedging or monetization transactions, including zero-cost collars, equity swaps,
exchange funds and forward sale contracts, allow a stockholder to lock in part of the value of his or
her stock holdings, often in exchange for all or part of the potential for upside appreciation in the
stock. These transactions allow the stockholder to continue to own the covered securities, but without
the full risks and rewards of ownership. Because participating in these transactions may cause a
Company Person to no longer have the same objectives as the Company’s other stockholders, no
Company Person (other than Material Shareholders) may engage in such transactions.
Margin Accounts and Pledges
Securities held in margin accounts as collateral for a margined loan may be sold by the broker without
the customer’s consent if the customer fails to meet a margin call. Similarly, securities pledged (or
hypothecated) as collateral for a loan may be sold in foreclosure if the borrower defaults on the loan.
A margin sale or foreclosure sale that occurs at a time when the pledgor is in possession of Privileged
Information or otherwise is not permitted to trade in Company Securities would fall under the
restrictions in this Policy on trading during such times. Therefore, any person who wishes to pledge
Company Securities as collateral for a loan must inform the proposed transaction with the Compliance
Office by submitting a request at least one week prior to the proposed execution of documents
evidencing the proposed pledge.
Restrictions applicable to Share Buybacks
Any Company Person that is a member or secretary of the Board of Directors or Material
Shareholders, prior to the realization of Transactions in Company Securities, shall inquire with the
Company if it has transmitted or intends to transmit purchase or placement orders with respect to
shares representing its own capital stock (i.e. transactions with the buyback fund), in which case, such
persons shall refrain from transmitting purchase or sale orders, as applicable, unless in the context of
public offerings.
Since the purpose of the obligation to consult the Company prior to the execution of Transactions is
to prevent the Company from defaulting the restriction set forth in the first paragraph of article 366
of the LMV (i.e., that certain persons who are presumed to have privileged information may buy or
sell Securities directly to the Company) and considering that, pursuant to article 56 of the LMV, the
Company may only buy or sell such Securities through an authorized stock exchange in Mexico, such
inquiry obligations will not be applicable to purchase or sale orders of Securities that take place
outside an authorized stock exchange in Mexico (for example, orders to purchase or sell American
Depositary Shares (ADSs) on shares representing the capital stock of the Company, which are placed
on the New York Stock Exchange), since it is not legally possible for the Company to be on the other
side of such transaction. To avoid any doubts, the inquiry obligations will not apply to the execution
of Transactions in the context of a trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act, as it only
operates outside of an authorized stock exchange in Mexico.
Blackout Periods
The Company has established quarterly blackout periods, and may impose additional, special
blackout periods, each as described below.
Quarterly Blackout Periods. The quarterly blackout period starts on the end of each quarter and ends
at (1) 9:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on the first trading day following the release to the public of the
Company’s earnings for the quarter if such release occurs prior to 9:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on a
trading day or (2) 9:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on the second trading day following such release if
such release occurs on or after 9:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on a trading day or on a day that is not a
trading day. Company Persons may not conduct any Transactions in Company Securities during such
a quarterly blackout period.
Short-swing Period. Company Persons shall not (a) acquire, whether directly or indirectly, any kind
of Company Securities, during a 3-month period beginning as of the date on which such Company
Person made the last sale of a Company Security; or (b) sell any kind of Company Securities, owned
by the respective Company Person, whether directly or indirectly, during a 3-month period beginning
as of the date on which such Company Person made the last acquisition of a Company Security.
Without prejudice to the other terms of this Policy, the three-month blackout period shall not apply
to Transactions in Company Securities which:
(i)
are carried out by stock market intermediaries, investment funds and insurance and
bond companies, on their own behalf;
(ii)
represent acquisitions or disposals of securities by Company Persons or companies
controlled by the Company, acquired in the context of stock purchase plans granted to
employees, which have been previously approved at the shareholders’ meeting of the
Company and that set forth a general and equivalent treatment for all officers and
employees who maintain similar labor conditions; or
(iii)
are expressly authorized by the CNBV in the event of:
(a) Corporate restructurings such as mergers, spin-offs, acquisitions or sales of assets
representing at least 10% of the Company’s assets and sales for the last fiscal
year.
(b) Public offerings.
(c) Pre-emptive rights regarding the subscription of stock shares.
(d) Disposals of Company Securities belonging to one particular series in order to
acquire Company Securities of a different series with the proceeds derived from
such disposal.
(e) Procurement of liquidity for emergency expenditures or those derived from acts of
God or force majeur.
(f) Any other event provided for in the LMV.
Special Blackout Periods. Company Persons may not conduct any Transaction with Company
Securities from (a) the moment in which they are in possession of Privileged Information and until
(b) the second “trading day” after such information has been disclosed broadly to the marketplace
(for example, included in a press release) and through the Mexican Stock Exchange.
In addition, from time to time the Compliance Office may impose special blackout periods, during
which Relevant Officers and other affected persons will be prohibited from engaging in Transactions
in Company Securities. In the event of a special blackout period, the Compliance Office will notify
the Relevant Officers and other affected persons, who will be prohibited from engaging in any
Transaction in Company Securities until further written notice. The imposition of a special blackout
period is itself Privileged Information, and the fact that it has been imposed may not be disclosed to
others.
Modification of a Blackout Period. To the extent permitted by applicable securities law, the
Compliance Office may shorten, suspend, terminate or extend any blackout period at such time and
for such duration as he or she deems appropriate given the relevant circumstances. Any persons
affected by such a modification will be appropriately notified.
c. Certain Exceptions
The exercise of stock options and/or warrants of the Company, within the framework of long-term
incentive programs for personnel or any other program implemented by the Company, will not be
subject to the restrictions provided in this Policy.
Additional Procedures and Guidelines
Transactions under Rule 10b5-1 Plans
Implementation of a trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act allows a person to place
a standing order with a broker to purchase or sell Company securities, so long as the plan specifies
the dates, prices and amounts of the planned trades or establishes a formula for those purposes. Trades
executed pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan that meets the requirements listed below may generally be
executed even though the person who established the plan may be in possession of Privileged
Information at the time of the trade.
A trading plan may only be established when a person is not in possession of Privileged Information
and when a blackout period is not in effect. Anyone subject to this Policy who wishes to enter into a
Rule 10b5-1 plan must submit the trading plan to the Compliance Office for prior, written approval.
All Rule 10b5-1 plans must be placed through a broker satisfactory to the Company. Subsequent
termination or modifications to any Rule 10b5-1 plan must also be pre-approved by the Compliance
Office.
Whether or not pre-approval will be granted will depend on all the facts and circumstances at the
time, but the following guidelines should be kept in mind:
(i)
The trading plan must be executed outside of Mexico, apply only to transactions to be
conducted in the New York Stock Exchange and provide terms that will not breach the
short-swing period, and the relevant Company Person shall represent to the satisfaction
of the Company that such plan and its implementation will have no effect in Mexico;
(ii)
The trading plan must be in writing and entered into only when a blackout period is
not in effect and when the individual is not in possession of Privileged Information;
(iii)
The trading plan must be adopted in good faith and not as part of a plan or scheme to
evade the anti-fraud rules under the federal securities laws, and the Company Person
must at all times act in good faith with respect to the trading plan;
(iv)
Any Relevant Officer or Material Shareholder adopting a trading plan must certify in
writing, in the terms of the trading plan agreement, that, at the time of the adoption of
a trading plan (whether a new plan or due to a Termination Modification, as defined
below): (1) they are not aware of Privileged Information about the Company or the
Company’s securities; and (2) they are adopting the plan in good faith and not as part
of a plan or scheme to evade the prohibitions of Rule 10b-5;
(v)
Any modification to the amount, price or timing of the purchase or sale of securities
under a trading plan, as well as any change to an algorithm or computer program
affecting such factors shall be deemed to be a termination of the current trading plan
and the adoption of a new trading plan for purposes of restarting the Cooling-Off
Period (as defined below) (any such modification, a “Termination Modification”);
(vi)
The first trade made following adoption or Termination Modification of a trading plan
of a (A) Relevant Officer or Material Shareholder may take place no sooner than the
later of (i) 90 calendar days from adoption or modification and (ii) the second business
day after the Company announces its financial results for the quarter in which the
trading plan is adopted or amended by a Termination Modification (but in any event,
not to exceed 120 days following the trading plan’s adoption or any Termination
Modification of such trading plan), or (B) Company Persons other than Relevant
Officers and Material Shareholders may take place no sooner than 30 calendar days
from the adoption or modification of the plan (collectively, the “Cooling-Off Period”);
(vii)
The individual may not have more than one trading plan in effect at any given time,
except for (i) a single plan entered into with multiple brokers or where a broker is
replaced (so long as such replacement does not change the purchase or sale amount,
price or date of purchases); (ii) where there is an earlier- and later-commencing plan
designed to operate in sequence, such that one commences after termination of the
other and incorporates an “effective cooling off period”; (iii) a single “sell-to-cover”
plan (intended to cause the sale of securities to satisfy withholding obligations arising
from the vesting of stock-based compensation and other compensation awards not
subject to individual discretion as to timing of vesting, but not options) that exists
concurrently with another plan and (iv) any other situation permitted by applicable law
and subject to the prior approval of the Compliance Office;
(viii) If a trading plan is meant to effect a single transaction, an individual may not have had
another single-trade plan (10b5-1 or otherwise) during the prior 12-month period;
(ix)
The trading plan must permit its termination by the Company at any time when the
Company believes that trading pursuant to its terms may not lawfully occur;
(x)
Any Termination Modification must be made only during a non-blackout period when
the person is not in possession of Privileged Information and transactions under any
amended plan may not commence until the Cooling-Off Period beginning at the
execution of the Termination Modification;
(xi)
Trading plans do not obviate the need to file Form 144 and the fact that a reported
transaction was made or is to be made pursuant to a trading plan should be noted on
the applicable Form; and
(xii)
Information regarding adoption, modification, termination and material terms of any
trading plan (including any modification or change to the plan) may be required to be
disclosed in the Company’s quarterly reports filed on Form 6-K and annual report on
Form 20-F; and
(xiii) A copy of the executed version of any pre-cleared trading plan must be provided to
the Compliance Office for retention in accordance with the Company’s Record
Retention Policy.
Confidentiality of All Non-Public Information
Company Persons must maintain the confidentiality of the Company’s non-public information. In the
event a Company Person receives any inquiry or request for information (particularly financial results
and/or projections, and including to affirm or deny information about the Company), from any person
or entity outside the Company, such as a stock analyst, and it is not part of such Company Person’s
regular corporate duties to respond to such inquiry or request, the inquiry should be referred to
Investor Relations, which will determine whether such inquiry should also be forwarded to the
Compliance Office.
Individual Responsibility
Each Company Person has the individual responsibility to comply with this Policy. A Company
Person may, from time to time, have to forgo a proposed Transaction in Company Securities even if
he or she planned to make such transaction before learning of the Privileged Information. While the
Compliance Office can and should be consulted regarding the application of this Policy, including
the appropriateness of engaging in a particular transaction at a particular time, the responsibility for
adhering to this Policy and avoiding unlawful transactions, and ensuring that Related Persons do the
same, rests with each Company Person.
Post-Termination Transactions
This Policy applies even after termination of employment or service with the Company. If a Company
Person is in possession of Privileged Information when his or her employment or service terminates,
that person may not conduct Transactions in Company Securities (or another company’s securities,
as described in this Policy) until such information has become public or is no longer material.
VII.
Special Reporting on certain Transactions
a. LMV Threshold – Acquisitions between 10% and 30% of the stock shares of the
Company
Each Company Person must comply with Article 109 of the LMV, which provides that any person or
group of persons acquiring, whether directly or indirectly, within or outside the Stock Exchange,
through one or several simultaneous or subsequent transactions of any nature, ordinary stock shares
of a company granting any such persons title over 10% or more and less than 30% of such shares,
shall disclose such situation to the public no later than the following business day of the occurrence
of such event, through the Stock Exchange and in accordance with the terms and conditions the Stock
Exchange sets forth. In addition, such situation shall be informed to the CNBV within the same term
referred to above. Regarding groups of persons, the individual positions of each member thereof shall
be disclosed.
b. LMV Threshold – 5% Increase or Reduction
To the extent applicable, each Company Person must comply with Article 110 of the LMV, which
provides that any related parties of a company that directly or indirectly increase or reduce their
position in the ordinary stock shares of the relevant company by 5%, through one or several
simultaneous or subsequent transactions, shall disclose such situation to the public no later than the
following business day of the occurrence of such event, through the Stock Exchange and in
accordance with the terms and conditions the Stock Exchange sets forth.
In addition, the respective person shall express its intention or absence thereof to acquire a position
that grants he or she with voting rights of 20% or more over the respective company’s stock capital
(“Significant Influence”).
c. LMV Threshold – Persons with a 10% interest or higher in the Company’s stock
shares, members of the Board of Directors and Relevant Officers
To the extent applicable, each Company Person must comply with Article 111 of the LMV, which
provides that any person that directly or indirectly hold a 10% interest or higher in a company’s stock
shares, as well as the members of the board of directors and Relevant Officers of such company, shall
inform the CNBV of and, as the case may be, disclose to the public any acquisition or disposal thereof.
For purposes of the foregoing and pursuant to Articles 49 bis and 49 bis 1 of the Securities
Regulations, the corresponding persons shall inform the CNBV and the Stock Exchange of the
acquisitions or disposals conducted:
(i)
During a calendar quarter, provided that the operated amount during such period is
equal or greater than the equivalent in Mexican Pesos of 1,000,000 investment units
(“UDIs”) (considering the equivalence rate as of the last business day of the respective
quarter), through a notice delivered within the 5 business days following the closing
of the respective quarter; and
(ii)
During a 5-business days term, in the event the total operated amount is equal or
greater than 1,000,000 UDIs (considering the equivalence rate as of the last business
day of the respective quarter), through a notice delivered within the next business day
to that in which such amount has been reached.
Such notices shall not be required when the aforementioned thresholds are not reached within the
terms indicated above.
d. Company’s By-Laws’ Threshold (poison pill)
Pursuant to Article Ninth of the Company’s by-laws and subject to certain exceptions expressly set
forth therein, any direct or indirect acquisition of the Company’s stock shares, or attempted
acquisition of thereof, of any nature and however denominated, under any title or legal scheme,
intended to be performed, whether through one or several simultaneous or subsequent transactions of
any legal nature, without any time limit between them, whether through the Stock Exchange or not,
in Mexico or abroad, including transactions structured as mergers, corporate reorganizations,
spinoffs, consolidations, execution of collateral or other similar transactions or legal actions (any of
such operations, an "Acquisition"), by one or more persons, related persons, group of persons,
business group or consortium, shall require the favorable prior written approval of the Board of
Directors in order to be valid, each time the number of shares to be acquired plus the shares previously
held by the respective purchaser results in such purchaser holding 10% or more of the total shares
outstanding. Once such interest is reached, any subsequent Acquisition of shares that results in such
persons, related persons, group of persons, business group or consortium holding an additional 2%
or more of the total shares outstanding shall be notified to the Board of Directors at the corporate
domicile of the Company (through the chairman of the Board of Directors with a copy to the non-
member secretary of the Board of Directors).
For a more detailed description of the provisions intended to avoid changes in control, please refer to
Article Ninth of the Company’s by-laws.
VIII. Potential Criminal and Civil Liability and/or Disciplinary Action
a. Criminal and Civil Liability
Pursuant to securities laws in the United States and in Mexico, persons engaging in transactions in a
company’s securities at a time when they have Privileged Information regarding the company, or that
disclose such information or make recommendations or express opinions on the basis of Privileged
Information to a person who engages in transactions in that company’s securities (“tipping”), may be
subject to significant monetary fines and imprisonment. The Company and its supervisory personnel
also face potential civil and criminal liability if they fail to take appropriate steps to prevent illegal
insider trading.
The SEC and the CNBV have imposed large penalties even when the disclosing person did not profit
from the trading; there is no minimum amount of profit required for prosecution.
b. Possible Disciplinary Action
Company Persons who violate this Policy will be subject to disciplinary action by the Company,
which may include ineligibility for future participation in the Company’s equity incentive plans or
termination of employment.
In addition, the Compliance Office shall inform the Board of Directors any breach of this Policy it
has identified.
IX.
Monitoring Compliance
The Compliance Office will monitor compliance with this Policy and the Compliance Office will
periodically review this Policy. In addition to the other duties of the Compliance Office under this
Policy, the Compliance Office will be responsible for the following:
(i)
Pre-clearing all transactions involving Company Securities that are voluntarily
submitted for his or her pre-clearance, in order to determine compliance with this
Policy, the LMV, the Securities Regulations, insider trading laws and Rule 144
promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended;
(ii)
Sending notifications to Company Persons and other affected persons regarding
special blackout periods;
(iii)
Maintaining accurate records of quarterly entry, termination and modification of plans
to ensure accurate reporting by the Company;
(iv)
Periodically circulating this Policy and coordinating training about this Policy to
Company Persons;
(v)
Promptly circulating this Policy and coordinating training to all persons who become
Company Persons;
(vi)
Maintaining a current version of this Policy on the Company’s intranet website; and
(vii)
Assisting the Company in implementing this Policy, including monitoring relevant
changes in law, regulation or best practices and making appropriate changes to this
Policy and related practices and procedures.
The Compliance Office has the ultimate responsibility for all matters pertaining to the interpretation
and enforcement of this Policy.
VIII. Inquiries
Any person who has a question about this Policy or its application to any proposed transaction may
obtain additional guidance from Alejandro Cherñacov (achernacov@vistaenergy.com), Pablo Vera
Pinto
(pverapinto@vistaenergy.com)
and/or
Javier
Rodríguez
Galli
(javier.rodriguez.galli@bruchoufunes.com) as members of the Compliance Office. If there is any
uncertainty as to the appropriateness of any such communications, please consult with the any of the
aforementioned persons before speaking with anyone, especially brokers or any other persons or
entities contemplating or executing securities trades.
IX.
Amendments
Any amendments to this Policy shall be filed with the CNBV within the 10 business days following
the approval by the Board of Directors.
ANNEX 1
Annex 1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The undersigned hereby acknowledges that he/she has read and understands, and agrees to
comply with, the Company’s Insider Trading Policy.
Name Printed:
Date:
Exhibit 12.1
CERTIFICATION
I, Miguel Galuccio, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as
of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls
and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial
reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the
period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial
reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this
report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the
period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred
during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal
control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of
directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over
financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process,
summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant
role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: April 9, 2025
By: /s/ Miguel Galuccio
Name:
Miguel Galuccio
Title:
Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 12.2
CERTIFICATION
I, Pablo Manuel Vera Pinto, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as
of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The company’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure
controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over
financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the company and have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the
period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial
reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this
report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the
period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred
during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The company’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal
control over financial reporting, to the company’s auditors and the audit committee of the company’s board of
directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over
financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the company’s ability to record, process,
summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant
role in the company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: April 9, 2025
By: /s/ Pablo Manuel Vera Pinto
Name: Pablo Manuel Vera Pinto
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
Exhibit 13.1
Certification by CEO and CFO pursuant to Section 1350, as adapted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002
The certification set forth below is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission, in
connection with Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V.’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024
(the “Annual Report”) solely for the purpose of complying with Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United
States Code as adapted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.
Miguel Galuccio, the Chief Executive Officer and Pablo Manuel Vera Pinto, the Chief Financial Officer of
Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. each certifies that, to the best of their knowledge:
1. the Annual Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934; and
2. the information contained in the Annual Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial
condition and results of operations of Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V.
Date: April 9, 2025
By:
/s/ Miguel Galuccio
Name:
Miguel Galuccio
Title:
Chief Executive Officer
By:
/s/ Pablo Manuel Vera Pinto
Name:
Pablo Manuel Vera Pinto
Title:
Chief Financial Officer
Exhibit 15.1
[AM_ACTIVE 406772230_3]
D e G olye r a nd Ma c N a ughton
5001 Spring Va lley Roa d
Suite 800 Ea st
Dallas, Texas 75244
April 9, 2025
Vista Energy S.A.B. de C. V.
Calle Volcán 150, Floor 5
Colonia Lomas de Chapultepec, Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo
Mexico City, 11000
Mexico
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We hereby consent to the references to DeGolyer and MacNaughton as set forth under the
headings
“Presentation of Information–Presentation of Oil
and Gas
Information,”
“Item 4. Information on the Company,” and “Item 19. Exhibits” in the Annual Report on Form 20-
F of Vista Energy S.A.B. de C. V. (Vista) for the year ended December 31, 2024 (the Annual
Report). We further consent to the inclusion of our report of third party dated January 27, 2025 (our
Report), as Exhibit No. 99.1 in the Annual Report. Our Report contains our opinions regarding our
estimates, as of December 31, 2024, of the net proved oil, condensate, natural gas liquids, and gas
reserves of certain properties in Argentina and Mexico in which Vista has represented it holds an
interest.
We confirm that we have read the Annual Report and have no reason to believe that there
are any misrepresentations in the information contained therein that are derived from our Report or
that are within our knowledge as a result of the services performed by us in connection with the
preparation of our Report.
Very truly yours,
\s\ DeGolyer and MacNaughton
DeGOLYER and MacNAUGHTON
Texas Registered Engineering Firm F-716
[AM_ACTIVE 406772231_2]
Exhibit 15.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-
284489) pertaining to the Long Term Incentive Plan of Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. of our
reports dated April 9, 2025, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Vista Energy,
S.A.B. de C.V. and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Vista Energy,
S.A.B. de C.V., included in this Annual Report (Form 20-F) for the year ended December 31,
2024.
/s/ Pistrelli, Henry Martin y Asociados S.A.
Member of Ernst & Young Global Limited
City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
April 9, 2025
Exhibit 15.3
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-
284489) pertaining to the Long Term Incentive Plan of Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. of our report
dated April 24, 2023 (except for note 2.6 as to which date is April 23, 2024), with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V., included in this Annual Report
(Form 20-F) for the year ended December 31, 2024.
/s/ Mancera, S.C.
Member of Ernst & Young Global Limited
México, Mexico City
April 9, 2025
DeGolyer and MacNaughton
5001 Spring Valley Road
Suite 800 East
Dallas, Texas 75244
This is a digital representation of a DeGolyer and MacNaughton report.
This file is intended to be a manifestation of certain data in the subject report and as such is
subject to the same conditions thereof. The information and data contained in this file may be
subject to misinterpretation; therefore, the signed and bound copy of this report should be
considered the only authoritative source of such information.
D E G O L Y E R A N D M A C N A U G H T O N
500I SPRING VALLEY ROAD
SUI TE 800 EAST
DALLAS, T EXAS 75244
January 27, 2025
Vista Energy S.A.B. de C. V.
Calle Volcán 150, Piso 5
Colonia Lomas de Chapultepec, Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo
Mexico City, 1100
Mexico
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Pursuant to your request, this report of third party presents an independent
evaluation, as of December 31, 2024, of the extent of the estimated net proved oil,
condensate, natural gas liquids (NGL), and gas reserves of certain properties in
Argentina and Mexico in which Vista Energy S.A.B. de C. V. (Vista) has represented
it holds an interest. This evaluation was completed on January 27, 2025. Vista has
represented that these properties account for 100 percent on a net equivalent barrel
basis of Vista’s net proved reserves as of December 31, 2024. The net proved reserves
estimates have been prepared in accordance with the reserves definitions of Rules 4–
10(a) (1)–(32) of Regulation S–X of the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC). This report was prepared in accordance with guidelines specified
in Item 1202 (a)(8) of Regulation S–K and is to be used for inclusion in certain SEC
filings by Vista.
Reserves estimates included herein are expressed as net reserves. Gross
reserves are defined as the total estimated petroleum remaining to be produced from
these properties after December 31, 2024. Net reserves are defined as that portion
of the gross reserves attributable to the interests held by Vista after deducting all
interests held by others. Vista has advised that its government royalty obligations
are paid in cash; therefore, net reserves have not been reduced in consideration of
these royalty obligations.
2
DEGOLYER AND MACNAUGHTON
Estimates of reserves should be regarded only as estimates that may change
as further production history and additional information become available. Not
only are such estimates based on that information which is currently available, but
such estimates are also subject to the uncertainties inherent in the application of
judgmental factors in interpreting such information.
Information used in the preparation of this report was obtained from
Vista. In the preparation of this report we have relied, without independent
verification, upon information furnished by Vista with respect to the property
interests being evaluated, production from such properties, current costs of operation
and development, current prices for production, agreements relating to current and
future operations and sale of production, and various other information and data that
were accepted as represented. A field examination was not considered necessary for
the purposes of this report.
Definition of Reserves
Petroleum reserves estimated in this report are classified as proved. Only
proved reserves have been evaluated for this report. Reserves classifications used
in this report are in accordance with the reserves definitions of Rules 4–10(a)
(1)–(32) of Regulation S–X of the SEC. Reserves are judged to be economically
producible in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and
operating conditions and assuming continuation of current regulatory practices
using conventional production methods and equipment. In the analyses of
production-decline curves, reserves were estimated only to the limit of economic
rates of production under existing economic and operating conditions using prices
and costs consistent with the effective date of this report, including consideration
of changes in existing prices provided only by contractual arrangements but not
including escalations based upon future conditions. The petroleum reserves are
classified as follows:
Proved oil and gas reserves – Proved oil and gas reserves are those
quantities of oil and gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and
engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be
economically producible—from a given date forward, from known
reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods,
and government regulations—prior to the time at which contracts
providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that
renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic
3
DEGOLYER AND MACNAUGHTON
or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation. The project
to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator
must be reasonably certain that it will commence the project within
a reasonable time.
(i) The area of the reservoir considered as proved includes:
(A) The area identified by drilling and limited by fluid contacts,
if any, and (B) Adjacent undrilled portions of the reservoir that
can, with reasonable certainty, be judged to be continuous with it
and to contain economically producible oil or gas on the basis of
available geoscience and engineering data.
(ii) In the absence of data on fluid contacts, proved quantities in a
reservoir are limited by the lowest known hydrocarbons (LKH)
as seen in a well penetration unless geoscience, engineering,
or performance data and reliable technology establishes a lower
contact with reasonable certainty.
(iii) Where direct observation from well penetrations has
defined a highest known oil (HKO) elevation and the potential
exists for an associated gas cap, proved oil reserves may be
assigned in the structurally higher portions of the reservoir
only if geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable
technology establish the higher contact with reasonable certainty.
(iv) Reserves which can be produced economically through
application of improved recovery techniques (including, but
not limited to, fluid injection) are included in the proved
classification when:
(A) Successful testing by a pilot project in an area of the reservoir
with properties no more favorable than in the reservoir as a
whole, the operation of an installed program in the reservoir or an
analogous reservoir, or other evidence using reliable technology
establishes the reasonable certainty of the engineering analysis
on which the project or program was based; and (B) The project
has been approved for development by all necessary parties and
entities, including governmental entities.
(v) Existing economic conditions include prices and costs at which
economic producibility from a reservoir is to be determined. The
4
DEGOLYER AND MACNAUGHTON
price shall be the average price during the 12-month period prior
to the ending date of the period covered by the report, determined
as an unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month
price for each month within such period, unless prices are defined
by contractual arrangements, excluding escalations based upon
future conditions.
Developed oil and gas reserves – Developed oil and gas reserves are
reserves of any category that can be expected to be recovered:
(i) Through existing wells with existing equipment and operating
methods or in which the cost of the required equipment is
relatively minor compared to the cost of a new well; and
(ii) Through installed extraction equipment and infrastructure
operational at the time of the reserves estimate if the extraction
is by means not involving a well.
Undeveloped oil and gas reserves – Undeveloped oil and gas reserves
are reserves of any category that are expected to be recovered from new
wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively
major expenditure is required for recompletion.
(i) Reserves on undrilled acreage shall be limited to those
directly offsetting development spacing areas that are reasonably
certain of production when drilled, unless evidence using
reliable technology exists that establishes reasonable certainty of
economic producibility at greater distances.
(ii) Undrilled locations can be classified as having undeveloped
reserves only if a development plan has been adopted indicating
that they are scheduled to be drilled within five years, unless the
specific circumstances justify a longer time.
(iii) Under no circumstances shall estimates for undeveloped
reserves be attributable to any acreage for which an application
of fluid injection or other improved recovery technique is
contemplated, unless such techniques have been proved effective
by actual projects in the same reservoir or an analogous
reservoir, as defined in [section 210.4–10 (a) Definitions], or by
5
DEGOLYER AND MACNAUGHTON
other evidence using reliable technology establishing reasonable
certainty.
Methodology and Procedures
Estimates of reserves were prepared by the use of appropriate geologic,
petroleum engineering, and evaluation principles and techniques that are in
accordance with the reserves definitions of Rules 4–10(a) (1)–(32) of Regulation
S–X of the SEC and with practices generally recognized by the petroleum industry
as presented in the publication of the Society of Petroleum Engineers entitled
“Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserves
Information (revised June 2019) Approved by the SPE Board on 25 June 2019” and
in Monograph 3 and Monograph 4 published by the Society of Petroleum Evaluation
Engineers. The method or combination of methods used in the analysis of each
reservoir was tempered by experience with similar reservoirs, stage of development,
quality and completeness of basic data, and production history.
Based on the current stage of field development, production performance, the
development plan provided by Vista, and analyses of areas offsetting existing wells
with test or production data, reserves were classified as proved.
The undeveloped reserves estimates were based on opportunities identified in
the plan of development provided by Vista.
Vista has represented that its senior management is committed to the
development plan provided by Vista and that Vista has the financial capability to
execute the development plan, including the drilling and completion of wells and the
installation of equipment and facilities.
For depletion-type reservoirs or those whose performance disclosed a reliable
decline in producing-rate trends or other diagnostic characteristics, reserves were
estimated by the application of appropriate decline curves or other performance
relationships. In the analyses of production-decline curves, reserves were estimated
only to the limits of economic production as defined under the Definition of Reserves
heading of this report or the expiration of the concession, as appropriate.
In certain cases, reserves were estimated by incorporating elements of
analogy with similar wells or reservoirs for which more complete data were available.
6
DEGOLYER AND MACNAUGHTON
In the evaluation of undeveloped reserves, type-well analysis was performed
using well data from wells drilled through December 31, 2024, and analogous
reservoirs for which more complete historical performance data were available.
For the evaluation of unconventional reservoirs, a performance-based
methodology integrating the appropriate geology and petroleum engineering data
was utilized for this report. Performance-based methodology primarily includes
(1) production diagnostics, (2) decline-curve analysis, and (3) model-based analysis (if
necessary, based on availability of data). Production diagnostics include data quality
control, identification of flow regimes, and characteristic well performance behavior.
These analyses were performed for all well groupings (or type-curve areas).
Characteristic rate-decline profiles from diagnostic interpretation were
translated to modified hyperbolic rate profiles, including one or multiple b-exponent
values followed by an exponential decline. Based on the availability of data,
model-based analysis may be integrated to evaluate long-term decline behavior,
the effect of dynamic reservoir and fracture parameters on well performance, and
complex situations sourced by the nature of unconventional reservoirs.
Data provided by Vista from wells drilled through December 31, 2024, and
made available for this evaluation were used to prepare the reserves estimates
herein. These reserves estimates were based on consideration of monthly production
data available for certain properties only through October 2024. Estimated
cumulative production, as of December 31, 2024, was deducted from the estimated
gross ultimate recovery to estimate gross reserves. This required that production be
estimated for 2 months.
Oil and condensate reserves estimated herein are to be recovered by
normal field separation. NGL reserves estimated herein include pentanes and
heavier fractions (C5+) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which consists primarily
of propane and butane fractions, and are the result of low-temperature plant
processing. Oil, condensate, C5+, and LPG reserves included herein are expressed in
thousands of barrels (103bbl). In these estimates, 1 barrel equals 42 United States
gallons. For reporting purposes, oil and condensate reserves have been estimated
separately and are presented herein as a summed quantity.
Gas quantities estimated herein are expressed as marketable gas and sales
gas. Marketable gas is defined as the total gas produced from the reservoir
after reduction for shrinkage resulting from field separation; processing, including
removal of the nonhydrocarbon gas to meet pipeline specifications; and flare and
7
DEGOLYER AND MACNAUGHTON
other losses but not from fuel usage. Sales gas is defined as the total gas to be
produced from the reservoirs, measured at the point of delivery, after reduction
for fuel usage, flare, and shrinkage resulting from field separation and processing.
Gas reserves estimated herein are reported as marketable gas and sales gas. Gas
quantities are expressed at a temperature base of 60 degrees Fahrenheit (◦F) and
at a pressure base of 14.696 pounds per square inch absolute (psia). Gas quantities
included in this report are expressed in millions of cubic feet (106ft3).
Gas quantities are identified by the type of reservoir from which the gas
will be produced. Nonassociated gas is gas at initial reservoir conditions with no
oil present in the reservoir. Associated gas is both gas-cap gas and solution gas.
Gas-cap gas is gas at initial reservoir conditions and is in communication with an
underlying oil zone. Solution gas is gas dissolved in oil at initial reservoir conditions.
Gas quantities estimated herein include both associated and nonassociated gas.
Primary Economic Assumptions
This report has been prepared using initial prices, expenses, and costs
provided by Vista in United States dollars (U.S.$). Future prices were estimated
using guidelines established by the SEC and the Financial Accounting Standards
Board (FASB). The following economic assumptions were used for estimating the
reserves reported herein:
Oil, Condensate, C5+, and LPG Prices
Vista has represented that the oil, condensate, C5+, and LPG
prices were based on a reference price, calculated as the
unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price
for each month within the 12-month period prior to the end of
the reporting period, unless prices are defined by contractual
agreements. Vista supplied differentials to a Brent reference
price of U.S.$80.42 per barrel and the prices were held constant
thereafter. For the properties in Argentina, the volume-weighted
average adjusted product prices attributable to the estimated
proved reserves were U.S.$69.44 per barrel of oil, condensate,
and C5+ and U.S.$25.72 per barrel for LPG. For the properties
in Mexico, the volume-weighted average adjusted product price
attributable to the estimated proved reserves was U.S.$61.48 per
barrel of oil. These prices were not escalated for inflation.
8
DEGOLYER AND MACNAUGHTON
Gas Prices
Vista has represented that the gas prices for the properties
evaluated herein are defined by contractual agreements based on
specific market conditions. For the properties in Argentina, for
certain volumes of gas Vista is paid an incentive gas price that
is subsidized by the Argentine government through 2028. The
incentive volume-weighted average gas sales prices are U.S.$4.10
per thousand cubic feet (103ft3) of gas for 2025, U.S.$4.04 per
103ft3 of gas for 2026, U.S.$4.22 per 103ft3 of gas for 2027,
and U.S.$4.21 per 103ft3 of gas for 2028. The volume-weighted
average adjusted product price attributable to the estimated
proved reserves for 2029 forward is U.S.$3.77 per 103ft3 of gas.
The volume-weighted average adjusted product price attributable
to the estimated proved reserves for the properties located in
Mexico was U.S.$2.79 per 103ft3 of gas.
Operating Expenses, Capital Costs, and Abandonment Costs
Estimates of operating expenses and future capital expenditures,
provided by Vista and based on existing economic conditions,
were held constant for the lives of the properties. In certain
cases, future expenditures, either higher or lower than current
expenditures, may have been used because of anticipated changes
in operating conditions, but no general escalation that might
result from inflation was applied. Abandonment costs, which are
those costs associated with the removal of equipment, plugging
of wells, and reclamation and restoration associated with the
abandonment, were provided by Vista for all properties and
were not adjusted for inflation. Operating expenses, capital
costs, and abandonment costs were considered, as appropriate, in
determining the economic viability of the undeveloped reserves
estimated herein.
In our opinion, the information relating to estimated proved reserves of
oil, condensate, C5+, LPG, and gas contained in this report has been prepared
in accordance with Paragraphs 932-235-50-4, 932-235-50-6, 932-235-50-7, and
932-235-50-9 of the Accounting Standards Update 932-235-50, Extractive Industries
– Oil and Gas (Topic 932): Oil and Gas Reserve Estimation and Disclosures
(January 2010) of the FASB and Rules 4–10(a)(1)–(32) of Regulation S–X and Rules
9
DEGOLYER AND MACNAUGHTON
302(b), 1201, 1202(a) (1), (2), (3), (4), (8), and 1203(a) of Regulation S–K of the
SEC; provided, however, that estimates of proved developed and proved undeveloped
reserves are not presented at the beginning of the year.
To the extent the above-enumerated rules, regulations, and statements
require determinations of an accounting or legal nature, we, as engineers, are
necessarily unable to express an opinion as to whether the above-described
information is in accordance therewith or sufficient therefor.
Summary of Conclusions
DeGolyer and MacNaughton has performed an independent evaluation of the
extent of the estimated net proved oil, condensate, NGL, and gas reserves of certain
properties in which Vista has represented it holds an interest. The estimated net
proved reserves, as of December 31, 2024, of the properties evaluated herein were
based on the definition of proved reserves of the SEC and are summarized as follows,
expressed in thousands of barrels (103bbl) and millions of cubic feet (106ft3):
Estimated by DeGolyer and MacNaughton
Net Proved Reserves
as of
December 31, 2024
Oil and
Marketable
Sales
A
M
G
Condensate
(103bbl)
Gas
(106ft3)
Gas
(106ft3)
C5+
(103bbl)
LPG
(103bbl)
rgentina
Proved Developed
106,509
109,004
95,931
135
351
Proved Undeveloped
207,658
173,236
150,391
74
468
Total Proved
314,167
282,240
246,321
209
819
exico
Proved Developed
2,091
4,038
3,957
0
0
Proved Undeveloped
5,276
9,356
9,169
0
0
Total Proved
7,367
13,395
13,127
0
0
rand Total
Proved Developed
108,600
113,042
99,888
135
351
Proved Undeveloped
212,934
182,592
159,560
74
468
Total Proved
321,534
295,635
259,448
209
819
10
DEGOL Y E R
AND MACNA UG HT ON
While the oil and gas industry may be subject to regulatory changes from time
to time that could affect an industry participant's ability to recover its reserves, we
are not aware of any such governmental actions which would restrict the recovery of
the December 31, 2024, estimated reserves.
DeGolyer and MacNa ughton is an independent petroleum engineering
consulting firm that has been providing petroleum consulting services throughout
the world since 1936. DeGolyer and MacNa ughton does not have any financial
interest, including stock ownership, in Vista. Our fees were not contingent on
the results of our evaluation. This report has been prepared at the request of
Vista. DeGolyer and MacNaughton has used all assumptions, data, procedures, and
methods that it considers necessary and appropriate to prepare this report.
Submitted,
DeGOLYER and MacNAUGHTON
Texas Registered Engineering Firm F-716
Federico Dordoni, P.E.
Executive Vice President
DeGolyer and MacNa ughton
DEGOL Y E R
AND MACNA UG HT ON
CERTIFICATE of QUALIFICATION
I, Federico Dordoni, Petroleum Engineer with DeGolyer and MacNaughton,
5001 Spring Valley Road, Suite 800 East, Dallas, Texas 75244, U.S.A., hereby
certify:
1. That I am an Executive Vice President with DeGolyer and MacNaughton,
which firm did prepare the report of third party addressed to Vista dated
January 27, 2025, and that I, as Executive Vice President, was responsible
for the preparation of this report of third party.
2. That I attended Buenos Aires Institute of Technology (ITBA) University, and
that I graduated with a degree in Petroleum Engineering in the year 2004;
that I am a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas; that I am
a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Society of Petroleum
Evaluation Engineers; and that I have in excess of 20 years of experience in oil
and gas reservoir studies and reserves evaluations.
Federico Dordoni, P.E.
Executive Vice President
DeGolyer and MacNa ughton