Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. [VIST] Filings

20-F 1 d456759d20f.htm FORM 20-F Form 20-F

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, 2022

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)

Pedregal 24

, Floor 4

Colonia Molino del Rey, Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo

Mexico City, 11040

Mexico

(Address of principal executive offices)

Alejandro Cherñacov

Pedregal 24, Floor 4

Colonia Molino del Rey, Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo

Mexico City, 11040

Mexico

Tel.: + 52 (55) 8647-0128

(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	New York Stock Exchange*
American Depositary Shares, each representing 1 Series A share, with no par value	VIST	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:

88,406,478 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

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		Other ☐
	by the International Accounting Standards Board	☒

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


Item 1.	Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers	9
Item 2.	Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable	9
Item 3.	Key Information	9
Item 4.	Information on the Company	48
Item 5.	Operating and Financial Review and Prospects	115
Item 6.	Directors, Senior Management and Employees	145
Item 7.	Major Shareholder and Related Party Transactions	154
Item 8.	Financial Information	156
Item 9.	The Offer and Listing	157
Item 10.	Additional Information	163
Item 11.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	205
Item 12.	Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities	206
Item 13.	Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies	207
Item 14.	Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds	207
Item 15.	Controls and Procedures	208
Item 16.	Reserved	209
Item 17.	Financial Statements	213
Item 18.	Financial Statements	213
Item 19.	Exhibits	213

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, 2022.

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 “PELSA” refers to Petrolera Entre Lomas S.A. (or following the change of its corporate name, Vista Argentina); (v) 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.); (vi) 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.); (vii) the term “APCO International” refers to APCO Oil & Gas S.A.U. (formerly known as APCO Oil and Gas International, Inc. before its re-domiciliation to Argentina, which was merged into Vista Argentina pursuant to a corporate reorganization and is no longer in existence as of the date of this annual report; and (viii) the term “APCO Argentina” refers to APCO International’s subsidiary APCO Argentina S.A. (which was merged into Vista Argentina pursuant to a corporate reorganization and is no longer in existence as of the date of this annual report. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—History and Development of 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, 2022 and 2021 and for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, and the notes thereto (the “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 “Dollars” 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 “ARS,” “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.

Emerging Growth Company Status

We qualify as an “emerging growth company” pursuant to the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These provisions include exemption from the auditor attestation requirement under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or Section 404, in the assessment of the emerging growth company’s internal control over financial reporting. This annual report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm related to management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting. The JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act and Section 102(b)(2)(B) of the JOBS Act, for complying with new or revised accounting standards. However, we have elected to “opt out” of this provision that would have allowed us to take advantage of an extended transition period and, as a result, we will comply with new or revised accounting standards as required. This decision to opt out of the extended transition period under the JOBS Act is irrevocable.

See “Item 3—Key Information—Risk Factors—Detailed Risk Factors—Risks Related to our Series A shares and the ADSs—As a foreign private issuer and an “emerging growth company,” we have different disclosure and other requirements than U.S. domestic registrants and non-emerging growth companies.”

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 CNBV’s (Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores) 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 (as defined below), Net Debt, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Adjusted Net Income, 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 (loss)/profit for the year plus income tax expense, financial results, net, depreciation, depletion and amortization, transaction costs related to business combinations, restructuring and reorganization expenses, bargain purchase on business combination and gain from asset disposals and impairment (recovery) of long- lived assets. 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, 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 impairment (recovery) 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, we note that 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 from business combinations and impairment (recovery) 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.

We define Adjusted Net Income as net income plus deferred income taxes, changes in fair value of warrants and impairment loss/recoveries. Deferred income taxes were 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 impairment (recovery) 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.

We define return on average capital employed (“ROACE”) as Adjusted EBITDA minus depreciation, depletion and amortization, 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. Our management believes ROACE measures the efficiency of the utilization of the capital we employ.

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 5A—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results.”

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 Wood Mackenzie Ltd. (“Wood Mackenzie”), SdE and EIA, 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, 2022. The proved reserves estimates are derived from the report dated February 1, 2023, prepared by DeGolyer and MacNaughton (“D&M”), for our concessions located in Argentina and Mexico (the “2022 Reserves Report”). The 2022 Reserves Report is included as Exhibit 99.1 to this annual report. D&M is an independent reserves engineering consultant. The 2022 Reserves Report prepared by D&M is based on information provided by us and present an appraisal as of December 31, 2022, of oil and gas reserves located in the Entre Lomas Río Negro, Entre Lomas Neuquén, Bajada del Palo Oeste, Bajada del Palo Este, Charcho del Palenque, Jarilla Quemada, Coirón Amargo Norte, Acambuco, Jagüel de los Machos, 25 de Mayo-Medanito, Aguada Federal, Bandurria Norte 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 (“SdE”) and Mexico’s National Hydrocarbon Commission (“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’ 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 supervision of the Ministry of Productive Development (the Argentine Ministerio de Desarrollo Productivo), and/or any of its predecessors (the Argentine Ministry of Energy and the Argentine Ministry of Energy and Mining), and/or any other Argentine federal governmental agency that oversees the enforcement of the Hydrocarbons Law (as defined below) in the future, as applicable.

“BCRA” means the Argentine Central Bank (Banco Central de la República Argentina).

“CNH” means the Mexican National Hydrocarbon Commission (Comisión Nacional de Hidrocarburos).

“EIA” means the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

“ESG” means Environmental, Social and Governance.

“Executive Team” means the Company’s management team that is comprised of Miguel Galuccio, Pablo Vera Pinto, Juan Garoby and Alejandro Cherñacov.

“GHG emissions” or “GSGs” means greenhouse gas emissions. Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions that occur from sources that are controlled by the Company. Scope 2 emissions are indirect GHG emissions associated with the purchase or generation of electricity.

“IEA” means the International Energy Agency.

“Initial Business Combination” means the acquisition by Vista of certain assets from Pampa Energia S.A. and Pluspetrol Resources Corporation on April 4, 2018. For more information, please see “Presentation of Information—The Initial Business Combination” in Vista’s Form 20-F filed with the SEC on April 30, 2020.

“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).

“MMBtu” means million British thermal units.

“NGL” means natural gas liquids.

“NOLs” means Net Operating Losses.

“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 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).

“RNV” means the Mexican National Securities Registry (Registro Nacional de Valores).

“ROACE” means return on average capital employed, which we measure as adjusted EBITDA minus depreciation, depletion and amortization, 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.

“SdE” means the Argentine Secretariat of Energy.

“SENER” means Secretaría de Energía, or Energy Secretariat, in Mexico.

“TRIR” means total recordable incident rate, calculated as the number of recordable incidents multiplied by 1,000,000 divided by total number of hours worked.

“UTs” or “Unidades de Trabajo” means the base unit used as reference to state and evaluate the fulfillment of the activities provided under (i) a minimum work commitment program assumed by a contractor under a hydrocarbons exploration and production contract, (ii) the increase in the activities of such program, as well as (iii) any other additional work commitments undertaken for any given phase of the exploration and production contract not included in the commitment program.

Measurements, Oil and Natural Gas Terms and Other Data

In this annual report, we use the following measurements:

•

“m” or “meter” means one meter, which equals approximately 3.28084 feet;

•

“km” means one kilometer, which equals approximately 0.621371 miles;

•

“km²” means one square kilometer, which equals approximately 247.1 acres;

•

“ha” means one hectare, which equals approximately 2.47 acres;

•

“m³” means one cubic meter;

•

“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;

•

“cf” means one cubic foot;

•

“Bcf” means one billion cubic feet;

•

“M,” when used before bbl, bo, boe or cf, means one thousand bbl, bo, boe or cf, respectively;

•

“MM,” when used before bbl, bo, boe or cf, means one million bbl, bo, boe or cf, respectively;

•

“Bn,” when used before bbl, bo, boe or cf, means one billion bbl, bo, boe or cf, respectively;

•

“T,” when used before bbl, bo, boe or cf, means one trillion bbl, bo, boe or cf, respectively;

•

“/d,” or “pd” when used after bbl, bo, boe or cf, means per day;

•

“CO2e” means Carbon dioxide equivalent; and

•

“Tn” means a metric ton.

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 (the “Securities Act”) and the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “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 government in Argentina;

•

significant economic or political developments in Mexico and the United States;

•

uncertainties relating to future election results in Argentina and Mexico;

•

changes in law, rules, regulations and interpretations and enforcements thereto applicable to the Argentine and Mexican energy sectors, 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 revocation or amendment of our respective concession agreements by the granting authority;

•

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;

•

changes to the demand for energy;

•

uncertainties relating to the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak and its different variants;

•

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;

•

changes in the regulation of the energy and oil and gas sector in Argentina and Mexico, and throughout Latin America;

•

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;

•

uncertainties inherent in making estimates of our oil and gas reserves, including recently discovered oil and gas reserves;

•

increased market competition in the energy sectors in Argentina and Mexico;

•

potential changes in regulation and free trade agreements as a result of U.S., Mexican or other Latin American political conditions;

•

environmental regulations and internal policies to achieve global climate targets;

•

the ongoing conflict involving Russia and Ukraine; 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.

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 involving Russia and Ukraine, and the associated economic and trade sanctions and restrictions that have been imposed or may be imposed in the future. Additionally, 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.

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.

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 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. 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. For example, 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.

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. 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 and an “emerging growth company,” we have different disclosure and other requirements than U.S. domestic registrants and non-emerging growth companies. 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.

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.

Dividend distributions to holders of our series A shares will be made in Mexican Pesos

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 exploration and production (“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, 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 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 2022, 44% of our oil production 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 prices for crude oil are: political developments in crude oil producing regions, particularly in the Middle East, the ongoing conflict involving Russia and Ukraine, 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; 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, weather conditions, and global and local conflicts, war, or acts of terrorism. We cannot predict how these factors will influence oil and related oil products prices and we have no control over them. Price volatility curtails the ability of industry participants to adopt long-term investment decisions given that returns on investments become unpredictable.

Secondly, the domestic price of crude oil 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, macroeconomic conditions, the impact of a pandemic on general economic activity and therefore crude oil demand and refining margins. The domestic price of crude oil is also subject to local price limitations imposed by the Argentine and Mexican governments. In recent months the Argentine government indirectly intervened in the market to keep local crude oil prices artificially low in order to avoid a further increase in inflation. The average Brent price in 2022 was $99.0/bbl, and export parity price was approximately $92.7/bbl on average, but our average realization price in the domestic market was $62.9/bbl, implying a discount to export parity of 32%. This de-coupling affected most or all producers in Argentina, generating lower revenues than if the average crude oil price in the domestic market had traded at a lower discount to

Brent. 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 are reduced through any of the factors described above, which we cannot control, 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 of our other capital expenditure plans, meet our long-term targets and service our financial debt. A decline in realized crude oil prices could also lead to a deterioration in our financial coverage ratios, impairment charges and cause us to exceed the financial covenants agreed upon in the Credit Agreement. 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.

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, particularly a slowdown in the E&P industry, 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 resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent strong pick-up in demand have fueled price inflation in a number of sectors, including energy and other commodities. Inflationary factors, such as increases in the labor costs, material costs, and overhead costs, may also adversely affect our financial position and operating results. In 2022, we faced and we continue to face effects including cost inflation with both labor and materials, driven by the appreciation of the Argentine Peso in real terms, general inflation impacting the price formula of different services, and the result of collective bargaining agreements on unionized personnel in our company and contractors which could offset any price increases for our products and services.

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. This could have an adverse effect on the demand for crude oil and crude oil prices, and therefore impact negatively on our business. Although demand increased in the past, it has recently contracted significantly (in part, due to the COVID-19 pandemic) and is subject to volatility in the future. Demand for crude oil by-products, such as gasoline, may also contract under certain conditions, particularly during economic downturns, or due to changes in consumer preferences 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, contraction of demand and pricing of our products can impact the valuation of our reserves and, 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, impairment charges and cause us to exceed the financial covenants agreed upon in the Credit Agreement (as defined below). A contraction of crude oil demand could also affect us financially, including our ability to pay our suppliers for their services, which could, in turn, lead to further operational distress.

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 global economic effects, including an impact on commodity prices, especially with regard to international crude oil and gas prices which have increased significantly in February and March 2022. Furthermore, 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 may increase and could contribute to a shortage of raw materials and commodities, which could, in turn, generate greater levels of inflation and create interruptions in the global supply chain. Interruptions in the global supply chain could particularly affect the energy sector and could create 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 increase in international oil prices, which creates transitory increases in the revenues of upstream 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 oil and gas prices, and therefore adversely affect our profitability. Recent increases in oil prices could accelerate the transition to other sources of energy and led to an unpredictable drop in pricing in the medium to long-term, which in turn 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.

We benefit from natural gas subsidies to natural gas producers that may be limited or eliminated in the future.

We currently benefit from certain subsidies granted to natural gas producers, such as 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) known as “Gas Plan IV”. This subsidy program was approved by the Argentine government by means of Decree No. 892/2020 (recently modified by Decree No. 730/2022) to provide economic incentives aimed at increasing the domestic production of natural gas. In this regard, the government issued a series of complementary regulations to execute Gas Plan IV. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Industry and Regulatory Overview– Oil and Gas Regulatory Framework in Argentina – Gas Market.” On December 15, 2020, the SdE issued Resolution No. 391/2020, awarding the volumes and prices tendered under Gas Plan IV. The base volume awarded to Vista under the tender was 0.86 MMm³/d (30.4 million cubic feet/day) at an average annual price of US$3.29 per million BTU for a four-year term as of January 1, 2022.

On December 29, 2020, the SdE issued Resolution No. 447/2020, modifying certain aspects of Resolution 391/2020. The base volume awarded to Vista under the tender was modified to 0.85 MMm³/d, maintaining the average annual price.

We cannot assure you that any changes to Gas Plan IV, or additional regulation would not adversely affect our results of operations. The restriction or withdrawal of subsidies would adversely affect the selling price of our products and therefore result in a decrease in our revenues.

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 and our existing cash. However, under certain scenarios (for example, in low realized oil price scenarios), 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. In such case, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to maintain our current production levels, generate sufficient cash flow 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 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 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 curtailment of our operations relating to development of our properties. This, in turn, could lead to a decline in production, and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and the market value of our series A shares or ADSs may decline.

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 production of oil and gas reservoirs decreases as reserves drain with the range of decrease depending on the characteristics of the reservoir. Additionally, the available amount of reserves decreases as the reserves are produced and consumed. 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 reserves will decrease over time. 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.

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 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.

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. The accuracy of estimates of proved reserves depends on a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control and are subject to change over time. 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 that make up the 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 Argentine SdE Resolution No. 324/2006 and Secretariat of Hydrocarbon Resources 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, 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 2022 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 in transportation infrastructure for sale. 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 transport 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 transport infrastructure on commercially acceptable terms to transport the produced hydrocarbons to the markets in which they are sold. Typically, oil is transported by pipelines and tankers to refineries, and gas is usually 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 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. This Oldelval pipeline system is currently working close to full capacity. Additionally, the export facilities at Puerto Rosales, owned by Oiltanking Ebytem, are also working close to full capacity. Although Oldelval and Oiltanking Ebytem are executing a projects to expand their capacity, if Vaca Muerta production grows at a greater pace than its capacity expands, a potential lack of transportation capacity may limit our production and therefore adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

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; and (xii) 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 both the 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 costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our 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 emissions of greenhouse gases (“GHGs”) 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. 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”), 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 prevent, mitigate or minimize the damages or impacts associated with climate change (see “Item 4—Information on the Company—Business Overview—Argentine Regulatory Framework”). 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 actions by customers to reduce their emissions will continue to lower demand for hydrocarbons and their by-products, and potentially affect prices for oil and gas, for example if households continue switching to electric vehicles, if public transport switches to electricity or other renewable fuels, if power generation continues to migrate to renewable sources, or if hydrogen or alternative sources of green energy are adopted on a massive scale. This could be a factor contributing to additional provisions for our assets and result in lower earnings, cancelled projects, reduced access to capital, and potential impairment of certain assets.

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 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 increasing conflictivity with landowners and local communities, difficulties in hiring and retaining staff, and increased difficulty accessing technology. Moreover, certain investors have also decided to divest their investments in fossil fuel companies and stakeholder groups are also putting pressure on commercial and investment banks to stop financing fossil fuel companies. According to press reports, some financial institutions have started to limit their exposure to fossil fuel projects. Accordingly, 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.

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.

The pace and extent of the energy transition could pose a risk to the company if our own transition towards decarbonisation moves at a different speed than society’s. If we are slower than society, either because we do not invest enough funds, or invest in technologies that fail to reduce our carbon footprint or does not allow us to reach our ambition to become net zero, our reputation may suffer and customers may prefer a different supplier which would adversely impact demand for our hydrocarbon products, including the market value of our non-conventional 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 could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

In addition, adverse climatic conditions could negatively affect Argentina’s economy. The consequences of the 2022/2023 drought in Argentina have significantly affected agricultural production. Soybean, corn and wheat production is expected to decline by approximately 40% year-on-year, resulting in an expected GDP contraction of 3% to 3.5% during 2023, according to several economic analysts. In addition, the reduction in foreign exchange inflows is expected to be approximately $16 billion, due to lower exports. Tax revenues will also be affected, due to lower export taxes (according to several economic analysts, the current estimate is approximately $5 billion less tax revenues, or 1% of GDP). This could have a negative impact on the Argentine macroeconomy (which already had high levels of inflation and poverty prior to the drought), and therefore could negatively affect our operations and financial results if the worsening macro situation leads to an economic crisis.

Our activities are subject to social and reputational risks, including negative media attention and the potential for protests by members of the local communities in the places where we operate.

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 assure you that any blockade will not impact our operations. Any such action could have an adverse effect on our reputation, financial condition and results of operations.

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 cybersecurity plan (See Item 4—Information of the Company—Business Overview—Information Technology), 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, or other interruptions of our operations. In addition, certain cyber incidents, such as the advanced persistent threat, may not be detected for a prolonged period of time. 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 business 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.

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 demand, market 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 condensed consolidated 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 requirements 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. 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.

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 (vi) 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.

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, 2022, most of our producing properties and total estimated proved reserves were geographically concentrated 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 and 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 or extreme weather-related conditions.

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.

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, including state-owned E&P companies that possess substantially greater financial and other resources than we do for researching and developing E&P technologies, accessing to markets, equipment, labor and capital required to acquire, develop and operate our properties. 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 with respect to a hydrocarbon area, we would face significant competition not only from private companies, but also from national or provincial public companies.

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 set rig services contracts with international contractors, or shortages of, and increasing costs for, drilling equipment, services and personnel. Additionally, foreign exchange regulations in Argentina, generate entry barriers for international service providers, therefore limiting the supply of oilfield goods and services in the country. 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 also compete for resources with state-owned oil and gas companies in Argentina and Mexico such as YPF, as well as with privately-owned local and international companies. Such entities could be motivated by political or other factors in making their business decisions. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Business Overview— Customers and Marketing—–Competition.”

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 5B—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Capital Expenditures” and “Item 5A—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results—Factors Affecting our Results of Operations—Contractual Obligations.”

Our ability to expand our business will depend on how we react to competitive forces.

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 have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—History and Development of the Company—Competition.”

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 Argentina and Mexico 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 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 well. 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.

Our success in our acquisition-related activities depends on our ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates, acquire them on acceptable terms, and integrate their operations successfully with ours.

From time to time, we undertake evaluations of opportunities to acquire additional oil and gas assets and businesses. Any resulting acquisitions may be significant in size, may change the scale of our business, and may expose us to new geographic, political, operating financial and geological risks. Our success in these acquisition-related activities depends on our ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates, to acquire them on acceptable terms, and integrate their operations successfully with ours. Any acquisition would be accompanied by risks, such as a significant decline in oil or gas prices; the difficulty of assimilating the operation and personnel; the potential disruption of our ongoing business; the inability of management to maximize our financial and strategic position through the successful integration of acquired assets and businesses; the maintenance of uniform standards, control, procedures and policies; the impairment of relationships with employees, customers and contractors as a result of any integration of new management personnel; and the potential unknown liabilities associated with acquired assets and business. In addition, we may need additional capital to finance an acquisition. There can be no assurance that we would be successful in overcoming these risks or any other problems encountered in connection with such acquisitions. If we fail to overcome these risks, it may have a material adverse impact on our reputation and business.

We may be unable to successfully integrate the operations of recent and future acquisitions with our operations, and we may not realize all the anticipated benefits of these acquisitions.

Our business has included and may include in the future acquisitions of producing properties that include undeveloped acreage. We can give no assurance as to whether we will achieve our desired profitability from our recent acquisitions or any acquisitions we may make in the future. In addition, the inability to successfully assimilate recent and future acquisitions could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Our acquisitions may involve numerous risks, including (i) operating a larger combined organization and adding operations; (ii) difficulties in the assimilation of the assets and operations of the acquired business, especially if the assets acquired are in a new geographic area; (iii) risk that oil and natural gas reserves acquired may not be of the anticipated magnitude or may not be developed as anticipated; (iv) loss of significant key employees from the acquired business; (v) inability to obtain satisfactory title to the assets, concessions, or participation interests we acquire; (vi) a decrease in our liquidity if we use a portion of our available cash to finance acquisitions; (vii) a significant increase in our interest expense or financial leverage if we incur additional debt to finance acquisitions; (viii) dilution to existing shareholders in possible equity financings; (ix) failure to realize expected profitability or growth; (x) failure to realize expected synergies and cost savings; (xi) coordinating geographically disparate organizations, systems and facilities; and (xii) coordinating or consolidating corporate and administrative functions.

Further, unexpected costs and challenges may arise whenever businesses with different operations or management are combined, and we may experience unanticipated delays in realizing the benefits of an acquisition. If we complete any future acquisition, our capitalization and results of operation may change significantly, and you may not have the opportunity to evaluate the economic, financial and other relevant information that we will consider in evaluating future acquisitions. The inability to effectively manage the integration of acquisitions could reduce our focus on subsequent acquisition and current operations, which in turn, could negatively impact our results of operations.

We are exposed to foreign exchange risks relating to our operations in Argentina and Mexico.

Our results of operations are subject to foreign exchange fluctuation of the Argentine or Mexican Peso against the U.S. Dollar or other currencies, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Both the value of the Mexican Peso and the value of the Argentine Peso have experienced significant fluctuations in the past. The main effects of a depreciation or devaluation of the Argentine or Mexican Peso against the U.S. Dollar would be on (a) 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 limit the ability of refiners to pass through such changes to the end-users, and (b) our U.S. Dollar-denominated expenses, which would become more expensive relative to the revenues in local currency from sales to the domestic market. Additionally, given several accounting rules it 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 or Mexican Peso exposure.

We cannot predict whether and to what extent the value of the Argentine or Mexican Peso will depreciate or appreciate against the U.S. Dollar nor the extent to which any such change may affect our 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, 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 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 activities of our operating partners. For example, as of December 31, 2022, we were not the operator of the Acambuco concession 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. See “Item 4—Information of the Company—Business Overview—Concessions,” for a more complete description of Sur Río Deseado Este and Acambuco Concessions.

We face risks relating 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, 2022, 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 acquired pursuant to the Initial Business Combination or 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.

Our debt obligations include operating and financial restrictions, which may prevent us from pursuing certain business opportunities and taking certain actions.

A portion of our indebtedness relates to Vista Argentina’s obligations under the Credit Agreement which obligations are guaranteed by us, Aluvional Logísitica S.A., Vista Holding I, Vista Holding II and AFBN S.R.L. (together with certain other entities that become a guarantor under the Credit Agreement from time to time, the “Guarantors”), and are denominated in U.S. Dollars. For a description of the Credit Agreement, see “Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Indebtedness.” The Credit Agreement contains a number of restrictive covenants imposing significant operating and financial restrictions on us, on the other Guarantors and on Vista Argentina. These restrictions may limit our ability to create liens on certain assets to secure debt, or create liens to secure debt exceeding certain amounts; dispose assets; merge or consolidate with another person or sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its or our assets; change its or our existing line of business; declare or pay any dividends or return any capital, other than certain limited payments; make certain investments in bonds and capital stock, among others; enter into transactions with affiliates; change our existing accounting practices (except if required or permitted by applicable law and accounting rules); and modify or terminate the organizational documents of Vista Argentina or any Guarantor.

In addition, as further described in Note 18.1 to the Audited Financial Statements, the Credit Agreement includes some financial covenants by which we are required to maintain, on a consolidated basis, certain financial ratios within specified limits. These ratios include consolidated total debt / consolidated EBITDA, and consolidated interest coverage ratio.

These covenants could limit our ability to finance our future operations and capital needs and our ability to pursue business opportunities and activities that may be of commercial interest.

A breach of any covenant contained in the Credit Agreement could result in a default under this agreement. If any such default occurs, the administrative agent or the required lenders could elect to declare the indebtedness, together with accrued interest and other fees, to be immediately due and payable. If the Credit Agreement were to be accelerated, the assets of Vista Argentina and those of each of the Guarantors, may not be sufficient to repay in full that debt, or any other debt that may become due as a result of that acceleration, and consequently, it could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. See “Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Indebtedness” for more information.

Additionally, as of the date of this annual report, pursuant to the foreign exchange regulations imposed by the BCRA, companies’ resident in Argentina may only access the foreign exchange market to repay financial indebtedness if certain conditions are met and/or they have the prior approval of the BCRA.

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 regime 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 Peso, all of which could undermine our ability to repay our financial indebtedness. See “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” for more information.

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 “U.K. Bribery Act”), 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. The U.K. Bribery Act prohibits such payments or financial or other advantages being made, offered or promised to or from commercial parties and makes it a criminal offense for a commercial organization to fail to prevent bribery by an associated person (i.e., someone who provides services on behalf of the organization) intending to obtain or retain business or an advantage in the conduct of business on its behalf. In particular, the Argentine Corporate Criminal Liability Law (Law No. 27,401) provides for the criminal liability of corporate entities for criminal offences against public administration and transnational bribery committed by, among others, its attorneys-in-fact, directors, managers, employees, or representatives. In this sense, a company may be held liable and subject to fines, cancelation of legal personality and/or suspension of its activities, among other penalties, if such offences were committed, directly or indirectly, with its intervention, or in its behalf, interest or benefit. Furthermore, the Mexican Anti-Money Laundering Law (Ley Federal para la Prevención e Identificación de Operaciones con Recursos de Procedencia Ilícita) and its regulations, the Mexican Criminal Code (Código Penal Federal), the Argentine Anti-Money Laundering Law (Ley de Prevención del Lavado de Activos), which created at the national level the Anti- Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Regime, criminalizing money laundering, creating and designating the Financial Information Unit (“UIF” for its acronym in Spanish) as the enforcement authority of the regime, and establishing the legal obligation for various public and private sector entities and professionals to provide information and cooperate with the UIF and finally Sections 303-306 of the Argentine Criminal Code (Código Penal de la República Argentina), prohibit the engagement in transactions with the purpose of intruding funds obtained through illicit activities into the institutional system and thus masking gains obtained through illegal activities as assets derived from legitimate sources, and the use of funds for terrorist activities.

In addition, we are subject to economic sanctions regulations that restrict our dealings with certain sanctioned countries, individuals and entities.

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 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.

Given these risks, we have adopted a code of ethics and conduct (“Code of Ethics and Conduct”) that applies to all of Vista’s officers and employees and third parties (contractors, suppliers, partners) which interact with Vista. 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.

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.

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. We could face material adverse effects to our business and reputation should these key suppliers, vendors and service providers fail to deliver, or are delayed in delivering, equipment, service or critical resources.

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 and 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 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 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. Moreover, the sharp deterioration of the global economy as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to the worsening of the macroeconomic environment in Argentina that has led to increased inflation rates and poverty levels, may have an impact on the amount of labor actions initiated by our workforce during 2023 and subsequent years.

In addition, we cannot assure you that we will be able to negotiate new collective bargaining agreements in the same terms, 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 2022 to March 2023 was signed on April 26, 2022, with an amendment signed on July 20, 2022. As of the date of this annual report, public hearings are being held to discuss a collective bargaining agreement for the period April 2023 to March 2024. In the future, if we are unable to renegotiate the collective bargaining agreement in 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, our engineers, 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 operations, cash flows and/or expectations.

We may be adversely affected by changes in LIBOR reporting practices or the method in which LIBOR is determined, or by variations in interest rates, including the planned discontinuation of LIBOR.

As of the date of this annual report, our outstanding debt included loans indexed to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). On March 5, 2021, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, announced that all LIBOR tenors, which are relevant to us, will cease to be published or will no longer be representative after June 30, 2023. The FCA’s announcement coincides with the March 5, 2021, announcement of LIBOR’s administrator, the ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (the “IBA”), indicating that, as a result of not having access to input data necessary to calculate LIBOR tenors relevant to us on a representative basis after June 30, 2023, IBA would have to cease publication of such LIBOR tenors immediately after the last publication on June 30, 2023. These announcements mean that any of our LIBOR-based borrowings that extend beyond June 30, 2023, will need to be converted to a replacement rate. In the United States, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee (the “ARRC”), a committee of private sector entities with ex-officio official sector members convened by the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, has recommended the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus a recommended spread adjustment as LIBOR’s replacement. There are significant differences between LIBOR and SOFR, such as LIBOR being an unsecured lending rate while SOFR is a secured lending rate, and SOFR is an overnight rate while LIBOR reflects term rates at different maturities. A transition away from and/or changes to the LIBOR benchmark interest rate could adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. If our LIBOR-based borrowings are converted to SOFR, the differences between LIBOR and SOFR, plus the recommended spread adjustment, could result in interest costs that are higher than if LIBOR remained available, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. Although SOFR is the ARRC’s recommended replacement rate, it is also possible that lenders may instead choose alternative replacement rates that may differ from LIBOR in ways similar to SOFR or in other ways that would result in higher interest costs for us. It is not yet possible to predict the magnitude of LIBOR’s end on our borrowing costs given the remaining uncertainty about which rates will replace LIBOR. Any of these proposals or consequences could have a material adverse effect on our financing costs.

Additionally, we are exposed to the fluctuations of the variable interest rates applicable to our indebtedness. We may also incur additional variable-rate debt in the future. Increases in interest rates on variable-rate debt would increase our interest expense, which would negatively affect our financial costs.

Risks Related to the Argentine and Mexican Economic and Regulatory Environments

Our business is largely dependent upon economic and political conditions in Argentina.

Substantially all of our operations and properties are located in Argentina, and, as a result, our business is largely dependent on economic conditions prevailing in Argentina. You should make your own assessment about Argentina and prevailing conditions in the country before making an investment decision.

The Argentine economy has experienced significant volatility in past decades, including numerous periods of low or negative growth and high and variable levels of inflation and currency devaluation. In addition, the Argentine economy is also vulnerable to adverse developments affecting its principal trading partners. Argentina’s economic conditions are dependent on a number of factors over which we have no control. We cannot assure you that the Argentine economy will not suffer a recession. If economic or monetary conditions in Argentina were to deteriorate, if inflation were to accelerate further, or if the Argentine government’s measures to attract or retain foreign investment and international financing in the future are unsuccessful, such developments could adversely affect Argentina’s economic growth and in turn affect our financial health and results of operations.

Argentine economic conditions are dependent on a variety of factors, including (but not limited to) the following international demand for Argentina’s principal exports; international prices for Argentina’s principal commodity exports; stability and competitiveness of the Argentine Peso with respect to foreign currencies; competitiveness and efficiency of domestic industries and services; government spend and fiscal deficit; levels of domestic consumption and foreign and domestic investment and financing; and the rate of inflation.

The Argentine economy is also particularly sensitive to local political developments. Presidential elections take place in Argentina every four years and legislative elections every two years, resulting in the partial renewal of both chambers of Congress. The next presidential election is scheduled for October 2023. The result of presidential as well as legislative mid-term and full-term elections may lead to changes in government policies that impact upon the Company. We cannot give you any assurance as to whether such changes will occur or as to their timing, nor can we estimate the impact they may have on our business.

In the event of any economic, social or political crisis, the Argentine government’s ability to obtain additional international or multilateral private financing or direct foreign investment may also be limited, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. In such scenario, companies operating in Argentina may also face the risk of price control over these products, strikes, expropriation, nationalization, forced modification of existing contracts, and changes in taxation policies including tax increases and retroactive tax claims. In addition, Argentine courts have issued rulings changing the existing case law on labor matters and requiring companies to assume greater responsibility for, and assumption of costs and risks associated with, sub-contracted labor and the calculation of salaries, severance payments and social security contributions. Since we operate in a context in which the governing law and applicable regulations change frequently, it is difficult to predict if and how our activities will be affected by such changes.

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. During 2020, the Argentine government entered into negotiations with its creditors to restore the sustainability of its external public debt. In August of that year, the Argentine government restructured approximately US$66.5 billion of its U.S. Dollar-denominated global bonds. On the other hand, the Argentine government initiated negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (“IMF”) to renegotiate the principal maturities of the US$44.1 billion disbursed between 2018 and 2019 under a Stand-By Arrangement, originally scheduled for the years 2021, 2022 and 2023. On January 28, 2022, the Argentine government and the IMF announced that they had reached an understanding on key policies as part of their ongoing discussions for an IMF-supported program. Later, on March 3, 2022, the IMF and the Argentine government reached a staff-level agreement on the economic and financial policies to be supported by a 30-month extended fund facility arrangement (the “EFF Agreement”), which was approved by the Argentine Congress through Law No. 27,668 on March 17, 2022, and enacted by Decree No. 130/22. Subsequently, the executive board of the IMF approved the EFF Agreement for an amount equivalent to US$44 billion, including an immediate disbursement of US$9.6 billion. On September 19, 2022, IMF staff and the Argentine authorities have reached staff-level agreement on an updated macroeconomic framework and associated policies needed to complete the second review under Argentina’s 30-month EEF Agreement. On October 17, 2022, the IMF Executive Board approved the EEF Agreement, enabling disbursements of an amount of up to US$3.9 billion.

In addition, on October 28, 2022, the Minister of Economy announced a new agreement with the Paris Club (which is an addendum to the agreement signed in 2014) recognizing a principal amount of US$1,971 million, to be paid in thirteen semi-annual installments, starting in December 2022 to be repaid in full in September 2028.

Over the next two years, Argentina is scheduled to repay 40% of the principal amount outstanding. We cannot assure you that the EFF Agreement will not affect Argentina’s ability to implement reforms and public policies and boost economic growth. In addition, the long-term impact of these measures and any future measures taken by the current government on the Argentine economy remains uncertain.

Despite the restructuring of Argentina’s public debt carried out between 2020 and 2022, international markets remain cautious with regards to Argentina’s debt sustainability and, as a result, country risk indicators remain high. There can be no assurance that Argentina’s credit ratings would remain in place or otherwise be downgraded, suspended or cancelled. 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$2.4 million as of December 31, 2022. 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 changing regulation in the countries in which we operate.

The oil and gas industry is subject to extensive regulation and control by governments in which companies like ours conduct operations, including laws, regulations and rules enacted by federal, state, provincial and local governments. These regulations relate to the award of exploration and development areas, production and export controls, investment requirements, taxation, price controls and environmental aspects, among others. As a result, our business is to a large extent dependent upon 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 you 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.

We also cannot provide assurances that 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.

Furthermore, there can be no assurance that regulations or taxes (including royalties) enacted by the provinces or states in which we operate 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 the Mexican hydrocarbons industries are extensively regulated by federal, provincial, and municipal regulations in matters including the award of exploration permits and exploitation concessions, investment, royalty, price controls, export restrictions and domestic market supply obligations. The Argentine government and the Mexican government are further empowered to design and implement federal energy policies in their respective countries, and have used these powers before –in the case of Argentina– to establish export restrictions on the free disposition of hydrocarbons and export proceeds and to impose duties on exports, to induce private companies to enter into pricing agreements with the government or, more recently, to impose price agreements among producers and refiners or create fiscal incentive programs to promote increased production. Additionally, given that it cannot be guaranteed that regulations or taxes sanctioned or administered by the provinces will not conflict with national laws, jurisdictional controversies among the federal government and the provinces have occurred and can occur again in the future. In the case of Mexico, the federal government has implemented policies to regain market participation and control in favor of State-owned enterprises (i.e., Pemex and CFE).

Any such controversies, limitations or export restrictions or any other measures imposed by Argentine 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 Mexican Federal Economic Competition Commission (“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.

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 standalone 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 Argentina’s and Mexico’s 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, administrative or tax policies; political and social tensions. The impact of hostilities or political problems in other countries could also affect international trade, the price of commodities and the global economy; and our ability to obtain financing from international markets.

Volatility in the securities markets in Latin America and emerging market countries, as well as possible further increases in interest rates in the United States and other developed countries, may have a negative impact on the trading value of our securities and the conditions under which we can access international capital markets. In addition, stand-alone markets include additional risks, such as governmental restrictions that may limit investment and the 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 standalone and emerging markets, including Argentina and Mexico. Additionally, our public shareholders may have limited rights and few practical remedies in standalone and emerging markets where we operate, as shareholder claims that are common in the United States, including class actions based on securities law and fraud claims, generally are difficult or impossible to pursue as a matter of law or practicality in many standalone and emerging markets.

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 are or could be subject to direct and indirect restrictions on imports and exports under Argentine law.

The Argentine Hydrocarbons Law allows hydrocarbons exports, as long as such volumes are not required for the Argentine domestic market and as long as these are sold at reasonable prices. In this respect, oil and gas companies have faced restrictions to export crude oil from Argentina, therefore limiting their access to greater revenues when international prices are above domestic prices in Argentina.

Export operations of crude oil and oil by-products currently require prior registration in the Registry of Export Operations Agreements (Registro de Contratos de Operaciones de Exportación) and authorization by the SdE (according to the regime established in Resolution S.E. No. 241-E/2017 and its subsequent amendments and complements). Oil companies and oil refineries intending to export crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas or gasoil, among others, must demonstrate, prior to obtaining the authorization, that the offer for sale of such product has already been made to and rejected by local buyers. In the case of not obtaining oil export permits, our operations could be affected, as well as our revenues and financial results.

In the case of natural gas, Argentine Law No. 24,076 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.

Additionally, there are certain obligations and restrictions for exporters in accordance with current in-force FX regulations, including, but not limited to, obligation to repatriate and settle in Argentine Pesos in the local exchange market proceeds from exports of goods. See “Item 10—Additional Information—Exchange Controls.”

We cannot predict for how long these restrictions on exports will remain in force, or whether future measures will be taken that adversely affect our ability to export and import gas, crude oil, or other products and, consequently, affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Regarding imports, in recent years, the Argentine government has implemented certain measures that control and restrict imports of many products and services, including some product and services which are needed for oil and gas operations. Such restrictions could delay some of our projects and negatively impact our operations and financial metrics.

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 to 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 non-resident shareholders; (ii) restrictions on the acquisition of any foreign currency to be held as cash in Argentina; (iii) requiring exporters to repatriate and settle in pesos, in the local exchange market, all the proceeds of their exports of goods and services; (iv) limitations on the transfer of securities into and from Argentina; (v) establishing certain mandatory refinancing on U.S. Dollar-denominated debt; and (vi) the implementation of taxes on certain transactions involving the acquisition of foreign currency.

There can be no assurance that the BCRA or other government agencies will not increase or relax such controls or restrictions, make modifications to these regulations, impose further mandatory refinancing plans related to our indebtedness payable in foreign currency, establish more severe restrictions on currency exchange, or maintain the current foreign exchange regime 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 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, and/or undermine our ability to pay dividends to foreign shareholders. Consequently, these exchange controls and restrictions could materially adversely affect the Argentine economy and our business, financial condition and results of operations. For additional information, please see “Item 10—Additional Information—Exchange Controls.”

In addition, we cannot assure you that the Mexican government would not impose exchange controls or other confiscatory measures.

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 (for example, 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%.

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 consumers price index published by the INDEC (the Índice de Precios al Consumidor, or “IPC”) variation for the period from January to December 2022 was 94.8%. The inflation of the first quarter of 2023 was 21.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 119.4%.

The Argentine government continued implementing measures to monitor and control prices for the most relevant goods and services. Despite such efforts, the Argentine economy continues to experience high levels of inflation. If the value of the Argentine Peso cannot be stabilized through fiscal and monetary policies, an increase in inflation rates could be expected.

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, particularly labor costs, and has negatively impacted our results of operations, financial position and business.

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 and, in turn, could adversely affect our business, financial condition 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.

Fluctuations 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 U.S. Dollars, upstream 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 international crude oil prices or in exchange rates. For example, despite the rapid increase in Brent during the first semester of 2022, from US$77.2/bbl on December 31, 2021, to US$114.2/bbl on June 30, 2022, domestic crude oil prices in Argentina remained around US$63/bbl for Medanito type crude oil during that period. While Brent crude oil prices decreased by 11% during the second half of 2022 compared to the previous semester, there continues to be a price gap with the local market in terms of oil prices. This can generate risk to our revenue stream in volatile macroeconomic environments. We are therefore exposed to the risks associated with the fluctuation of the Argentine Peso relative to the U.S. Dollar.

The continued depreciation of the Argentine Peso could have a material adverse effect on Argentina’s economy and, consequently, our cash flows, financial condition and results of operations.

The ability of the Argentine government to stabilize the foreign exchange market and restore economic growth is uncertain. An appreciation of the Peso in real terms affects the competitiveness of the economy, including the oil and gas sector, as 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 an 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 local 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 growth rate and high inflation scenario is likely to 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, as well as the additional stress imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. 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 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 Hybrocarbons Law No. 17,319 (Ley de Hidrocarburos) (as amended, the “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 Hydrocarbons Law, as amended, provides for oil and gas concessions to remain in effect for 25 years, 35 years for unconventional concessions and 30 years for offshore concessions, in each case, as from the date of their award and subject to extensions for periods of up to 10 years each. In order to be eligible for an extension of a concession under the modifications of Law No. 27,007, concessionaires must (i) have complied with their obligations, (ii) be producing hydrocarbons in the concession under consideration and (iii) submit an investment plan for the development of such areas as requested by the competent authorities up to a year prior to the termination of each term of the concession.

In addition, holders of concessions who apply for extensions (pursuant to Law No. 27,007) may be required to pay additional royalties ranging from 3% and up to a total maximum of 18%. Under the Hydrocarbons Law, failure to meet the standards and obligations may result in the imposition of fines, and material violations which remain uncured upon expiration of the relevant cure period may result in the revocation of the concession or permit.

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 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 (Article 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 (Articles 20 and 81 of Law No. 17,319).

Law No. 26,197 (the “Short Law”) transferred the eminent domain on hydrocarbon reservoirs from the Argentine Government to the provinces. Exploration permits and exploitation concessions in existence when the Short Law was enacted have been transferred to the relevant provincial governments until their expiration. On the other hand, transportation concessions between provinces continue to be subject to federal jurisdiction. Petroleum rights are independent from surface rights. Oil production belongs to the licensee (the titleholder of an exploration permits or exploitation concession) upon its extraction.

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.

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 CNH. 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 CNH based on the investment’s 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.

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, such as Brazil, 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 other markets and by more general “contagion” effects, which could have a material adverse effect on Argentina’s economic growth” below.

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, 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, decisions by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“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, including the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, 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 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.

Restrictions on the supply of energy could negatively impact the Argentine economy and, therefore, our business, financial conditions and results of operations.

There has been a lack of investment in natural gas and electricity supply and transport capacity in Argentina in recent years, and at the same time, demand for natural gas and electricity has increased substantially, driven by a recovery in economic conditions and price constraints, which prompted the Argentine government to adopt a series of measures that have resulted in industry shortages and/or higher costs, including, but not limited to: importing natural gas to compensate for shortages in local production, using BCRA reserves to purchase such imports given the absence of foreign direct investment, increasing the number of participants eligible to benefit from the Promotional Investment Regime under the Hydrocarbons Law, and creating Gas.Ar Plan. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Industry and Regulatory Overview—Oil and Gas Regulatory Framework in Argentina.” In the event that these measures do not have the effect sought by the Argentine government, the latter could be forced to continue to import natural gas which, as mentioned above, could have a negative impact on the BCRA’s foreign currency reserves. If the Argentine government is unable to pay for imports of natural gas, economic activity, business and industries may be adversely affected.

Changes in the energy regulatory framework and the establishment of increased tariffs for the supply of gas and electricity could affect our cost structure and increase operating and public service costs. Moreover, the significant increase in the cost of energy in Argentina, could have an adverse effect on the Argentine economy, and therefore, on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

There is uncertainty about what other measures the Argentine government may adopt related to tariffs, and the impact they may have on the economy of the country. If the federal Argentine government does not resolve the negative effects on the production, transportation and distribution of energy in Argentina with respect to both the residential and industrial supply, this could reduce confidence and adversely affect Argentina’s economy and financial situation and cause political instability. On the other hand, if the necessary investment to increase the production of natural gas and the transportation and distribution of energy is not determined in a timely manner, the economic activity in Argentina could be negatively affected and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be negatively affected.

Federal and provincial elections in Argentina may generate uncertainty in the Argentine economy and, consequently, on our businesses.

Presidential elections take place in Argentina every four years and legislative elections every two years, resulting in the partial renewal of both chambers of Congress. The next presidential and legislative elections are scheduled for October 2023, with primary elections scheduled for August 2023. In addition, some provinces have separate calendars that are slightly ahead of the national calendar, such as the Province of Neuquén, which held elections on April 16, 2023.

Changes in the local and federal administrations may also imply alterations of programs and policies that apply to the oil and gas sector. Argentina’s president and the Argentine Congress each have considerable power to determine governmental policies and actions that relate to the Argentine economy. Therefore, we cannot foresee measures that might be adopted by any future federal administration, or by any future administration at the provincial level, and the effect any such measures might have on the Argentine economy and the ability of Argentina to comply with its financial obligations, which could negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, we cannot assure you that economic, regulatory, social and political developments in Argentina will not impair our business, financial condition or results of operations, or cause the market value of our shares or ADSs to decline.

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 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index survey of 180 countries, Argentina was ranked 94^th (with one being the least corrupt country and 180 being the most corrupt country), decreasing from the previous survey in 2021.

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 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.

The Argentine State owns the hydrocarbons reserves located in the subsoil in Argentina.

The Hydrocarbons Law provides that liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon deposits located in the territory of the Argentina and in its continental shelf belong to the inalienable and imprescriptible patrimony of the Argentine State, either at the Federal or Provincial level, depending on the location of such deposits. However, the exploration and production of oil and natural gas is carried out through exploration permits and exploitation concessions granted 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 exploration and production rights in Argentina. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Industry and Regulatory Overview —–Oil and Gas Regulatory Framework in Argentina.”

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 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 recent years 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 and ability to service our debt. A worsening of international financial or economic conditions, such as a slowdown in growth or recessionary conditions 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. 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.

Political events in Mexico may significantly affect Mexican economic policy and, consequently, our operations. The Mexican presidential elections of 2018 resulted in an administration change effective as of December 1, 2018. There cannot be any assurance in the predictions of how the current administration will be conducted and any measure adopted by such new administration could have uncertain results and negative impacts. Additionally, other events and changes, and any political and economic instability that may arise in Mexico, could have a material adverse effect on the economy of the country. The extent of such an impact cannot be accurately predicted. We cannot provide any assurances that political developments in Mexico will not have an adverse effect on the Mexican economy or oil and gas industry and, in turn, our business.

Economic conditions in Mexico are highly correlated with economic conditions in the United States due to the physical 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 developments in the United States, including changes in the administration and governmental policies, 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.

While the Mexican and U.S. governments have been able to reach an understanding in the past, we cannot assure you that such understanding will remain in place or that the U.S. government will not impose policies on Mexico in the future and that we will not be materially adversely affected by such policies in the future.

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 Productive Enterprises (empresas productivas del Estado). The Mexican Hydrocarbons Law allows 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. 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 exploration and production rights in Mexico. For more information, 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 new pandemic could have a significant adverse effect on our business operations, as was the case with the COVID-19 pandemic.

In late December 2019, a notice of pneumonia originating from Wuhan, Hubei province (COVID-19, caused by a novel coronavirus) was reported to the World Health Organization, with cases soon confirmed in multiple provinces in China, as well as in other countries. Since COVID-19 has spread throughout the world in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in numerous deaths and the imposition of local, municipal and national governmental “shelter-in-place” and other quarantine measures, border closures and other travel restrictions, causing unprecedented commercial disruption in a number of jurisdictions, including Mexico and Argentina. To mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Argentine and Mexican governments, have over time implemented different measures involving mandatory social restrictions on mobility, closures of non-essential businesses, screening at airports and other transport hubs, travel restrictions, suspension of visas, nation-wide lockdowns, closing of public and private institutions, suspension of sports events, restrictions to cultural sites and tourist attractions and extension of holidays, among many others.

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. As a result, our loss for the year, net was US$102.7 million in 2020 compared to US$32.7 in 2019, and our Adjusted EBITDA was US$95.6 million in 2020, a reduction of 44% compared to 2019.

During 2021 and 2022, the Argentine and Mexican governments gradually eased restrictions in place to contain the impact of the pandemic, such as re-opening schools, removing restrictions on domestic and international air travel, making the use of masks in public places optional, allowing public in massive sports and cultural events, in view of the progress made in vaccination campaigns.

On February 28, 2023, the CRE published the Resolution, whereby it reinstated, as of March 1, 2023, the procedures previously suspended by the CRE during the COVID-19 pandemic. After its publication in the Federal Register, the Resolution lifted the suspension of legal deadlines as of March 1, 2023. The Resolution intends to address the three-year delay and meet the needs of the regulated market. With this, CRE expects to respond to all the pending procedures. As of the date of the Resolution, there were 9,963 pending procedures, of which 7,887 relate to hydrocarbons, 858 to power, and 1,218 to pre-registration.

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 and measures taken to contain the pandemic or mitigate its economic impact by the Argentine or Mexican governments.

Joint and several tax liability.

The Mexican government approved and published a tax provision in the Mexican Federal Official Gazette (Diario Oficial de la Federación) 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 this tax provision (amparo), with the intention of gaining an exemption to providing this information, and therefore not being considered in the joint and several tax liability obligations. As of the date hereof, our appeal has not been resolved.

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.

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 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.

As a foreign private issuer and an “emerging growth company,” we have different disclosure and other requirements than U.S. domestic registrants and non-emerging growth companies.

As a foreign private issuer and an “emerging growth company” (as defined in the JOBS Act), we are subject to different disclosure and other requirements than domestic U.S. registrants and non-emerging growth companies. 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.

The JOBS Act contains provisions that, among other things, relax certain reporting requirements for emerging growth companies. Under this act, as an emerging growth company, we are not subject to the same disclosure and financial reporting requirements as non-emerging growth companies. As an emerging growth company, we are permitted to take (and intend to continue taking) advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. We do not have to comply with future audit rules promulgated by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) (unless the SEC determines otherwise) and our auditors do not need to attest to our internal control under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. This annual report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm related to management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting. We may follow these reporting exemptions until we are no longer an emerging growth company. As a result, our shareholders may not have access to certain information that they deem important. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (1) the last day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of the completion of our initial public offering, (b) in which we have total annual revenues of at least US$1.235 billion (as adjusted for inflation), or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our series A shares that is held by non-affiliates exceeds US$700.0 million as of the prior September 30, and (2) the date on which we have issued more than US$1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period. Accordingly, the information about us available to you is not the same as, and may be more limited than, the information available to shareholders of a non-emerging growth 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.

We adopted our Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) in April 2018 for the purpose of attracting and retaining talented people as officers, directors, employees and consultants which are key to us, 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 ADS (“Restricted Stock”) and options to purchase our series A shares or ADS (“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.

Additionally, the vesting of series A shares reserved for the Long-Term Incentive Plan (or the allocation to the Plan of the series A shares repurchased by the Company through our buy-back program) may cause 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 the shares repurchased through the ongoing buy-back program, became outstanding, our issued and outstanding share capital would increase 6% from 92,883,542 series A shares outstanding as of the date of this annual report to 98,781,026 series A shares.

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.

Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. [VIST] Filings
20-F	[2023-04-24]
20-F	[2022-04-26]
20-F	[2021-04-28]
20-F	[2020-04-30]
F-1	[2019-07-02]