Equinor to sell Argentine onshore assets to Vista for $1.1bn

Core Viewpoint - Equinor has agreed to sell its onshore assets in Argentina's Vaca Muerta basin to Vista Energy for approximately $1.1 billion, which includes a cash payment and contingent payments based on production and oil prices over five years [1][2]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The sale includes a 30% non-operated stake in the Bandurria Sur licence and a 50% non-operated stake in the Bajo del Toro asset [1]. - Equinor will receive an upfront cash payment of $550 million and shares in Vista upon closing [1]. - The transaction is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, and does not impact Equinor's offshore holdings in Argentina [2]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - The sale is part of Equinor's strategy to enhance financial flexibility and focus on core international markets, with expectations of production and cash flow growth by 2030 [2][3]. - Equinor's production from Bandurria Sur averaged 24,400 barrels of oil equivalent per day, while Bajo del Toro contributed 2,100 boepd in Q3 2025 [3]. - The company retains optionality through its offshore positions in Argentina, which include exploration licences acquired in 2019 [4]. Group 3: Future Prospects - Equinor's international portfolio is expected to expand, particularly through operations in Brazil, the US, and the UK [2]. - The offshore exploration licences in Argentina are currently undergoing subsurface evaluation to identify commercially viable opportunities [4]. - Recent discoveries in the Norwegian North Sea indicate ongoing exploration success, with initial estimates of recoverable oil equivalent at the Lofn prospect ranging from 3.5 to 10 million standard cubic metres [5].