Vista Energy (VIST) Resumed with a ‘Buy’ Rating and $88 Price Target

Core Viewpoint - Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:VIST) is recognized as one of the top crude oil stocks to consider amidst rising tensions in the market [1] Company Overview - Vista Energy is a prominent independent operator with significant assets located in Vaca Muerta, which is the largest shale oil and gas play currently under development outside North America [2] Recent Developments - On February 4, BofA resumed coverage of Vista Energy with a 'Buy' rating and a price target of $88, suggesting an upside potential of over 63% from the current share price [3] - This positive outlook follows Vista's announcement on February 2 regarding the acquisition of Equinor's onshore business in Argentina's Vaca Muerta basin for $1.1 billion, which includes a 30% stake in the Bandurria Sur production asset and a 50% holding in Bajo del Toro [3] Production Insights - The Bandurria Sur assets produced an average of 24,400 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed) in Q3 2025, while Bajo del Toro, still in early development, reported an output of 2,100 net boed [4] - CEO Miguel Galuccio stated that the acquired blocks enhance Vista's portfolio by adding both flowing barrels and a substantial inventory of productive, ready-to-drill wells, which will support the company's growth trajectory [4] Financial Projections - BofA views the acquisition favorably, estimating a potential internal rate of return (IRR) of 24% based on its Brent crude price assumptions [4]