Vista Energy(VIST) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total production reached 127,000 BOEs per day, a 74% increase year over year and a 7% increase quarter on quarter [4][6] - Total revenues for the quarter were $706 million, up 53% year over year and 16% sequentially [4][7] - Adjusted EBITDA was $472 million, reflecting a 52% year-over-year increase and a 70% sequential increase [4][9] - Net income was $315 million, including a non-recurring gain of $288 million from the Petronas Argentina acquisition [5][10] - Free cash flow was nearly neutral at minus $29 million, driven by higher adjusted EBITDA and a decrease in working capital [5][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Oil production was 110,000 barrels per day, a 73% increase year over year and a 7% increase quarter on quarter [4][6] - Gas production increased by 87% year over year and 9% quarter on quarter [7] - Lifting cost was $4.4 per BOE, down 6% year over year [9] - Selling expenses per BOE decreased by 24% year over year due to the elimination of oil trucking services [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Oil exports increased by 84% year over year to 6.3 million barrels for the quarter [8] - Realized oil prices averaged $64.6 per barrel, down 5% year over year but up 4% sequentially [8] - 100% of oil volumes were sold at export parity prices during the quarter [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to accelerate New World activity in Q4, with plans to connect between 12 and 16 Tains [6][11] - The focus remains on profitable growth, cost efficiency, and cash generation, with an updated strategic plan to be presented at the upcoming Investor Day [11][12] - The company maintains a strong appetite for M&A opportunities, emphasizing a proven track record in creating value through acquisitions [39][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the business model, stating that the upcoming elections would not alter the company's growth plans [51][52] - The company is positioned to over-deliver on production guidance for the year, with Q4 production expected to be around 130,000 BOEs per day [27][28] - Management highlighted strong well productivity and financial flexibility as key drivers for future growth [6][11] Other Important Information - The net leverage ratio at the end of the quarter was 1.5 times on a performance basis [5][10] - Cash at period end was $320 million, with cash flow from operating activities at $304 million [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Price realization and expectations for coming quarters - Management noted that strong realization prices were driven by flexibility in pricing and high oil demand from the West Coast U.S. [15][16] Question: Rationale for increased well times and future expectations - The increase in well times was attributed to regained financial flexibility and improved productivity, with expectations to maintain the drilling rhythm in Q4 [21][22] Question: Production outlook for Q4 - Management confirmed that Q4 production is expected to be around 130,000 barrels per day, exceeding previous guidance [27][28] Question: Evolution of drilling and completion costs - Current drilling and completion costs are slightly below previous figures, with expectations for further savings through ongoing initiatives [31][32] Question: Key challenges and opportunities in La Margachica - The relationship with YPF has been collaborative, with good production performance and cost efficiency noted [36] Question: M&A appetite and current opportunities - The appetite for M&A remains strong, with ongoing discussions but no formal processes currently [39][40] Question: CAPEX required to maintain production levels - Estimated CAPEX to maintain production at 100,000 barrels per day is around $700 million, while for 150,000 barrels per day, it would be approximately $800 million [46][47] Question: Impact of midterm elections on operations - Management indicated that the elections would not affect the company's plans or operations in Vaca Muerta [51][52] Question: EBITDA sensitivity to oil prices - For every dollar change in realized oil prices, adjusted EBITDA is expected to change by approximately $8 million to $9 million [58]