Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. (VIST) AI Stock Analysis
VIST AI stock analysis summary
AI ResearchVista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. (VIST) is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company operating in Latin America with core assets in the Vaca Muerta basin. Over the five years from FY2020 to FY2025, revenue expanded at a compound annual rate of 55.3%, reaching $2.47B in FY2025. In the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2026, revenue stood at $3.53B with a net profit margin of 23.6%.
- Market cap
- $7.96B
- Revenue (TTM)
- $3.53B
- P/E
- 9.4x fwd 6.3x
- 1Y return
- 101.9% S&P 500 16.8%
- Avg. target
- $91.67 27.4% vs last close
Bull case
- Revenue expanded at a 5-year CAGR of 55.3% from FY2020 through FY2025, driven by production expansion across 183,100 acres in Vaca Muerta.
- The stock trades at a forward P/E of 6.3x and an EV/EBITDA of 4.6x, well below the US-listed Energy peer medians of 12.7x and 8.0x.
- All 12 covering analysts assign positive ratings, forecasting current fiscal year EPS growth of 234.9% with a mean price target of $91.67.
Bear case
- Capital expenditures reached $1.46B in FY2025, resulting in negative free cash flow of -$821.6M after negative free cash flow of -$104.8M in FY2024.
- Total debt stood at $3.75B as of June 30, 2026, resulting in a current ratio of 0.69 and net debt of $3.15B.
- Vista Energy has missed earnings estimates frequently, beating expectations in only 1 of the last 4 quarters.
What Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. does
Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V., founded in 2017 and based in Mexico City, Mexico, explores and produces oil and gas in Latin America. The company's primary operational focus is the Vaca Muerta shale formation, where it holds approximately 183,100 acres. Vista Energy also owns and operates producing assets in Argentina and Mexico. As of December 31, 2021, the company reported total proven reserves of 181.6 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMBOE). The business employs 584 people and operates across the upstream energy sector.
Growth and profitability
Vista Energy grew revenue from $652.2M in FY2021 to $1.14B in FY2022, $1.17B in FY2023, $1.65B in FY2024, and $2.47B in FY2025, representing a 50.2% increase in FY2025. Gross margin shifted from 40.9% in FY2021 to a peak of 76.2% in FY2024 before settling at 47.5% in FY2025, while operating margin was 33.5%. Net income reached $719.1M in FY2025, up from $50.6M in FY2021, with net margin at 29.1%. For the latest quarter ended June 30, 2026, quarterly revenue grew 102.3% year-over-year and quarterly earnings rose 29.8% year-over-year, lifting trailing twelve-month revenue to $3.53B and diluted EPS to $7.66.
Balance sheet and cash flow
As of June 30, 2026, Vista Energy held $607.6M in cash and short-term investments against total debt of $3.75B, leaving net debt at $3.15B. The balance sheet reflects a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13 and a current ratio of 0.69. Operating cash flow in FY2025 was $638.5M, but capital expenditures of $1.46B led to negative free cash flow of -$821.6M. The company also allocated $50.2M to share buybacks in FY2025, while its share count expanded 20.3% over the past 5 years.
Valuation and performance
Vista Energy trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 9.4x and a forward P/E of 6.3x, both lower than the median of its US-listed Energy peers at 15.0x and 12.7x, respectively. Its enterprise value-to-EBITDA stands at 4.6x compared to 8.0x for the peer median, while its price-to-sales multiple of 2.3x sits above the peer median of 1.8x. Over the past year, the stock gained 101.9%, outpacing the 16.8% return for the S&P 500 (SPY). Over five years, the shares delivered a 1019.0% gain versus 83.0% for the S&P 500.
What analysts expect
Wall Street coverage consists of 8 Strong Buy and 4 Buy recommendations, with 0 Hold, Sell, or Strong Sell ratings. The mean price target of $91.67 indicates 27.4% upside relative to the last close of $71.95. For the current fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, analysts estimate revenue of $4.29B and EPS of $190.23, an expected earnings growth rate of 234.9%. Vista Energy beat EPS estimates in 1 of the last 4 quarters, and its next earnings report is scheduled for October 28, 2026.
Key risks and what to watch
- Liquidity is constrained by a current ratio of 0.69 and net debt of $3.15B as of June 30, 2026.
- Substantial capital outlays, including $1.46B in FY2025 capex, risk prolonged negative free cash flow if operational revenue drops.
- Earnings visibility remains uncertain following misses in 3 of the last 4 quarters despite an expected FY2026 EPS estimate of $190.23.
AI-generated research summary. Written with AI from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 and checked so every figure matches that data. For information only, not investment advice. Disclaimer
About this VIST AI stock analysis
This page is an AI-written research summary of Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. (VIST). The text was generated on October 30, 2026 from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 (company profile, annual results, latest balance sheet, valuation, price performance and analyst estimates). An automatic check rejects any draft that contains a figure not found in that data. It is not investment advice; verify figures on the linked tabs before making decisions.
Related: VIST income statement, VIST balance sheet, VIST key metrics, VIST analyst forecast, VIST chart. See the VIST stock overview for the latest quote and news.
VIST AI stock analysis FAQ
What is Vista Energy's primary business?
Vista Energy is an exploration and production company operating oil and gas assets in Latin America. Its core development is focused on approximately 183,100 acres in the Vaca Muerta basin, alongside producing assets in Argentina and Mexico.
Does Vista Energy pay a dividend?
Vista Energy does not pay a regular dividend. In FY2025, the company deployed capital toward $1.46B in capital expenditures and $50.2M in share buybacks.
How is Vista Energy's balance sheet positioned?
As of June 30, 2026, Vista Energy had $607.6M in cash and short-term investments and $3.75B in total debt, yielding net debt of $3.15B. The company holds a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13 and a current ratio of 0.69.
What are analysts forecasting for Vista Energy?
Analysts maintain 8 Strong Buy and 4 Buy ratings with a mean price target of $91.67. Consensus estimates project FY2026 revenue of $4.29B and EPS of $190.23.