Equinor Sells Full Onshore Position in Argentina for $1.1B
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 6d ago
0mins
Should l Buy EQNR?
Source: seekingalpha
- Transaction Overview: Equinor has agreed to sell its entire onshore position in Argentina's Vaca Muerta basin to Vista Energy for $1.1 billion in cash and stock, with an upfront payment of $550 million and the remainder split between $325 million in Vista stock and $225 million in contingent payments linked to production and oil prices over five years.
- Asset Details: The deal includes Equinor's 30% stake in the Bandurria Sur production asset, which averaged 24.4K boe/day in Q3 2025, and its 50% holding in Bajo del Toro, still in early development, contributing 2.1K boe/day.
- Strategic Fit: Vista Energy CEO Miguel Galuccio stated that the acquired blocks fit perfectly into Vista's portfolio, adding both flowing barrels and a deep inventory of highly productive, ready-to-drill wells that will underpin their growth trajectory.
- Market Impact: This transaction allows Equinor to retain its offshore assets in Vaca Muerta, ensuring a long-term strategic presence in Argentina while providing Vista with significant production capacity and future growth potential.
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Analyst Views on EQNR
Wall Street analysts forecast EQNR stock price to fall over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for EQNR is 23.89 USD with a low forecast of 22.00 USD and a high forecast of 25.79 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
2 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 26.460
Low
22.00
Averages
23.89
High
25.79
Current: 26.460
Low
22.00
Averages
23.89
High
25.79
About EQNR
Equinor ASA, formerly Statoil ASA is a Norway-based international energy company. The Company’s purpose is to turn natural resources into energy. Equinor sells crude oil and delivers natural gas to the European market. It is also engaged in processing, refining, offshore wind and carbon capture and storage activities. Equinor ASA has five reporting segments: Exploration & Production Norway (E&P Norway), Exploration & Production International (E&P International), Exploration & Production USA (E&P USA), Marketing, Midstream & Processing (MMP) and Renewables (REN). The Company has several subsidiaries such as Equinor Nigeria Energy Company Ltd, Equinor Wind Power AS, Equinor International Netherlands BV and Equinor Brasil Energia Ltda.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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See More
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- Production Decline Forecast: Equinor anticipates a minimum 10% decline in oil production at its Johan Sverdrup field by 2026, where exports averaged 712K bbl/day last year, indicating potential revenue impacts for the company.
- Cost Control Initiatives: The company plans to cut operating costs by 10% by 2026 and reduce its organic capital expenditure guidance by $4 billion through 2027, addressing challenges posed by insufficient industry investment.
- Adjusted Share Buyback Plan: Equinor announced a share buyback of up to $1.5 billion this year, significantly down from $5 billion in 2025, reflecting a cautious approach to capital allocation in line with J.P. Morgan analysts' expectations.
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See More
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- Yield Metrics: The forward yield of 5.92% not only provides shareholders with a stable return but may also enhance market demand for Equinor's stock, potentially boosting its market performance.
- Share Buyback Program: Equinor will initiate a share buyback program on February 5, 2026, with an initial purchase of up to $375 million aimed at reducing the company's issued share capital, which is expected to positively impact shareholder value by enhancing earnings per share.
- Buyback Details: The first tranche will involve buying back shares worth up to $123.75 million, set to be completed by March 30, 2026, reflecting the company's confidence in future market conditions and its commitment to creating long-term value for shareholders.
See More
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- Share Buyback Details: The first tranche is set to conclude by March 30, 2026, with all purchased shares expected to be canceled, thereby reducing the company's issued share capital, enhancing earnings per share, and increasing shareholder value.
- Agreement with Norwegian State: Under the agreement with the Norwegian State, the State will vote in favor of canceling the repurchased shares at the 2026 annual general meeting to maintain its 67% ownership stake, ensuring the State's shareholder rights within the company.
- Market Compliance: The buyback will occur on the Oslo Stock Exchange and potentially other trading venues within the EEA, with all transactions adhering to applicable safe harbor conditions to ensure compliance and mitigate market manipulation risks.
See More
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- Significant Production Growth: The total equity production reached 2,198 mboe per day in Q4, a 6% increase year-over-year, with full-year production hitting a record high of 2,137 mboe per day, indicating successful investments and developments in the Norwegian Continental Shelf and international oil and gas sectors.
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See More
