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Summary of Risk Factors
We are subject to several risks described under
“Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this annual report that could materially and adversely impact our business, results of operations,
financial condition and future prospects. Key risks include:
Risks Relating to Argentina
· All our revenues are generated in Argentina and therefore we are exposed to country-specific risks and to fluctuations in macroeconomic, political, regulatory, and social conditions.
· The Argentine Peso qualifies as a currency of a hyperinflationary economy and we are required to restate our historical financial statements to apply inflationary adjustments, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition and those of our Argentine subsidiaries.
· Significant fluctuations in the value of the peso could adversely affect the Argentine economy and, in turn, adversely affect our results of operations.
· Exchange controls and restrictions on capital inflows and outflows could limit the availability of international credit and could threaten the financial system, adversely affecting the Argentine economy and, as a result, our business.
· Argentina’s ability to obtain financing from international markets is limited, which could affect its capacity to implement reforms and sustain economic growth and may negatively impact our financial condition or cash flows.
· The Argentine economy could be adversely affected by economic developments in other markets and by more general “contagion” effects.
· We may be exposed to adverse effects arising from geopolitical conflicts worldwide.
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· The Argentine banking system may be subject to instability which may affect our operations.
· Failure to adequately address actual and perceived risks of institutional deterioration and corruption may adversely affect Argentina’s economy and financial condition, which in turn could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Risks Relating to the Electric Power Sector
in Argentina
· The Argentine Government has intervened in the electric power sector in the past and is likely to continue intervening.
· Changes in regulatory frameworks under which we sell our electricity may affect our financial condition and results of operations.
· We have, in the recent past, been unable to collect payments, or to collect them in a timely manner, from CAMMESA and other customers in the electric power sector.
· Argentina has certain energy transmission and distribution limitations that adversely affect the capacity of electric power generators to deliver all of the energy they can produce, which results in reduced sales.
· Restrictions on the supply of energy could negatively affect Argentina’s economy.
· We operate in a heavily regulated sector that imposes significant costs on our business, and we could be subject to fines and liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
· Risks arise for our business from technological change in the energy market.
· Competition in the Electric Power Sector in Argentina may adversely affect our results of operations.
Risks Relating to Our Business
· Our results depend largely on the compensation established by the Secretariat of Energy and received from CAMMESA.
· Factors beyond our control may affect or delay the completion of the awarded projects or alter our plans for the expansion of our existing plants.
· Our business may require substantial capital expenditures for ongoing maintenance requirements and the expansion of our installed generation capacity.
· Covenants in our indebtedness could adversely restrict our financial and operating flexibility.
· We may be unable to refinance our outstanding indebtedness, or the refinancing terms may be materially less favorable than their current terms, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
· Our future operational rights and economic returns from Piedra del Águila are now tied to the terms of the newly awarded concession and to ongoing compliance with regulatory and contractual provisions
· Future changes in the rainfall amounts in the Limay River basin could adversely affect the revenues from the Piedra del Águila concession and, therefore, our financial results.
· Our ability to operate wind and solar farms profitably is highly dependent on suitable wind or sun and associated weather conditions, climate change and energy transition could affect our business.
· Climate change and energy transition could affect our business.
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· Our power plants and forest assets are subject to the risk of mechanical, electrical failures and various catastrophic events, and any resulting unavailability may affect our ability to fulfill our contractual and other commitments and thus adversely affect our business and financial performance.
· Our insurance policies may not fully cover damage, and we may not be able to obtain insurance against certain risks.
· We may be exposed to lawsuits and or administrative proceedings that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
· Energy demand is seasonal, largely due to climate conditions.
· We may undertake acquisitions and investments to expand or complement our operations that could result in operating difficulties or otherwise adversely affect our financial conditions and results of operations.
· If we were to acquire another energy company in the future, such acquisition could be subject to the Argentine Antitrust Authority’s approval.
· We depend on senior management and other key personnel for our current and future performance.
· We could be affected by material actions taken by the trade unions.
· Our equipment, facilities and operations are subject to environmental, health and safety regulations.
· We are subject to anti-bribery, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering and other laws and regulations.
· A cyberattack could adversely affect our business, balance sheet, results of operations and cash flow.
· Our thermal generation plants require a continuous supply of natural gas and, to a lesser extent, liquid fuels to operate. The availability, cost and procurement conditions of these fuels have historically been, and may continue to be, affected by several factors beyond our control, including fluctuations in domestic and international fuel prices, macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical events, infrastructure constraints, and changes in Argentine energy policy and regulations.
· We may incur losses as a result of natural disasters that may affect our forestry assets.
Risks Relating to our Shares and ADSs
· It may be difficult for you to obtain or enforce judgments against us.
· Restrictions on transfers of foreign exchange and the repatriation of capital from Argentina may impair your ability to receive dividends and distributions on, and the proceeds of any sale of, shares underlying the ADSs.
· We are traded on more than one market, and this may result in price variations; in addition, investors may not be able to easily move shares for trading between such markets.
· Under Argentine Corporate Law, shareholder rights may be fewer or less well defined than in other jurisdictions.
· Holders of our common shares and the ADSs located in the United States may not be able to exercise preemptive or accretion rights.
· Voting rights, and other rights, with respect to the ADSs are limited by the terms of the deposit agreement.
· The relative volatility and illiquidity of the Argentine securities markets may substantially limit our ADS holders’ ability to sell common shares underlying the ADSs at the price and time they desire.
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· If there are substantial sales of our common shares or the ADSs, the price of the common shares or of the ADSs could decline.
· Our shareholders may be subject to liability for certain votes of their securities.
· As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from several rules under the U.S. securities laws and are permitted to file less information with the Commission than a U.S. company. This may limit the information available to holders of our ADSs.
· As a foreign private issuer, we are not subject to certain NYSE corporate governance rules applicable to U.S. listed companies.
· The market price for our common shares or ADSs could be highly volatile.
· If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud. As a result, shareholders could lose confidence in our financial and other public reporting, which would harm our business and the trading price of our common shares.
· The protections afforded to minority shareholders in Argentina are different from and more limited than those in the United States and may be more difficult to enforce.
· Holders of our common shares may determine not to pay any dividends.
· We may be a passive foreign investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
· The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources and distract our management, which could make it difficult to manage our business.
Detailed Risk Factors
You should carefully consider the risks described
below, as well as the other information in this annual report. Our business, results of operations, financial condition or prospects could
be materially and adversely affected if any of these risks occurs, and as a result, the market price of our common shares and ADSs could
decline. The risks described below are those known to us and that we currently believe may materially affect us.
Risks Relating to Argentina
All our revenues are generated in Argentina
and therefore we are exposed to country-specific risks and to fluctuations in macroeconomic, political, regulatory, and social conditions.
Central Puerto is an Argentine corporation (sociedad
anónima). All of our assets and operations are located in Argentina. Accordingly, our financial condition and results of operations
depend significantly on macroeconomic, regulatory, social and political conditions in Argentina. Key factors include: (i) international
demand and prices for Argentina’s commodity exports; (ii) competitiveness and efficiency of domestic industries and services; (iii)
stability and competitiveness of the Argentine peso against foreign currencies; (iv) foreign and domestic investment and financing; (v)
foreign exchange reserves in the BCRA, which may cause abrupt changes in currency values and exchange and capital control regulations;
(vi) high interest and inflation rates and corresponding wage and price controls; (vii) adverse external economic shocks; (viii) changes
in economic or fiscal policies implemented by the Argentine Government; (ix) labor disputes and work stoppages; (x) government expenditure
levels and fiscal balance; and (xi) unemployment, political instability and social tensions, including land-takings and claims in areas
where we operate.
The Argentine economy has experienced significant
volatility in recent decades, characterized by periods of low or negative growth, high levels of inflation and currency devaluation.
Sustainable economic growth in Argentina is dependent on a variety of factors, including the international demand for Argentine exports,
the stability and competitiveness of the peso against foreign currencies, confidence among consumers and foreign and domestic investors,
a stable rate of inflation, national employment levels and the circumstances of Argentina’s regional trade partners.
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The Argentine economy has contracted over the
past three years and remains unstable despite the Argentine Government's efforts to curb inflation and exchange rate volatility. The Argentine
economy is still subject to the following challenges:
· Persistently high inflation: Inflation remains high and may continue at similar or higher levels. According to reports published by INDEC, cumulative inflation measured by the consumer price index (in pesos) was 211.4% in 2023, 117.8% in 2024 and 31.5% in 2025. In March 2026, the inflation rate was 3.4%. Past and future monetary issuance by the Central Bank of Argentina to finance the National Treasury may further contribute to inflationary pressures and an upward trend.
· High public debt levels: Argentina’s public debt as a percentage of GDP remains significant despite restructuring processes undertaken since 2020.
· Persistent fiscal deficit: Discretionary increases in public spending have led to persistent fiscal deficits. While the current administration has achieved a fiscal surplus, there is no guarantee that such fiscal surplus will be sustained. Future discretionary increases in public spending or adverse economic conditions could give rise to recurring fiscal deficits.
· Low investment levels: Investment as a percentage of GDP remains low.
· Potential for labor unrest: A significant number of demonstrations and strikes could occur, as has happened in the past, adversely affecting various sectors of the Argentine economy.
· Energy supply constraints: The energy supply may be insufficient to meet industrial demand and domestic consumption, potentially limiting industrial growth.
· High unemployment and informal employment: According to INDEC, the unemployment rate in the last quarter of 2025 was 6.6%, while informal employment remains high.
· Uncertain debt rollover capacity: Argentina’s ability to refinance its peso-denominated debt remains uncertain.
· Capital controls and political instability: Economic conditions have fueled an increased demand for foreign currency, leading to the implementation of capital controls aimed at curbing capital flight. Although these controls are expected to be progressively relaxed and lifted, their continued application—when combined with other internal and external factors—has contributed to increased political and social instability.
High inflation reduces Argentina’s foreign
competitiveness and increases social and economic inequality. It also negatively impacts employment, consumption and economic activity,
while undermining confidence in the Argentine banking system. This limits access to domestic and international credit for local companies.
If government measures fail to correct structural inflationary imbalances, inflation may continue or increase, adversely affecting Argentina’s
economy and our business, financial condition and results of operations. Inflation can also increase Argentina’s local currency-denominated
debt and adversely affect its ability to service debt, particularly in the medium and long term when most inflation-indexed debt matures.
Argentina’s fiscal imbalances, its dependence
on foreign revenues to cover its fiscal deficit, and material rigidities that have historically limited the ability of the economy to
absorb and adapt to external factors, have added to the severity of the current crisis.
In the past, some administrations increased direct
intervention in the Argentine economy, including the implementation of expropriation measures, price controls, exchange controls and changes
in laws and regulations affecting foreign trade and investment. These measures had a material adverse effect on private sector entities,
including us. Similar measures could be adopted by the current or future Argentine Government, or economic, social and political developments
in Argentina, over which we have no control, could have a material adverse effect on the Argentine economy and, in turn, adversely affect
our financial condition and results of operations. Uncertainty with respect to government policies may lead to additional volatility of
Argentine stock market prices, including companies that operate in the energy sector, given the degree of state regulation and intervention
in this industry.
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As in the recent past, Argentina’s economy
may be adversely affected if political and social pressures inhibit the implementation by the Argentine Government of policies designed
to control inflation, generate growth and enhance consumer and investor confidence, or if policies implemented by the Argentine Government
to achieve these goals are unsuccessful. These events could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
The Argentine economy is also particularly sensitive
to local political developments. Presidential elections take place in Argentina every four years and legislative elections every two years,
resulting in the partial renewal of both chambers of Congress. On December 10, 2023, Javier Milei took office as President of Argentina
and pledged to implement significant economic reforms. The Argentine Government faces unique macroeconomic challenges, such as reducing
and maintaining a low inflation rate, achieving and maintaining commercial and fiscal surpluses, accumulating reserves, supporting the
peso, refinancing debt owed to private creditors, and improving the competitiveness of local industries.
Following President Milei’s inauguration,
the Argentine Government enacted Decree No. 70/2023, outlining measures to reduce the size of the public administration and public expenses,
as well as de-regulate the economy. On June 28, 2024, the Argentine Congress passed the Ley de Bases, formally declaring a state of public
emergency in administrative, economic, financial and energy matters for one year. During this period, the Ley de Bases conferred upon
the Argentine Government a series of legislative powers and established legal, institutional and tax reforms affecting various economic
sectors. It also created the Investment Incentive Regime for Large-Scale Investments (“RIGI”), regulated by Decree No. 592/2024.
RIGI provides tax, customs and exchange incentives for large investment projects across sectors including forestry, tourism, infrastructure,
mining, technology, steel, gasoil and energy. The original two-year period for accessing the RIGI was extended by Decree No. 105/2026
for one additional year, until July 8, 2027. RIGI projects are declared of national interest.
On June 28, 2024, the house
of representatives of the Argentine Congress approved a fiscal reform (the “Argentine Fiscal Reform”), successfully reinstating
the chapter on income tax and personal assets, previously rejected by the Argentine Senate. The Argentine Fiscal Reform was enacted and
published in the Argentine Official Gazette (Boletín Oficial de la República Argentina) on July 8, 2024, effective
from that date onwards.
On October 26, 2025, Argentina held legislative
elections to renew half of the seats in the House of Representatives of the Argentine Congress and one third of the seats in the Senate.
La Libertad Avanza, the political party of the Milei administration, obtained approximately 40.7% of the votes for the House of
Representatives and approximately 42.0% for the Senate, while the main opposition coalition, Fuerza Patria, obtained approximately
31.7% and approximately 28.4%, respectively. Notwithstanding the new congressional composition, the Argentine Government continues to
require consensus from other political parties to implement its policy agenda, including the deregulation measures set forth in the Ley
de Bases. As of the date of this annual report, we cannot predict the impact that the legislative elections will have on the Argentine
economy nor assure whether events such as the implementation of new government policies could have an adverse impact on our operations
and financial results. Moreover, we cannot assure whether such changes will occur or estimate their timing or potential effects on our
operations and financial condition.
The current administration
has announced and continues to promote additional structural reforms, including proposed labor reforms, aimed at further deregulating
the economy and modifying existing labor, tax, social security and regulatory frameworks. As of the date of this annual report, certain
of these proposed reforms remain subject to legislative debate, regulatory implementation and/or judicial review, and their final scope,
timing and impact remain uncertain. The adoption, modification or rejection of such reforms could have a material adverse effect on Argentina’s
economy, our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Argentine economy is also vulnerable to
adverse events affecting its main trading partners. A continued deterioration of economic conditions in Brazil, Argentina’s main
trading partner, and a deterioration of the economies of other important trading partners of Argentina, such as China or the United States,
could have a significant adverse impact on Argentina’s trade balance and adversely affect Argentina’s economic growth, and
therefore, could negatively impact our financial health and operating results. A significant depreciation of the currencies of our trading
partners or competitors may negatively affect Argentina’s competitiveness and, consequently, negatively impact Argentina’s
economic and financial condition and the results of our operations.
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The Argentine Peso qualifies as a currency
of a hyperinflationary economy and we are required to restate our historical financial statements to apply inflationary adjustments, which
could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition and those of our Argentine subsidiaries
Pursuant to the IAS 29, the financial statements
of entities whose functional currency is that of a hyperinflationary economy must be adjusted for the effects of changes in a general
price index. IAS 29 does not prescribe when hyperinflation arises and the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”)
does not identify specific hyperinflationary jurisdictions. However, IAS 29 provides a series of non-exclusive guidelines that consist
of (i) analyzing the behavior of the population, prices, interest rates and wages before the evolution of price indexes and the loss of
the currency’s purchasing power, and (ii) as a quantitative characteristic, verifying if the three-year cumulative inflation rate
approaches or exceeds 100.00%. In June 2018, the International Practices Task Force of the Centre for Quality (“IPTF”), which
monitors countries experiencing high inflation, categorized Argentina as a country with projected three-year cumulative inflation rate
greater than 100.00%. In addition, certain qualitative macroeconomic factors provided under the IAS 29 were also identified. Therefore,
Argentine companies using IFRS Accounting Standards, such as us, are required to apply IAS 29 to their financial statements for periods
ending on and after July 1, 2018. As a result, our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in this annual report, including
the figures for the previous periods (this fact not affecting the decisions taken on the financial information for such periods), and,
unless otherwise stated, the financial information included elsewhere in this annual report, were restated to consider the changes in
the general purchasing power of our functional currency (Argentine peso) pursuant to IAS 29 and General Resolution No. 777/2018 of the
CNV.
Significant fluctuations in the value of
the peso could adversely affect the Argentine economy and, in turn, adversely affect our results of operations
The
depreciation of the peso has had and may continue to have a negative impact on the ability of certain Argentine businesses to
service their foreign currency-denominated debt, lead to inflation, significantly reduce real wages and jeopardize the stability of
businesses, such as ours, whose success depends on domestic market demand and adversely affect the Argentine Government’s
ability to honor its foreign debt obligations. In 2025, the peso depreciated approximately 41.35%, and appreciated 5.25% from
December 31, 2025, through March 31, 2026. On April 20, 2026, the exchange rate was Ps. 1,373 to US$1.00, as quoted on BCRA
Communication “A” 3500.
The main effects of the devaluation of the Argentine
peso on our net results, expressed in pesos, are related to (i) exchange rate differences as a result of our exposure to the dollar (because
our functional currency is the Argentine peso); (ii) higher revenues generated by the sale of energy priced in U.S. dollars; and (iii)
higher costs generated by expense items priced in U.S. dollars such as financial obligations and certain maintenance contracts among other
costs. In addition, the majority of our debt is denominated in currencies other than the peso; consequently, a devaluation of the peso
against such currencies will increase the amount of pesos we need to cover our debt service obligations.
If the peso depreciates further, all the negative
effects on the Argentine economy related to such depreciation could recur, with adverse consequences to our business, financial condition
and results of operations. In addition, a further depreciation of the Argentine Peso against the U.S. dollar, Euro or other European currencies
may also have an adverse impact on our capital expenditure program and increase the Argentine Peso amount of our trade liabilities and
financial debt denominated in foreign currency. As of December 31, 2025, 98.17% of our financial liabilities were denominated in foreign
currency, mostly in U.S. dollars.
We remain exposed to risks associated with the
fluctuation of the Argentine Peso. A devaluation of the Argentine Peso could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition
and results of operations. Under Res. No. 400/25 and the new Piedra del Aguila concession terms, our thermal and hydro spot prices are
denominated in U.S. Dollars; accordingly, a devaluation of the Argentine Peso could adversely affect the pass-through of such costs to
end-users by electric distribution companies.
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Exchange controls and restrictions on capital
inflows and outflows could limit the availability of international credit and could threaten the financial system, adversely affecting
the Argentine economy and, as a result, our business
The Argentine Government and the BCRA have historically
implemented certain measures that control and restrict the ability of companies and individuals to access the foreign exchange market.
Those measures include, among others: (i) restricting access to the Argentine foreign exchange market for the purchase or transfer of
foreign currency abroad for any purpose, including the payment of dividends to non-residents stakeholders; (ii) restrictions on the acquisition
of any foreign currency to be held as cash in Argentina; (iii) requiring exporters to repatriate and convert all export proceeds from
goods into Argentine Pesos through the foreign exchange market; (iv) limiting the transfer of securities into and from Argentina; (v)
implementing taxes on certain transactions involving the acquisition of foreign currency. While exchange controls and certain restrictions
are being progressively eased, significant limitations and regulatory measures remain in effect; and (vi) restricting access (including,
but not limited to, in connection with the term for making such payments) to the currency exchange market to pay for imports of goods
and services. In the past, the BCRA established certain additional restrictions such as establishing mandatory refinancings of U.S. Dollar-denominated
debt.
On April 11, 2025, the Argentine government announced
a set of measures aimed at easing the regulatory framework governing access to the foreign exchange market. These measures include: (i)
the establishment of a floating exchange rate band within which the U.S. dollar may fluctuate in the foreign exchange market. The initial
band was set between Ps. 1,000 and Ps. 1,400, with its boundaries to be adjusted at a monthly rate of 1%; (ii) the elimination of the
Export Increase Program (Programa de Incremento Exportador), which had allowed for the settlement of export proceeds using a split
mechanism of 80% through the foreign exchange market and 20% through the financial market (commonly referred to as the "Dólar
Blend"); (iii) the removal of foreign exchange restrictions applicable to individuals, including the US$200 monthly purchase
limit in the foreign exchange market and restrictions affecting those who had received government assistance during the pandemic, subsidies,
or public employment, among others, as well as cross-restrictions contained in Central Bank Communication “A” 7340; ARCA will
also eliminate the tax surcharge currently applicable to the purchase of foreign currency in the foreign exchange market (while maintaining
it for tourism and credit card payments); (iv) the authorization of dividend distributions by Argentine companies to foreign shareholders
with respect to results from fiscal years beginning in 2025; (v) a relaxation of payment terms for foreign trade transactions, including:
(a) imports of goods may now be paid through the foreign exchange market upon customs clearance (previously 30 days thereafter); (b) imports
of goods by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MiPyMEs) may be paid upon shipment from the port of origin (previously 30 days
after customs clearance); (c) imports of services may be paid as from the date of service provision (previously 30 days thereafter); (d)
imports of capital goods may now be paid with a 30% advance, 50% upon shipment, and 20% upon customs clearance (previously limited to
a 20% advance and only applicable to MiPyMEs); and (e) imports of services between related parties may be paid once 90 days have elapsed
from the date of service provision (previously 180 days); and (vi) a one-time elimination of the 90-day lookback period under Communication
“A” 7340 applicable to legal entities, allowing such entities to resume access to the foreign exchange market under regular
conditions.
On December 15, 2025, the BCRA announced the
implementation of a new phase of its monetary policy framework, effective as of January 1, 2026. This new phase aims at enhancing price
stability and the gradual normalization of monetary conditions. Under the updated framework, the BCRA will continue to operate a managed
floating exchange rate regime with intervention bands. As of January 1, 2026, the upper and lower limits of these bands will be adjusted
monthly based on the most recently published inflation data. The objective of this mechanism is to mitigate episodes of excessive volatility
in the foreign exchange market, while allowing the exchange rate to fluctuate within the bands according to market conditions.
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Although the current administration
has publicly expressed its intention to progressively dismantle Argentina’s foreign exchange controls and has adopted certain measures
aimed at easing specific restrictions, a comprehensive liberalization of the foreign exchange regime has not yet occurred, and while certain
restrictions applicable to individuals and some applicable to legal entities have been lifted, significant restrictions applicable to
legal entities remain in place. The timing, scope and conditions of any further relaxation or elimination of exchange controls remain
uncertain, and there can be no assurance that the BCRA will lift such controls in the near future. Moreover, the BCRA may modify existing
regulations, reimpose previously lifted restrictions or impose mandatory refinancing plans in respect of our foreign currency-denominated
indebtedness, establish more severe restrictions on currency exchange, maintain the current Argentine Foreign Exchange Regulations or
create multiple exchange rates for different types of transactions, substantially affecting the exchange rate at which we acquire foreign
currency to service our outstanding liabilities denominated in currencies other than the Argentine Peso. Any of the foregoing could adversely
affect our ability to comply with our financial obligations when due, raise capital, refinance our debt at maturity, obtain financing,
execute our capital expenditure plans and import goods and/or make interest and principal payments on our foreign currency-denominated
indebtedness.
Given the unpredictable
nature of political and economic developments, there can be no assurance that more restrictive exchange controls and transfer restrictions
than those currently in effect will not be imposed. In the event of a crisis or a period of political, economic and social instability
in Argentina resulting in a material economic contraction, there is a risk that the current government may adopt radical changes to its
economic, foreign exchange and financial policies. Such measures may be implemented to preserve the balance of payments, protect the foreign
exchange reserves of the BCRA, prevent capital flight, or address a significant depreciation of the Argentine Peso. These measures could
include, among others, the mandatory conversion of U.S. Dollar-denominated obligations of Argentine resident legal entities into Argentine
Pesos or the reintroduction of restrictions on the remittance of dividends abroad. The imposition of such restrictions, combined with
external factors beyond our control, could materially impact our ability to make payments in foreign currency.
The extension of current
exchange controls, or the implementation of stricter capital controls, could have an adverse impact on the Argentine government’s
public finances, which could in turn have a detrimental effect on the Argentine economy and consequently on our business, operating results,
and financial condition, including our ability to service financial debt obligations. For additional information, please see “Item
10—Additional Information—Exchange Controls.”
In addition, we cannot assure you that the current
administration may not impose exchange controls or other confiscatory measures in the future.
Exchange controls and restrictions could materially
and adversely affect the Argentine economy and/or our business, financial condition, and results of operations. See “Exchange Controls”.
Argentina’s ability to obtain financing
from international markets is limited, which could affect its capacity to implement reforms and sustain economic growth, and may negatively
impact our financial condition or cash flows
In recent years, Argentina has experienced financial
distress, leading to an increase in public debt.
Since 2020, the Argentine Government has engaged
in negotiations with Argentina’s creditors to restore the sustainability of its public external debt. During this time, the Argentine
Government held negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (“IMF”) over several disbursements.
On January 28, 2022, the Argentine Government
and the IMF announced they had reached an understanding on key policies as part of their ongoing discussions involving an IMF-supported
program. On March 17, 2022, the Argentine Government approved an agreement with the IMF for a period of 30 months (the “IMF Agreement”)
to refinance US$44.0 billion of debt incurred between 2018 and 2019 under a stand-by agreement originally scheduled for payment between
2021 and 2023. The IMF Agreement comprises ten quarterly reviews over a two-and-a-half-year period, with the objective of ensuring that
the Argentine Government complies with the targets set for each review period. Following each review, disbursements are made available.
The repayment period for each disbursement is ten years, with a grace period of four and a half years, commencing in 2026 and concluding
in 2034.
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On March 22, 2022, the Argentine Government reached
an agreement with the Paris Club for a new extension of the understanding reached in June 2021 (the “Paris Club Agreement”).
On October 28, 2022, the former Minister of Economy, Sergio Massa, announced a new agreement with the Paris Club. The agreement is an
addendum to the one signed in 2014 by the then Minister of Economy, Axel Kicillof, and recognizes a principal amount of US$1,971 million,
extending a repayment period of thirteen semi-annual installments, starting in December 2022 to be finally cancelled in September 2028.
The interest rate was improved from 9.00% to 3.90% in the first three installments, with a gradual increase to 4.50%. The payment profile
implies an average semi-annual payment of US$170.0 million (principal and interest included). Over the next two years Argentina will repay
40.00% of the principal due. On June 26, 2023, the former Minister of Economy, Sergio Massa signed bilateral agreements with three members
of the Paris Club to refinance the existing debt with the institution. Thus, after signing the new agreement reached in 2022, the former
Minister of Economy was able to seal bilateral agreements with 15 of the 16 creditors of the institution.
On June 13, 2024, the IMF completed its eighth
review, after which it disbursed approximately US$800 million to the Argentine Government to support economic recovery and rebuild fiscal
and external reserves. As of the date of this annual report, the IMF has disbursed a total of over US$41.4 billion to the Argentine Government
in accordance with the terms of the IMF Agreement.
On March 11, 2025, Decree No. 179/2025 was published,
through which the Argentine Government approved a new Extended Fund Facility (“EFF”) to be entered into with the IMF for a
10-year term. The funds under this program are expected to be primarily used to refinance liabilities, including non-transferable Treasury
notes and outstanding amortization amounts under the existing EFF. On March 19, 2025, the house of representatives of the Argentine Congress
approved Decree No. 179/25, thereby affirming its validity and eliminating the risk of revocation. Under the applicable legal framework,
an emergency decree remains in force unless expressly rejected by both chambers of Congress. On April 8, 2025, the IMF announced that
it had reached a staff-level agreement with the Argentine authorities for a new 48-month EFF arrangement totaling approximately US$20
billion. According to the official statement published by the IMF, the agreement remains subject to approval by its Executive Board, which
is scheduled to consider the program on Friday, April 11, 2025.
On April 8, 2025, the IMF
announced that it had reached a staff-level agreement with Argentine authorities for a new program under the EFF, with a total value of
approximately US$20 billion. On April 11, 2025, the IMF Executive Board formally approved the agreement, authorizing an immediate disbursement
of US$ 12 billion, with an additional US$ 2 billion disbursement scheduled for June 2025. The agreement has a ten-year term, including
a grace period of four and a half years, and carries an annual interest rate of 5.63%.
Also on April 11, 2025,
both the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) approved financial assistance for Argentina under respective multi-year
programs, amounting to US$ 12 billion (of which US$ 1.5 billion will be disbursed immediately) and US$ 10 billion, respectively. On May
8, 2025, the IDB confirmed that Argentina will receive U.S.$500 million in financing to strengthen its balance of payments and advance
structural reforms. The loan is part of a U.S.$10 billion financing package that the IDB will provide to Argentina’s public and
private sectors over the next three years.
On July 31, 2025, the IMF Executive Board concluded
the first review of the IMF Agreement. As a result, Argentina would have access to additional IMF financing of US$2.0 billion. The success
of these measures will depend on the sustained implementation of economic reforms and the necessary political support to maintain macroeconomic
stability and sustainable economic growth. However, we cannot assure that the Argentine Government will meet the targets of the upcoming
IMF reviews under the new program once implemented. Likewise, we cannot guarantee that a new agreement with the IMF will not affect Argentina’s
ability to implement reforms and public policies and promote economic growth, nor the impact that any renegotiation may have on the country’s
ability to access international capital markets (and indirectly on our ability to access such markets), on the Argentine economy, on
our financial condition or results, or on our ability to extend the maturities of our debt obligations or modify other terms, all of
which could affect our results, operations, or business.
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In the context of a closer
alignment between the administrations of the United States and Argentina, which have publicly characterized their relationship as a strategic
partnership, the United States has expressed political and economic support for the Argentine government’s reform agenda. On October
20, 2025, the U.S. Treasury announced a currency swap line of up to US$20.0 billion with the Central Bank, aimed at strengthening Argentina’s
international reserves position and supporting macroeconomic stability. However, this swap line has since been cancelled and is no longer
in effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, U.S. officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, have stated that the U.S. administration
remains willing to consider exceptional measures to support financial stability in Argentina. In this context, official sources have indicated
that additional financing mechanisms are under consideration by the United States, including the potential establishment of a private
fund of up to US$20.0 billion, with participation from international banks and sovereign wealth funds, focused on the Argentine debt market.
These developments reflect the strengthening of bilateral relations between President Javier Milei and President Donald Trump and the
strategic importance attributed to Argentina by the current U.S. administration.
We cannot assure that the
Argentine Government will meet the targets of the upcoming reviews of the IMF. In the event that the Argentine Government does not comply
with the economic and fiscal commitments and targets agreed with the IMF, Argentina could default on its debt with the IMF and, consequently,
its financial and economic situation could be adversely affected.
We cannot assure that the Extended Fund Facility
Agreement with the IMF (the “EEF Agreement”) and the Paris Club Agreement will not affect Argentina’s ability to implement
reforms and public policies and boost economic growth. Consequently, there can be no assurance that the implementation of the revenue
and expenditure policies of the EEF Agreement regarding the reduction of untargeted energy subsidies would not have material adverse effect
on our financial condition and results of operations. Also, we cannot predict the impact of the outcome of such reforms on Argentina’s
(and indirectly our) ability to access the international capital markets. Moreover, the long-term impact of these measures and any future
measures taken by the current administration on the Argentine economy remains uncertain.
Argentina’s future tax revenue and fiscal
results may be insufficient to meet its debt service obligations and the Argentine Republic may have to rely in part on additional financing
from domestic and international capital markets, the IMF and other potential creditors, in order to meet future debt service obligations.
In the future, the Argentine Republic may not be able or willing to access international or domestic capital markets, which could have
a material adverse effect on its ability to make payments on its outstanding public debt, and in turn, could materially adversely affect
our financial condition and results of operations.
In spite of the restructuring of Argentine public
debt, international markets remain skeptical as to whether Argentina’s debt is sustainable and, therefore, country risk indicators
remain high. There can be no assurance that Argentina’s credit ratings will remain in place or will not be downgraded, suspended
or cancelled. Any downgrade, suspension or cancellation of Argentina’s sovereign debt rating may have an adverse effect on the Argentine
economy and our business.
Without renewed access to the financial market,
the Argentine Government may not have the financial resources to implement reforms and boost growth, which could have a significant adverse
effect on the country’s economy and, consequently, on our activities. Likewise, Argentina’s inability to obtain credit in
international markets could have a direct impact on our ability to access those markets to finance our operations and our growth, including
the financing of capital investments, which would negatively affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In
addition, we cannot predict the outcome of any future restructuring of Argentine sovereign debt.
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Any new event of default by the Argentine Government
could negatively affect their valuation and repayment terms, as well as have a material adverse effect on the Argentine economy and, consequently,
our business and results of operations.
The Argentine economy could be adversely
affected by economic developments in other markets and by more general “contagion” effects
Financial and securities markets in Argentina
and the Argentine economy are influenced by the effects of global or regional financial crisis and market conditions in other markets
worldwide. Weak, flat or negative economic growth of any of Argentina’s major trading partners, such as Brazil (Argentina’s
main trading partner), China or the United States, could have a material adverse effect on Argentina’s trade balance and adversely
affect Argentina’s economic growth. If interest rates increase significantly in developed economies, Argentina, along with developing
economy trading partners such as Brazil, may find it more difficult and expensive to borrow capital and refinance existing debt, affecting
economic growth.
On January 20, 2025, Donald
Trump was inaugurated for his second term as President of the United States. During the initial months of his mandate, President Trump
has brought forth significant changes to trade policies, notably enacting substantial tariffs that affect nearly all U.S. trading partners.
A universal tariff of 10% was imposed on U.S. imports, including Argentine goods, with exceptions for Mexico and Canada. Additional tariffs
range from 11% to 50% for other countries, with particular rates such as 20% for the European Union and 46% for Vietnam.
China faces unique tariffs
set at 145% due to heightened diplomatic tensions. China has also filed a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization (“WTO”)
on April 9, 2025, alleging that the U.S. tariffs violate WTO rules and undermine the multilateral trading system.
Although tariffs on Argentine
goods remain lower, “custom-made agreements” are under discussion, which might offer relief if Argentina reduces its barriers
on U.S. products. On February 5, 2026, Argentina and the United States entered into the United States-Argentina Agreement on Reciprocal
Trade and Investment (“ARTI”), aimed at strengthening economic ties and reducing trade barriers between the two countries.
The ARTI provides for the reduction or elimination of tariffs on a significant number of goods, as well as commitments relating to regulatory
standards, intellectual property and investment protection. While the ARTI may mitigate the impact of certain U.S. trade measures on Argentine
exports and foster increased bilateral trade and investment, its implementation is subject to legislative approval and phased execution,
and it does not eliminate Argentina’s exposure to changes in U.S. trade policy or broader global trade tensions.
These measures contribute
to market instability, which can disrupt trade flows to Argentina, impacting import costs and overall economic conditions. Retaliatory
measures, such as restrictions on market access and tariffs on U.S. agricultural products by China, pose additional threats to global
trade stability. They could alter trade dynamics and increase costs for Argentina and affect various sectors, including ours.
In parallel, Argentina’s
largest export market, Brazil, faces heightened pressures due to ongoing political crises. Following the economic challenges of 2015 and
2016, Brazil’s economy is gradually recovering, though political uncertainties persist under the leadership of Lula da Silva. Real
growth per capita improved by 10% in 2021 but remains 15% below 2019 levels. The unemployment rate improved to 5.1% by the end of 2025,
compared to 6.2% at the end of 2024. Despite these improvements, another devaluation of the Brazilian real, similar to the nearly 20%
drop in 2024, could negatively impact Argentine exports, reducing competitiveness and increasing imports as Brazilian goods become more
price-competitive internationally. This could adversely impact Argentina's economic performance and financial position.
Global economic instability such as uncertainty
about global trade policies, the deterioration of economic conditions in Brazil and of the economies of other major trading partners
of Argentina, such as China or the United States, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, geopolitical tensions
between the United States and a number of foreign countries, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, decisions by the Organization
of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, the current developments in Venezuela, as well as the
threats to trade through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal and other non-OPEC oil-producing nations with respect to oil production that
affect oil prices, idiosyncratic, political and social discords, terrorist attacks, sovereign debt downgrades, a pandemic disease, could
impact the Argentine economy and jeopardize Argentina’s ability to stabilize its economy, among others.
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There can be no assurance that the Argentine
economy and securities markets will not be adversely impacted by events affecting developed economies, emerging markets, or any of Argentina’s
major trading partners, which could in turn adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations, and the market
value of our ADSs. Furthermore, a significant devaluation of the currencies of our trading partners or trade competitors may adversely
affect the competitiveness of Argentina and consequently, adversely affect Argentina’s economy and our financial condition and results
of operations.
We may be exposed to adverse effects arising
from geopolitical conflicts occurring worldwide
Global geopolitical tensions contribute to uncertainties
that affect the Argentine economy. Russia's military actions in Ukraine, which started in 2022, have resulted in regional instability
and heightened economic sanctions from the United States and the European Union, which impact global economic conditions and commodity
prices. Despite energy markets showing signs of normalization in 2024, the conflict’s continuation could foreseeably disrupt supply
chains. After four years since the beginning of the armed conflict, military actions keep growing and fears of an escalation to the use
of nuclear weapons are rising as a result of the decision from the Russian government to halt its participation under the Strategic Arms
Reduction Treaty III.
Further complicating geopolitical
stability, the October 2023 assault by Hamas on Israel has escalated tensions in the Middle East. Prime Minister Netanyahu's declaration
of war and subsequent military actions have intensified regional instability. Although a ceasefire was established in October 2025, ongoing
tensions, including potential involvement from other nations (given that Israel has received attacks from Iran and from Hezbollah cells
spread across the region), continue to threaten global trade dynamics.
On February 28, 2026, the
United States and Israel commenced large-scale airstrikes against Iran, targeting military, governmental, and nuclear-related infrastructure,
resulting in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran responded with widespread missile and drone
attacks against Israel, U.S. military bases, and several Gulf states, causing substantial disruption to airspace, energy infrastructure,
and civilian life across the Middle East, with significant casualties, displacement, and market volatility. The war in Iran has
materially heightened uncertainty in international markets and has led to sustained volatility in global energy prices. On April 7, 2026,
the United States and Iran entered into a two-week ceasefire agreement, which led to a sharp decline in oil prices. There can
be no assurance the ceasefire will be extended or result in a lasting resolution of hostilities. Given the strategic importance of the
region to global oil supply, any resumption or escalation of hostilities or a prolonged conflict in the region could have a material impact
on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. In addition, on January 3, 2026, the United States launched a series
of air strikes against Venezuela and captured and removed former president Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from the country. Following
the U.S. strikes, Venezuela announced a state of national emergency, and President Trump announced U.S. plans to run Venezuela for a transitional
period.
Argentina’s reliance on the export of
commodities, including soy, renders its economy vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices and adverse weather conditions affecting
production, which could result in decreased government revenues, foreign exchange availability, and challenges in sovereign debt management.
These circumstances may induce inflationary or recessionary pressures, adversely impacting Argentina's economic growth and our financial
condition and results of operations.
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The Argentine banking system may be subject
to instability which may affect our operations
In recent years, the Argentine financial system
grew significantly with a marked increase in loans and private deposits, showing a recovery of credit activity. Although the financial
system’s deposits continue to grow in nominal terms, they are mostly short-term deposits and the sources of medium and long-term
funding for financial institutions are currently limited.
Financial institutions are particularly subject
to significant regulation from multiple regulatory authorities, all of whom may, among other things, establish limits on commissions and
impose sanctions on the financial institutions. The lack of a stable regulatory framework, or changes to such regulatory framework by
the government, could impose significant limitations on the activities of the financial institutions and could induce uncertainty with
respect to the financial system stability.
The persistence of the current economic crisis
or the instability of one or more of the larger banks, public or private, could have a material adverse effect on the prospects for economic
growth and political stability in Argentina, resulting in a loss of consumer confidence, lower disposable income and fewer financing alternatives
for consumers. These conditions could also have a material adverse effect on the Argentine banking system, and therefore, on our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
Failure to adequately address actual and
perceived risks of institutional deterioration and corruption may adversely affect Argentina’s economy and financial condition,
which in turn could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations
A lack of a solid institutional framework and
corruption have been identified as, and continue to be, a significant problem for Argentina. Recognizing that the failure to address these
issues could increase the risk of political instability, distort decision-making processes and adversely affect Argentina’s international
reputation and ability to attract foreign investment, the 2015-2019 administration adopted several measures aimed at strengthening Argentina’s
institutions and reducing corruption. These measures included the reduction of criminal sentences in exchange for cooperation with the
government in corruption investigations, increased access to public information, the seizing of assets from corrupt officials, and establishing
a corporate criminal liability regime for corruption offenses aimed at promoting anticorruption compliance. According to the Corruption
Perceptions Index published by Transparency International on February 10, 2026, Argentina dropped five positions in relation to 2024 and
finished 104th out of 182 countries with the most corruption. The current administration’s ability to implement the above-mentioned
measures or promote further transparency and integrity measures is uncertain in a highly polarized political context. Argentina’s
political environment has historically influenced, and continues to influence, the performance of the country’s economy. Political
crises have affected and continue to affect the confidence of investors and the general public, which have historically resulted in economic
deceleration and heightened volatility in the securities with underlying Argentine risk. The recent economic instability in Argentina
has contributed to a decline in market confidence in the Argentine economy as well as to a deteriorating political environment.
Following several attempts, on April 8, 2025,
the opposition in the House of Representatives approved the establishment of a special committee to investigate alleged fraud in connection
with the cryptocurrency $LIBRA. The controversy originated on February 14, 2025, when President Milei publicly endorsed the cryptocurrency
shortly after its launch. This endorsement triggered a sharp increase in the value of $LIBRA, attracting approximately 40,000 investors.
Subsequently, the cryptocurrency’s value collapsed, resulting in significant financial losses for those investors. The committee,
whose inaugural session was scheduled for April 23, 2025, has continued to meet throughout 2025, conducting hearings and gathering evidence
related to the allegations. The committee operates solely within the House of Representatives and does not require Senate approval. The
investigation has expanded to scrutinize the president’s role in the promotion of $LIBRA and the resulting impact on investors,
generating ongoing political and legal pressure on President Milei and his administration.
In addition, various ongoing investigations
into allegations of money laundering and corruption being conducted by the Office of the Argentine Federal Prosecutor, have negatively
impacted the Argentine economy and political environment. Certain government officials of previous administrations as well as high ranked
officers of companies holding government contracts or concessions have faced or are currently facing allegations of corruption and money
laundering as a result of these investigations. These individuals are alleged to have accepted or paid, as applicable, bribes by means
of kickbacks on contracts granted by the government to several infrastructure, energy and construction companies. We have no control
over and cannot predict for how long the corruption investigations will continue nor whether such investigations or allegations (or any
other future investigations or allegations) will lead to further political and economic instability. In addition, we cannot predict the
outcome of any such allegations nor their effect on the different sectors of the Argentine economy. See also “—We
are subject to anti-bribery, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering and other laws and regulations”.
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Risks Relating to the Electric Power Sector
in Argentina
The Argentine Government has intervened
in the electric power sector in the past, and is likely to continue intervening
Historically, the Argentine Government has played
an active role in the electric power industry through the ownership and management of state-owned companies engaged in the generation,
transmission and distribution of electric power. Moreover, the Argentine Government made a number of material changes to the regulatory
framework applicable to the electric power sector since the Argentine economic crisis of 2001, including adopting Law No. 25,561 (the
“Public Emergency Law”), which have had significant adverse effects on electric power generation, distribution and transmission
companies and included the freezing of distribution margins, the revocation of adjustment and inflation indexation mechanisms for tariffs,
a limitation on the ability of electric power distribution companies to pass on to the consumer increases in costs due to regulatory charges
and the introduction of a new price-setting mechanism (i.e., remuneration of power generators) in the WEM, all of which had a significant
impact on electric power generators and caused substantial price differences within the market.
In recent years, the Argentine Government has
continued to declare emergencies related to the power sector, by means of Decree No. 134/2015, the Solidarity Law No. 27,541, Decree No.
55/2023 (extended through Decree No. 1023/2024, Decree No. 370/2025 and Decree No. 49/2026), Decree No. 70/2023 and Law No. 27,742. For
further details, please refer to “Item 4.B. Business Overview—The Argentine Electric Power Sector—Emergency of the Electric
Power Sector”.
The government of Argentina may adopt certain
measures that could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. There is also the potential for emergency
legislation and measures akin to the Public Emergency Law to be enacted in the future. Such actions could significantly alter the regulatory
framework governing the electric power industry. Any changes to the regulation could indirectly have a detrimental impact on the electric
power generation industry, and consequently, on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
For instance, a significant increase in energy
costs for consumers, either due to tariff hikes or reductions in consumer subsidies, may lead to a decrease in demand for the energy we
generate. Such a material adverse effect on electric power demand could, in turn, result in lower revenues and poorer results of operations
for electric power generation companies, including our own, than currently anticipated.
Changes in regulatory frameworks under
which we sell our electricity may affect our financial condition and results of operations
We cannot assure what further changes the Argentine
Government may make to the regulatory frameworks under which we sell power availability or electricity, nor that these changes will not
negatively impact our results of operations. We also cannot assure under what kind of regulatory framework we will be able to sell our
generation capacity and electricity in the future. Any further changes in the current applicable laws and regulations, or adverse judicial
or administrative interpretations of such laws and regulations, may adversely affect our results of operations. Some of the measures proposed
by the Argentine Government may also generate political and social opposition, which may in turn prevent the Argentine Government from
adopting such measures as proposed.
The factors mentioned above for both our operation
of power generation and the projects under construction/development, may also lead to an impairment of property, plant and equipment
and intangible assets, related to a reduction in the assessed value-in-use of certain assets that may exceed their previously recorded
book value.
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We have, in the recent past, been unable
to collect payments, or to collect them in a timely manner, from CAMMESA and other customers in the electric power sector
A substantial amount of our total revenues comes
from our sales to CAMMESA. In addition, we receive significant cash flows from CAMMESA in connection with the FONINVEMEM and similar programs.
Payments to us by CAMMESA, depend upon payments that CAMMESA in turn receives from other WEM agents such as electric power distributors
as well as subsidies from the Argentine Government to certain users, which in turn requires additional funding to CAMMESA from the government
to pay to generators.
In past years, due to regulatory conditions and
long periods of frozen tariffs in Argentina’s electric power sector that affected the profitability and economic viability of power
utilities, certain WEM agents defaulted on their payments to CAMMESA, which adversely affected CAMMESA’s ability to meet its payment
obligations with electric power generators, including us. As a consequence of delays in payments that CAMMESA received from other WEM
agents, in the past, we also experienced delays in receiving payments from CAMMESA of up to more than 90 days of month-end, rather than
the required 42 days after the date of billing. Such payment delays resulted in higher working capital requirements that we would typically
finance with our own financing sources. Since March 2024, CAMMESA has reduced payment delays, which now average 2 to 5 days after the
expiration of the regulatory 42-day period.
Additionally, a system was implemented in the
past whereby a significant portion of unpaid credits were converted into LVFVDs; a practice that could be repeated in the future, or another
alternative scheme could be implemented for payments due.
On May 24, 2024, we reported
that we entered into an agreement with CAMMESA within the framework of resolutions issued by the SE in connection with the debts of CAMMESA
for transactions corresponding to the months of December 2023 and January and February 2024, by virtue of which outstanding debts were
paid by CAMMESA as follows:
1. The debts corresponding to the economic transactions for the months of December 2023 and January 2024 were paid through the delivery of public securities "BONDS OF THE ARGENTINE REPUBLIC IN US DOLLARS STEP UP 2038" (BONO USD 2038 L.A.) within ten (10) business days from the signing of the agreement; and
2. The debts corresponding to the economic transaction for the month of February 2024 were paid with the funds available in the bank accounts enabled in CAMMESA within 48 hours from the signing of the agreement.
Given that Central Costanera S.A. (one of our
subsidiaries) also accepted the offer from the Energy Secretariat, and since the bonds to be received have a parity lower than their nominal
value, the subscription of the agreement with CAMMESA represented a consolidated loss for us of Ps. 32,602 million.
Argentina has certain energy transmission
and distribution limitations that adversely affect the capacity of electric power generators to deliver all of the energy they can to
produce, which results in reduced sales
The energy that generators can deliver to the
transmission system for the further delivery to the distribution system at all times depends on the capacity of the transmission and
distribution systems that connects them to it. In the past, the transmission and distribution system operated at near full capacity and
both transmission and distributors were not able to guarantee an increased supply of electric power to their customers. In the past years,
the increase in demand for electric power resulted in blackouts in Buenos Aires and other cities around Argentina, which resulted in
excess capacity for generators. As a result, the amount of hydroelectric energy and thermal energy generated was larger than what the
transmission and distribution systems are capable of transmitting or distributing. Any transmission or distribution limitation for generators
could reduce the energy sold, which could adversely affect our financial condition.
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Restrictions on the supply of energy could
negatively affect Argentina’s economy
Demand for natural gas and electricity has increased
substantially, driven by a recovery in economic conditions and price constraints, resulting in industry shortages and/or cost increases.
In particular, Argentina has been importing gas to compensate for the shortage in local production. To pay for those imports, the Argentine
Government has frequently used the Argentine Central Bank reserves due to the absence of incoming currencies from investment. Argentina’s
foreign exchange reserves are particularly limited and, therefore, Argentina’s ability to deal with significant increases in international
oil and gas prices remains limited. If the Argentine Government is unable to pay for gas imports to produce electricity, businesses and
industries may be affected.
Moreover, the Argentine Government has taken
a number of measures aimed at alleviating the short-term impact of supply restrictions on residential and industrial users such as importing
liquefied natural gas transported to Argentina in vessels and, in the past, importing natural gas from Bolivia. If these measures prove
to be insufficient, or if the investment that is required to increase natural gas production and energy generation over the medium-and
long-term fails to materialize on a timely basis, economic activity in Argentina could be curtailed which may have a significant adverse
effect on our business.
Continued disruptions in the supply of energy
could cause a significant adverse impact on the electric power generation industry, and therefore, our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
We operate in a heavily regulated sector
that imposes significant costs on our business, and we could be subject to fines and liabilities that could have a material adverse effect
on our results of operations
We are subject to a wide range of federal, provincial
and municipal regulations and supervision, including laws and regulations pertaining to tariffs, labor, social security, public health,
consumer protection, the environment and competition. Furthermore, Argentina has 23 provinces and one autonomous city (the City of Buenos
Aires), each of which, under the Argentine National Constitution, has power to enact legislation concerning taxes, environmental matters
and the use of public space. Within each province, municipal governments can also have powers to regulate such matters. Although the generation
of electric power is considered an activity of general interest (actividad de interés general) subject to federal legislation,
since our facilities are located throughout various provinces, we are also subject to provincial and municipal legislation. Future developments
in the provinces and municipalities concerning taxes (including sales, safety and hygiene and general services taxes), environmental matters,
the use of public space or other matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Compliance with existing or future legislation and regulations could require us to make material expenditures and divert funds away from
planned investments in a manner that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, our failure to comply with existing
regulations and legislation, or reinterpretations of existing regulations and new legislation or regulations, such as those relating to
fuel and other storage facilities, volatile materials, cyber security, emissions or air quality, hazardous and solid waste transportation
and disposal and other environmental matters, or changes in the nature of the energy regulatory process may subject us to fines and penalties
and have a significant adverse impact on our financial results.
Risks arise for our business from technological
change in the energy market
The energy market is subject to far-reaching
technological change, both on the generation side and on the demand side. For example, with respect to energy generation, the development
of energy storage devices (battery storage in the megawatt range) or facilities for the temporary storage of power through conversion
to gas (so-called “power-to-gas-technology”), the increase in energy supply due to new technological applications such as
fracking or the digitalization of generation and distribution networks should be mentioned.
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On the demand side, new technologies designed
to increase energy efficiency, improve heat insulation, enable direct power generation at the consumer level, or enhance energy refeeding
capabilities (such as power storage systems for renewable generation) may drive structural market changes. These changes could favor energy
sources with low or zero carbon dioxide emissions and decentralized power generation models, including small-scale power plants located
within or near residential areas or industrial facilities.
If our business is unable to react to changes
caused by new technological developments and the associated changes in market structure, our equity, financial or other position, or our
results, operation and business, could be materially and adversely affected.
Competition in the Electric Power Sector
in Argentina may adversely affect our results of operations
The power generation markets in which we operate
are characterized by numerous strong and capable participants, many of which may have extensive and diversified developmental or operating
experience (including both domestic and international) and financial resources similar to or significantly greater than ours. See “Item
4.B. Business Overview-Competition”. An increase in competition could cause reductions in prices and increase acquisition prices
for fuel, raw materials and existing assets and, therefore, adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
From time to time, we also compete with other
generation companies for the megawatt of capacity that are allocated through public auction processes.
We and our competitors are connected to the same
electrical grid that has limited capacity for transportation, which, under certain circumstances, may reach its capacity limits. Therefore,
new generators may connect, or existing generators may increase, their outputs and dispatch more electric power to the same grid that
would prevent us from delivering our energy to our customers. In addition, the Argentine Government (or any other entity on its behalf)
might not make the necessary investments to increase the system’s capacity, which, in case there is an increase of energy output,
would allow us and existing and new generators to efficiently dispatch our energy to the grid and to our customers. As a result, an increase
in competition could affect our ability to deliver our product to our customers, which would adversely affect our business, results of
operations and financial condition.
Risks Relating to Our Business
Our results depend largely on the power
remuneration scheme established by the Secretariat of Energy and the collections received from CAMMESA
As of the date of this annual report, the WEM
continues to operate under a highly regulated remuneration framework in which prices for energy and capacity sold into the spot market
are determined by the SE and settled by CAMMESA. Except for energy sold under bilateral contracts, our revenues are largely dependent
on these administratively set compensation schemes.
Since November 1, 2025,
the SE introduced a new pivotal regulatory phase for the power sector, seeking to gradually deregulate it, including Res. No. 400/25 and
related regulations, which updated the applicable remuneration framework and replaced several prior transitory mechanisms. Before November
2025, spot market prices were adjusted through successive resolutions (such as Res. N° 381/25, N° 356/25, N° 331/25, N°
280/25, N° 227/25, N° 177/25, N° 143/25, N° 113/25 and N° 27/25).
In recent years, the SE
has also implemented exceptional and temporary remuneration mechanisms to address supply risks during peak demand periods, including contingency-based
schemes applicable through 2026. These measures are inherently short-term, discretionary, and contingent on system conditions, and therefore
do not provide a reliable or permanent basis for forecasting long-term revenues.
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For a detailed discussion of the historical evolution
of the Argentine power market remuneration framework, including prior resolutions and the transition from U.S. dollar-denominated to peso-denominated
compensation, see Item 4.B “Business Overview—The Argentine Electric Power Sector”.
Since the enactment of Res. No. 95/13, our compensation
has depended largely on the compensation determined by energy output and availability. This remuneration scheme was then subject to several
modifications, implemented by means of Res. No. 529/14, Res. No. 482/2015 and Res. No. SEE 22/2016 (which established a remuneration
scheme in US dollars) and Resolution 1/19 (which maintained the scheme in US dollars).
On February 27, 2020, the Secretariat of Energy
of the former National Ministry of Production Development issued Resolution 31/20 which amended Resolution 1/19 and determined the remuneration
scheme applicable from February 1, 2020 for Authorized Generators in the WEM, establishing Spot Sales prices in Argentine pesos. Initially,
Resolution 31/20 set forth a mechanism for updating the prices denominated in Argentine Pesos. However, on April 8, 2020, the Secretariat
of Energy instructed CAMMESA to postpone until further notice the application of the mechanism for updating the prices of energy and capacity
provided for in Annex VI of Resolution 31/20, and the mechanism was finally repealed by means of Resolution 440/21. This has caused a
material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Except for sales under contracts, revenues from
energy production are calculated and paid by CAMMESA pursuant to a fixed and variable price system arising from Res. No. 1/19 (as amended
by Res. No. 31/20, further regulations and, more recently, Res. No. 602/25, in force since December 2025).
Since March 2020,
numerous resolutions have been issued updating prices discretionally (in 2025 alone, prices have been updated by Resolutions 604/24, 27/25,
113/25, 143/25, 177/2025, 227/2025, 280/2025, 331/2025, 356/2025, 381/2025, 483/2025, and 602/2025).
We cannot assure you that further amendments to these remunerations will not occur in the future. See “Item 4.B. Business Overview—The
Argentine Electric Power Sector—Remuneration Scheme”.
Further, as of February 2023, Resolution 59/23
is also applicable as a complementary regulation for combined cycle facilities. See “Item 5.A. Operating Results-Factors Affecting
Our Results of Operations-Our Revenues-The Spot Sales”, “Item 3.D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Electric Power
Sector in Argentina—We have, in the recent past, been unable to collect payments, or to collect them in a timely manner, from CAMMESA
and other customers in the electric power sector” and “Item 4.B. Business Overview—The Argentine Electric Power Sector—Remuneration
Scheme—The Current Remuneration Scheme”).
Moreover, Res. No. 294/2024
, published in the Official Gazette on October 2, 2024, established the 'Contingency and Preparation Plan for the Critical Months of the
2024/2026 Period' (the “Contingency Plan”). The Contingency Plan aims to prevent, reduce, and mitigate potential challenges
in energy supply during critical days within the 2024/2026 period, outlining specific actions to be carried out by the Ministry of Energy
(SE) in the generation, transmission, and distribution sectors of electricity. For power generation, the resolution proposes an additional,
complementary, and exceptional remuneration, with prices for both energy and power set in US dollars (see “Item 4.B. Business Overview—The
Argentine Electric Power Sector—Remuneration Scheme—The Current Remuneration Scheme”).
More recently, Res. No. 21/2025 authorized projects
for the generation, self-generation, or cogeneration of electricity from conventional thermal, hydroelectric, or nuclear sources to enter
into supply contracts with demand agents, distributors, or large users of the WEM, in accordance with the Procedures for the Scheduling
of Operations, Load Dispatch, and Price Calculation. On the other hand, said resolution, by replacing article 8 of Resolution 95/13, authorized
thermal generators operating in the spot market to acquire their own fuel, with CAMMESA remaining as supplier of last resort. Furthermore,
it established that the costs associated with managing proprietary fuels will be valued based on the reference prices declared in the
'Declaration of Variable Production Costs', including freight, transportation, natural gas distribution, taxes, and related fees.
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Our revenues are significantly influenced by
the decisions of regulatory authorities. The absence of stable mechanisms for price updates, along with the Argentine Government’s
failure to provide regulated remuneration increases or to implement such increases promptly, could materially and negatively affect our
revenues. Consequently, this could lead to adverse effects on our operational results.
Factors beyond our control may affect or
delay the completion of the awarded projects or alter our plans for the expansion of our existing plants
With regards to projects currently under development
or new potential projects, several factors may affect, delay or cancel the completion of such projects currently under development or
new projects: (i) sustained or prolonged disease outbreaks and pandemics, that may result in restrictions to mobility and the development
of any such projects, as scheduled, (ii) the economic recession in Argentina, (iii) the decrease in demand of electric energy, (iv) the
lack of available financing, and (v) the reduction in the prices of electric energy for power units under Spot Sales, among others.
Delays in construction or commencement of operations
of expanded capacity in our existing power plants or our new power plants could lead to an increase in our financial needs and cause our
financial returns on new investments to be lower than expected, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results
of operations. Furthermore, delays in the commencement of operation of our gas turbines has negatively affected its estimated recoverability
See “Item 5.A. Operating Results-Critical Accounting Policies-Impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment”.
Factors that may impact our ability to commence
operations at our existing power plants, expand their power capacity or build new power plants include: (i) the failure of contractors
to complete or commission the facilities or auxiliary facilities by the agreed-upon date or within budget; (ii) the unexpected delays
of third parties such as gas or electric power distributors in providing or agreeing to project milestones in the construction or development
of necessary infrastructure linked to our generation business; (iii) the delays or failure by our turbine suppliers in providing fully
operational turbines in a timely manner; (iv) difficulty or delays in obtaining the necessary financing in terms satisfactory to us or
at all; (v) delays in obtaining regulatory approvals, including environmental permits; (vi) court rulings against governmental approvals
already granted, such as environmental permits; (vii) shortages or increases in the price of equipment reflected through change orders,
materials or labor; (viii) opposition by local and/or international political, environmental and ethnic groups; (ix) strikes; (x) adverse
changes in the political and regulatory environment in Argentina; (xi) unforeseen engineering, environmental and geological problems and(xii)
adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, accidents or other unforeseen events. Any cost overruns could be material. In addition,
any of these other factors may cause delays in the completion of expanded capacity at our existing power plants or the construction of
our new power plant, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. These
delays may also result in short-term sanctions by CAMMESA and, in extreme cases, sanctions for the duration of the contract.
Our business may require substantial capital
expenditures for ongoing maintenance requirements and the expansion of our installed generation capacity
Incremental capital expenditures may be required
to fund ongoing maintenance necessary to maintain our power generation and operating performance and improve the capabilities of our electric
power generation facilities. Furthermore, capital expenditures will be required to finance the cost of our current and future expansion
of our generation capacity. If we are unable to finance any such capital expenditures in terms satisfactory to us or at all, our business
and the results of our operations and financial condition could be adversely affected. Our financing ability may be limited by market
restrictions on financing availability for Argentine companies. See “—Risks Relating to Argentina— Argentina’s
ability to obtain financing from international markets is limited, which could affect its capacity to implement reforms and sustain economic
growth and may negatively impact our financial condition or cash flows” and “Item 4.B. Business Overview”.
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Covenants in our indebtedness could adversely
restrict our financial and operating flexibility
Some of our current indebtedness includes, and
our future indebtedness may include, affirmative and restrictive covenants that limit our ability to create liens, incur additional indebtedness,
making capital expenditures, dispose of our assets, pay dividends, or consolidate, merge or sell part of our businesses, and require us
to maintain certain financial ratios. See “Item 5.B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Indebtedness”. These restrictions
may limit our ability to operate our business and may prohibit or limit our ability to enhance our operations or take advantage of potential
business opportunities as they arise. The breach of any of these covenants or the failure to meet any of such conditions could result
in a default under the relevant indebtedness. Our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control,
including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. If any such default occurs, the holders of such indebtedness may elect
(after the expiration of any applicable notice or grace periods) to declare all outstanding amounts, together with accrued and unpaid
interest and other amounts payable thereunder, to be immediately due and payable. Further, any such default occurs, it could, in turn,
result in a default and acceleration of our other outstanding debt obligations, which would have a further material adverse effect on
our business, ability to meet our payment obligations, financial condition, and results of operations. If any of our debt were to be accelerated,
our assets may not be sufficient to repay in full that debt or any other debt that may become due as a result of that acceleration.
We may be unable to refinance our outstanding
indebtedness, or the refinancing terms may be materially less favorable than their current terms, which would have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations
Factors beyond our control may impair our ability
to meet our debt obligations or increase the cost of financing, which in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our cash flow,
results of operations and overall financial position.
There is no assurance that we will be able to
extend the maturity or otherwise refinance our outstanding indebtedness, or that we may be required to agree to refinancing terms that
may be materially less favorable than the terms of our current loans. Any amendment to or refinancing of our indebtedness could result
in higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more burdensome restrictive covenants, which may have a material adverse effect
on our business, ability to meet our payment obligations, financial condition, and results of operations.
If we are unable to refinance our debt in favorable
terms, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, seek additional equity capital, restructure our debt, curtail or eliminate
our cash dividend to stockholders, or sell assets. Non-payment of our obligations or any other default under any of our debt instruments
could, in turn, result in a default and acceleration of our other outstanding debt obligations, which would have a further material adverse
effect on our business, ability to meet our payment obligations, financial condition, and results of operations. If any of our debt were
to be accelerated, our assets may not be sufficient to repay in full that debt or any other debt that may become due as a result of that
acceleration.
Our future operational rights and economic
returns from Piedra del Águila are now tied to the terms of the newly awarded concession and to ongoing compliance with regulatory
and contractual provisions
On August 22, 2025, the Argentine Government
launched the public tender for the concession rights and sale of shares of the hydroelectric
concessionaires of the Comahue system (Alicurá, El Chocón, Cerros Colorados and Piedra del Águila),
which was formally published on CONTRAT.AR under the procurement process 504/2-0001-CPU25
designated “Venta de las acciones de las concesionarias Hidroeléctricas del Comahue” The Pliego de Bases
y Condiciones included detailed requirements relating to economic, financial and technical capacity to participate as a bidder and
set minimum eligibility criteria for participants.
Following the opening
of bids and administrative evaluation process, on December 22, 2025, the government signed
the concession contracts for the four hydroelectric complexes, including Piedra del Águila.
These contracts formalized the transfer of concession rights (which became effective on January 9, 2026) under the terms of the public
tender.
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As of the date of this
annual report, the concession rights for Piedra del Águila and the other major hydroelectric facilities are governed by
the new long-term concession contracts awarded through the transparent public tender process mandated by Decree No. 718/2024 and Decree
No. 263/2025. These new concessions are subject to regulatory and performance obligations, potential
investment commitments, compliance requirements, and standards specified in the applicable pliego and concession contract. Piedra
del Àguila has a total installed capacity of 1,440 MW, and represented approximately 14.43% of our total electric energy generation
in 2025, and 1.8% of total domestic generation according to CAMMESA’s 2025 wholesale electricity annual market report.
Any adverse change in government
policy, concession conditions, deadlines, or enforcement practices could materially and negatively impact our ability to operate the HPDA
plant profitably and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Risks include, among
others, potential obligations for additional capital investments required by the new concession
terms and regulatory conditions or performance criteria that differ materially from the legacy
concession.
The HPDA Concession Agreement executed between
us and the Argentine Government, pursuant to which we were permitted to operate our Piedra del Águila plant, expired on
December 28, 2023, and did not provide for an automatic renewal. However, Resolution No. 574/2023, published on July 11, 2023, extended
the permit for an additional 60 days (extendable for another 60 days), and so did Resolution 02/24, issued by the SE, which was set to
expire on April 27, 2024. In addition, on March 15, 2024, Resolution 33/24, issued by the SE, extended once again the transition period
for 60 days setting the expiration date on June 28, 2024. On August 14, 2024, by virtue of Decree No. 718/2024 issued by the current administration,
the concession was extended until December 28, 2025. On April 9, 2025, Decree No. 263/2025 was issued, setting a period of 15 days to
launch the National and International Public Tender provided for under Decree No. 718/2024 (as amended by Decree No. 895/2024) for purposes
of offering certain hydro assets (including HPDA) to private investors for a new concession term.
For a detailed historical
discussion of the regulatory context, see “Business Overview—The Argentine Electric Power
Sector” and “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Electric Power Sector in Argentina”.
Future changes in the rainfall amounts
in the Limay River basin could adversely affect the revenues from the Piedra del Águila concession and, therefore, our financial
results
As a hydroelectric facility, Piedra del Águila
depends on the availability of water resources in the Limay River basin for electric power generating purposes, which in turn depends
on the rainfall amounts in the area and water from thaw. Lack of water resulted in lower electric power generation and, therefore, lower
revenue.
In the event of critically low water levels,
the Intergovernmental Basin Authority, which is in charge of managing the basin of the Limay, Neuquén and Negro rivers, is entitled
to manage the water flows according to its flow control standards, which could result in lower water resources for us, which in turn,
would result in decreased generation activities. Further, under the HPDA Concession Agreement, we are not entitled to receive any compensation
for revenue losses as a result of such actions.
The Limay River basin’s flow may not be
sufficient to maintain a regular generation level at Piedra del Águila and the enforcement authority may implement unfavorable
measures for Piedra del Águila, which could adversely affect our financial condition and our results of operations. For further
information about Piedra del Águila’s seasonality, see “Item 4.B. Business Overview-Seasonality”.
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Our ability to operate wind and solar farms
profitably is highly dependent on suitable wind or sun and associated weather conditions, climate change and energy transition could affect
our business.
The amount of energy generated by, and the profitability
of, wind and solar farms are highly dependent on climate conditions, particularly wind conditions and irradiance, which can vary materially
across locations, seasons and years. Variations in wind conditions at wind farm sites and irradiance at solar plant sites occur
as a result of daily, monthly and seasonal fluctuations in wind currents and irradiance and, over the longer term, as a result
of more general climate changes and shifts. Because turbines will only operate when wind speeds fall within certain specific ranges that
vary by turbine type and manufacturer, if wind speeds fall outside or towards the lower end of these ranges, energy output at our wind
farms would decline.
Similarly, projections of solar resources depend
on assumptions about weather patterns, shading and irradiance, which are inherently uncertain and may not be consistent with actual conditions
at the site. During the development phase and prior to the construction of any wind or solar farm, a wind or solar resource study to evaluate
the potential wind or solar resource of the site is typically conducted over a period of several years. These wind or solar studies have
been conducted by our own team and independent technical consultants with respect to the estimated load factor resulting from our wind
studies and the model of turbines used. We base our core assumptions and investment decisions on the findings of these studies. We cannot
assure you that observed climate conditions at a project site will conform to the assumptions that were made during the project development
phase on the basis of these studies, and, therefore, we cannot assure that our wind or solar farm projects will be able to meet their
anticipated production levels. It is possible that future wind or solar resource patterns and electricity production at our wind or solar
farms will not reflect the historical wind or solar resource patterns at the respective sites or the projections, and wind or solar resource
patterns at each site will change over time. If, in the future, the wind resource in the areas where our wind farms are located or the
solar resource in the areas where our solar plants are located is lower than expected, electricity production at such wind farms and/or
solar plants would be lower than expected and consequently could materially adversely affect our results of operations.
If in the future the wind resource in the areas
where our wind farms are located is lower than expected, electricity production at such wind farms would be lower than expected and consequently
could materially adversely affect our results of operations.
Climate change and energy transition could
affect our business
We are and will be, directly and indirectly,
subject to the effects of climate change and may, directly or indirectly, be affected by local and national laws, as well as international
treaties and conventions, and implementing regulations related to climate change. Any passage of climate control treaties, legislation,
or other regulatory initiatives by the Argentine Government that restrict emissions of greenhouse gases (“GHGs”) could require
us to make significant financial expenditures that we cannot predict with certainty at this time. This could include, for example, the
adoption of regulatory frameworks to reduce GHG emissions, such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrogen oxides. Changes in the regulatory
framework could also indirectly impact our business through changes in technology or consumer behavior.
In 2019, the Argentine Congress enacted Law No.
27,520 on Minimal Standards on Global Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, focusing on implementing policies, strategies, actions,
programs and projects to prevent, mitigate or minimize the damages or impacts associated with climate change. During 2021, the Secretariat
of Energy issued Resolution No. 1,036/2021 approving the Guidelines for an Energy Transition Plan to 2030 to comply with its new national
decarbonization commitments. If additional requirements were adopted in Argentina, these requirements could increase our production costs
(including compliance related costs such as for monitoring or reducing emissions) and adversely impact our competitiveness and may also
shift demand toward low-carbon sources, such as renewable energies.
The risks associated with climate change could
impact our operations due to severe weather events, change the consumer profile, talent attraction, and energy transitions in the world
economy towards a lower carbon matrix. These factors may have a negative impact on the demand for our products and may affect the implementation
and operation of our businesses, adversely impacting our operating and financial results and limiting our growth opportunities.
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The pace and extent of the energy transition
could pose a risk if our own transition towards decarbonization does not move in sync with society. If we are slower than society, our
reputation may suffer and customers may prefer a different supplier, which would adversely impact demand for our products. If we move
faster than society, we risk investing in technologies, markets or low-carbon products that are unsuccessful because there is limited
demand for them. Our failure to time the transition of our production to address climate-change related concerns could have a material
adverse effect on our earnings, cash flows and financial condition.
Our power plants and forest assets are
subject to the risk of mechanical, electrical failures and various catastrophic events, and any resulting unavailability may affect our
ability to fulfill our contractual and other commitments and thus adversely affect our business and financial performance
Our power generation units are at risk of mechanical
or electrical failure and may experience periods of unavailability affecting our ability to generate electric power. Past failures on
our generators, turbines and transformers have adversely affected our results of operations. Any unplanned unavailability of our generation
facilities may adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
Our forest assets are subject to the risk of
various catastrophic events, including but not limited to the occurrence of significant fires or wide-spread insect or pest infestations
on one or more of our assets, severe regional or local weather events or trends, drought, flooding, major earthquakes, and significant
geopolitical conditions or developments.
Our generation facilities, or the third-party
fuel transportation or electric power transmission infrastructure that we rely on, may be damaged by flooding, fires, earthquakes and
other catastrophic disasters arising from natural or accidental or intentional human causes. We could experience severe business disruptions,
significant decreases in revenues based on lower demand arising from catastrophic events, or significant additional costs to us not otherwise
covered by business interruption insurance clauses. There may be an important time lag between a major accident, catastrophic event or
terrorist attack and our definitive recovery from our insurance policies, which typically carry non-recoverable deductible amounts, and
in any event are subject to caps per event. Any of these events could cause adverse effects on the energy demand of some of our customers
and of consumers generally in the affected market. These considerations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, and our results of operations.
Although we comply with all applicable environmental
safety laws and best practices, any accident involving the fuels with which we operate could have adverse environmental consequences and
could damage our industrial facilities or our personnel. Any structural damage to the dam or any other structure located in any of our
hydroelectric plants could compromise its electric power generating capacity. Any generation constraints resulting from structural damage
could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
For more information please see "Item 4.B
Business Overview—Maintenance".
Our insurance policies may not fully cover
damage, and we may not be able to obtain insurance against certain risks
We maintain insurance policies intended to mitigate
our losses due to customary risks. These policies cover certain of our assets against loss for physical damage, loss of revenue and also
third-party liability. However, we may not have sufficient insurance to cover any particular risk or loss. If an accident or other event
occurs that is not covered by our current insurance policies, such as cybersecurity risk, we may experience material losses or have to
disburse significant amounts from our own funds, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial position.
In addition, an insufficiency in our insurance policies could have an adverse effect on us. In such case, our financial condition and
our results of operations could be adversely affected. See “Item 16.K. —Cybersecurity”.
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We may be exposed to lawsuits and or administrative
proceedings that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations
In the ordinary course of our business, we enter
into agreements with CAMMESA and other parties. Litigation and/or regulatory proceedings are inherently unpredictable, and excessive verdicts
do occur. Adverse outcomes in lawsuits and investigations could result in significant monetary damages, including indemnification payments,
or injunctive relief that could adversely affect our ability to conduct our business and may have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition and results of operations.
Energy demand is seasonal, largely due
to climate conditions
Energy demand fluctuates according to the season
and climate conditions may materially and adversely impact energy demand. During the summer in Argentina (December through March), energy
demand may increase significantly due to the need for air conditioning, and, during winter (June through September), energy demand may
fluctuate according to the needs for lighting and heating. As a result, seasonal changes could materially and adversely affect the demand
for energy and, consequently, affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We may undertake acquisitions and investments
to expand or complement our operations that could result in operating difficulties or otherwise adversely affect our financial conditions
and results of operations
In order to expand our business, from time to
time, we may carry out acquisitions and investments which offer added value and are consistent with or complementary to our business strategy.
Therefore we may be exposed to various risks,
including those arising from: (i) not having accurately assessed the value, future growth potential, strengths, weaknesses and potential
profitability of potential acquisition targets; (ii) difficulties in successfully integrating, operating, maintaining or managing newly-acquired
operations, including personnel; (iii) unexpected costs of such transactions; (iv) difficulties in obtaining the necessary financing and
successfully reaching any required financial closing; or (v) unexpected contingent or other liabilities or claims that may arise from
such transactions. If any of these risks were to materialize, it could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
If we were to acquire another company in
the future, such acquisition could be subject to the Argentine Antitrust Authority’s approval
As of the date of this annual report, the merger
control review and antitrust practices investigation in Argentina is carried out by a double-tiered structure. The technical analysis
is performed by the Argentine Antitrust Commission (the “CNDC,” for its Spanish acronym), which issues a non-mandatory report
to the Secretariat of Domestic Trade (the “SDT,” and together with the CNDC, the “Antitrust Authority”). The SDT
then issues the final resolution for all matters related to the Argentine Antitrust Act.
The Antitrust Authority is currently serving
as the interim enforcement agency until the National Competition Authority (“NCA”), the National Competition Tribunal (Competition
Tribunal), Secretariat of Anti-competitive practices, and Secretariat of Economic Concentrations are appointed, as mandated by the Argentine
Antitrust Act.
The main change introduced by the Argentine Antitrust
Act is the shift from a post-merger control review to a pre-merger control regime. However, this system will only take effect one year
after the NCA is duly constituted and in full operation. In the meantime, a mandatory notification must be submitted prior to or within
one week of the closing (effective takeover) of any economic concentration. The post-closing notification requirement still applies in
Argentina.
However, a system for reviewing economic concentrations
prior to closing will begin operating on November 17, 2026. The NCA consists of: (i) the National Competition Tribunal (Competition Tribunal);
(ii) the Secretariat of Anti-competitive practices, and (iii) the Secretariat of Economic Concentrations.
If the Argentine Antitrust Authority were to
reject any business combination or if such authority were to take any action to impose conditions or performance commitments on us as
part of the approval process for any business combination, it could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations
and prevent us from achieving the benefits anticipated from such acquisition.
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We depend on senior management and other
key personnel for our current and future performance
Our current and future performance depends to
a significant degree on our qualified senior management team, and on our ability to attract and retain qualified management. Our future
operations could be harmed if any of our senior executives or other key personnel ceased working for us. Competition for senior management
personnel is intense, and we may not be able to retain our personnel or attract additional qualified personnel. The loss of a member of
senior management may require the remaining executive officers to divert immediate and substantial attention to fulfilling his or her
duties and of seeking a replacement. Any inability to fill vacancies in our senior executive positions on a timely basis could harm our
ability to implement our business strategy, which would harm our business and results of operations.
We could be affected by material actions
taken by the trade unions
Labor relations in Argentina are governed by
specific legislation, such as labor Law No. 20,744 and Collective Bargaining Law No. 14,250, which, among other things, dictate
how salary and other labor negotiations are to be conducted. Every industrial or commercial activity is regulated by a specific collective
bargaining agreement (“CBA”) that groups companies together according to industry sectors and by trade unions. While the process
of negotiation is standardized, each chamber of industrial or commercial activity separately negotiates the increases of salaries and
labor benefits with the relevant trade union of such commercial or industrial activity.
Argentine employers, both in the public and private
sectors, have experienced significant pressure from their employees and labor organizations to increase wages and to provide additional
employee benefits. Due to the high levels of inflation, employees and labor organizations are demanding significant wage increases.
Although we have stable relationships with our
workforce, in the past we experienced organized work stoppages and strikes, and we may face such work stoppages or strikes in the future.
Also, we could be indirectly affected by actions taken by trade unions related to suppliers or other related parties. Labor claims are
common in the Argentine energy sector, and in the past, unionized employees have blocked access and caused damages to the facilities of
various companies in the industry. Moreover, we have no insurance coverage for business interruptions caused by workers’ actions,
which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our equipment, facilities and operations
are subject to environmental, health and safety regulations
Our generation business is subject to federal
and provincial laws, as well as to the supervision of governmental agencies and regulatory authorities in charge of enforcing environmental
laws and policies. We operate in compliance with applicable laws and in accordance with directives issued by the relevant authorities
and CAMMESA; however, it is possible that we could be subject to controls, which could result in penalties to be imposed on us. In addition,
future environmental regulations could require us to make investments to comply with the requirements set by the authorities, instead
of making other scheduled investments and, as a result, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and our results
of operations.
We are subject to anti-bribery, anti-corruption,
anti-money laundering and other laws and regulations
We are subject to anti-bribery, anti-corruption,
anti-money laundering and other laws and regulations. We may be subject to investigations and proceedings by authorities for alleged
infringements of these laws. Although we perform compliance processes and maintain internal control systems, these proceedings may result
in fines or other liabilities and could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial conditions and result of
operations. If any such subsidiaries, employees or other persons engage in fraudulent, corrupt, or other unfair business practices or
otherwise violate applicable laws, regulations, or internal controls, we could become subject to one or more enforcement actions or otherwise
be found to be in violation of such laws, which may result in penalties, fines, and sanctions and in turn adversely affect our reputation,
business, financial condition and result of operations.
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A cyberattack could adversely affect our
business, balance sheet, results of operations and cash flow
We depend on the efficient and uninterrupted
operation of our inter-plant communication systems, for which we have all our links redundant, providing greater security and minimizing
the risks of outage. Additionally, we have redundant links with CAMMESA. Temporary or long-lasting failures of our inter-plant communication
systems, including their links redundant, could have a material adverse effect on our operations. In general, information security risks
have increased in recent years as a result of the proliferation of new and more sophisticated technologies and also due to cyberattack
activities. As part of our development and initiatives, more equipment and systems have been connected to the Internet. We also rely on
digital technology including information systems to process financial and operational information. Due to the critical nature of our infrastructure
and our business and the increased accessibility allowed through the Internet connection, we could face an increased risk of cyberattacks
such as computer break-ins, phishing, ransomware, identity theft and other disruptions that could negatively affect the security of information
stored in and transmitted through our computer systems and network infrastructure. Despite significant efforts to create security barriers
to cybersecurity threats, it is nearly impossible for us to completely mitigate these risks, in particular, as the frequency and sophistication
of cyberattacks increases. For example, cybersecurity researchers anticipate an increase in cyberattack activity in connection with the
misuse of artificial intelligence. The security measures we have integrated into our internal networks and systems, and into our platform
and products may not function as expected or may not be sufficient to protect our internal networks, platform and products against certain
attacks. We did not experience any cybersecurity incidents in 2025 and have not experienced any in prior years; however, there can be
no assurance that we will not experience such incidents in the future.
In the event of a cyberattack targeting our infrastructure
or that of third parties and vendors providing services to us, we could experience an interruption of our commercial operations, material
damage and loss of customer information; a substantial loss of income or accounts balance, suffering response costs and other economic
losses; and it could subject us to more regulation and litigation and damage to our reputation. Although we intend to continue to implement
security technology devices and establish operational procedures to prevent disruption resulting from, and counteract the negative effects
of cybersecurity incidents, it is possible that not all our current and future systems are or will be entirely free from vulnerability
and these security measures will not be successful. Accordingly, cybersecurity is a material risk, and a cyber-attack could adversely
affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our thermal generation plants require a
continuous supply of natural gas and, to a lesser extent, liquid fuels to operate. The availability, cost and procurement conditions of
these fuels have historically been, and may continue to be, affected by several factors beyond our control, including fluctuations in
domestic and international fuel prices, macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical events, infrastructure constraints, and changes in Argentine
energy policy and regulation
In 2025, the
Argentine Government introduced regulatory changes aimed at progressively decentralizing fuel procurement and increasing generators’
responsibility for managing their own fuel supply. In particular:
Res.
No. 21/25 authorized generators, self-generators and co-generators to procure their own fuel and established CAMMESA as a supplier of
last resort, while providing that fuel costs associated with self-procurement would be valued based on reference prices declared in generators’
Variable Production Cost Declarations, subject to regulatory conditions.
Res.
No. 400/25 further advanced the normalization and restructuring of the WEM by setting out a framework for the progressive transition
toward fuel self-procurement, for both natural gas and liquid fuels. Under this framework, Plan Gas contractual volumes administered
by CAMMESA are expected to remain in effect until the expiration of their respective contractual terms through December 2028, while generators
increasingly assume responsibility for securing incremental fuel supplies outside the Plan Gas framework. The resolution contemplates
a phased transition, with CAMMESA’s role as centralized fuel supplier being gradually reduced.
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As
a result of these changes, we may be required, in whole or in part, to procure natural gas and/or liquid fuels directly from third parties
at market-based prices, manage related transportation and logistics, and bear the risk of supply interruptions or price volatility. We
cannot assure you that we will be able to secure adequate fuel supplies on commercially acceptable terms, that such fuel costs will be
fully recognized or reimbursed under the applicable remuneration regime, or that any reimbursement will be made on a timely basis.
In
addition, the delivery of natural gas and liquid fuels depends on the availability and reliability of physical infrastructure, including
pipelines, transportation facilities, storage capacity and import logistics. Disruptions, curtailments or capacity constraints affecting
this infrastructure could limit fuel availability or increase costs, which could result in reduced dispatch, higher operating expenses
or temporary shutdowns of certain thermal units.
Our cost structure, margins,
liquidity and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected if fuel self-procurement becomes mandatory or more prevalent
more rapidly than anticipated, if fuel costs are not fully recoverable through market prices or regulatory mechanisms, or if fuel supply
disruptions occur.
Even if we were able to source the requisite
natural gas or liquid fuel and CAMMESA accepted to reimburse us for such amounts, it may be uncertain when such reimbursements would occur.
In addition, natural gas delivery depends on the infrastructure (including barge facilities, roadways and natural gas pipelines) available
to serve each generation facility. As a result, our thermal plants are subject to the risks of disruptions or curtailments in the fuel
delivery chain and infrastructure. Any such disruption or curtailment may result in the unavailability, or higher prices, of natural gas
or liquid fuel. Moreover, if in the future we are required to purchase our own natural gas or liquid fuel from third parties at prices
that are not fully reimbursable by CAMMESA, such situation may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of
operations. Resolution No. 70/2018 enabled generators to purchase fuel in the open market. With the enactment of Resolution No. 12/2019,
the effectiveness of Section 8 of Resolution No. 95/2013 and Section 4 of Resolution No. 529/2014 was reinstated, centralizing fuel purchases
through CAMMESA. However, Resolution No. 21/2025 removed the prohibition that prevented generators, self-generators, or cogenerators of
electricity from conventional thermal, hydroelectric, or nuclear sources from acquiring their own fuel, exempting them from the suspension
established in Section 9 of Resolution No. 95/2013.
For additional
information, see “Item 4.B. Business Overview—The Argentine Electric Power Sector” and “Item 3.D. Risk Factors—Risks
Relating to the Electric Power Sector in Argentina”.
We may incur losses as a result of natural
disasters that may affect our forestry assets.
Forests are subject to a number of natural
hazards, including damage by fire, severe windstorms, insects, disease, flooding and landslides. Changes in global climate conditions
may intensify these natural hazards. Severe weather conditions and other natural disasters can also reduce the productivity of our assets
and disrupt the harvesting and delivery of forest products.
Although preventive measures may help mitigate
damage, such weather events and natural disasters could result in severe business disruptions, property damage, injuries or loss of life,
and delays in recovery may be significant. Any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, financial
condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows. Further, these events could result in government enforcement actions or regulatory
penalties, litigation and/or civil or governmental actions.
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Risks Relating to our Shares and ADSs
It may be difficult for you to obtain or
enforce judgments against us
We are incorporated in Argentina. All of our
directors and executive officers reside outside the United States, and substantially all of our and their assets are located outside the
United States. As a result, it may not be possible for you to effect service of process within the United States upon these persons or
to enforce judgments against them or us in U.S. courts. We have been advised by our special counsel, Bruchou & Funes de Rioja, that
there is doubt as to the enforceability in original actions in Argentine courts of liabilities predicated solely on U.S. federal securities
laws and as to the enforceability in Argentine courts of judgments of U.S. courts obtained in actions predicated upon the civil liability
provisions of U.S. federal securities laws. The enforcement of such judgments will be subject to compliance with certain requirements
under Argentine law, such as Articles 517 through 519 of the Argentine Code of Civil and Commercial Procedure, including the condition
that such judgments do not violate the principles of public policy of Argentine Law, as determined by an Argentine court. In addition,
an Argentine court will not order an attachment on property located in Argentina and determined by such court to be essential for the
provision of a public service.
Restrictions on transfers of foreign exchange
and the repatriation of capital from Argentina may impair your ability to receive dividends and distributions on, and the proceeds of
any sale of, shares underlying the ADSs
In 2001 and 2002 Argentina imposed exchange controls
and transfer restrictions, substantially limiting the ability of companies to retain foreign currency or make payments abroad, including
payments of dividends. In addition, new regulations were issued in the last quarter of 2011, which significantly curtailed access to the
Foreign Exchange Market by individuals and private sector entities. In December 2015 the 2015-2019 administration lifted many of the foreign
exchange restrictions imposed in 2011, including the lifting of certain restrictions for the repatriation of portfolio investment by non-resident
investors.
After almost
four years of unrestricted capital flows, the Argentine Government reimposed restrictions on the conversion of Argentine currency into
foreign currencies and on the remittance to foreign investors of proceeds from their investments in Argentina. Beginning in September
2019, the Argentine Government implemented monetary and foreign exchange control measures that included restrictions on the transfer of
funds abroad, including dividends, without prior approval by the Central Bank or fulfillment of certain requirements. Even though the
current administration has already begun to gradually ease foreign exchange controls, certain restrictions imposed since 2019 remain in
place, including restrictions on outward remittances of foreign currency to make dividend payments. However, on April 11, 2025, the Central
Bank issued Communication “A” 8226, providing that entities may access the foreign exchange market to remit dividends to non-resident
shareholders, provided such dividends arise from distributable profits recorded in regular, audited annual financial statements for fiscal
years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. See “—Exchange Controls”.
In such a case, the Depositary for the ADSs may
hold the Argentine pesos it cannot convert for the account of the ADS holders. In addition, any future adoption by the Argentine Government
of additional restrictions to the movement of capital out of Argentina may affect the ability of our foreign shareholders and holders
of ADSs to obtain the full value of their shares and ADSs and may adversely affect the market value of the ADSs.
We are traded on more than one market,
and this may result in price variations; in addition, investors may not be able to easily move shares for trading between such markets
Our common shares are listed on the BYMA and,
since February 2, 2018, our ADSs are listed on the NYSE. Any markets that may develop for our common shares or for the ADSs may not have
liquidity and the price at which the common shares or the ADSs may be sold is uncertain.
Trading in the ADSs or our common shares on
these markets takes place in different currencies (U.S. dollars on the NYSE and pesos on the BYMA), and at different times (resulting
from different time zones, different trading days and different public holidays in the United States and Argentina). The trading prices
of the securities on these two markets may differ due to these and other factors. Any decrease in the price of our common shares on the
BYMA could cause a decrease in the trading price of the ADSs on the NYSE. Investors could seek to sell or buy our shares to take advantage
of any price differences between the markets through a practice referred to as arbitrage. Any arbitrage activity could create unexpected
volatility in both our share prices on one exchange, and the ADSs available for trading on the other exchange. In addition, holders of
ADSs will not be immediately able to surrender their ADSs and withdraw the underlying common shares for trading on the other market without
effecting necessary procedures with the ADS Depositary. This could result in time delays and additional cost for holders of ADSs.
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Under Argentine Corporate Law, shareholder
rights may be fewer or less well defined than in other jurisdictions
Our corporate affairs are governed by our bylaws
and by the Argentine Corporate Law, which differ from the legal principles that would apply if we were incorporated in a jurisdiction
in the United States (such as Delaware or New York), or in other jurisdictions outside Argentina. Thus, the rights of holders of our ADSs
or holders of our common shares under the Argentine Corporate Law to protect their interests relative to actions by our board of directors
(our “Board of Directors”) may be fewer and less well defined than under the laws of those other jurisdictions. Although
insider trading and price manipulation are illegal under Argentine law, the Argentine securities markets may not be as highly regulated
or supervised as the U.S. securities markets or markets in some of the other jurisdictions. In addition, rules and policies against self-dealing
and regarding the preservation of shareholder interests may be less well defined and enforced in Argentina than in the United States,
or other jurisdictions outside Argentina, putting holders of our common shares and the ADSs at a potential disadvantage.
Holders of our common shares and the ADSs
located in the United States may not be able to exercise preemptive or accretion rights
Under the Argentine Corporate Law, if we issue
new shares as part of a capital increase, our shareholders may have the right to subscribe a proportional number of shares to maintain
their existing ownership percentage. Rights to subscribe for shares in these circumstances are known as preemptive rights. In addition,
shareholders are entitled to the right to subscribe for the unsubscribed shares remaining at the end of a preemptive rights offering on
a pro rata basis, known as accretion rights. Upon the occurrence of any future increase in our capital stock, United States holders of
common shares or ADSs will not be able to exercise the preemptive and related accretion rights for such common shares or ADSs unless a
registration statement under the Securities Act is effective with respect to such common shares or ADSs or an exemption from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act is available. We are not obligated to file a registration statement with respect to those common shares
or ADSs. We may not file such a registration statement, or an exemption from registration may not be available. Unless those common shares
or ADSs are registered or an exemption from registration applies, a U.S. holder of our common shares or ADSs may receive only the net
proceeds from those preemptive rights and accretion rights if those rights can be sold by the ADS Depositary; if they cannot be sold,
they will be allowed to lapse. Furthermore, the equity interest of holders of common shares or ADSs located in the United States may be
diluted proportionately upon future capital increases.
Voting rights, and other rights, with respect
to the ADSs are limited by the terms of the deposit agreement
Holders may exercise voting rights with respect
to the common shares underlying ADSs only in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement. There are no provisions under Argentine
law or under our bylaws that limit ADS holders’ ability to exercise their voting rights through the ADS Depositary with respect
to the underlying common shares, except if the ADS Depositary is a foreign entity and it is not registered with the Argentine corporate
register (the Inspección General de Justicia, or “IGJ”). The ADS Depositary is registered with the IGJ. There
are, however, practical limitations upon the ability of ADS holders to exercise their voting rights due to the additional procedural steps
involved in communicating with such holders. For example, Argentine Capital Markets Law requires us to notify our shareholders by publications
in certain official and private newspapers of at least 20 and no more than 45 days in advance of any shareholders’ meeting. ADS
holders will not receive any notice of a shareholders’ meeting directly from us. In accordance with the deposit agreement, we will
provide the notice to the ADS Depositary, which will in turn, if we so request, as soon as practicable thereafter provide to each ADS
holder:
· the notice of such meeting;
· voting instruction forms; and
· a statement as to the manner in which instructions may be given by holders.
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To exercise their voting rights, ADS holders
must then provide instructions to the ADS Depositary how to vote the shares underlying ADSs. Because of the additional procedural step
involving the ADS Depositary, the process for exercising voting rights will take longer for ADS holders than for holders of our common
shares. Except as described in this annual report, holders of the ADS will not be able to exercise voting rights attaching to the ADSs.
Section 7.6 of the deposit agreement provides
that each of the parties to the deposit agreement (including, without limitation, each holder and beneficial owner) waives, to the fullest
extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding against us and/or the ADS Depositary. This
provision may have the effect of limiting and discouraging lawsuits against us and/or the ADS Depositary. You may not be able to exercise
your right to vote and you may have no legal remedy if the shares underlying your ADSs are not voted as you requested.
The relative volatility and illiquidity
of the Argentine securities markets may substantially limit our ADS holders’ ability to sell common shares underlying the ADSs at
the price and time they desire
Investing in
securities that trade in developing countries, such as Argentina, often involves greater risk than investing in securities of issuers
in the United States (see “Risks Relating to Argentina—All our revenues are generated in Argentina and therefore we
are exposed to country-specific risks and to fluctuations in macroeconomic, political, regulatory, and social conditions”).
The Argentine securities market is substantially smaller, less liquid, more concentrated and can be more volatile than major securities
markets in the United States and is not as highly regulated or supervised as some of these other markets. There is also significantly
greater concentration in the Argentine securities market than in major securities markets in the United States. During the third quarter
of 2022 the ten largest companies in terms of their weight in the S&P MERVAL index represented approximately 80.00 % of its composition.
Accordingly, although holders of our ADSs are entitled to withdraw the common shares underlying the ADSs from the ADS Depositary at any
time, their ability to sell such shares at a price and time at which they wish to do so may be substantially limited. Furthermore, new
capital controls imposed by the Central Bank could have the effect of further impairing the liquidity of the BYMA by making it unattractive
for non-Argentines to buy shares in the secondary market in Argentina. See “Item 10.D.—Exchange Controls”.
If there are substantial sales of our common
shares or the ADSs, the price of the common shares or of the ADSs could decline
Sales of substantial number of our common shares
or the ADSs could cause a decline in the market price of our common shares. In addition, if our significant shareholders, directors and
members of senior management listed in “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Senior Officers,” who, as
of April 17, 2026, own in aggregate 0.10% of our outstanding common shares, sell our common shares or the ADSs or the market perceives
that they intend to sell them, the market price of our common shares or the ADSs could drop significantly.
Our shareholders may be subject to liability
for certain votes of their securities
Our shareholders are not liable for our obligations.
Instead, shareholders are generally liable only for the payment of the shares they subscribe. However, shareholders who have a conflict
of interest with us and who do not abstain from voting may be held liable for damages to us, but only if the transaction would not have
been approved without such shareholders’ votes. Furthermore, shareholders who willfully or negligently vote in favor of a resolution
that is subsequently declared void by a court as contrary to Argentine Corporate Law or our bylaws may be held jointly and severally liable
for damages to us or to other third parties, including other shareholders.
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt
from several rules under the U.S. securities laws and are permitted to file less information with the Commission than a U.S. company.
This may limit the information available to holders of our ADSs
We are a “foreign private issuer,”
as defined in the SEC’s rules and regulations and, consequently, we are not subject to all of the disclosure requirements applicable
to companies organized within the United States. For example, we are exempt from certain rules under the Exchange Act that regulate disclosure
obligations and procedural requirements related to the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations applicable to a security registered
under the Exchange Act. Moreover, while we expect to submit quarterly interim consolidated financial data to the Commission under cover
of the Commission’s Form 6-K, we are not required to file periodic reports and financial statements with the Commission as frequently
or as promptly as U.S. public companies. Accordingly, there may be less information concerning our company publicly available than there
is for U.S. public companies.
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As a foreign private issuer, we are not
subject to certain NYSE corporate governance rules applicable to U.S. listed companies
We rely on a provision in the NYSE Listed Company
Manual that allows us to follow Argentine law with regard to certain aspects of corporate governance. This allows us to follow certain
corporate governance practices that differ in significant respects from the corporate governance requirements applicable to U.S. companies
listed on the NYSE.
For example, we are exempt from NYSE regulations
that require a listed U.S. company, among other things, to:
· have a majority of our Board of Directors be independent;
· establish a nominating and compensation composed entirely of independent directors; and
· have an executive session of solely independent directors each year.
The market price for our common shares
or ADSs could be highly volatile
The market price for our common shares or the
ADSs after the global offering is likely to fluctuate significantly from time to time in response to factors including:
· fluctuations in our periodic operating results;
· changes in financial estimates, recommendations or projections by securities analysts;
· changes in conditions or trends in our industry;
· changes in the economic performance or market valuation of our competitors;
· announcements by our competitors of significant acquisitions, divestitures, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;
· events affecting equities markets in the countries in which we operate;
· legal or regulatory measures affecting our financial conditions;
· departures of management and key personnel; or
· potential litigation or the adverse resolution of pending litigation against us or our subsidiaries.
Volatility in the price of our common shares
or the ADSs may be caused by factors outside of our control and may be unrelated or disproportionate to our operating results. In particular,
announcements of potentially adverse developments, such as proposed regulatory changes, new government investigations or the commencement
or threat of litigation against us, as well as announced changes in our business plans or those of competitors, could adversely affect
the trading price of our common shares or the ADSs, regardless of the likely outcome of those developments or proceedings. Moreover, statements
made about us, whether publicly or in private, may be misconstrued, particularly if read out of context.
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Broad market and industry factors could adversely
affect the market price of our common shares or ADSs at any time, regardless of our actual operating performance.
If we fail to maintain an effective system
of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud. As a result,
shareholders could lose confidence in our financial and other public reporting, which would harm our business and the trading price of
our common shares
Effective internal controls over financial reporting
are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and, together with adequate disclosure controls and procedures, are designed
to prevent fraud. Any failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting, implement required new or
improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations, which
in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business and our common shares or the ADSs. In addition, any testing by us or any
subsequent testing by our independent registered public accounting firm conducted in connection with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002, may reveal deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses or that
may require prospective or retroactive changes to our financial statements or identify other areas for further attention or improvement.
Matters impacting our internal controls may cause us to be unable to report our financial information on a timely basis and thereby subject
us to adverse regulatory consequences, including sanctions by the SEC. There also could be a negative reaction in the financial markets
due to a loss of investor confidence in us and the reliability of our consolidated financial statements. Confidence in the reliability
of our consolidated financial statements also could suffer if we or our independent registered public accounting firm were to report a
material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting. This could in turn limit our access to capital markets and possibly,
harm our results of operations, and lead to a decline in the trading price of our common shares or the ADSs.
We are required to disclose changes made in our
internal controls and procedures and our management is required to assess the effectiveness of these controls annually. Undetected material
weaknesses in our internal controls could lead to financial statement restatements and require us to incur the expense of remediation.
The protections afforded to minority shareholders
in Argentina are different from and more limited than those in the United States and may be more difficult to enforce
Under Argentine law, the protections afforded
to minority shareholders are different from, and much more limited than, those in the United States. For example, the legal framework
with respect to shareholder disputes, such as derivative lawsuits and class actions, is less developed under Argentine law than under
U.S. law as a result of Argentina’s short history with these types of claims and few successful cases. In addition, there are different
procedural requirements for bringing these types of shareholder lawsuits. As a result, it may be more difficult for our minority shareholders
to enforce their rights against us or our directors or controlling shareholder than it would be for shareholders of a U.S. company.
Holders of our common shares may determine
not to pay any dividends
In accordance with the Argentine Corporate Law,
after allocating at least 5.00% of our annual net earnings to constitute a mandatory legal reserve, we may pay dividends to shareholders
out of net and realized profits, if any, as set forth in our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting
Standards. The approval, amount and payment of dividends are subject to the approval by our shareholders at our annual ordinary shareholders’
meeting. The approval of dividends requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting. As
a result, we cannot assure you that we will be able to generate enough net and realized profits so as to pay dividends or that our shareholders
will decide that dividends will be paid.
We may be a passive foreign investment
company for U.S. federal income tax purposes
A non-U.S. corporation will be considered a
passive foreign investment company, which we refer to as a PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes in any taxable year in which 75.00%
or more of its gross income is “passive income” or 50.00% or more of the value of its assets (generally determined on the
basis of a quarterly average) is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. The determination
as to whether a non-U.S. corporation is a PFIC is based upon the application of complex U.S. federal income tax rules (which are subject
to differing interpretations), the composition of income and assets of the non-U.S. corporation from time to time and, in certain cases,
the nature of the activities performed by its officers and employees.
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Based upon our current and projected income,
assets and activities, we do not expect to be considered a PFIC for our current taxable year or for future taxable years. However, because
the determination of whether we are a PFIC will be based upon the composition of our income, assets and the nature of our business, as
well as the income, assets and business of entities in which we hold at least a 25.00% interest, from time to time, and because there
are uncertainties in the application of the relevant rules, there can be no assurance that we will not be considered a PFIC for any taxable
year.
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during
which a U.S. Holder, as defined in “Item 10.E. Taxation—Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations,” holds
the ADSs or common shares, the U.S. Holder might be subject to increased U.S. federal income tax liability and to additional reporting
obligations. See “Item 10.E. Taxation—Certain United States Federal Income Tax Considerations—Passive Foreign Investment
Company”. U.S. Holders are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the applicability of the PFIC rules to their purchase,
ownership and disposition of the ADSs or common shares
The requirements of being a public company
may strain our resources and distract our management, which could make it difficult to manage our business
Since the global offering, we are required to
comply with various regulatory and reporting requirements, including those required by the Commission in addition to our existing reporting
requirements by the CNV. Complying with these reporting and regulatory requirements will be time consuming, resulting in increased costs
to us or other adverse consequences. As a public company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, and the requirements
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as well as to the Argentine Law No. 26,831 (as amended and supplemented from time to time, the “Argentine
Capital Markets Law”) and CNV Rules. These requirements may place a strain on our systems and resources. The Exchange Act applicable
to us requires that we file annual and current reports with respect to our business and financial condition. Likewise, CNV Rules require
that we make annual and quarterly filings and that we comply with disclosure obligations including current reports. The Sarbanes-Oxley
Act requires that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting. To maintain
and improve the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, we committed significant resources, hired additional staff and
provided additional management oversight. These activities may divert management’s attention from other business concerns, which
could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.