Annual and Transition Report (foreign Private Issuer) (20-f)

ITEM 3. Key Information

A. Reserved

A.1. Local Exchange Market and Exchange Rates

The Argentine government has established a series of exchange control measures that restrict the free flow of currency and the transfer of funds abroad. These measures significantly curtail access to the foreign exchange market Mercado Único y Libre de Cambios (“MULC”) by both individuals and private sector entities. This makes it necessary, among other things, to obtain prior approval from the Central Bank to enter into certain foreign exchange transactions such as payments relating to royalties, services or fees payable outside Argentina. For more information about exchange controls see, “Item 10. Additional Information—D. Exchange Controls”.

The following table shows the maximum, minimum, average and closing exchange rates for each applicable period to purchases of U.S. dollars.

Source: Banco de la Nación Argentina

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

This section is not applicable.

C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

This section is not applicable.

D. Risk Factors

Summary of Risk Factors

The following summarizes some, but not all, of the risks provided below. Please carefully consider all of the information discussed in this Item 3.D. “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report for a more thorough description of these and other risks:

Risks Relating to Argentina

Risks Relating to our Business

Risks Relating to our Investment in Banco Hipotecario

Risks Relating to our GDSs and Common Shares

Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the risks described below, in addition to the other information contained in this Annual Report, before making an investment decision. We also may face additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us, or which as of the date of this Annual Report we might not consider significant, which may adversely affect our business. In general, you take more risk when you invest in securities of issuers in emerging markets, such as Argentina, than when you invest in securities of issuers in the United States, and certain other markets. You should understand that an investment in our common shares and Global Depositary Shares (“GDSs”) involves a high degree of risk, including the possibility of loss of your entire investment.

Risks Relating to Argentina

We depend on macroeconomic and political conditions in Argentina.

The Argentine economy has experienced significant volatility in recent decades, characterized by periods of low or negative growth, high levels of inflation and depreciation of the currency. As a consequence, our business and operations have been, and could in the future be, affected to varying degrees by economic and political developments and other material events affecting the Argentine economy, such as: inflation; price controls; foreign exchange restrictions; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates; governmental policies regarding spending and investment, national, provincial or municipal tax increases and other initiatives increasing Argentine government involvement with economic activity; civil unrest and local security concerns. Developments in economic, political, regulatory and social conditions in Argentina, and measures taken by the Argentine government, have had and are expected to continue to have a significant impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Argentina is an emerging market and investing in such markets generally carries additional risks.

Historically, Argentina went through periods of severe political, economic and social crisis. Among other consequences, these crises resulted in Argentina defaulting on its foreign debt obligations, introducing emergency measures and numerous changes in economic policies that affected utilities, financial institutions, and many other sectors of the economy. Argentina also suffered a significant real depreciation of the Peso, which in turn caused numerous Argentine private sector debtors with foreign currency exposure to default on their outstanding debt. In the past three years, GDP contracted 2.2% in 2019 and 6.5% in 2020. During 2021, the GDP increased 11.0% with respect to the previous year. On September 17, 2021, the Argentine Treasury announced that it expected GDP to grow 4% in 2022 and the fiscal deficit to reach 3.3%, both figures higher than previously expected.

Legislative elections took place on November 14, 2021, in the context of which one third of the seats in the senate and half of the seats in the house of representatives, were up for election. “Juntos por el Cambio” (the political party of the former administration) obtained 41.7% of the votes and “Frente de Todos” (the political party of the current administration) obtained 33.6% of the votes. As a result, the “Frente de Todos” coalition lost its majority of votes in the house of representatives, but maintained a majority of the seats in the senate. As a result, the administration of President Fernández may not be able to enact new legislation.

We can offer no assurances as to the policies that may be implemented by the administration of President Fernández, or that political developments in Argentina will not adversely affect the Argentine economy and our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we cannot assure you that future economic, regulatory, social and political developments in Argentina will not impair our business, financial condition or results of operations, or cause the market value of our shares to decline.

During periods of high uncertainty in the international markets, potential investors choose to invest in high quality assets. This situation has caused adverse effects on the Argentine economy which could continue to do so in the near future.

On June 24, 2021, Morgan Stanley Capital International Inc. (“MSCI”) announced that it would reclassify the MSCI Argentina Index from Emerging Markets to Standalone Markets status in one step during its November 2021 Semi-Annual Index Review. Pursuant to such announcement, on November 11, 2021, MSCI went forward with the reclassification of the MSCI Argentina Index to Standalone Markets.

The success of any measure taken by the Argentine government pursuant to restoring the market’s trust and achieving the stability of the Peso is uncertain. Furthermore, the continuous loss of value of the Peso may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and the results of our operations.

The IMF and the Argentine authorities have reached an understanding on key policies as part of their ongoing discussions of an IMF-supported program in order to renegotiate the principal maturities of the USD 44.1 billion under a stand-by arrangement. On March 25, 2022, the IMF approved the execution of the financing agreement (the “IMF Agreement”) with Argentina for a total amount of USD 44 billion, which includes a disbursement of USD 9.6 billion. We cannot assure that the conditions of the IMF Agreement will not affect Argentina’s ability to implement reforms and public policies and boost economic growth, nor the impact that the IMF Agreement may have in Argentina’s ability to access international capital markets (and indirectly in our ability to access those markets). Moreover, the long-term impact of these measures and any future measures taken by the government on the Argentine economy remains uncertain. It is possible that reforms could be disruptive to the economy and adversely affect the Argentine economy and our business, results of operations and financial condition. We are also unable to predict the measures that the Argentine government may adopt in the future, and how they will impact on the Argentine economy and our results of operations and financial condition.

Sergio Tomas Massa formally took office as Minister of Economy on August 3, 2022, and stated that his program will be based on four pillars: (i) fiscal order; (ii) trade surplus; (iii) strengthening of monetary reserves; and (iv) development with social inclusion. In matters of fiscal order, Mr. Massa has stated that the goal of 2.5% primary deficit established by the budget for the fiscal year 2022 will be met. In turn, he expressed that payment advances from the National Treasury will not be used for the remainder of the year 2022 together with freezing any new hiring in all sectors of the national public administration. Regarding subsidies of public services, Mr. Massa announced that saving for consumption will be promoted together with a request for care of the country’s natural resources.

In the matter of trade surplus, he has stipulated for the promotion - by means of decrees of necessity and urgency - of special regimes for the agroindustry, mining and hydrocarbon sectors due to increased production and the knowledge economy. Related to the strengthening of reserves, he proposed an export advance scheme, with the value chains of fishing, mining, agriculture and other sectors. In addition, he announced that there will be disbursement of funds by international organizations under current programs, and a new program with the CAF - Development Bank of Latin America. On the other hand, he announced that, during the month of August of 2022, the retirement mobility index will be announced with a “reinforcement”, whose objective will be to help retired workers overcome the loss of purchasing power as a result of growing inflation. Such “reinforcement” was granted on August 25, 2022, for an amount of ARS 7,000 to be paid to retirees during the months of September, October and November 2022.

The long-term impact of these measures and any future measures taken by the Argentine government on the Argentine economy, as a whole, remains uncertain. It is possible that such reforms could be disruptive to the economy and adversely affect the Argentine economy, and consequently, our business, results of operations and financial condition. We are also unable to predict the measures that the Argentine government may adopt in the future, and how they will impact on the Argentine economy and our results of operations and financial condition.

Presidential elections will be held in Argentina in October 2023. We cannot predict which policies the new President of Argentina, who assumed office in December, 2023, may adopt or change during his mandate or the effect that any such policies might have on our business and on the Argentinian economy. Any such new policies or changes to current policies may have a material adverse effect on us. The political uncertainty resulting from the presidential elections and the transition to a new government may have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and the price of our shares and GDSs. 

Continuing high rates of inflation may have an adverse effect on the economy and our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Historically, high rates of inflation have undermined the Argentine economy and the Argentine government’s ability to foster conditions for stable growth. High rates of inflation may also undermine Argentina’s competitiveness in international markets and adversely affect economic activity and employment, as well as our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The INDEC reported cumulative variation of the consumer price index (“CPI”) of 53.8% for 2019, 36.1% for 2020 and 50.9% for 2021. INDEC reported a CPI of 5.3%, 7.4%, 7% and 6.2% for June, July, August and September 2022, respectively. As of September 30, 2022, the cumulative variation of the CPI was 66.1%.

In recent years, the Argentine government has taken certain measures to curb inflation, such as implementing price controls and limiting wage increases. We cannot assure you that inflation rates will not continue to escalate in the future or that the measures adopted or that may be adopted by the Fernández administration to control inflation will be effective or successful. High rates of inflation remain a challenge for Argentina. Significant increases in the rates of inflation could have a material adverse effect on Argentina’s economy and in turn could increase our costs of operation, in particular labor costs, and may negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

A high level of uncertainty with regard to these economic variables, and a general lack of stability in terms of inflation, could have a negative impact on economic activity and adversely affect our financial condition.

As of July 1, 2018, the Peso qualified as a currency of a hyperinflationary economy and we were required to restate our historical financial statements in terms of the measuring unit current at the end of the reporting year, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Pursuant to IAS 29 “Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies”, the financial statements of entities whose functional currency is that of a hyperinflationary economy must be restated for the effects of changes in a suitable general price index. IAS 29 does not prescribe when hyperinflation arises, but includes several characteristics of hyperinflation. The IASB does not identify specific hyperinflationary jurisdictions. However, in June 2018, the International Practices Task Force of the Center for Quality, which monitors “highly inflationary countries”, categorized Argentina as a country with projected three-year cumulative inflation rate greater than 100%. Additionally, some of the other qualitative factors of IAS 29 were present, providing prima facie evidence that the Argentine economy was hyperinflationary for the purposes of IAS 29. Therefore, Argentine companies that prepare financial statements pursuant to IFRS and use the Peso as their functional currency were required to apply IAS 29 to their financial statements for periods ending on and after July 1, 2018.

Adjustments to reflect inflation, including tax indexation, such as those required by IAS 29, are in principle prohibited in Argentina. However, on December 4, 2018, the Argentine government enacted Law No. 27,468, which lifted the ban on indexation of financial statements. Certain regulatory authorities, such as the CNV and the Public Registry of Commerce of the City of Buenos Aires (Inspección General de Justicia) (the “IGJ”), have required that financial statements for periods ended on and after December 31, 2018, be restated for inflation in accordance with IAS 29.

During the first three fiscal years beginning after January 1, 2018, inflation adjustment for tax purposes was applicable if the variation in the CPI exceeds 55% in 2019, 30% in 2020 and 15% in 2021.

Therefore, inflation adjustment for tax purposes:

As from fiscal year 2022, the inflation adjustment for tax purposes will be applicable if the variation in the accumulated CPI in the 36 months prior to the end of the fiscal year being settled is higher than 100%. In that case, the result of inflation adjustment for tax purposes is fully allocated to the fiscal year in which it originated.

We cannot predict the future impact that the eventual application of inflation adjustment for tax purposes and other related inflation adjustments described above will have on our financial statements or their effects on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

High levels of public spending in Argentina could generate long-lasting adverse consequences for the Argentine economy.

During recent years, the Argentine government has substantially increased public spending. Argentina recorded a primary deficit of 0.4% 6.5% and 3.0% of GDP in 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively. However, the Fernández administration has indicated that it will seek to foster economic growth, which may require additional public spending. If government spending continues to outpace fiscal revenue, the fiscal deficit is likely to increase.

The Argentine government’s ability to access the long-term financial markets to finance such increased spending is limited given the high levels of public sector indebtedness. The inability to access the capital markets to fund its deficit or the use of other sources of financing may have a negative impact on the economy and, in addition, could limit the access to such capital markets for Argentine companies, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Argentina’s ability to obtain financing in the international capital markets is limited, which may impair our ability to access international credit markets to finance our operations in Argentina.

During recent years the Argentine government has faced difficulties in the payment of its sovereign debt. As a result, the Argentine government may not have access to international financing, or its access may be costly, which would limit its ability to make investments and foster economic growth. Additionally, Argentine companies may also have difficulty accessing international financing, at reasonable costs or at all.

In 2018, due to Argentina’s limited access to the international capital and lending markets, the Argentine government and the IMF entered into the Stand-By Agreement. As of the date of this Annual Report, Argentina has received disbursements under the agreement totaling USD 57.1 billion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Fernández administration has publicly announced that it will refrain from requesting additional disbursements under this agreement, and instead vowed to renegotiate its terms and conditions in good faith.

During March 2020, the Argentine government initiated discussions with various groups of creditors to discuss a path for Argentina’s debt sustainability. With respect to Argentina’s international bonds, the Argentine executive branch approved the restructuring of certain eligible global bonds issued under foreign laws for up to USD 65 billion. In August 2020, the Argentine government announced that it had obtained the consents required to exchange 99% of the aggregate principal amount outstanding of all series of eligible bonds.

On March 13, 2020, the Minister of Economy addressed a letter to the Paris Club members expressing Argentina’s decision to postpone until May 5, 2021 the USD 2.1 billion payment originally due on May 5, 2020, in accordance with the terms of the settlement agreement Argentina had reached with the Paris Club members on May 29, 2014 (the “Paris Club 2014 Settlement Agreement”). In addition, on April 7, 2020, the Minister of Economy sent the Paris Club members a proposal to modify the existing terms of the Paris Club 2014 Settlement Agreement, seeking mainly an extension of the maturity dates and a significant reduction in the interest rate. In June 2021, the parties agreed that Argentina would pay USD 430 million to the group before the end of July and the rest during the following year to avert default in July 2021. On March 22, 2022, the Argentine government reached an agreement with the Paris Club for a new extension of the agreement reached in June 2021.

In June 2018, the Argentine government and the IMF signed a three-year, USD 50 billion loan agreement, as further amended to USD 57.1 billion through 2021 (the “IMF 2018 Agreement”). Following an IMF report in February 2020 stating that Argentina’s debt may not be sustainable, the Argentine government requested to begin discussions with the IMF in order to renegotiate the principal maturities of the USD 44.1 billion disbursed between 2018 and 2019 under a stand-by arrangement. The IMF and the Argentine authorities reached an understanding on key policies as part of their ongoing discussions on an IMF-supported program. On March 25, 2022, the IMF approved the execution of the IMF Agreement with Argentina for a total amount of USD 44 billion, which includes a disbursement of USD9.6 billion. The IMF will monitor Argentina’s compliance with such agreement at the end of each quarter. By means of the IMF Agreement, the Argentine government seeks to decrease the high inflation in Argentina improving public finances and strengthening Argentina’s balance of payments. We cannot assure that the conditions of the IMF Agreement will not affect Argentina’s ability to implement reforms and public policies and boost economic growth, nor the impact that the IMF Agreement may have in Argentina’s ability to access international capital markets (and indirectly in our ability to access those markets).

On January 28, 2022, President Alberto Fernandez announced that an understanding with the IMF pursuant to restructuring the debt incurred as set forth in the Stand-by Agreement was reached. On that same day, President Alberto Fernandez authorized the payment of principal pursuant to such agreement for an amount of USD 731 million.

In addition, during the latter part of June 2022, the IMF made a second disbursement of funds for an amount of USD 4,155 million. Furthermore, a third disbursement of funds for an amount of USD 3.8 million was made on October 7, 2022.

Due to past or future defaults on its indebtedness, we cannot assure you that Argentina will have access to international financing in the future, on favorable terms or at all. If Argentina is not able to access financing, it may not be able to foster economic growth and invest in the country. As a result, we cannot assure you that private companies in Argentina will have access to financing on favorable terms or at all, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

For more information see “Restrictions on transfers of foreign currency and the repatriation of capital from Argentina may impair our ability to pay dividends and distributions and investors may face restrictions on their ability to collect capital and interest payments in connection with corporate bonds issued by Argentine companies”.

Significant fluctuation in the exchange rate of the Peso against foreign currencies may adversely affect the Argentine economy as well as our financial condition and results of operations.

Fluctuations in the rates of exchange of the Peso against foreign currencies, particularly the U.S. dollar, may adversely affect the Argentine economy, our financial condition and results of operations. In 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, the Peso depreciated by approximately 105%, 59%, 40% and 18%, respectively, against the U.S. dollar. Depreciation of the Peso in real terms can have a negative impact on the ability of Argentine businesses to honor their foreign currency-denominated debt, and also lead to very high inflation and significantly reduced real wages. The depreciation of the Peso can also negatively impact businesses whose success is dependent on domestic market demand, and adversely affect the Argentine government’s ability to honor its foreign debt obligations. A substantial increase in the exchange rate of the Peso against foreign currencies of the Peso against the U.S. dollar also represents risks for the Argentine economy since it may lead to a deterioration of the country’s current account balance and the balance of payments which may have a negative effect on GDP growth and employment, and reduce the revenue of the Argentine public sector by reducing tax revenue in real terms, due to its current heavy dependence on export taxes.

As a result of the greater volatility of the Peso, the former administration announced several measures to restore market confidence and stabilize the value of the Peso. Among them, during 2018, the Argentine government negotiated two agreements with the IMF, increased interest rates and the Central Bank decided to intervene in the exchange market in order to stabilize the value of the Peso. During 2019, based on a new understanding with the IMF, the Argentine government established new guidelines for stricter control of the monetary base, which would remain in place until December 2019, in an attempt to reduce the amount of Pesos available in the market and reduce the demand for foreign currency. Complementing these measures, in September 2019 foreign currency controls were reinstated in Argentina. As a consequence of the re-imposition of exchange controls, the spread between the official exchange rate and other exchange rates resulting implicitly from certain common capital markets operations (“dólar MEP” or “contado con liquidación”) has broadened significantly, reaching a value of approximately 100% above the official exchange rate. As of October 24, 2022, the seller exchange rate quoted by Banco de la Nación Argentina was ARS 154.74 per USD 1.00.

The “Dollar Soja” was a special exchange regime created by Decree 576/2022 that was in force during September 2022 and offers ARS 200 for each USD, unlike the currently approx. ARS 142 offered during same time to the rest of the exporters. Said was established for the settlement of foreign currency from soybeans and products associated with it, for those who adhere to the program and that comply with the requirements established in said decree. As of the date of this Annual Report, the aforementioned exchange regime has not been extended and, consequently, the “Dollar Soja” is not currently in effect. As a result of this special exchange regime, the Argentina Central Bank achieved a total of USD 8,123 million.

Furthermore, in early October 2022, the Argentine government announced a special exchange rate for the high-tech industry. Additionally, through the  Federal Administration of Public Revenue (“AFIP”) General Resolution No. 5272/2022, it established two additional exchange rates. In this regard, is a special exchange rate that applies to any expense of more than USD 300 made abroad during a calendar month, pursuant to which an extra 25% advance payment of Income Tax would be applicable. In addition, local concert promoters will be subjected to a special exchange rate pursuant applicable to the payment of foreign entertainers, set in an amount of ARS 204 ARS per USD 1.

The success of any measures taken by the Argentine government to restore market confidence and stabilize the value of the Peso is uncertain and the continued depreciation of the Peso could have a significant adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Certain measures that may be taken by the Argentine government, or changes in policies, laws and regulations, may adversely affect the Argentine economy and, as a result, our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Argentine government exercises substantial control over the economy and may increase its level of intervention in certain areas of the economy, including through the regulation of market conditions and prices.

On June 2020, President Alberto Fernández announced a project to intervene and expropriate the cereal exporting company Vicentin S.A.I.C (“Vicentin”) under which the national public administration would take control of 51% of Vicentin, which is in creditor competition as a result of the company’s ARS 350 million debt with state-owned Banco de la Nación Argentina, on a total increase of USD 1.35 billion. However, on June 19, 2020, the holder of the Civil and Commercial Court, responsible for carrying out Vicentin’s call for creditors, decided to restore the company’s original Board of Directors to office for 60 days and to give the observer status to the interventors appointed by the administration of Alberto Fernández.

As for taxes, the Argentine government regulated the “Ley de Aporte Solidario y Extraordinario” to mitigate the effects of the pandemic (Law No. 27,605) - also known as “aporte de las grandes fortunas o impuesto a las riquezas”. It established a one-time contribution of a rate starting at 2% of the assets of individuals who have declared more than ARS 200 million in assets. The contribution will rise up to 3% in the case of assets of between ARS 800 million and ARS 1,500 million; will be extended up to 3.25% for those between ARS 1,500 million and ARS 3,000 million; and those who exceed that value will be taxed at 3.5%. The number of taxpayers covered by the regulations is estimated at 12,000.

Decree 42/2021 also empowered the AFIP to be in charge of “implementing the information regimes for the purpose of collecting data” and thus prevent tax evasion operations. In this sense, when the law was sanctioned and promulgated, some businessmen with large assets threatened to start a fiscal rebellion.

Historically, actions of the Argentine government concerning the economy, including decisions regarding interest rates, taxes, price controls, wage increases, increased benefits for workers, exchange controls and potential changes in the market of foreign currency, have had a substantial adverse effect on Argentina’s economic growth.

It is widely reported by private economists that expropriations, price controls, exchange controls and other direct involvement by the Argentine government in the economy have had an adverse impact on the level of investment in Argentina, the access of Argentine companies to international capital markets and Argentina’s commercial and diplomatic relations with other countries. If the level of Government intervention in the economy continues or increases, the Argentine economy and, in turn, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

On June 6, 2022, the Argentine government sent to the Chamber of Deputies a bill that would establish a one-time “windfall income tax” for companies that obtained extraordinary income from the increase in international prices. Based on the current Argentine political environment, it is uncertain whether the Argentine Congress will approve this bill.

The bill would establish a one-time additional 15% windfall income tax on the excess of the net taxable income resulting from the difference of the (1) net taxable income obtained in the first tax year ended on or after the month immediately following the month in which the bill enters into force, and (2) net taxable income from the previous tax year adjusted by the variation of the CPI, published by the National Institute of Statistics and Census.

The windfall income tax would apply to companies that meet the following requirements:

The bill would exclude the income tax and the extraordinary results from the calculations referred to in the previous paragraph, in accordance with the regulations to be issued after the bill’s enactment.

If approved by the Argentine Congress, the bill would be enacted on the date of publication in the Official Gazette and would apply for the first financial year ending from the first day of the month immediately following enactment and the last day of the 12th month immediately following that date.

However, since such bill has not yet been discussed in the Chamber of Deputies, and doesn’t looks like it will in the near future, the AFIP issued General Resolution No. 5,248, establishing that an extraordinary payment on account of income tax payable in 3 monthly installments shall be in effect for companies that meet any of the following parameters:

Any such payment on account of income tax shall be 25% of the calculation basis of the advance payment, or 15% of the tax result, without considering the losses of previous years.

The aforementioned payment on account of income tax may not be cancelled through a compensation mechanism and shall not be considered when requesting a reduction of tax payments.

The Argentine government may mandate salary increases for private sector employees, which would increase our operating costs.

In the past, the Argentine government has passed laws, regulations and decrees requiring companies in the private sector to maintain minimum wage levels and provide specific benefits to employees. 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 high levels of inflation, employees and labor organizations regularly demand significant wage increases.

Through Decree No.11/2022, a staggered increase of the minimum salary was approved as follows: (i) September 1, 2022, ARS 51,200.00 for all full-time monthly workers and ARS 256.00 per hour for day laborers; (ii) October 1, 2022, ARS 54,550.00 for all full-time monthly workers and ARS 272.75 per hour for day laborers; and (iii) November 1, 2022, ARS 57,900.00 for all full-time monthly workers and ARS 289.50 per hour for day laborers. In addition, the Argentine government has arranged various measures to mitigate the impact of inflation and exchange rate fluctuation in wages. In December 2019, Decree No. 34/2019 doubled legally-mandated severance pay for termination of employment. This decree was extended until June 30, 2022, under the provisions of Decree 886/2021. This last decree established a gradual reduction of the double compensation, namely: (i) 75% of the amount of the same, from January 1, 2022 and until January 28, February 2022; (ii) 50% from March 1, 2022 and until April 30, 2022; and (iii) 25% from May 1, 2022 and until June 30, 2022. As of the date of this Annual Report, there has been no further extensions to the payment of double compensations; therefore, the aforementioned rule is no longer in force.

It is possible that the Argentine government could adopt measures mandating further salary increases or the provision of additional employee benefits in the future. Any such measures could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Property values in U.S. dollars in Argentina could decline significantly.

Property values in U.S. dollars are influenced by multiple factors that are beyond our control, such as a decreased demand for real estate properties due to a deterioration of macroeconomic conditions or an increase in supply of real estate properties that could adversely affect the value in U.S. dollars of real estate properties. We cannot assure you that property values in U.S. dollars will increase or that they will not be reduced. Most of the properties we own are located in Argentina. As a result, a reduction in the value in U.S. dollars of properties in Argentina could materially affect our business and our financial statements due to the valuation of our investment properties at fair market value in U.S. dollars.

Restrictions on transfers of foreign currency and the repatriation of capital from Argentina may impair our ability to pay dividends and distributions and investors may face restrictions on their ability to collect capital and interest payments in connection with corporate bonds issued by Argentine companies.

On September 1, 2019, the Central Bank issued Communication “A” 6,770, which established various rules for exports of goods and services, imports of goods and services, foreign assets, non-resident operations, financial debt, debts between residents, profits and dividends, and information systems. The Communication was issued in response to the publication of Decree 609/2019, pursuant to which the Argentine government implemented foreign exchange regulations until December 31, 2019. Decree 609/2019 sets forth the obligation to convert the value of goods and services exported into Pesos in the local financial system, in accordance with terms and conditions established by the Central Bank. Through Decree 91/2019, the National Executive Branch resolved to continue with the provisions of Decree 609/2019, this is the obligation to convert the value of exported goods and services to Pesos in the local financial system, in accordance with the terms and conditions established by the Central Bank. Accordingly, through Communication “A” 6,856, Communication “A” 6,770 was modified, establishing that the rules regarding the obligation to enter the country in foreign currency and/or negotiation in the MULC of receipts for exports of goods and services, disseminated through Communication “A” 6,844 remains in force since December 31, 2019.

On September 15, 2020, Communication “A” 7,106 established that companies must refinance the maturities of the capital of the financial debt in the period between October 15, 2020 and December 31, 2023. Subsequently, such period was extended in various opportunities, with the final extension being issued on October 13, 2022, pursuant to Communication “A” 7,621 by which it was further extended until December 31, 2023. In this regard, the Central Bank will grant companies access to the MULC for up to 40% of the maturities and the companies must refinance the remaining 60%within a period of at least two years. In addition, CNV Resolution No. 862/2020 established a minimum holding term requirement of three days for both transfers of securities from local accounts abroad and vice versa.

As of the date of this Annual Report, we have outstanding obligations pursuant to the Series II Notes issued by the Company for USD 121.0 million. We currently cannot predict whether the Government will impose further exchange controls and transfer restrictions that may impair our ability to access the MULC for the repayment of the total amount or part of such obligations.

On January 11, 2021, through Resolution No. 878/21, the CNV reduced the minimum holding term to one business day, both to carry out sales operations of negotiable securities with settlement in foreign currency in the local market, as well as to use in the settlement of operations in foreign currency in the local market the negotiable securities transferred from depositories abroad to depositories of the country.

On July 12, 2021, through Resolution No. 895/2021 of the CNV, it was established that in order to carry out sales operations of negotiable securities with settlement in foreign currency and in foreign jurisdiction, a minimum period of holding of said securities must be observed negotiable securities in portfolio of 2 business days counted from its accreditation in the depositary agent. This term shall not apply in the case of purchases of negotiable securities with settlement in foreign currency and in foreign jurisdiction. In the case of sales operations of negotiable securities with settlement in foreign currency and in local jurisdiction, the minimum term of permanence in the portfolio to be observed will be 1 business day to be computed in the same way. This minimum holding period shall not apply in the case of purchases of negotiable securities with settlement in foreign currency. To give effect to transfers of negotiable securities acquired with settlement in national currency to depository entities abroad, a minimum term of holding said negotiable securities in the portfolio of 2 business days must be observed, counted from their accreditation in the depositary agent. The exception is contemplated in those cases in which the accreditation is the product of the primary placement of negotiable securities issued by the National Treasury or in the case of Argentine shares and/or Certificates of Deposit (“Cedears”) with trading in markets regulated by the CNV. As a result of all the exchange restrictions mentioned and all those that may be issued in the future by the Central Bank in the context of the exercise of its powers, it is clarified that there may be possible “withholdings” in the context of the restructuring that Argentine companies are undergoing. obliged to carry out with the consequent possible claims.

In order to comply with the requirements of this regulation, a financial debt refinancing plan had to be presented to the Central Bank, which must be registered until December 31, 2020 before September 30, 2020. In order for maturities to be registered between January 1, 2021 and March 31, 2021, the plan must be presented at least 30 calendar days before the maturity of the principal to be refinanced, which implies a risk to obtain financing for new productive projects. As a consequence, there could be a rise in corporate bond spreads.

Likewise, on February 22, 2021, the Central Bank resolved to extend the validity of point 7 of Communication “A” 7,106, which expired on March 31, 2021. Thus, it established that the provisions of point 7 will be applicable to those who register capital maturities scheduled between April 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021 for the indebtedness detailed therein. Subsequently, through Communication “A” 7,422, it was extended again until June 30, 2022.

And, finally, on October 13, 2022, the Central Bank issued Communication “A” 7,621 by which it was decided to extend the period until December 31, 2023. The refinancing plan had to be presented to the Central Bank before March 15, 2021, for principal maturities scheduled between April 1, 2021, and April 15, 2021. In all other cases, it must be submitted at least 30 calendar days before the maturity of the principal to be refinanced. Specifically, the requirement to renegotiate is maintained, although the monthly maturities that must be rescheduled are raised from USD 1 million to USD 2 million and frees companies that have restructured their debts under the same procedure throughout 2020, and that this year they face maturities of such rescheduling. By the same requirement, the maturities of new loan disbursements entered as of 2020 have not been reached either. In addition, since June 2020, pursuant to Communication “A” 7,030, companies could no longer access the MULC to cancel the financial debt between companies in advance. It is also noted that such possible restructuring proposals will fully comply with the requirements set forth by the applicable and current regulations, as long as the breach brings the application of the foreign exchange criminal law to the members of our board of directors.

Furthermore, on August 13, 2021, through Communication “A” 7,340, the Central Bank incorporated as point 4.3.3. of the regulations of Foreign Trade and Exchange regulations (Texto Ordenado de Exterior y Cambios), that the purchase and sale of securities that are carried out with settlement in foreign currency must be paid by one of the following mechanisms: a) by transfer of funds from and to sight accounts at name of the client in local financial entities, and b) against wire on bank accounts in the name of the client in a foreign entity that is not incorporated in countries or territories where the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force do not apply, or do not apply sufficiently. International. In no case is the settlement of these operations permitted by means of payment in foreign currency bills, or by depositing them in custody accounts or in third-party accounts. On December 9, 2021, through Communication “A” 7,416 of the Central Bank, modified by Communication “A” 7,422 and later Communications, most of the foreign exchange restrictions were extended until December 31, 2022.

On April 12, 2022, through Communication “A” 7,490, the Central Bank released the ordered text of the Foreign Trade and Exchange regulations (Texto Ordenado de Exterior y Cambios) to replace Communications “A” 7,433, 7,466, 7,469, 7,471, 7,472 and 7,488. Among other things, the aforementioned regulations extended until December 31, 2022, the exchange restrictions applicable to import payments, the prior approval to make payments of foreign financial indebtedness with related creditors and the rules on matters of refinancing foreign liabilities. In addition, they established that the Central Bank will have the possibility of assigning a specific category linked to the way of accessing the MULC.

As of the date of this Annual Report, the restrictions outlined above remain in place. Such measures may negatively affect Argentina’s international competitiveness, discouraging foreign investments and lending by foreign investors or increasing foreign capital outflow which could have an adverse effect on economic activity in Argentina, and which in turn could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Any restrictions on transferring funds abroad imposed by the Argentine government could undermine our ability to pay dividends on our GDSs in U.S. dollars. Furthermore, these measures may cause delays or impose restrictions on the ability to collect payments of capital and interest on bonds issued by us. The challenge will be to achieve acceptance by creditors, in accordance with the Central Bank regulations mentioned above, especially when it has highly diversified and retail creditors.

The company has several dollar-denominated maturities affected by these measures. For more information see “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and capital resources—Indebtedness”.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and Argentine government measures to contain the virus are adversely affecting our business and results of operations, preventing us from accurately predicting the ultimate impact on our results of operations.

As of the date of this Annual Report, most of the operations and properties are located in Argentina. As a result, the quality of our assets, our financial condition and the results of our operations are dependent upon the macroeconomic, regulatory, social and political conditions prevailing in Argentina.

In order to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and mandatory lockdown and shutdown of non-essential businesses, the Argentine government adopted social aid, monetary and fiscal measures, including price controls and the prohibition of dismissals without cause.

As of the date of this Annual Report, the COVID-19 outbreak has caused significant social and market disruption. The long-term effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the global economy, Argentine economy and the Company, are difficult to assess or predict, and may include a decline in market prices (including the market prices of our common shares), risks to employee health and safety and reduced sales in the impacted geographic locations. Any prolonged restrictive measures put in place in order to control an outbreak of a contagious disease or other adverse public health development such as the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, may have a material and adverse effect on our business operations, financial condition or operational results. In this regard, and due to the restrictions that were in place, we were forced to keep the DirecTV Arena stadium closed throughout the entire 2021 fiscal year.

The Company is currently considering alternatives pursuant to mitigating the effects this outbreak may have had on its operations and ongoing projects, as well as to any measures adopted by the Argentine government, which so far have resulted in a slowdown in economic activity that has further adversely affected economic growth in Argentina during the 2020 and 2021 fiscal years.

We are continuing to monitor the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic across our businesses. The ultimate impact of the pandemic on our business, results of operations and financial condition remains uncertain and will depend on future developments outside of our control, including whether new variants of the COVID-19 arise and the Argentine government measures in response of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the vaccination program launched in December 2020. To the extent the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects our business, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in this “Risk Factors” section. To the extent the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects our business, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in this “Risk Factors” section.

For more information in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on our Company, see “Item 5.A. Operating Results – The Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic.”

The appearance of “monkeypox” and its spread in different countries, including Argentina, and possible Argentine government measures to contain the virus may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Monkeypox was first detected in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, being transmitted from person to person by close contact with infected respiratory secretions or skin lesions of an infected person.

Since then, the majority of reported cases have come from rural rainforest regions of the Congo Basin and West Africa, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where it is considered endemic. However, in mid-May 2022, cases of monkeypox were identified in countries such as Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom, in addition to investigations in several countries finding cases without a known source of infection, which suggested the existence of a undetected community spread. In the United States, the cities of New York and San Francisco have declared a state of emergency due to the spike in cases of this disease. As of October 25 2022, the World Health Organization reported that 75,790 have been detected globally. 

In order to mitigate the impact of the spread of monkeypox, the Argentine government may adopt measures, such as mandatory lockdown and shutdown of non-essential businesses. If adopted, we cannot assure you whether these measures will be sufficient to prevent a severe economic downturn in Argentina, particularly if Argentina’s main trading partners are concurrently facing an economic recession, which may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

The Argentine economy could be adversely affected by economic developments in other global markets.

Argentina’s economy is vulnerable to external shocks that could be caused by adverse developments affecting its principal trading partners. A significant decline in the economic growth of any of Argentina’s major trading partners (including Brazil, the European Union, China and the United States), including as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, could have a material adverse impact on Argentina’s balance of trade and adversely affect Argentina’s economic growth. In addition, Argentina may be affected by economic and market conditions in other markets worldwide.

General elections in Brazil, including the election of the president, were held on October 2, 2022. Historically, election years in Brazil, and especially presidential elections, are marked by political uncertainty which generates greater instability and volatility. Moreover, the Brazilian Supreme Court recently overturned criminal convictions and restored former President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva’s political rights, allowing him to run in the presidential election. According to the official results, Lula obtained 48.4% of the votes while Bolsonaro obtained 43.2% of the votes. As no presidential candidate received a majority of the votes on 2 October, Lula and Bolsonaro advanced to a runoff election, scheduled for October 30, 2022. As a consequence, we cannot provide certainties of the effects that the results of the election may have on the Brazilian economy and its impact in Argentina, taking not account that both countries are close commercial partners and members of the MERCOSUR.

In addition, financial and securities markets in Argentina have been influenced by economic and market conditions in other markets worldwide. Although economic conditions vary from country to country, investors’ perceptions of events occurring in other countries have in the past substantially affected, and may continue to substantially affect, capital flows into, and investments in securities from issuers in, other countries, including Argentina. International investors’ reactions to events occurring in one market sometimes demonstrate a “contagion” effect in which an entire region or class of investment is disfavored by international investors.

On November 3, 2020, presidential elections took place in the United States. Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. was the Democratic nominee to challenge President Trump. Finally, on November 7, 2020, Democrat Joe Biden was declared president. Mr. Biden became the 46th president on January 20, 2021. We cannot predict how any measures adopted by the Biden administration may affect Argentina, nor the effect that any other measure taken by the Biden administration could cause on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets.

In July 2019, the Common Market of the South (“MERCOSUR”) signed a strategic partnership agreement with the European Union (the “EU”), which was expected to enter into force in 2021, once approved by the relevant legislatures of each member country. The objective of this agreement is to promote investments, regional integration, increase the competitiveness of the economy and achieve an increase in GDP. However, the effect that this agreement could have on the Argentine economy and the policies implemented by the Argentine government is uncertain. In October 2020, The European Parliament passed a non-binding resolution opposing the ratification of the trade agreement between the EU and MERCOSUR due to concerns over the environmental policy of the Jair Bolsonaro government. At the same time, the EU was to send MERCOSUR member countries a document with additional requirements on the environmental commitment, a matter that has not been fulfilled and that, in part, has slowed down the implementation of the agreement between both entities. In this regard, it is reported that the definition and implementation of the free trade agreement will be completed next year and not in the second part of 2022, as expected.

Changes in social, political, regulatory and economic conditions in other countries or regions, or in the laws and policies governing foreign trade, could create uncertainty in the international markets and could have a negative impact on emerging market economies, including the Argentine economy. Also, if these countries fall into a recession, the Argentine economy would be impacted by a decline in its exports, particularly of its main agricultural commodities. All of these factors could have a negative impact on Argentina’s economy and, in turn, our business, financial condition and results of operations.

High commodity prices contributed to the increase in Argentine exports and to high Argentine government tax revenue from export withholdings. Consequently, the Argentine economy has remained relatively dependent on the price of its main agricultural products, primarily soy. This dependence has rendered the Argentine economy more vulnerable to commodity prices fluctuations.

A continuous decline in international prices of Argentina’s main commodity exports could have a negative impact on the levels of government revenue and the Argentine government’s ability to service its sovereign debt, and could either generate recessionary or inflationary pressures, depending on the Argentine government’s reaction. Either of these results would adversely impact Argentina’s economy and, therefore, our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The absence of a solid institutional framework and corruption have been pointed out as an important problem for Argentina and continue to be. 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 former Macri administration adopted several measures aimed at strengthening Argentina’s institutions and curbing corruption. These measures included the reduction of criminal sentences in exchange for cooperation with the Argentine government in corruption investigations, increased access to public information, the seizing of assets from corrupt officials, increasing the powers of the Anticorruption Office (Oficina Anticorrupción) and the passing of a new public ethics law, among others.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine could have an unpredictable effect on the global economy and on international and local securities markets, and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

The recent outbreak of war in Ukraine has affected global economic markets, including a dramatic increase in the price of oil and gas, and the uncertain resolution of this conflict could result in protracted and/or severe damage to the global economy.

Russia’s recent military interventions in Ukraine have led to, and may lead to, additional sanctions being levied by the United States, the European Union and other countries against Russia and possibly countries that support, directly or indirectly, Russia’s incursion. Russia’s military incursion and the resulting sanctions could adversely affect global energy and financial markets, including Argentina’s, and thus could affect our businesses and the businesses of our customers, even though we do not have any direct exposure to Russia or the adjoining geographic regions.

The extent and duration of the military action, sanctions and resulting market disruptions are impossible to predict, but could be substantial. Any such disruptions caused by Russian military action or resulting sanctions may magnify the impact of other risks described herein. We cannot predict the progress or outcome of the situation in Ukraine, as the conflict and governmental reactions are rapidly developing and beyond their control. Prolonged unrest, intensified military activities or more extensive sanctions impacting the region, could have a material adverse effect on the global economy, and such effect could in turn have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Our internal policies and procedures might not be sufficient to guarantee compliance with anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws and regulations.

Our operations are subject to various anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws and regulations, including the Corporate Criminal Liability Law and the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (the “FCPA”). Both the Corporate Criminal Liability Law and the FCPA impose liability against companies who engage in bribery of Argentine government officials, either directly or through intermediaries. The anti-corruption laws generally prohibit providing anything of value to Argentine government officials for the purposes of obtaining or retaining business or securing any improper business advantage. As part of our business, we may deal with entities in which the employees are considered government officials. We have a compliance program that is designed to manage the risks of doing business in light of these new and existing legal and regulatory requirements.

Although we have internal policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with applicable anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that such policies and procedures will be sufficient. Violations of anti-corruption laws and sanctions regulations could lead to financial penalties being imposed on us, limits being placed on our activities, our authorizations and licenses being revoked, damage to our reputation and other consequences that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Further, litigations or investigations relating to alleged or suspected violations of anti-corruption laws and sanctions regulations could be costly.

Risks Relating to our Business

Disease outbreaks or other public health concerns could reduce traffic in our shopping malls.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Argentine government enacted several regulations limiting the operation of schools, cinemas and shopping malls, which has significantly reduced traffic at our shopping malls. See “Risks Relating to Argentina – The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and government measures to contain the virus are adversely affecting our business and results of operations, and, as conditions are evolving rapidly, we cannot accurately predict the ultimate impact on our results of operation.” We cannot assure you that new disease outbreaks or health hazards will not occur in the future, or that such an outbreak or health hazard would not significantly affect consumer and/or tourists’ activity. The recurrence of such a scenario could adversely affect our business and the results of operations.

We are subject to risks inherent to the operation of shopping malls that may affect our profitability.

Our shopping malls are subject to various factors that affect their development, administration and profitability, including:

An increase in our operating costs could also have a material adverse effect on us if our tenants were to become unable to pay higher rent we may be required to impose as a result of increased expenses. Moreover, the shopping mall business is closely related to consumer spending and affected by prevailing economic conditions. All of our shopping malls and commercial properties are located in Argentina, and consequently, these operations may be adversely affected by recession or economic uncertainty in Argentina. Persistently poor economic conditions could result in a decline in consumer spending which could have a material adverse effect on shopping mall revenue.

We could be adversely affected by decreases in the value of our investments.

Our investments are exposed to the risks generally inherent to the real estate industry, many of which are out of our control. Any of these risks could adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Any returns on capital expenditures associated with real estate are dependent upon sales volumes and/or revenue from leases and the expenses incurred. In addition, there are other factors that may adversely affect the performance and value of a property, including local economic conditions prevailing in the area where the property is located, macroeconomic conditions in Argentina and globally, competition, our ability to find lessees and their ability to perform on their leases, changes in legislation and in governmental regulations (such as the use of properties, urban planning and real estate taxes) as well as exchange controls (given that the real estate market in Argentina relies on the U.S. dollar to determine valuations), variations in interest rates (including the risk of an increase in interest rates that reduces sales of lots for residential development) and the availability of third party financing. In addition and given the relative illiquidity of the Argentine real estate market, we could be unable to effectively respond to adverse market conditions and/or be compelled to undersell one or more properties. Some significant expenses, such as debt service, real estate taxes and operating and maintenance costs do not fall when there are circumstances that reduce the revenue from an investment, increasing our relative expenditures. These factors and events could impair our ability to respond to adverse changes in the returns on the Company’s investments, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our financial position and the results of the Company’s operations.

Our level of debt may adversely affect our operations and our ability to pay our debt as it becomes due and our capacity to successfully access the local and international markets on favorable terms affects our cost of funding.

As of June 30, 2022, our consolidated financial gross debt amounted to ARS 74,734 million. We cannot assure you that we will have sufficient cash flows and adequate financial capacity to finance our business in the future. Although we are generating sufficient funds from our operating cash flows to meet our debt service obligations and our ability to obtain new financing is adequate, considering the current availability of loan financing in Argentina, we cannot assure you that we will have sufficient cash flows and adequate financial structure in the future. For more information see “Item 10. Additional Information—D. Exchange Controls.”

Our leverage may affect our ability to refinance existing debt or borrow additional funds to finance working capital requirements, acquisitions and capital expenditures. In addition, the recent disruptions in the local capital and the macroeconomic conditions of Argentine markets, may adversely impact our ability to refinance existing debt and the availability and cost of credit in the future. In such conditions, access to equity and debt financing options may be restricted and it may be uncertain how long these economic circumstances may last. This would require us to allocate a substantial portion of cash flow to repay principal and interest, thereby reducing the amount of money available to invest in operations, including acquisitions and capital expenditures. Furthermore, our, leverage could also affect our competitiveness and limit our ability to pay our debt due to changes in market conditions, changes in the real estate industry and/or future economic downturns.

The success of our businesses and the feasibility of our transactions depend on the continuity of investments in the real estate markets and our ability to access capital and debt financing. In the long term, lack of confidence in real estate investment and lack of access to credit for acquisitions could restrict growth. As part of our business strategy, we will strive to increase our real estate portfolio through strategic acquisitions of properties at favorable prices and properties with added value which we believe meet the requirements to increase the value of our properties.

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows from operations to satisfy our debt service requirements or to obtain future financing. If we cannot satisfy our debt service requirements or if we default on any financial or other covenants in our debt arrangements, the lenders and/or holders of our securities will be able to accelerate the maturity of such debt or default under other debt arrangements. Our ability to service debt obligations or to refinance them will depend upon our future financial and operating performance, which will, in part, be subject to factors beyond our control such as macroeconomic conditions and regulatory changes in Argentina. If we cannot obtain future financing, we may have to delay or abandon some or all of our planned capital expenditures, which could adversely affect our ability to generate cash flows and repay our obligations as they become due.

For more information see “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and capital resources—Indebtedness”.

Our assets are highly concentrated in certain geographic areas and an economic downturn in such areas could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

As of June 30, 2022, most of our revenue from leases and services provided by the Shopping Malls segment derived from properties located in the City of Buenos Aires and the Greater Buenos Aires metropolitan area. In addition, all of the Company’s office buildings are located in Buenos Aires and a substantial portion of our revenue is derived from such properties. Although we own properties and may acquire or develop additional properties outside Buenos Aires and the Greater Buenos Aires metro area, we expect to continue to be largely affected by economic conditions or by pandemic effects which could affect these high populated areas. Consequently, an economic downturn in those areas could cause a reduction in our rental income and adversely affect its ability to comply with the Company’s debt service and fund operations.

The Company’s performance is subject to the risks associated with our properties and with the real estate industry.

Our operating performance and the value of our real estate assets, and as a result, the value of its securities, are subject to the risk that its properties may not be able to generate sufficient revenue to meet its operating expenses, including debt service and capital expenditures, its cash flow needs and its ability to service our debt service obligations. Events or conditions beyond its control that may adversely affect its operations or the value of its properties include:

If any one or more of the foregoing conditions were to affect the Company’s activities, this could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations, and as a result, on the Company’s results.

An adverse economic environment for real estate companies and the credit crisis may adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.

The success of the Company’s business and profitability of its operations depend on continued investment in real estate and access to long-term financing. A prolonged crisis of confidence in real estate investments and lack of credit for acquisitions may constrain our growth and the maintenance of our current business and operations. As part of the Company’s strategy, we intend to increase our properties portfolio through strategic acquisitions at favorable prices, where we believe the Company can bring the necessary expertise to enhance property values. In order to pursue acquisitions, we may require capital or debt financing. Recent disruptions in the financial markets may adversely impact the Company’s ability to refinance existing debt and the availability and cost of credit in the future. Any consideration of sales of existing properties or portfolio interests may be offset by lower property values. Our ability to make scheduled payments or to refinance the Company’s existing debt obligations depends on our operating and financial performance, which in turn is subject to prevailing economic conditions. If disruptions in financial markets prevail or arise in the future, we cannot provide assurances that Argentine government responses to such disruptions will restore investor confidence, stabilize the markets or increase liquidity and the availability of credit.

The Company’s revenue and profit may be materially and adversely affected by continuing inflation and economic activity in Argentina.

The Company’s business is mainly driven by consumer spending since a portion of the revenue from its Shopping Mall segment derives directly from the sales of our tenants, whose revenue relies on the sales to consumers. As a result, the Company’s revenues and net income are impacted to a significant extent by economic conditions in Argentina, including the development in the textile industry and domestic consumption, which has experienced significant decline during 2019, 2020 and 2021. Consumer spending is influenced by many factors beyond our control, including consumer perception of current and future economic conditions, inflation, political uncertainty, rates of employment, interest rates, taxation and currency exchange rates. Any continuing economic slowdown, whether actual or perceived, could significantly reduce domestic consumer spending in Argentina and therefore adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The loss of tenants could adversely affect our operating revenue and value of our properties.

Although no single tenant represents more than 4.3% of the Company’s revenues in any fiscal year, if a significant number of tenants at its retail or office properties were to experience financial difficulties, including bankruptcy, insolvency or a general downturn of business, or if we failed to retain them, our business could be adversely affected. Further, the Company’s shopping malls typically have a significant “anchor” tenant, such as well-known department stores, that generate consumer traffic at each mall. A decision by such tenants to cease operating at any of our shopping mall properties could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and the results of our operations. In addition, the closing of one or more stores that attract consumer traffic may motivate other tenants to terminate or to not renew their leases, to seek rent concessions and/or close their stores. Moreover, tenants at one or more properties might terminate their leases as a result of mergers, acquisitions, consolidations, dispositions or bankruptcies. The bankruptcy and/or closure of multiple stores, if we are not able to successfully release the affected space, could have a material adverse effect on both the operating revenue and underlying value of the properties involved. See “Item 5.A. Operating Results – The Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic.”

We may face risks associated with acquisitions of properties, our future acquisitions may not be profitable and the properties we acquire may be subject to unknown liabilities.

As part of the Company’s growth strategy, we have acquired, and intend to do so in the future, properties, including large properties (such as Edificio República, Abasto de Buenos Aires and Alto Palermo Shopping), that tend to increase the size of our operations and potentially alter our capital structure. Although we believe that the acquisitions we have completed in the past and that we expect to undertake enhance the Company’s financial performance, the success of such transactions is subject to a number of uncertainties, including the risk that:

The Company’s future acquisitions may not be profitable.

We seek to acquire additional shopping malls to the extent we manage to acquire them on favorable terms and conditions and they meet our investment criteria. Acquisitions of commercial properties entail general investment risks associated with any real estate investment, including:

If we acquires a business, we will be required to merge and integrate the operations, personnel, accounting and information systems of such acquired business. In addition, acquisitions of or investments in companies may cause disruptions in our operations and divert management’s attention away from day-to-day operations, which could impair our relationships with our current tenants and employees.

The properties we acquire may be subject to unknown liabilities.

The properties that we acquire may be subject to unknown liabilities, in respect to which we may have limited or no recourse to the former owners. If a liability were asserted against us based on the Company’s ownership of an acquired property, we may be required to incur significant expenditures to settle, which could adversely affect the Company’s financial results and cash flow. Unknown liabilities relating to acquired properties could include:

The Company’s dependence on rental income may adversely affect our ability to meet the Company’s debt obligations.

A substantial part of our revenue is derived from rental income. As a result, our performance depends on our ability to collect rent from the Company’s tenants. Our revenue and profits would be negatively affected if a significant number of our tenants or any significant tenant were to:

Any of these actions could result in the termination of leases and the loss of related rental income. In addition, we cannot assure you that any tenant whose lease expires will renew that lease or that we will be able to re-let the space on economically reasonable terms. The loss of rental revenue from a number of our tenants and the Company’s inability to replace such tenants may adversely affect our profitability and its ability to comply with our debt service obligations. These factors are particularly disruptive in the context of emergency situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused significant adverse impacts on our business as tenants have been required to shut down or significantly reduce their operating activities.

It may be difficult to buy and sell real estate quickly and transfer restrictions may apply to part of the Company’s portfolio of properties.

Real estate investments are relatively illiquid and this tends to limit our ability to change the mix of the Company’s portfolio in response to economic circumstances or other conditions. In addition, significant expenditures associated with each investment, such as mortgage payments, real estate taxes and maintenance costs, are generally not reduced when an investment generates lower revenue. If revenue from a property declines while expenses remain the same, our results of operations would be adversely affected. Certain properties are mortgaged and if we were unable to meet our underlying payment obligations, we could suffer losses as a result of foreclosures on those mortgaged properties. Furthermore, if we are required to dispose of one or more of our mortgaged properties, we would not be able to obtain release of the mortgage interest without payment of the associated debt. The foreclosure of a mortgage on a property or inability to sell a property could adversely affect our business. In this kind of transactions, we may agree not to sell the acquired properties for a considerable time which could affect our results of operations.

Some of the land we have purchased is not zoned for development and we may be unable to obtain, or may face delays in obtaining, the necessary zoning permits and other authorizations.

We own several plots of land which are not zoned for our intended development plans. In addition, we have not yet applied for the required land-use, building, occupancy and other required governmental permits and authorizations for these properties. We cannot assure you that we will continue to be successful in our attempts to rezone land and to obtain all necessary permits and authorizations, or that rezoning efforts and permit requests will not be delayed or rejected. Moreover, we may be affected by building moratorium and anti-growth legislation. If we are unable to obtain the governmental permits and authorizations we need to develop our present and future projects as planned, then we may be forced to make unwanted modifications to such projects or abandon them altogether.

We may face risks associated with land-takings in Argentina.

Land-taking is a long-standing problem in Argentina that has escalated throughout the years with every economic crisis, especially now in the context of the COVID-19 economic crisis.

The spread of land takes has revived in Argentina an old debate in Argentina. There is a conflict between two groups that claim, on the one hand, a right to decent housing, and on the other hand a group that claims that the right to private property should be respected Argentina’s constant and cyclical economic crises over the past 50 years have also caused poverty to rise sharply, so less people can access a roof, resulting in a housing deficit

As a consequence, we cannot provide assurance that Argentine government responses to such disruptions will restore investor confidence in Argentine lands, which could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

The Company’s ability to grow will be limited if we cannot obtain additional financing.

Although the Company is liquid as of the date of this Annual Report, we must maintain liquidity to fund our working capital, service our outstanding indebtedness and finance investment opportunities. Without sufficient liquidity, we could be forced to curtail our operations or we may not be able to pursue new business opportunities.

The Company’s growth strategy is focused on the development and redevelopment of properties we already own and the acquisition of additional properties for development. As a result, we are likely to have to depend to an important degree on the availability of capital financing, which may or may not be available on favorable terms if at all. We cannot assure you that additional financing, refinancing or other capital will be available in the amounts we require or on favorable terms. The Company’s access to debt or equity capital markets depends on a number of factors, including the market’s perception of the Company’s growth potential, its ability to pay dividends, financial condition credit rating and our current and potential future earnings. Depending on these factors, we could experience delays or difficulties in implementing the Company’s growth strategy on satisfactory terms or at all.

The capital and credit markets for Argentina have been experiencing extreme volatility and disruption since the last years. If the Company’s current resources do not satisfy our liquidity requirements, we may have to seek additional financing. The availability of financing will depend on a variety of factors, such as economic and market conditions, the availability of credit and our credit ratings, as well as the possibility that lenders could develop a negative perception of the prospects of risk in Argentina, of our company or the industry generally. We may not be able to successfully obtain any necessary additional financing on favorable terms, or at all.

Adverse incidents that occur in the Company’s shopping malls may result in damage to our reputation and a decrease in the number of customers.

Given that the Company’s shopping malls are open to the public, with ample circulation of people, accidents, theft, robbery, public protest, pandemic effects and other incidents may occur in our facilities, regardless of the preventative measures we adopt. If such an incident or series of incidents occurs, shopping mall customers and visitors may choose to visit other shopping venues that they believe are safer, which may cause a reduction in the sales volume and operating income of our shopping malls.

Argentine laws governing leases impose restrictions that limit the Company’s flexibility.

Argentine laws governing leases impose certain restrictions, including the following:

As a result, we are exposed to the risk of higher rates of inflation under the Company’s leases, and any exercise of rescission rights by our tenants could materially and adversely affect our business and results of operations. We cannot assure you that the Company’s tenants will not exercise such right, especially if rental rates stabilize or decline in the future or if economic conditions continue to deteriorate.

We may be liable for certain defects in the Company’s buildings.

The Argentine Civil and Commercial Code imposes liability for real estate developers, builders, technical project managers and architects in case of hidden defects in a property for a period of three years from the date title on the property is tendered to the purchaser, even when those defects did not cause significant property damage. If any defect affects the structural soundness or make the property unfit for use, the liability term is ten years.

In the Company’s real estate developments, we usually act as developers and sellers while construction generally is carried out by third party contractors. Absent a specific claim, we cannot quantify the potential cost of any obligation that may arise as a result of a future claim, and we have not recorded provisions associated with them in our financial statements. If we were required to remedy any defects on completed works, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

We could have losses if we have to resort to eviction proceedings in Argentina to collect unpaid rent because such proceedings are complex and time-consuming.

Although Argentine law permits filing of an executive proceeding to collect unpaid rent and a special proceeding to evict tenants, eviction proceedings in Argentina are complex and time-consuming. Historically, the heavy workloads of the courts and the numerous procedural steps required have generally delayed landlords’ efforts to evict tenants. Eviction proceedings generally take between six months and two years from the date of filing of the suit to the time of actual eviction.

Historically, we have sought to negotiate the termination of leases with defaulting tenants after the first few months of non-payment in an effort to avoid legal proceedings. Delinquency may increase significantly in the future, and such negotiations with tenants may not be as successful as they have been in the past. Moreover, new Argentine laws and regulations may forbid or restrict eviction, and in each such case they would likely have a material and adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Climate change may have adverse effects on our business

We, our customers, and communities in which we operate, may be adversely affected by the physical risks of climate change, including increases in temperatures, sea levels, and the frequency and severity of adverse climatic events including fires, storms, floods and droughts. These effects, whether acute or chronic in nature, may directly impact us and our customers through disruptions to business and economic activity or impacts on income and asset values.

Initiatives to mitigate or respond to climate change may impact market and asset prices, economic activity, and customer behavior, particularly in emissions intensive industry sectors and geographies affected by these changes.

Failure to effectively manage and disclose these risks could adversely affect our business, prospects, reputation, financial performance or financial condition.

The recurrence of a credit crisis could have a negative impact on the Company’s major customers, which in turn could materially adversely affect our results of operations and liquidity.

The global credit crisis has a significant negative impact on businesses around the world. Similarly, Argentina is undergoing a credit crisis that could negatively impact the Company’s tenants’ ability to comply with their lease obligations. The impact of a future credit crisis on the Company’s major tenants cannot be predicted and may be quite severe. A disruption in the ability of the Company’s significant tenants to access liquidity could pose serious disruptions or an overall deterioration of their businesses, which could lead to a significant reduction in future orders of their products and their inability or failure to comply with their obligations, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and liquidity.

We are subject to risks inherent to the operation of office buildings that may affect the Company’s profitability.

Office buildings are exposed to various factors that may affect their development, administration and profitability, including the following factors:

The Company’s investment in property development and management activities may be less profitable than we anticipate.

We are engaged in the development and construction of properties to be used for office, residential or commercial purposes, shopping malls and residential complexes, in general through third-party contractors. Risks associated with our development, reconversion and construction activities include the following, among others:

In addition, we may face claims for the enforcement of labor laws in Argentina. Many companies hire personnel from third parties that provide outsourced services, and sign indemnity agreements if labor claims from employees of such third company arise. However, in recent years several courts have rejected the existence of independence in those labor relations and ruled that joint and several responsibilities by both companies.

While the Company’s policies with respect to expansion, renovation and development activities are intended to limit some of the risks otherwise associated with such activities, we are nevertheless subject to risks associated with property development, such as cost overruns, design changes and timing delays arising from a lack of availability of materials and labor, weather conditions and other factors outside of our control, as well as financing costs that, may exceed original estimates, possibly making the associated investment unprofitable. Any delays or unanticipated expenses could adversely affect the investment returns from these development projects and harm our operating results.

Greater than expected increases in construction costs could adversely affect the profitability of the Company’s new developments.

The Company’s businesses activities include real estate developments. One of the main risks related to this activity corresponds to potential increases in constructions costs, which may be driven by higher demand and new development projects in the shopping malls and buildings sectors. Increases higher than those included in the original budget may result in lower profitability than expected.

The increasingly competitive real estate sector in Argentina may adversely affect our ability to rent or sell office space and other real estate and may affect the sale and lease price of our premises.

The Company’s real estate activities are highly concentrated in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area where the market is highly competitive due to a scarcity of properties in sought-after locations and an increasing number of local and international competitors. The Argentine real estate industry is highly competitive and fragmented and does not have high barriers to entry for new competitors. The main competitive factors in the real estate development business include availability and location of land, price, funding, design, quality, reputation and partnerships with developers. A number of residential and commercial developers and real estate service companies compete in identifying land acquisition opportunities, attracting financial resources, and appealing to prospective purchasers and tenants. Other companies, including joint ventures of foreign and local companies, have become increasingly active in the market, further increasing competition. If one or more of our competitors is able to acquire and develop desirable properties, because it has access to greater financial resources or otherwise, if we are unable to respond to such pressures as promptly as our competitors, or competition increases, our business and financial condition could be adversely affected.

All of the Company’s shopping mall and commercial office properties are located in Argentina. There are other shopping malls and independent retail stores and residential properties that are within the geographic scope of each of our properties. The number of competing properties in a particular area could have a material adverse effect both on our ability to lease retail space in our shopping malls or sell units in our residential complexes and on the amount of rent or the sale price that we are able to charge. We cannot assure you that other shopping mall operators will not invest in Argentina in the near future. If additional competitors become active in the shopping mall segment, such competition could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Substantially all of the Company’s offices and other non-shopping mall rental properties are located in developed urban areas. There are many office buildings, shopping malls, retail and residential premises in the areas where the Company’s properties are located. This is a highly fragmented market, and the abundance of comparable properties in our vicinity may adversely affect our ability to rent or sell office space and other real estate and may affect the sale and lease price of our premises. In the future, both national and foreign companies may participate in Argentina’s real estate development market, competing with us for business opportunities.

Some potential losses are not covered by insurance and certain kinds of insurance coverage may become prohibitively expensive.

We currently carry insurance policies that cover potential risks such as civil liability, fire, lost profit and floods, including extended coverage and losses from leases on all of the Company’s properties. Although we believe the policy specifications and insured limits of these policies are customary, there are certain types of losses, such as lease and other contract claims, terrorism and acts of war that generally are not insured under the insurance policies offered in Argentina. In the event of a loss that was not insured or a loss in excess of insured limits, we could lose all or a portion of the capital we have invested in a property, as well as its anticipated future revenue. In such an event, we might nevertheless remain obligated for any mortgage debt or other financial obligations related to the property. We cannot assure you that material losses in excess of insurance proceeds will not occur in the future. If any of the Company’s properties were to experience a catastrophic loss, it could seriously disrupt our operations, delay revenue and result in large expenses to repair or rebuild the property. Insurance companies may no longer offer coverage against certain types of losses, such as losses due to terrorist acts and the existence of mold, or, if offered, these types of insurance may become too expensive.

We do not have life or disability insurance for our key employees. If any of our key employees were to die or become disabled, we could experience losses caused by a disruption in our operations which will not be covered by insurance, and this could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

An uninsured loss or a loss that exceeds policies on the Company’s properties could subject us to lost capital or revenue on those properties.

The terms of our standard form property leases currently in effect, require tenants to indemnify and hold us harmless from liabilities resulting from injury to persons or property at or outside the premises, due to activities conducted on the properties, except for claims arising from negligence or intentional misconduct of the Company’s agents. Tenants are generally required, at the tenant’s expense, to obtain and keep in full force during the term of the lease, liability insurance policies. We cannot provide assurance that the Company’s tenants will be able to properly maintain their insurance policies or have the ability to pay deductibles. If an uninsured loss occurs or a loss arises that exceeds the combined aggregate limits for the policies, or if a loss arises that is subject to a substantial deductible under an insurance policy, we could lose all or part of the Company’s capital invested in, and anticipated revenue from, one or more of the Company’s properties, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Demand for our premium properties, aimed at high-income consumers, may not be sufficient.

We have focused on development projects that cater to affluent consumers and have entered into property barter arrangements pursuant to which we contributed undeveloped land parcels to joint venture entities with developers who agree to deliver units at premium development locations in exchange for the Company’s land contribution. When the developers return these properties to us, demand for premium residential units could be significantly lower. In such case, we would be unable to sell these residential units at the estimated prices or time frame, which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

The Company is subject to risks affecting the hotel industry.

The full-service segment of the lodging industry in which our hotels operate is highly competitive. The operational success of our hotels is highly dependent on our ability to compete in areas such as access, location, quality of accommodations, rates, quality food and beverage facilities and other services and amenities. The Company’s hotels may face additional competition if other companies decide to build new hotels or improve their existing hotels to increase their attractiveness.

In addition, the profitability of our hotels depends on:

The shift by consumers to purchasing goods over the internet, where barriers to entry are low, may negatively affect sales at our shopping malls.

In recent years, internet retail sales have grown significantly in Argentina, even though the market share of such sales is still modest. The Internet enables manufacturers and retailers to sell directly to consumers, diminishing the importance of traditional distribution channels such as retail stores and shopping malls. We believe that our target consumers are increasingly using the Internet, from home, work or elsewhere, to shop electronically for retail goods, and this trend is likely to continue. Retailers at the Company’s properties face increasing competition from online sales and this could cause the termination or non-renewal of their leases or a reduction in their gross sales, affecting our percentage rent based revenue. If e commerce and retail sales through the Internet continue to grow, retailers’ and consumers’ reliance on our shopping malls could be materially diminished, having a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and business prospects. For more information with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our business, see “Item 5.A. Operating Results – The Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic.”

The Company’s business is subject to extensive regulation and additional regulations may be imposed in the future.

Our activities are subject to Argentine federal, state and municipal laws, and to regulations, authorizations and licenses required with respect to construction, zoning, use of the soil, environmental protection and historical landmark preservation, consumer protection, antitrust and other requirements, all of which affect the Company´s ability to acquire land, buildings and shopping malls, develop and build projects and negotiate with customers. In addition, companies in this industry are subject to increasing tax rates, the introduction of new taxes and changes in the taxation regime. We are required to obtain permits from different government agencies in order to carry out our projects. Maintaining the Company’s licenses and authorizations can be costly. If we fail to comply with such laws, regulations, licenses and authorizations, we may face fines, project shutdowns, and cancellation of licenses and revocation of authorizations.

In addition, public agencies may issue new and stricter standards, or enforce or construe existing laws and regulations in a more restrictive manner, which may force us to incur expenditures in order to comply. Development activities are also subject to risks of potential delays in or an inability to obtain all necessary zoning, environmental, land-use, development, building, occupancy and other permits and authorizations. Any such delays or failures to obtain such government approvals may have an adverse effect on our business.

In the past, the Argentine government issued regulations regarding leases in response to housing shortages, high rates of inflation and difficulties in accessing credit. Such regulations limited or prohibited increases on rental prices and prohibited eviction of tenants, even for failure to pay rent. Most of the Company’s leases provide that tenants pay all costs and taxes related to their respective leased areas. In the event of a significant increase in such costs and taxes, the Argentine government may respond to political pressure to intervene by regulating this practice, thereby negatively affecting our rental income. We cannot assure you that the Argentine government will not impose similar or other regulations in the future. Changes in existing laws or the enactment of new laws governing the ownership, operation or leasing of shopping malls and office properties in Argentina could negatively affect the real estate and the rental market and materially and adversely affect our operations and financial condition.

Labor relations may negatively impact the Company.

As of June 30, 2022, 64.0% of our workforce was represented by unions under collective bargaining agreements. Although we currently enjoy good relations with our employees and their unions, we cannot assure you that labor relations will continue to be positive or that deterioration in labor relations will not materially and adversely affect us.

The results of our operations include unrealized revaluation adjustments on investment properties, which may fluctuate significantly over financial periods and may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

During the year ended June 30, 2022, we had fair value gain on investment properties of ARS 13,650 million. Although the upward or downward revaluation adjustments reflect unrealized capital gains or losses on our investment properties during the relevant periods, the adjustments do not reflect the actual cash flow or profit or losses generated from the sales or rental of our investment properties. Unless such investment properties are disposed of at similarly revalued amounts, we will not realize the actual cash flow. The amount of revaluation adjustments has been, and will continue to be, significantly affected by the prevailing property markets and macroeconomic conditions prevailing in Argentina and will be subject to market fluctuations in those markets.

We cannot guarantee whether changes in market conditions will increase, maintain or decrease the historical average fair value gains on our investment properties or at all. In addition, the fair value of our investment properties may materially differ from the amount we receive from any actual sale of an investment property. If there is any material downward adjustment in the revaluation of our investment properties in the future or if our investment properties are disposed of at significantly lower prices than their valuation or appraised value, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.

Due to the currency mismatches between our assets and liabilities, we have a high currency exposure.

As of June 30, 2022, the majority of our liabilities, such as our Series I, V, VII, VIII, IX, XI, XII and XIII, were denominated in U.S. dollars (as well as Series XIV Notes, which was issued on July 8, 2022) while the Company’s revenues are mainly denominated in Pesos. This currency gap mainly affects our operational flows to pay interests of our U.S. dollar denominated debt, considering our assets are transacted in U.S dollars.  In addition, restrictions to access to MULC to acquire the required U.S. dollars to pay our U.S. dollar denominated debt or future regulations that may be enacted establishing a different exchange rate (higher than the current official exchange rate) to convert the Pesos into U.S. dollars  exposes us to a risk of volatility, which may adversely affect our financial results if the U.S. dollar appreciates against the Peso and may affected our ability to pay interests of our U.S. dollar denominated debt. Any depreciation of the Peso against the U.S. dollar increases the nominal amount of our debt in Pesos, which further adversely affects the results of the Company’s operations and financial conditions and may increase the collection risk of our leases and other receivables from our tenants and mortgages, most of which generate Peso denominated revenue

The Company issues debt in the local and international capital markets as one of its main sources of funding and its capacity to successfully access the local and international markets on favorable terms affects its cost of funding.

The Company’s ability to successfully access the local and international capital markets on acceptable terms depends largely on capital markets conditions prevailing in Argentina and internationally. We have no control over capital markets conditions, which can be volatile and unpredictable. If we are unable to issue debt in the local and/or international capital markets and on terms acceptable to the Company, whether as a result of regulations and foreign exchange restrictions, a deterioration in capital markets conditions or otherwise, we would likely be compelled to seek alternatives for funding, which may include short-term or more expensive funding sources. If this were to happen, we may be unable to fund our liquidity needs at competitive costs and its business results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected.

Property ownership through joint ventures or investees may limit our ability to act exclusively in our interest.

We develop and acquire properties in joint ventures with other persons or entities or make minority investments in entities when we believe circumstances warrant the use of such structures.

As of June 30 2022, the Company owns 50% of Quality Invest S.A. In the Sales and Developments segment, 50% of the equity of Puerto Retiro and 50% of the equity of Cyrsa S.A. In the Hotel segment, the Company owns 50% of the equity of Hotel Llao Llao and the other 50% is owned by the Sutton Group.

In addition, we hold approximately 29.91% of the equity of Banco Hipotecario, of which the Argentine government is the controlling shareholder.

We could engage in a dispute with one or more of its joint venture partners or controlling shareholder in an investment that might affect its ability to operate a jointly-owned property. Moreover, its joint venture partners or controlling shareholder in an investment may, at any time, have business, economic or other objectives that are inconsistent with its objectives, including objectives that relate to the timing and terms of any sale or refinancing of a property. For example, the approval of certain of its investors is required with respect to operating budgets and refinancing, encumbering, expanding or selling any of these properties. In some instances, its joint venture partners or controlling shareholder in an investment may have competing interests in their markets that could create conflicts of interest. If the objectives of its joint venture partners or controlling shareholder in an investment are inconsistent with our own objectives, we will not be able to act exclusively in our interests.

If one or more of the investors in any of its jointly owned properties were to experience financial difficulties, including bankruptcy, insolvency or a general downturn of business, there could be an adverse effect on the relevant property or properties and in turn, on our financial performance. Should a joint venture partner or controlling shareholder in an investment declare bankruptcy, we could be liable for its partner’s common share of joint venture liabilities or liabilities of the investment vehicle.

We are dependent on our Board of Directors senior management and other key personnel.

The Company’s success, to a significant extent, depends on the continued employment of Eduardo S. Elsztain and certain other members of our Board of Directors and senior management, who have significant expertise and knowledge of our business and industry. The loss or interruption of their services for any reason could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Our future success also depends in part upon our ability to attract and retain other highly qualified personnel. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in hiring or retaining qualified personnel, or that any of our personnel will remain employed by us, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We may face potential conflicts of interest relating to our principal shareholders.

Our largest beneficial owner is Mr. Eduardo S. Elsztain, according to his indirect shareholding through Cresud S.A.C.I.F. y A. As of June 30, 2022, such beneficial ownership consisted of 434,263,346 common shares held by Cresud S.A.C.I.F. y A. Conflicts of interest between our management and that of our related companies may arise in connection with the performance of their respective business activities. As of June 30, 2022, Mr. Eduardo S. Elsztain also beneficially owned (i) approximately 55.7% of our common shares. We cannot assure you that our principal shareholders and our affiliates will not limit or cause us to forego business opportunities that our affiliates may pursue or that the pursuit of other opportunities will be in our interest.

Risks Relating to our Investment in Banco Hipotecario

As of June 30, 2022, we owned approximately 29.91% of the outstanding capital stock of Banco Hipotecario S.A. (“Banco Hipotecario”). Banco Hipotecario’s assets as of such date were ARS 323,353.1 million. All of Banco Hipotecario’s operations, properties and customers are located in Argentina. Accordingly, the quality of Banco Hipotecario’s loan portfolio, financial condition and results of operations depend on economic, regulatory and political conditions prevailing in Argentina. These conditions include growth rates, inflation rates, exchange rates, changes to interest rates, changes to government policies, social instability and other political, economic or international developments either taking place in, or otherwise affecting, Argentina.

The short-term structure of the deposit base of the Argentine financial system, including Banco Hipotecario, could lead to a reduction in liquidity levels and limit the long-term expansion of financial intermediation.

Given the short-term structure of the deposit base of the Argentine financial system, credit lines are also predominantly short-term, with the exception of mortgages, which represent a low proportion of the existing credit base. Although liquidity levels are currently reasonable, no assurance can be given that these levels will not be reduced due to a future negative economic scenario. Therefore, there is still a risk of low liquidity levels that could increase funding cost in the event of a withdrawal of a significant amount of the deposit base of the financial system, and limit the long-term expansion of financial intermediation including Banco Hipotecario.

The growth and profitability of Argentina’s financial system partially depend on the development of long-term funding. During 2019, Central Bank reserves registered an abrupt fall mainly due to U.S. dollars sales by the Central Bank and the National Treasury to the private sector; cancellation of public debt; and outflow of dollar deposits from the private sector. As a consequence, there is a reduction of loans denominated in U.S. dollars. Since most deposits in the Argentine financial system are short-term, a substantial portion of the loans have the same or similar maturities, and there is a small portion of long-term credit lines. The uncertainty with respect to the level of inflation in future years is a principal obstacle to a faster recovery of Argentina’s private sector long-term lending. This uncertainty has had, and may continue to have a significant impact on both the supply of and demand for long-term loans as borrowers try to hedge against inflation risk by borrowing at fixed rates while lenders hedge against inflation risk by offering loans at floating rates. If longer-term financial intermediation activity does not grow, the ability of financial institutions, including Banco Hipotecario, to generate profits will be negatively affected.

Banco Hipotecario issues debt in the local and international capital markets as one of its sources of funding and its capacity to successfully access the local and international markets on favorable terms affects its cost of funding.

In recent years, Banco Hipotecario has diversified its financing sources by increasing deposits. Still, Banco Hipotecario remains having presence in the local and international capital markets. As of June 30, 2022, Banco Hipotecario’s financial indebtedness accounted for 12.6% of its financing. Likewise, as of June 30, 2022, the issuance of notes represented 5.04% of its total liabilities. The ability of Banco Hipotecario to successfully access the local and international capital markets and on acceptable terms depends largely on capital markets conditions prevailing in Argentina and internationally. Banco Hipotecario has no control over capital markets conditions, which can be volatile and unpredictable.

The stability of the financial system depends upon the ability of financial institutions, including Banco Hipotecario, to maintain and increase the confidence of depositors.

The measures implemented by the Argentine government in late 2001 and early 2002, in particular the restrictions imposed on depositors to withdraw money freely from banks and the “pesification” and restructuring of their deposits, were strongly opposed by depositors due to the losses on their savings and undermined their confidence in the Argentine financial system and in all financial institutions operating in Argentina.

If depositors once again withdraw their money from banks in the future, there may be a substantial negative impact on the manner in which financial institutions, including Banco Hipotecario, conduct their business, and on their ability to operate as financial intermediaries. Loss of confidence in the international financial markets may also adversely affect the confidence of Argentine depositors in local banks.

In the future, an adverse economic situation, even if it is not related to the financial system, could trigger a massive withdrawal of capital from local banks by depositors, as an alternative to protect their assets from potential crises. Any massive withdrawal of deposits could cause liquidity issues in the financial sector and, consequently, a contraction in credit supply.

The occurrence of any of the above could have a material and adverse effect on Banco Hipotecario’s expenses and business, results of operations and financial condition.

The asset quality of financial institutions is exposed to the non-financial public sector’s and Central Bank’s indebtedness.

Financial institutions carry significant portfolios of bonds issued by the Argentine government and by provincial governments as well as loans granted to these governments. The exposure of the financial system to the non-financial public sector’s indebtedness had been shrinking steadily, from 49.0% of total assets in 2002 to 15.3% as of June 30, 2022. To an extent, the value of the assets held by Argentine banks, as well as their capacity to generate income, is dependent on the creditworthiness of the non-financial public sector, which is in turn tied to the Argentine government’s ability to foster sustainable long-term growth, generate fiscal revenue and reduce public expenditure.

In addition, financial institutions currently carry securities issued by the Central Bank in their portfolios, which generally are short-term. As of June 30, 2022, such securities issued by the Central Bank represented approximately 28.6% of the total assets of the Argentine financial system. As of June 30, 2022, Banco Hipotecario’s total exposure to the public sector was ARS 48,977 million, which represented 26% of its assets as of that date, and the total exposure to securities issued by the Central Bank was ARS 97,165 million, which represented 51.8% of its total assets as of June 30, 2022.

The quality of Banco Hipotecario’s assets and that of other financial institutions may deteriorate if the Argentine private sector is affected by economic events in Argentina or international macroeconomic conditions.

The capacity of many Argentine private sector debtors to repay their loans has in the past deteriorated as a result of certain economic events in Argentina or macroeconomic conditions, materially affecting the asset quality of financial institutions, including Banco Hipotecario. The ratio of non-performing private sector loans has increased in recent years, as Argentina’s economic outlook deteriorated. Banco Hipotecario recorded non-performing loan ratios of 12.3%, 13.4% and 4.2% for June 30, 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively. The quality of its loan portfolio is highly sensitive to economic conditions prevailing from time to time in Argentina, and as a result if Argentina were to experience adverse macroeconomic conditions, the quality of Banco Hipotecario’s loan portfolio and the recoverability of its loans would likely be adversely affected. This might affect the creditworthiness of Banco Hipotecario’s loan portfolio and the results of operations.

The Consumer Protection Law may limit some of the rights afforded to Banco Hipotecario.

Argentine Law No. 24,240 (the “Consumer Protection Law”) sets forth a series of rules and principles designed to protect consumers, which include Banco Hipotecario’s customers. The Consumer Protection Law was amended by Law No. 26,361 on March 12, 2008 to expand its applicability and the penalties associated with violations thereof. Additionally, Law No. 25,065 (as amended by Law No. 26,010 and Law No. 26,361, the “Credit Card Law”) also sets forth public policy regulations designed to protect credit card holders. Recent Central Bank regulations, such as Communication “A” 5,388, also protects consumers of financial services.

In addition, the Civil and Commercial Code has a chapter on consumer protection, stressing that the rules governing consumer relations should be applied and interpreted in accordance with the principle of consumer protection and that a consumer contract should be interpreted in the sense most favorable to it. The application of both the Consumer Protection Law and the Credit Card Law by administrative authorities and courts at the federal, provincial and municipal levels has increased. This trend has increased general consumer protection levels. If Banco Hipotecario is found to be liable for violations of any of the provisions of these laws, the potential penalties could limit some of Banco Hipotecario’s rights, for example, with respect to its ability to collect payments due from services and financing provided by us, and adversely affect Banco Hipotecario’s financial results of operations.

We cannot assure you that court and administrative rulings based on the newly-enacted regulation or measures adopted by the enforcement authorities will not increase the degree of protection given to Banco Hipotecario’s debtors and other customers in the future, or that they will not favor the claims brought by consumer groups or associations. This may prevent or hinder the collection of payments resulting from services rendered and financing granted by us, which may have an adverse effect on Banco Hipotecario’s business and results of operations.

Class actions against financial institutions for unliquidated amounts may adversely affect the financial system’s profitability.

Certain public and private organizations have initiated class actions against financial institutions in Argentina. The National Constitution and the Consumer Protection Law contain certain provisions regarding class actions. However, their guidance with respect to procedural rules for instituting and trying class action cases is limited. Nonetheless, through an ad hoc doctrine, Argentine courts have admitted class actions in some cases, including various lawsuits against financial entities related to “collective interests” such as alleged overcharging on products, interest rates and advice in the sale of public securities, etc. If class action plaintiffs were to prevail against financial institutions, their success could have an adverse effect on the financial industry in general and indirectly on Banco Hipotecario’s business.

Banco Hipotecario operates in a highly regulated environment and its operations are subject to capital controls regulations adopted by several regulatory agencies.

Financial institutions are subject to a major number of regulations concerning functions historically determined by the Central Bank and other regulatory authorities. The Central Bank may penalize Banco Hipotecario and its directors, members of the Executive Committee and members of its Supervisory Committee, in the event of any breach of the applicable regulation. Potential sanctions, for any breach on the applicable regulations may vary from administrative and/or disciplinary penalties to criminal sanctions. Similarly, the CNV, which authorizes securities offerings and regulates the capital markets in Argentina, has the authority to impose sanctions on us and Banco Hipotecario’s Board of Directors for breaches of corporate governance established in the capital markets laws and the CNV Rules. The Financial Information Unit (Unidad de Información Financiera, or “UIF” as per its acronym in Spanish) regulates matters relating to the prevention of asset laundering and has the ability to monitor compliance with any such regulations by financial institutions and, eventually, impose sanctions.

We cannot assure you whether such regulatory authorities will commence proceedings against Banco Hipotecario, its shareholders, directors or its Supervisory Committee, or penalize Banco Hipotecario. Banco Hipotecario has adopted “Know Your Customer” and other policies and procedures to comply with its duties under currently applicable rules and regulations.

In addition to regulations specific to the banking industry, Banco Hipotecario is subject to a wide range of federal, provincial and municipal regulations and supervision generally applicable to businesses operating in Argentina, including laws and regulations pertaining to labor, social security, public health, consumer protection, the environment, competition and price controls. We cannot assure you that existing or future legislation and regulation will not require material expenditures by Banco Hipotecario or otherwise have a material adverse effect on Banco Hipotecario’s consolidated operations.

The effects of legislation that restricts our ability to pursue mortgage foreclosure proceedings could adversely affect us.

The ability to pursue foreclosure proceedings through completion, in order to recover on defaulted mortgage loans, has an impact on financial institutions activities. On December 13, 2006, pursuant to Law No. 26,177, the “Restructuring Unit Law” was created to allow all mortgage loans to be restructured between debtors and the former Banco Hipotecario Nacional, insofar as such mortgages had been granted prior to the effectiveness of the Convertibility Law. Law No. 26,313, the “Pre-convertibility Mortgage Loans Restructuring Law,” was enacted by the Argentine Congress on November 21, 2007 and partially signed into law on December 6, 2007 to establish the procedure to be followed in the restructuring of mortgage loans within the scope of Section 23 of the Mortgage Refinancing System Law in accordance with the guidelines established by the Restructuring Unit Law. To this end, a recalculation was established for certain mortgage loans originated by the former Banco Hipotecario Nacional before April 1, 1991.

Executive Branch Decree No. 2,107/08 issued on December 19, 2008 regulated the Pre-convertibility Mortgage Loans Restructuring Law and established that the recalculation of the debt applies to the individual mortgage loans from global operations in effect on December 31, 2008 and agreed upon prior to April 1, 1991, and in arrears at least since November 2007 and remaining in arrears on December 31, 2008. In turn, the Executive Branch Decree No. 1,366/10, published on September 21, 2010, expanded the universe of Pre-convertibility loans subject to restructuring to include the individual mortgage loans not originating in global operations insofar as they met the other requirements imposed by Executive Branch Decree No. 2,107/08. In addition, Law No. 26,313 and its regulatory decrees also condoned the debts on mortgage loans granted before the Convertibility Law in so far as they had been granted to deal with emergency situations and in so far as they met the arrears requirement imposed on the loans subject to recalculation.

Subject to the Central Bank’s supervision, Banco Hipotecario implemented the recalculation of mortgage loans within the scope of the aforementioned rules by adjusting the value of the new installments to a maximum amount not in excess of 20% of household income. In this respect, we estimate that Banco Hipotecario has sufficient loan loss provisions to face any adverse economic impact on the portfolio involved. We cannot assure that the Argentine government will not enact additional laws restricting our ability to enforce our rights as a creditor and/or imposing a condition or a reduction of principal on the amounts unpaid in our mortgage loan portfolio. Any such circumstance could have a significant adverse effect on our financial condition and the results of our operations.

Increased competition and M&A activities in the banking industry may adversely affect Banco Hipotecario.

Banco Hipotecario foresees increased competition in the banking sector. If the trend towards decreasing spreads is not offset by an increase in lending volumes, the ensuing losses could lead to mergers in the industry. These mergers could lead to the establishment of larger, stronger banks with more resources than us. Therefore, although the demand for financial products and services in the market continues to grow, competition may adversely affect Banco Hipotecario’s results of operations, resulting in shrinking spreads and commissions.

Future governmental measures may adversely affect the economy and the operations of financial institutions.

The Argentine government has historically exercised significant influence over the economy, and financial institutions, in particular, have operated in a highly regulated environment. We cannot assure you that the laws and regulations currently governing the economy or the banking sector will remain unaltered in the future or that any such changes will not adversely affect Banco Hipotecario’s business, financial condition or results of operations and Banco Hipotecario’s ability to honor its debt obligations in foreign currency.

Several legislative bills to amend the Financial Institutions Law have been sent to the Argentine Congress. If the law currently in force were to be comprehensively modified, the financial system as a whole could be substantially and adversely affected. If any of these legislative bills were to be enacted or if the Financial Institutions Law were amended in any other way, the impact of the subsequent amendments to the regulations on the financial institutions in general, Banco Hipotecario’s business, its financial condition and the results of operations is uncertain.

Law No. 26,739 was enacted to amend the Central Bank’s charter, the principal aspects of which are: (i) to broaden the scope of the Central Bank’s mission (by establishing that such institution shall be responsible for financial stability and economic development while pursuing social equity); (ii) to change the obligation to maintain an equivalent ratio between the monetary base and the amount of international reserves; (iii) to establish that the Board of Directors of the institution will be the authority responsible for determining the level of reserves required to guarantee normal operation of the MULC based on changes in external accounts; and (iv) to empower the monetary authority to regulate and provide guidance on credit through the financial system institutions, so as to “promote long-term production investment.”

In addition, the Civil and Commercial Code, among other things, modifies the applicable regime for contractual provisions relating to foreign currency payment obligations by establishing that foreign currency payment obligations may be discharged in Pesos. This amends the legal framework, pursuant to which debtors may only discharge their foreign currency payment obligations by making payment in the specific foreign currency agreed upon in their agreements; provided however that the option to discharge in Pesos a foreign currency obligation may be waived by the debtor is still under discussion. However, in recent years some court decisions have established the obligation to pay in foreign currency when it was so freely agreed by the parties. We are not able to ensure that any current or future laws and regulations (including, in particular, the amendment to the Financial Institutions Law and the amendment to the Central Bank’s charter) will not result in significant costs to Banco Hipotecario, or will otherwise have an adverse effect on Banco Hipotecario’s operations.

Banco Hipotecario’s obligations as trustee of the Programa de Crédito Argentino del Bicentenario para la Vivienda Única Familiar (“PROCREAR”) trust are limited.

Banco Hipotecario currently acts as trustee of the PROCREAR Trust, which aims to facilitate access to housing solutions by providing mortgage loans for construction and developing housing complexes across Argentina. Under the terms and conditions of the PROCREAR Trust, all the duties and obligations under the trust have to be settled with the trust estate. Notwithstanding, if the aforementioned is not met, Banco Hipotecario could have its reputation affected. In addition, if the Argentine government decides to terminate the PROCREAR Trust and/or terminate Banco Hipotecario’s role as trustee of the PROCREAR Trust, this may adversely affect Banco Hipotecario’s results of operations.

The exposure of Banco Hipotecario to individual borrowers could lead to higher levels of past due loans, allowances for loan losses and charge-offs.

A substantial portion of Banco Hipotecario’s loan portfolio consists of loans to individual customers in the lower-middle to middle income segments of the Argentine population. The quality of Banco Hipotecario’s portfolio of loans to individuals is dependent to a significant extent on economic conditions prevailing from time to time in Argentina. Lower-middle to middle income individuals are more likely to be exposed to and adversely affected by adverse developments in the Argentine economy than corporations and high-income individuals. As a result, lending to these segments represents higher risk than lending to such other market segments. Consequently, Banco Hipotecario may experience higher levels of past due amounts, which could result in higher provisions for loan losses. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the levels of past due amounts and subsequent charge-offs will not be materially higher in the future.

An increase in fraud or transaction errors may adversely affect Banco Hipotecario.

As with other financial institutions, Banco Hipotecario is susceptible to, among other things, fraud by employees or outsiders, unauthorized transactions by employees and other operational errors (including clerical or record keeping errors and errors resulting from faulty computer or telecommunications systems). Given the high volume of transactions that may occur at a financial institution, errors could be repeated or compounded before they are discovered and remedied. In addition, some of our transactions are not fully automated, which may further increase the risk that human error or employee tampering will result in losses that may be difficult to detect quickly or at all. Losses from fraud by employees or outsiders, unauthorized transactions by employees and other operational errors might adversely affect Banco Hipotecario’s reputation, business, the results of operations and financial condition.

Risks Related to the GDSs and the Common Shares

Shares eligible for sale could adversely affect the price of our common shares and GDSs.

The market prices of our common shares and GDS could decline as a result of sales by our existing shareholders of common shares or GDSs in the market, or the perception that these sales could occur. These sales also might make it difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate.

The GDSs are freely transferable under U.S. securities laws, including common shares sold to our affiliates. Cresud, which as of June 30, 2022, owned approximately 53.6% of our common shares (or approximately 434,263,346 common shares which may be exchanged for an aggregate of 43,426,335 GDSs), is free to dispose of any or all of its common shares or GDSs at any time in its discretion. Sales of a large number of our common shares and/or GDSs would likely have an adverse effect on the market price of our common shares and GDSs.

If we issue additional equity securities in the future, you may suffer dilution, and trading prices for our equity securities may decline.

We may issue additional shares of our common stock for financing future acquisitions or new projects or for other general corporate purposes. Any such issuance could result in a dilution of your ownership stake and/or the perception of any such issuances could have an adverse impact on the market price of the GDSs.

We are subject to certain different corporate disclosure requirements and accounting standards than domestic issuers of listed securities in the United States

There is less publicly available information about the issuers of securities listed on the Argentine stock exchanges than information publicly available about domestic issuers of listed securities in the United States and certain other countries.

Although the GDSs are listed on the NYSE, as a foreign private issuer we are able to rely on home country governance requirements rather than relying on the NYSE corporate governance requirements. See “Item 16G. Corporate Governance—Compliance with NYSE listing Standards on Corporate Governance.” Additionally, as a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from certain rules under the Exchange Act including (i) the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act; (ii) the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and liability for insiders who profit from trades made in a short period of time; and (iii) the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing with the SEC of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q containing unaudited financial and other specified information, or current reports on Form 8-K, upon the occurrence of specified significant events. In addition, foreign private issuers are not required to file their Annual Report on Form 20-F until four months after the end of each fiscal year, while United States domestic issuers that are accelerated filers are required to file their Annual Report on Form 10-K within 75 days after the end of each fiscal year. Foreign private issuers are also exempt from the Regulation Fair Disclosure, aimed at preventing issuers from making selective disclosures of material information. As a result of the above, you may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders companies that are not foreign private issuers.

Investors may not be able to effect service of process within the United States, limiting their recovery of any foreign judgment.

We are a publicly held corporation (sociedad anónima) organized under the laws of Argentina. Most of our directors and our senior managers are located in Argentina. As a result, it may not be possible for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon us or such persons or to enforce against us or them in United States courts judgments obtained in such courts predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the United States federal securities laws. We have been advised by our Argentine counsel, Zang, Bergel & Viñes, that there is doubt whether the Argentine courts will enforce, to the same extent and in as timely a manner as a United States or foreign court, an action predicated solely upon the civil liability provisions of the United States federal securities laws or other foreign regulations brought against such persons or against us.

If we are considered to be a passive foreign investment company for United States federal income tax purposes, United States holders of our common shares or GDSs would suffer negative consequences.

Based on the past and projected composition of our income and assets and the valuation of our assets, including goodwill, we do not believe we were a passive foreign investment company (a “PFIC”) for United States federal income tax purposes for the taxable year ending June 30, 2022, and do not currently expect to become a PFIC, although there can be no assurance in this regard. The determination of whether we are a PFIC is made annually. Accordingly, it is possible that we may be a PFIC in the current or any future taxable year due to changes in our asset or income composition or if our projections are not accurate. The volatility and instability of Argentina’s economic and financial system may substantially affect the composition of our income and assets and the accuracy of our projections. In addition, this determination is based on the interpretation of certain United States Treasury regulations relating to rental income, which regulations are potentially subject to different interpretation. If we become a PFIC, U.S. Holders (as defined in “Item 10. Additional Information—Taxation—United States Taxation”) of our common shares or GDSs will be subject to certain United States federal income tax rules that have negative consequences for them such as additional tax and an interest charge upon certain distributions by us or upon a sale or other disposition of our common shares or GDSs at a gain, as well as reporting requirements. See “Item 10. F—Taxation—United States Taxation—Passive Foreign Investment Company” for a more detailed discussion of the consequences if we are deemed a PFIC. You should consult your own tax advisors regarding the application of the PFIC rules to your particular circumstances.

Changes in Argentine tax laws may affect the tax treatment of our common shares or GDSs.

Law No. 26,893, which amended Law No. 20,628 (the “Income Tax Law”), was enacted on September 12, 2013, and published in the Official Gazette on September 23, 2013. According to the amendments, the distribution of dividends by an Argentine corporation was subject to income tax at a rate of 10.0%, unless such dividends were distributed to Argentine corporate entities (the “Dividend Tax”).

The Dividend Tax was repealed by Law No. 27,260, published in the Official Gazette on July 22, 2016, and consequently no income tax withholding was applicable on the distribution of dividends in respect of both Argentine and non-Argentine resident shareholders, except when dividends distributed were greater than the income determined according to the application of the Income Tax Law, accumulated at the fiscal year immediately preceding the year in which the distribution is made. In such case, the excess was subject to a rate of 35%, for both Argentine and non-Argentine resident shareholders. This treatment still applies to dividends to be distributed at any time out of retained earnings accumulated until the end of the last fiscal year starting before January 1, 2018.

However, pursuant to Law No. 27,430, as amended by Law No. 27,541 and Law No. 27,630, dividends distributed out of earnings accrued in fiscal years starting on or after January 1, 2018, and other profits paid in cash or in kind —except for stock dividends or quota dividends— by companies and other entities incorporated in Argentina referred to in the Income Tax Law, to Argentine resident individuals, resident undivided estates and foreign beneficiaries are subject to income tax at a 7% rate on profits accrued in fiscal years starting on January 1, 2018 and onwards. If dividends are distributed to Argentine corporate taxpayers (in general, entities organized or incorporated under Argentine law, certain traders and intermediaries, local branches of foreign entities, sole proprietorships and individuals carrying on certain commercial activities in Argentina), no dividend tax would apply.

In addition, capital gains originated from the disposal of shares and other securities, including securities representing shares and deposit certificates, are subject to capital gains tax. Law No. 27,430 effective as of January 1, 2018, provides that capital gains obtained by Argentine resident individuals from the disposal of shares and GDSs are exempt from capital gains tax in the following cases: (i) when the shares are placed through a public offering authorized by the CNV, (ii) when the shares are traded in stock markets authorized by the CNV, under segments that ensure priority of price-time and interference of offers, and/or (iii) when the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares is made through an initial public offering and/or exchange of shares authorized by the CNV.

Such law also provides that the capital gains tax applicable to non-residents for transactions entered into until December 30, 2017 is still due, although no taxes will be claimed to non-residents with respect to past sales of Argentine shares or other securities traded in the CNV’s authorized markets (such as GDSs) as long as the cause of the non-payment was the absence of regulations stating the mechanism of tax collection at the time the transaction was closed. The AFIP ’s General Resolution No. 4,227, which came into effect on April 26, 2018, stipulates the procedures through which the income tax should be paid to the AFIP. The payment of capital gains tax applicable for transactions entered into before December 30, 2017 was due on June 11, 2018.

In addition, Decree No. 824/2019, published in the Official Gazette on December 6, 2019 and which introduced the new consolidated text of the Income Tax Law, maintains the 15% capital gains tax (calculated on the actual net gain or a presumed net gain equal to 90% of the sale price) on the disposal of shares or securities by non-residents. However, non-residents are exempt from the capital gains tax on gains obtained from the sale of (a) Argentine shares in the following cases: (i) when the shares are placed through a public offering authorized by the CNV, (ii) when the shares were traded in stock markets authorized by the CNV, under segments that ensure priority of price-time and interference of offers, and/or (iii) when the sale, exchange or other disposition of shares is made through an initial public offering and/or exchange of shares authorized by the CNV; and (b) depositary shares or depositary receipts issued abroad, when the underlying securities are shares (i) issued by Argentine companies, and (ii) with authorization of public offering. The exemptions will only apply to the extent the foreign beneficiaries reside in, and the funds used for the investment proceed from jurisdictions not considered as not cooperating for purposes of fiscal transparency.

In case the exemption is not applicable and, to the extent foreign beneficiaries neither reside in, nor the funds arise from, jurisdictions considered as not cooperating for purposes of fiscal transparency, the gain realized from the disposition of shares would be subject to Argentine income tax at a 13.5% effective rate on the gross price. In case such foreign beneficiaries reside in, or the funds arise from, jurisdictions considered as not cooperating for purposes of fiscal transparency, a 31.5% effective rate on the gross price should apply.

Therefore, holders of our common shares, including in the form of GDSs, are encouraged to consult their tax advisors as to the particular Argentine income tax consequences under their specific facts.

Holders of the GDS may be unable to exercise voting rights with respect to the common shares underlying their GDSs.

As a holder of GDS, we will not treat you as one of our shareholders and you will not have shareholder rights. The depositary will be the holder of the common shares underlying your GDSs and holders may exercise voting rights with respect to the common shares represented by the GDSs only in accordance with the deposit agreement relating to the GDSs. There are no provisions under Argentine law or under our bylaws that limit the exercise by GDS holders of their voting rights through the depositary with respect to the underlying common shares. However, there are practical limitations on the ability of GDS holders to exercise their voting rights due to the additional procedural steps involved in communicating with these holders. For example, holders of our common shares will receive notice of shareholders’ meetings through publication of a notice in the CNV’s website, an Official Gazette in Argentina, an Argentine newspaper of general circulation and the bulletin of the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange, and will be able to exercise their voting rights by either attending the meeting in person or voting by proxy. GDS holders, by comparison, will not receive notice directly from us. Instead, in accordance with the deposit agreement, we will provide the notice to the GDS Depositary. If we ask the GDS Depositary to do so, the GDS Depositary will mail to holders of GDSs the notice of the meeting and a statement as to the manner in which instructions may be given by holders. To exercise their voting rights, GDS holders must then instruct the GDS Depositary as to voting the common shares represented by their GDSs. Under the deposit agreement, the GDS Depositary is not required to carry out any voting instructions unless it receives a legal opinion from us that the matters to be voted would not violate our by-laws or Argentine law. We are not required to instruct our legal counsel to give that opinion. Due to these procedural steps involving the GDS Depositary, the process for exercising voting rights may take longer for GDS holders than for holders of common shares and common shares represented by GDSs may not be voted as you desire.

Under Argentine law, shareholder rights may be fewer or less well defined than in other jurisdictions.

Our corporate affairs are governed by our by-laws and by 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 the States of Delaware or New York, or in other jurisdictions outside Argentina. In addition, your rights or the rights of holders of our common shares to protect your or their interests in connection with actions by our Board of Directors may be fewer and less well defined under Argentine corporate law than under the laws of those other jurisdictions. Although insider trading and price manipulation are illegal under Argentine law, the Argentine securities markets are not as highly regulated or supervised as the United States securities markets or markets in some 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, putting holders of our common shares and GDSs at a potential disadvantage.

Restrictions on the movement of capital out of Argentina may impair your ability to receive dividends and distributions on, and the proceeds of any sale of, the common shares underlying the GDSs.

Over the last twenty years in Argentina exchange controls and transfer restrictions have been periodically imposed, substantially limiting the ability of companies to retain foreign currency or make payments abroad. Since 2019, new regulations have significantly curtailed access to the foreign exchange market by individuals and private sector entities.

In this regard, the Argentine government imposed restrictions on the conversion of Argentine currency into foreign currencies and on the remittance to foreign investors of proceeds from their investments in Argentina. Argentine law currently permits the Argentine government to impose these kind of restrictions temporarily in circumstances where a serious imbalance develops in Argentina’s balance of payments or where there are reasons to foresee such an imbalance. We cannot assure you that GDS Depositary for the GDSs may hold the Pesos it cannot convert for the account of the GDS holders who have not been paid. No assurance can be given that payments to non-resident investors will not suffered delays under the current foreign exchange market regulations or be subject to any additional restrictions, such as a different exchange rate to convert the Pesos into U.S dollars, that may be higher than the current official exchange rate. In this regard, we suggest consulting with the corresponding custodian banks about the exchange regulations applicable. See “Item 10. Additional Information—D Exchange Controls.”

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 and some other Latin American countries. 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 United States 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 United States company.

We may not pay any dividends.

In accordance with Argentine corporate law, we may pay dividends to shareholders out of net and realized profits, if any, as set forth in our Audited Financial Statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. 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 present 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.

Our ability to pay dividends is limited by law and our by-laws.

In accordance with Argentine corporate law, we may pay dividends in Pesos out of retained earnings, if any, to the extent set forth in our Audited Financial Statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. Our shareholders’ ability to receive cash dividends may be limited by the ability of the GDS Depositary to convert cash dividends paid in Pesos into U.S. dollars. Under the terms of our deposit agreement with the depositary for the GDSs, to the extent that the depositary can in its judgment convert Pesos (or any other foreign currency) into U.S. dollars on a reasonable basis and transfer the resulting U.S. dollars to the United States, the depositary will promptly as practicable convert or cause to be converted all cash dividends received by it on the deposited securities into U.S. dollars. If in the judgment of the depositary this conversion is not possible on a reasonable basis (including as a result of applicable Argentine laws, regulations and approval requirements), the depositary may distribute the foreign currency received by it or in its discretion hold such currency uninvested for the respective accounts of the owners entitled to receive the same. As a result, if the exchange rate fluctuates significantly during a time when the depositary cannot convert the foreign currency, you may lose some or all of the value of the dividend distribution.

You might be unable to exercise preemptive or accretion rights with respect to the common shares underlying your GDSs.

Under Argentine corporate law, if we issue new common shares as part of a capital increase, our shareholders will generally have the right to subscribe for a proportional number of common shares of the class held by them to maintain their existing ownership percentage, which is known as preemptive rights. In addition, shareholders are entitled to the right to subscribe for the unsubscribed common shares of either the class held by them or other classes which remain unsubscribed at the end of a preemptive rights offering, on a pro rata basis, which is known as accretion rights. Under the deposit agreement, the GDS Depositary will not exercise rights on your behalf or make rights available to you unless we instruct it to do so, and we are not required to give that instruction. In addition, you may not be able to exercise the preemptive or accretion rights relating to the common shares underlying your GDSs unless a registration statement under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is effective with respect to those rights 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 the common shares relating to these preemptive rights, and we cannot assure you that we will file any such registration statement. Unless we file a registration statement or an exemption from registration is available, you may receive only the net proceeds from the sale of your preemptive rights by the GDS Depositary or, if the preemptive rights cannot be sold, they will be allowed to lapse. As a result, U.S. holders of common shares or GDSs may suffer dilution of their interest in our company upon future capital increases.

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 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 Ley General de Sociedades No. 19,550 (Argentine General Corporation Law) or our bylaws may be held jointly and severally liable for damages to us or to other third parties, including other shareholders.

Our warrants are exercisable under limited circumstances and will expire.

On May 12, 2021, we issued an aggregate of 80,000,000 warrants to purchase 80,000,000 of our common shares, and will expire on May 12, 2026. Each warrant entitles its holder to purchase one common share. Each warrant will be exercisable only if the common share rights or GDS rights to which such warrant relates have been exercised, and such warrant will be exercisable after 90 days following its issuance during the nine-day period from and including the 17th through the 25th day of each February, May, September and November, on the day prior to their expiration and on their expiration date (to the extent such dates are business days in New York City and Buenos Aires, Argentina). As of the date of this Annual Report, there are 79,946,160 warrants outstanding.