SUGAR LAND, Texas - CVR Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NYSE:CVI), an independent petroleum refiner and marketer of high-value transportation fuels, reported a net income of $82 million for the first quarter of 2024, a decrease from the $195 million net income for the same period in the previous year. The company's net sales for the quarter stood at $1.9 billion, down from $2.3 billion in the first quarter of 2023.
The decrease in net income is attributed to a variety of market factors, including lower refining margins and reduced throughput due to planned maintenance at the Wynnewood refinery. Despite these challenges, CVR Energy's CEO Dave Lamp highlighted the company's solid results, bolstered by lower RINs (Renewable Identification Numbers) expense and higher crude oil and refined product prices.
The Petroleum Segment reported an operating income of $118 million on net sales of $1.7 billion for the first quarter of 2024, a decline from the $237 million operating income on $2.0 billion net sales in the previous year. The refining margin saw a decrease, mainly due to a tighter gasoline and distillate crack spread and unfavorable derivative impacts.
CVR Energy also announced a regular cash dividend of 50 cents per share for the first quarter of 2024, maintaining its peer-leading annualized dividend yield of approximately six percent. Additionally, CVR Partners (NYSE:UAN), a subsidiary of CVR Energy, declared a cash distribution of $1.92 per common unit for the same period, driven by higher ammonia sales volumes, favorable weather conditions, and improved nitrogen fertilizer pricing.
The Nitrogen Fertilizer Segment reported operating income of $20 million on net sales of $128 million, a significant drop from the $109 million operating income on $226 million net sales in the first quarter of 2023. This segment faced a reduction in ammonia and UAN (urea ammonia nitrate) average realized gate prices, which decreased by 41 percent and 42 percent respectively, compared to the previous year.
CVR Energy's cash and cash equivalents increased to $644 million at the end of the first quarter, with total debt and finance lease obligations standing at $1.6 billion. The quarterly dividend is scheduled to be paid on May 20, 2024, to stockholders of record as of May 13, 2024.
The company's first quarter 2024 earnings conference call is set for Tuesday, April 30, where further details on the company's performance and future outlook may be discussed.
This article is based on a press release statement from CVR Energy, Inc. and includes financial results and operational insights provided by the company for the first quarter of 2024.
InvestingPro Insights
In light of CVR Energy, Inc.'s (NYSE: CVI) first-quarter results for 2024, certain metrics and InvestingPro Tips offer investors additional context. The company's Market Cap stands at approximately $3.33 billion, with a notably low P/E Ratio of 4.32, reflecting investor sentiment on the company's earnings potential. Despite a decrease in net income and sales, CVR Energy's dividend yield remains substantial at 13.55%, showcasing the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders, which has been consistent for 12 consecutive years.
While CVR Energy faces headwinds with lower refining margins and reduced throughput, the company's Gross Profit Margin over the last twelve months was recorded at 16.91%. This could be a point of concern as it aligns with an InvestingPro Tip that highlights the company's weak gross profit margins. Additionally, another InvestingPro Tip to consider is that analysts have revised their earnings expectations downwards for the upcoming period, which could affect the company's future performance. However, it's noteworthy that analysts predict the company will remain profitable this year.
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