Meanwhile, there's this Chevron's flagship refinery now processing its first shipment of Venezuelan oil since the US captured dictator Nicholas Maduro from Caracus last month. Fox Business's Lauren Simonetti is live this morning in Pascola, Mississippi with an exclusive inside look. Lauren, good morning. >> Good morning from Mississippi, Maria.So, the heart of this major refinery is the distillation units right behind me. Those units right now are processing Venezuelan oil. The crude came in from Caracus ju ...

Core Viewpoint - Canadian airlines have suspended flights to Cuba due to a jet fuel shortage caused by U.S. restrictions on oil supplies from Venezuela, impacting operations and travel plans for many passengers [1][10]. Group 1: Airline Operations - Air Canada, the largest carrier in Canada, announced that aviation fuel will not be available at Cuban airports starting Tuesday, leading to flight cancellations [1]. - Smaller airlines, including WestJet and Air Transat, have also canceled flights due to anticipated fuel shortages, with Air Transat suspending all flights to Cuba until the end of April [2][6]. - WestJet has initiated a wind-down of its Cuban operations and is organizing flights to assist customers returning to Canada [6]. Group 2: Fuel Supply Issues - The Cuban Aviation Corporation (ECNA) did not acknowledge the fuel shortage or flight cancellations in its statement, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining aviation safety and reliability [3]. - Air Europa plans to make refueling stops in the Dominican Republic due to the fuel restrictions, indicating that fuel shortfalls are a recurring issue for airlines operating in Cuba [4]. - Historically, Cuba has relied on Venezuela for jet fuel, but since mid-December, it has not received any fuel from Venezuela due to U.S. sanctions [10][11]. Group 3: Impact on Travelers - Travelers in Cuba expressed concern over the flight cancellations and fuel shortages, indicating that the situation is causing anxiety among families and passengers [6][7]. - Despite the issues faced by Canadian airlines, U.S. carriers such as American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Delta Air Lines continue to operate flights to Cuba without current disruptions [8].

Group 1: Air Canada and Flight Operations - Air Canada has suspended its 16 weekly flights to Cuba due to a shortage of jet fuel, becoming the first scheduled airline to withdraw services from the island [1] - The airline will send aircraft to bring home approximately 3,000 customers currently in Cuba and may tanker in extra fuel for remaining flights [1] - Other airlines, such as American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, have stated they will continue their operations, with American Airlines indicating that their aircraft can carry enough fuel for round trips without needing to refuel [1] Group 2: Impact of U.S. Energy Embargo - The fuel shortage is a direct consequence of the U.S. tightening its energy embargo on Cuba, which has led to significant economic impacts, particularly on tourism [1] - The U.S. President's recent measures aimed at cutting off oil shipments to Cuba have exacerbated the situation, leading to rolling blackouts and fuel rationing in the country [1] - Official data indicates that Canada was the largest source of tourists to Cuba in 2025, with over 754,000 Canadians visiting, compared to significantly lower numbers from the U.S., Mexico, and Spain [1]

Core Viewpoint - Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL) is considered one of the most undervalued travel stocks, with plans to modernize its fleet by purchasing 31 Airbus widebody jets to support future growth, particularly targeting high-income and corporate travelers [1]. Group 1: Fleet Modernization and Growth Strategy - Delta Air Lines announced an order for 31 Airbus widebody jets, which includes 15 A350-900s and 16 A330-900s, with deliveries expected to start in 2029 [1]. - The new Airbus jets will be utilized for medium- and long-haul flights, including services to Hong Kong, Taipei, Melbourne, and Riyadh [2]. Group 2: Financial Outlook and Analyst Ratings - Bank of America Securities reaffirmed a Buy rating on Delta Air Lines and set a price target of $80.00, highlighting the company's leadership in the airline sector, supported by modest leverage and strong cash generation [3]. - The firm noted that Delta's 2026 earnings guidance appears deliberately cautious due to macroeconomic uncertainty, but underlying demand remains healthy [3]. Group 3: Company Operations - Delta Air Lines provides scheduled air transportation services for both cargo and passengers, with operations divided into Airline and Refinery segments [4].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fourth quarter of 2025 saw upstream production reach 909,000 barrels per day, the highest quarterly production in company history, exceeding the previous best by 34,000 barrels per day [5][6] - Full-year upstream production was 860,000 barrels per day, also a record, surpassing the previous year by 32,000 barrels per day and exceeding original guidance by 20,000 barrels per day [6][9] - Refining throughput for Q4 was 504,000 barrels per day, marking the best quarter ever, and full-year throughput was 480,000 barrels per day, also a record [7][8] - Capital expenditures for the full year were CAD 5.66 billion, down CAD 510 million from 2024, and CAD 540 million below original guidance, achieved through rigorous cost management [10][12] - The company reported a net debt of CAD 6.3 billion, the lowest in over a decade, and a significant reduction in WTI breakeven costs [14][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Upstream production increased by 114,000 barrels per day over two years without major acquisitions or capital-intensive projects, demonstrating growth from within [6][12] - Refining utilization was reported at 108% for Q4 and 103% for the full year, both record levels, with all refineries operating at 100% or higher for two consecutive quarters [8][9] - Product sales reached 640,000 barrels per day in Q4, the best fourth quarter ever, and full-year sales were 623,000 barrels per day, also a record [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a year-on-year decrease in WTI prices by 15%, with adjusted AFFO down 8% and free funds flow down 6% [14][15] - Despite lower oil prices, the company maintained a strong performance in share buybacks, repurchasing over CAD 3 billion worth of shares in 2025 [15][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue its growth trajectory with a focus on operational excellence, cost management, and shareholder returns, including a commitment to share buybacks and dividends [12][20] - A new value improvement plan is set to be detailed on March 31, focusing on both short-term and long-term strategies, including bitumen supply and development options [17][68] - The company has shifted to a low-cost producer model, significantly improving its balance sheet and operational efficiency [14][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management emphasized the importance of leadership development and succession planning as key to sustaining performance improvements [26][27] - The company expressed confidence in its ability to navigate market fluctuations, leveraging its integrated business model to maintain profitability [56][77] - Management highlighted the resilience of the company in the face of external market pressures, indicating a strong position to capitalize on opportunities during downturns [77] Other Important Information - The company reported a 12% increase in total material movement in mining operations year-over-year, achieving 1.4 billion tons moved at essentially the same cost base [30] - The implementation of technology in mining operations, such as the Autonomous Haul System, has contributed to improved efficiency and performance [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Changes in company culture and succession planning - Management discussed the importance of continuous leadership development and succession planning, emphasizing a focus on functional excellence [25][26] Question: Performance of mining operations - Management noted improvements in mining performance due to better maintenance of haul roads and the implementation of new technologies [28][30] Question: Field-driven optimization opportunities - Management indicated a proactive approach to field-driven optimizations, focusing on immediate opportunities rather than a backlog [35][36] Question: Refining market sustainability - Management expressed confidence in the Canadian refining market's structural advantages and the company's ability to capture margins effectively [55][56] Question: M&A opportunities - Management stated that the company has earned credibility and trust to pursue M&A if it aligns with shareholder value creation [61][63] Question: CapEx guidance beyond 2026 - Management indicated a focus on maintaining capital expenditures around CAD 6 billion while continuing to return capital to shareholders [66][68]

Company Overview - PBF Energy Inc. is a leading independent refiner with a diversified asset base, operating six oil refineries and related logistics infrastructure, producing resources such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, heating oil, lubricants, petrochemicals, asphalt, and related petroleum products across the United States, Canada, and Mexico [5] - The company's revenue for the trailing twelve months (TTM) is $29.54 billion, with a net income of -$526.3 million, and a dividend yield of 3.31% [4] Recent Transactions - Control Empresarial de Capitales S.A. de C.V., a 10% owner of PBF Energy, sold 49,000 shares in two transactions on January 21 and 22, 2026, totaling approximately $1.63 million [1][2] - Post-transaction, the insider holds over 30.3 million shares, which is more than 60 times the amount sold, indicating that the sale accounted for only 0.16% of the insider's direct holdings [2][7] Company Challenges - PBF Energy faced a rough year in 2025, struggling to recover from an explosion at its Martinez, California refinery in February 2025, which has not operated at full capacity since then [6] - The company plans to spend around $600 million on maintenance and turnarounds at its locations, amidst high operating costs and a challenging refinery market, leading to expectations of a net loss for the second consecutive year [7][8] - The company has pushed back its target for the Martinez refinery to resume full operations from the end of 2025 to March 2026 [6]

Summary of Gevo, Inc. Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Gevo, Inc. - **Ticker Symbol**: GEVO - **Industry**: Renewable energy, specifically focusing on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and low carbon ethanol production Key Points and Arguments Management Transition - Patrick Gruber is transitioning from CEO to Executive Chair, with Paul Bloom taking over as the new CEO [2][6] - Gruber expressed confidence in Bloom's leadership and experience, highlighting Bloom's background in chemistry and business [5][9] Technological Advancements - Gevo has developed technology to convert renewable resources into hydrocarbons, including jet fuel, gasoline, and diesel from alcohols [3][4] - The company has achieved low-cost technology and is beginning to monetize carbon value, which is crucial for profitability [3][4] Strategic Acquisitions - Gevo acquired a plant in North Dakota, which is pivotal for producing low carbon ethanol, the feedstock for jet fuel [4][6] - The acquisition aligns with the company's strategy to scale operations and meet growing demand for sustainable aviation fuel [4][18] Market Opportunities - The U.S. is projected to need an additional 2.3 billion gallons of jet fuel by 2035, with Gevo positioned to meet this demand through its technology [19][42] - Gevo's technology allows for the production of energy-dense liquids, which are essential for aviation fuel [16][19] Financial Performance and Projections - Gevo aims to achieve positive adjusted EBITDA for the first time, driven by selling tax credits and monetizing carbon [17][30] - The company anticipates that the Alcohol-to-Jet 30 (ATJ30) plant could generate approximately $150 million in adjusted EBITDA annually, with a total investment of around $500 million [46][48] Carbon Monetization - Gevo is focused on monetizing carbon dioxide produced during ethanol production, which can be sold for various applications, including enhanced oil recovery and food carbonation [25][34] - The carbon business is expected to grow significantly, with potential revenues from carbon sales projected to reach $30 million [37][32] Sustainability and Agricultural Impact - Gevo emphasizes working with farmers to improve agricultural practices, which can lead to better soil health and increased yields [20][21] - The company aims to create a sustainable business model that benefits both energy production and agricultural output [20][21] Future Growth and Expansion - Gevo plans to replicate its successful model by building multiple ATJ plants, potentially up to 70 facilities to meet market demand [19][49] - The company is committed to operational excellence and maximizing efficiencies in production to support growth [38][41] Competitive Landscape - Gevo believes its technology is among the lowest cash cost options for producing jet fuel, making it competitive against traditional petroleum sources [44][46] - The company is not just a replacement strategy but aims to supplement existing fuel supplies with sustainable alternatives [43][44] Additional Important Insights - The transition in leadership is seen as a strategic move to ensure continuity and leverage Bloom's experience in scaling technology [2][9] - Gevo's focus on carbon intensity reduction is not only about compliance but also about creating a more efficient production system [20][21] - The company has a robust patent portfolio of over 400 patents, which supports its innovative capabilities in the renewable energy sector [19] This summary encapsulates the key discussions and strategic directions outlined during the conference call, highlighting Gevo's commitment to sustainable energy solutions and its proactive approach to market demands.

Core Insights - Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) is recognized as a top high-yield crude oil stock, particularly benefiting from potential increases in Venezuelan oil supply due to U.S. policy changes [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Valero Energy is the world's leading independent petroleum refiner and a significant producer of low-carbon transportation fuels [2]. - The company operates the largest refinery on the Gulf Coast, designed to process heavier crudes, including those from Venezuela [3]. Group 2: Market Performance - On January 8, Valero's stock reached an all-time high as investors anticipated benefits from increased Venezuelan oil supply [3]. - The share price of Valero has increased by nearly 35% over the past year [5]. Group 3: Analyst Insights - Analyst Theresa Chen from Barclays noted that Valero has the capacity to process an additional 300,000 to 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Venezuelan oil [3]. - Michael Burry, a notable investor, expressed confidence in Valero, highlighting that Gulf Coast refineries have been underutilized and could see improved margins [4]. - Mizuho analyst Nitin Kumar raised Valero's price target from $192 to $197, anticipating a strong Q4 performance, while maintaining a 'Neutral' rating [4].

Summary of Sinopec (0386.HK) Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Sinopec Group (0386.HK) - **Industry**: Oil & Gas, specifically focusing on refining and marketing of jet fuel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) Key Points Restructuring Announcement - **Date**: 8 Jan 2026 - **Announcement**: Sinopec Group will undergo restructuring with China National Aviation Fuel (CNAF) Group [1] - **Expected Benefits**: Strengthening of Sinopec's refining and marketing business for jet fuel and SAF, potentially mitigating the decline in gasoline and diesel demand in China [1] Performance Metrics - **Refinery Yield**: Sinopec's 9M25 refinery jet/kero yield was 13.8%, compared to over 20% for competitors like TOP/S-Oil [1] - **Market Dynamics**: Current jet crack spread is approximately $20/bbl, which is higher than the PRC diesel crack spread of $11-12/bbl, indicating a favorable shift towards jet fuel production [1] Long-Term Growth Potential - **Demand Forecast**: FGE expects global jet fuel demand to rise by approximately 1 million barrels per day from 2025 to 2030, while gasoline demand will see slight growth and diesel demand is expected to decline [3] - **Synergy Monitoring**: The potential for synergy benefits between Sinopec's jet fuel business and CNAF will be monitored, especially regarding asset absorption or the formation of a new entity [3] Valuation and Target Price - **Current Price**: HK$4.67 - **Target Price**: HK$5.20, representing an expected return of 11.3% and a dividend yield of 6.0%, leading to a total expected return of 17.3% [4] Risks - **Downside Risks**: 1. Softer-than-expected recovery in chemical demand in China 2. Accelerated decline in gasoline and diesel demand due to faster EV adoption 3. Further declines in oil prices 4. Weaker growth in exploration and production (E&P) volumes and cost control [8] - **Upside Risks**: 1. Significant capacity closures or industry restructuring in China 2. Stronger-than-expected growth in oil, gas, and chemical demand 3. Major increases in dividend payout ratios [8] Competitive Landscape - **Comparison with PetroChina**: PetroChina remains a top pick in the oil and gas space due to its stronger ability to defend absolute dividend per share (DPS) in a lower oil price environment [3] Additional Information - **CNAF Group Overview**: CNAF is the largest aviation transportation service provider in China, managing fuel distribution and refueling services at over 258 airports, with a significant stake in China Aviation Oil (Singapore) [2] This summary encapsulates the critical insights from the conference call regarding Sinopec's restructuring, market positioning, and future outlook within the oil and gas industry.

Core Insights - Valero Energy has gained significant investor interest due to renewed focus on Venezuela's oil sector following political changes and US encouragement for American oil companies to engage in the revival of the industry [1][2] Group 1: Company Positioning - Valero operates 15 refineries primarily located on the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast, which are well-suited to process heavy crude grades, providing a structural advantage if Venezuelan oil supply increases [3] - Valero is identified as the largest potential beneficiary of any rebound in Venezuelan oil production and exports to the US, with analysts noting its scale and historical exposure to Venezuelan crude [4] Group 2: Market Dynamics - An increase in Venezuelan oil output could widen the discount between heavy crudes and benchmark prices like Brent and West Texas Intermediate, thereby supporting refinery margins [5] - Valero imported approximately 70,000 barrels per day of Venezuelan crude in 2025, with heavy crude imports from Mexico and Venezuela constituting about 21% of the feedstock processed at its refineries [6] Group 3: Investment Considerations - Despite the potential upside for Valero, uncertainties remain regarding US companies' willingness to invest in Venezuela due to political instability and governance issues [7] - Significant upgrades to Venezuela's infrastructure and workforce are necessary for the country to effectively utilize its oil reserves [8]