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PBF Energy(PBF) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
PBFPBF Energy(PBF)2025-02-13 16:50

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2024, the company reported an adjusted net loss of 2.82pershareandanadjustedEBITDAlossof2.82 per share and an adjusted EBITDA loss of 249.7 million, which included a 4.8millionlossrelatedtoPBFsequityinvestmentinSt.BernardRenewables[25][27]Cashflowusedinoperationsforthequarterwasapproximately4.8 million loss related to PBF's equity investment in St. Bernard Renewables [25][27] - Cash flow used in operations for the quarter was approximately 330 million, including a working capital headwind of about 83million[26][29]Thecompanyendedthequarterwithapproximately83 million [26][29] - The company ended the quarter with approximately 536 million in cash and approximately 921millionofnetdebt,maintaininganetdebttocapitalratioof16921 million of net debt, maintaining a net debt to capital ratio of 16% [28][46] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The refining segment faced a weak margin environment and poor crude differentials, continuing the trend from the second half of 2024 [12][13] - The company executed a major turnaround at Chalmette, which adversely impacted capture rates in that region [12][13] - The renewable diesel production from St. Bernard Renewables averaged 17,000 barrels per day in Q4, with expectations of 10,000 to 12,000 barrels per day in Q1 2025 due to a planned catalyst change [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The California market is short on refined products and relies on imports, compounded by the announced shutdown of a LA Basin refinery scheduled for fall 2025 [11] - Global refining supply and product demand remain tightly balanced, with forward cracks looking constructive [14][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a Refining Business Improvement Program targeting over 200 million in run rate cost savings to be implemented by the end of 2025 [21][24] - The company aims to operate safely, reliably, and efficiently while enhancing value for investors [18][29] - The financial position is viewed as a strength, providing flexibility to navigate challenging market conditions and invest in future opportunities [17][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenging market conditions faced by refiners, but expressed a long-term positive outlook for global refining supply and product demand [12][14] - The company is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet and prioritizing deleveraging as market conditions improve [29][46] - Management emphasized the importance of collaboration with stakeholders following the Martinez refinery incident and the need for a constructive partnership with local authorities [8][10] Other Important Information - The company has proper insurance coverage for the Martinez incident, although specifics were not disclosed [11][54] - The company returned approximately 60milliontoshareholdersinQ4throughsharerepurchasesanddeclaredaregularquarterlydividendof60 million to shareholders in Q4 through share repurchases and declared a regular quarterly dividend of 27.05 per share [27][28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timeline for clarity on Martinez incident damage and repairs - Management indicated that access to the site is still restricted, but they expect to have a better assessment soon and will communicate transparently as information becomes available [33][36] Question: Financial levers to ensure liquidity during repairs - Management highlighted their strong financial position and ability to manage capital expenditures without deferring spending, ensuring cash generation will not be hindered by the Martinez incident [40][44] Question: Insurance offset details for the Martinez incident - Management stated that while specifics were not disclosed, they have proper coverage and will work closely with insurance providers to assess the situation [54][55] Question: Impact of potential peace between Ukraine and Russia on refining - Management acknowledged that peace could lead to wider light-heavy differentials, benefiting the company [65][66] Question: East Coast throughput guidance and market conditions - Management explained that throughput adjustments are based on market conditions, with no structural issues affecting operations [129] Question: Business improvement plan and cost savings timeline - Management clarified that the $200 million in savings will be phased in over time, with full implementation expected by January 2026 [97][98] Question: Impact of tariffs on crude sourcing and refining operations - Management discussed the dynamic nature of tariffs and their potential impact on throughput, emphasizing the need for market adjustments [72][80]