HF Sinclair(DINO) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2024, HF Sinclair reported a net loss attributable to shareholders of $214 million, or negative $1.14 per share, compared to an adjusted net income of $165 million, or $0.87 per share in Q4 2023 [19][20] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 was $28 million, a significant decrease from $428 million in Q4 2023 [20] - The refining segment's adjusted EBITDA was negative $169 million in Q4 2024, down from $276 million in Q4 2023, primarily due to lower refinery gross margins and reduced refined product sales volumes [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the refining segment, annual adjusted operating expenses were reduced to 7.98% per throughput barrel, a decrease of $0.37% year-over-year [11] - The renewables segment reported adjusted EBITDA of negative $9 million for Q4 2024, compared to negative $3 million in Q4 2023, impacted by high-priced inventory drawdown [22] - The marketing segment achieved record annual EBITDA of $75 million, a 23% increase over 2023, with a net growth of 87 branded sites [13] - The lubricants and specialties segment reported adjusted EBITDA of $70 million for Q4 2024, up from $57 million in Q4 2023, driven by strong sales volumes and product mix optimization [23] - The midstream segment reported adjusted EBITDA of $114 million in Q4 2024, compared to $110 million in Q4 2023, reflecting higher revenues from increased tariffs [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Crude oil charge averaged 562,000 barrels per day in Q4 2024, down from 614,000 barrels per day in Q4 2023, primarily due to a turnaround at the El Dorado refinery [21] - Total sales volumes in the renewables segment were 62 million gallons in Q4 2024, slightly down from 63 million gallons in Q4 2023 [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on three strategic priorities: improving reliability, optimization and integration, and commitment to shareholder returns [7][10] - The company aims to grow its branded sites by 10% annually and continues to see strategic value in integrating the DINO brand into its portfolio [13][14] - The company is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet while returning over $1 billion to shareholders in 2024 through dividends and share repurchases [10][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the recent uptick in refining indicator margins and believes the company is well-positioned to capture anticipated rebounds in cracks during the driving season [17] - The management highlighted the importance of reliability and efficiency improvements in achieving cost reduction targets [62][67] - The company remains focused on maximizing shareholder value through organic growth and potential small bolt-on acquisitions in the lubricants and specialties business [45][131] Other Important Information - The company declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share, payable on March 20, 2025 [17] - As of December 31, 2024, total liquidity stood at approximately $3.3 billion, including a cash balance of $800 million [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Understanding leverage to the West Coast market - Management noted that recent unplanned events and heavy turnaround seasons have improved market fundamentals, benefiting the Puget Sound refinery and other supply points [30][32] Question: Growth in the marketing business - Management indicated that the marketing segment is a significant untapped value from the Sinclair acquisition, with plans for organic growth and a net addition of 87 stores [34][35] Question: Outlook for the lubricants business - Management acknowledged a down cycle in the base oil market but expressed optimism for recovery, expecting to return to a $350 million run-rate in 2025 [39][42] Question: Return of capital strategy - Management reaffirmed commitment to a long-term capital return strategy of 50% to shareholders, with confidence in meeting this target as margins improve [72][74] Question: Small refinery exemptions - Management discussed the uncertainty surrounding small refinery exemptions and the potential for favorable rulings in the future [120][121] Question: Optionality in the lubricants business - Management clarified that the lubricants business is independent, providing flexibility for growth, acquisitions, or monetization [131]