CVR Partners(UAN) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, the company reported net sales of $143 million, net income of$27 million, and EBITDA of $53 million, with a declared distribution of$2.26 per common unit [5][8] - Compared to Q1 2024, EBITDA increased primarily due to higher UAN sales volumes and higher market prices for ammonia, along with lower pet coke feedstock costs [8][6] - Direct operating expenses for Q1 2025 were $54 million, with an increase of approximately$1 million relative to Q1 2024, mainly due to higher natural gas and electricity costs [8][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Combined ammonia production for Q1 2025 was 216,000 gross tons, with 64,000 net tons available for sale, and UAN production was 348,000 tons [5][6] - The company sold approximately 336,000 tons of UAN at an average price of $256 per ton and approximately 60,000 tons of ammonia at an average price of$554 per ton [6][8] - Ammonia prices increased by 5% year-over-year, while UAN prices declined by 4% due to delayed shipments [6][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The USDA estimates that farmers will plant approximately 95 million acres of corn and 83 million acres of soybeans in spring 2025, with inventory carryout levels for corn at approximately 109% for soybeans [11][12] - Current grain prices are $4.75 per bushel for corn and$10.50 for soybeans, which are below the ten-year averages, supporting strong demand for nitrogen fertilizer [11][12] - The company anticipates that tight nitrogen fertilizer inventories and solid demand will support continued price increases for the spring [6][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reliability and performance, with ongoing projects aimed at reducing downtime and improving production rates [18][19] - Plans include installing a nitrous oxide abatement unit at the Coffeyville plant and utilizing natural gas as an alternative feedstock [17][18] - The company expects 2025 to be a period of higher volatility, influenced by geopolitical risks and natural gas market issues in Europe [15][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for a strong planting season due to favorable weather and attractive farmer economics [6][11] - Concerns were raised about the potential impact of tariffs on fertilizer and grains, which could lead to higher domestic prices [12][14] - The company expects to see higher UAN prices in Q2 2025, reflecting current market conditions [32] Other Important Information - The company ended Q1 2025 with total liquidity of $172 million, consisting of$122 million in cash and $50 million available under the ABL facility [9] - Capital spending for 2025 is estimated to be between$50 million and $60 million, with a significant portion funded through cash reserves [9][10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the step down in utilization rates from Q1? - Management explained that the step down is due to the installation of a new control system at the East Dubuque facility, not a performance issue [23][24] Question: What is the status of growth projects and their impact on ammonia production? - Management indicated that several projects aim to reduce downtime and potentially expand nameplate capacity, leading to increased production over the next two to three years [25][26] Question: Can you provide a cost estimate for the natural gas project? - Management mentioned that the cost is expected to be in the low double-digit millions, with ongoing evaluations of alternatives [27][28] Question: Should we expect more reserves for future operating needs? - Management clarified that reserves are being set aside for growth projects and to ensure cash availability for future capital expenditures [29][30] Question: Will UAN pricing improve in Q2? - Management confirmed that UAN prices are expected to reflect higher market prices in Q2, following an increase since December [32] Question: How will the tight inventory impact summer fill pricing? - Management expressed optimism that tight inventory levels will bode well for summer fill pricing for both ammonia and UAN [33][34] Question: What is the perspective on the pricing divergence between urea and ammonia? - Management noted that the pricing gap is influenced by regional market conditions and supply-demand dynamics, with strong demand for urea and UAN [35][36] Question: How will China's reduced corn purchases affect American farmers? - Management indicated that Mexico is a more significant buyer of corn, and while China may reduce soybean purchases, global demand for corn and soybeans remains strong [39][40]