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Cvr Energy Inc. (CVI)
NYSE:CVI
Risk Overview Q4, 2024
Risk Distribution
33% Finance & Corporate
26% Production
22% Legal & Regulatory
12% Macro & Political
5% Ability to Sell
2% Tech & Innovation
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.
Risk Change Over Time
S&P500 Average
Sector Average
Risks removed
Risks added
Risks changed
CVR Energy Risk Factors
New Risk (0)
Risk Changed (0)
Risk Removed (0)
No changes from previous report
The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.
Risk Highlights Q4, 2024
Main Risk Category
Finance & Corporate
With 19 Risks
Finance & Corporate
With 19 Risks
Number of Disclosed Risks
58
+4
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 31
58
+4
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 31
Recent Changes
5Risks added
1Risks removed
13Risks changed
Since Dec 2024
5Risks added
1Risks removed
13Risks changed
Since Dec 2024
Number of Risk Changed
13
+3
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 3
13
+3
From last reportS&P 500 Average: 3
See the risk highlights of CVR Energy in the last period.
Risk Word Cloud
The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.
Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 58
Finance & Corporate
Total Risks: 19/58 (33%)Above Sector Average
Share Price & Shareholder Rights6 | 10.3%
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1
We have various mechanisms in place to discourage takeover attempts, which may reduce or eliminate our stockholders' ability to sell their shares for a premium in a change of control transaction.Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2
We are a "controlled company" within the meaning of the NYSE rules and, as a result, qualify for, and are relying on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.A company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by an individual, a group, or another company is a "controlled company" within the meaning of the NYSE rules and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements of the NYSE, including the requirements that a majority of our Board consist of independent directors; we have a nominating/corporate governance committee that is composed entirely of independent directors; and we have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors. We are relying on all of these exemptions as a controlled company. Accordingly, our stockholders may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of the NYSE. In addition, CVR Partners is relying on exemptions from the same NYSE corporate governance requirements described above.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3
Our stock price may decline due to sales of shares by Mr. Carl C. Icahn.Sales of substantial amounts of the Company's common stock, or the perception that these sales may occur, may adversely affect the price of the Company's common stock and impede its ability to raise capital through the issuance of equity securities in the future. Mr. Icahn could elect in the future to request that the Company file a registration statement to sell shares of the Company's common stock. If Mr. Icahn were to sell a large number of shares into the public markets, or if investors perceived that such a sale may occur, the price of the Company's common stock could decline. We cannot predict future fluctuations in our stock price resulting from actions of Mr. Icahn, nor can we control perceptions in the market or investor sentiment with respect to actions Mr. Icahn may or may not take concerning his ownership of our common stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4
We are authorized to issue up to a total of 350 million shares of our common stock and 50 million shares of preferred stock, potentially diluting equity ownership of current holders and the share price of our common stock.Our Board may authorize us to issue the available authorized shares of common stock or preferred stock without notice to, or further action by, our stockholders, unless stockholder approval is required by law or the rules of the NYSE. The issuance of additional shares of common stock or preferred stock may significantly dilute the equity ownership of the current holders of our common stock.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5
Mr. Carl C. Icahn exerts significant influence over the Company, and his interests or those of IEP or their affiliates may conflict with the interests of the Company's other stockholders.Changed
As of December 31, 2024, Mr. Carl C. Icahn indirectly controlled approximately 66% of the voting power of our common stock and, by virtue of such stock ownership, is able to control or exert substantial influence over the Company, including the election and appointment of directors; business strategy and policies; mergers or other business combinations; acquisition or disposition of assets; future issuances of common stock, common units, or other securities; occurrence of debt or obtaining other sources of financing; and the payment of dividends on the Company's common stock and distributions on the common units of CVR Partners. The existence of a controlling stockholder may have the effect of making it difficult for, or may discourage or delay, a third-party from seeking to acquire a majority of the Company's outstanding common stock, which may adversely affect the market price of the Company's common stock. On January 8, 2025, IEP acquired via cash tender offer a total of 878,212 additional shares at a price of $18.25 per share, increasing his indirect control of CVR Energy's outstanding common stock to approximately 67%. In connection with the tender offer, the Company entered into a Tender Offer Agreement (the "Tender Offer Agreement") among the Company, IEP, Icahn Enterprises Holdings L.P. ("Icahn Enterprises") and Mr. Carl C. Icahn (together with IEP and Icahn Enterprises, the "Icahn Parties"), pursuant to which Icahn Enterprises agreed to commence a tender offer to purchase up to 17,753,322 of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock, par value $0.01 per share (collectively, the "TO Shares"), at a price of $18.25 per TO Share, subject to any required withholding of taxes, net to seller in cash, without interest (the "Offer"). Pursuant to the terms of the Tender Offer Agreement, the Company filed with the SEC a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 disclosing that a special committee of the Board had determined to express no opinion and remain neutral with respect to the Offer. The foregoing description of the Tender Offer Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Tender Offer Agreement, which is incorporated by reference as Exhibit 10.45 to this Report and is incorporated herein by reference.
Mr. Icahn's interests may not always be consistent with the Company's interests or with the interests of the Company's other stockholders. Mr. Icahn and entities controlled by him may also pursue acquisitions or business opportunities in industries in which we compete, and there is no requirement that any additional business opportunities be presented to us. We also have and may in the future enter into transactions to purchase goods or services with affiliates of Mr. Icahn. To the extent that conflicts of interest may arise between the Company and Mr. Icahn and his affiliates, those conflicts may be resolved in a manner adverse to the Company or its other stockholders.
In addition, in the event of a sale or transfer of some or all of Mr. Icahn's interests in us to an unrelated party or group, a change of control could be deemed to have occurred under the terms of the indenture governing CVR Energy's 5.750% Senior Notes due 2028, under the indenture governing CVR Partners' 6.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 and under the indenture governing CVR Energy's 8.500% Senior Notes due 2029, which, in each case, could require the issuers to offer to repurchase all outstanding notes at 101% of their principal amount plus accrued interest to the date of repurchase, and an event of default could be deemed to have occurred under the CVR Energy ABL and the CVR Partners ABL, which, in each case, could allow lenders to accelerate indebtedness owed to them. If such an event were to occur, it is possible that we will not have sufficient funds at the time of the change of control to make the required repurchase of notes or repay amounts outstanding under the CVR Energy ABL or the CVR Partners ABL, if any.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6
Public investors own approximately 61% of the Nitrogen Fertilizer Segment through CVR Partners. Although we own the general partner of CVR Partners, the general partner owes a duty of good faith to public unitholders, which could cause them to manage their respective businesses differently than if there were no public unitholders.Changed
As of December 31, 2024, public investors own approximately 61% of CVR Partners' outstanding common units. We are not entitled to receive all of the cash generated by CVR Partners or freely transfer money to finance operations at the Petroleum Segment. Furthermore, although we own the general partner of CVR Partners, the general partner is subject to certain fiduciary duties, which may require the general partner to manage its business in a way that may differ from our best interests.
Accounting & Financial Operations1 | 1.7%
Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1
Our ability to pay dividends on our common stock is subject to market conditions and numerous other factors.Debt & Financing9 | 15.5%
Debt & Financing - Risk 1
Internally generated cash flows and other sources of liquidity may not be adequate for the capital needs of our businesses.Debt & Financing - Risk 2
We are subject to the risk of becoming an investment company.From time to time, we may own less than a 50% interest in other public companies, which exposes us to the risk of inadvertently becoming an investment company required to register under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("ICA"). Events beyond our control, including significant appreciation or depreciation in the market value of certain of our publicly traded holdings or adverse developments, could result in our inadvertently becoming an investment company required to register under the ICA and subject to extensive, restrictive and potentially adverse regulations relating to, among other things, operating methods, management, capital structure, dividends and transactions with affiliates, and could also be subject to monetary penalties or injunctive relief for failure to register as such.
Debt & Financing - Risk 3
We are a holding company and depend upon our subsidiaries for our cash flow.We are a holding company, and our subsidiaries conduct substantially all of our operations and own substantially all of our assets. Consequently, our cash flow and our ability to meet our obligations or to pay dividends or make other distributions in the future will depend upon the cash flow of our subsidiaries and the payment of funds by our subsidiaries to us in the form of distributions.
Debt & Financing - Risk 4
We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service existing indebtedness and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy debt obligations that may not be successful.Our ability to satisfy existing debt obligations will depend upon, among other things: future financial and operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business, regulatory, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control; future ability to borrow under the CVR Energy ABL and the CVR Partners' ABL, the availability of which depends on, among other things, complying with the covenants in the applicable facility and with covenants in our new term loan facility in the amount of $325 million (the "Term Loan"); and future ability to obtain other financing.
During the second half of 2024, certain external factors such as volatile commodity pricing, higher industry utilization and oversupply had an unfavorable impact on our business, especially on our Petroleum Segment, and negatively impacted cash from operations, our primary source of liquidity. The fire incident at the Wynnewood Refinery in the second quarter of 2024 and weather-related external power outages at both refineries in the third quarter of 2024 also contributed to the negative impact on our cash from operations during the second half of 2024, as further discussed in Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources" of this Report. We cannot offer any assurance that our businesses will generate sufficient cash flow from operations, or that we will be able to draw under our credit facilities or from other sources of financing, in an amount sufficient to fund respective liquidity needs. In addition, our Board may in the future elect to pursue other strategic options, including acquisitions of other businesses or asset purchases, which would reduce cash available to service our debt obligations.
If cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to service existing indebtedness, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital, restructure or refinance existing indebtedness, or seek bankruptcy protection. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit the meeting of scheduled debt service and other obligations. Our ability to restructure or refinance debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition, including that of our segments, at such time. Any refinancing of existing debt could be at higher interest rates and may require compliance with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict business operations.
The borrowings under our credit facilities bear interest at variable rates and other debt we or they incur could likewise be variable-rate debt. If market interest rates increase, variable-rate debt will create higher debt service requirements, which could adversely affect our cash flow and/or distributions to us. Although we may enter into agreements limiting exposure to higher interest rates, any such agreements may not offer complete protection from this risk.
Debt & Financing - Risk 5
Covenants in our debt agreements could limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness and engage in certain transactions, as well as limit operational flexibility, which could adversely affect our liquidity and ability to pursue our business strategies.Our debt facilities and instruments contain, and any instruments governing future indebtedness would likely contain, a number of covenants that impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us and our subsidiaries and may limit our ability to engage in acts that may be in our long-term best interest, including restrictions on the ability, among other things, to: incur, assume, or guarantee additional indebtedness or issue redeemable or preferred stock; pay dividends or distributions in respect of equity securities or make other restricted payments; prepay, redeem, or repurchase certain debt; enter into agreements that restrict distributions from restricted subsidiaries; make certain payments on debt that is subordinated or secured on a junior basis; make certain investments; sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including capital stock of subsidiaries; create liens on certain assets; consolidate, merge, sell, or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all assets; enter into certain transactions with affiliates; and designate subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries.
Any of these restrictions could limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions and could otherwise restrict operating activities. Any failure to comply with these covenants could result in a default under existing debt facilities and instruments. Upon a default, unless waived, the lenders under such debt facilities and instruments would have all remedies available to a secured lender and could elect to terminate their commitments, cease making further loans, institute foreclosure proceedings against assets, and force bankruptcy or liquidation, subject to any applicable intercreditor agreements. In addition, a default under existing debt facilities and instruments would trigger a cross default under other agreements and could trigger a cross default under the agreements governing future indebtedness. Our segments' results may not be sufficient to service existing indebtedness or to fund other expenditures, and we may not be able to obtain financing to meet these requirements.
Debt & Financing - Risk 6
Our indebtedness may increase and affect our ability to operate our businesses, and have a material adverse effect on our financial flexibility, financial condition and results of operations.Although existing credit facilities contain restrictions on the occurrence of additional indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions and, under certain circumstances, additional indebtedness incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial and secured. The level of indebtedness could have important consequences, including the following: (i) limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund working capital needs, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, acquisitions, general corporate, or other purposes; (ii) requiring us to utilize a significant portion of cash flows to service indebtedness, thereby reducing our funds available for operations, future business opportunities, and distributions to us and public common unitholders of CVR Partners; (iii) limiting our ability to use operating cash flow in other areas of our business because we must dedicate a substantial portion of these funds to service debt; (iv) limiting our ability to compete with other companies who are not as highly leveraged, as we may be less capable of responding to adverse economic and industry conditions; (v) limiting our ability to make certain payments on debt that is subordinated or secured on a junior basis; (vi) restricting the way in which we conduct business because of financial and operating covenants, including regarding borrowing additional funds, disposing of assets, and in the case of certain indebtedness of subsidiaries, restricting the ability of subsidiaries to pay dividends or make distributions; (vii) limiting our ability to enter into certain transactions with our affiliates; (viii) limiting our ability to designate our subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; (ix) exposing us to potential events of default (if not cured or waived) under financial and operating covenants contained in their or their respective subsidiaries' debt instruments; (x) increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions or adverse pricing of products; (xi) increasing the likelihood for a reduction in the borrowing base under CVR Energy's Amended and Restated ABL Credit Facility (the "CVR Energy ABL"), which certain subsidiaries of the Company are parties to, following a periodic redetermination could require us to repay a portion of our then-outstanding bank borrowings; and (xii) limiting our ability to react to changing market conditions in our industries and in respective customers' industries.
Debt & Financing - Risk 7
An increase in interest rates will cause our debt service obligations to increase.While the Federal Reserve lowered its target range for the federal funds rate 100 basis points in the later half of 2024, it previously raised the rate by 525 basis points from March 2022 through July 2023. Any subsequent increase in the interest rates associated with our floating rate debt would increase our debt service costs and affect our results of operations and cash flow available for payments of our debt obligations. In addition, an increase in interest rates could adversely affect our future ability to obtain financing or materially increase the cost of any additional financing. We cannot predict future U.S. fiscal policy, including with respect to interest rates, and adverse changes with respect thereto have resulted and could again result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Debt & Financing - Risk 8
If we are unable to complete capital projects at their expected costs, in a timely manner or at all, or if the market conditions assumed in project economics deteriorate, our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be adversely affected.Equipment, even when properly maintained, may require significant capital expenditures and expenses to keep operating at optimum efficiency. Our facilities and equipment have been in operation for many years and may be subject to unscheduled downtime for unanticipated maintenance or repairs that are more frequent than our planned turnaround for facilities and equipment. In addition, our planned turnarounds for facilities and equipment reduce our revenues during the period of time that such assets are not operating and may take longer than anticipated to complete. Delays or cost increases beyond our control related to the engineering and construction of new facilities or improvements and repairs to existing facilities and equipment caused by delays in or denials of permits, disruptions to transportation, labor disagreements resulting in work stoppage, non-performance of vendors, or increases in financing costs, could have a significant impact on our petroleum business. If we are unable to make up for the delays or to recover the related costs, or if market conditions change, we could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
One of the ways we may grow our business is through the conversion or expansion of our existing facilities, such as the conversion of the Wynnewood Refinery's hydrocracker to an RDU, which was completed in 2022, and the conversion of a hydrotreater to renewable diesel service at the Coffeyville Refinery, which is currently being evaluated. If we are unable to complete capital projects at their expected costs or in a timely manner, our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. Delays in making required changes or upgrades to our facilities could subject us to fines or penalties and also affect our ability to supply certain products we make. Moreover, we may construct facilities to capture anticipated future growth in demand for refined products or renewable diesel in a region in which such growth does not materialize, or we may return previously converted equipment to hydrocarbon service based on our expectations concerning market conditions, including but not limited to renewable diesel margins and contractual obligations, and our revenue may not increase immediately upon the expend of funds on a particular project. In addition, the long-term success of our Petroleum Segment depends on our ability to adapt to potentially changing government requirements, among other things. As a result, new capital investments may not achieve our expected investment return, which could materially and adversely affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Debt & Financing - Risk 9
Changes in our credit profile may affect our relationship with our suppliers, which could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and ability to operate the Refineries at full capacity.Changes in our credit profile may affect the way crude oil suppliers view our ability to make payments and may induce them to shorten the payment terms for purchases or require us to post security. For example, our corporate credit ratings were downgraded in the second half of 2024 and further downgrades to our corporate credit ratings could be seen as a significant change to our credit profile by our crude oil suppliers. Given the large dollar amounts and volume of our crude oil and other feedstock purchases, a burdensome change in payment terms may have a material adverse effect on liquidity and our ability to make payments to suppliers. This, in turn, could cause us to be unable to operate the Refineries at full capacity. A failure to operate at full capacity could adversely affect our profitability and cash flows.
Corporate Activity and Growth3 | 5.2%
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1
The Company's reorganization of its entities and assets could trigger increased costs, complexity and risks.Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2
The acquisition, expansion and investment strategy of our businesses involves significant risks.From time to time, we may consider pursuing acquisitions of businesses or assets and expansion projects to continue to grow and increase profitability. We also may make investments in other entities. There can be no assurance that we will be able to consummate any acquisitions or expansions, successfully integrate acquired businesses or entities, or generate positive cash flow at any acquired company or expansion project. Challenges that may lead to failed consummation of an expansion/acquisition include intense competition for suitable acquisition targets, the potential unavailability of financial resources necessary, difficulties in securing sufficiently favorable terms, and the failure to obtain requisite regulatory or other governmental approvals or the approval of equity holders of the entities in which we have invested, and efforts concerning an expansion/acquisition will require significant time and attention from our management, which could distract them from the operation of our business. In addition, any future acquisitions, expansions or investments may entail significant transaction costs and risks associated with entry into new markets and lines of business, including but not limited to new regulatory obligations and risks, and integration challenges such as disruption of operations; failure to achieve financial or operating objectives contributing to the accretive nature of an acquisition; strain on controls, procedures and management; the need to modify systems or to add management resources; the diversion of management time from the operation of our business; customer and personnel retention; assumption of unknown material liabilities or regulatory non-compliance issues; amortization of acquired assets, which would reduce future reported earnings; and possible adverse short-term effects on our cash flows or operating results. Also, our investments may not be successful for many reasons, including, but not limited to, lack of control; worsening of general economic and market conditions; or adverse legal and regulatory developments that may affect particular businesses. Failure to manage these acquisition, expansion and investment risks could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Our joint ventures involve similar risks.
Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3
The Petroleum Segment's commodity derivative strategy and contracts may limit potential gains, exacerbate potential losses, and involve other risks.Changed
We may enter into both short- and long-term commodity derivatives contracts to mitigate crack spread risk with respect to a portion of expected refined products production. However, hedging arrangements, if we are able to procure them, may fail to fully achieve this objective for a variety of reasons, including its failure to have adequate hedging contracts, if any, in effect at any particular time and the failure of hedging arrangements to produce the anticipated results. Moreover, such transactions may limit our ability to benefit from favorable changes in margins. In addition, our hedging activities may expose us to the risk of financial loss in certain circumstances, including instances in which the volumes of our actual use of crude oil or production of the applicable refined products is less than the volumes subject to the hedging arrangement; accidents, interruptions in transportation, inclement weather, or other events cause unscheduled shutdowns or otherwise adversely affect a refinery, suppliers, or customers; the counterparties to our futures contracts fail to perform under the contracts; or a sudden, unexpected event materially impacts the commodity or crack spread subject to the hedging arrangement. As a result, our risk mitigation strategy and activities could have a material adverse impact on our financial results and cash flows.
Production
Total Risks: 15/58 (26%)Above Sector Average
Manufacturing4 | 6.9%
Manufacturing - Risk 1
Potential Renewables Projects at the Refineries could impact the operations and/or profitability of our Renewables Segment.Added
Manufacturing - Risk 2
Any decline in U.S. agricultural production or limitations on the use of nitrogen fertilizer for agricultural purposes could have a material adverse effect on the sales, and on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.Conditions in the U.S. agricultural industry significantly impact our operating results. The U.S. agricultural industry can be affected by a number of factors, including weather patterns and field conditions, current and projected grain inventories and prices, domestic and international population changes, demand for U.S. agricultural products, U.S., state and foreign policies regarding trade in agricultural products, and changes in governmental regulations and incentives for ethanol production that could affect future corn-based ethanol demand and production, including the RFS program. Developments in crop technology could also reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and adversely affect the demand for nitrogen fertilizer. All of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Manufacturing - Risk 3
If our Petroleum Segment loses the benefit of a crude oil supply agreement or is unable to gather crude oil in the regions in which we operate, our exposure to the risks associated with volatile crude oil prices may increase, crude oil transportation costs could increase and our liquidity may be reduced.Our Petroleum Segment obtains substantially all of its crude oil supply through crude oil gathering operations in Kansas and Oklahoma or through the crude oil intermediation agreement with Gunvor USA LLC. The agreement, which currently extends through January 31, 2026, minimizes the amount of in-transit inventory and mitigates crude oil pricing risk by ensuring pricing takes place close to the time the crude oil is refined and the yielded products are sold. If we were required to obtain our crude oil supply without the benefit of crude oil located near the Refineries or a supply intermediation agreement, our Petroleum Segment's exposure to crude oil pricing risk may increase, despite any hedging activity in which we engage (such as futures and swaps), crude oil transportation costs could increase and our liquidity could be negatively impacted due to increased inventory, potential need to post letters of credit, and negative impacts of market volatility. There is no assurance that our crude oil gathering operations will remain at current levels or that we will be able to renew or extend the Gunvor agreement beyond January 31, 2026. Crude oil production disruptions could have a material impact on the Petroleum Segment because in such an event, we may be unable to obtain an adequate supply of crude oil, or we may only be able to obtain crude oil at unfavorable prices and we may experience a reduction in liquidity and our results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Manufacturing - Risk 4
Our facilities face significant risks due to physical damage hazards, environmental liability risk exposure, and unplanned or emergency partial or total plant shutdowns which could cause property damage and a material decline in production which may not be fully insured.If any of our facilities, logistics assets, or key suppliers sustain a catastrophic loss and operations are shutdown or significantly impaired, it would have a material adverse impact on our operations, financial condition and cash flows. Examples of unforeseen events and circumstances, which may not be within our control, include: (i) major unplanned maintenance requirements; (ii) catastrophic events caused by mechanical breakdown, electrical injury, pressure vessel rupture, explosion,contamination, fires, or natural disasters, including floods, windstorms, and other similar events; (iii) labor supply shortages or labor difficulties that result in a work stoppage or slowdown; (iv) cessation or suspension of a plant or specific operations dictated by environmental authorities; (v) acts of terrorism, cyberattacks or other deliberate malicious acts; and (vi) an event or incident involving a large clean-up, decontamination, or the imposition of laws and ordinances regulating the cost and schedule of demolition or reconstruction, which can cause significant delays in restoring property to its pre-loss condition. For example, on April 28, 2024, a fire commenced at the Wynnewood Refinery during severe weather and damaged pipe racks and pumps in the area of the naphtha processing units, which damage to the pipe rack impacted service to other units. Refer to "Adverse weather conditions or other unforeseen developments could damage our facilities or logistics assets and impair our ability to produce and deliver our products" below and Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Results of Operations-Petroleum Segment" of this Report for additional information on this incident. Any similar events in the future or claims related thereto could have a significant impact on the Company and its operations, may not be insured, and could be the subject of litigation or an enforcement action, which could result in significant expense to the Company, and which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.
We are insured under casualty, environmental, property, and business interruption insurance policies. The property and business interruption policies insure our real and personal property. These policies are subject to limits, sub-limits, retention (financial and time-based), and deductibles. The application of these and other policy conditions could materially impact insurance recoveries and potentially cause us to assume losses which could impair earnings. There is potential for a common occurrence to impact both our Coffeyville Refinery and Coffeyville Fertilizer Facility, in which case the insurance limits and applicable sub-limits would apply to all damages combined.
There is finite capacity in the commercial insurance industry engaged in underwriting energy industry risk, and factors impacting cost and availability include: (i) losses in our industries, (ii) natural disasters (which could be exacerbated by climate change), (iii) specific losses incurred by us, and (iv) inadequate investment returns earned by the insurance industry. In the future, certain insurance could become unavailable or available only for reduced amounts of coverage or at exorbitant costs. If the supply of commercial insurance is curtailed or if commercial insurance companies decline to underwrite companies in the energy industry, we may not be able to continue our present limits of insurance coverage or obtain sufficient insurance capacity to adequately insure our risks or we may determine that premium costs, in our judgement, do not justify such expenditures and instead increase our self-insurance.
Employment / Personnel3 | 5.2%
Employment / Personnel - Risk 1
A portion of our workforce is unionized, and we are subject to the risk of labor disputes, slowdowns or strikes, which may disrupt our business and increase our costs.Employment / Personnel - Risk 2
Our business may suffer due to the departure of any of our key senior executives or other key employees. Furthermore, a shortage of skilled labor may make it difficult for us to maintain labor productivity.Our future performance depends to a significant degree upon our management team and key technical personnel. The loss or unavailability to us of any member of our management team or a key technical employee could significantly harm us. We face competition for these professionals from our competitors, our customers and other companies operating in our industry. To the extent that the services of members of our management team and key technical personnel would be unavailable to us for any reason, we may be required to hire other personnel to manage and operate our business. We may not be able to locate or employ such qualified personnel on acceptable terms, or at all.
Furthermore, our operations require skilled and experienced laborers with proficiency in multiple tasks. A shortage of trained workers due to retirements or otherwise could have an adverse impact on productivity and costs and our ability to expand production in the event here is an increase in the demand for our products and services, which could adversely affect our operations.
Employment / Personnel - Risk 3
CVR Partners is managed by the executive officers of its general partner, who are employed by and also serve as part of the senior management team of the Company. Conflicts of interest could arise as a result of this arrangement.CVR Partners is managed by the executive officers of its general partner, who are employed by and also serve as part of the senior management team of the Company. Furthermore, although CVR Partners has entered into a service agreement with the Company under which it compensates the Company for the services of its management, our management is not required to devote any specific amount of time to the Nitrogen Fertilizer Segment and may devote a substantial majority of their time to other business of the Company. Moreover, the Company may terminate the services agreement with CVR Partners at any time, subject to a 90-day notice period. In addition, key executive officers of the Company, including its president and chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and general counsel, will face conflicts of interest if decisions arise in which CVR Partners and the Company have conflicting points of view or interests.
Supply Chain5 | 8.6%
Supply Chain - Risk 1
If our access to transportation on which we rely for the supply of our feedstocks and the distribution of our products is interrupted, our inventory and costs may increase and we may be unable to distribute our products efficiently or at all.Supply Chain - Risk 2
If licensed technology were no longer available or able to be licensed economically or at all, our business may be adversely affected.We have licensed a combination of patent, trade secret, and other intellectual property rights of third parties for use in our plant operations. If our use of technology on which our operations rely were to be terminated or face infringement claims, licenses to alternative technology may not be available, may only be available on terms that are not commercially reasonable or acceptable, or in the case of infringement may result in substantial costs, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
In addition, we may identify in the future additional third-party intellectual property that we believe is necessary to our operations. The licensing or acquisition of third-party intellectual property rights is a competitive area, and several companies may pursue strategies to license or acquire third-party intellectual property rights that we may consider attractive or necessary, with the result that such intellectual property may not be available on economic terms or at all. In addition, companies that perceive us to be a competitor may be unwilling to assign or license rights to us. Even if such licenses are available, we may be required to pay the licensor substantial royalties based on sales of our products, and such licenses may be non-exclusive, which could give our competitors access to the same intellectual property licensed to us. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Supply Chain - Risk 3
Failure by our Coffeyville Refinery or other third parties to continue to supply our Coffeyville Fertilizer Facility with pet coke could negatively impact the Nitrogen Fertilizer Segment's results of operations.Unlike our competitors, whose primary costs are related to the purchase of natural gas and whose costs are therefore largely variable, our Coffeyville Fertilizer Facility uses a pet coke gasification process to produce nitrogen fertilizer. Our profitability is directly affected by the price and availability of pet coke obtained from our Coffeyville Refinery under the Coffeyville MSA. Our Coffeyville Fertilizer Facility obtained 46% of its pet coke from our Coffeyville Refinery in 2024. Should our Coffeyville Refinery fail to perform in accordance with the existing agreement or to the extent pet coke from the Coffeyville Refinery is insufficient, we would need to purchase pet coke from third parties on the open market, which could negatively impact our results of operations to the extent third-party pet coke is unavailable or available only at higher prices. Currently, we purchase 100% of the pet coke our Coffeyville Refinery produces. However, we are still required to procure additional pet coke at fixed prices from third parties to maintain our production rates. We have contracts for 280,000 tons of third-party supply of pet coke through December 2025.
Supply Chain - Risk 4
Our nitrogen fertilizer business depends in large part on third-party suppliers, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.Changed
Our nitrogen fertilizer business depends in large part on the performance of third-party suppliers, such as the adjacent third-party air separation plant and a third-party electric supplier. Our East Dubuque Fertilizer Facility operations also depend in large part on the performance of third-party suppliers, including for the purchase of electricity. Should these, or any of our other third-party suppliers fail to perform in accordance with existing contractual arrangements, or should we otherwise lose the service of any third-party suppliers, our operations (or a portion thereof) could be forced to halt. Alternative sources of supply could be difficult to obtain. Any shutdown of our operations (or a portion thereof), even for a limited period, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay dividends.
Supply Chain - Risk 5
Any interruption in the supply of natural gas to our Facilities could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.Changed
Operations at our Facilities depend on the availability of natural gas. We have two agreements for pipeline transportation of natural gas with expiration dates in April 2025. We typically purchase natural gas from third parties on a spot basis and, from time to time, we may enter into fixed-price forward purchase contracts. Upon expiration of the agreements, we may be unable to extend the service under the terms of the existing agreements or renew the agreements on satisfactory terms, or at all, necessitating construction of a new connection that could be costly and disruptive. Any disruption in the supply of natural gas to our East Dubuque Fertilizer Facility could restrict our ability to continue to make products at the facility and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Costs3 | 5.2%
Costs - Risk 1
Our businesses are, and commodity prices are, cyclical and highly volatile, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.Changed
Costs - Risk 2
We could incur significant costs in cleaning up contamination at or associated with our facilities.Our businesses handle petroleum and hazardous substances, and as a result, spills, discharges, or other releases of petroleum or hazardous substances into the environment may occur. Past or future spills related to any of our current or former operations and solid or hazardous waste disposal may give rise to liability (including for personal injury and property damage, penalties, strict liability and potential cleanup responsibility) to governmental entities or private parties under federal, state, or local environmental laws, as well as under common law. For example, we could be held strictly liable under CERCLA and similar state statutes for past or future spills without regard to fault or whether our actions were in compliance with the law at the time of the spills, including in connection with contamination associated with our current and former facilities, and facilities to which we transported or arranged for the transportation of wastes or byproducts containing hazardous substances for treatment, storage, or disposal. Such liability could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows and may not be covered by insurance.
Remedial activities to address known environmental contamination are underway at three of our facilities, including the Coffeyville Refinery, the now-closed Phillipsburg terminal (which operated as a refinery until 1991), and the Wynnewood Refinery. We also have assumed the previous owner's responsibilities under certain administrative orders under RCRA related to contamination at or that originated from the Coffeyville Refinery and the Phillipsburg terminal. We continue to work with the applicable governmental authorities to implement remediation of these three sites on a timely basis. As of December 31, 2024, we have established an accrual of approximately $3 million for probable and reasonably estimable obligations associated with environmental matters.
Costs - Risk 3
Tariffs and bans on renewable feedstocks could result in supply restriction and feedstock pricing volatility.Added
Although the PTC guidelines have not yet been finalized, one of the proposed measures would exclude certain imported renewable feedstocks from being eligible to claim the credit. In addition, tariffs imposed by the new Presidential Administration could impact the pricing and availability of imported renewable feedstocks into the United States. Reduced supplies of imported feedstocks due to tariff restrictions or producers' inability to claim credits could result in increased demand for domestic feedstocks. Increased demand for domestic feedstocks could reduce available supplies and increase feedstock pricing, which in turn could negatively impact the profitability of our Renewables Segment.
Legal & Regulatory
Total Risks: 13/58 (22%)Above Sector Average
Regulation3 | 5.2%
Regulation - Risk 1
We are subject to strict laws and regulations regarding employee and process safety, and failure to comply with these laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and profitability.Regulation - Risk 2
We may be unable to obtain or renew permits or approvals necessary for our operations, which could inhibit our ability to do business.Our businesses hold numerous environmental and other governmental permits and approvals authorizing operations at our facilities and future expansion of our operations is predicated upon the ability to secure necessary approvals therefore. A decision by a government agency to deny or delay issuing a new or renewed material permit or approval, or to revoke or substantially modify an existing permit or approval, could have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue operations and on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Regulation - Risk 3
Compliance with the RFS could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.Changed
The EPA has promulgated and implemented the RFS pursuant to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Energy Independence and Security Act. Under the RFS program, a RIN is assigned to each gallon of renewable fuel produced in or imported into the United States. The RFS program sets annual mandates for the volume of renewable fuels (such as ethanol and biodiesel) that must be blended into a refiner's transportation fuels. If a refiner of petroleum-based transportation fuels is unable to meet its renewable fuel mandate through blending and is not otherwise exempt from compliance, it must purchase RINs in the open market to meet its obligations under the RFS program.
Our Petroleum Segment's obligated-party subsidiaries are exposed to the volatility in the market price of RINs, which can be extreme. We cannot predict the future prices of RINs. RIN prices are dependent upon a variety of factors, including EPA regulations, the availability of RINs for purchase from third parties or our Renewables Segment, levels of transportation fuels produced, the mix of the petroleum business' petroleum products, our purchasing as well as the fuel blending performed at the Refineries and downstream terminals, all of which can vary significantly from period to period. RIN prices may also be impacted by the timing and content of the EPA's actions or inactions relating to the RFS and communications relating thereto, as well as the actions of market participants, such as non-obligated parties. We may also be adversely impacted by the timing by which we purchase RINs, either ratably or at all. Also, we believe WRC, as a small refinery, should be entitled to exemptions from the RFS, and we may carry a RIN deficit while we pursue such exemptions in court. The accounting treatment of such deficit may change over time and in response to court rulings. If sufficient RINs are unavailable for purchase, if the Petroleum Segment has to pay a significantly higher price for RINs, if our legal actions relating to WRC's small refinery exemptions are not decided in our favor, or if our obligated-party subsidiaries are otherwise unable to meet the EPA's RFS mandates or is unable to participate in programs or receive exemptions relieving compliance with RFS obligations, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Litigation & Legal Liabilities2 | 3.4%
Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1
Any liability for accidents involving ammonia or other products we produce or transport that cause severe damage to property or injury to the environment and human health could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay dividends.Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 2
We may have liability to repay distributions that are wrongfully distributed to us.Under certain circumstances, we may, as a holder of common units in CVR Partners, have to repay amounts wrongfully returned or distributed to us. Under the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, a partnership may not make distributions to its unitholders if the distribution would cause its liabilities to exceed the fair value of its assets. Delaware law provides that for a period of three years from the date of an impermissible distribution, limited partners who received the distribution and who knew at the time of the distribution that it violated Delaware law will be liable to the company for the distribution amount.
Taxation & Government Incentives3 | 5.2%
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1
If CVR Partners were to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes or if it becomes subject to entity-level taxation for state tax purposes, its cash available for distribution to its common unitholders, including to us, would be substantially reduced, likely causing a substantial reduction in the value of its common units, including the common units held by us.Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 2
Compliance with and changes in the tax laws could adversely affect our performance.We are subject to extensive tax liabilities, including U.S. federal and state income taxes and transactional taxes such as excise, sales/use, payroll, franchise, and withholding taxes. New tax laws and regulations are continuously being enacted or proposed that could result in increased expenditures for tax liabilities in the future. We cannot predict whether any future changes to U.S. tax policy, including as a result of the new presidential administration, will occur, nor can we predict the impact to our business of any such changes.
In August 2022, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act. This law imposes, among other things, a 15% corporate alternative minimum tax on adjusted financial statement income, and a 1% excise tax on certain corporate stock repurchases occurring after December 31, 2022. We do not expect any material impacts from these provisions.
Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 3
Our Renewables Segment is highly dependent on government credits, resulting in uncertainty and volatility.Added
Current market prices for renewable feedstocks are higher than the prices for renewable fuels. As a result, profitability in the Renewables Segment is highly dependent on the prices of government credits generated through the production of renewable fuels, particularly RINs prices, LCFS credit prices, and the BTC. RINs prices are mainly influenced by supply and demand dynamics, with the demand being heavily impacted by the annual Renewable Volume Obligation levels established by the EPA. The $1 per gallon BTC expired on December 31, 2024, and its intended replacement, the Clean Fuels Production Credit, has not yet been finalized. With the loss of the BTC there could be additional volatility in pricing for renewable fuels feedstocks, as well as in prices of other credits generated by renewable fuels production, particularly RINs prices and LCFS credit prices. Without sufficient government support to stabilize prices for credits generated by renewable fuels production, our Renewables Segment may not be able to generate profits.
Environmental / Social5 | 8.6%
Environmental / Social - Risk 1
Our renewables customer base is dependent on some environmental credits only available in certain states, thereby limiting our customer pool.Added
Environmental / Social - Risk 2
Investor and market sentiment towards climate change, fossil fuels, GHG emissions, environmental justice, and other ESG matters could adversely affect our business, cost of capital, and the price of our common stock and debt securities.Changed
There have been efforts in recent years aimed at the investment community, including investment advisors, sovereign wealth funds, public pension funds, universities, and other groups, to promote the divestment of securities of companies in the energy industry, as well as to pressure lenders and other financial services companies to limit or curtail activities with companies in the energy industry. As a result, some financial intermediaries, investors, and other capital markets participants have reduced or ceased lending to, or investing in, companies that operate in industries with higher perceived environmental exposure, such as the energy industry. Pension funds at both the United States state and municipal level, as well other countries and jurisdictions across the world, particularly in Europe, have announced plans to divest holdings in companies engaged in fossil fuels activities. If these or similar divestment efforts are continued, the price of our common stock or debt securities, and our ability to access capital markets or to otherwise obtain new investment or financing, may be negatively impacted.
Some members of the investment community are focused on ESG practices and disclosures, including those related to climate change, GHG emissions targets, business resilience under demand-constraint scenarios, and net-zero ambitions in the energy industry in particular, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, political activities, and governance standards among companies more generally. In addition to voluntary disclosures in response to investor and stakeholder requests, some governments have also proposed or adopted regulations that impose disclosure obligations with respect to various climate change and other ESG matters. As a result, we may face negative publicity, increasing pressure regarding our ESG practices and disclosures, and demands for ESG-focused engagement commenced by investors, stakeholders, and other interested parties. This could result in higher costs, disruption and diversion of management attention, an increased strain on company resources, and the implementation of certain ESG practices or disclosures that may present a heightened level of legal and regulatory risk, or that threaten our credibility with other investors and stakeholders. Investors, stakeholders, and other interested parties are also increasingly focusing on issues related to environmental justice. This may result in increased scrutiny, protests, and negative publicity with respect to our business and operations, and those of our counterparties, which could in turn result in the cancellation or delay of projects, the revocation of permits, termination of contracts, lawsuits, regulatory action, and policy change that may adversely affect our business strategy, increase our costs, and adversely affect our reputation and performance. For example, in recent years, private litigation has been increasingly initiated against energy companies by local and state agencies and private parties alleging climate change impacts arising from their operations and seeking damages and equitable relief. We cannot reasonably predict whether any such litigation will be initiated against us or, if initiated, what the outcome would be. While we would vehemently defend against any such litigation, we could incur significant costs in such defense and if we failed to prevail and were required to pay significant damages and/or materially alter our business, there could be a material adverse impact on our operations, financial condition or results of operations.
Additionally, the investment community may screen companies like ours for ESG performance and climate-related practices to limit GHG emissions before investing in our common stock, debt securities, or lending to us. Credit ratings agencies are also using ESG as a factor in assigning their ratings, which could impact our cost of capital or access to financing. There is also investor demand for ESG investing opportunities, and some institutional investors have committed to increasing the percentage of their portfolios allocated towards ESG-focused investments. As a result, some investment funds have been reallocated with an ESG focus. There continue to be third-party providers of company ESG ratings and ESG-focused voting policies among proxy advisory firms, portfolio managers, and institutional investors. Such climate-related activities could lead to decreased demand for fossil fuel-based products and increased demand for products that result in lower emissions than fossil fuel-based products, and our business could be adversely affected.
If we are unable to meet the ESG standards or investment, lending, ratings, or voting criteria and policies set by these parties, we may lose investors, investors may allocate a portion of their capital away from us, we may become a target for ESG-focused activism, our cost of capital may increase, the price of our securities may be negatively impacted, and our reputation may also be negatively affected.
Environmental / Social - Risk 3
Compliance with and changes in environmental laws, rules, and regulations, including those related to climate change and the ongoing "energy transition", could result in increased operating costs and capital expenditures and changes in demand for the products we produce.Changed
Our operations are subject to extensive federal, state, and local environmental laws, rules, and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, including those governing the emission or discharge of pollutants into the environment, climate change and the ongoing energy transition, product use and specifications, and the generation, treatment, storage, transportation, disposal, and remediation of solid and hazardous wastes. Violations of applicable environmental laws, rules, and regulations or of the conditions of permits issued thereunder can result in substantial penalties, injunctive orders compelling installation of additional controls or other injunctive relief, civil and criminal sanctions, operating restrictions, permit revocations, and/or facility shutdowns, which may have a material adverse effect on our ability to operate our facilities and accordingly our financial performance.
In addition, new environmental laws, rules, and regulations, including as a result of climate change and the ongoing energy transition efforts, new interpretations of existing laws, rules, and regulations, including as a result of the change in U.S. presidential administration, or increased governmental enforcement of laws, rules, and regulations, could require us to make additional unforeseen expenditures. More aggressive efforts by governments and non-governmental organizations to put in place laws requiring or otherwise driving reductions in GHG emissions appear likely and any such future laws and regulations could result in increased compliance costs or additional operating restrictions applicable to our customers and/or us, and any increase in the prices of refined products resulting from such increased costs, GHG cap-and-trade programs or taxes on GHGs, could results in reduced demand for our refined petroleum products. For example, in August 2022, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act, which directs the EPA to impose a charge on methane emissions from certain petroleum system facilities and could have an indirect impact on demand for the goods and services of our Petroleum Segment. On January 26, 2024, the EPA issued a proposed rule to implement the methane emissions reduction program. Following a public comment period that ended March 11, 2024, the EPA announced the final rule on November 12, 2024, which took effect on January 17, 2025. Our business could also be impacted by governmental initiatives to incentivize the conservation of energy or the use of alternative energy sources. For example, there have been a number of U.S. federal and state rulemakings encouraging or mandating electric vehicles or alternative fuel vehicles. These initiatives to reduce energy consumption or incentivize a shift away from fossil fuels could reduce demand for hydrocarbons, thereby reducing demand for the products of our Petroleum Segment, and adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In 2024, there was an increased agency interest in polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS. Although not yet finalized, in February 2024, the EPA proposed changes to the RCRA regulations by adding nine PFAS compounds to its list of "hazardous constituents." In April 2024, EPA finalized a rule to designate two PFAS compounds as "hazardous substances" under CERCLA. Industry and environmental groups have challenged the final CERCLA rule in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, and while that case is still ongoing, in February 2025, the EPA requested that the court hold the case in abeyance for sixty days to allow agency leadership review and the court has not yet ruled on that motion. In addition, in April 2024, the EPA released a memorandum providing direction on the EPA's enforcement discretion under CERCLA in matters involving PFAS. The EPA's request to stay the April 2024 PFAS Rule, and the withdrawal of a June 2024 draft proposal (that would likely not apply to us) setting PFAS effluent limits for the chemical manufacturing sector, among other indicators, suggest that the January 2025 change in the presidential administration could impact the EPA's level of interest in the regulation of PFAS and that PFAS regulation and enforcement will be less of a priority for the EPA in 2025. Nevertheless, to the extent these new PFAS compounds remain designated as hazardous substances, the EPA and states have the ability to order remediation of those compounds and cost recovery at clean-up sites. The EPA and states also have the authority to reopen closed sites which are shown to be impacted by these PFAS compounds. This could lead to increased monitoring obligations, costs and potential liability related thereto. If we are unable to maintain sales of our products at a price that reflects such increased costs, or those costs result in reduced demand for our fertilizer and hydrocarbon products, there could be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Under the new Trump Administration the White House issued EO 14154 titled "Unleashing American Energy" that seeks to establish American energy dominance through, among other actions, purported revocation of certain executive and regulatory actions taken under the prior U.S. presidential administration, abolishment of certain offices such as the American Climate Corps and the Interagency Working Group on the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases and other actions including, for example, directives to revise permitting processes, promote domestic mining and energy production and eliminate the "electric vehicle mandate" by ensuring a level regulatory playing field for gasoline-powered automobiles and eliminating subsidies or other incentives for purchasing electric vehicles (EVs). Also on January 20, 2025, the White House issued EO 14162, "Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements", directing the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It is unclear the impact the Trump Administration and these EOs and others will have on the laws, rules, and regulations applicable to us or on our operations, and we cannot predict future developments related thereto.
Environmental / Social - Risk 4
Regulations concerning the transportation, storage, and handling of hazardous chemicals and materials could result in higher operating costs.Our crude oil gathering division that operates as a motor carrier is subject to regulation by federal and various state agencies and possible regulatory and legislative changes that may affect the economics of the industry. Some of these possible changes include increasingly stringent fuel-economy environmental regulations, limits on vehicle weight and size, and increases to federal, state or local taxes, including taxes on motor fuels, which may increase our costs or adversely impact the recruitment of drivers.
Environmental / Social - Risk 5
Our business is subject to complex and evolving laws, regulations and security standards regarding privacy, cybersecurity and data protection ("data protection laws"). Many of these data protection laws are subject to change and uncertain interpretation, and could result in claims, increased costs of operations, or other harm to our business.The constantly evolving regulatory and legislative environment surrounding data privacy and protection poses increasingly complex compliance challenges, and complying with such data protection laws could increase the costs and complexity of compliance. While we do not collect significant amounts of personal information from consumers, we do have personal information from our employees, job applicants and some third parties, such as contractors and distributors. Any failure, whether real or perceived, by us to comply with applicable data protection laws could result in proceedings or actions against us by governmental entities or others, subject us to significant fines, penalties, judgments, and negative publicity, require us to change our business practices, increase the costs and complexity of compliance, and adversely affect our business. Our compliance with emerging privacy/security laws, as well as any associated inquiries or investigations or any other government actions related to these laws, may increase our operating costs.
Macro & Political
Total Risks: 7/58 (12%)Above Sector Average
Economy & Political Environment3 | 5.2%
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1
An increase in inflation could have adverse effects on our results of operations.Economy & Political Environment - Risk 2
Our businesses are geographically concentrated, creating exposure to regional economic downturns and seasonal variations for us or our customers, which may affect our production levels, transportation costs, and inventory and working capital levels.Our Refineries are both located in the southern portion of Group 3 of the PADD II region, and we primarily market refined products in a relatively limited geographic area. As a result, our Petroleum Segment is more susceptible to regional economic conditions than the operations of more geographically diversified competitors, and any unforeseen circumstances that affect our operating area could also materially adversely affect our revenues and cash flows. These factors include, among other things, changes in the economy, weather conditions, demographics and population, increased supply of refined products from competitors, and reductions in the supply of crude oil. In addition, if we deliver refined products to customers outside of the region, we may incur considerably higher transportation costs, resulting in lower refining margins, if any.
Our Nitrogen Fertilizer Segment's sales to agricultural customers are concentrated in the Great Plains and Midwest states, and nitrogen fertilizer demand is seasonal. Our quarterly results may vary significantly from one year to the next due to weather-related shifts in planting schedules and purchase patterns. Because we build inventory during low demand periods, the accumulation of inventory to be available for seasonal sales creates significant seasonal working capital and storage capacity requirements. The degree of seasonality can change significantly from year-to-year due to conditions in the agricultural industry and other factors. As a consequence of this seasonality, distributions by our Nitrogen Fertilizer Segment of available cash, if any, may be volatile and may vary quarterly and annually.
Economy & Political Environment - Risk 3
Instability and volatility in the capital, credit, and commodity markets in the global economy could negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be negatively impacted by difficult conditions and volatility in the capital, credit, and commodities markets and in the global economy. For example, there can be no assurance that funds under our credit facilities will be available or sufficient, and in such a case, we may not be able to successfully obtain additional financing on favorable terms, or at all; market volatility could exert downward pressure on the price of CVR Partners' common units, which may make it more difficult for us to raise additional capital and thereby limit its ability to grow, which could in turn cause CVR Energy's stock and/or CVR Partners' unit price to drop; or customers experiencing financial difficulties may fail to meet their financial obligations when due because of bankruptcy, lack of liquidity, operational failure, or other reasons could result in decreased sales and earnings for us.
International Operations1 | 1.7%
International Operations - Risk 1
Certain developments in the global oil markets have had, and may continue to have, material adverse impacts on the operations, business, financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations of the Company or its customers, suppliers, and other counterparties.Natural and Human Disruptions3 | 5.2%
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 1
Adverse weather conditions or other unforeseen developments could damage our facilities or logistics assets and impair our ability to produce and deliver our products.Changed
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 2
Public health crises have had, and may continue to have, adverse impacts on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.Changed
The economic effects from public health crises, such as a pandemic, on our business were and may again be significant. The extent to which the effects of a pandemic or other public health crisis may adversely impact our future business, financial, and operating results, and for what duration and magnitude, depends on factors that continuously evolve, are difficult to predict and, in many instances, are beyond our control. The ultimate outcome of these and other factors have in the past resulted and may again result in many adverse consequences including, but not limited to, disruption or delays to supply chains for critical equipment or feedstock, inflation, increased interest rates, and increased administrative, compliance, and operational costs. In addition, pandemics or other public health crises have also resulted and could result in significant economic disruption and other effects that adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity. The adverse impacts of a pandemic had, and the adverse impacts of a future pandemic or other public health crisis may have, the effect of precipitating or heightening many of the other risks described in this section.
Natural and Human Disruptions - Risk 3
Acts of terror or sabotage, threats of war, armed conflict, or war or trade wars may have an adverse impact on our business, our future results of operations and our overall financial performance.Changed
Acts of sabotage or terrorist attacks (including cyberattacks), threats of war, armed conflict, or war or trade wars, as well as events occurring in response to or in connection with such events may harm our business or have an adverse impact on our future results of operations and financial condition. For example, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war poses significant geopolitical risks to global crude oil, fertilizer, and agriculture markets. In addition, despite recent de-escalation and the ongoing ceasefire, the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began in October 2023, continues to pose similar risks to the global crude oil, fertilizer, and agriculture markets. The threat or imposition of trade restrictions or economic sanctions could lead to further volatility in the price and disruptions in the production and trade of fertilizer, grains, and feedstock. The ultimate outcome of these conflicts, or further escalation or expansion thereof, and any associated market disruptions are difficult to predict and may affect our business, operations, and cash flows in unforeseen ways.
Critical infrastructure such as petroleum refining and chemical manufacturing facilities may be at greater risk of terrorist attacks than other businesses in the United States. As a result, the petroleum and chemical industries are subject to security regulations relating to physical and cyber security, and the costs of compliance therewith may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. Further, uncertainty surrounding new or continued global hostilities or other sustained military campaigns, sanctions brought by the U.S. and other countries, and the possibility that infrastructure facilities could be direct targets of, or indirect casualties of, an act of terror, armed conflict or war may affect our operations in unpredictable ways, including disruptions of crude oil supplies and markets for refined products. The long-term impacts of terrorist attacks and the threat of future terrorist attacks on the energy transportation industry in general, and on us in particular, are unknown. Increased security measures taken by us as a precaution against possible terrorist attacks or vandalism could result in increased costs to our business. In addition, disruption or significant increases in energy prices could result in government-imposed price controls.
Further, changes in the insurance markets attributable to terrorist attacks, acts of sabotage or cyberattacks could make certain types of insurance more difficult for us to obtain. Moreover, the insurance that may be available to us may be significantly more expensive than our existing insurance coverage. Instability in the financial markets as a result of war, terrorism, sabotage or cyberattack could also affect our ability to raise capital, including our ability to repay or refinance debt.
Ability to Sell
Total Risks: 3/58 (5%)Above Sector Average
Competition1 | 1.7%
Competition - Risk 1
Our businesses face intense competition.Added
Demand2 | 3.4%
Demand - Risk 1
The market for natural gas has been volatile, and fluctuations in natural gas prices could affect our competitive position.Demand - Risk 2
Our segments each depend on significant customers, the loss of which may have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.Changed
The Petroleum, Renewables, and Nitrogen Fertilizer Segments each have a significant concentration of customers. The largest customer for each of our Petroleum and Nitrogen Fertilizer Segments represented 13% and 14% of their respective net sales for the year ended December 31, 2024, while the Renewables Segment has two customers that each accounted for approximately 50% of its net sales for the same period. Given the nature of our businesses, and consistent with industry practice, we do not have long-term minimum purchase contracts with our customers. The loss of one or more of these significant customers, or a significant reduction in purchase volume by any of them, for any reason including, but not limited to, a desire to purchase competing products with lower emissions, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Tech & Innovation
Total Risks: 1/58 (2%)Above Sector Average
Cyber Security1 | 1.7%
Cyber Security - Risk 1
We are subject to cybersecurity risks and may experience cyber incidents resulting in disruption or harm to our businesses.See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.
FAQ
What are “Risk Factors”?
Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.
They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.
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How do companies disclose their risk factors?
Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.
Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.
Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.
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You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.
Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.
A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.
What are all the risk factor categories?
TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.
1. Financial & Corporate
- Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
- Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
- Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
- Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.
2. Legal & Regulatory
- Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
- Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
- Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
- Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.
3. Production
- Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
- Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
- Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
- Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.
4. Technology & Innovation
- Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
- Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
- Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
- Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.
5. Ability to Sell
- Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
- Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
- Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
- Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.
6. Macro & Political
- Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
- Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
- International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
- Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.