10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2006

VALERO ENERGY CORP/TX Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2006

Filed May 9, 2006For Securities:VLO

Summary

Valero Energy Corporation (VLO) reported strong financial performance for the first quarter of 2006, driven by significantly higher refined product prices and increased throughput volumes, largely attributable to the acquisition of Premcor in September 2005. Operating revenues surged by 40% year-over-year, with net income applicable to common stock increasing by 59% to $848 million. The refining segment was the primary driver of this growth, with operating income more than doubling, benefiting from wider refining margins and higher throughput volumes from the acquired Premcor refineries. The company also highlighted its strategic positioning to capitalize on favorable industry fundamentals, including sustained demand and supply constraints in refined products, and a widening discount for sour crude oil. Looking ahead, Valero anticipates continued favorable margins and plans significant capital investments, including environmental projects and refinery expansions, to support future growth. The company is also exploring the divestiture of its interest in Valero L.P. to further strengthen its financial flexibility.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income applicable to common stock rose 59% to $848 million ($1.32 per diluted share) in Q1 2006, compared to $530 million ($0.96 per diluted share) in Q1 2005.
  • 2Operating revenues increased 40% to $20.9 billion in Q1 2006, primarily driven by higher refined product prices and increased throughput from the Premcor acquisition.
  • 3The refining segment's operating income grew significantly by $528 million to $1.47 billion, benefiting from a 20% increase in throughput margin per barrel and higher volumes.
  • 4Total throughput volumes increased by approximately 30% to 2,890 thousand barrels per day, largely due to the integration of the four Premcor refineries.
  • 5The company expects to incur approximately $3.5 billion in capital investments for 2006, including $1.4 billion for environmental projects.
  • 6Valero is planning an initial public offering for a portion of its interest in Valero GP Holdings, LLC, with the intention to eventually sell its entire stake.
  • 7The company continues to invest in strategic growth projects, including a 75,000 barrel-per-day expansion at its Port Arthur Refinery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Valero's strong performance in Q1 2006 was primarily driven by a significant increase in refined product prices, leading to wider refining margins. The acquisition of Premcor in September 2005 also contributed substantially through increased throughput volumes and operating income from the newly integrated refineries.

The acquisition of Premcor added four refineries with a combined crude oil throughput capacity of approximately 800,000 barrels per day. This significantly boosted Valero's total throughput volumes by about 670,000 barrels per day in Q1 2006 and contributed approximately $430 million to operating income for the quarter, playing a key role in the overall revenue and profit growth.

Valero anticipates approximately $3.5 billion in capital investments for 2006, with a significant portion ($1.4 billion) allocated to environmental projects. The company is also focused on strategic growth, including an expansion project at its Port Arthur Refinery. Additionally, Valero is pursuing the divestiture of its stake in Valero L.P. through an IPO of Valero GP Holdings, LLC, which could provide funds for acquisitions, stock repurchases, or debt reduction.

Valero expects refining industry fundamentals to remain favorable throughout 2006, citing sustained refined product demand, supply constraints due to evolving fuel specifications, and a widening discount for sour crude oil. These conditions are expected to support continued strong refined product margins.