10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2016

VALERO ENERGY CORP/TX Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2016

Filed May 5, 2016For Securities:VLO

Summary

Valero Energy Corporation (VLO) reported a significant year-over-year decrease in net income for the first quarter of 2016. Net income attributable to Valero stockholders was $495 million, or $1.05 per diluted share, down from $964 million, or $1.87 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2015. This decline was primarily driven by lower refining margins, particularly in distillate and gasoline products, and less favorable crude oil pricing differentials. The company also experienced a decrease in operating revenues due to lower refined product prices and feedstock costs. Despite the lower profitability, Valero maintained a strong operational performance. The company benefited from a substantial non-cash gain from an inventory valuation adjustment of $293 million, which mitigated some of the margin pressure. Valero continued its capital return to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, and maintained a robust liquidity position with $3.78 billion in cash and temporary cash investments. The company also highlighted its strategic investments, including progress on the Diamond Pipeline project, and expressed confidence in its ability to fund ongoing operations and future growth initiatives.

Financial Statements
Beta
Gross Profit$997.00M
Operating Expenses$14.88B
Operating Income$829.00M
Interest Expense$108.00M
Net Income$495.00M
EPS (Basic)$1.05
EPS (Diluted)$1.05
Shares Outstanding (Basic)469.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)471.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income attributable to Valero stockholders decreased to $495 million ($1.05/share) in Q1 2016 from $964 million ($1.87/share) in Q1 2015.
  • 2Operating income declined significantly to $829 million from $1,495 million year-over-year, primarily due to lower refining margins.
  • 3A substantial non-cash benefit of $293 million from a lower of cost or market inventory valuation adjustment positively impacted results in Q1 2016.
  • 4Refining segment operating income saw a substantial decrease of $683 million, largely due to reduced distillate and gasoline margins and less favorable crude oil differentials.
  • 5The company returned capital to shareholders via $282 million in common stock dividends and $265 million in treasury stock purchases during the quarter.
  • 6Valero ended the quarter with $3.78 billion in cash and temporary cash investments, maintaining a strong liquidity position.
  • 7The company continues to invest in growth projects, including its 50% interest in the Diamond Pipeline, with estimated capital investments of $2.6 billion for 2016.

Frequently Asked Questions

The decrease in net income was primarily driven by lower refining margins, particularly for distillates and gasoline, and a narrowing of discounts for certain crude oils relative to benchmark prices. While operating revenues also decreased due to lower commodity prices, the impact of lower margins was more significant.

Valero recorded a non-cash benefit of $293 million from a lower of cost or market inventory valuation adjustment. This adjustment, which writes down inventory to its market value when the market price falls below cost, helped to partially offset the negative impact of lower refining margins on the company's reported income.

As of March 31, 2016, Valero had $3.78 billion in cash and temporary cash investments. The company also has significant availability under its various credit facilities, indicating a strong liquidity position to fund operations and strategic initiatives.

Valero continues to prioritize returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. The company also invests in growth projects, such as the Diamond Pipeline, and maintains its facilities through capital expenditures. The stated capital investments for 2016 are approximately $2.6 billion.