CVR Refining Reports 2017 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results And Announces Cash Distribution of 45 Cents

SUGAR LAND, Texas, Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CVR Refining, LP (NYSE: CVRR), a refiner and marketer of petroleum fuels, today announced net income of $88.8 million on net sales of $5,664.2 million for full year 2017, compared to net income of $15.3 million on net sales of $4,431.3 million for full year 2016. Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, for full year 2017 was $372.6 million, compared to adjusted EBITDA of $222.8 million for the previous year.

For the fourth quarter of 2017, the company reported a net loss of $29.0 million on net sales of $1,516.7 million, compared to a net loss of $10.7 million on net sales of $1,269.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2016. Adjusted EBITDA for the 2017 fourth quarter was $76.4 million compared to adjusted EBITDA of $27.7 million for the 2016 fourth quarter.

"Stronger crack spreads and record operating rates resulted in overall solid results for CVR Refining in the 2017 full year and fourth quarter," said Dave Lamp, chief executive officer. "The Coffeyville, Kansas, refinery achieved an annual crude oil throughput record of more than 131,000 barrels per day (bpd) and the Wynnewood, Oklahoma, refinery successfully completed its major scheduled plant turnaround in the fourth quarter.

"Looking forward, we will continue to focus on safe and reliable operations while increasing shareholder value by implementing self-help initiatives and developing capital improvements that will meaningfully improve our return on capital employed," Lamp said.

Consolidated Operations

Fourth quarter 2017 throughputs of crude oil and all other feedstocks and blendstocks totaled 203,263 bpd. Throughputs of crude oil and all other feedstocks and blendstocks for both refineries totaled 223,266 bpd for the same period in 2016.

Refining margin adjusted for FIFO impact per crude oil throughput barrel, a non-GAAP financial measure, was $11.87 in the 2017 fourth quarter, compared to $7.32 during the same period in 2016. Direct operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization), including major scheduled turnaround expenses, per crude oil throughput barrel, for the 2017 fourth quarter were $7.78, compared to $4.96 in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Distributions

CVR Refining also announced today a fourth quarter 2017 distribution of 45 cents per common unit. The distribution, as set by the board of CVR Refining GP, LLC, the general partner of CVR Refining, will be paid on March 12, 2018, to unitholders of record on March 5, 2018. CVR Refining's cumulative cash distributions paid or declared for the 2017 full year were $1.39 per common unit.

CVR Refining is a variable distribution master limited partnership. As a result, its quarterly distributions, if any, will vary from quarter to quarter due to several factors, including, but not limited to, its operating performance, fluctuations in the prices paid for crude oil and other feedstocks, as well as the prices received for finished products, RINs' costs and cash reserves deemed necessary or appropriate by the board of directors of its general partner.

Fourth Quarter 2017 Earnings Conference Call

CVR Refining previously announced that it will host its fourth quarter 2017 Earnings Conference Call for analysts and investors on Thursday, Feb. 22, at 1 p.m. Eastern. The Earnings Conference Call may also include discussion of the partnership's developments, forward-looking information and other material information about business and financial matters.

The Earnings Conference Call will be broadcast live over the Internet at https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/1005/24488. For investors or analysts who want to participate during the call, the dial-in number is (877) 407-8289.

For those unable to listen live, the webcast will be archived and available for 14 days at https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/1005/24488. A repeat of the conference call can be accessed by dialing (877) 660-6853, conference ID 13676236.

This release serves as a qualified notice to nominees and brokers as provided for under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1446-4(b). Please note that 100 percent of CVR Refining's distributions to foreign investors are attributable to income that is effectively connected with a United States trade or business. Accordingly, CVR Refining's distributions to foreign investors are subject to federal income tax withholding at the highest effective tax rate.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements. You can generally identify forward-looking statements by our use of forward-looking terminology such as "outlook," "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "seek," "should," or "will," or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. For a discussion of risk factors which may affect our results, please see the risk factors and other disclosures included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our other SEC filings. These risks may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. CVR Refining disclaims any intention or obligation to update publicly or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law.

About CVR Refining, LP
Headquartered in Sugar Land, Texas, CVR Refining, LP is an independent downstream energy limited partnership that owns refining and related logistics assets in the Midcontinent United States. CVR Refining's subsidiaries operate a complex full coking medium-sour crude oil refinery with a rated capacity of 115,000 barrels per calendar day (bpcd) in Coffeyville, Kansas, and a complex crude oil refinery with a rated capacity of 70,000 bpcd in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. CVR Refining's subsidiaries also operate and invest in supporting logistics assets, including approximately 570 miles of owned, leased and joint venture pipelines, approximately 130 crude oil transports, a network of strategically located crude oil gathering tank farms, and approximately 6.4 million barrels of owned and leased crude oil storage capacity.

For further information, please contact:

Investor Contact:
Jay Finks
CVR Refining, LP
(281) 207-3588
IR@CVRRefining.com

Media Relations:
Brandee Stephens
CVR Refining, LP
(281) 207-3516
MediaRelations@CVRRefining.com

                                                                                              CVR Refining, LP


    Financial and Operational Data (all information in this release is unaudited other than the statement of operations and cash flow data for the year ended December 31, 2016 and the balance sheet data as of December 31,
     2016).


                                                   Three Months Ended                                   Year Ended
                                                      December 31,                                     December 31,

                                                 2017                     2016                      2017                     2016
                                                 ----                     ----                      ----                     ----

                                                                   (in millions, except per unit data)

    Statement of Operations Data:

    Net sales                                            $1,516.7                                          $1,269.4                                          $5,664.2                                          $4,431.3

    Operating costs and expenses:

    Cost of materials
     and other                                1,281.0                              1,107.5                               4,804.7                               3,759.2

    Direct operating
     expenses(1)(2)                             134.5                                 94.7                                 443.8                                 393.4

    Depreciation and
     amortization                                32.5                                 32.6                                 129.3                                 126.3
                                                 ----                                 ----                                 -----                                 -----

    Cost of sales                             1,448.0                              1,234.8                               5,377.8                               4,278.9

    Selling, general and
     administrative
     expenses(1)                                 21.1                                 18.5                                  78.8                                  71.9

    Depreciation and
     amortization                                 1.1                                  0.8                                   3.8                                   2.7
                                                  ---                                  ---                                   ---                                   ---

    Operating income                             46.5                                 15.3                                 203.8                                  77.8

    Interest expense and
     other financing
     costs                                     (12.0)                              (11.7)                               (47.2)                               (43.4)

    Interest income                               0.1                                  0.1                                   0.5                                   0.1

    Loss on derivatives,
     net                                       (65.0)                              (14.6)                               (69.8)                               (19.4)

    Other income, net                             1.4                                  0.2                                   1.5                                   0.2
                                                  ---                                  ---                                   ---                                   ---

    Income (loss) before
     income tax expense                        (29.0)                              (10.7)                                 88.8                                  15.3

    Income tax expense                              -                                   -                                    -                                    -
                                                  ---                                 ---                                  ---                                  ---

    Net income (loss)                                     $(29.0)                                          $(10.7)                                            $88.8                                             $15.3
                                                           ======                                            ======                                             =====                                             =====


    Net income (loss)
     per common unit -
     basic and diluted                                    $(0.20)                                          $(0.07)                                            $0.60                                             $0.10


    Adjusted EBITDA*                                        $76.4                                             $27.7                                            $372.6                                            $222.8

    Available cash for
     distribution*                                          $65.6                                     $           -                                           $204.2                                              $0.3


    Weighted average, number of common
     units outstanding:

    Basic and diluted                           147.6                                147.6                                 147.6                                 147.6
    ________________

    * See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures"
     below.


    (1) Direct operating expenses and selling,
     general and administrative expenses for the
     three months and years ended December 31, 2017
     and 2016 are shown exclusive of depreciation
     and amortization, which amounts are presented
     separately below direct operating expenses and
     selling, general and administrative expenses.


    (2) Direct operating expenses includes $43.0
     million and $80.4 million of major scheduled
     turnaround expenses during the three months
     and year ended December 31, 2017,
     respectively. Direct operating expenses
     includes $0.0 million and $31.5 million of
     major scheduled turnaround expenses during the
     three months and year ended December 31, 2016,
     respectively.

                                             As of December 31,

                                             2017                      2016
                                             ----                      ----

                                                                (audited)

                                                (in millions)

    Balance Sheet Data:

    Cash and cash equivalents                        $173.8                   $314.1

    Working capital                         217.5                       313.7

    Total assets                          2,269.9                     2,331.9

    Total debt, including current portion   540.6                       541.5

    Total partners' capital               1,246.8                     1,296.7

                                              Three Months Ended                           Year Ended
                                                 December 31,                             December 31,

                                            2017                 2016               2017                 2016
                                            ----                 ----               ----                 ----

                                                                      (in millions)

    Cash Flow Data:

    Net cash flow provided by
     (used in):

         Operating activities                      $(136.4)                              $81.4                  $177.9    $267.8

         Investing activities(1)         (109.5)                        (21.3)                     (176.1)    (107.9)

         Financing activities            (140.7)                        (31.9)                     (142.1)     (33.1)
                                          ------                          -----                       ------       -----

              Net cash flow                        $(386.6)                              $28.2                $(140.3)   $126.8
                                                    =======                               =====                 =======    ======


    Capital expenditures for
     property, plant and
     equipment

    Maintenance capital
     expenditures                                     $19.7                               $13.5                   $77.7     $63.6

    Growth capital expenditures             13.9                            5.4                         22.0        38.7
                                            ----                            ---                         ----        ----

              Total capital expenditures              $33.6                               $18.9                   $99.7    $102.3
                                                      =====                               =====                   =====    ======
    _______________________________

    (1)              Investing activities for the three months and year ended December 31,
                     2017 includes investments in affiliate joint ventures, net of return of
                     investment, totaling $75.9 million and $76.5 million, respectively.

Operating Data

The following tables set forth information about our consolidated operations and our Coffeyville and Wynnewood refineries. Reconciliations of certain non-GAAP financial measures are provided under "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.

                           Three Months Ended                 Year Ended
                              December 31,                   December 31,

                          2017                2016         2017                2016
                          ----                ----         ----                ----

    Key Operating
     Statistics:

    Per crude oil
     throughput
     barrel:

    Gross profit                  $3.97                           $1.81                $3.83  $2.10

    Refining margin*     13.63                        8.49                   11.50       9.27

    FIFO impact,
     favorable          (1.76)                     (1.17)                 (0.40)    (0.72)
                         -----                       -----                   -----      -----

    Refining margin
     adjusted for FIFO
     impact*             11.87                        7.32                   11.10       8.55

    Direct operating
     expenses and
     major scheduled
     turnaround
     expenses             7.78                        4.96                    5.94       5.43

    Direct operating
     expenses
     excluding major
     scheduled
     turnaround
     expenses             5.29                        4.96                    4.86       4.99

    Direct operating
     expenses and
     major scheduled
     turnaround
     expenses per
     barrel sold          7.06                        4.64                    5.55       5.08

    Direct operating
     expenses
     excluding major
     scheduled
     turnaround
     expenses per
     barrel sold                  $4.80                           $4.64                $4.55  $4.67

    Barrels sold
     (barrels per day) 207,112                     221,921                 218,912    211,643
    ________________

    * See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures"
     below.

                                        Three Months Ended                                 Year Ended
                                           December 31,                                   December 31,

                                          2017                      2016                   2017                    2016

                                                %                           %                        %                      %
                                              ---                         ---                      ---                    ---

    Refining Throughput
     and Production Data
     (bpd):

    Throughput:

    Sweet                  182,339                      89.7            185,154             82.9           194,613                89.8          177,256            84.8

    Medium                                      -            3,160                    1.4                -                    -        2,525                  1.2

    Heavy sour               5,657                       2.8             19,108              8.6            10,135                 4.7           18,261             8.7
                             -----                       ---             ------              ---            ------                 ---           ------             ---

    Total crude oil
     throughput            187,996                      92.5            207,422             92.9           204,748                94.5          198,042            94.7

    All other feedstocks
     and blendstocks        15,267                       7.5             15,844              7.1            12,032                 5.5           11,077             5.3
                            ------                       ---                                                                                 ------

    Total throughput       203,263                     100.0            223,266            100.0           216,780               100.0          209,119           100.0
                           =======                     =====            =======            =====           =======               =====          =======           =====

    Production:

    Gasoline               104,169                      50.8            114,682             51.1           110,226                50.7          108,762            51.9

    Distillate              85,550                      41.8             91,021             40.5            90,409                41.6           85,092            40.6

    Other (excluding
     internally produced
     fuel)                  15,128                       7.4             18,782              8.4            16,818                 7.7           15,751             7.5
                            ------

    Total refining
     production (excluding
     internally produced
     fuel)                 204,847                     100.0            224,485            100.0           217,453               100.0          209,605           100.0
                           =======                     =====            =======            =====           =======               =====          =======           =====

    Product price (dollars
     per gallon):

    Gasoline                       $1.69                                        $1.42                               $1.59                               $1.34

    Distillate                1.89                             1.52                                 1.66                        1.36

                                 Three Months Ended                 Year Ended
                                    December 31,                   December 31,

                                2017                2016         2017                2016
                                ----                ----         ----                ----

    Market Indicators
     (dollars per barrel):

    West Texas Intermediate
     (WTI) NYMEX                        $55.30                          $49.29              $50.85  $43.47

    Crude Oil Differentials:

    WTI less WTS (light/
     medium sour)               0.42                        0.92                    0.97       0.85

    WTI less WCS (heavy sour)  16.61                       15.04                   12.69      13.95

    NYMEX Crack Spreads:

    Gasoline                   16.63                       12.96                   17.46      15.42

    Heating Oil                23.96                       16.45                   18.93      13.89

    NYMEX 2-1-1 Crack Spread   20.29                       14.70                   18.19      14.66

    PADD II Group 3 Product
     Basis:

    Gasoline                  (0.14)                     (3.70)                 (1.83)    (3.62)

    Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel   (0.53)                     (2.55)                 (0.50)    (0.92)

    PADD II Group 3 Product
     Crack Spread:

    Gasoline                   16.49                        9.28                   15.63      11.82

    Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel    23.42                       13.91                   18.42      12.96

    PADD II Group 3 2-1-1      19.96                       11.60                   17.03      12.39

                               Three Months Ended                                        Year Ended
                                  December 31,                                          December 31,

                             2017                     2016                      2017                   2016
                             ----                     ----                      ----                   ----

                                              (in millions, except operating statistics)

    Coffeyville Refinery
     Financial Results:

    Net sales                        $1,117.3                                          $854.7               $3,867.8  $2,948.9

    Cost of materials and
     other                  936.2                                750.6                             3,285.8    2,513.9

    Direct operating
     expenses(1)             54.6                                 52.0                               209.5      196.4

    Major scheduled
     turnaround expenses        -                                   -                                  -      31.5

    Depreciation and
     amortization            17.7                                 18.4                                71.5       69.7
                             ----                                 ----                                ----       ----

    Gross profit            108.8                                 33.7                               301.0      137.4

    Add:

    Direct operating
     expenses(1)             54.6                                 52.0                               209.5      196.4

    Major scheduled
     turnaround expenses        -                                   -                                  -      31.5

    Depreciation and
     amortization            17.7                                 18.4                                71.5       69.7
                             ----                                 ----                                ----       ----

    Refining margin*        181.1                                104.1                               582.0      435.0

    FIFO impact,
     favorable             (21.7)                              (15.4)                             (20.2)    (37.8)
                            -----                                -----                               -----      -----

    Refining margin
     adjusted for FIFO
     impact*                           $159.4                                           $88.7                 $561.8    $397.2
                                       ======                                           =====                 ======    ======


    Coffeyville Refinery
     Key Operating
     Statistics:

    Per crude oil
     throughput barrel:

    Gross profit                        $8.87                                           $2.76                  $6.27     $3.03

    Refining margin*        14.77                                 8.55                               12.12       9.57

    FIFO impact,
     favorable             (1.77)                              (1.26)                             (0.42)    (0.83)
                            -----                                -----                               -----      -----

    Refining margin
     adjusted for FIFO
     impact*                13.00                                 7.29                               11.70       8.74

    Direct operating
     expenses and major
     scheduled turnaround
     expenses                4.46                                 4.27                                4.36       5.02

    Direct operating
     expenses excluding
     major scheduled
     turnaround expenses     4.46                                 4.27                                4.36       4.32

    Direct operating
     expenses and major
     scheduled turnaround
     expenses per barrel
     sold                    4.02                                 3.84                                4.00       4.54

    Direct operating
     expenses excluding
     major scheduled
     turnaround expenses
     per barrel sold                    $4.02                                           $3.84                  $4.00     $3.92

    Barrels sold (barrels
     per day)             147,633                              146,930                             143,598    137,047
    ________________

    * See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures"
     below.

    (1) Direct operating expenses for the three
     months and years ended December 31, 2017 and
     2016 are shown exclusive of depreciation and
     amortization and major scheduled turnaround
     expenses, which amounts are presented
     separately below direct operating expenses.

                                       Three Months Ended                 Year Ended
                                          December 31,                   December 31,

                                          2017               2016         2017                2016

                                             %                   %                %                 %
                                            ---                 ---              ---               ---

    Coffeyville Refinery
     Throughput and Production
     Data (bpd):

    Throughput:

    Sweet                      127,586                  87.9     113,243   78.4       121,434            86.4     104,679      78.9

    Medium                           -                    -          -     -            -              -      1,229       0.9

    Heavy sour                   5,657                   3.9      19,108   13.2        10,135             7.2      18,261      13.8
                                 -----                   ---      ------   ----        ------             ---      ------      ----

    Total crude oil throughput 133,243                  91.8     132,351   91.6       131,569            93.6     124,169      93.6

    All other feedstocks and
     blendstocks                11,834                   8.2      12,206    8.4         9,058             6.4       8,453       6.4
                                                                                                              -----

    Total throughput           145,077                 100.0     144,557  100.0       140,627           100.0     132,622     100.0
                               =======                 =====     =======  =====       =======           =====     =======     =====

    Production:

    Gasoline                    75,531                  51.2      75,273   51.1        71,915            50.4      69,303      51.4

    Distillate                  61,568                  41.7      60,550   41.1        59,593            41.7      55,790      41.4

    Other (excluding
     internally produced fuel)  10,490                   7.1      11,446    7.8        11,335             7.9       9,756       7.2

    Total refining production
     (excluding internally
     produced fuel)            147,589                 100.0     147,269  100.0       142,843           100.0     134,849     100.0
                               =======                 =====     =======  =====       =======           =====     =======     =====

                             Three Months Ended                                       Year Ended
                                December 31,                                         December 31,

                            2017                   2016                      2017                   2016
                            ----                   ----                      ----                   ----

                                            (in millions, except operating statistics)

    Wynnewood Refinery
     Financial Results:

    Net sales                       $398.3                                          $413.6               $1,792.1  $1,478.0

    Cost of materials and
     other                 345.0                              356.9                             1,519.7    1,245.4

    Direct operating
     expenses(1)            36.9                               42.7                               153.9      165.5

    Major scheduled
     turnaround expenses    43.0                                  -                               80.4          -

    Depreciation and
     amortization           13.2                               12.8                                51.7       50.7
                            ----                               ----                                ----       ----

    Gross profit (loss)   (39.8)                               1.2                              (13.6)      16.4

    Add:

    Direct operating
     expenses(1)            36.9                               42.7                               153.9      165.5

    Major scheduled
     turnaround expenses    43.0                                  -                               80.4          -

    Depreciation and
     amortization           13.2                               12.8                                51.7       50.7
                            ----                               ----                                ----       ----

    Refining margin*        53.3                               56.7                               272.4      232.6

    FIFO impact,
     favorable             (8.7)                             (7.0)                              (9.4)    (14.2)
                            ----                               ----                                ----      -----

    Refining margin
     adjusted for FIFO
     impact*                         $44.6                                           $49.7                 $263.0    $218.4
                                     =====                                           =====                 ======    ======


    Wynnewood Refinery
     Key Operating
     Statistics:

    Per crude oil
     throughput barrel:

    Gross profit (loss)            $(7.90)                                          $0.16                $(0.51)    $0.61

    Refining margin*       10.58                               8.20                               10.20       8.60

    FIFO impact,
     favorable            (1.73)                            (1.01)                             (0.35)    (0.53)
                           -----                              -----                               -----      -----

    Refining margin
     adjusted for FIFO
     impact*                8.85                               7.19                                9.85       8.07

    Direct operating
     expenses and major
     scheduled turnaround
     expenses              15.86                               6.19                                8.77       6.12

    Direct operating
     expenses excluding
     major scheduled
     turnaround expenses    7.32                               6.19                                5.76       6.12

    Direct operating
     expenses and major
     scheduled turnaround
     expenses per barrel
     sold                  14.60                               6.20                                8.52       6.06

    Direct operating
     expenses excluding
     major scheduled
     turnaround expenses
     per barrel sold                 $6.74                                           $6.20                  $5.60     $6.06

    Barrels sold (barrels
     per day)             59,479                             74,991                              75,314     74,596
    ________________

    * See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures"
     below.

    (1) Direct operating expenses for the three
     months and years ended December 31, 2017 and
     2016 are shown exclusive of depreciation and
     amortization and major scheduled turnaround
     expenses, which amounts are presented
     separately below direct operating expenses.

                                      Three Months Ended                Year Ended
                                         December 31,                  December 31,

                                        2017               2016          2017               2016

                                           %                    %                %                %
                                          ---                  ---              ---              ---

    Wynnewood Refinery
     Throughput and Production
     Data (bpd):

    Throughput:

    Sweet                      54,753                 94.1      71,911    91.4       73,179              96.1     72,577       94.9

    Medium                          -                   -      3,160     4.0            -                -     1,296        1.7

    Heavy sour                      -                   -          -      -           -                -         -         -
                                  ---                 ---        ---    ---         ---              ---       ---       ---

    Total crude oil throughput 54,753                 94.1      75,071    95.4       73,179              96.1     73,873       96.6

    All other feedstocks and
     blendstocks                3,433                  5.9       3,638     4.6        2,974               3.9      2,624        3.4
                                                               -----                                          -----

    Total throughput           58,186                100.0      78,709   100.0       76,153             100.0     76,497      100.0
                               ======                =====      ======   =====       ======             =====     ======      =====

    Production:

    Gasoline                   28,638                 50.0      39,409    51.0       38,311              51.3     39,459       52.8

    Distillate                 23,982                 41.9      30,471    39.5       30,816              41.3     29,302       39.2

    Other (excluding
     internally produced fuel)  4,638                  8.1       7,336     9.5        5,483               7.4      5,995        8.0

    Total refining production
     (excluding internally
     produced fuel)            57,258                100.0      77,216   100.0       74,610             100.0     74,756      100.0
                               ======                =====      ======   =====       ======             =====     ======      =====

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement our actual results in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for the applicable periods, CVR Refining, LP (the "Partnership") also uses the non-GAAP financial measures noted above, which are reconciled to our GAAP-based results below. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered an alternative for GAAP results. The adjustments are provided to enhance an overall understanding of the Partnership's financial performance for the applicable periods and are indicators management believes are relevant and useful for planning and forecasting future periods.

Refining margin per crude oil throughput barrel is a measurement calculated as the difference between net sales and cost of materials and other. Refining margin is a non-GAAP measure that we believe is important to investors in evaluating our refineries' performance of as a general indication of the amount above our cost of materials and other at which we are able to sell refined products. Each of the components used in this calculation (net sales and cost of materials and other) are taken directly from our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Our calculation of refining margin may differ from similar calculations of other companies in our industry, thereby limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. In order to derive the refining margin per crude oil throughput barrel, we utilize the total dollar figures for refining margin as derived above and divide by the applicable number of crude oil throughput barrels for the period. We believe that refining margin and refining margin per crude oil throughput barrel are important to enable investors to better understand and evaluate our ongoing operating results and allow for greater transparency in the review of our overall financial, operational and economic performance.

Refining margin per crude oil throughput barrel adjusted for FIFO impact is a measurement calculated as the difference between net sales and cost of materials and other adjusted for FIFO impact. Refining margin adjusted for FIFO impact is a non-GAAP measure that we believe is important to investors in evaluating our refineries' performance as a general indication of the amount above our cost of materials and other (taking into account the impact of our utilization of FIFO) at which we are able to sell refined products. Our calculation of refining margin adjusted for FIFO impact may differ from calculations of other companies in our industry, thereby limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. Under our FIFO accounting method, changes in crude oil prices can cause fluctuations in the inventory valuation of our crude oil, work in process and finished goods, thereby resulting in a favorable FIFO impact when crude oil prices increase and an unfavorable FIFO impact when crude oil prices decrease. In order to derive the refining margin per crude oil throughput barrel adjusted for FIFO impact, we utilize the total dollar figures for refining margin adjusted for FIFO impact as derived above and divide by the applicable number of crude oil throughput barrels for the period. We believe that refining margin adjusted for FIFO impact and refining margin per crude oil throughput barrel adjusted for FIFO impact are important to enable investors to better understand and evaluate our ongoing operating results and allow for greater transparency in the review of our overall financial, operational and economic performance.

The calculation of refining margin, refining margin adjusted for FIFO impact, refining margin per crude oil throughput barrel and refining margin adjusted for FIFO impact per crude oil throughput barrel (each a non-GAAP financial measure), including a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure for the three months and years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

    Consolidated Operating Data

                                        Three Months Ended                                    Year Ended
                                           December 31,                                      December 31,

                                      2017                     2016                       2017                   2016
                                      ----                     ----                       ----                   ----

                                                                       (in millions)

    Net sales                                 $1,516.7                                           $1,269.4              $5,664.2  $4,431.3

    Cost of materials and
     other                         1,281.0                               1,107.5                             4,804.7     3,759.2

    Direct operating
     expenses (exclusive
     of depreciation and
     amortization as
     reflected below)                 91.5                                  94.7                               363.4       361.9

    Major schedule
     turnaround expenses              43.0                                     -                               80.4        31.5

    Depreciation and
     amortization                     32.5                                  32.6                               129.3       126.3
                                      ----                                  ----                               -----       -----

    Gross profit                      68.7                                  34.6                               286.4       152.4

    Add:

    Direct operating
     expenses (exclusive
     of depreciation and
     amortization as
     reflected below)                 91.5                                  94.7                               363.4       361.9

    Major schedule
     turnaround expenses              43.0                                     -                               80.4        31.5

    Depreciation and
     amortization                     32.5                                  32.6                               129.3       126.3

    Refining margin                  235.7                                 161.9                               859.5       672.1

    FIFO impact,
     favorable                      (30.4)                               (22.4)                             (29.6)     (52.1)
                                     -----                                 -----                               -----       -----

    Refining margin
     adjusted for FIFO
     impact                                     $205.3                                             $139.5                $829.9    $620.0
                                                ======                                             ======                ======    ======



                                      Three Months Ended                                 Year Ended
                                         December 31,                                   December 31,

                                      2017                     2016                       2017                   2016
                                      ----                     ----                       ----                   ----

    Total crude oil
     throughput barrels
     per day                       187,996                               207,422                             204,748     198,042

    Days in the period                  92                                    92                                 365         366

    Total crude oil
     throughput barrels         17,295,632                            19,082,824                          74,733,020  72,483,372
                                ==========                            ==========                          ==========  ==========


                                      Three Months Ended                                 Year Ended
                                         December 31,                                   December 31,

                                      2017                     2016                       2017                   2016
                                      ----                     ----                       ----                   ----

                                                     (in millions, except for $ per barrel data)

    Refining margin                             $235.7                                             $161.9                $859.5    $672.1

    Divided by: crude oil
     throughput barrels               17.3                                  19.1                                74.7        72.5
                                      ----                                  ----                                ----        ----

    Refining margin per
     crude oil throughput
     barrel                                     $13.63                                              $8.49                $11.50     $9.27
                                                ======                                              =====                ======     =====


                                      Three Months Ended                                 Year Ended
                                         December 31,                                   December 31,

                                      2017                     2016                       2017                   2016
                                      ----                     ----                       ----                   ----

                                                     (in millions, except for $ per barrel data)

    Refining margin
     adjusted for FIFO
     impact                                     $205.3                                             $139.5                $829.9    $620.0

    Divided by: crude oil
     throughput barrels               17.3                                  19.1                                74.7        72.5
                                      ----                                  ----                                ----        ----

    Refining margin
     adjusted for FIFO
     impact per crude oil
     throughput barrel                          $11.87                                              $7.32                $11.10     $8.55
                                                ======                                              =====                ======     =====

    Coffeyville Refinery

                                Three Months Ended                               Year Ended
                                   December 31,                                 December 31,

                                2017                           2016                             2017     2016
                                ----                           ----                             ----     ----

    Total crude oil
     throughput barrels
     per day                 133,243                          132,351                            131,569         124,169

    Days in the period            92                               92                                365             366

    Total crude oil
     throughput barrels   12,258,356                       12,176,292                         48,022,685      45,445,854
                          ==========                       ==========                         ==========      ==========


                              Three Months Ended                             Year Ended
                                 December 31,                               December 31,

                                2017                           2016                             2017     2016
                                ----                           ----                             ----     ----

                                          (in millions, except for $ per barrel data)

    Refining margin                     $181.1                                         $104.1                    $582.0  $435.0

    Divided by: crude oil
     throughput barrels         12.3                             12.2                               48.0            45.4
                                ----                             ----                               ----            ----

    Refining margin per
     crude oil throughput
     barrel                             $14.77                                          $8.55                    $12.12   $9.57
                                        ======                                          =====                    ======   =====


                              Three Months Ended                             Year Ended
                                 December 31,                               December 31,

                                2017                           2016                             2017     2016
                                ----                           ----                             ----     ----

                                          (in millions, except for $ per barrel data)

    Refining margin
     adjusted for FIFO
     impact                             $159.4                                          $88.7                    $561.8  $397.2

    Divided by: crude oil
     throughput barrels         12.3                             12.2                               48.0            45.4
                                ----                             ----                               ----            ----

    Refining margin
     adjusted for FIFO
     impact per crude oil
     throughput barrel                  $13.00                                          $7.29                    $11.70   $8.74
                                        ======                                          =====                    ======   =====

    Wynnewood Refinery

                               Three Months Ended                                  Year Ended
                                  December 31,                                    December 31,

                               2017                2016                      2017                       2016
                               ----                ----                      ----                       ----

    Total crude oil
     throughput barrels
     per day                 54,753                          75,071                              73,179          73,873

    Days in the period           92                              92                                 365             366

    Total crude oil
     throughput barrels   5,037,276                       6,906,532                          26,710,335      27,037,518
                          =========                       =========                          ==========      ==========


                             Three Months Ended                                Year Ended
                                December 31,                                  December 31,

                               2017                2016                      2017                       2016
                               ----                ----                      ----                       ----

                                         (in millions, except for $ per barrel data)

    Refining margin                     $53.3                                       $56.7                       $272.4  $232.6

    Divided by: crude oil
     throughput barrels         5.0                             6.9                                26.7            27.0
                                ---                             ---                                ----            ----

    Refining margin per
     crude oil throughput
     barrel                            $10.58                                       $8.20                       $10.20   $8.60
                                       ======                                       =====                       ======   =====


                             Three Months Ended                                Year Ended
                                December 31,                                  December 31,

                               2017                2016                      2017                       2016
                               ----                ----                      ----                       ----

                                         (in millions, except for $ per barrel data)

    Refining margin
     adjusted for FIFO
     impact                             $44.6                                       $49.7                       $263.0  $218.4

    Divided by: crude oil
     throughput barrels         5.0                             6.9                                26.7            27.0
                                ---                             ---                                ----            ----

    Refining margin
     adjusted for FIFO
     impact per crude oil
     throughput barrel                  $8.85                                       $7.19                        $9.85   $8.07
                                        =====                                       =====                        =====   =====

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. EBITDA represents net income (loss) before (i) interest expense and other financing costs, net of interest income, (ii) income tax expense and (iii) depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA adjusted for (i) FIFO impact, (favorable) unfavorable; (ii) major scheduled turnaround expenses (that many of our competitors capitalize and thereby exclude from their measures of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA); (iii) (gain) loss on derivatives, net and (iv) current period settlements on derivative contracts.

We present Adjusted EBITDA because it is the starting point for our determination of available cash for distribution. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not recognized terms under GAAP and should not be substituted for net income (loss) or cash flow from operations. We believe that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA enable investors to better understand our ability to make distributions to our common unitholders, help investors evaluate our ongoing operating results and allow for greater transparency in reviewing our overall financial, operational and economic performance. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA presented by other companies may not be comparable to our presentation, since each company may define these terms differently.

A reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA and EBITDA to Adjusted EBITDA for the three months and years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

                               Three Months Ended                       Year Ended
                                  December 31,                         December 31,

                              2017                2016               2017                2016
                              ----                ----               ----                ----

                                                       (in millions)

    Net income (loss)                $(29.0)                              $(10.7)              $88.8    $15.3

    Add:

    Interest expense and
     other financing costs,
     net of interest income   11.9                         11.6                         46.7       43.3

    Income tax expense           -                           -                           -         -

    Depreciation and
     amortization             33.6                         33.4                        133.1      129.0
                              ----                         ----                        -----      -----

    EBITDA                    16.5                         34.3                        268.6      187.6

    Add:

    FIFO impact, favorable  (30.4)                      (22.4)                      (29.6)    (52.1)

    Major scheduled
     turnaround expenses      43.0                            -                        80.4       31.5

    Loss on derivatives,
     net                      65.0                         14.6                         69.8       19.4

    Current period
     settlements on
     derivative
     contracts(1)           (17.7)                         1.2                       (16.6)      36.4

    Adjusted EBITDA                    $76.4                                 $27.7              $372.6   $222.8
                                       =====                                 =====              ======   ======
    _________________________

    (1)              Represents the portion of gain (loss) on derivatives, net
                     related to contracts that matured during the respective
                     periods and settled with counterparties. There are no
                     premiums paid or received at inception of the derivative
                     contracts and upon settlement, there is no cost recovery
                     associated with these contracts.

Available cash for distribution will generally equal Adjusted EBITDA reduced for cash needed for (i) debt service; (ii) reserves for environmental and maintenance capital expenditures; (iii) reserves for major scheduled turnaround expenses and, to the extent applicable, (iv) reserves for future operating or capital needs that the board of directors of our general partner deems necessary or appropriate, if any. Available cash for distribution may be increased by the release of previously established cash reserves, if any, and other excess cash, at the discretion of the board of directors of our general partner. Actual distributions are set by the board of directors of our general partner. Available cash for distribution is not a recognized term under GAAP. Available cash for distribution should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to net income (loss) or operating income (loss) as a measure of operating performance. In addition, available cash for distribution is not presented as, and should not be considered, an alternative to cash flows from operations or as a measure of liquidity. Available cash for distribution as reported by the Partnership may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other entities, thereby limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Available cash for distribution for the three months and year ended December 31, 2017 is as follows:

                                  Three Months Ended                   Year Ended
                                  December 31, 2017                December 31, 2017
                                  -----------------                -----------------

                                        (in millions, except per unit data)

    Adjusted EBITDA                                        $76.4                              $372.6

    Adjustments:

    Less:

      Cash needs for debt service             (10.0)                                  (40.0)

      Reserves for environmental
       and maintenance capital
       expenditures                           (25.0)                                 (103.1)

      Reserves for major
       scheduled turnaround
       expenses                                    -                                  (45.0)

      Reserves for future
       operating needs                             -                                  (54.5)

    Add:

      Release of previously
       established cash reserves                24.2                                     74.2
                                                ----                                     ----

    Available cash for
     distribution                                          $65.6                              $204.2
                                                           =====                              ======


    Distribution declared, per
     common unit(1)                                        $0.45                               $1.39

    Common units outstanding                   147.6                                    147.6
    _________________________

    (1)              The Partnership announced a cash distribution of 45 cents
                     per common unit for the fourth quarter of 2017.

Derivatives Summary. The Partnership enters into commodity swap contracts through crack spread swap agreements with financial counterparties to fix the spread risk between the crude oil the Partnership purchases and the refined products the refineries produce for sale. Through these swaps, the Partnership will sell a fixed differential for the value between the selected refined product benchmark and the benchmark crude oil price, thereby locking in a margin for a portion of the refineries' production. The physical volumes are not exchanged and these contracts are net settled with cash. From time to time, the Partnership holds various NYMEX positions through a third-party clearing house.

The table below summarizes our open commodity swap positions as of December 31, 2017. The positions are primarily in the form of crack spread swap agreements with financial counterparties, wherein the Partnership has locked in differentials at the fixed prices noted below. As of December 31, 2017, the open commodity swap positions for 2018 were comprised of approximately 49.4% for 2-1-1 crack swaps, 25.3% for distillate crack swaps and 25.3% for gasoline crack swaps. Additionally, as of December 31, 2017, the Partnership had open forward purchase and sale commitments for 5.8 million barrels of Canadian crude oil priced at fixed differentials that are not considered probable of physical settlement and are accounted for as derivatives at December 31, 2017. The fair value of the outstanding Canadian crude oil contracts at December 31, 2017 was a net unrealized loss of $26.0 million.

    Commodity Swaps      Barrels    Fixed Price
                                        (1)
    ---------------      -------   ------------

    First Quarter 2018   7,050,000                    $18.66

    Second Quarter 2018  3,600,000              21.19

    Third Quarter 2018   3,600,000              19.21
                         ---------              -----


    Total               14,250,000                    $19.44
                        ==========                    ======


    (1)              Weighted-
                     average
                     price of
                     all
                     positions
                     for period
                     indicated.

Q1 2018 Outlook. The table below summarizes our outlook for certain refining statistics and financial information for the first quarter of 2018. See "forward looking statements."

                                                        Q1 2018

                                                Low             High
                                                ---             ----

    Refinery Statistics:

    Total crude oil throughput (bpd)           175,000              185,000

    Total refining production (bpd)            185,000              195,000


    Direct operating expenses(1) (in millions)         $95.0                $105.0


    Total capital spending (in millions)               $15.0                 $25.0
    _________________________

    (1)              Direct operating expenses are shown exclusive of
                     depreciation and amortization and major scheduled
                     turnaround expenses.

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cvr-refining-reports-2017-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-results-and-announces-cash-distribution-of-45-cents-300602609.html

SOURCE CVR Refining, LP