Q2 2026 CVR Partners LP Earnings Call

Rob McGuire: Thank you for standing by. My name is Kate, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the Q2 2026 CVR Partners LP Earnings Conference Call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speakers' remarks, there will be a question and answer session.

Speaker #1: by. My name is Kate, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the Q2 Q2026 CVR PARTNERS, LP Earnings Conference call.

Speaker #1: Online has been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speaker's remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session. If you would like to ask a question during this time, simply press star followed by the number 1 on your telephone keypad.

Rob McGuire: If you would like to ask a question during this time, simply press star followed by the number one on your telephone keypad. If you would like to withdraw your question, press star one again. Thank you. I would now like to turn the call over to Richard Roberts, Interim CFO, VP of FP&A and IR. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: If you would like to withdraw your question, press star one again. Thank you. I would now like to turn the call over to Richard Roberts.

Speaker #1: Interim CFO, VP of FP&A, and IR. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Thank you. Good morning, everyone. We appreciate your participation in today's call. With me today are Dane Neumann, our Chief Executive Officer, Mike Wright, our Chief Operating Officer, and other members of management.

Richard Roberts: Thank you. Good morning, everyone. We appreciate your participation in today's call. With me today are Dane Neumann, our Chief Executive Officer, Mike Wright, our Chief Operating Officer, and other members of management. Prior to discussing our 2026 Q2 results, let me remind you that this conference call may contain forward-looking statements as that term is defined under federal securities laws. For this purpose, any statements made during this call that are not statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. You are cautioned that these statements may be affected by important factors set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in our latest earnings release. As a result, actual operations or results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements.

Richard Roberts: Thank you. Good morning, everyone. We appreciate your participation in today's call. With me today are Dane Neumann, our Chief Executive Officer, Mike Wright, our Chief Operating Officer, and other members of management. Prior to discussing our 2026 Q2 results, let me remind you that this conference call may contain forward-looking statements as that term is defined under federal securities laws.

Speaker #2: Prior to discussing our second quarter 2026 results, let me remind you that this conference call may contain forward-looking statements as defined under Federal Securities Laws.

Speaker #2: For this purpose, any statements made during this call that are not statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. You are cautioned that these statements may be affected by important factors set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in our latest earnings release.

Richard Roberts: For this purpose, any statements made during this call that are not statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. You are cautioned that these statements may be affected by important factors set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in our latest earnings release. As a result, actual operations or results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements.

Speaker #2: As a result, actual operations or results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except to the extent required by law.

Richard Roberts: We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except to the extent required by law. This call also includes various non-GAAP financial measures. The disclosures related to such non-GAAP measures, including reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, are included in our 2026 Q2 earnings release that we filed with the SEC for the period. Let me also remind you that we are a variable distribution MLP. We will review our previously established reserves, current cash usage, evaluate future anticipated cash needs, and may reserve amounts for other future cash needs as determined by our general partner's board.

Richard Roberts: We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except to the extent required by law. This call also includes various non-GAAP financial measures. The disclosures related to such non-GAAP measures, including reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, are included in our 2026 Q2 earnings release that we filed with the SEC for the period.

Speaker #2: This call also includes various non-GAAP financial measures. The disclosures related to such non-GAAP measures including reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are included in our 2026 second quarter earnings release that we filed with the SEC for the period.

Speaker #2: Let me also remind you that we are available to distribution MLP. We will review our previously established reserves, current cash usage, evaluate future anticipated cash needs, and may reserve amounts for other future cash needs as determined by our general partners board.

Richard Roberts: Let me also remind you that we are a variable distribution MLP. We will review our previously established reserves, current cash usage, evaluate future anticipated cash needs, and may reserve amounts for other future cash needs as determined by our general partner's board.

Speaker #2: As a result, our distributions, if any, will vary from quarter to quarter due to several factors, including but not limited to operating performance, fluctuations in the prices received for finished products, capital expenditures, and cash reserves deemed necessary or appropriate by the board of directors of our general partner.

Richard Roberts: As a result, our distributions, if any, will vary from quarter to quarter due to several factors, including but not limited to operating performance, fluctuations in the prices received for finished products, capital expenditures, and cash reserves deemed necessary or appropriate by the board of directors of our general partner. With that said, I will turn the call over to Dane Neumann, our Chief Executive Officer. Dane?

Richard Roberts: As a result, our distributions, if any, will vary from quarter to quarter due to several factors, including but not limited to operating performance, fluctuations in the prices received for finished products, capital expenditures, and cash reserves deemed necessary or appropriate by the board of directors of our general partner. With that said, I will turn the call over to Dane Neumann, our Chief Executive Officer. Dane?

Speaker #2: With that said, I'll turn the call over to Dane Neumann, our Chief Executive Officer. Dane?

Speaker #3: Thank you, Richard. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us for today's call. To summarize, financial highlights for the second quarter of 2026 include net sales of $202 million, net income of $78 million, EBITDA of $107 million, and the board of directors declared a second quarter distribution of $6.08 per common unit, which will be paid on August 17 to unitholders of record at the close of the market on August 10.

Dane Neumann: Thank you, Richard. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us for today's call. The summarized financial highlights for Q2 2026 include net sales of $202 million, net income of $78 million, EBITDA of $107 million, and the board of directors declared a Q2 distribution of $6.08 per common unit, which will be paid on 17 August to unit holders of record at the close of the market on 10 August. For Q2 2026, our ammonia plant utilization was 99%, with both plants running well and experiencing minimal downtime during the quarter. The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East significantly tightened available global supplies of nitrogen fertilizers in Q2, which drove prices higher for the spring.

Dane Neumann: Thank you, Richard. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us for today's call. The summarized financial highlights for Q2 2026 include net sales of $202 million, net income of $78 million, EBITDA of $107 million, and the board of directors declared a Q2 distribution of $6.08 per common unit, which will be paid on 17 August to unit holders of record at the close of the market on 10 August.

Speaker #3: For the second quarter of 2026, our ammonia plant utilization was 99%, with both plants running well and experiencing minimal downtime during the quarter. The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East significantly tightened available global supplies of nitrogen fertilizers in the second quarter, which drove prices higher for the spring.

Dane Neumann: For Q2 2026, our ammonia plant utilization was 99%, with both plants running well and experiencing minimal downtime during the quarter. The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East significantly tightened available global supplies of nitrogen fertilizers in Q2, which drove prices higher for the spring.

Speaker #3: We saw steady demand for product across our system, although toward the end of the planting season, we began seeing some customers shifting away from UAN due to the elevated prices relative to other nitrogen fertilizers.

Dane Neumann: We saw steady demand for product across our system, although toward the end of the planting season, we began seeing some customers shifting away from UAN due to the elevated prices relative to other nitrogen fertilizers. We completed summer fill programs for ammonia and UAN in late June and early July respectively. We have a good order book for H2 2026, which I will discuss further in my closing remarks. I will now turn the call over to Richard to discuss our financial results.

Dane Neumann: We saw steady demand for product across our system, although toward the end of the planting season, we began seeing some customers shifting away from UAN due to the elevated prices relative to other nitrogen fertilizers. We completed summer fill programs for ammonia and UAN in late June and early July respectively. We have a good order book for H2 2026, which I will discuss further in my closing remarks. I will now turn the call over to Richard to discuss our financial results.

Speaker #3: We completed summer fill programs for ammonia and UAN in late June and early July, respectively. And we have a good order book for the second half of 2026, which I will discuss further in my closing remarks.

Speaker #3: I will now turn the call over to Richard to discuss our financial results.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Dane. Turning to our results, for the second quarter of 2026, we reported net sales of $202 million and operating income of $85 million.

Richard Roberts: Thank you, Dane. Turning to our results, for Q2 2026, we reported net sales of $202 million and operating income of $85 million. Net income for the quarter was $78 million, or $7.33 per common unit, and EBITDA was $107 million. Relative to Q2 2025, the increase in EBITDA was primarily due to higher UAN and ammonia sales pricing. Total ammonia production for Q2 2026 was 214,000 gross tons, of which 64,000 net tons were available for sale, and UAN production was 342,000 tons. During the quarter, we sold approximately 333,000 tons of UAN at an average price of $392 per ton and approximately 54,000 tons of ammonia at an average price of $791 per ton.

Richard Roberts: Thank you, Dane. Turning to our results, for Q2 2026, we reported net sales of $202 million and operating income of $85 million. Net income for the quarter was $78 million, or $7.33 per common unit, and EBITDA was $107 million. Relative to Q2 2025, the increase in EBITDA was primarily due to higher UAN and ammonia sales pricing.

Speaker #2: Net income for the quarter was $78 million, or $7.33 per common unit, and EBITDA was $107 million. Relative to the second quarter of 2025, the increase in EBITDA was primarily due to higher UAN and ammonia sales pricing.

Speaker #2: Total ammonia production for the second quarter of 2026 was $214,000 gross tons, of which 64,000 net tons were available for sale, and UAN production was $342,000 tons, during the quarter we sold approximately 333,000 tons of UAN at an average price of $392 per ton, and approximately 54,000 tons of ammonia at an average price of $791 per ton.

Richard Roberts: Total ammonia production for Q2 2026 was 214,000 gross tons, of which 64,000 net tons were available for sale, and UAN production was 342,000 tons. During the quarter, we sold approximately 333,000 tons of UAN at an average price of $392 per ton and approximately 54,000 tons of ammonia at an average price of $791 per ton.

Speaker #2: Relative to the second quarter of 2025, total sales volumes were down slightly, primarily due to an earlier spring planting season shifting some volumes into the first quarter, along with some weakening demand later in the quarter due to the elevated price environment for UAN.

Richard Roberts: Relative to Q2 2025, total sales volumes were down slightly, primarily due to an earlier spring planting season, shifting some volumes into Q1, along with some weakening demand later in the quarter due to the elevated price environment for UAN. Q2 prices for UAN increased approximately 24%, and ammonia prices increased approximately 33% relative to the prior year period. Direct operating expenses for Q2 2026 were $59 million. Excluding inventory impacts, direct operating expenses increased by approximately $4 million relative to Q2 2025, primarily due to higher repair and maintenance, catalyst, and electricity costs. Capital spending for Q2 was $17 million, of which $12 million was maintenance capital. We estimate total capital spending for 2026 to be approximately $85 to 95 million, of which $49 to 57 million is expected to be maintenance capital.

Richard Roberts: Relative to Q2 2025, total sales volumes were down slightly, primarily due to an earlier spring planting season, shifting some volumes into Q1, along with some weakening demand later in the quarter due to the elevated price environment for UAN. Q2 prices for UAN increased approximately 24%, and ammonia prices increased approximately 33% relative to the prior year period.

Speaker #2: Second quarter prices for UAN increased approximately 24%, and ammonia prices increased approximately 33%, relative to the prior year period. Direct operating expenses for the second quarter of 2026 were $59 million, excluding inventory impacts, direct operating expenses increased by approximately $4 million relative to the second quarter of 2025, primarily due to higher repair and maintenance, catalyst, and electricity costs.

Richard Roberts: Direct operating expenses for Q2 2026 were $59 million. Excluding inventory impacts, direct operating expenses increased by approximately $4 million relative to Q2 2025, primarily due to higher repair and maintenance, catalyst, and electricity costs. Capital spending for Q2 was $17 million, of which $12 million was maintenance capital. We estimate total capital spending for 2026 to be approximately $85 to 95 million, of which $49 to 57 million is expected to be maintenance capital.

Speaker #2: Capital spending for the second quarter was $17 million, of which $12 million was maintenance capital. We estimate total capital spending for 2026 to be approximately $85 to $95 million, of which $49 to $57 million is expected to be maintenance capital.

Speaker #2: We anticipate that a significant portion of the profit and growth capital spending planned for 2026 will be funded through cash reserves accumulated over the past few years.

Richard Roberts: We anticipate a significant portion of the profit and growth capital spending planned for 2026 will be funded through cash reserves taken over the past few years. We ended the quarter with total liquidity of $187 million, which consisted of $137 million in cash and availability under the ABL facility of $50 million. Within our cash balance of $137 million, we had less than $1 million related to customer prepayments for the future delivery of product. In assessing our cash available for distribution, we generated EBITDA of approximately $107 million and had net cash needs of $43 million for interest costs, maintenance CapEx, and other reserves. As a result, there was $64 million of cash available for distribution, and the board of directors of our general partner declared a distribution of $6.08 per common unit.

Richard Roberts: We anticipate a significant portion of the profit and growth capital spending planned for 2026 will be funded through cash reserves taken over the past few years. We ended the quarter with total liquidity of $187 million, which consisted of $137 million in cash and availability under the ABL facility of $50 million.

Speaker #2: We ended the quarter with total liquidity of $187 million, which consisted of $137 million in cash and availability under the ABL facility of $50 million.

Speaker #2: Within our cash balance of $137 million, we had less than $1 million related to customer prepayments for the future delivery of product. In assessing our cash available for distribution, we generated EBITDA of approximately $107 million, and had net cash needs of $43 million for interest costs, maintenance capex, and other reserves.

Richard Roberts: Within our cash balance of $137 million, we had less than $1 million related to customer prepayments for the future delivery of product. In assessing our cash available for distribution, we generated EBITDA of approximately $107 million and had net cash needs of $43 million for interest costs, maintenance CapEx, and other reserves. As a result, there was $64 million of cash available for distribution, and the board of directors of our general partner declared a distribution of $6.08 per common unit.

Speaker #2: As a result, there was $64 million of cash available for distribution, and the board of directors of our general partner declared a distribution of $6.08 per common unit.

Speaker #2: Looking ahead to the third quarter of 2026, we estimate our ammonia utilization rate to be between 75 and 80 percent, which will be impacted by the upcoming planned turnaround at the ECB facility.

Richard Roberts: Looking ahead to Q3 2026, we estimate our ammonia utilization rate to be between 75% and 80%, which will be impacted by the upcoming planned turnaround at the East Dubuque facility. We estimate direct operating expenses, excluding inventory and turnaround impacts, to be between $57 million and $62 million, turnaround expenses to be between $30 million and $35 million, and total capital spending to be between $40 million and $49 million. With that, I'll turn the call back over to Dane.

Richard Roberts: Looking ahead to Q3 2026, we estimate our ammonia utilization rate to be between 75% and 80%, which will be impacted by the upcoming planned turnaround at the East Dubuque facility. We estimate direct operating expenses, excluding inventory and turnaround impacts, to be between $57 million and $62 million, turnaround expenses to be between $30 million and $35 million, and total capital spending to be between $40 million and $49 million. With that, I'll turn the call back over to Dane.

Speaker #2: We estimate direct operating expenses, excluding inventory and turnaround impacts, to be between $57 and $62 million; turnaround expenses to be between $30 and $35 million; and total capital spending to be between $40 and $49 million.

Speaker #2: With that, I'll turn the call back over to Dane.

Speaker #3: Thanks, Richard. In summary, we had another strong quarter of operations with ammonia utilization of 99% and nitrogen fertilizer prices for the spring were elevated due to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Dane Neumann: Thanks, Richard. In summary, we had another strong quarter of operations with ammonia utilization of 99%, and nitrogen fertilizer prices for the spring were elevated due to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The spring planting season went well, and demand for nitrogen was strong overall. The USDA estimates that 95.3 million acres of corn and 85.4 million acres of soybeans were planted in the spring of 2026, a 4% decrease for corn and a 5% increase for soybeans. Although corn plantings were down from the record levels of 2025, 95 million acres is well above the average level of corn plantings over the last five years. Yield estimates are approximately 183 bushels per acre for corn, resulting in an expected inventory carryout level below 2025.

Dane Neumann: Thanks, Richard. In summary, we had another strong quarter of operations with ammonia utilization of 99%, and nitrogen fertilizer prices for the spring were elevated due to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The spring planting season went well, and demand for nitrogen was strong overall.

Speaker #3: The spring planting season went well, and demand for nitrogen was strong overall. The USDA estimates that 95.3 million acres of corn and 85.4 million acres of soybeans were planted in the spring of 2026, a 4% decrease for corn, and a 5% increase for soybeans.

Dane Neumann: The USDA estimates that 95.3 million acres of corn and 85.4 million acres of soybeans were planted in the spring of 2026, a 4% decrease for corn and a 5% increase for soybeans. Although corn plantings were down from the record levels of 2025, 95 million acres is well above the average level of corn plantings over the last five years. Yield estimates are approximately 183 bushels per acre for corn, resulting in an expected inventory carryout level below 2025.

Speaker #3: Although corn plantings were down from the record levels of 2025, 95 million acres is well above the average level of corn plantings over the last five years.

Speaker #3: Yield estimates are approximately 183 bushels per acre for corn, resulting in an expected inventory carryout level below 2025. Soybean yields are estimated at 53 bushels per acre, which also results in an expected inventory carryout below 2025.

Dane Neumann: Soybean yields are estimated at 53 bushels per acre, which also results in an expected inventory carryout below 2025. Grain prices have increased some recently, with expectations for lower carryout inventories driven by a combination of hot and dry conditions across the Western Corn Belt, increased export demand, and a smaller-than-expected corn crop in Argentina. December corn prices are approximately $4.80 per bushel, and November soybeans are approximately $12.20 per bushel. Summer fill and fall prepay for ammonia occurred in late June, and UAN fill was completed in early July. Overall, we saw strong demand for both products, and were able to secure a solid book of business for H2 2026 at attractive pricing. Geopolitical issues have impacted nitrogen fertilizer markets for the past several years, beginning with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and continuing through the current ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Dane Neumann: Soybean yields are estimated at 53 bushels per acre, which also results in an expected inventory carryout below 2025. Grain prices have increased some recently, with expectations for lower carryout inventories driven by a combination of hot and dry conditions across the Western Corn Belt, increased export demand, and a smaller-than-expected corn crop in Argentina.

Speaker #3: Grain prices have increased some recently, with expectations for lower carryout inventories driven by a combination of hot and dry conditions across the western Corn Belt, increased export demand, and a smaller-than-expected corn crop in Argentina.

Speaker #3: December corn prices are approximately $4.80 per bushel, and November soybeans are approximately $12.20 per bushel. Summer fill and fall prepay for ammonia occurred in late June, and UAN fill was completed in early July.

Dane Neumann: December corn prices are approximately $4.80 per bushel, and November soybeans are approximately $12.20 per bushel. Summer fill and fall prepay for ammonia occurred in late June, and UAN fill was completed in early July. Overall, we saw strong demand for both products, and were able to secure a solid book of business for H2 2026 at attractive pricing. Geopolitical issues have impacted nitrogen fertilizer markets for the past several years, beginning with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and continuing through the current ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Speaker #3: Overall, we saw strong demand for both products, and we were able to secure a solid book of business for the second half of 2026 at attractive pricing.

Speaker #3: Geopolitical issues have impacted nitrogen fertilizer markets for the past several years, beginning with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and continuing through the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Speaker #3: While there remains unclear how long these issues in the Middle East and Russia will persist, we will continue to focus on safely and reliably running our plants at high utilization levels to meet the needs of our customers.

Dane Neumann: While it remains unclear how long these issues in the Middle East and Russia will persist, we will continue to focus on safely and reliably running our plants at high utilization levels to meet the needs of our customers. Prices for nitrogen fertilizers have declined since the spring, which is the typical seasonal pattern as prices reset in the summer after spring planting is completed. With the recent declines in fertilizer prices and increases in grain prices, we believe farmers are now better positioned than they were a few months ago, which is positive for our industry overall. Natural gas prices in Europe have remained elevated amid the ongoing Middle East conflicts, currently trading around $19 per MMBtu, while US prices have once again fallen below $3 per MMBtu.

Dane Neumann: While it remains unclear how long these issues in the Middle East and Russia will persist, we will continue to focus on safely and reliably running our plants at high utilization levels to meet the needs of our customers. Prices for nitrogen fertilizers have declined since the spring, which is the typical seasonal pattern as prices reset in the summer after spring planting is completed.

Speaker #3: Prices for nitrogen fertilizers have declined since the spring, which is the typical seasonal pattern as prices reset in the summer after spring planting is completed.

Speaker #3: With the recent declines in fertilizer prices and increases in grain prices, we believe farmers are now better positioned than they were a few months ago, which has been positive for our industry overall.

Dane Neumann: With the recent declines in fertilizer prices and increases in grain prices, we believe farmers are now better positioned than they were a few months ago, which is positive for our industry overall. Natural gas prices in Europe have remained elevated amid the ongoing Middle East conflicts, currently trading around $19 per MMBtu, while US prices have once again fallen below $3 per MMBtu.

Speaker #2: Natural gas prices in Europe have remained elevated amid the ongoing Middle East conflicts, currently trading around $19 per MMBTU, while US prices have once again fallen below $3 per MMBTU.

Speaker #2: Damage sustained at LNG production facilities could take several years to repair, which would likely keep upward pressure on international gas prices relative to the US prices.

Dane Neumann: Damage sustained at LNG production facilities could take several years to repair, which would likely keep upward pressure on international gas prices relative to the US prices. We continue to believe Europe faces structural natural gas supply issues that will likely remain in effect through the next few years, which should continue to provide an advantage to US producers with access to lower-cost natural gas feedstocks. The conflicts over the past few years in Ukraine and the Middle East are a reminder of the value of US production with adequate and secure feedstock availability. We are currently executing on a number of projects at both facilities that we have discussed over the past few years. At our Coffeyville facility, we expect to finalize a detailed design and construction plan this year intended to allow the plant to utilize natural gas as an alternative feedstock to third-party petcoke.

Dane Neumann: Damage sustained at LNG production facilities could take several years to repair, which would likely keep upward pressure on international gas prices relative to the US prices. We continue to believe Europe faces structural natural gas supply issues that will likely remain in effect through the next few years, which should continue to provide an advantage to US producers with access to lower-cost natural gas feedstocks.

Speaker #2: We continue to believe supply issues that will likely remain in effect through the next few years, which should continue to provide an advantage to US producers with access to lower-cost natural gas feedstocks.

Speaker #2: The conflicts over the past few years in Ukraine and the Middle East are a reminder of the value of US production with adequate and secure feedstock availability.

Dane Neumann: The conflicts over the past few years in Ukraine and the Middle East are a reminder of the value of US production with adequate and secure feedstock availability. We are currently executing on a number of projects at both facilities that we have discussed over the past few years. At our Coffeyville facility, we expect to finalize a detailed design and construction plan this year intended to allow the plant to utilize natural gas as an alternative feedstock to third-party petcoke.

Speaker #2: We are currently executing on a number of projects at both facilities that we have discussed over the past few years. At our coffee mill facility, we expect to finalize a detailed design and construction plan this year intended to allow the plant to utilize natural gas as an alternative feedstock to third-party petcoat.

Speaker #2: We are no longer planning to invest the capital to source hydrogen from the adjacent coffee mill refinery, and we believe we can achieve the feedstock diversification of this project at a significantly reduced total capital spend.

Dane Neumann: We are no longer planning to invest the capital to source hydrogen from the adjacent Coffeyville refinery, we believe we can achieve the feedstock diversification of this project at a significantly reduced total capital spend. We also recently secured the certification classifying Coffeyville's ammonia production as low carbon, we are currently exploring opportunities to market low carbon ammonia in the US. During the East Dubuque turnaround that is currently expected to begin at the end of August, we plan to complete the Brownfield capacity expansion that is intended to increase ammonia production capacity by up to 5%. We also plan to continue work on the water quality upgrade project. In addition, we have a water system upgrade plan for the Coffeyville facility, along with the expansion of our DEF production and load-out capacity.

Dane Neumann: We are no longer planning to invest the capital to source hydrogen from the adjacent Coffeyville refinery, we believe we can achieve the feedstock diversification of this project at a significantly reduced total capital spend.

Speaker #2: We also recently secured the certification classifying coffee mills' ammonia production as low-carbon, and we are currently exploring opportunities to market low-carbon ammonia in the U.S.

Dane Neumann: We also recently secured the certification classifying Coffeyville's ammonia production as low carbon, we are currently exploring opportunities to market low carbon ammonia in the US. During the East Dubuque turnaround that is currently expected to begin at the end of August, we plan to complete the Brownfield capacity expansion that is intended to increase ammonia production capacity by up to 5%. We also plan to continue work on the water quality upgrade project.

Speaker #2: During the East View turnaround that is currently expected to begin at the end of August, we plan to complete the Brownfield capacity expansion that is intended to increase ammonia production capacity by up to 5%.

Speaker #2: We also plan to continue work on the water quality upgrade project. In addition, we have a water system upgrade planned for the coffee mill facility along with the expansion of our DEF production and loadout capacity.

Dane Neumann: In addition, we have a water system upgrade plan for the Coffeyville facility, along with the expansion of our DEF production and load-out capacity. The goal of these projects is to improve reliability and production rates, supporting our target of operating the plants at utilization rates above 95% of nameplate capacity, excluding the impact of turnarounds. The funds needed for these projects and other initiatives are coming from the reserves taken over the last few years, the board elected to continue reserving capital in the Q2.

Speaker #2: The goal of these projects is to improve reliability and production rates supporting our target of operating the plants at utilization rates above 95% of nameplate capacity excluding the impact of turnarounds.

Dane Neumann: The goal of these projects is to improve reliability and production rates, supporting our target of operating the plants at utilization rates above 95% of nameplate capacity, excluding the impact of turnarounds. The funds needed for these projects and other initiatives are coming from the reserves taken over the last few years, the board elected to continue reserving capital in the Q2. While the board looks at reserves every quarter, I would expect them to continue to elect to reserve some capital, we anticipate holding higher levels of cash related to these investments in the near term as we ramp up execution and spending. We believe unitholders will see the benefits of these investments in the coming years as these projects are completed and brought online.

Speaker #2: The funds needed for these projects and other initiatives are coming from the reserves taken over the last few years, and the board elected to continue reserving capital in the second quarter.

Speaker #2: While the board looks at reserves every quarter, I would expect them to continue to elect to reserve some capital and we anticipate holding higher levels of cash related to these investments in the near term as we ramp up execution and spending.

Dane Neumann: While the board looks at reserves every quarter, I would expect them to continue to elect to reserve some capital, we anticipate holding higher levels of cash related to these investments in the near term as we ramp up execution and spending. We believe unitholders will see the benefits of these investments in the coming years as these projects are completed and brought online.

Speaker #2: We believe unit holders will see the benefits of these investments in the coming years, as these projects are completed and brought online. After eight years at the company, I have seen the benefits of focusing on safety, reliability, cost management, and prudent capital allocation.

Dane Neumann: After eight years with the company, I have seen the benefits of focusing on safety, reliability, cost management, and prudent capital allocation. We have a strong team in place, and I look forward to continue executing on the strategy we have laid out over the past few years. In closing, I would like to thank our employees for their excellent execution, safely achieving 99% ammonia utilization, and the solid delivery on our marketing and logistics plans, resulting in a distribution of $6.08 per common unit for the Q2. With that, we are ready to answer any questions. Operator?

Dane Neumann: After eight years with the company, I have seen the benefits of focusing on safety, reliability, cost management, and prudent capital allocation. We have a strong team in place, and I look forward to continue executing on the strategy we have laid out over the past few years. In closing, I would like to thank our employees for their excellent execution, safely achieving 99% ammonia utilization, and the solid delivery on our marketing and logistics plans, resulting in a distribution of $6.08 per common unit for the Q2. With that, we are ready to answer any questions. Operator?

Speaker #2: We have a strong team in place, and I look forward to continuing to execute on the strategy we have laid out over the past few years.

Speaker #2: In closing, I would like to thank our employees for their excellent execution, safely achieving 99% ammonia utilization, and the solid delivery on our marketing and logistics plans, resulting in a distribution of $6.08 per common unit for the second quarter.

Speaker #2: With that, we are ready to answer any questions. Operator?

Speaker #4: At this time, I would like to remind everyone in order to ask a question, press start, then the number one on your telephone keypad.

Operator: At this time, I would like to remind everyone, in order to ask a question, press star, then the number one on your telephone keypad. We will pause for just a moment to compile the Q&A roster. Again, if you would like to ask a question, press star one on your telephone keypad. Your first question comes from the line of Rob McGuire with Granite Research. Your line is open.

Operator: At this time, I would like to remind everyone, in order to ask a question, press star, then the number one on your telephone keypad. We will pause for just a moment to compile the Q&A roster. Again, if you would like to ask a question, press star one on your telephone keypad. Your first question comes from the line of Rob McGuire with Granite Research. Your line is open.

Speaker #4: We will pause for just a moment to compile the Q&A roster. Again, if you would like to ask a question, please press *star one* on your telephone keypad.

Speaker #4: Your first question comes from the line of Rob McGuire with Granite Research. Your line is open.

Speaker #5: Good morning, Dane, Richard, and Mike.

Rob McGuire: Morning, Dane, Richard, and Mike.

Rob McGuire: Morning, Dane, Richard, and Mike.

Speaker #6: Hey, good morning, Rob. How are you doing?

Dane Neumann: Hey, morning, Rob. How you doing?

Dane Neumann: Hey, morning, Rob. How you doing?

Rob McGuire: I'm well, thanks.

Rob McGuire: I'm well, thanks.

Speaker #5: I'm well, thanks. Hey, with the recent management changes, is CVR PARTNERS still interested in making potential acquisitions? And if so, can you comment on strategic criteria for an acquisition?

Dane Neumann: Great.

Dane Neumann: Great.

Rob McGuire: Hey, with the recent management changes, is CVR Partners still interested in making potential acquisitions? If so, can you comment on strategic criteria for an acquisition?

Rob McGuire: Hey, with the recent management changes, is CVR Partners still interested in making potential acquisitions? If so, can you comment on strategic criteria for an acquisition?

Speaker #6: Yeah. So, Rob, I would say our thought process is that really anything's on the table—acquisition, merger, participating in a build, even a sale if there were an attractive offer.

Dane Neumann: Yeah. Rob McGuire, I would say our thought process is really anything's on the table, acquisition, merger, participating in a build, even a sale if there were an attractive offer. Yeah, I think it's going to be a relatively challenging environment. From an acquisition perspective, we would really want to see accretive cash flow very quickly. Just with the assets that are out there, I don't see a lot of them being available for sale. From a build perspective, I could see us participating in that value chain as an operator or marketer, but I don't see us being a big financial backer to a project like that. Then from a sale perspective, yeah, I think the political environment's still challenging, and that may be a headwind. We'll continue to look for attractive opportunities and see what we find.

Dane Neumann: Yeah. Rob McGuire, I would say our thought process is really anything's on the table, acquisition, merger, participating in a build, even a sale if there were an attractive offer. Yeah, I think it's going to be a relatively challenging environment. From an acquisition perspective, we would really want to see accretive cash flow very quickly. Just with the assets that are out there, I don't see a lot of them being available for sale.

Speaker #6: Yeah, I think it's going to be a relatively challenging environment. You know, from an acquisition perspective, we would really want to see, you know, a creative cash flow very, very quickly.

Speaker #6: And just with the assets that are out there, I don't see a lot of them being available for sale. You know, from a bill perspective, I could see us participating in that value chain as an operator or marketer, but I don't see us being a big financial backer to a project like that.

Dane Neumann: From a build perspective, I could see us participating in that value chain as an operator or marketer, but I don't see us being a big financial backer to a project like that. Then from a sale perspective, yeah, I think the political environment's still challenging, and that may be a headwind. We'll continue to look for attractive opportunities and see what we find. Other than that, the business is doing good, and we're happy to hold as we are as well.

Speaker #6: And then from a sale perspective, yeah, I think that, you know, the political environment's still challenging and that may be a headwind. So we'll continue to look for attractive opportunities and see what we find.

Speaker #6: Other than that, you know, business is doing good and we're happy to hold as we are as well.

Dane Neumann: Other than that, the business is doing good, and we're happy to hold as we are as well.

Speaker #5: Well, I appreciate that. Different topic. Could you comment further on your summer fill programs completed in late June and early July? Just how much of your third quarter 2026 or second half 2026 you ammonia and UAM production did you pre-sell and any detail you can give to us, you know, along the lines of either, you know, percentages or, you know, if it's in line or below or above historical averages?

Rob McGuire: I appreciate that. Different topic. Could you comment further on your summer fill programs completed in late June and early July? Just how much of your Q3 2026 or H2 2026 ammonia and UAN production did you pre-sell? Any detail you can give to us along the lines of either percentages or if it's in line or below or above historical averages.

Rob McGuire: I appreciate that. Different topic. Could you comment further on your summer fill programs completed in late June and early July? Just how much of your Q3 2026 or H2 2026 ammonia and UAN production did you pre-sell? Any detail you can give to us along the lines of either percentages or if it's in line or below or above historical averages.

Speaker #6: Yeah. Won't give any specific details on the position of the book, but, you know, as we said in the prepared remarks, we did see demand slow down a little bit in June when the UAM nitrogen value started trading at a really wide premium.

Dane Neumann: Yeah. Won't give any specific details on the position of the book. As we said in the prepared remarks, we did see demand slow down a little bit in June when the UAN nitrogen value started trading at a really wide premium. However, when we got to the fill, buyers came right back to the market. We did see the normal reset that we didn't see last year. UAN tracked the NOLA benchmark, and ammonia did fare better. Prices have continued to tick up since then. I think that the one significant difference was we're roughly in line with sales, but we did have more fall prepay on ammonia come in earlier than we did last year.

Dane Neumann: Yeah. Won't give any specific details on the position of the book. As we said in the prepared remarks, we did see demand slow down a little bit in June when the UAN nitrogen value started trading at a really wide premium.

Speaker #6: However, when we got to the fill, buyers came right back to the market. We did see the normal reset that we didn't see last year.

Dane Neumann: However, when we got to the fill, buyers came right back to the market. We did see the normal reset that we didn't see last year. UAN tracked the NOLA benchmark, and ammonia did fare better. Prices have continued to tick up since then. I think that the one significant difference was we're roughly in line with sales, but we did have more fall prepay on ammonia come in earlier than we did last year.

Speaker #6: UAM tracked the NOLA benchmark and ammonia did fare better. Prices have continued to tick up since then. And I think that the one significant difference was, you know, we're roughly in line with sales, but we did have more fall prepay on ammonia come in earlier than we did last year.

Speaker #5: Thank you. Could you provide color on inventory levels for UAN and ammonia at the distributor or retailer? And I don't know if you've got it at the farmer level, but anything you can give to us along those lines?

Rob McGuire: Thank you. Could you provide color on inventory levels for UAN and ammonia at the distributor or retailer? I don't know if you've got it at the farmer level, but anything you can give to us along those lines?

Rob McGuire: Thank you. Could you provide color on inventory levels for UAN and ammonia at the distributor or retailer? I don't know if you've got it at the farmer level, but anything you can give to us along those lines?

Speaker #6: Yeah, Rob, I don't have any color on the farmer level in specific. What we did feel was that inventories did get a little bit higher downstream of us earlier in the year.

Dane Neumann: Yeah, Rob, I don't have any color on the farmer level in specific. What we did feel was that inventories did get a little bit higher downstream of us earlier in the year. That said, with the strength of the fill, yeah, clearly there was a need for product, and we've seen a recent uptick in buying, which does imply product is now moving downstream to retailers and farmers. Seems like potentially availability concerns are back and driving behavior versus price risk at the moment.

Dane Neumann: Yeah, Rob, I don't have any color on the farmer level in specific. What we did feel was that inventories did get a little bit higher downstream of us earlier in the year. That said, with the strength of the fill, yeah, clearly there was a need for product, and we've seen a recent uptick in buying, which does imply product is now moving downstream to retailers and farmers. Seems like potentially availability concerns are back and driving behavior versus price risk at the moment.

Speaker #6: That said, with the strength of the fill—yeah, clearly there was a need for product, and we've seen a recent uptick in buying, which does imply product is now moving downstream to retailers and farmers.

Speaker #6: So seems like, you know, potentially availability concerns are back and driving behavior, you know, versus price risk at the moment.

Speaker #5: I appreciate that. So separate topic, the 10Q states you're expected to proceed with coffee villain. You had some comments in the opening market comments, but can you kind of give us an idea of how long that project's going to last?

Rob McGuire: I appreciate that. Separate topic. The 10-Q states you're expected to proceed with Coffeyville, and you had some comments in the opening market comments. Can you kind of give us an idea of how long that project's going to last? What's going to be required in terms of the conversion, taking that plant offline, and will it have to be offline entirely? Do you have any updated cost estimates?

Rob McGuire: I appreciate that. Separate topic. The 10-Q states you're expected to proceed with Coffeyville, and you had some comments in the opening market comments. Can you kind of give us an idea of how long that project's going to last? What's going to be required in terms of the conversion, taking that plant offline, and will it have to be offline entirely? Do you have any updated cost estimates?

Speaker #5: Will the conversion require— you know, like, what's going to be required in terms of the conversion, taking that plant offline, you know, and will it have to be offline entirely?

Speaker #5: And then do you have any updated cost estimates?

Speaker #6: Yeah, Rob, this is Mike. Thanks for the question. Really, the project right now, as it stands with the delivery of equipment, construction, and the permitting, will likely be completed in the second half of '27.

Mike Wright: Yeah, Rob McGuire, this is Mike Wright. Thanks for the question. Kind of the project really right now as it stands with the delivery of equipment, construction, and the permitting, the project will complete likely in H2 2027. The good news is there is no expected downtime associated with that project, so we don't expect anything to impact production rates next year. In regards to a cost estimate, as noted earlier, we are finalizing design. At this point, we believe we'll complete the project for less than half of the original estimate as we optimize the scope around our feed nozzles and remove the need for the nearby adjacent hydrogen plant. With that, I think the best way to say it is we will stay within the reserves that have already been taken for that project.

Mike Wright: Yeah, Rob McGuire, this is Mike Wright. Thanks for the question. Kind of the project really right now as it stands with the delivery of equipment, construction, and the permitting, the project will complete likely in H2 2027. The good news is there is no expected downtime associated with that project, so we don't expect anything to impact production rates next year.

Speaker #6: The good news is, there is no expected downtime associated with that project, so we don't expect anything to impact production rates next year. And then, in regard to the cost estimate, as noted earlier, we are finalizing design at this point.

Mike Wright: In regards to a cost estimate, as noted earlier, we are finalizing design. At this point, we believe we'll complete the project for less than half of the original estimate as we optimize the scope around our feed nozzles and remove the need for the nearby adjacent hydrogen plant. With that, I think the best way to say it is we will stay within the reserves that have already been taken for that project.

Speaker #6: We believe we'll complete the project for less than half of the original estimate, as we optimize the scope around our feed nozzles and remove the need for the nearby adjacent hydrogen plant.

Speaker #6: And with that, I think the best way to say it is we will stay within the reserves that have already been taken for that project.

Speaker #5: Thanks, Mike. And then producers appear to be taking a more disciplined approach to FIDs and, you know, new facilities. We saw Air Products and Yara back away from their Louisiana Clean Energy Complex project.

Rob McGuire: Thanks, Mike Wright. Producers appear to be taking a more disciplined approach to FIDs and on new facilities. We saw Air Products and Yara back away from their Louisiana Clean Energy Complex project. Just curious what your thoughts are on what would have to change for the industry to feel confident that it could achieve the necessary returns to build new plants.

Rob McGuire: Thanks, Mike Wright. Producers appear to be taking a more disciplined approach to FIDs and on new facilities. We saw Air Products and Yara back away from their Louisiana Clean Energy Complex project. Just curious what your thoughts are on what would have to change for the industry to feel confident that it could achieve the necessary returns to build new plants.

Speaker #5: And just curious, what your thoughts are on what would have to change for the industry to feel confident that it could achieve the necessary returns to build new plants?

Speaker #6: Yeah, that's an interesting question, Rob. You know, obviously everyone knows that these facilities are just massively expensive to build. You know, you could call that your known at the outset, and it likely will only rise as you continue.

Dane Neumann: Yeah, that's an interesting question, Rob McGuire. Obviously everyone knows that these facilities are just massively expensive to build. You could call that your known at the outset, and it likely will only rise as you continue. A lot of execution risk in terms of a build, on the flip side, your long-term pricing visibility is probably a little murkier. To me, that's just a lot of risk to bear on the shoulders of producers. Yeah, I think we've seen things come out about government backing for ammonia expansion or if there were opportunities for long-term customer commitments or equity participation that helps, excuse me, de-risk for the producer. I think that could go a long way instead of having one party kind of absorb all the risk of execution and pricing.

Dane Neumann: Yeah, that's an interesting question, Rob McGuire. Obviously everyone knows that these facilities are just massively expensive to build. You could call that your known at the outset, and it likely will only rise as you continue. A lot of execution risk in terms of a build, on the flip side, your long-term pricing visibility is probably a little murkier.

Speaker #6: So, a lot of execution risk in terms of a build, and then, on the flip side, your long-term pricing visibility is probably a little murkier.

Speaker #6: So, to me, that's just a lot of risk to bear on the shoulders of producers. So, yeah, I think, you know, we've seen things come out about, you know, government backing for ammonia expansion.

Dane Neumann: To me, that's just a lot of risk to bear on the shoulders of producers. Yeah, I think we've seen things come out about government backing for ammonia expansion or if there were opportunities for long-term customer commitments or equity participation that helps, excuse me, de-risk for the producer. I think that could go a long way instead of having one party kind of absorb all the risk of execution and pricing.

Speaker #6: Or if there were opportunities for long-term customer commitments or equity participation that helped excuse me, de-risk for the producer. I think that could go a long way.

Speaker #6: Instead of having one party kind of absorb all the risk of execution and pricing, it doesn't—you know, like I said, I think there is some path to some of those things taking place.

Dane Neumann: Like I said, I think there is some path to some of those things taking place. Also challenging for those agreements to come together and do take a long time to develop. Agree it's a challenge and don't know what fixes it, but I think some of those options might be beneficial and helpful.

Dane Neumann: Like I said, I think there is some path to some of those things taking place. Also challenging for those agreements to come together and do take a long time to develop. Agree it's a challenge and don't know what fixes it, but I think some of those options might be beneficial and helpful.

Speaker #6: But also, you know, challenging for those agreements to come together and do take a long time to develop. So agree, it's a challenge and don't know what fixes it, but I think some of those options might be beneficial and helpful.

Speaker #5: Dane, I really appreciate it. That wraps it up for me, guys. Thank you.

Rob McGuire: Dane, I really appreciate it. That wraps it up for me, guys. Thank you.

Rob McGuire: Dane, I really appreciate it. That wraps it up for me, guys. Thank you.

Speaker #6: You got it. Thanks,

Dane Neumann: You got it. Thanks, Rob.

Dane Neumann: You got it. Thanks, Rob.

Speaker #1: I will now turn the call back over to Dane Neumann for closing remarks.

Operator: I will now turn the call back over to Dane Neumann for closing remarks.

Operator: I will now turn the call back over to Dane Neumann for closing remarks.

Speaker #6: Again, I would just like to thank everyone for your interest in CVR PARTNERS and again, our employees for the hard work and commitment towards safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible operations.

Dane Neumann: I'd just like to thank everyone for your interest in CVR Partners, and again, our employees for their hard work and commitment towards safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible operations. We look forward to reviewing our Q3 2026 results during our next earnings call. Have a safe day.

Dane Neumann: I'd just like to thank everyone for your interest in CVR Partners, and again, our employees for their hard work and commitment towards safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible operations. We look forward to reviewing our Q3 2026 results during our next earnings call. Have a safe day.

Speaker #6: And we look forward to reviewing our third quarter 2026 results during our next earnings call. Have a safe day.

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes today's call. Thank you all for joining. You may now disconnect.

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes today's call. Thank you all for joining. You may now disconnect.

Q2 2026 CVR Partners LP Earnings Call

Demo
UAN

CVR Partners

Earnings

Q2 2026 CVR Partners LP Earnings Call

UAN

Thursday, July 30th, 2026 at 3:00 PM

Transcript

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