PBF Energy Inc. (PBF) stock prices were up 8.17% as of the market close on July 21st, 2021, bringing the price per share up to USD$10.46 at the end of the trading day. Subsequent premarket fluctuations saw the stock fall by 2.87%, bringing it down to USD$10.16.
BAAQMD’s Decision
July 21st, 2021 saw the company address the BAAQMD Board’s decision to adopt Proposed Amended Rule 6-5, in regard to particulate emission in the Bay Area resulting from refinery Fluid Catalytic Cracking units. The company has been collaborating closely with Bay Area Air Quality Management District staff throughout the rule-making process, which will require refineries to meet a specific emission standard by 2026. Fortunately, this will not require the installation of a wet gas scrubber or other potentially costly technology.
Implementing Change
In line with this, the company plans to continue with the implementation of previously planned projects over the upcoming months, which will see the Martinez refinery undergo a drastic reduction in emissions. The company expects to close the gap between existing emissions and target emissions by the first quarter of 2022. PBF is keen to continue partnering with the BAAQMD to facilitate efficient improvements in air quality while ensuring the continued provision of the company’s vital products to one of the largest fuel markets in the world.
Healthy Financials
The company exhibited improvements in financial reports for the first quarter of 2021, as compared to the prior quarter. March 2021 indicated a significant increase from January, reflecting favorable market conditions as the ongoing push for universal immunizations resulted in a normalizing and resurgence of demand. Despite this increase, however, the independent refining sector is at the mercy of rising compliance costs under the RFS program.
Solid Liquidity Position
As the devastating effects of the pandemic played out following its onset, PBF took measures to protect its balance sheet in the face of economic uncertainty. The company reported having a solid liquidity position of USD$2.3 billion as of March 31st, 2021, of which USD$1.5 billion consisted of cash and funds available via an asset-based lending facility. Furthermore, PBF Logistics LP liquidity included USD$44 million in cash and roughly USD$311 million as a part of a revolving credit facility.
Future Outlook for PBF
Armed with a solid liquidity position that will help the company execute their strategy over the next couple months until the economy fully returns to pre-pandemic levels, PBF is poised to capitalize on its opportunities for success. Current and potential investors are hopeful that management will leverage the resources at their disposal to usher in significant and sustained increases in shareholder value.
