HF Sinclair
HF Sinclair Corporation (NYSE: DINO) is an independent energy company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, that refines crude oil into transportation fuels and markets petroleum products, specialty lubricants, and asphalt across the mid-continent, southwestern, and Rocky Mountain regions of the United States.[1] Formed on March 14, 2022, as a new parent holding company through HollyFrontier Corporation's acquisition of Sinclair Oil Corporation's downstream and midstream assets in a transaction valued at approximately $2.6 billion, HF Sinclair integrated historic brands like the Sinclair dinosaur logo with modern refining operations.[2][3] The company produces high-value light products including gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, and renewable diesel, alongside base oils and waxes, operating from multiple refineries with a workforce of about 5,300 employees and generating annual revenues in excess of $25 billion.[4][5][6] Its operations emphasize efficient crude oil processing and product distribution, reflecting a focus on midstream logistics inherited from predecessor entities like Holly Energy Partners.[7]Corporate Profile
Formation and Rebranding
HollyFrontier Corporation was established on July 1, 2011, through the merger of Holly Corporation and Frontier Oil Corporation, creating a major independent refiner with operations focused on the mid-continent and Rocky Mountain regions.[8] The merger combined their refining capacities, pipelines, and marketing assets, positioning the entity as a significant player in petroleum refining with approximately 452,000 barrels per day of crude oil processing capability at the time.[8] On August 3, 2021, HollyFrontier Corporation and Holly Energy Partners, L.P. announced a combination with Sinclair Oil Corporation and related entities, valued at approximately $2.6 billion, which included the formation of a new parent holding company named HF Sinclair Corporation.[9] [10] Under the terms, HollyFrontier acquired Sinclair's refineries and marketing operations, while Holly Energy Partners acquired certain midstream assets, with HF Sinclair replacing HollyFrontier as the publicly traded entity on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol DINO.[9] The transaction closed on March 14, 2022, marking the official establishment of HF Sinclair Corporation as the parent company and the rebranding from HollyFrontier, integrating Sinclair's branded marketing network of over 1,600 locations and enhancing the company's downstream presence.[2] Trading under the new name commenced on March 15, 2022, reflecting a strategic shift to leverage the combined strengths of both legacy operations under a unified corporate identity.[2] This rebranding emphasized expanded refining capacity to over 678,000 barrels per day and broader market reach without altering core operational structures.[2]Leadership and Governance
Timothy Go has served as Chief Executive Officer and President of HF Sinclair Corporation since May 2023, succeeding Michael C. Jennings who transitioned following the company's leadership succession plan announced in February 2023.[11][12] Prior to his current role, Go held the position of President and Chief Operating Officer, bringing extensive experience in refining and operations within the energy sector.[12] The executive team includes key figures such as Valerie Pompa, Executive Vice President of Operations, and other senior leaders overseeing refining, marketing, and renewables segments, with an average management tenure of approximately 2.8 years as of recent assessments.[13][14] The Board of Directors, consisting of 11 members as nominated for the 2025 annual meeting, is led by Franklin Myers as Non-Executive Independent Chairman since February 2019.[15][16][17] A majority of directors are independent in accordance with NYSE requirements, ensuring no material relationships that could impair objectivity, with the board's average tenure standing at 6.7 years.[18][14] Notable recent appointments include Jeanne M. Johns as an independent director effective February 13, 2024, contributing expertise in energy operations and serving on committees such as Audit and Nominating.[19][20] HF Sinclair's governance framework emphasizes oversight of management, risk assessment, and long-term stockholder value, as outlined in its Corporate Governance Guidelines updated as of February 14, 2024.[18] The Board selects its leadership structure annually, potentially combining the Chairperson and CEO roles while appointing a Lead Independent Director when necessary to facilitate independent sessions and communication with executives.[18][21] Annual self-evaluations of the Board and its committees, coordinated by the Nominating, Governance and Social Responsibility Committee, may incorporate third-party reviews to maintain effectiveness.[18] The company maintains a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that mandates compliance with laws, promotes core values including integrity and safety, and applies to all employees and directors.[22] Non-management directors are accessible via dedicated channels, such as email at [email protected], to address governance concerns.[23]Scale and Market Position
HF Sinclair Corporation operates seven complex refineries with a combined annual average crude oil processing capacity of approximately 678,000 barrels per day, enabling the production of high-value light products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, and renewable diesel.[24] These facilities are strategically located in the Mid-Continent (Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico), Rocky Mountain (Wyoming, Utah), and West Coast (Washington) regions, allowing the company to serve regional markets with a focus on sweet and sour crudes from domestic and Canadian sources.[25] As of June 30, 2025, HF Sinclair reported total assets of $16.843 billion, total debt of $2.677 billion, and approximately 5,300 employees, reflecting its operational scale as a fully integrated independent refiner with additional segments in marketing, lubricants, and renewables production capacity of about 380 million gallons annually.[25][1] Trailing twelve-month revenue reached $26.9 billion, underscoring its substantial throughput and product marketing footprint.[26] In the U.S. petroleum refining sector, HF Sinclair occupies a mid-tier position among independent operators, with its refining capacity comprising roughly 3.8% of the national total of approximately 18 million barrels per day, positioning it behind integrated majors like ExxonMobil and Chevron but competitive with peers such as Valero and Phillips 66 in regional crack spread advantages.[27] The company's market capitalization stood at about $10.2 billion as of October 2025, reflecting investor recognition of its profitability in mid-continent and Rockies markets amid volatile refining margins, where it reported second-quarter 2025 refining income before interest and taxes of $166 million driven by margins of $16.50 per barrel.[28][29] This scale enables HF Sinclair to leverage logistics assets for crude transportation, terminalling, and throughput services, enhancing its resilience in downstream operations despite broader industry pressures from global supply dynamics.[25]Historical Development
Origins of Predecessor Companies
Sinclair Oil Corporation was established on May 1, 1916, by Harry F. Sinclair as a fully integrated petroleum enterprise involving production, pipelines, transportation, natural gas distribution, and refining.[30] Sinclair, who had earlier engaged in selling lumber to oil derricks and trading leases after financial setbacks in his family's drugstore business, consolidated 11 small petroleum companies to form the initial entity.[31] By the late 1920s, the company had grown to become the seventh-largest oil producer in the United States, with capital assets exceeding $100 million following restructurings like the 1919 formation of Sinclair Consolidated Oil Corp.[32][31] Holly Corporation originated with the incorporation of General Appliance Corporation in 1947, amid the postwar U.S. economic expansion and rising demand for oil products.[33][34] The firm renamed itself Holly Corporation in 1952 and shifted focus to petroleum refining, acquiring key assets such as the Navajo Refining Company in Artesia, New Mexico, from Continental Oil Company, which bolstered its mid-continent operations.[33] This purchase integrated an existing refinery originally established in the 1930s, enabling Holly to process sweet and sour crudes in the Southwest region.[35] Frontier Oil Corporation's roots lie in Wainoco Oil Corporation, incorporated in 1949 primarily as an oil and gas exploration firm.[33] In 1991, Wainoco acquired Frontier Oil Corp., gaining control of assets including a 38,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Cheyenne, Wyoming, which marked its entry into significant refining capacity.[36] The company rebranded as Frontier Oil in 1996, expanding its downstream operations in the Rocky Mountain and mid-continent areas before its 2011 merger with Holly Corporation.[37]Merger with Sinclair Oil
On August 3, 2021, HollyFrontier Corporation and its affiliate Holly Energy Partners, L.P. (HEP) announced an agreement to acquire Sinclair Oil Corporation and Sinclair Transportation Company from The Sinclair Companies, forming a new parent holding company named HF Sinclair Corporation.[9] The transaction was valued at approximately $2.6 billion, including the assumption of debt, with HollyFrontier acquiring Sinclair's downstream refining and marketing operations while HEP took over its midstream transportation assets, including pipelines and terminals.[10] Under the deal terms, existing HollyFrontier shareholders were to own about 73% of the combined entity, with Sinclair's owners holding the remaining 27%.[38] The merger integrated Sinclair's two Wyoming refineries—located near Casper and Sinclair—with a combined crude oil processing capacity of 88,000 barrels per day, enhancing HF Sinclair's refining portfolio in the Rocky Mountain region.[39] It also brought Sinclair's established branded marketing network, which included over 1,600 retail sites across 30 states, bolstering distribution capabilities and brand recognition.[9] The strategic rationale focused on vertical integration, combining HollyFrontier's refining expertise with Sinclair's logistics and marketing strengths to improve operational efficiencies and market reach amid volatile energy prices.[38] Regulatory approvals were obtained from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and other authorities, with the transaction closing on March 14, 2022.[2] Effective that date, HF Sinclair became the new public entity, with its common stock trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker "DINO" starting March 15, 2022, replacing HollyFrontier.[2] Post-merger, integration efforts included rebranding initiatives and synergies projected to yield $110 million in annual cost savings through optimized supply chains and shared infrastructure.[38]Post-Merger Acquisitions and Expansions
On December 1, 2023, HF Sinclair completed its acquisition of the remaining outstanding common units of Holly Energy Partners, L.P. (HEP), a master limited partnership focused on midstream assets including crude oil pipelines, refined product pipelines, storage terminals, and loading rack facilities primarily serving HF Sinclair's refineries.[7] Prior to the transaction, HF Sinclair owned about 47% of HEP's common units; the deal provided non-affiliated unitholders with 0.315 shares of HF Sinclair common stock and $4.00 in cash per HEP common unit, implying a total enterprise value of approximately $1.3 billion after accounting for HEP's debt.[40] The merger, approved by HF Sinclair stockholders and HEP unitholders, fully integrated HEP as a wholly owned subsidiary, eliminating public reporting requirements, minority interest complexities, and related-party transaction overhead while enhancing operational control over key logistics infrastructure.[7] Post-merger expansions emphasized integration of Sinclair Oil's downstream assets and advancement of renewable fuels capabilities. HF Sinclair incorporated Sinclair's refineries in Wyoming and Washington, boosting overall refining throughput to about 678,000 barrels per day and expanding marketing operations to over 1,600 branded fuel sites across 30 states, which facilitated greater distribution of gasoline, diesel, and branded products like Dino-Mart convenience stores.[41] In renewables, the company finalized pretreatment units and renewable diesel production units at facilities in Artesia, New Mexico (commencing production in August 2022 with 90 million gallons per year capacity) and Cheyenne, Wyoming, achieving a combined renewable diesel output of approximately 380 million gallons annually by late 2023 through conversion of existing refinery hardware.[42][43] These efforts, supported by ongoing capital expenditures, positioned HF Sinclair to increase low-carbon fuel production amid regulatory incentives like the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard, though actual yields depend on feedstock availability and market credits.[44] No additional major acquisitions were reported through 2025, with focus shifting to operational efficiencies and debt management following the HEP transaction.[45]Business Operations
Refining and Production
HF Sinclair's refining operations encompass seven facilities across the United States with a combined crude oil processing capacity of approximately 678,000 barrels per day. These refineries primarily convert a mix of sweet and sour crude oils sourced from Canada and the United States into transportation fuels, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, as well as asphalt, specialty products, and other petroleum derivatives. The operations serve key markets in the Mid-Continent, Rocky Mountain, and Pacific Northwest regions, emphasizing efficient throughput of mid-continent and Canadian crudes to optimize yield and product distribution.[24][46]| Refinery Location | Crude Capacity (barrels per day) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Anacortes, WA (Puget Sound) | 149,000 | Processes mixed sweet and sour Canadian crudes; supplies Pacific Northwest markets.[47] |
| Tulsa, OK | 125,000 | Focuses on sweet crudes; produces fuels for Mid-Continent distribution.[48] |
| Artesia/Lovington, NM (Navajo) | 100,000 | Serves southwestern U.S. markets including New Mexico and Texas.[49] |
| Sinclair, WY (Parco) | 94,000 | Handles Canadian and U.S. sweet/sour crudes; supports Rocky Mountain region.[50] |
| Woods Cross, UT | 45,000 | Processes local and regional crudes for intermountain markets.[51] |
| El Dorado, KS | ~135,000 (estimated within total) | One of the largest in the Plains/Mid-Continent; integrated with asphalt production.[52] |
| Cheyenne, WY | Converted (formerly ~52,000 crude; now renewable-focused) | Post-2021 conversion to renewable diesel unit with 6,000 bpd capacity, supporting overall refining portfolio.[53] |
Marketing and Distribution
HF Sinclair markets refined petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, primarily through its Sinclair brand, supplying high-quality fuels to over 1,500 independent Sinclair-branded stations and licensing the brand for use at more than 300 additional locations across 30 states.[1][4] The company's marketing efforts concentrate on light products in the Southwestern, Rocky Mountain, and mid-continent regions, leveraging the iconic Sinclair dinosaur logo and additives like Dino-Tuff for enhanced engine performance.[56][57] As of July 2024, HF Sinclair operated approximately 1,715 branded gas stations nationwide, with significant presence in states like California (214 locations).[58] Distribution occurs via an integrated network of pipelines, terminals, and storage facilities managed through HF Sinclair Midstream, which includes over 1,200 miles of crude and refined products pipelines, eight product terminals, and two crude terminals acquired from Sinclair Oil.[59] These assets, spanning Texas, New Mexico, Washington, and Idaho, facilitate transportation, terminalling, and throughput services to refineries and third-party customers, ensuring efficient delivery to branded outlets and wholesale markets.[60] Products are further distributed through strategically located terminals and a North American network of independent distributors, supporting sales of asphalt, lubricants, and specialty fuels.[48][61] The marketing segment generates revenue from direct branded fuel sales to Sinclair sites and licensing fees, contributing to overall operations by optimizing supply chain logistics in high-demand regional markets.[25] This approach, enhanced post-2021 Sinclair acquisition, emphasizes branded presence over unbranded wholesale, with total branded outlets exceeding 1,600 as of 2024.[62][63]Renewable Fuels Segment
HF Sinclair's Renewables segment encompasses the production of renewable diesel from renewable feedstocks such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and used cooking oil, primarily at three dedicated units integrated with existing refinery infrastructure.[64] The segment's output is marketed through HF Sinclair's broader distribution network, contributing to diversification from conventional petroleum refining amid regulatory pressures for lower-carbon fuels.[65] Renewable diesel produced yields up to 80% lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil diesel, qualifying for incentives like the U.S. federal Renewable Fuel Standard credits and state-level low-carbon fuel standards.[66] The segment operates renewable diesel units (RDUs) at the Cheyenne refinery in Wyoming, the Sinclair refinery in Wyoming, and the Artesia facility in New Mexico.[64] The Cheyenne RDU achieved mechanical completion in late 2022, with full commercial operations ramping up thereafter.[67] Artesia's 9,000 barrels-per-day RDU, which processes upgraded renewable feedstocks into finished diesel, began production in 2023.[49] These units leverage co-processing capabilities and dedicated hydrotreaters to convert varied feedstocks, allowing flexibility in response to supply availability and pricing.[68] Collectively, the facilities provide an annual production capacity of approximately 380 million gallons of renewable diesel as of 2025.[69] This scale positions HF Sinclair among leading U.S. producers of drop-in renewable fuels compatible with existing diesel infrastructure, without requiring engine modifications.[70] The segment's performance is tied to feedstock costs, government subsidies, and demand from fleets and distributors seeking compliance with emissions mandates, though it faces volatility from policy changes such as potential alterations to production tax credits.[71] In 2023, HF Sinclair reported advancing renewable output as part of broader sustainability efforts, including a commitment to reduce net GHG emissions intensity by 25% by 2030 from a 2021 baseline.[72]Environmental and Regulatory Affairs
Sustainability Initiatives
HF Sinclair has established sustainability goals centered on reducing environmental impacts, with a primary focus on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and integration of lower-carbon fuels. In 2022, the company announced a target to reduce its net GHG emissions intensity by 25% by 2030, measured against a 2021 baseline, as part of broader efforts to address climate-related risks.[72] This commitment aligns with the company's 2023 Sustainability Report, which emphasizes advancing renewable energy production while maintaining operational efficiency in refining.[66] A key initiative involves expanding renewable diesel production, which HF Sinclair describes as up to 80% less emissions-intensive than conventional fossil diesel on a lifecycle basis, depending on feedstock sources such as vegetable oils and animal fats.[66] In 2022–2023, the company completed a pretreatment unit to support this segment, enabling processing of renewable feedstocks at facilities including those in Wyoming and New Mexico, with production volumes contributing to over 380 million gallons of annual capacity by mid-2025.[42][66] These efforts are framed as a strategic response to regulatory pressures and market demands for lower-carbon alternatives, though actual emissions reductions hinge on supply chain factors like feedstock sourcing and transportation.[66] Beyond emissions, HF Sinclair reports progress in resource management, including water conservation and waste reduction at refinery sites, with metrics tracked in annual sustainability disclosures. For instance, the 2023 report details site-specific initiatives to minimize freshwater use and recycle process water, though quantitative targets for these areas remain less formalized compared to GHG goals.[66] The company also integrates sustainability into corporate governance through its board-level oversight and alignment with standards like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).[73] These measures reflect a pragmatic approach prioritizing measurable operational improvements over aspirational net-zero claims, given the capital-intensive nature of the refining sector.Emissions Compliance and Violations
In January 2025, HF Sinclair Navajo Refining LLC, operator of the Navajo Refinery in Artesia, New Mexico, entered a consent decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of New Mexico to resolve alleged Clean Air Act (CAA) violations, including excess emissions of hazardous air pollutants such as benzene, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).[74][75] The violations stemmed from failures to comply with New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), and state air quality rules, encompassing equipment leaks, flaring inefficiencies, and wastewater system deficiencies.[74] Under the agreement, the company committed to a $35 million civil penalty—split equally between federal and state authorities—and approximately $137 million in capital expenditures for pollution controls, monitoring enhancements, and operational improvements to achieve ongoing compliance.[74][75] Pre-merger operations under predecessor entities also faced emissions-related enforcement. In 2015, HollyFrontier Refining & Marketing LLC settled CAA violations at its Salt Lake City, Utah, refinery, where excess VOC emissions—estimated at 10 tons—resulted from inadequate leak detection and repair programs, prompting a $1.2 million penalty and a mitigation project to offset past emissions.[76][77] Similarly, HollyFrontier faced a separate consent decree for repeated CAA breaches at its Kansas refinery, including non-compliance with chemical risk management and air emissions limits, leading to a $16 million settlement for pollution controls and operational upgrades.[78] For Sinclair Oil, a 2019 EPA settlement addressed violations at its Wyoming refineries (Sinclair and Rawlins), involving exceedances of sulfur dioxide limits and monitoring failures, requiring a $1.6 million penalty and additional controls to reduce emissions.[79] HF Sinclair's refineries are subject to stringent federal and state emissions standards under the CAA, including limits on criteria pollutants and toxics via permits that mandate continuous monitoring, reporting, and maintenance.[74] Post-settlement compliance measures across facilities have included enhanced leak detection, flare gas recovery systems, and benzene fenceline monitoring, as evidenced by the Navajo decree's requirements for third-party audits and emissions reductions projected to cut NOx by over 1,000 tons annually.[75] However, historical patterns of violations—documented in over 40 air pollution cases totaling penalties exceeding $438 million for the corporate parent—indicate recurrent challenges in maintaining permit conditions during maintenance turnarounds and operational upsets.[80] These enforcement actions underscore the industry's reliance on reactive settlements to enforce compliance rather than preemptive avoidance.[76][79]Legal Disputes and Settlements
In January 2025, HF Sinclair Navajo Refining LLC entered a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the New Mexico Environment Department to resolve alleged Clean Air Act and state air quality violations at its Artesia, New Mexico refinery. The settlement imposes a $35 million civil penalty—split equally between the federal government and New Mexico—and requires approximately $137 million in capital expenditures for pollution control equipment to curb emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and climate-warming pollutants like carbon dioxide. These measures address excess emissions from fluid catalytic cracking units, heaters, and other sources dating back to 2011, with compliance projected to reduce annual emissions by over 1,000 tons of criteria pollutants.[74] Predecessor company HollyFrontier, which merged with Sinclair Oil to form HF Sinclair in 2022, resolved multiple EPA enforcement actions for refinery emissions violations. In May 2020, HollyFrontier agreed to a $4 million civil penalty and refinery upgrades at its Cheyenne, Wyoming facility to address improper flaring and excess emissions under Clean Air Act prevention of significant deterioration requirements. In November 2015, HollyFrontier Refining & Marketing LLC settled claims involving noncompliance with New Source Review permitting at refineries in El Dorado, Kansas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Cheyenne, Wyoming; the agreement mandated injunctive relief including installation of low-sulfur fuel gas systems and monitoring enhancements, without a specified monetary penalty beyond compliance costs. Additionally, HollyFrontier paid a $1.2 million penalty in a settlement requiring emission reductions at its Salt Lake City, Utah refinery for similar Clean Air Act breaches related to sulfur recovery units and flares.[81][76][82] Earlier disputes involving predecessors include a 2007 agreement by Frontier Oil Corporation—acquired by HollyFrontier in 2003—to pay $10 million to settle lawsuits in Beverly Hills, California, over alleged groundwater contamination and related property impacts from historic refinery operations. Sinclair Oil, prior to the 2022 merger, faced a 2015 federal private lawsuit for consumer protection violations at fuel stations, resulting in an $800,000 settlement. HF Sinclair has also pursued litigation, such as a 2023 challenge against the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality's allocation of clean fuel credits under the state's Climate Protection Program, claiming unconstitutional taking of property; a preliminary injunction was denied, and the company's claims were reportedly resolved through a separate agreement with Shell Oil, though details remain limited.[83][80][84]Economic and Financial Performance
Key Financial Metrics
HF Sinclair Corporation reported net income attributable to stockholders of $175 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, marking an 88.9% decline from $1.576 billion in 2023, driven by compressed refining crack spreads and elevated operating expenses.[85] Earnings per diluted share fell to $0.91 from $8.29 over the same period.[86] Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 totaled $1.093 billion, a 63.25% decrease year-over-year, reflecting volatility in commodity prices and segment-specific challenges in refining and marketing.[87] Trailing twelve-month revenue as of June 30, 2025, reached $26.86 billion, while net income attributable to common stockholders stood at -$86 million, yielding a profit margin of -0.32% and operating margin of 4.05%.[88] Return on assets was 0.10% and return on equity -0.81% over the trailing twelve months, indicating subdued efficiency amid market pressures.[88] In the second quarter of 2025, the company achieved net income of $208 million ($1.10 per diluted share) and adjusted net income of $322 million ($1.70 per diluted share), with adjusted EBITDA of $665 million, supported by improved mid-continent refining performance despite broader sector headwinds.[46] [89] The company maintains a quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share, paying $95 million in Q4 2024 alone.[90]| Key Metric (TTM as of Q2 2025) | Value |
|---|---|
| Revenue | $26.86 billion[91] |
| EBITDA | $643 million [88] |
| Total Debt | Not specified in recent summaries; refer to latest 10-Q for $1.65 billion credit facility details[92] |