7. CVR Energy Inc. (NYSE:CVI)
Latest 10-Day Percentage Gains: 18%
CVR Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CVI) ranks seventh among the energy stocks gaining the most this week after its shares rose 18.32% between February 23 and March 2. The petroleum refining and renewable fuels company received a notable boost after regulatory filings revealed that billionaire investor Carl Icahn had increased his stake in the business.
According to the filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Icahn acquired an additional 783,404 shares of CVR Energy through three separate transactions conducted between February 20 and February 24. The purchases were valued at more than $16.4 million and raised his total holdings to 71,201,875 shares, representing approximately 70.82% of the company’s outstanding stock.
In financial markets, large purchases by prominent activist investors often capture attention because they can signal confidence in the company’s long-term value or potential strategic changes ahead. Icahn has been associated with CVR Energy for years, and his continued investment reinforces the perception that the company remains a core holding in his portfolio.
The stake increase came shortly after CVR Energy released its Q4 2025 earnings report. The company exceeded analyst expectations for both revenue and earnings, demonstrating resilience within its refining and fuels business despite volatility in global oil markets.
While the company reported a net loss during the quarter, its full-year performance painted a more encouraging picture. Net income for 2025 reached $90 million, doubling the $45 million reported in 2024. Such growth reflects improving refining margins and operational efficiency.
However, the company did report negative free cash flow of $231 million for the year, compared with positive free cash flow of $181 million in the previous year. Free cash flow fluctuations are not uncommon in refining companies because large capital expenditures and maintenance cycles can significantly impact short-term cash generation.
Even so, the combination of improving earnings and strong backing from a well-known activist investor has helped CVR Energy gain renewed attention among traders and investors following the energy sector rally.
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