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<a name="s49647ca8f78e4d4ba0da95e52a252362"></a><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;"><hr></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:4px;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:18pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:18pt;font-weight:bold;">UNITED STATES</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:18pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:18pt;font-weight:bold;">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:8px;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">___________________________________</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:18pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:18pt;font-weight:bold;">FORM 8-K</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">CURRENT REPORT</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">___________________________________</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">December 31, 2015 </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:336px;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;font-weight:bold;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:18pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:18pt;font-weight:bold;">CVR ENERGY, INC.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;width:93.359375%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="3"></td></tr><tr><td width="28%"></td><td width="44%"></td><td width="28%"></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Delaware</font></div><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(State or other <br>jurisdiction of <br>incorporation)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">001-33492</font></div><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(Commission File Number)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">61-1512186</font></div><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(I.R.S. Employer  <br>Identification Number)</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">2277 Plaza Drive, Suite 500</font></div><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Sugar Land, Texas  77479 </font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;<br></font></div><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:16px;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Registrant&#8217;s telephone number, including area code:</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">&#32;(281) 207-3200</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:10pt;">o</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#32;Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:10pt;">o</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#32;Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:10pt;">o</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#32;Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:Wingdings;font-size:10pt;">o</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#32;Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) </font></div><br><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><a name="s49647ca8f78e4d4ba0da95e52a252362"></a><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">Item 5.02.  Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">(e)&#160;Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;">Employment Agreement</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:24px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">On December 31, 2015, CVR Energy, Inc. (the &#8220;</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;text-decoration:underline;">Company</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8221;) entered into a Fifth Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with John J. Lipinski (the &#8220;</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;text-decoration:underline;">Employment Agreement</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8221;), with a commencement date of January 1, 2016.  </font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:24px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Except as provided below, the terms of the Employment Agreement are substantially consistent with the terms of Mr. Lipinski&#8217;s existing agreement, as amended to date.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">1.</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">The term of Mr. Lipinski&#8217;s employment was extended such that the initial term of the Employment Agreement ends on the first to occur of (i) December 31, 2017 and (ii) the termination or resignation of Mr. Lipinski&#8217;s employment in accordance with the terms of the Employment Agreement, provided, that, the term may be extended for one year following the initial term or the then-current renewal term if the Company provides Mr. Lipinski with 90 days&#8217; prior written notice of such extension.  </font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">2.</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">During the term of the agreement, Mr. Lipinski is eligible to receive annually on the anniversary of the agreement date a grant of &#8220;Performance Units&#8221; within the meaning of the CVR Energy, Inc. 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan (the &#8220;</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;text-decoration:underline;">LTIP</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8221;) having an aggregate value of $3.5 million. The material terms of the Performance Units are described below.</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">3.</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Mr. Lipinski is eligible to receive an incentive payment of $5 million if (i) the Company (or a subsidiary thereof) obtains an equity or management interest in a logistics master limited partnership (a &#8220;</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;text-decoration:underline;">Logistics MLP</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8221;) in a transaction approved by the Company&#8217;s (or such subsidiary&#8217;s) Board of Directors, provided such Logistics MLP results from an initial public offering, spin transaction, acquisition or joint venture, and (ii) such Logistics MLP is trading on a national securities exchange on or prior to December 31, 2017.  Payment of the incentive payment is conditioned upon (x) the foregoing performance objectives being achieved, and (y) Mr. Lipinski remaining employed with the Company from the date hereof through December 31, 2017 (unless, if an employment termination occurs earlier than December 31, 2017, such termination (A) occurs after achievement of such performance objectives and (B) is carried out by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Lipinski for Good Reason (as such terms are defined in the Employment Agreement)). The Employment Agreement provides that any such incentive payment will be the obligation of the Logistics MLP and not of the Company. </font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:48px;text-indent:-24px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:48px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:24px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">4.</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">With respect to post-termination payments or benefits, in addition to any accrued amounts he is entitled to under the terms of the Employment Agreement,</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:72px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:48px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(i)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">in the event of Mr. Lipinski&#8217;s termination by the Company other than (i) for Cause or (ii) due to death or Disability (as defined in the Employment Agreement), or in the event of Mr. Lipinski&#8217;s resignation for Good Reason, Mr. Lipinski will receive salary continuation payments for the lesser of six months and the remainder of the term of the Employment Agreement (such period, as applicable, the &#8220;</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;text-decoration:underline;">Post-Employment Period</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8221;), and a pro-rata bonus for the year in which termination occurs based on actual results; provided, if the foregoing occurs within one year following a change in control (as defined in the Employment Agreement) or in specified circumstances prior to and in connection with a change in control, Mr. Lipinski will receive 1/6</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><sup style="vertical-align:top;line-height:120%;font-size:7pt">th</sup></font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#32;of his target bonus for the year of termination for each month of the Post-Employment Period. Additionally, in connection with any such termination, the Company will not be required to cover the cost of any welfare benefits continuation coverage for Mr. Lipinski;</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:72px;text-indent:-24px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:72px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:48px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(ii)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">in the event of Mr. Lipinski&#8217;s termination by the Company due to his Disability, Mr. Lipinski will receive supplemental disability payments during the Post-Employment Period equal to the rate of Mr. Lipinski&#8217;s base salary as in effect immediately before his Disability, plus a pro-rata bonus for the year in which termination occurs based on actual results; </font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:72px;text-indent:-24px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:72px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:48px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(iii)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">in the event of Mr. Lipinski&#8217;s termination due to his death, Mr. Lipinski&#8217;s estate will receive his base salary for the Post-Employment Period, plus a pro-rata bonus for the year in which termination occurs based on actual results; and</font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;padding-left:72px;text-indent:-24px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt;"><tr><td style="width:72px;"></td><td></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:top"><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;padding-left:48px;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">(iv)</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:top;"><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Mr. Lipinski does not receive any payments or benefits in the event of retirement.  </font></div></td></tr></table><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><br><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><a name="s49647ca8f78e4d4ba0da95e52a252362"></a><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:24px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">The foregoing description of the Employment Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Employment Agreement, a copy of which will be filed with the Company&#8217;s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and is incorporated by reference herein.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;text-decoration:underline;">Performance Unit Award</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:24px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Also on December 31, 2015, the Company entered into a Performance Unit Agreement granting to Mr. Lipinski 3,500 Performance Units under the LTIP (the &#8220;</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;text-decoration:underline;">Award</font><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#8221;).</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:24px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Each Performance Unit subject to the Award that is not forfeited prior to the applicable payment date by reason of certain terminations of employment (as more fully described below) represents the right of Mr. Lipinski to receive a cash payment equal to $1,000 multiplied by the applicable &#8220;Performance Factor&#8221; (as more fully described below).  The Award has a performance cycle beginning on January 1, 2016 and ending on December 31, 2016.  Seventy-five percent of the Performance Units attributable to the Award are subject to a performance objective relating to the Company&#8217;s crude throughput, and 25% of the Performance Units attributable to the Award are subject to a performance objective relating to the Company&#8217;s gathered crude.  The performance objectives are set in accordance with approved levels of the business plan for the fiscal year during the performance cycle.  The &#8220;Performance Factor&#8221; is determined based on the level of attainment of the applicable performance objective, set forth as a percentage.  The amount paid pursuant to the Award (if any) will be paid following the end of the performance cycle for the Award, but no later than March 7, 2017.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:24px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">In the event of Mr. Lipinski&#8217;s termination of employment prior to the applicable payment date by reason of Mr. Lipinski&#8217;s death or Disability, all Performance Units with respect to which a payment date has not yet occurred will remain outstanding, and amounts due to Mr. Lipinski, if any, with respect to such Performance Units will be paid in the ordinary course as if his employment had not terminated based on actual results.  In the event prior to the applicable payment date Mr. Lipinski's employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause or by reason of Mr. Lipinski&#8217;s resignation for Good Reason, a pro rata portion of the Performance Units with respect to which a payment date has not yet occurred will remain outstanding, and amounts due to Mr. Lipinski, if any, with respect to such Performance Units will be paid in the ordinary course as if his employment had not terminated based on actual results.  In the event that Mr. Lipinski&#8217;s employment terminates for any other reason prior to the dates set forth above, all Performance Units with respect to which a payment date has not yet occurred will be forfeited immediately.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-indent:24px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">The foregoing description of the Performance Unit Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Performance Unit Agreement, a copy of which will be filed with the Company&#8217;s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and is incorporated by reference herein.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><br><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><hr style="page-break-after:always"><a name="s49647ca8f78e4d4ba0da95e52a252362"></a><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div><br><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:left;font-size:12pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:12pt;"><br></font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:32px;text-align:center;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;font-weight:bold;">SIGNATURES</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:32px;text-align:left;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;padding-bottom:32px;text-align:justify;text-indent:48px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Date:   January 7, 2016</font></div><div style="line-height:120%;text-align:center;padding-left:336px;font-size:10pt;"><div style="padding-left:0px;text-indent:0px;line-height:normal;padding-top:10px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;width:47.265625%;border-collapse:collapse;text-align:left;"><tr><td colspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td width="14%"></td><td width="86%"></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">CVR Energy, Inc.</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:20px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;height:20px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">By:</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">/s/ John R. Walter</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">John R. Walter,</font></div></td></tr><tr><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="overflow:hidden;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">&#160;</font></div></td><td style="vertical-align:bottom;padding-left:2px;padding-top:2px;padding-bottom:2px;padding-right:2px;"><div style="text-align:left;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary</font></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div><br><div><div style="line-height:120%;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;"><br></font></div></div>	</body>
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8-K
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549
___________________________________
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
___________________________________
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
December 31, 2015
CVR ENERGY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other
jurisdiction of
incorporation)
001-33492
(Commission File Number)
61-1512186
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
2277 Plaza Drive, Suite 500
Sugar Land, Texas  77479
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(281) 207-3200
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
o
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
o
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item 5.02.  Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
(e) Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers
Employment Agreement
On December 31, 2015, CVR Energy, Inc. (the "
Company
") entered into a Fifth Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with John J. Lipinski (the "
Employment Agreement
"), with a commencement date of January 1, 2016.
Except as provided below, the terms of the Employment Agreement are substantially consistent with the terms of Mr. Lipinski's existing agreement, as amended to date.
1.
The term of Mr. Lipinski's employment was extended such that the initial term of the Employment Agreement ends on the first to occur of (i) December 31, 2017 and (ii) the termination or resignation of Mr. Lipinski's employment in accordance with the terms of the Employment Agreement, provided, that, the term may be extended for one year following the initial term or the then-current renewal term if the Company provides Mr. Lipinski with 90 days' prior written notice of such extension.
2.
During the term of the agreement, Mr. Lipinski is eligible to receive annually on the anniversary of the agreement date a grant of "Performance Units" within the meaning of the CVR Energy, Inc. 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan (the "
LTIP
") having an aggregate value of $3.5 million. The material terms of the Performance Units are described below.
3.
Mr. Lipinski is eligible to receive an incentive payment of $5 million if (i) the Company (or a subsidiary thereof) obtains an equity or management interest in a logistics master limited partnership (a "
Logistics MLP
") in a transaction approved by the Company's (or such subsidiary's) Board of Directors, provided such Logistics MLP results from an initial public offering, spin transaction, acquisition or joint venture, and (ii) such Logistics MLP is trading on a national securities exchange on or prior to December 31, 2017.  Payment of the incentive payment is conditioned upon (x) the foregoing performance objectives being achieved, and (y) Mr. Lipinski remaining employed with the Company from the date hereof through December 31, 2017 (unless, if an employment termination occurs earlier than December 31, 2017, such termination (A) occurs after achievement of such performance objectives and (B) is carried out by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Lipinski for Good Reason (as such terms are defined in the Employment Agreement)). The Employment Agreement provides that any such incentive payment will be the obligation of the Logistics MLP and not of the Company.
4.
With respect to post-termination payments or benefits, in addition to any accrued amounts he is entitled to under the terms of the Employment Agreement,
(i)
in the event of Mr. Lipinski's termination by the Company other than (i) for Cause or (ii) due to death or Disability (as defined in the Employment Agreement), or in the event of Mr. Lipinski's resignation for Good Reason, Mr. Lipinski will receive salary continuation payments for the lesser of six months and the remainder of the term of the Employment Agreement (such period, as applicable, the "
Post-Employment Period
"), and a pro-rata bonus for the year in which termination occurs based on actual results; provided, if the foregoing occurs within one year following a change in control (as defined in the Employment Agreement) or in specified circumstances prior to and in connection with a change in control, Mr. Lipinski will receive 1/6
th
of his target bonus for the year of termination for each month of the Post-Employment Period. Additionally, in connection with any such termination, the Company will not be required to cover the cost of any welfare benefits continuation coverage for Mr. Lipinski;
(ii)
in the event of Mr. Lipinski's termination by the Company due to his Disability, Mr. Lipinski will receive supplemental disability payments during the Post-Employment Period equal to the rate of Mr. Lipinski's base salary as in effect immediately before his Disability, plus a pro-rata bonus for the year in which termination occurs based on actual results;
(iii)
in the event of Mr. Lipinski's termination due to his death, Mr. Lipinski's estate will receive his base salary for the Post-Employment Period, plus a pro-rata bonus for the year in which termination occurs based on actual results; and
(iv)
Mr. Lipinski does not receive any payments or benefits in the event of retirement.
The foregoing description of the Employment Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Employment Agreement, a copy of which will be filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and is incorporated by reference herein.
Performance Unit Award
Also on December 31, 2015, the Company entered into a Performance Unit Agreement granting to Mr. Lipinski 3,500 Performance Units under the LTIP (the "
Award
").
Each Performance Unit subject to the Award that is not forfeited prior to the applicable payment date by reason of certain terminations of employment (as more fully described below) represents the right of Mr. Lipinski to receive a cash payment equal to $1,000 multiplied by the applicable "Performance Factor" (as more fully described below).  The Award has a performance cycle beginning on January 1, 2016 and ending on December 31, 2016.  Seventy-five percent of the Performance Units attributable to the Award are subject to a performance objective relating to the Company's crude throughput, and 25% of the Performance Units attributable to the Award are subject to a performance objective relating to the Company's gathered crude.  The performance objectives are set in accordance with approved levels of the business plan for the fiscal year during the performance cycle.  The "Performance Factor" is determined based on the level of attainment of the applicable performance objective, set forth as a percentage.  The amount paid pursuant to the Award (if any) will be paid following the end of the performance cycle for the Award, but no later than March 7, 2017.
In the event of Mr. Lipinski's termination of employment prior to the applicable payment date by reason of Mr. Lipinski's death or Disability, all Performance Units with respect to which a payment date has not yet occurred will remain outstanding, and amounts due to Mr. Lipinski, if any, with respect to such Performance Units will be paid in the ordinary course as if his employment had not terminated based on actual results.  In the event prior to the applicable payment date Mr. Lipinski's employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause or by reason of Mr. Lipinski's resignation for Good Reason, a pro rata portion of the Performance Units with respect to which a payment date has not yet occurred will remain outstanding, and amounts due to Mr. Lipinski, if any, with respect to such Performance Units will be paid in the ordinary course as if his employment had not terminated based on actual results.  In the event that Mr. Lipinski's employment terminates for any other reason prior to the dates set forth above, all Performance Units with respect to which a payment date has not yet occurred will be forfeited immediately.
The foregoing description of the Performance Unit Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Performance Unit Agreement, a copy of which will be filed with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and is incorporated by reference herein.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Date:   January 7, 2016
CVR Energy, Inc.
By:
/s/ John R. Walter
John R. Walter,
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary