EARNINGS

Chevron Profit Plunges: The refiner reported that fourth-quarter profit fell 73% from a year earlier, due mainly to special charges and gains. Chevron Corp., the nation’s largest refiner of crude oil, said fourth-quarter earnings declined to $294 million, or 91 cents a share, from $1.088 billion, or $3.30 per share, in 1992. The decline reflects $221 million in special-item reductions in the quarter ended Dec. 31. Most relate to net losses on asset sales, write-offs and a onetime cash bonus to employees, the company said. The 1992 fourth-quarter earnings had been boosted by special-item benefits of $546 million, mostly gains from the disposition of assets. Excluding the special charges, 1993 quarterly earnings declined 5%.