Core Insights - The article does not provide specific insights or analysis regarding any companies or industries, focusing instead on disclaimers and author disclosures [1][2][3] Company and Industry Analysis - No relevant company or industry information is presented in the provided content [1][2][3]

Core Concept - The concept of margin of safety in investing provides a buffer between an asset's intrinsic value and its market price, protecting against errors in judgment and market volatility [1] Group 1: Community and Membership - High Dividend Opportunities (HDO) is the largest community of income investors and retirees, boasting over 6,800 members [2] - HDO aims to attract more members to join their community, emphasizing a lively group dynamic [2] Group 2: Investment Strategy - HDO's Income Method is designed to generate strong returns regardless of market volatility, simplifying retirement investing [2] - The organization offers a Model Portfolio targeting a yield of 9-10% [2] Group 3: Promotional Offer - HDO is currently providing a 28% discount on their annual membership price of $599.99 [2]

Core Viewpoint - LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (LYB) is taking significant steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through two power purchase agreements (PPAs) in Europe, which will stabilize energy costs and enhance the attractiveness of renewable energy compared to fossil fuels [1][2][3]. Group 1: Power Purchase Agreements - LYB signed a 15-year agreement with Vattenfall to secure 450 gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually of offshore wind energy, supporting its circular and low-carbon solutions in Germany, including the MoReTec-1 plant [2]. - Another 10-year agreement with wpd will provide 79 GWh annually of onshore wind power from the Licata project in Sicily, Italy, starting in 2026, ensuring a reliable supply of renewable electricity [3]. Group 2: Company Performance - LYB's stock has declined by 18.5% over the past year, contrasting with a 3.2% growth in the industry [4]. - The company currently holds a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell), indicating a challenging market position compared to better-ranked stocks in the Basic Materials sector [5].

Group 1 - LyondellBasell Industries N.V. reported fourth-quarter 2024 revenues of $9.497 billion, a decrease of 4.4% year-over-year, exceeding the consensus estimate of $9.225 billion. Adjusted EPS was 75 cents, aligning with consensus expectations [1][3]. - The company is experiencing rapid growth in sustainable product volumes, focusing on value creation through a disciplined Value Enhancement Program, and aims to reward shareholders with a growing dividend [2]. - For 2025, LyondellBasell anticipates seasonal demand improvements in Q1, supported by lower interest rates, moderate inflation, and increased durable goods consumption. The company expects operational alignments with global demand across various segments [3]. Group 2 - Following the earnings announcement, analysts adjusted their price targets for LyondellBasell, with Wells Fargo lowering its target from $95 to $90 while maintaining an Overweight rating, UBS reducing its target from $77 to $76 with a Neutral rating, and Barclays cutting its target from $90 to $80 with an Equal-Weight rating [5].

Group 1 - LyondellBasell Industries N.V. is one of the largest specialty chemical companies globally, focusing on plastics, chemicals, and refining technologies [1] - Despite being in a cyclical industry, LyondellBasell maintains strong free cash flow generation [1] Group 2 - High Dividend Opportunities (HDO) is a community of over 8000 income investors and retirees [2] - HDO's Income Method aims to generate strong returns regardless of market volatility, simplifying retirement investing [2] - HDO offers a Model Portfolio targeting a yield of 9-10% [2]

Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings January 31, 2025 Cautionary statement The statements in this presentation relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management of LyondellBasell which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. When used in this presentation, the words "estimate," "believe," "continue," "could," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "p ...

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (LYB) incurred fourth-quarter 2024 loss of $603 million or $1.87 per share. This is in contrast to the year-ago quarter's profit of $185 million or 56 cents.Find the latest EPS estimates and surprises on Zacks Earnings Calendar.LYB posted adjusted earnings of 75 cents, down from the year-ago quarter figure of $1.26. The bottom line matched the Zacks Consensus Estimate.The company’s net sales in the fourth quarter were $9,497 million, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of ...

LyondellBasell (LYB) reported $9.5 billion in revenue for the quarter ended December 2024, representing a year-over-year decline of 4.4%. EPS of $0.75 for the same period compares to $1.26 a year ago.The reported revenue represents a surprise of +1.41% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $9.36 billion. With the consensus EPS estimate being $0.75, the company has not delivered EPS surprise.While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall Street expectatio ...

Group 1: Earnings Performance - LyondellBasell reported quarterly earnings of $0.75 per share, matching the Zacks Consensus Estimate, but down from $1.26 per share a year ago [1] - The company had expected earnings of $2.03 per share a quarter ago but reported $1.88, resulting in a surprise of -7.39% [1] - Over the last four quarters, LyondellBasell has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times [1] Group 2: Revenue Performance - The company posted revenues of $9.5 billion for the quarter ended December 2024, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.41%, but down from $9.93 billion year-over-year [2] - LyondellBasell has topped consensus revenue estimates three times over the last four quarters [2] Group 3: Stock Performance and Outlook - LyondellBasell shares have increased by about 2.5% since the beginning of the year, compared to the S&P 500's gain of 3.2% [3] - The company's earnings outlook will be crucial for future stock movements, with current consensus EPS estimates at $1.36 on $7.65 billion in revenues for the coming quarter and $7.40 on $31.79 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year [7] Group 4: Industry Context - The Chemical - Diversified industry, to which LyondellBasell belongs, is currently in the bottom 8% of the Zacks industries, indicating potential challenges ahead [8] - Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which could impact LyondellBasell's stock performance [5]

[Financial Performance Overview](index=1&type=section&id=Financial%20Performance%20Overview) LyondellBasell reported a Q4 2024 net loss of $603 million and full-year net income of $1.37 billion, driven by asset write-downs, while generating $3.8 billion in cash from operations and achieving 65% CLCS volume growth Full Year and Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings Summary | | Three Months Ended | Year Ended | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Millions of U.S. dollars (except share data)** | **Dec 31, 2024** | **Dec 31, 2024** | | Sales and other operating revenues | $9,497 | $40,302 | | Net (loss) income | ($603) | $1,367 | | Diluted (loss) earnings per share | ($1.87) | $4.15 | | EBITDA | ($409) | $3,456 | Full Year and Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings Summary (Excluding Identified Items) | | Three Months Ended | Year Ended | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Millions of U.S. dollars (except share data)** | **Dec 31, 2024** | **Dec 31, 2024** | | Net income excluding identified items | $249 | $2,101 | | Diluted earnings per share excluding identified items | $0.75 | $6.40 | | EBITDA excluding identified items | $689 | $4,336 | - For the full year 2024, the company generated **$3.8 billion** of cash from operating activities, achieving a **90% cash conversion rate**[4](index=4&type=chunk) - The Circular and Low Carbon Solutions (CLCS) business delivered a **65% year-over-year volume growth** in 2024[4](index=4&type=chunk) [Detailed Financial Results](index=3&type=section&id=Detailed%20Financial%20Results) This section analyzes quarterly and annual financial results, highlighting Q4's net loss from asset write-downs and the full year's strong cash generation despite challenging market conditions [Fourth Quarter 2024 Results](index=3&type=section&id=Fourth%20Quarter%202024%20Results) Q4 2024 saw a net loss of **$603 million**, primarily due to **$852 million** in identified non-cash asset write-downs and declining margins from rising feedstock costs and slower demand - The company reported a Q4 2024 net loss of **$603 million**, or **$1.87 per share**, which included **$852 million** (net of tax) of identified items[5](index=5&type=chunk) - Key identified items were non-cash asset write-downs related to the O&P Europe, Asia & International (O&P EAI) segment (**$769 million**) and the Advanced Polymer Solutions (APS) segment (**$42 million**)[5](index=5&type=chunk) - Margins were negatively impacted by rising costs for NGL feedstocks and natural gas, coupled with seasonally slower demand that limited product pricing power[6](index=6&type=chunk) [Full Year 2024 Results](index=3&type=section&id=Full%20Year%202024%20Results) Full year 2024 net income reached **$1.4 billion**, with **$3.8 billion** generated in cash from operations, supporting capital expenditures and shareholder returns, while maintaining a robust **$8.0 billion** in liquidity despite market headwinds - Full year 2024 net income was **$1.4 billion** (**$4.15 per share**), with identified items impacting earnings by **$2.25 per share**[7](index=7&type=chunk) - Generated **$3.8 billion** in cash from operating activities, reinvesting **$1.8 billion** in capital expenditures and returning **$1.9 billion** to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases[8](index=8&type=chunk) - Maintained a robust investment-grade balance sheet with **$8.0 billion** of available liquidity at year-end, including **$3.4 billion** in cash and cash equivalents[8](index=8&type=chunk) - Petrochemical markets faced headwinds from soft global demand for durable goods, rising raw material costs, and economic uncertainty throughout 2024[9](index=9&type=chunk) [Strategic Highlights & Outlook](index=4&type=section&id=Strategic%20Highlights%20%26%20Outlook) LyondellBasell is advancing its strategy, unlocking **$1.3 billion** towards its **$3 billion** EBITDA target, and anticipates 2025 market recovery, highlighted by the strategic cessation of refining operations in Q1 [Strategy Highlights](index=4&type=section&id=Strategy%20Highlights) The company is executing its strategy to generate **$3 billion** incremental Normalized EBITDA by 2027, having unlocked approximately **$1.3 billion** by end of 2024 through new capacity and value enhancement programs - The company's strategy aims to generate **$3 billion** of incremental Normalized EBITDA by 2027[11](index=11&type=chunk) - By the end of 2024, LYB unlocked approximately **$1.3 billion** of incremental Normalized EBITDA, primarily from new PO/TBA capacity and the Value Enhancement Program[11](index=11&type=chunk) - Despite navigating the longest and deepest market downturn in the CEO's career, the company is not wavering in its strategy execution, supported by a robust balance sheet and commitment to shareholder returns[10](index=10&type=chunk) [Outlook for 2025](index=4&type=section&id=Outlook%20for%202025) For 2025, LYB anticipates Q1 seasonal demand improvements and a gradual economic recovery, with a key strategic move being the cessation of refining operations in Q1 2025 - The company anticipates seasonal demand improvements in Q1 2025 and a gradual recovery in oxyfuels margins during the summer[12](index=12&type=chunk) - Refining operations will cease in the first quarter of 2025, a strategic milestone to advance growth in circular and low-carbon feedstocks and products[12](index=12&type=chunk) Planned Q1 2025 Operating Rates | Segment | Planned Operating Rate | | :--- | :--- | | Olefins & Polyolefins Americas | ~80% | | Olefins & Polyolefins EAI | ~75% | | Intermediates & Derivatives | ~80% | [Financial Reconciliations and Non-GAAP Measures](index=6&type=section&id=Financial%20Reconciliations%20and%20Non-GAAP%20Measures) This section details the company's use of non-GAAP financial measures like EBITDA and adjusted net income, providing reconciliations and calculations for cash conversion and incremental Normalized EBITDA - The company uses non-GAAP financial measures like EBITDA, and results excluding identified items, to provide investors with a clearer view of underlying business trends and for period-over-period comparisons[20](index=20&type=chunk) FY 2024 Reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA (Millions USD) | Metric | Amount | | :--- | :--- | | Net income | $1,367 | | Provision for income taxes | $240 | | Depreciation and amortization | $1,522 | | Interest expense, net | $331 | | **EBITDA** | **$3,456** | FY 2024 Cash Conversion Calculation | Metric | Amount (Millions USD) | | :--- | :--- | | Net cash provided by operating activities | $3,819 | | EBITDA excluding certain items | $4,237 | | **Cash conversion** | **90%** | - For FY 2024, total identified items impacting net income included a **$284 million** pre-tax gain on the sale of the EO&D business, **$1,065 million** in pre-tax asset write-downs, and **$179 million** in pre-tax refinery exit costs[29](index=29&type=chunk)