Group 1 - Moretus Research provides high-quality equity research focused on U.S. public markets, aiming to deliver clarity, conviction, and alpha for serious investors [1] - The research framework emphasizes identifying companies with durable business models, mispriced cash flow potential, and intelligent capital allocation [1] - Valuation methods are based on sector-relevant multiples tailored to each company's business model and capital structure, prioritizing comparability and simplicity [1] Group 2 - Research coverage targets underappreciated companies experiencing structural changes or temporary dislocations, where disciplined analysis can yield asymmetric returns [1] - Moretus Research aims to elevate the standard for independent investment research by providing actionable insights and a strong filter for relevant information in equity analysis [1]

Core Viewpoint - LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (NYSE: LYB) is considered a compelling contrarian buy primarily due to its valuation, despite existing risks associated with the investment thesis [1]. Group 1: Company Overview - LyondellBasell is positioned as an attractive investment opportunity based on its current market valuation [1]. Group 2: Analyst Background - The analysis is conducted by a stock analyst with over 20 years of experience in quantitative research, financial modeling, and risk management, focusing on equity valuation and market trends [1]. - The analyst has a background as a former Vice President at Barclays, leading teams in model validation and stress testing, which contributes to a deep expertise in both fundamental and technical analysis [1]. Group 3: Research Approach - The research approach combines rigorous risk management with a long-term perspective on value creation, emphasizing macroeconomic trends, corporate earnings, and financial statement analysis [1].

Core Viewpoint - LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (LYB) has announced a quarterly dividend increase, marking its 15th consecutive year of dividend growth, reflecting a commitment to shareholder value and disciplined capital allocation [1][2]. Financial Performance - In the first quarter, LYB exceeded its long-term cash conversion target, investing $483 million in capital expenditures and returning $543 million to shareholders through dividends and stock buybacks [3]. - LYB's stock has declined by 43.2% over the past year, compared to a 29.6% decline in the industry [3]. Market Outlook - For the second quarter, LYB anticipates improved seasonal demand across most business segments, with easing U.S. natural gas and ethane feedstock prices and lower crude oil costs benefiting operations in Europe and Asia [4]. - Oxyfuels margins are expected to rise due to widening gasoline crack spreads during the summer driving season [4]. - In Europe, rapid capacity reductions are projected to improve the regional supply-demand balance, supported by a more constructive economic and regulatory environment [5]. - Global demand for packaging is expected to remain firm, benefiting essential sectors such as food, healthcare, and daily consumer goods [5].

Core Points - LyondellBasell announced a quarterly dividend of $1.37 per share, marking a $0.03 increase from the previous quarter [1] - The dividend will be paid on June 9, 2025, with an ex-dividend and record date of June 2, 2025 [1] Company Overview - LyondellBasell is a leader in the global chemical industry, focusing on sustainable living solutions [2] - The company emphasizes advanced technology and investments to support a circular and low carbon economy [2] - LyondellBasell is one of the largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, providing innovative products for various applications [2]

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the importance of building foundational knowledge and learning skills during the early years of the education system [1] Group 2 - The company promotes a portfolio strategy that focuses on high dividend yields, targeting a return of 9-10% [5] - The service aims to simplify retirement investing by providing a model portfolio that generates strong returns without the need for selling assets [5] - A month-long paid trial is offered at $49, with an additional 5% discount as an incentive for potential investors [5]

Houston, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) announced today that LYB International Finance III, LLC, its wholly-owned subsidiary, priced a public offering (the “Offering”) of $500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 6.150% Guaranteed Notes due 2035 (the “Notes”). The Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by LyondellBasell. The Offering is expected to close on May 15, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The net proceeds of the Offering ar ...

Investors are looking for growth beyond the technology sector, and that’s putting dividend stocks back in favor. The idea is simple: When a stock’s growth outlook is unclear, dividends can help boost its total return and mitigate downside risk to investors’ portfolios. For example, The Coca-Cola Company NYSE: KO stock has been up about 17% in the last 12 months. When you add in the company’s dividend yield, which currently is about 2.12%, the total return for KO stock is closer to 20%. That’s something that ...

Group 1 - LyondellBasell is a global leader in the chemical industry, recognized as a top producer of plastics, chemicals, and refined products [1] - The company operates a diverse portfolio of operations worldwide, indicating a strong market presence [1] Group 2 - The analyst expresses a focus on undervalued and disliked companies with strong fundamentals and good cash flows, particularly in sectors like Oil & Gas and consumer goods [1] - There is an emphasis on long-term value investing, with occasional interest in deal arbitrage opportunities [1]

Financial Performance & Strategy - The company is targeting $500 million of incremental cash flow through a Cash Improvement Plan[11] - The company aims to achieve at least $1 billion recurring annual EBITDA run rate by year-end 2025 through the Value Enhancement Program[63] - The company returned $1.7 billion to shareholders through dividends and ~$300 million through share repurchases in the last 12 months[35] - First quarter 2025 EBITDA was $0.7 billion, but $0.6 billion excluding identified items[26] Cost Reduction & Capital Allocation - The company has achieved ~$300 million in fixed cost reductions since launching its strategy through portfolio management[10] - The company expects additional fixed cost reductions following the LYB European Strategic Review, where assets accounted for approximately $500 million in annual fixed costs in 2024[10, 11] - The company reduced 2023 CAPEX by ~$100 million and 2024 CAPEX by ~$300 million from initial guidance[10] - The company is targeting ~$100 million Capex reduction while maintaining strategic priorities[11] Market & Production - Less than 10% of the company's polyolefin sales volumes are directly impacted by escalating tariffs[12, 15] - Approximately 75% of the company's global polyolefin production is sold in domestic markets[15] - The company estimates >$150 million EBITDA benefit from Flex-2 unit[20]

Core Insights - LyondellBasell reported a revenue of $7.68 billion for Q1 2025, marking a year-over-year decline of 22.7% and an EPS of $0.33 compared to $1.53 a year ago, with a revenue surprise of +1.10% over estimates but an EPS surprise of -8.33% [1] Revenue Performance - Advanced Polymer Solutions generated $908 million, below the average estimate of $948.40 million, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 5.9% [4] - Olefins and Polyolefins in the Americas reported $2.48 billion, missing the $2.74 billion estimate, down 13.6% year-over-year [4] - Other/Eliminations showed a revenue of -$730 million, better than the estimated -$1.45 billion, with a year-over-year change of -52.1% [4] - Intermediates & Derivatives achieved $2.30 billion, below the $2.47 billion estimate, down 11.1% year-over-year [4] - Technology revenues were $120 million, significantly lower than the $175.43 million estimate, representing a 37.5% decline year-over-year [4] - Olefins and Polyolefins in Europe, Asia, and International reported $2.60 billion, slightly above the $2.55 billion estimate, down 5.3% year-over-year [4] EBITDA Analysis - EBITDA for Olefins & Polyolefins in the Americas was $251 million, slightly below the $262.06 million estimate [4] - EBITDA for Olefins & Polyolefins in Europe, Asia, and International was $17 million, outperforming the estimated -$29.93 million [4] - Intermediates & Derivatives EBITDA was $94 million, significantly lower than the $256.57 million estimate [4] - Technology EBITDA was $52 million, below the $81.30 million estimate [4] - Other EBITDA was -$1 million, better than the estimated -$2 million [4] - Advanced Polymer Solutions EBITDA was $46 million, exceeding the $18.11 million estimate [4] Stock Performance - LyondellBasell shares have returned -16.5% over the past month, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -4.8% change, with a Zacks Rank 5 indicating potential underperformance in the near term [3]