Transaction Overview - LyondellBasell (LYB) has reached an agreement with AEQUITA to divest four Olefins & Polyolefins (O&P) assets[9, 13] - The transaction is expected to increase LYB's historical average EBITDA margin by approximately 3 percentage points and improve cash conversion[13, 21] - LYB and AEQUITA will contribute €265 million and €10 million in cash, respectively, to position the business for success[17] - LYB will receive an earnout of up to €100 million over 3 years[17] Financial Impact - The sites to be sold consumed an average of €110 million in annual capital expenditures from 2020 to 2024[14, 17] - The transaction is expected to result in approximately €400 million in fixed cost reductions[17] - AEQUITA will assume approximately €150 million in pension/employee liabilities and all environmental liabilities[17] Portfolio Optimization - LYB's share of capacity in cost-advantaged regions (U S & Middle East) will increase from 61% to 68% as a result of the transaction[15, 21] - The Europe O&P divestiture accounts for 10% of the total[15] - The company's remaining European footprint will support technology-driven growth, favorable economics for propylene oxide and oxyfuels production, profitable fossil-based production, integrated supply of feedstocks for recycled polyolefins, and a strong leadership position in APS[16]

Core Viewpoint - LyondellBasell (LYB) has entered into an agreement for the sale of select olefins and polyolefins assets in Europe to AEQUITA, marking a significant step in its strategic transformation towards value creation and focus on circular and renewable solutions [1][2]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The assets to be sold include integrated and non-integrated sites located in Berre (France), Münchsmünster (Germany), Carrington (UK), and Tarragona (Spain) [1][2]. - The agreement is structured as a put option deed, allowing AEQUITA to enter into a purchase agreement if LyondellBasell exercises its option after certain consultation processes [3][4]. - The closing of the transaction is expected in the first half of 2026, pending completion of employee consultation processes and regulatory approvals [4]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - The transaction is part of LyondellBasell's strategy to "Grow and Upgrade our Core," emphasizing safe and reliable operations while supporting stakeholders [2]. - LyondellBasell aims to maintain its presence in Europe with a focus on profitable leadership in circular and renewable solutions post-transaction [2]. - AEQUITA views the acquisition as a means to expand its industrial footprint, leveraging the operational foundation and experienced workforce of the acquired sites [3]. Group 3: Company Backgrounds - LyondellBasell is a leader in the global chemical industry, focusing on sustainable living solutions and enabling a circular economy [6]. - AEQUITA is a Munich-based industrial group with a portfolio generating over EUR 3.5 billion in revenues, specializing in corporate carve-outs and transformational situations [7][8].

Group 1 - Agilyx ASA's venture Plastyx Ltd. has achieved 75% of its goal to secure MOUs for 200,000 metric tons of waste plastic by the end of 2025, having executed MOUs for 150,000 tons to date [1] - Plastyx is on track to potentially double its target, contributing to advanced recycling growth by forming partnerships and enhancing material processing capabilities for high-quality polymers [2] - Agilyx ASA is a leader in advanced recycling, transforming post-use plastics into high-value feedstock and virgin-equivalent products, and operates through joint ventures with ExxonMobil and LyondellBasell [3] Group 2 - The company supports the collection and processing of post-use plastic waste into high-quality feedstock solutions for global plastic producers through its joint venture Cyclyx [3] - Agilyx, via its joint venture with Circular Resources, provides essential European-sourced feedstock to the global mechanical and advanced recycling markets [3] - The company is advancing the transition to a low-carbon future by shifting from a linear "make-take-waste" model to a circular economy [3]

Core Viewpoint - LyondellBasell Industries is experiencing challenging market conditions, leading to a significant decline in stock price due to oversupply, rising raw material costs, and geopolitical factors [1]. Company Overview - LyondellBasell Industries is one of the largest producers of plastics and basic chemicals [1]. Market Conditions - The company is facing difficult market conditions characterized by oversupply and increasing raw material costs [1]. - Geopolitical factors are also contributing to the challenging environment for the company [1].

Core Viewpoint - LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) is being highlighted as a potential investment opportunity for income investors looking to deploy new capital in the market [1] Group 1 - The focus is on identifying high-yield investment opportunities for individual investors, with an emphasis on making complex concepts easy to understand [2] - The analysis aims to provide clear, actionable insights to help investors achieve better returns, supported by expert research [2] Group 2 - The article expresses a beneficial long position in LyondellBasell shares, indicating confidence in the company's performance [3]

Core Insights - The article discusses the expertise of Vladimir Dimitrov, CFA, who has a background in brand and intangible assets valuation, particularly in the technology, telecom, and banking sectors [1] Group 1: Analyst Background - Vladimir Dimitrov has experience as a strategy consultant and has worked with major global brands [1] - He graduated from the London School of Economics and focuses on identifying reasonably priced businesses with sustainable long-term competitive advantages [1]

Core Viewpoint - LyondellBasell Industries is experiencing a stock decline due to a prolonged cyclical downturn in the plastics, chemicals, and refining sectors [1] Group 1: Company Overview - LyondellBasell Industries is a leading player in the plastics, chemicals, and refining industries [1] - The company has been navigating challenges that have led to a decline in stock performance over the past few years [1] Group 2: Market Context - The company is currently facing a prolonged cyclical downturn, impacting its financial performance and stock value [1]

Group 1 - LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE: LYB) is identified as a cyclical stock that is likely near a cyclical low, currently trading at $57.75 with a 9.5% dividend yield, indicating a potential investment opportunity [1] - The investment strategy focuses on GARP (growth at a reasonable price) stocks while also exploring other opportunities, with no specified time horizon for holding investments [1] - The analyst has developed market-beating algorithms using Python to identify attractive investment opportunities, demonstrating a proactive approach to portfolio management [1] Group 2 - The analyst has a background in writing and editing for financial news, which aids in understanding market trends and investor interests [1] - There is an emphasis on providing accurate and useful information, highlighting the prevalence of misinformation in the market [1]

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].