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]

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]

Core Viewpoint - Gulf Resources, Inc. reported a net revenue increase of 23% for Q1 2025, despite ongoing operational challenges and losses, indicating potential recovery in the bromine market [2][3][11]. Financial Performance - Net revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, were $1,604,447, up from $1,307,062 in the same period last year, marking a 23% increase [2]. - Cost of revenue decreased by 25% to $1,594,270 from $2,119,845, leading to a gross profit of $10,177 compared to a gross loss of ($812,783) [2]. - General and administrative expenses surged by 94% to $1,389,523 from $717,456, while sales and marketing expenses rose by 13% [2]. - The loss from operations improved by 13% to ($4,610,207) from ($5,269,419) year-over-year [2]. Segment Reporting - Bromine revenues increased to $1,481,869 from $1,146,197, with an average selling price rising by 45% to $3,684 from $2,540 [7]. - Crude salt revenues rose by 5% to $122,578, with sales volume increasing to 4,733 tonnes from 4,071 tonnes, although the price declined by 9.6% [9]. - Chemical products reported no revenues, with an operating loss of ($358,629) [10]. Cash Flow and Balance Sheet - As of March 31, 2025, cash was $8,523,045, with total assets amounting to $165,729,939 and total liabilities at $23,145,112 [6][12]. - Net cash used in operations was ($1,580,128), compared to ($1,330,476) in the previous year [5]. Management Commentary - The Chairman and CEO highlighted ongoing investments in flood prevention and crude salt fields, anticipating improved demand and pricing for bromine [11]. - The company is exploring joint-venture opportunities and potential natural gas projects in Sichuan Province, indicating a strategic focus on resource development [11].

Press release Regulated information Shareholders expressed strong support for all resolutions, with an approval rate of over 90%. Brussels, May 13, 2025 - 5.45pm CEST Solvay held its Ordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting in Brussels, where all resolutions received strong shareholder support, exceeding 90% of votes, and included: The payment of a gross dividend of €2.43 per share for the year 2024. After deducting the interim dividend of €0.97 gross per share, paid on 22 January 2025, the balance amounts t ...

Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (KRO) recorded earnings of 16 cents per share for first-quarter 2025. This compares favorably with earnings of 7 cents in the year-ago quarter. The figure missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 17 cents. Kronos ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $20.5 million, down roughly 80.8% from the prior quarter. Long-term debt was $476 million, up around 10.9% sequentially. KRO's Outlook Looking ahead, the company expects demand in North America to remain challenged until there ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated sales for Q1 2025 were $456.5 million, down from $497.6 million in the prior year, representing a decrease of 8% [8][15] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 was $55.5 million, compared to $51.5 million in the prior year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 12.2%, up from 10.3% [9][16] - First quarter diluted loss per share was $0.68, compared to diluted earnings per share of $0.59 in the prior year, primarily due to restructuring charges [9] - Adjusted earnings per share for the quarter were $0.71, up from $0.62 in the prior year [10] - Cash flow used in operations was $22.7 million, including a $14 million payment related to the termination of the U.S. pension plan [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The RUPS business generated sales of $235 million, an increase of 4% year-over-year, driven by higher volumes and price increases [17] - Performance Chemicals (PC) sales decreased by 19.5% to $121 million, with a 21.5% volume decrease in wood treatment preservatives [15][19] - CMMC sales were $101 million, down from $122 million, impacted by lower volumes and prices [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-over-year first quarter crosstie procurement was down 19%, with treatment lower by 3% [18] - The average pricing of major products increased by 5% compared to the prior quarter, while average coal tar costs were higher by 6% [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on improving business performance and margins through cost structure adjustments and resizing the employee base [7][8] - The acquisition of Brownwood Preserving Company is expected to enhance product offerings and geographic reach [12][13] - The company aims to maintain a balanced approach to capital allocation, targeting $65 million in net capital expenditures for 2025 [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about economic uncertainty affecting discretionary spending on home projects, impacting the Performance Chemicals business [26] - The company anticipates a volume pickup in the second half of the year, driven by feedback from the market and increased activity in new geographic markets [28][52] - Despite challenges, management remains optimistic about long-term growth and profitability improvements across business segments [36] Other Important Information - The company reported a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share, with an expected annual dividend of $0.32 per share for 2025, a 14% increase over 2024 [23] - The company has approximately $85 million remaining in its $100 million share repurchase program [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the utility pole product mix help margins going forward? - The utility pole segment historically generates better margin performance, and growth in this area is expected to positively impact overall margins [42][43] Question: Is there still work to do on contracts with Class 1s? - There is still work to improve contracts, but the situation has improved compared to previous periods [45] Question: What drives the expected growth in the second half of the year? - Growth expectations are based on market feedback and increased activity in newer markets [51][52] Question: How will the company manage costs if sales trend towards the lower end of guidance? - The company has several cost measures in place to manage expenses and maintain EBITDA targets [63] Question: What are the priority uses of cash flow? - The focus is on share repurchases and deleveraging the balance sheet [72] Question: Are there attractive M&A opportunities due to economic uncertainty? - The company remains active in discussions for potential acquisitions, particularly in the utility and industrial products business [75][76] Question: Why not accelerate stock buybacks given the low share price? - There are limitations within credit agreements on annual buyback amounts, but the company is monitoring the situation for opportunities [82][84]

Core Viewpoint - The company demonstrates resilient performance supported by a diversified portfolio and cost savings despite facing an uncertain macro-environment and challenges in demand [1][3]. Financial Performance - Q1 2025 underlying net sales were €1,122 million, down 6.6% from Q1 2024, with an organic decline of 5.8% [2][4]. - Underlying EBITDA for Q1 2025 decreased to €250 million, a 5.9% decline year-on-year, with an EBITDA margin of 22.3%, slightly up by 0.2 percentage points [2][4]. - Free Cash Flow (FCF) in Q1 2025 was €42 million, a significant drop of 66.5% compared to €126 million in Q1 2024 [2][4]. - The return on capital employed (ROCE) fell to 17.2%, down 2.7 percentage points from 19.8% in Q1 2024 [2][4]. Cost Management and Savings - Structural cost savings initiatives yielded €27 million in Q1 2025, bringing total cumulative savings to €137 million since the beginning of 2024 [4]. - The company aims to achieve total cost savings of €200 million by the end of 2025 [8]. 2025 Outlook - The company expects Q2 2025 underlying net sales to remain stable sequentially compared to Q1 2025, while underlying EBITDA is anticipated to decrease due to a one-off gain in Q1 and increased stranded costs from exiting a service agreement [3][4]. - The guidance for underlying EBITDA in 2025 is expected to reach the lower half of the range of €1.0 billion to €1.1 billion [8]. - Free cash flow guidance for 2025 is confirmed at around €300 million, primarily expected in the second half of the year [8]. Market Conditions - The macro-environment remains uncertain, leading to cautious behavior from customers, particularly affecting the Soda Ash segment in March [4]. - Despite these challenges, most other business segments have shown resilient performance [4].

Shares of Olin Corp. (NYSE: OLN ) have been a terrible performer over the past year, losing more than half of their value. The PVC chemicals maker has struggled mightily with an oversupplied market and weak Chinese demand, as evidenced by ongoingOver fifteen years of experience making contrarian bets based on my macro view and stock-specific turnaround stories to garner outsized returns with a favorable risk/reward profile. If you want me to cover a specific stock or have a question for an article, just let ...

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 ...

Core Viewpoint - Braskem and Fitesa are expanding their influence in the non-woven fabric market by introducing Braskem's "I'm green™" bio-based high-density polyethylene (HDPE), specifically developed for non-woven fabric production [1][2]. Group 1: Product Development - The bio-based HDPE is derived from sugarcane bioethanol and is reported to have a negative carbon footprint, enhancing the bio-based content in the global hygiene product supply chain [1]. - This material is optimized for spunbond processes, exhibiting better processing performance and higher spinning stability [1]. Group 2: Material Characteristics - The "I'm green™" bio-based polyethylene has a melting point and Vicat softening point suitable for producing high-strength filaments [1]. - It possesses the same durability and performance as traditional polyethylene and can be fully recycled within existing polyethylene recycling processes [2]. Group 3: Industry Commitment - Braskem's bio-polymer business development director emphasized the commitment to innovation and sustainability with the launch of the next-generation "I'm green™" bio-based HDPE product [2].