Core Viewpoint - LyondellBasell is set to announce its fourth-quarter 2025 financial results on January 30, 2026, before the U.S. market opens, followed by a webcast and teleconference to discuss the results [1]. Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The financial results will be announced before the U.S. market opens on January 30, 2026 [1]. - A webcast and teleconference will take place at 11 a.m. EST on the same day [1]. Group 2: Teleconference and Webcast Details - The teleconference will be hosted by David Kinney, head of investor relations [2]. - Participants can access the webcast 10 to 15 minutes prior to the start of the call at www.lyb.com/earnings [2]. Group 3: Toll-Free Teleconference Information - Toll-free dial-in number for participants is 877-407-8029, and the toll number is 201-689-8029 [3]. - Presentation slides will be available during and after the teleconference at www.lyb.com/earnings [3]. Group 4: Replay Information - A replay of the call will be available from 1 p.m. EST on January 30 until March 2, 2026 [4]. - Replay dial-in numbers include a toll-free option at 877-660-6853 and a toll number at 201-612-7415, with an access ID of 13746215 [4]. Group 5: Company Overview - LyondellBasell is a leader in the global chemical industry, focusing on sustainable living solutions [4]. - The company aims to enable a circular and low carbon economy through advanced technology and investments [4]. - LyondellBasell is one of the world's largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, providing innovative products for various applications [4].

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (NYSE:LYB) is included among the Best Stocks for a Dividend Achievers List. LyondellBasell Cut to Equal Weight in Broad Wells Fargo Sector Reset On December 19, Wells Fargo analyst Michael Sison cut LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (NYSE:LYB) to Equal Weight from Overweight and lowered the price target to $45 from $55. The call reflects a tougher view on the chemicals sector overall. Wells Fargo downgraded four companies, saying its industry checks suggest “trough-like condit ...

Group 1 - Fermium Research downgraded LyondellBasell Industries N.V. from Buy to Hold, maintaining a price target of $50 [1] - LyondellBasell's stock has decreased by over 40% since the beginning of 2025, attributed to higher input costs, weak product demand, and increased competition [2] - In Q3 2025, LyondellBasell reported revenues of $7.73 billion, a 10% decline year-over-year, and an EBITDA loss of $835 million compared to $1.17 billion in the same quarter last year [2] Group 2 - The company demonstrated a strong cash position with a cash conversion rate of 135% in Q3, indicating progress on its cash improvement plan [3] - CEO Peter Z. Vanacker stated that LyondellBasell is on track to achieve a cash flow target of $600 million in 2025 and at least $1.1 billion by the end of 2026 [3] - The company generated $983 million in operating cash flow and returned $443 million to investors through dividends [3] Group 3 - LyondellBasell is recognized as a global chemical company and one of the largest producers of polymers, leading in polyolefin technologies [4]

Core Viewpoint - Nordson Corporation has shown mixed performance in the market, with a notable decline in stock prices over the past year despite recent positive quarterly results and growth in specific segments [2][4]. Company Overview - Nordson Corporation, based in Westlake, Ohio, specializes in manufacturing and marketing products for dispensing, applying, and controlling adhesives, coatings, polymers, and other fluids globally. The company has a market capitalization of $13.1 billion and operates through three segments: Industrial Precision Solutions, Medical and Fluid Solutions, and Advanced Technology Solutions [1]. Stock Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, Nordson's stock has declined by 10.8%, while it has gained 11.4% year-to-date (YTD). In comparison, the S&P 500 Index has returned 12% over the past year and 14% in 2025 [2]. - The stock has also underperformed relative to the Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund, which saw a 5.2% increase over the past year and 13.8% YTD [3]. Recent Financial Results - Following the release of Q3 results on August 20, Nordson's stock rose by 3%. The company reported solid organic growth, particularly in its advanced technology solutions segment, which achieved a 15% organic sales growth year-over-year. Overall sales reached $741.5 million, reflecting a 12.1% increase year-over-year, surpassing expectations by 2.8% [4]. - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter grew by 13.3% year-over-year to $2.73, exceeding consensus estimates by 3.8% [4]. Future Earnings Expectations - For the full fiscal year 2025, analysts project an adjusted EPS of $10.14, representing a 4.2% year-over-year increase. The company has a mixed earnings surprise history, having missed bottom-line estimates once in the past four quarters while surpassing projections three times [5]. Analyst Ratings - Among the 11 analysts covering Nordson stock, the consensus rating is a "Moderate Buy," consisting of five "Strong Buys" and six "Holds" [5]. - Oppenheimer analyst Christopher Glynn has maintained an "Outperform" rating and raised the price target from $260 to $275. The mean price target of $257.56 indicates a 10.5% premium to current price levels, while the highest target of $285 suggests a potential upside of 22.3% [7].

Core Points - LyondellBasell has declared a dividend of $1.37 per share, which will be paid to shareholders on December 8, 2025, with an ex-dividend and record date of December 1, 2025 [1] Company Overview - LyondellBasell is a leader in the global chemical industry, focusing on creating solutions for sustainable living through advanced technology and investments [2] - The company aims to enable a circular and low carbon economy while unlocking value for customers, investors, and society [2] - As one of the largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, LyondellBasell develops, manufactures, and markets high-quality products for various applications, including sustainable transportation, food safety, clean water, and healthcare [2]

Core Insights - LyondellBasell Industries N.V. is recognized as one of the 15 Extreme Dividend Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds [1] - Evercore ISI analyst Eric Boyes has reduced the price target for LyondellBasell from $65 to $57, maintaining an In Line rating, amid a mixed outlook for Q3 [2] - The CEO highlighted a cash conversion rate of 135% in Q3, with a goal of achieving $600 million in cash improvement by year-end and $1.1 billion by the end of 2026 [3] Financial Performance - The chemical sector experienced a shift, with about two-thirds of 20 companies reporting average gains of 6% post-earnings, despite half issuing below-expectation guidance for Q4 and negative revisions averaging 12% [2] - LyondellBasell's domestic polyethylene demand is projected to be the strongest since Q3 2022, with a 2.5% increase in North American demand compared to 2024 [3] Industry Trends - The company noted significant global ethylene capacity rationalization, with planned closures and idling from 2020 to 2028 expected to remove over 21 million tonnes of ethylene capacity, approximately 10% of global supply, particularly impacting Asia and Europe [4] - LyondellBasell is involved in producing and marketing polymers, chemicals, and refined products, while also focusing on advanced polymer and recycling technologies [5]

Core Insights - SouthernSun Asset Management's "SouthernSun Small Cap Strategy" reported an 11.73% gross return in Q3 2025, underperforming the Russell 2000 Index and Russell 2000 Value Index which returned 12.39% and 12.60% respectively [1] - Over the trailing twelve months, the strategy returned -0.66% gross, significantly lower than the indexes which returned 10.76% and 7.88% [1] Company Performance - Stepan Company (NYSE:SCL) was highlighted as a detractor in the Small Cap strategy, with a one-month return of -11.30% and a 52-week loss of 47.82% [2][3] - As of November 4, 2025, Stepan Company's stock closed at $42.31, with a market capitalization of $956.902 million [2] - The company is focusing on growing its functional surfactants for agriculture and oilfield markets, but faced a 1% decline in overall surfactant segment volumes due to weakness in commodity consumer product markets [3] - The Polymer segment saw a 7% increase in volumes, driven by strong demand in North American and European rigid polyols markets [3] - Stepan Company generated $197 million in trailing 12-month EBITDA, with expectations to reach $60 million quarterly as market conditions improve [3] - The company ended the second quarter with a net debt to trailing 12-month EBITDA ratio of 2.9x, which is expected to decrease as heavy investments conclude [3] - Luis Rojo, promoted to CEO in October 2024, has been recognized for effectively executing the business strategy [3] - Stepan Company is acknowledged as an industry leader in developing new products and maintaining long-term customer relationships, which are anticipated to provide steady cash flow [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for the first nine months of 2025 grew by 9%, reaching $165 million, despite challenges from rising oil chemical raw material prices and higher startup costs at the Pasadena facility [4][6] - Third quarter adjusted net income was $10.9 million, a 54% decrease from $23.7 million in the prior year, primarily due to a higher effective tax rate and increased depreciation [6][8] - Free cash flow was positive at $40 million for the quarter, driven by reduced working capital and disciplined capital spending [7][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Specialty Products adjusted EBITDA increased significantly by 113%, driven by favorable order timing in the pharmaceutical business [5][14] - Polymers net sales decreased by 4% to $143.9 million, with selling prices down 14% but volume increased by 8% [12][14] - Surfactants adjusted EBITDA decreased by 14% to $37.5 million, impacted by higher startup costs and raw material price inflation [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America rigid polyol and commodity PA volumes grew by double digits, while European volumes were affected by macroeconomic uncertainties [6][12] - Surfactants experienced a 10% increase in net sales, but volume declined by 2% due to lower demand in global commodity consumer products [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on balancing volume and margins, with a commitment to not lose market share while managing costs [16][24] - The Pasadena facility is fully operational and expected to contribute fully by 2026, enhancing production capabilities [17][18] - The company is analyzing opportunities to optimize its global footprint and asset base, including the sale of its site in the Philippines [19][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about recovering margins in the surfactants business, with a target to achieve margin recovery by 2026 [23][26] - The company anticipates continued growth in key strategic end markets, particularly in crop productivity and oil field businesses [16][18] - Despite current market uncertainties, management remains optimistic about achieving full-year adjusted EBITDA growth and positive free cash flow in 2025 [19] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.395 per share, marking a 2.6% increase, continuing a 58-year trend of increasing dividends [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Recovery of oil chemicals cost in surfactants - Management noted that coconut oil prices have increased significantly but are now coming down, with a goal to recover margins by 2026 [23] Question: Pricing challenges with lower raw material costs - Management emphasized the importance of balancing volumes and margins, stating they will remain competitive in the market [24] Question: Long-term margin goals for surfactants - Management believes that double-digit EBITDA margins are achievable as they grow in functional markets [26] Question: Pent-up demand in commercial roofing and insulation - Management confirmed there is pent-up demand for renovation in the construction sector, which could improve with lower interest rates [28] Question: Margin recovery in polymers - Management indicated that while margins are currently under pressure, they expect improvements as demand recovers [30] Question: Optimization of global footprint - Management committed to a balanced approach between productivity, asset rationalization, and top-line growth, with future announcements expected [32]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for the first nine months of 2025 grew by 9%, reaching $165 million, despite challenges from rising oil chemical raw material prices and higher startup costs related to the new Pasadena facility [3][4] - Third quarter adjusted EBITDA was $56 million, a 6% increase year-on-year [4][8] - Adjusted net income for the third quarter was $10.9 million, down 54% from $23.7 million in the prior year, primarily due to a higher effective tax rate and increased depreciation [5][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Specialty Products adjusted EBITDA increased significantly, driven by favorable order timing within the pharmaceutical business, with net sales rising 68% year-on-year [4][12] - Polymers net sales decreased by 4% to $143.9 million, although sales volume increased by 8% [11][12] - Surfactants net sales were $422.4 million, a 10% increase, but adjusted EBITDA decreased by 14% due to higher startup costs and raw material price inflation [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America rigid polyol and commodity PA volumes both grew by double digits, while European rigid polyol volumes were impacted by macroeconomic uncertainties [5][11] - The company experienced double-digit volume growth in the crop productivity business and mid-single-digit growth in the oil field end market, but faced lower demand in global commodity consumer products [4][5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on gradually recovering margins while balancing volumes and margins [4][16] - The new Pasadena facility is fully operational and expected to contribute fully by 2026, enhancing production capabilities [15][16] - The company is analyzing opportunities to optimize its global footprint and asset base, including the planned sale of its site in the Philippines [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about delivering full-year adjusted EBITDA growth and positive free cash flow in 2025 despite ongoing market uncertainties [16] - The company aims to maintain a competitive balance between volumes and margins, particularly in the surfactants business [22][24] Other Important Information - Free cash flow was positive at $40 million during the quarter, driven by reduced working capital and disciplined capital spending [5][12] - The Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.395 per share, marking a 2.6% increase [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Recovery of oil chemicals cost in surfactants - Management noted that coconut oil prices have increased by 70% compared to 2024, but prices are now coming down, and they aim to recover margins by 2026 [21] Question: Pricing challenges with lower raw material costs - Management emphasized the importance of balancing volumes and margins and stated they will remain competitive in the market [22] Question: Long-term margin goals for surfactants - Management believes that surfactants can achieve healthy double-digit EBITDA margins as they grow in functional markets [24] Question: Pent-up demand in commercial roofing and insulation - Management acknowledged pent-up demand for renovations in the construction sector and noted that lower interest rates could stimulate activity [25][26] Question: Margin recovery expectations in polymers - Management indicated that while margins are currently down, they expect improvements as demand recovers [28] Question: Future asset optimization actions - Management committed to a balanced approach between top-line growth and asset rationalization, with potential future announcements regarding asset sales [30]

Core Viewpoint - Nordson Corporation (NDSN) is expected to report strong earnings growth, with analysts projecting a profit increase for fiscal Q4 2025 and beyond, despite recent stock performance lagging behind market indices [1][2][3]. Financial Performance - NDSN is valued at a market cap of $13.4 billion and is set to announce its fiscal Q4 earnings for 2025 soon [1]. - Analysts anticipate a profit of $2.93 per share for fiscal Q4 2025, representing a 5.4% increase from $2.78 per share in the same quarter last year [2]. - For fiscal 2025, the expected profit is $10.14 per share, up 4.2% from $9.73 per share in fiscal 2024, with further growth projected to $11.05 per share in fiscal 2026 [2]. Recent Stock Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, NDSN's stock has declined by 3.9%, underperforming the S&P 500 Index, which returned 18.4%, and the Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund, which increased by 15% [3]. - Following the release of better-than-expected Q3 results, NDSN's shares surged by 3% in the subsequent trading session [4]. Q3 Results - In Q3, NDSN reported a revenue increase of 12.1% year-over-year to $741.5 million, exceeding consensus estimates by 2.8% [4]. - The adjusted EPS for Q3 was $2.73, reflecting a 13.3% increase from the previous year and surpassing analyst expectations by 3.8% [4]. Analyst Ratings - Wall Street analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" rating for NDSN, with five out of eleven analysts recommending "Strong Buy" and six suggesting "Hold" [5]. - The mean price target for NDSN is $257.56, indicating an 8.1% potential upside from current levels [5].