LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (LYB) Stock Analysis

Why this analysis is different

• A sector-relative MoonshotScore — five pillars (business quality, financial safety, valuation, growth durability, momentum) re-ranked nightly against the full universe of US-listed common stocks.
• An AI Council read across up to eight perspectives — value, macro, quantitative, and momentum lenses — that shows where they disagree instead of averaging the tension away.
• Figures come straight from FMP and Yahoo Finance filings data. The AI writes the narrative around the numbers — it never edits the numbers.

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (LYB) Materials & Commodity Exposure

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. is a prominent player in the specialty chemicals sector, recognized for its extensive range of polyolefins and advanced polymers, serving diverse markets across the globe with a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability.

What Is the Investment Thesis for LYB?

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. has a market capitalization of approximately $21.35 billion, with a profit margin of -2.7% and a gross margin of 9.7%. The company is poised for growth through its diverse product offerings and international reach. Key value drivers include its leadership in polyolefins and advanced polymers, which are critical in various industries experiencing growth, such as packaging and automotive. The company’s focus on sustainability and innovation positions it well to capture market share as industries shift towards more environmentally friendly solutions. Additionally, LyondellBasell's strong dividend yield of 6.53% reflects its commitment to returning value to shareholders. However, the company faces challenges, including fluctuating raw material costs and regulatory pressures, which could impact profitability. Investors should closely monitor these factors alongside the company’s ongoing strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and expanding its product portfolio.

Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis

LYB Key Highlights

Market capitalization of $20.8B indicates significant market presence in the chemicals sector.

• Gross margin of 9.7% reflects operational efficiency, albeit lower than industry averages.
• Dividend yield of 6.53% demonstrates commitment to shareholder returns.
• Beta of 0.44 suggests lower volatility compared to the broader market, indicating stability.
• Employee base of 20,000 highlights the company's substantial operational scale and capacity.

Who Are LYB's Competitors?

LYB is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.

AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance This table mixes two scoring engines — compare a number only with others carrying the same tag.

What Are LYB's Key Strengths?

Diverse product offerings across multiple chemical segments.

• Strong global presence with operations in key international markets.
• Robust R&D capabilities driving innovation in product development.
• Established reputation for quality and reliability in the chemicals sector.

What Are LYB's Weaknesses?

Profit margin of -2.7% indicates challenges in cost management.

• Dependence on volatile raw material prices can impact profitability.
• Negative market sentiment may affect stock performance.
• Limited brand recognition in certain emerging markets.

What Could Drive LYB Stock Higher?

Expansion of production capacity for advanced polymers to meet rising demand.

• Development of sustainable product lines in response to market trends.
• Strategic partnerships with technology firms to enhance innovation.
• Implementation of new refining technologies to improve efficiency.
• Focus on cost management initiatives to improve profit margins.

What Are the Key Risks for LYB?

Negative return on equity (-7.4%) — the business is not currently generating profit on shareholder capital.

• Weak fundamentals — a Piotroski F-Score of 3/9 flags soft profitability, leverage or efficiency.
• Insider selling — insiders were net sellers of roughly $1.3M recently.
• Fluctuations in raw material prices could impact profitability.
• Regulatory challenges related to environmental compliance.
• Economic downturns may reduce demand for chemical products.
• Intense competition from both established and emerging players.

What Are the Growth Opportunities for LYB?

• Growth opportunity 1: The global market for advanced polymers is expected to reach $100 billion by 2028, driven by increasing applications in automotive and consumer goods. LyondellBasell's innovative product development in this segment positions it to capture significant market share, leveraging its expertise in engineered plastics.
• Growth opportunity 2: The demand for sustainable packaging solutions is on the rise, with the global market projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% through 2027. LyondellBasell's commitment to sustainability and its range of recyclable polyolefins can capitalize on this trend, enhancing its market presence in eco-friendly products.
• Growth opportunity 3: The refining segment is poised for growth as global energy demands increase. With its capabilities in refining various crude oils into high-demand products like gasoline and distillates, LyondellBasell can benefit from rising energy prices and consumption patterns.
• Growth opportunity 4: The specialty chemicals sector is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% over the next five years. LyondellBasell's diverse product offerings in intermediates and derivatives position it to take advantage of this growth, particularly in emerging markets where industrialization is accelerating.
• Growth opportunity 5: The increasing focus on renewable energy sources presents opportunities for LyondellBasell to expand its offerings in oxyfuels and related products. As governments and industries shift towards cleaner energy solutions, the company's innovative technologies can meet evolving market needs.

What Threats Does LYB Face?

• Regulatory pressures regarding environmental standards and emissions.
• Intense competition from established and emerging chemical companies.
• Fluctuations in crude oil prices impacting refining margins.
• Economic downturns affecting demand across key customer segments.

What Are LYB's Competitive Advantages?

• Strong brand recognition in the specialty chemicals market.
• Diverse product portfolio reduces dependency on any single market segment.
• Established global supply chain and distribution network.
• Continuous investment in R&D fosters innovation and product development.
• Commitment to sustainability enhances competitive positioning.

What Does LYB Do?

LyondellBasell Industries N.V., incorporated in 2009 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, operates as a global leader in the chemical industry. The company has established a significant footprint across the United States, Europe, Asia, and other international markets. LyondellBasell's operations are divided into six segments: Olefins and Polyolefins Americas; Olefins and Polyolefins Europe, Asia, International; Intermediates and Derivatives; Advanced Polymer Solutions; Refining; and Technology. This diversified structure allows the company to produce a wide array of products, including olefins, polyolefins, and various derivatives. Its polyethylene products encompass high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, and linear low density polyethylene, while its polypropylene offerings include homopolymers and copolymers. Additionally, LyondellBasell manufactures propylene oxide and its derivatives, oxyfuels, and intermediate chemicals such as styrene monomers and ethylene glycols. The company also excels in refining crude oil into gasoline and distillates and provides advanced chemical process technologies. LyondellBasell's commitment to innovation is evident in its development of advanced polymers and engineered plastics, catering to a wide range of industries, including automotive, packaging, and consumer goods. As a result, LyondellBasell has positioned itself as a key player in the global chemicals market, focusing on sustainability and efficiency in its operations.

What Products and Services Does LYB Offer?

• Produces and markets olefins and co-products.
• Manufactures a variety of polyolefins, including polyethylene and polypropylene products.
• Develops and sells advanced polymers and engineered plastics.
• Refines crude oil into gasoline and other distillates.
• Offers chemical process technologies and polyolefin catalysts.
• Markets intermediate chemicals like styrene monomers and ethylene glycols.

How Does LYB Make Money?

• Generates revenue through the production and sale of chemicals and polymers.
• Licenses chemical process technologies to other manufacturers.
• Refines crude oil, contributing to its revenue through fuel sales.
• Markets specialty chemicals and advanced materials to various industries.
• Engages in research and development to innovate and expand product lines.

What Industry Does LYB Operate In?

The specialty chemicals industry is characterized by its diverse applications, ranging from consumer products to industrial uses. With a market size projected to grow significantly, driven by increasing demand for sustainable and innovative materials, LyondellBasell is well-positioned to leverage its extensive product portfolio. The competitive landscape includes major players such as Dow Inc., Albemarle Corporation, and DuPont de Nemours, Inc., all of which are vying for market share in a sector that is increasingly focused on sustainability and efficiency. As global industries evolve, the demand for advanced polymers and specialty chemicals is expected to rise, providing growth opportunities for established companies like LyondellBasell.

Who Are LYB's Key Customers?

• Serves the automotive industry with advanced polymer solutions.
• Supplies packaging companies with polyethylene and polypropylene products.
• Provides chemicals to the consumer goods sector.
• Caters to industrial clients requiring specialty chemicals.
• Partners with energy companies for refining and fuel solutions.

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. Financial Trajectory

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (LYB) reported $9.18B in revenue for Q2 FY2026, reflecting 27.5% growth compared to the prior quarter. The company recorded net income of $559.0M, with diluted EPS of $1.73. Revenue has increased across the last three reported quarters, suggesting sustained momentum for this large-cap Basic Materials company. Across the four most recent quarters, LYB averaged $-0.26 in diluted EPS.

Company Profile

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. operates in the Chemicals - Specialty industry within the Basic Materials sector. It is headquartered in Rotterdam, NL. The company is led by CEO Peter Z. E. Vanacker. LYB has traded publicly since 2010.

How LyondellBasell Industries N.V. Is Valued

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. carries a market capitalization of $20.8B, placing it in the large-cap category. Analyst price targets span from $62.00 to $83.00, with a consensus of $69.63. At the current price of $64.33, that implies approximately 8% upside potential. Relative to its peer group, LYB's quantitative score of 50/100 is roughly in line with the peer average of 54/100.

Return on equity for LyondellBasell Industries N.V. stands at -7.4%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is -2.3%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. Its free cash flow yield is 16.3%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 1.54 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations. Its earnings yield is -4.7%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.

LyondellBasell Industries N.V.'s Piotroski F-Score is 3/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — flagging fundamental weakness worth scrutiny. Its Altman Z-Score of 1.92 places it in the grey zone, a middle ground that warrants monitoring.

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. has beaten Wall Street's EPS estimate in 4 of its last 8 reported quarters — more hits than misses. Reported results have landed about 28.6% below estimates on average.

Over the past six months, LyondellBasell Industries N.V. insiders filed 29 SEC Form 4 transactions — 16 sales and 13 purchases. On net that is roughly 11K shares acquired (about $1.3M) — insiders putting money in tends to read as conviction.

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.

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