LyondellBasell Industries NV (LYB)

Over the past six months, LyondellBasell's stock price has significantly declined. As of October 24, 2025, the share price was $47.59, a 45.61% decrease from $87.50 on October 25, 2024. The company's market capitalization also decreased by 11.77% over the past 30 days and 46.79% over the past 12 months, reaching $16.19 billion as of September 22, 2025. Key events include the Q2 2025 earnings report where EPS missed estimates but revenue surpassed expectations, Q1 2025 performance with a revenue decline due to higher ethane and natural gas prices, analyst rating changes with lowered price targets, and a quarterly dividend announcement of $1.37 per share.

Demand for LyondellBasell's products and services exhibits seasonality, with improvements typically seen in the second and third quarters due to stronger demand for packaging materials and increased activity in oxyfuels and refining businesses. Robust export demand for North American polyethylene resin can offset seasonal volume moderation in domestic markets. Seasonally slower demand for olefins and polyolefins outside of North America, coupled with operational downtimes, can impact volumes and margins. The chemical industry is inherently cyclical and volatile, with demand fluctuating significantly with broader economic conditions.

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. is a global leader in plastics, chemicals, and refining, operating in the chemical and specialty chemicals sectors. The company is divided into segments such as Olefins and Polyolefins, Intermediates and Derivatives, Advanced Polymer Solutions, Refining, and Technology. It produces a wide range of products, including olefins, polyolefins, intermediate chemicals, and refined products, serving various applications like food packaging and automotive components. The company also develops and licenses chemical and polyolefin process technologies and manufactures polyolefin catalysts.

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. has a significant global presence with 32 production sites worldwide as of the end of 2023. Its net sales are geographically distributed, with major contributions from the United States (48.7%), Germany (6.2%), China (5.3%), Mexico (4%), Japan (4.2%), Italy (3.3%), France (2.6%), Poland (2.2%), and the Netherlands (2%), with other regions accounting for the remaining 21.5%.

LyondellBasell is recognized for its technological excellence in polymer production and circular plastics. The company has been actively expanding its global recycling capabilities through acquisitions and investments, focusing on sustainable and circular business models with a goal of producing 2 million tons of recycled/renewable-based polymers annually by 2030. However, the company's reputation has also faced challenges, including a "Sell" rating from Weiss Ratings and navigating a downturn in petrochemical markets due to soft global demand and rising raw material costs.

Institutional investors hold a significant stake in LyondellBasell Industries N.V., owning approximately 71.20% to 80.39% of the company's stock. Major institutional owners include Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock, Inc., and State Street Corp. Individual ownership is comparatively small, with individuals holding about 0.28% of the shares. Insider ownership is substantial, with Ai International Chemicals LLC being the largest individual shareholder. Recent insider transactions show some buying by board members but also a significant sale by the CEO in August 2025.