LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (LYB)

Sector: Materials|Industry: Specialty Chemicals|Market Cap: $23.63B|Employees: 20K


LyondellBasell Industries N.V. is a global chemical company that operates across the petrochemical value chain. They convert liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon feedstocks into plastic resins and other chemicals, which are then used in a wide range of products. The company also has a refining business that processes crude oil into refined products. LyondellBasell is an industry leader in many of its product lines, with a global presence.

  1. Filings
  2. Company Profile

Business Summary

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. is a global, independent chemical company. It participates across the petrochemical value chain, converting hydrocarbon feedstocks into plastic resins and other chemicals. The company's products are used in various applications, including food packaging, home furnishings, and automotive components. LyondellBasell also develops and licenses chemical and polyolefin process technologies and manufactures and sells polyolefin catalysts. The company has a strong operational focus and strives to differentiate itself through safe, reliable, and low-cost operations.

Key Statistics

  • Employees: Approximately 20,000 (as of December 31, 2023)
  • Geographic Footprint: Operates globally
  • Headquarters: Rotterdam, Netherlands
  • Founded: 2009
  • Revenue: $41.1 billion (FY2023)
  • Key Subsidiaries/Brands: Quality Circular Polymers (QCP)

Leadership

  • CEO: Peter Vanacker (since May 2022)
  • CFO: Michael McMurray (since November 2019)
  • Other Key Executives: Tracey Campbell (Executive Vice President, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs), Trisha Conley (Executive Vice President, People and Culture), Kim Foley (Executive Vice President, Intermediates and Derivatives and Refining), Dale Friedrichs (Executive Vice President, Operational Excellence and HSE), Jeffrey Kaplan (Executive Vice President and General Counsel), Kenneth Lane (Executive Vice President, Olefins & Polyolefins), Torkel Rhenman (Executive Vice President, Advanced Polymer Solutions), James Seward (Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer), Yvonne van der Laan (Executive Vice President, Circular and Low Carbon Solutions)

The executives have diverse backgrounds in the chemical and related industries.

Key Financial Metrics

  • Annual Revenue: $41.1 billion (FY2023)
  • Net Income: $2.1 billion (FY2023)
  • Total Assets: $37.0 billion (as of December 31, 2023)
  • Key Financial Highlights: The company experienced a decrease in revenue and net income in 2023 compared to 2022, primarily due to lower average sales prices and lower demand.

Products and Services

LyondellBasell's main product categories include:

  • Olefins and Co-products: Ethylene, propylene, and butadiene, which are fundamental to many parts of the economy.
  • Polyolefins: Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), widely used thermoplastics in various applications.
  • Intermediates and Derivatives: Propylene oxide (PO) and its derivatives, oxyfuels, and intermediate chemicals.
  • Advanced Polymer Solutions: Polypropylene compounds, engineered plastics, masterbatches, engineered composites, colors and powders.
  • Refined Products: Gasoline and distillates from the Houston refinery.
  • Technology: Chemical and polyolefin process technologies and polyolefin catalysts.

Key Business Segments

The company operates through six reportable segments:

  • Olefins and Polyolefins-Americas (O&P-Americas): Produces and markets olefins and co-products, polyethylene, and polypropylene.
  • Olefins and Polyolefins-Europe, Asia, International (O&P-EAI): Produces and markets olefins and co-products, polyethylene, and polypropylene.
  • Intermediates and Derivatives (I&D): Produces and markets propylene oxide and its derivatives, oxyfuels, and intermediate chemicals.
  • Advanced Polymer Solutions (APS): Produces and markets compounding and solutions, such as polypropylene compounds, engineered plastics, masterbatches, engineered composites, colors and powders.
  • Refining: Refines heavy, high-sulfur crude oil into refined products like gasoline and distillates.
  • Technology: Develops and licenses chemical and polyolefin process technologies and manufactures and sells polyolefin catalysts.

Effective January 1, 2023, the Catalloy and polybutene-1 businesses were moved from the APS segment and reintegrated into the O&P-Americas and O&P-EAI segments.

Business Strategy

LyondellBasell's strategy focuses on three pillars:

  • Growing and upgrading the core: Reshaping the business portfolio to support growth and increase resiliency.
  • Building a profitable Circular & Low Carbon Solutions (CLCS) business: Becoming a leader in sustainable solutions.
  • Stepping up performance and culture: Reshaping the culture toward continuous value creation.

The company aims to deliver sustainable solutions and profitable long-term growth through these strategic pillars. They are also focused on reducing emissions and ending plastic waste.

Industry Context

LyondellBasell operates in the petrochemical and refining industries, which are characterized by cyclicality and volatility. The company faces competition based on price, product quality, and customer service. Key competitors include major integrated oil companies, chemical companies, and regional marketers. Demand is influenced by economic growth and regional dynamics.

Risk Factors

  • Market Risks: The company is exposed to the cyclical and volatile nature of the chemical and refining industries, which can lead to significant fluctuations in operating results.
  • Raw Material and Energy Costs: The company's profitability is affected by the cost and availability of raw materials and energy, and they may not be able to pass on cost increases to customers.
  • Operational Risks: The company faces risks of unplanned operating interruptions, including leaks, explosions, fires, and other incidents, which could negatively impact operating results.
  • Global Risks: The company's international operations are subject to risks including political instability, civil unrest, and changes in governmental policies.
  • Cybersecurity Risks: The company faces risks of sophisticated global cybersecurity threats and targeted computer crimes which could compromise their systems and data.

Last Updated

2024-02-22

(Generated from latest 10-K filing)