Highlights

  • Twenty brokerages assign an average “Hold” rating to LyondellBasell Industries.
  • Analysts’ 12-month price target averages around USD 58.56 per share.
  • CEO Peter Vanacker sold 20,000 shares worth about USD 1.07 million in August.

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (NYSE:LYB) has received an average rating of “Hold” from twenty analysts covering the stock, according to MarketBeat Ratings. Out of these, three analysts gave a “Sell” recommendation, thirteen issued a “Hold”, three rated it as a “Buy”, and one assigned a “Strong Buy.”

The consensus 12-month price target stands near USD 58.56, reflecting mixed sentiment on future performance.

Recent Brokerage Actions

A number of brokerages revised their views on LyondellBasell Industries during recent months:

  • JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered its price target from USD 60.00 to USD 52.00 and kept a “Neutral” stance (August 4).
  • Rothschild & Co Redburn cut its target from USD 80.00 to USD 75.00 and maintained a “Buy” rating (September 12).
  • Evercore ISI reduced its target from USD 90.00 to USD 65.00 and set an “In-line” rating (September 23).
  • Citigroup decreased its target from USD 53.00 to USD 49.00, keeping a “Neutral” view (October 2).
  • UBS Group dropped its target from USD 44.00 to USD 43.00 and rated the stock “Sell” (October 6).

Earnings Snapshot

The company reported its quarterly results on August 1.

  • Earnings per share (EPS): USD 0.62, below analysts’ expectation of USD 0.87.
  • Quarterly revenue: USD 7.66 billion, slightly above the consensus estimate of USD 7.58 billion.
  • Revenue declined 11.8% year-over-year.
  • Net margin stood at 0.74%, while return on equity was 9.35%.

For the ongoing fiscal year, analysts forecast an EPS of around USD 6.31.

Dividend and Shareholder Updates

LyondellBasell declared a quarterly dividend of USD 1.37 per share, paid on September 2. The annualized dividend totals USD 5.48, representing a yield of about 11.7%. The payout ratio currently stands at 711.69%.

Insider and Institutional Activity

In August, CEO Peter Z. E. Vanacker sold 20,000 shares at an average price of USD 53.57, amounting to USD 1.07 million. After the sale, he held about 160,351 shares, valued near USD 8.59 million.

Institutional ownership remains high at 71.2%. Several funds, including Hosking Partners LLP and Nisa Investment Advisors LLC, increased their holdings during the third quarter.

Company Overview

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. operates as a global chemical manufacturer with operations spanning the United States, Europe, and Asia. The company’s business segments include Olefins and Polyolefins (Americas and EAI), Intermediates and Derivatives, Advanced Polymer Solutions, Refining, and Technology.