LyondellBasell Faces Tough Market as Financial Struggles Persist
Annual Performance Trails Market Indices
Incorporated in 2009 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (LYB) is a global leader in chemicals, polymers, and refining. With a market cap of $24.9 billion, LyondellBasell specializes in advanced materials, circular economy solutions, and sustainable manufacturing. The company plays a critical role in industries ranging from packaging and construction to automotive and consumer goods, delivering innovative and high-performance solutions worldwide.
Stock Performance: A Closer Look
Shares of LyondellBasell have significantly underperformed the broader market over the past 52 weeks. LYB has dipped 19% during this time, while the S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has gained 22.3%. In 2025, LYB is up 3.3%, whereas the SPX has risen by 4% year to date.
Further analysis reveals that LyondellBasell has also lagged behind the Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund’s (XLB) gains of 8.1% over the past 52 weeks and 6.8% in 2025.
Recent Earnings: Challenges and Outlook
On January 31, LyondellBasell reported its Q4 2024 earnings, leading to a slight dip in its share price. The results showed a weaker financial performance, with sales falling 2.9% year over year to $9.5 billion. The company recorded a net loss of $603 million, compared to a loss of $185 million the previous year. This resulted in a loss per share of $1.87, down from earnings of $0.56 in Q4 2023.
For the current fiscal year ending in December, analysts expect LYB to report a 1.4% year-over-year drop in adjusted EPS to $6.31. The company has a mixed earnings surprise history, surpassing or matching analysts’ bottom-line estimates in three of the past four quarters but missing once.
Analysts Weigh In: Ratings and Price Targets
Currently, LYB stock holds a consensus “Hold” rating, a downgrade from the “Moderate Buy” rating it held two months ago. Among 19 analysts, four suggest a “Strong Buy,” two provide a “Moderate Buy,” eleven recommend a “Hold,” and two advise “Strong Sells.”
On February 15, Piper Sandler analyst Charles Neivert lowered LyondellBasell’s price target from $95 to $84 while maintaining a “Neutral” rating.
LYB’s average price target of $83.15 indicates an 8.4% premium from current price levels. The highest target of $105 suggests a potential upside of 36.9%.
On the date of publication, Rashmi Kumari did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information, please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
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