LyondellBasell (LYB)
NYSEMaterialsChemicals - SpecialtySnapshot 2026-08-31
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Create your account →NYSEMaterialsChemicals - SpecialtySnapshot 2026-08-31
Reading LYB? Create a free portfolio, then add this holding for ongoing Reports and tracking. Track it in a free portfolio. No credit card.
Create your account →Broken: Primary pillar broken — Revenue growth above 7% annually: rev -3.7% vs 7.9%.
LyondellBasell is improving cash flow with a $1.1 billion target in 2026. The company is growing revenue modestly, above $7 billion in Q1 2026. Profit rose to $239 million in Q1, showing better cost control. Their portfolio changes and cost advantages support recovery.
The company is still losing money and cash flow is negative. Revenue growth is slow and profit gains are fragile. Market conditions and costs may hurt recovery efforts.
The price is about 26% below our fair value near $75. Analysts expect about 8% revenue growth, which matches our view.
Breaks if: Free cash flow falls below $600 million in FY25 or below $1.1 billion in FY26
Focus on reducing fixed costs, maintaining capital spending discipline, and optimizing working capital to support cash generation.
This is not a price target or investment advice.
A long-form read on the 1–3 year hold thesis. It updates when the weekly evidence changes.
This investment represents a turnaround play with a focus on improving cash flow and operational efficiency. The current thesis state is cautious, as recent performance has shown some recovery but remains fragile.
The market appears to have priced in a level of fragility due to weak execution quality, but it is considered justified compared to peers. There is a slight expectations gap, indicating that investors may not fully anticipate the potential for improvement.
Fundamentals are likely to show mixed results as management continues to execute on their cash improvement plan and portfolio transformation. However, the elevated risk and recent erratic earnings surprises suggest that performance may remain inconsistent in the near term.
The thesis hinges on management's ability to maintain guidance and execute their strategic priorities effectively. Additionally, macroeconomic factors such as inflation trends and sector performance will play a crucial role in shaping future outcomes.
The most important moves since the prior daily snapshot.
Confidence changed from 'high' to 'medium'.
Yes, our read has strengthened. The latest earnings beat supports this view. The company is leveraging favorable market conditions. It has a Cash Improvement Plan targeting $1.3 billion by the end of 2026. There are no new threats to the thesis.
as of 2026-08-31
Review the evidence to watch, what would become a concern, and what would make it less concerning.
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
Breaks if: Operating income falls below prior quarter loss of $88 million
Breaks if: Revenue growth falls below 7% next year
Over the next 1 to 3 years, LYB's trajectory will depend on operational improvements and external economic conditions. Not investment advice.