LyondellBasell Industries announced results for the second quarter 2025.

The company reported net income for the second quarter 2025 of $115 million, or $0.34 per diluted share. During the quarter, the company recognized identified items of $87 million, net of tax. These items, which impacted second quarter earnings by $0.28 per share, related to asset write-downs, transaction costs, the Cash Improvement Plan, and discontinued operations. Second quarter 2025 EBITDA was $606 million, or $715 million excluding identified items.

In North America, the successful completion of turnarounds at the company's Channelview complex enabled higher operating rates that supported a sequential improvement in integrated polyethylene volumes and margins. Domestic demand for polyethylene and polypropylene was seasonally stronger, led by solid demand from consumer packaging, healthcare, and building and construction as well as increased demand from infrastructure markets. A June increase in polyethylene contract prices is providing momentum for third quarter profitability. In Europe, lower feedstock costs helped improve integrated polyethylene margins while polyolefins volumes benefited from increased seasonal demand.

Intermediate Chemicals profitability improved with stronger styrene margins due to lower benzene costs and price support from second quarter industry outages. Oxyfuels margins fell as lower crude oil prices limited the typical seasonal uplift from the summer driving season. During the second quarter, global markets began to adapt to trade volatility, contributing to a more stable operating environment across several product chains.

LyondellBasell generated $351 million in cash from operating activities during the second quarter. The company maintained its balanced approach to capital allocation by investing $539 million in capital expenditures and returning $536 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. At the end of the quarter, LYB held $1.7 billion in cash and cash equivalents and maintained $6.4 billion in available liquidity.

“As we advance our three-pillar strategy, LYB continues to grow and upgrade our core businesses through disciplined capital allocation that extends our competitive advantage. We are expanding our Cash Improvement Plan to help navigate a prolonged cyclical downturn. Our Value Enhancement Program and portfolio optimization actions remain on track to reap the benefits from a cycle recovery," said Peter Vanacker, LyondellBasell chief executive officer. "We are encouraged by recent improvements in pricing and demand for polyolefins, and we remain cautiously optimistic regarding policy developments to address excess capacity in China and revitalize the European chemical industry. LYB is well-positioned to capture these market tailwinds and create durable, long-term value for our shareholders through consistent execution of our strategy.”

OUTLOOK

In the third quarter, the company expects North American integrated polyethylene margins to improve due to the completion of planned maintenance in April and increased prices supported by solid domestic demand and stronger export volumes. In Europe, steady seasonal demand and favorable feedstock costs are expected to continue. Ongoing capacity rationalizations across the region should help to balance regional supply and demand. Oxyfuels margins are expected to remain low for the remainder of the summer season. LYB continues to carefully evaluate potential risks and opportunities associated with evolving tariffs and global trade flows. 

To align with global demand and the company's planned maintenance, LYB expects third quarter operating rates of 85% for North American olefins and polyolefins (O&P) assets, 75% for European O&P assets and 80% for Intermediates & Derivatives (I&D) assets.