Strong overall quarterly results
Q1 diluted EPS $0.49 and EBITDA $615 million (EBITDA improved nearly 50% sequentially), cash balance $2.6 billion and total liquidity $7.3 billion. Twelve‑month EBITDA-to-cash conversion was 111% vs the long‑term target of 80%.
Olefins & Polyolefins – Americas outperformance
O&P‑Americas EBITDA $327 million — roughly double the prior quarter (≈100% sequential increase). Segment ran at ~85% (crackers ~95%) in Q1 and company expects ~90% nameplate utilization in Q2. North American PE industry sales +6.5% YoY and inventories -7.6%; April PE orders ~20% above pre‑war averages. Company announced cumulative PE price increases of $0.50/lb for April–May and PP spread increases of $0.10/lb.
Intermediates & Derivatives momentum and advantaged cost position
I&D EBITDA rose sequentially to $224 million driven by stronger volumes and improved margins (methanol prices ~doubled from ~$300 to ~$600/ton over three months; VAM and acid prices materially higher). Company noted PO/TBA and POSM technologies are first‑quartile cost positions and expects improved oxyfuels and acetyls margins in Q2 as seasonal demand tightens supply.
Portfolio transformation and liability/cost reduction progress
Completed sale of four European assets as a milestone in portfolio transformation. Since end of 2024 headcount reduced by ~3,000 positions (~15%). Management targets $500 million incremental cash flow in 2026 (bringing cumulative improvement since 2025 to $1.3 billion). Company expects ~€110 million/year CapEx reduction and ~€400 million/year fixed cost reduction from the transaction scope.
Working capital and fixed cost improvements
Trade working capital was $450 million lower on March 31 vs. a year ago. First‑quarter fixed costs were already more than $50 million below Q1 2025. Value enhancement program (VEP) and reliability projects (Channelview above benchmark, Hyperzone and acetyls debottlenecks) underpin further margin/cash upside; planned growth projects (e.g., MoReTec‑1) expected to add ~ $400 million EBITDA on ramp.
Favorable market dynamics and strategic positioning
Ongoing Middle East conflict has tightened global supply (company estimates >20% of global ethylene/PE/PP capacity impacted), benefiting cost‑advantaged U.S. ethane producers. LYB notes 90% of its PE capacity and ~70% of PP capacity are in North America/Europe, positioning the company to fill export and local supply deficits.