LYB heads into Q1 earnings with a positive ESP, but higher feedstock costs and mixed segment trends could shape results.
Here at Zacks, our focus is on the proven Zacks Rank system, which emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find great stocks. Nevertheless, we are always paying attention to the latest value, growth, and momentum trends to underscore strong picks.
LyondellBasell (LYB) possesses the right combination of the two key ingredients for a likely earnings beat in its upcoming report. Get prepared with the key expectations.
Investors looking for stocks in the Chemical - Diversified sector might want to consider either LyondellBasell (LYB) or Albemarle (ALB). But which of these two stocks offers value investors a better bang for their buck right now?
On April 21, 2026, LyondellBasell Industries NV (LYB) shares rose 4.1%, reaching a current price of $71.42. The stock has experienced significant movement in it
LyondellBasell remains a Buy, supported by strong North American cost advantages and strategic asset pivots. LYB benefits from Middle East conflict-driven feedstock divergence, capturing superior margins versus global peers and raising prices in Europe. The Houston refinery exit enables a shift to circular and low-carbon solutions, positioning LYB as a US Gulf Coast recycling leader.
LyondellBasell Industries benefits from Middle East disruptions, boosting US chemical producers' earnings outlook and profitability. LYB's input cost advantage and global supply constraints have driven a forecasted 180% earnings increase this year, with EPS estimates up 70% in three months. Despite a recent dividend cut, LYB offers a 3.7% yield and trades at undemanding valuations, supporting moderate bullishness over a multi-year horizon.
Bank of America has downgraded its ratings for three major US chemical companies, citing concerns that recent share price gains may not be sustainable. The investment bank lowered Dow Inc (NYSE:DOW) and LyondellBasell Industries NV (NYSE:LYB) to ‘Underperform,' while Westlake Chemical (NYSE:WLK) was downgraded to ‘Neutral.
Chemical stocks are in focus today, after BofA Global Research downgraded both LyondellBasell Industries NV (NYSE:LYB) and Dow Inc (NYSE:DOW) to "underperform" from "neutral.
March review of the RIG portfolio highlights 6 dividend raises and 2 cuts among 38 payers, with a forward yield of 6.3%. Key raises, include ENB (5.2%), WEC (6.7%), CVX (4.1%), HSY (6%), EQIX (10%), and SHEL (3.9%), with a Rose Recommendation given for owning each one. LYB and GBDC both cut dividends; LYB is recommended for exit due to poor earnings, while GBDC is held as a speculative buy.
LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (NYSE:LYB) has been one of the more dramatic recovery stories in the basic materials sector this year.
Petrochemical giant LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE: LYB) has surged 73.7% year-to-date to $75.20 as of March 18, 2026.