LyondellBasell Q3 2020 Earnings Report
Key Takeaways
LyondellBasell's third quarter results reflect improved demand for products due to increasing global economic activity. The company recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $582 million for the Houston refinery and a $160 million non-cash lower of cost or market inventory valuation benefit. The company's cash and available liquidity ended at $5.5 billion.
Net Income: $0.1 billion, $0.4 billion excluding LCM and Impairment
Diluted earnings per share: $0.33 per share, $1.27 per share excluding LCM and Impairment
EBITDA: $0.5 billion, $0.9 billion excluding LCM and Impairment
Recognized $582 million non-cash impairment for the Houston refinery
LyondellBasell
LyondellBasell
Forward Guidance
LyondellBasell anticipates that the recovery in global economies should continue to benefit the petrochemical industry. They expect continued strength in North American integrated polyethylene margins during the fourth quarter, with some seasonal moderation by the end of the year. Increased demand from automotive manufacturing and other durable goods markets should continue to propel further improvement for the Advanced Polymer Solutions segment.
Positive Outlook
- Recovery in global economies should continue to benefit the petrochemical industry.
- Global polyethylene demand to grow for the full year.
- China continues to have a 40% polyethylene trade deficit which supports North American exports and tightens the U.S. domestic market.
- Expect continued strength in North American integrated polyethylene margins during the fourth quarter, perhaps with some seasonal moderation by the end of the year.
- Order books show increased demand from automotive manufacturing and other durable goods markets that should continue to propel further improvement for our Advanced Polymer Solutions segment.
Challenges Ahead
- Stubbornly slow recovery in global mobility is weighing on demand for gasoline and jet fuel.
- Prolong headwinds for our Refining and Oxyfuels & Related Products businesses.
- Pandemic backdrop
- Recession backdrop
- Upon closing of the transaction for the Louisiana joint venture, we will prioritize debt repayment over share repurchases.