LyondellBasell Reports First-Quarter 2015 Results

HOUSTON and LONDON, April 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

First Quarter 2015 Highlights

• Income from continuing operations: $1.17 billion ($1.23 billion excluding LCM¹)
• Diluted earnings per share: $2.42 per share ($2.54 per share excluding LCM, our highest diluted quarterly EPS ever)
• EBITDA: $1.95 billion ($2.04 billion excluding LCM)
• Share repurchases and dividends totaled $1.69 billion; repurchased 15.7 million shares during the first quarter, more than 3% of the outstanding shares

LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE: LYB) today announced earnings from continuing operations for the first quarter 2015 of $1.17 billion, or $2.42 diluted earnings per share.  First quarter 2015 EBITDA was approximately $1.95 billion.    

Comparisons with the prior quarter and first quarter 2014 are available in the following table:

The first quarter included a $92 million non-cash, pre-tax charge for the impact of a lower of cost or market (LCM) inventory adjustment ($58 million after tax).  This charge is somewhat unique to our 2010 company formation when all assets and liabilities were measured at fair value, our use of LIFO accounting, and the recent declines in pricing for many of our raw material and finished goods inventories.  Excluding the LCM adjustment, earnings from continuing operations during the first quarter totaled $1.2 billion, or $2.54 per share, and EBITDA was $2.0 billion. 

"The first quarter of 2015 continued at a pace that made 2014 a record year.  Excluding the LCM inventory impacts, first quarter diluted earnings per share of $2.54 was a new quarterly high for LyondellBasell, and EBITDA exceeded $2.0 billion for the third consecutive quarter.  We have generated EBITDA of $8.2 billion over the past twelve months excluding the impacts of the LCM.  Quarterly EBITDA has been very steady during this period.  During the first quarter, we achieved these strong results in a market in which crude oil price declines pressured product prices.  However, the abundance of low cost natural gas-based raw materials, supply and demand tightness in several products, and our flexible portfolio provided balance to offset the impact of lower prices.  Our business portfolio proves to be resilient in a volatile market environment, delivering strong results," said Bob Patel, LyondellBasell Chief Executive Officer. 

OUTLOOK
"During the first few weeks of April, business conditions within our olefins and polyolefins segments have been relatively consistent with the first quarter.  Planned and unplanned industry downtime has continued to support polyolefins pricing.  Additionally, in the U.S., NGL feedstock inventories stand at or near record levels, production has remained strong, and NGL prices are low.  During the quarter, we expect our Intermediate and Derivatives segment to benefit from normal seasonal trends.  Thus far, Refining industry spreads have declined versus the first quarter but remain healthy," Patel said. 

LYONDELLBASELL BUSINESS RESULTS DISCUSSION BY REPORTING SEGMENT
LyondellBasell manages operations through five operating segments: 1) Olefins and Polyolefins – Americas; 2) Olefins and Polyolefins – Europe, Asia, International (EAI); 3) Intermediates and Derivatives; 4) Refining; and 5) Technology.

Comments and analysis represent underlying business activity and are exclusive of LCM inventory adjustments.

Olefins and Polyolefins - Americas (O&P-Americas) – The primary products of this segment include ethylene and its co-products (propylene, butadiene and benzene), polyethylene, polypropylene and Catalloy process resins. 

Three months ended March 31, 2015 versus three months ended December 31, 2014 –EBITDA declined versus the fourth quarter of 2014 by $200 million, excluding a $191 million quarter to quarter variance as a result of the LCM inventory adjustments.  Olefins results declined by $280 million as the price of ethylene declined by approximately 14 cents per pound, which was partially offset by a slightly lower cost of ethylene production.    Polyolefin results improved by approximately $75 million principally due to stronger spreads.  Polyethylene and polypropylene spreads improved by approximately 4 and 3 cents per pound, respectively.  Joint venture equity income increased by $2 million.

Three months ended March 31, 2015 versus three months ended March 31, 2014 – EBITDA increased by $338 million versus the first quarter 2014, excluding a $43 million quarter to quarter variance as a result of the LCM inventory adjustments. Olefins improved by $245 million primarily due to higher operating rates and sales volumes as the first quarter of 2014 was impacted by scheduled and unscheduled operating disruptions.  The price of ethylene declined by approximately 13 cents per pound.  This negative impact was partially offset by the lower cost of production in the first quarter of 2015.   Polyolefin results improved by approximately $85 million as a result of increased volumes and improved spreads.  Polyethylene and polypropylene spreads improved by approximately 3 and 5 cents per pound, respectively.  Joint venture equity income increased by $3 million.

Olefins and Polyolefins - Europe, Asia, International (O&P-EAI) – The primary products of this segment include ethylene and its co-products (propylene and butadiene), polyethylene, polypropylene, polypropylene compounds (global), Catalloy process resins and polybutene-1 resins. 

Three months ended March 31, 2015 versus three months ended December 31, 2014 – EBITDA declined by $35 million versus the fourth quarter 2014, excluding a $44 million quarter to quarter variance as a result of the fourth quarter LCM inventory adjustment.  Olefin results declined by $105 million primarily due to a lower ethylene price which declined by approximately 14 cents per pound.   Raw materials with an economic advantage to naphtha represented 49 percent of ethylene production during the first quarter of 2015.  Increased volumes were primarily responsible for an approximately $45 million increase in polyolefins respectively.  Combined polypropylene compounds and polybutene-1 followed typical seasonal trends as results improved by approximately $30 million.  Equity income increased by $1 million.

Three months ended March 31, 2015 versus three months ended March 31, 2014 – EBITDA was relatively unchanged versus the first quarter 2014.  The first quarter of 2014 included a $52 million positive environmental settlement.  Olefin results increased by approximately $10 million primarily due to higher ethylene margins from a lower cost of naphtha.   Combined polyolefin results increased by approximately $60 million.  Margin and spreads in European ethylene and polyolefins were relatively unchanged in dollars while increasing on a Euro basis.  Polyethylene and polypropylene volumes each increased by 20 percent.  Combined polypropylene compounds and polybutene-1 results were relatively unchanged.  Equity income increased by $3 million.

Intermediates and Derivatives (I&D) – The primary products of this segment include propylene oxide (PO) and its co-products (styrene monomer, tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA), isobutylene and tertiary butyl hydroperoxide), and derivatives (propylene glycol, propylene glycol ethers and butanediol), acetyls (including methanol), ethylene oxide and its derivatives, ethanol, and oxyfuels.  

Three months ended March 31, 2015 versus three months ended December 31, 2014 – EBITDA increased by $17 million versus the fourth quarter 2014, excluding a $49 million quarter to quarter variance as a result of the LCM inventory adjustments.  Propylene oxide and derivative results improved by approximately $15 million due to higher volumes.  Intermediate chemical results increased by $35 million primarily as a result of higher margins.  The negative impact of the Channelview methanol plant turnaround was offset by increased results in EO/EG, styrene and C4 chemicals.  Oxyfuels results declined by approximately $35 million due to lower margins following strong fourth quarter 2014 results.  Equity income increased by $2 million.

Three months ended March 31, 2015 versus three months ended March 31, 2014 – EBITDA increased by $6 million versus the first quarter 2014, excluding a $44 million quarter to quarter variance as a result of the LCM inventory adjustment.  Propylene oxide and derivative results were relatively unchanged.  Intermediate chemical results were relatively unchanged as lower acetyl and EO/EG results were offset by higher styrene results.  Oxyfuels results were also relatively unchanged.  Equity income increased by $2 million.

Refining – The primary products of this segment include gasoline, diesel fuel, heating oil, jet fuel, and petrochemical raw materials.

Three months ended March 31, 2015 versus three months ended December 31, 2014 – EBITDA increased by $121 million versus the fourth quarter 2014, excluding a $339 million quarter to quarter variance as a result of the LCM inventory adjustments. Crude oil throughput declined by 25,000 barrels per day as rates were primarily constrained by maintenance internally and at a third party off-gas processor.  The Maya 2-1-1 industry benchmark spread increased by approximately $6 per barrel, averaging $23.74 per barrel.  The refinery spread increased somewhat less than the benchmark.  The percentage of combined Canadian and light crudes approximately doubled versus the fourth quarter of 2014.

Three months ended March 31, 2015 versus three months ended March 31, 2014 – Versus the first quarter of 2014, EBITDA increased by $25 million, excluding a $5 million quarter to quarter variance as a result of the LCM inventory adjustment.  Crude oil throughput declined by 6,000 barrels per day in the first quarter of 2015.  The Maya 2-1-1 spread declined by approximately $4.52 per barrel.  The refinery spread was relatively unchanged year over year, declining by $0.34 per barrel.  During the first quarter of 2014, yields, capture rates, and throughput were negatively impacted by maintenance. The cost of RIN's increased by approximately $10 million.

Technology – The principal products of the Technology segment include polyolefin catalysts and production process technology licenses and related services.

Three months ended March 31, 2015 versus three months ended December 31, 2014 – EBITDA increased by $32 million.  Increased catalyst results represented approximately two thirds of the increase. 

Three months ended March 31, 2015 versus three months ended March 31, 2014 – EBITDA was unchanged.  Catalyst results improved while licensing declined.

Capital Spending and Cash Balances
Capital expenditures, including growth projects, maintenance turnarounds, catalyst and information technology-related expenditures, were $306 million during the first quarter 2015. Our cash and short-term securities balance was $3.6 billion at March 31, 2015. We repurchased 15.7 million of our outstanding ordinary shares during the first quarter of 2015.  There were 475 million common shares outstanding as of March 31, 2015. The company paid dividends of $334 million during the first quarter of 2015 and issued $1.0 billion in bonds at a coupon rate of 4.625% due in 2055.

CONFERENCE CALL
LyondellBasell will host a conference call April 24 at 11 a.m. ET.  Participants on the call will include Chief Executive Officer Bob Patel, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Karyn Ovelmen, Senior Vice President - Strategic Planning and Transactions Sergey Vasnetsov, and Vice President of Investor Relations Doug Pike. 

The toll-free dial-in number in the U.S. is 888-677-1826. A complete listing of toll-free numbers by country is available at www.lyb.com/teleconference for international callers. The pass code for all numbers is 4843334.

The slides and webcast that accompany the call will be available at http://www.lyb.com/earnings.

A replay of the call will be available from 2 p.m. ET April 24 until May 24 at 11 p.m. ET.  The replay dial-in numbers are 800-839-4837 (U.S.) and +1 203-369-3588 (international). The pass code for each is 4558.

ABOUT LYONDELLBASELL
LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) is one of the world's largest plastics, chemical and refining companies and a member of the S&P 500. LyondellBasell (www.lyb.com) manufactures products at 55 sites in 18 countries. LyondellBasell products and technologies are used to make items that improve the quality of life for people around the world including packaging, electronics, automotive parts, home furnishings, construction materials and biofuels. 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The statements in this release and the related teleconference relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially based on factors including, but not limited to, the business cyclicality of the chemical, polymers and refining industries; the availability, cost and price volatility of raw materials and utilities, particularly the cost of oil, natural gas, and associated natural gas liquids; competitive product and pricing pressures; labor conditions; our ability to attract and retain key personnel; operating interruptions (including leaks, explosions, fires, weather-related incidents, mechanical failure, unscheduled downtime, supplier disruptions, labor shortages, strikes, work stoppages or other labor difficulties, transportation interruptions, spills and releases and other environmental risks); the supply/demand balances for our and our joint ventures' products, and the related effects of industry production capacities and operating rates; our ability to achieve expected cost savings and other synergies; our ability to successfully execute projects and growth strategies; legal and environmental proceedings; tax rulings, consequences or proceedings; technological developments, and our ability to develop new products and process technologies; potential governmental regulatory actions; political unrest and terrorist acts; risks and uncertainties posed by international operations, including foreign currency fluctuations; and our ability to comply with debt covenants and service our debt.  Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the "Risk Factors" section of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, which can be found at www.lyb.com on the Investor Relations page and on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov.

INFORMATION RELATED TO FINANCIAL MEASURES
This release makes reference to certain "non-GAAP" financial measures as defined in Regulation G of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  The non-GAAP measures we have presented include income from continuing operations excluding LCM, diluted earnings per share excluding LCM, EBITDA and EBITDA excluding LCM.  LCM stands for "lower of cost or market," which is an accounting rule consistent with GAAP related to the valuation of inventory.  Our inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market.  Cost is determined using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") inventory valuation methodology, which means that the most recently incurred costs are charged to cost of sales and inventories are valued at the earliest acquisition costs.  Market is determined based on an assessment of the current estimated replacement cost and selling price of the inventory.  In periods where the market price of our inventory declines substantially, cost values of inventory may be higher than the market value, which results in us writing down the value of inventory to market value in accordance with the LCM rule, consistent with GAAP. We report our financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, but believe that certain non-GAAP financial measures, such as EBITDA and earnings and EBITDA excluding LCM, provide useful supplemental information to investors regarding the underlying business trends and performance of the company's ongoing operations and are useful for period-over-period comparisons of such operations. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.

EBITDA, as presented herein, may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure reported by other companies due to differences in the way the measure is calculated. We calculate EBITDA as income from continuing operations plus interest expense (net), provision for (benefit from) income taxes, and depreciation & amortization.  EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to profit or operating profit for any period as an indicator of our performance, or as alternative to operating cash flows as a measure of our liquidity.  We have also presented financial information herein exclusive of adjustments for LCM. 

Quantitative reconciliations of EBITDA to net income, the most comparable GAAP measure, are provided in Table 8 at the end of this release.

OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURE PRESENTATION NOTES
This release contains time sensitive information that is accurate only as of the time hereof. Information contained in this release is unaudited and subject to change. LyondellBasell undertakes no obligation to update the information presented herein except to the extent required by law.