LyondellBasell (NYSE:LYB) said Friday that it will reduce its first-quarter dividend to 69 cents per share, a move the petrochemical maker attributed to an extended downturn in the chemicals sector. The announced payout represents a reduction of 68 cents per share compared with the company’s fourth-quarter dividend.
In remarks accompanying the announcement, CEO Peter Vanacker highlighted the firm’s shareholder returns for the prior year, saying the company returned approximately $2 billion to shareholders in 2025 using existing cash and operating cash flow.
Vanacker framed the dividend change as a strategic step in response to ongoing market weakness, saying, "With markets expected to remain challenged, we have made the decision to recalibrate the dividend to better position the company to thrive once markets recover." He also stressed the company’s operational priorities for 2026 - ensuring safety and reliability - while pursuing additional cost reductions and searching for new ways to improve profitability.
The company reiterated its commitment to a target of returning 70% of free cash flow to shareholders through the cycle, according to Vanacker.
Market reaction was immediate: shares fell on the initial announcement before regaining some ground later in the session, though they remained lower ahead of the opening bell. The move to cut the quarterly payout follows the company’s explanation that the chemicals industry is experiencing one of its longest downturns, a factor cited as central to the decision.
This dividend recalibration, and the language from management emphasizing cost control and operational reliability, outlines how LyondellBasell is balancing near-term cash preservation with a continued commitment to shareholder returns as conditions evolve.
Key takeaways
- LyondellBasell cut its first-quarter dividend to 69 cents per share, reducing the payout by 68 cents from the prior quarter.
- The company said it returned around $2 billion to shareholders in 2025 from existing cash and operations and reaffirmed a goal to return 70% of free cash flow through the cycle.
- Management is prioritizing safety and reliability in 2026 while pursuing further cost reductions and new profitability opportunities.
Market impact
- Shares initially fell on the news, recovered somewhat later, but stayed lower ahead of the opening bell.